On January 21, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Defence of Sierra Leone jointly bid farewell to the 7th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group (CMMEG) and welcome the 8th CMMEG. His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing, the Deputy Minister of Defence of Sierra Leone Colonel (Rtd) MB Massaquoi, Chinese Defence Attache Senior Colonel Pu Lin attended and delivered speeches. Many RSLAF senior officials and Generals including the Director General, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chief of General Staff etc. attended the reception. Ambassador Wang Qing highly praised the work of the 7th CMMEG, welcomed the arrival of the 8th CMMEG in Sierra Leone, and said that China is committed to continuously deepening China - Sierra Leone military medical cooperation and providing new impetus for promoting the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and the two militaries. On behalf of the Sierra Leonean government and military, Colonel (Rtd) MB Massaquoi expressed sincere gratitude to the 7th CMMEG, warmly welcomed the 8th CMMEG, and expressed willingness to further strengthen practical cooperation in multiple fields between the two militaries. Chinese Defence Attache Senior Colonel Pu Lin expressed appreciation for the support given by the Sierra Leonean side to CMMEG. The Ministry of Defence of Sierra Leone awarded honorary certificates and medals to the members of the 7th CMMEG. Since 2016, China has sent 7 batches of 80 Military Medical Experts to Sierra Leone, helping RSLAF to effectively improve its medical level. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Myanmar's junta seeks to regain air edge with foreign night vision drones The drones from China and Russia are fitted with infrared cameras, allowing them to attack at night. By RFA Burmese 2025.03.15 -- Chinese- and Russian-made drones using night vision cameras are giving Myanmar's military junta an advantage in its war against rebel groups, according to sources on the ground, touching off what one observer termed a "drone arms race" between the two sides. The new weaponry is upping the ante in Myanmar, where drones were once solely a tool of the armed opposition seeking a cheap way to level the playing field against a far better-equipped military, which seized control of the country in a 2021 coup d'etat. Since early February, pro-junta channels on the social media platform Telegram have posted video footage of what appears to be military drone bomb attacks on rebel forces in Kachin state's Bhamo township using either infrared or thermal night vision cameras and causing casualties. On Feb. 20, British military intelligence publisher Janes International Defense Review cited the footage in a statement which claimed that Myanmar's military "has begun enhancing its expanding unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities, adapting forward-looking infrared systems for tactical attack drones." Officials from two anti-junta groups the Kachin Independence Army, or KIA, and a civilian defense unit based in Bhamo confirmed to RFA Burmese that the military has deployed such drones in combat to devastating effect. "The junta is using night vision drones in Bhamo battles," said KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu. "Our officials in the fighting reported that the drones are very advanced, with night vision cameras." Naw Bu said he was unaware of night vision drones being used by the military in other parts of the country. Infrared imaging uses radiation emitted or reflected by objects to create images, while thermal imaging measures heat emitted by objects to create images based on temperature differences. Both provide users with a way to track objects at night. It was not immediately clear which technology the drones were fitted with. Thermal cameras are a type of infrared camera, but not all infrared cameras produce thermal images. Drones from China, Russia Fighting between the junta and the KIA has been intensifying in Bhamo since early January, according to sources in the region. A member of an anti-junta civilian defense group in Bhamo told RFA that junta forces had been using night vision drones for "about a month" and called their destructive power "considerable." "We have [equipment] that can disrupt radio frequencies, and when we hear a drone flying overhead, we have time to defend against it," said the fighter, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. "Nonetheless, on some occasions, we continue to face [drone] attacks with highly explosive bombs, despite our preparations." The rebel fighter did not disclose details of casualties caused by these drones, and RFA was unable to independently verify confirm the number of people killed or injured in the attacks. Some ethnic armed and civil defense groups have claimed that the junta is using drones made in Russia and China two countries that have backed the military regime since the coup with a higher reliance on those from China. Captain Zin Yaw, a former military officer and a member of the Civil Disobedience Movement of public servants who quit their jobs to protest the coup, told RFA that the junta is likely to continue pursuing advanced drones. "We see that they are actively seeking advanced technology to engage in modern warfare," he said. "The junta chief [Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing] recently visited Russia, and they may have gained a technological advantage from the trip." 'Drone arms race' underway Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment on the military's use of high-tech drones went unanswered by the time of publishing. But Thein Tun Oo, the executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, composed of former military officers, told RFA that he expects the junta will gain a significant advantage with the advanced technology. "Armed resistance forces should reassess their strategies because their available resources are no match for those of the nation's military," he said. "Over time, their resources will dwindle, while the [junta] continues to expand its capabilities." Jonah Blank, a senior political scientist at global policy think tank the RAND Corporation, said the military and rebel forces "are now in a drone arms race," after rebels deployed drones to challenge the junta's air superiority and the military responded with more advanced drone technology "to try to regain its edge." "But these technological advances tend to become cheaper and more easily available very quickly the rebels will soon have them too," said Blank, who is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore. He characterized drones as "inherently democratizing technology," noting that even the most advanced U.S. and Chinese drones "are far less expensive than these powers' manned aircraft." "This trend inherently favors an irregular army," he said. According to data compiled by RFA, junta air and artillery strikes killed at least 1,769 civilians and injured some 3,720 across the country in 2024. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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 'Time for bold moves': UN urges inclusive transition as Syria marks 14 years of conflict 15 March 2025 - Marking 14 years since the start of the Syrian conflict, top UN officials raised alarm over renewed violence and growing instability, warning that without urgent action, Syria's fragile transition could be at risk. UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all parties to protect civilians in accordance with international law. "What began as a plea for reform was met with staggering brutality, leading to one of the most harrowing conflicts of our time," he said in a statement on Friday, recalling the peaceful pro-democracy protests that started on 15 March 2011 and were met with brutal repression. "Families continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, communities remain fractured, millions remain uprooted from their homes, and far too many persist in their search for the missing. The pain and sacrifices of the Syrian people must never be forgotten." Brutal conflict In the initial months of the crisis, as many as 2,000 civilians were killed, with thousands more suffering enforced disappearances, torture, deprivation of liberty and persecution. Navi Pillay, the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the pattern of violations as "widespread and systematic" against the civilian population, "which may amount to crimes against humanity." Since 2011, Syria spiraled into a brutal conflict, with civilians subjected to medieval sieges, chemical weapon attacks and barrel bombs. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed and more than 12 million forced to flee their homes, including over six million who fled as refugees to neighbouring countries. Syria at crossroads The Assad regime fell in December 2024, but Syria remains at a crossroads, with fighting erupting between Syrian Caretaker Authority forces and soldiers loyal to the former regime, and a pressing humanitarian crisis. "More than three months since the fall of the Assad regime, Syria now stands at a pivotal moment," Mr. Pedersen said. "Syrians have experienced emotions of great hopes in these times - but also of deep fears," he added, expressing deep concern over violence against civilians. The Special Envoy emphasised that building trust is essential to a successful transition, warning that "a climate of distrust and fear could endanger the entire process." Time for bold moves Mr. Pedersen called for inclusive governance, citing the National Dialogue as a foundation and urging concrete follow-up actions. He also took note of the caretaker authorities' newly issued Constitutional Declaration, expressing hope that it would lay the groundwork for restoring the rule of law and ensuring a stable transition. "Now is the time for bold moves to create a genuinely credible and inclusive transitional government and legislative body, a constitutional framework and process to draft a new constitution for the long term that is credible and inclusive, and genuine transitional justice," he said. He reiterated the need for full political inclusion of Syrian women in shaping the country's future. "The United Nations stands ready to support this process in line with Security Council resolution 2254," Mr. Pedersen said. Standing with the people: UN chief UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also underscored the urgent need for "bold and decisive measures" to ensure safety, dignity and inclusion for all Syrians. "Since 8 December [2024], there is renewed hope that Syrians can chart a different course and the chance to rebuild, reconcile, and create a nation where all can live peacefully and in dignity," he said in a statement on Thursday. "Now is the time for action. Bold and decisive measures are urgently needed to ensure that every Syrian - regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or gender - can live in safety, dignity, and without fear." He reiterated UN's commitment to supporting an inclusive political transition that ensures accountability, fosters national healing, and lays the foundation for Syria's long-term recovery and reintegration into the international community. "We stand with the Syrian people towards the promise of a better Syria - for all Syrians. Together, we must ensure that Syria emerges from the shadows of war into a future defined by dignity and the rule of law - where all voices are heard, and no community is left behind," Mr. Guterres said. Protect all civilians: Security Council Also on Friday, the UN Security Council called for the implementation of an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, facilitated by the United Nations and based on the key principles listed in resolution 2254 (2015). "This includes safeguarding the rights of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity and religion. This political process should meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, protect all of them and enable them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their futures," read a statement by the President of the Security Council. The Council also condemned the widespread violence in Latakia and Tartus provinces since 6 March, including mass killings of civilians among the Alawite community, underlining the urgency of inclusive, transparent justice and reconciliation in Syria. Presidential statements are issued by the President of the Security Council on behalf of its members. The statements are adopted at a formal meeting and issued as an official document of the UN's primary body on international peace and security. 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 2025/03/15 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1. Date 6 a.m. Mar. 14 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Mar. 15 (Sat.) (UTC+8) 2. PLA activities 3 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 3 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140315_PLA activities.jpg 1140315_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan.jpg NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President discussed security guarantees for Ukraine with the UK-initiated group of states President of the Republic of Lithuania March 15, 2025 On Saturday, President Gitanas Nauseda participated in a virtual meeting of the 'coalition of the willing' to discuss support and security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting was initiated by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and attended by leaders from Europe and beyond. President Nauseda emphasized that, from Lithuania's standpoint, the principle of "peace through strength" means that both the ceasefire and the final peace agreement must fully comply with international law. "A peace achieved through negotiations must guarantee comprehensive and long-term security for both Ukraine and Europe. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable. Our immediate task is to agree on Ukraine's security guarantees and the mechanisms for their implementation," the President said. According to Gitanas Nauseda, it is essential to ensure that Ukraine maintains a strong army - one of the most reliable deterrence measures on the ground - as well as a well-developed defense industry and an international military presence in the region. "At the same time, we will continue providing military, political, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. We are committed to long-term support, allocating at least 0.25% of our GDP," the President stated. He underscored the need to discuss not only support for Ukraine but also the existential threat posed by the aggressor, Russia. "The Kremlin is prepared for a long-term confrontation with the West. The only way to prevent war is through strong NATO deterrence and defense forces. Therefore, we must invest more in defense and agree at this year's NATO Summit in The Hague that 3.5% of GDP for defense spending becomes the new benchmark for Alliance members," the President said. Until a peace agreement is reached and after it is signed, Russia and its accomplice, Belarus, must be deterred through various measures, including maintaining and strengthening sanctions, the President noted. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Starmer Says 'Coalition Of The Willing' Will Draft Plans To Protect Ukraine Under Cease-Fire By RFE/RL March 15, 2025 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Russia must stop attacking Ukraine and agree to a cease-fire, and he pledged that a "willing" coalition of Western countries will draft plans to protect Ukraine if a deal is reached. At a news conference after a virtual meeting with leaders from 25 other countries and entities on March 15, Starmer said Putin's "Yes, but" response to the US cease-fire proposal is "not enough." "If Putin is serious about peace, it's very simple: He has to stop his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a cease-fire," Starmer said on the video call, which included leaders of European nations as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, but not the United States. Participants also included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. "We agreed we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine, and keep tightening restrictions on Russia's economy to weaken Putin's war machine and bring him to the table," Starmer told reporters. As Russia, the United States, and Ukraine wrangle over US President Donald Trump's proposal for an immediate 30-day cease-fire, Starmer said Western states must maintain pressure on Moscow and be prepared to "defend" any peace deal. "We will build up Ukraine's own defenses and armed forces, and be ready to deploy as a 'coalition of the willing' in the event of a peace deal, to help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea and in the sky," he said in a statement after the meeting. "My feeling is that sooner or later, he's going to have to come to the table and engage in serious discussion," Starmer said of Putin. But, he added, "we can't sit back and simply wait for that to happen. We have to keep pushing ahead, pushing forward, and preparing for peace and a peace that will be secure and that will last." Starmer said militaries of the "coalition of the willing" would meet in Britain on March 20 "to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine's future security." Britain, France, and other countries have said they could send peacekeepers to Ukraine if a cease-fire agreement is reached. Starmer has called on Washington to offer a security "backstop" to those forces in an effort to deter further Russian attacks, and he said US support is crucial: "I've been clear that it needs to be done in conjunction with the United States." "We are talking to the US on a daily basis," Starmer said, adding his national-security adviser had returned from the United States on March 15. "If Russia finally comes to the table, then we must be ready to monitor a cease-fire to ensure it is a serious and enduring peace," Starmer said in the statement. "If they don't, then we need to strain every sinew to ramp up economic pressure on Russia to secure an end to this war." After the video call, Zelenskyy urged Ukraine's Western backers to set out "a clear position on security guarantees," including a potential force to be deployed. "Peace will be more reliable with European contingents on the ground and the American side as a backstop," he wrote on X. Following a discussion with Starmer on March 14, French President Emmanuel Macron also said Russia must accept the cease-fire proposal. Ukraine agreed to the cease-fire proposal at a March 11 meeting between senior US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, and a special envoy for Trump, Steve Witkoff, subsequently discussed it with Putin in Moscow. On March 13, Putin said Russia agrees with the idea of a cease-fire but added that "there are nuances" and that it "should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of this crisis." He said questions that must be addressed include what happens in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been losing ground in recent weeks after a surprise incursion last August, and who might monitor the cease-fire. Russia has said the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be unacceptable, casting a shadow over Western plans for a potential deployment. In addition, Putin's mention of "root causes" suggested Russia may seek to secure agreement on several long-standing demands such as a Ukrainian commitment to neutrality, limits on the size and strength of Ukraine's military, and even a pullback of NATO forces from countries in the former Warsaw Pact. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said after Witkoff's meeting with Putin that Moscow was "cautiously optimistic" and that a conversation between Putin and Trump after Witkoff relayed "all the information" about Russia's position to Trump. In a social media post, Trump said the discussions were "very good and productive...and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." Kyiv, however, cried foul. In a post on X on March 14, Zelenskyy accused the Kremlin of trying to "complicate and drag out the process." "Russia is the only party that wants the war to continue and diplomacy to break down," he wrote. Ukraine also denied Putin's claim that Ukrainian forces were "isolated" in the Kursk region and had no way out other than surrender or death. "Our troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings in the Kursk region," Zelenskyy said in a post on X on March 15. "There is no encirclement of our troops." He said Russian forces were accumulating nearby for what he said was likely to be an attack on Ukraine's Sumy region, which border Russia's Kursk region, adding: "We are aware of this, and will counter it." In a statement on March 14, the Ukrainian armed forces general staff said reports of "the alleged 'encirclement' of Ukrainian units...in the Kursk region are false and fabricated," adding: "There is no threat of encirclement of our units." Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, after seizing Crimea and fomenting war in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region in 2014 following the downfall of a Moscow-friendly Ukrainian president whose decision to scrap a plan for closer ties with the European Union and turn to Russia instead stoked massive protests known as the Maidan. Trump has made ending the war a prominent goal. He called Putin weeks after taking office in January and subsequently sent senior officials to meet with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. The US administration's refusal to promise Ukraine concrete security guarantees has been a source of tension in the relationship between Washington and Kyiv, which is wary of Trump's efforts to mend US-Russian ties. Amid the push for peace, air attacks and fierce fighting on the ground have continued. Ukraine's biggest private energy provider, DTEK, said on March 15 that Russian air strikes caused "significant" damage to its energy facilities in the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions and that some consumers in both regions were left without power. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-diplomacy- coalition-willing/33348764.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 PM statement at press conference on the Coalition of the Willing: 15 March 2025 The Prime Minister's statement at a press conference on the Coalition of the Willing. 15 March 2025 Good afternoon. This morning I convened the largest, strongest group of countries yet behind a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Now a huge amount has happened since I brought leaders together at Lancaster House here in London, just two weeks ago. President Zelenskyy has shown once again, and beyond any doubt, that Ukraine is the party of peace. Volodymyr has committed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. But Putin is trying to delay - saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place. Well, the world needs action. Not a study, not empty words and conditions. So my message is very clear. Sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table. So, this is the moment, let the guns fall silent, let the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, stop and agree to a ceasefire now. And let's be clear why this is so important - Russia's appetite for conflict and chaos undermines our security back here at home. It drives up the cost of living. It drives up energy costs. So this matters deeply to the United Kingdom. That is why now is the time to engage in discussions on a mechanism to manage and monitor a full ceasefire and agree to serious negotiations towards not just a pause but a lasting peace, backed by strong security arrangements through our Coalition of the Willing. And we won't sit back and wait for Putin to act. Instead we will keep pushing forward. So the group I convened today is more important than ever. It brings together partners from across Europe as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with backing from others too - including Japan. We agreed we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine and keep tightening the restrictions on Russia's economy to weaken Putin's war machine and bring him to the table. And we agreed to accelerate our practical work to support a potential deal. So we will now move into an operational phase. Our militaries will meet on Thursday this week here in the UK to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine's future security. President Trump has offered Putin the way forward to a lasting peace. Now we must make this a reality. So this is the moment to keep driving towards the outcome we want to see, to end the killing. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine and lasting security for all of us. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chair's Statement: Leaders call on Ukraine, 15 March 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement as Chair for the Leaders call on Ukraine in London on 15 March 2025. 15 March 2025 Today, I hosted a call with counterparts from across Europe, as well as the NATO Secretary General and the leaders of the EU Commission, EU Council, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to discuss our support for Ukraine. We underlined our unwavering commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, both now and long into the future. We welcomed the efforts of President Trump, President Zelenskyy and their negotiating teams to secure the remarkable breakthrough on the peace agreement in Jeddah this week, and President Zelenskyy's commitment to the US proposal for an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, subject to agreement by Russia. We agreed that now the ball was in Russia's court, and President Putin must prove he is serious about peace and sign up to a ceasefire on equal terms. The Kremlin's dithering and delay over President Trump's ceasefire proposal, and Russia's continued barbaric attacks on Ukraine, run entirely counter to President Putin's stated desire for peace. We reaffirmed our commitment to Ukraine's long-term security, and agreed that Ukraine must be able to defend itself and deter future Russian aggression. Robust and credible security arrangements are the best way to ensure that any deal ends in a lasting peace. We agreed military planners would convene again in the UK this week to progress practical plans for how our militaries can support Ukraine's future security. We will build up Ukraine's own defences and armed forces, and be ready to deploy as a 'Coalition of the Willing' in the event of a peace deal, to help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea, and in the sky. In the event of a ceasefire, we emphasised the need for strong monitoring arrangements, to ensure that any violations of a deal are identified and called out. We agreed that in the case that President Putin refused to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, we would need to increase our efforts to strengthen Ukraine, weaken Russia's war machine, and ratchet up pressure on President Putin to convince him to come to the negotiating table. To deliver this, we will accelerate our military support, tighten our sanctions on Russia's revenues, and continue to explore all lawful routes to ensure that Russia pays for the damage it has done to Ukraine. We agreed to continue these discussions as a group in the coming days to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strong Pressure on Russia Is Needed to Take Even the First Steps Toward Ending the War - The President President of Ukraine 15 March 2025 - 16:02 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a virtual meeting of state leaders on the support for Ukraine. The meeting gathered leaders and representatives of states, the European Union and NATO. The Summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer and President of France Emmanuel Macron. The President of Ukraine noted that on March 11, the United States had proposed a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. During this time, it would truly be possible to negotiate all aspects of a real peace. But Russia is doing everything to prevent it, spreading lies about the complexity of the ceasefire and the situation on the battlefield. "This is Russia's war - more than three years of full-scale fighting and destruction. To stop this, active pressure is needed, not just talks - pressure on Russia. Strong measures are needed to take even the first steps toward ending the war. This includes sanctions - sanctions against Russia must not only be maintained but continuously strengthened," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. The President also called on the partners to define a clear position on security guarantees, to keep working on the deployment of contingents and define commitments on how this will function, as well as to boost and increase defense production and strengthen air defense in Ukraine and Europe. "This is a very bad signal - taking the Russians' opinion into account regarding the contingent. The contingent must be stationed on Ukrainian soil. This is a security guarantee for Ukraine and for Europe. If Putin wants to bring some foreign contingent onto Russia's territory, that's his business. But it is not his business to decide anything about Ukraine's and Europe's security," the Head of State noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Path to Peace Must Begin Unconditionally - Speech by the President at the Virtual Meeting of State Leaders President of Ukraine 15 March 2025 - 15:53 Thank you so much, Keir, thank you for this meeting, for organizing this meeting. And thanks to all of you for supporting Ukraine. I want to start with a few important points to my mind. First - since Tuesday, there has been a proposal on the table for a ceasefire, a silence from war in the air, at sea, and on the front lines. This is an American proposal - a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. And in that time, without killings, it would truly be possible to negotiate all aspects of a real peace. Well, we talked about who would delay peace and slow everything down - and now we see it clearly. A ceasefire could have already happened, but Russia is doing everything to prevent it. Putin is lying to everyone about the situation on the ground, especially about what's happening in the Kursk region, where our Ukrainian forces continue their operations. Our troops have also stabilized the situation on the front in Donetsk region - I mean Pokrovsk. It's a big work of our heroes and a big success, I think so. Putin is also lying about how a ceasefire is supposedly too complicated. In reality, everything can be controlled, and we have discussed this with the Americans. The truth is, Putin has already dragged out the war for nearly a week after the talks in Jeddah In Saudi Arabia. And he will keep dragging it out. This is Russia's war - more than three years of full-scale fighting and destruction. To stop this, active pressure is needed, not just talks. Pressure on Russia. Strong measures are needed to take even the first steps toward ending the war. This includes sanctions - sanctions against Russia must not only be maintained but continuously strengthened. And I ask you to take these steps and to work with your partners on this. Second - we must define a clear position on security guarantees. Security is the key to making peace reliable and lasting. We need to keep working on the contingents that will form the foundation of Europe's future Armed Forces. Peace will be more reliable with the European contingents on the ground and the American side as a backstop. There must be clear commitments on how this will function. The same goes for investments in defense production - both in Ukraine, where it is now growing the fastest, and in your countries. Europe needs its own arsenals and the capability to produce the most advanced weapons. It shouldn't take you 3 to 5 years to produce ammunition when it's about your defense and it's about your security. Please do it as soon as possible. Also, I ask you not to forget about strengthening air defense - both in Ukraine and, in the future, in your countries. We all need protection. I thank each of you who is helping us with this air defense. And this is a very bad signal - taking Russians' opinion into account regarding the contingent. The contingent must be stationed on Ukrainian soil. This is a security guarantee for Ukraine and a security guarantee for Europe. If Putin wants to bring some foreign contingent onto Russia's territory, that's his business. But it is not his business to decide anything about Ukraine's and Europe's security. And third - we need to unite not only Europe and the G7 but also all other countries around the world for the sake of peace. Many of you have connections across the globe - in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific region. We want to end this war in a just and final way. And we have mobilized diplomacy to the maximum to achieve this. And the world must understand that Russia is the only obstacle preventing peace. I ask you to talk to everyone - from Brazil to China, from African nations to Asian countries - about the fact that real peace is needed. Peace through strength. Peace through forcing Russia to take all necessary steps for the sake of peace. For many years, Putin has been lying to the world, claiming that he did not provoke or prolong this war. But now, with the ceasefire situation, everything is very clear. Whoever imposes unnecessary conditions that complicate and delay everything - that is the true cause of the war. Putin does it. The path to peace must begin unconditionally. And if Russia doesn't want this, then strong pressure must be applied until they do. Moscow understands one language. I ask you to talk to America, to President Trump, to help bring peace faster. This can happen through full sanctions, strong pressure, forcing Russia to make peace. Peace is possible. It's possible when we all work, and work together - for peace, for security guarantees, for ensuring that the aggressor gains nothing from this war. Thank you so much! Thank you for your support! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Starmer: 'Sooner or later' Russia must yield to peace By VOA News March 15, 2025 Britain's leader encouraged his global counterparts to continue pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine at the start of a virtual meeting Saturday intended to end the fighting between the two countries. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told a virtual meeting of mostly European leaders that "sooner or later" Russia would have to engage in talks on reaching a ceasefire in the three-year conflict. He addressed the group, described as a "coalition of the willing," of mostly European leaders as well as those from Australia, New Zealand and Canada but not the United States. "Sooner or later, he's going to have to come to the table," Starmer said of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Moscow to accept a ceasefire deal agreed to by U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said "the ball is in Russia's court." Putin has said he agrees with a ceasefire in theory, but Russia still has certain conditions and questions that must be addressed before accepting any agreement. In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that Putin is stalling and has demanded so many preconditions "that nothing will work out at all." Meanwhile, the U.S. has expanded sanctions on Russian oil and gas as well as its financial sectors. Saturday's discussion among world leaders could address future military and financial support for Ukraine and Zelenskyy's security concerns if a peace deal is reached. Zelenskyy attended Saturday's online video session. 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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 NEW YORK, March 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) between February 3, 2022 and February 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important April 14, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Merck 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 Merck class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34975 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 14, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Mercks expected revenue of $11 billion from sales of Gardasil by 2030. Defendants statements included, among other things, confidence in Mercks purported ability to utilize successful consumer activation and education efforts on the benefits of Gardasil in order to drive demand and capitalize on eligible populations for vaccination, resulting in confidently optimistic reports and forecasts of Gardasils growth in China. Defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Gardasils demand in China; notably, that Merck lacked visibility into demand for Gardasil in China among eligible and otherwise targeted populations, resulting in the inflated inventory of its distributor, Zhifei. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Merck class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34975 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com The modern American gun debate began on May 2, 1967, when 30 protesting members of the Black Panther Party marched into the California Capitol with loaded handguns, shotguns and rifles.As photos of gun-toting radicals from Oakland hit front pages across the country, many Americans were shocked to see who was embracing the Second Amendment. In California, as in most states at the time, there were few restrictions on carrying loaded weapons in public.That soon changed. The Panthers efforts to police the police already had led Republican Assemblyman Don Mulford to propose legislation to ban the open carry of loaded firearms within California cities and towns. After the Panthers showed up in the Capitol, his bill sailed through and was signed by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. (Yes, that Reagan). Its hard to say which now seems more unlikely: that two dozen revolutionaries could legally stroll into the state Assembly chamber with semi-automatic rifles, or that a Republican governor would champion stricter gun control. In the years since, Californias progressive politicians have layered on restrictions while gun owners and manufacturers continue to try to find their way out of them.The battle continues. Gov. Gavin Newsom denounced a gun lobby willing to sacrifice the lives of our children to line their pockets. A National Rifle Association spokesman predicts the Trump-altered Supreme Court means winter may very well be coming for gun laws in California. And after a long hiatus during the pandemic, back-to-back mass shootings in Georgia and Colorado offered a stark reminder of what normal looks like and reignited a new round of a very old national debate.In California, that political fight is playing out through the legal system. A 2016 ballot measure championed by Newsom required background checks to purchase ammunition. That and another provision of the measure banning high-capacity magazines have both stalled after a federal district court judge declared them unconstitutional. Both rulings are being appealed. So while the governor and the Democratic Legislature try to add new restrictions, gun advocates are going to court to overturn existing ones. Marko to observe Lawson over five races It's only round one of 24, but George Russell thinks the 2025 season is basically done and dusted. Liam Lawson, Australian GP 2025 Red Bull McLaren has such a big gap to the others that they could stop development already and focus completely on 2026, said the Mercedes driver. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher senses deep disappointment in the Mercedes camp that the team looks set to complete the entire 2022-2025 rules era just sniffing at the tail end of the bottom step of the podium. Toto Wolff stood in front of the cameras looking perplexed yet again, he told Bild newspaper at Albert Park. And with a rookie like Kimi Antonelli, it won't be any easier. Indeed, multiple rookies have had difficult season openers in Australia - including Liam Lawson, who so far is looking no better than Sergio Perez in the sister Red Bull. He wanted to show what he can do, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko said after qualifying, "and unfortunately that went wrong. We have to let him cool down a bit now and observe his development over the first three to five races. Given how well Yuki Tsunoda performed in the junior Racing Bulls car, Marko's quote is ominous. McLaren CEO Zak Brown couldn't resist a cheeky jibe: They seem to make some strange driver choices at Red Bull, he said. Especially when you look at a performance like Yuki's. Haas rookie Oliver Bearman also had a scrappy opening start to his season. Multiple accidents in one weekend are simply unacceptable, Marko observed. But even seasoned veteran, and F1's most successful driver in history - Lewis Hamilton - failed to make a mark in Melbourne. If Ferrari's interest is competitiveness, I would have saved a lot of money on the salary and taken someone else, Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore told La Gazzetta dello Sport. Hamilton, though, was contrite. I went into FP1 here and realised 'Okay, I still have a long way to go. But even Charles Leclerc is more than disappointed with Ferrari's poor pace. Even in the worst case scenario I didn't imagine this, he said after qualifying P7. As for Red Bull, however, Marko is relieved that what appeared to be a much bigger gap to McLaren at the start of the weekend shrunk as the event progressed. I already won 500 euros from Jos (Verstappen), because he thought we would give up five tenths to McLaren, he told De Telegraaf. Compared to the test days in Bahrain, we have taken a big step. Max Verstappen, however, insisted after qualifying: We're definitely not at McLaren's level. No one can argue with that. (GMM) Susie Wolff as FIA president impossible says Marko Dr Helmut Marko says Red Bull will be stridently opposed to the idea of Susie Wolff running for FIA president. Hemut Marko, Abu Dhabi GP 2024 Red Bull Recent rumours have suggested that Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who instigated a short-lived investigation into conflict of interest between Susie and Toto Wolff's current roles, may have a challenger in the FIA elections late this year. 1996 world champion Damon Hill reacted by saying Susie Wolff, currently head of the all-female F1 Academy series, would be a perfect successor for the controversial Ben Sulayem. Her husband, Mercedes boss and co-owner Toto Wolff, issued a half-hearted denial. Not that I know of, he said when asked if Susie will run for FIA president. "Susie is an entrepreneur with heart. She built the F1 Academy up to speed in a very short time and isn't interested in working for the FIA. Someone started this rumour to create a stir, Toto added. However, Kronen Zeitung newspaper also quoted Toto Wolff of saying about his wife's potential FIA presidency: Perhaps later in her career, when she's older and has achieved everything she wants to. Red Bull advisor Marko's thoughts on the idea of the FIA president being married to a direct competitor, meanwhile, were brief and to the point: Impossible, the 81-year-old declared. (GMM) 26th TGMA: Check out the Artiste of the Year nominees Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Mar - 16 - 2025 , 11:43 2 minutes read The 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) is fast approaching, and organisers have officially unveiled nominees for the prestigious Artiste of the Year category. This year, King Promise, Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Kweku Smoke, King Paluta, Team Eternity and Joe Mettle will be battling it out for the top honour. Interestingly, Stonebwoy, King Promise, and Black Sherif have once again secured nominations for Artiste of the Year, reaffirming their dominance in the music scene. The announcement comes following the closure of the nomination submission process. The grand awards night is scheduled to take place on May 3, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). As part of the lead-up to the main event, a pre-party is slated for May 2, bringing together nominees, industry stakeholders, and music lovers for an evening of networking, discussions and celebration of Ghanaian music. In the Best Gospel Artiste of the Year category, renowned names such as Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther, Diana Hamilton, Empress Gifty, Team Eternity Ghana, and MOG Music will go head-to-head for the award. Meanwhile, the Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year category is packed with chart-topping hits, featuring: Asylum by Olive The Boy Paris by King Promise Lomo Lomo by KiDi ft Black Sherif Very Soon by Fameye Jejereje by Stonebwoy Aseda by King Paluta Puul by Lasmid Defe Defe by Team Eternity Ghana January 9 by Black Sherif The Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year category also promises intense competition, with tracks such as: Psalm 23 by Stonebwoy Road of Evil by Ras Kuuku Ankonam RMX by Amerado ft Samini Chemistry by Samini I Keep Winning by Jupitar Shake it to the Max by Molly and Silent Addy For Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year, the nominees include Stonebwoy, Samini, Ras Kuuku, Jupitar, Epixode, and Rocky Dawuni, setting the stage for a heated contest. My lecturer prophesied that I will visit him in UK with my private jet Richard Quaye Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Mar - 16 - 2025 , 19:26 2 minutes read Richard Nii Armah Quaye, Founder and Board Chairman of Bills Microcredit, has attributed his remarkable entrepreneurial success to a pivotal moment with one of his former lecturers in the UK. In a recent interview with Bola Rayon Youtube and monitored by Graphic Showbiz, Quaye shared a transformative encounter he had with Michael Mainwaring, his lecturer at the London College of Accountancy. He revealed that his lecturer approached him after class and inquired about his post-graduation plans. My lecturer, Michael Mainwaring, called me aside one day and asked, 'Richard, what are your plans after school?' And I was like, Im trying to think about it to see whether I will go and he was like No, I want to believe that when you go back home, you will succeed way better than when you stay here. You will make it very big back home, and your success will open doors for you to return to the UK. But this time, you should come back in your private jet and come and pay me a visit, he said. According to him, the encounter shaped his life and that has seen him rise to prominence as a leading entrepreneur in Ghana today. As he turns 40, Mr Quaye also reflected on his achievements and future aspirations, including his decision to retire at this milestone age. "It is monumental for me. I plan on going into retirement at 40," he shared. On Thursday, March 13, the entrepreneur captured public attention with his anticipated extravagant 40th birthday celebrations, which included the acquisition of a custom-branded private jet and a high-end Bugatti Chiron. The private jet, prominently inscribed with his initials, RNAQ, was revealed in a post captioned, and I got myself a jet too #RNAQ40. The entrepreneur's flashy Instagram posts unveiling his latest luxury acquisitions sent shockwaves through social media, sparking a flurry of reactions. As his opulent lifestyle was put on full display, fans and followers were divided - some sang his praises and admired his success, while others were left stunned by the sheer scale of his wealth. Quaye, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on Friday, March 21, 2025 had notable figures such as Ghanaian reggae/dancehall artist Stonebwoy, rapper Medikal and Nigerian music star Davido congratulating him in the comments section. Watch video below: Next article: 'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me' Actor Gene Hackman's children not named in actor's $80m will BBC International News Mar - 16 - 2025 , 16:49 3 minutes read The will of legendary actor Gene Hackman has been released, but uncertainty lingers over his $80m (62m) fortune. The two-time Academy Award winner left his entire estate to his wife of 30 years, Betsy Arakawa. But Arakawa, 65, was found dead alongside her husband in their New Mexico home last month. Legal experts have now said that, because authorities say Arakawa died seven days before her husband, Hackman's children could now potentially inherit his fortune, despite not being named in the will. His three children with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese - Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58 - have not commented publicly on the matter. Legal documents obtained by the BBC show Hackman, 95, named Arakawa as his sole beneficiary in 1995, with the last update to the will in 2005. However, California attorney Tre Lovell told the BBC that the estate could default to them under succession laws, as long as there was no other beneficiary named. "The estate will actually be probated in accordance with intestate succession laws and the children would be lawfully next in line to inherit," he said. They would also need to prove that the will is invalid because Arakawa died before Hackman, he added. Authorities say Arakawa passed away on 11 February after contracting a rare virus, days before Hackman died of natural causes. The couple was found dead in separate rooms of their $4m Santa Fe home on 26 February after neighbourhood security conducted a welfare check and saw their bodies on the ground through a window. Arakawa was found in the bathroom with pills scattered nearby, while Hackman was in the back of the house, wearing sweatpants and slippers, his cane and sunglasses beside him. Officials determined he died seven days after his wife due to severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer's listed as a contributing factor. Authorities initially deemed the scene "suspicious" but later ruled out foul play. Arakawa's own will left her assets to Hackman, with a provision that if they died within 90 days of each other, her estate would go to a trust and later be donated to charity after covering medical expenses. Hackman has in the past discussed his relationship with his children. "You become very selfish as an actor," he told The New York Times in 1989. "Even though I had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time. The temptations in that, the money and recognition, it was too much for the poor boy in me." Hackman's children, though rarely in the public eye, occasionally attended red carpet events with him. In another interview, Hackman talked about the difficulty his children had of growing up with a parent who was constantly in the spotlight. "It's tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity," he told The Irish Independent in 2000. "I couldn't always be home with them when they were growing up, and then, living in California, they've had my success always hanging over their heads." His daughters and granddaughter expressed deep affection for him after his passing. "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," they said. "We will miss him sorely, and are devastated by the loss." Next article: Parents of students in Category A SHS must pay fees Regional Maritime University matriculates 675 students for 2024/2025 academic year GraphicOnline Education Mar - 16 - 2025 , 08:36 2 minutes read The Regional Maritime University (RMU) has officially admitted 675 students for the 2024/2025 academic year, as part of its 22nd and 10th matriculation ceremonies held on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Accra. The students, drawn from both August 2024 and January 2025 admission windows, comprise 52 postgraduate and 623 undergraduate students. Of the total intake, 516 are male and 159 female. Notably, the number of females enrolled in the traditionally male-dominated sea-going programs of Nautical Science and Marine Engineering has seen a significant increase from 35 in the previous academic year to 96 this year. Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr., highlighted the universitys commitment to fostering academic excellence and equipping students with skills for the maritime industry. This industry offers many opportunities for growth, exploration, and innovation. From shipbuilding and navigation to marine engineering and logistics, the industry is a vast and dynamic field that requires skilled and dedicated professionals like ours, he said. Dr. Brooks also commended the increase in female enrollment in cadetship programs. It is significant to note that admission of females into the sea-going programs has increased. This means that the universitys drive of encouraging more females to take up sea-going programs is achieving good results, he added. The event was attended by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who emphasized the governments commitment to maritime education and job creation. He linked RMUs role to the governments flagship 24-hour Economy policy, which aims to expand employment opportunities. The role of the Regional Maritime University per its mandate of training manpower in the area of seafarers very much aligns with the 24-hour Economy policy and His Excellency the Presidents vision of job creation, the minister stated. He further assured RMU of the governments support, citing ongoing efforts to modernize the university, including securing funding from South Korea for a $173.95 million infrastructure project. Mr. Nikpe also urged students to embrace discipline and excellence, stressing, You cannot strive for excellence if you are not disciplined. We live in a civilized society, and civility and decency must reflect in all our actions. Next article: See the full details of Ken Ofori-Atta's suit against the Special Prosecutor over 'wanted' declaration Africa must shape its education system to solve local problems Veep Naana Opoku-Agyemang Mohammed Ali Mar - 16 - 2025 , 09:13 1 minute read Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged African countries to develop education policies that tackle their own challenges instead of adopting foreign models. Speaking at a meeting on March 14 2025 with representatives from the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), she said education reforms should be designed with long-term goals in mind and reflect Africas unique realities. She called for stronger teacher training, a balance between quality and access, and the use of research to guide policy decisions. "Key priorities must include strengthening teacher preparation, ensuring that quality aligns with quantity, conducting proper research, and integrating African languages into teaching and learning to enhance comprehension and educational outcomes,"she noted She also stressed the importance of incorporating African languages into teaching to improve understanding and learning outcomes. The ADEA and AfDB delegation welcomed their inclusion in Ghanas National Education Forum and supported calls for African countries to finance their own education systems rather than depend on external funding. President Mahamas X account hacked, used to promote crypto scam Kweku Zurek Mar - 16 - 2025 , 09:25 1 minute read The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that President John Dramani Mahamas official X account (@JDMahama) has been hacked. Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV, Kwakye Ofosu revealed that unscrupulous individuals had compromised the account, but assured the public that efforts were underway to recover it. "Well, there's been a hack. Some unscrupulous persons have compromised it, but efforts are underway to recover it, and it should be recovered any moment from now," he stated. The breach was noticed on Sunday, when the Presidents X account was used to promote a cryptocurrency scam linked to Solanafrica, a fraudulent project falsely claiming to be led by Ghana's President John Mahama to make payments across Africa free using the Solana blockchain. The token has since been rug-pulled, leaving investors with significant losses. Although the suspicious post has been deleted, the compromised account continues to post crypto-related content, hinting at the launch of another memecoin. Authorities are working to restore the account and prevent further misuse, while urging the public to disregard any suspicious posts from the handle until it is fully recovered. Next article: Dampare should have retired voluntarily to preserve his dignity Prof. Agyeman-Duah Stakeholders endorse Ghana Gold Board GraphicOnline Mar - 16 - 2025 , 19:04 4 minutes read Stakeholders in Ghanas gold trading sector have backed the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), describing it as a game changer that will transform the industry and strengthen the countrys economy. At a forum organised by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) in Tarkwa on Friday, March 14, 2025, gold buyers, jewellers, bullion traders, small-scale miners, licensed gold exporters, banks, and commercial mining firms expressed optimism about the initiative. They believe that GOLDBOD will enhance foreign exchange earnings, stabilise the cedi, and boost Ghanas gold reserves. However, they cautioned the government to ensure fair representation of industry players on the GOLDBOD governing board and called for the inclusion of traditional leaders and academics to enhance transparency and accountability. The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), Godwin Nickleson Amarh, who is also a member of the GOLDBOD Technical Committee, reassured small-scale miners that gold pricing under the new framework would be fair and competitive. GNASSM is fully represented on the Technical Committee of the GOLDBOD and will ensure that the pricing of gold is fair, competitive, and at a commercial rate that aligns with the stringent London Bullion Market Association certification, he stated. He also stressed the importance of land restoration and pledged GNASSMs support for GOLDBODs efforts to rehabilitate degraded mining areas. Representing the Jewellers Association, Jonathan Ababio lauded provisions in the draft legislation that will retain a percentage of gold purchases in Ghana and supply machinery to enhance value addition. We cannot continue to do things the way they are and expect different results. The retention of a percentage of gold purchases in the country and the provision of machinery by the government to enable us to add value to our produce will enable us to break into the international market, and this is good news for us, he noted. Licensed gold buyer Alhaji Dauda expressed enthusiasm about the allocation of US$279 million as a revolving fund for gold purchases. He urged the government to ensure fair disbursement and timely release of funds to prevent liquidity challenges. The government must let the money flow so that our work will go on. There shouldnt be any liquidity challenges that will affect our operations. Let us all support the GOLDBOD to transform the gold trading sector, he remarked. Mr. Kwaku Effah Esuahene from the Chamber of Bullion Traders Association highlighted GOLDBODs role in determining the actual amount of foreign exchange earned from gold exports. He urged stakeholders to collaborate with the government to prevent gold smuggling, which has significantly affected revenue. The Managing Director of PMMC, Samuel Gyamfi, reaffirmed that the GOLDBOD initiative will benefit all players in the gold industry and not just a select few. Per the law, proceeds from the sale of gold that the GOLDBOD will sell will be used to support the miners and mining communities. We will supply them with mining equipment and machinery to boost their operations. As part of the GOLDBODs corporate social responsibility, we are going to build schools, roads, award scholarships, and supply water in the mining communities. So, it is the entire country that is going to benefit from the GOLDBOD initiative, he stated. Mr. Gyamfi took stakeholders through the draft GOLDBOD Bill and outlined its efforts to remove foreign gold smugglers, particularly Chinese and Indian operators whose illegal activities have undermined the sector. According to Bank of Ghana data, Ghana officially exported US$11.64 billion worth of gold in 2024, a 53.2 per cent year-on-year increase. Of this, US$4.6 billion came from small-scale miners. However, data revealed that the value of gold smuggled out of the country was nearly double this figure. As part of efforts to regulate the industry, Gyamfi revealed that GOLDBOD will be the sole buyer of gold through licensed aggregators and local traders. He emphasised that this will ensure Ghana moves away from a system where both local and foreign companies with export licences purchase gold without following proper regulations. The forum served as a platform to educate stakeholders on the objectives and operations of the soon-to-be-established Ghana Gold Board and to secure their support for its implementation. This week, the Nothing Phone (3a) launches as a number of older and not-so-old devices see steep price drops. The Nothing Phone (3a) is a mid-ranger and is available in two configurations, both under 400. Nothing doesnt do small phones, so this one is equipped with a 6.77 1080p+ display (120Hz, 10-bit, HDR10+, 3,000 nits). Instead of a Dimensity chip, the company picked a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 this time around. The battery is a 5,000mAh cell with 50W wired-only charging. The camera setup includes a 50MP main (1/1.57, OIS) and now a 50MP 50mm telephoto (2x), plus an 8MP ultra-wide and a 32MP selfie. Check out our hands-on review for camera samples. If that isnt enough camera for you, you may want to wait a couple of weeks for the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro to arrive. Speaking of, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro gets a better tele camera a 70mm periscope with OIS (sorely needed at longer focal lengths) and a 50MP sensor. The main camera adds Dual Pixel AF, while the selfie camera gets a 50MP sensor capable of 4K @ 30fps video capture (the regular (3a) selfie cam tops out at 1080p). Another thing to note is that the Pro has an eSIM, which is becoming a must-have for travel. One last thing to note, you can get a pair of Nothing Ear (a) TWS buds for just 14 more (these go for 80 on their own right now). The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 will be replaced by the next Flip in a few months, but the good news is that its price has been falling steeply. Its down to 750 now, 150 lower than it was at the beginning of February. The Realme GT 6T has seen a massive price drop down 40%. This buys an LTPO display (6.78, 1264p, 10-bit, 120Hz, 6,000 nits) and a fast Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset. The camera is nothing special (50+8MP rear, 32MP front), but the 5,500mAh battery is both large and fast (120W wired-only charging). For a flagship experience, you can have a look at 6Ts big brother the Realme GT 7 Pro. It has a similar LTPO display (slightly brighter and with Dolby Vision), plus a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The camera system is upgraded too, with a 50MP 73mm telephoto lens in addition to a larger sensor in the main with 8K @ 30fps support. The battery is even larger at 6,500mAh, also with 120W wired charging. While we wait for Samsung to release the Galaxy A56, heres a look at the Galaxy S24 FE. It costs a bit more the A56 is 480 for 128GB and 530 for 256GB. But you get more for your money too. The S24 FE has a faster chipset (Exynos 2400e vs. 1580), better water resistance (IP68 vs. IP67), a telephoto camera (8MP 75mm) and a USB-C port capable of outputting DeX to an external display. Note that S24 FEs battery is smaller (4,700mAh vs. 5,000mAh) and slower to charge with a cable (25W vs. 45W), but it also has a wireless option (15W). We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Deals: Nothing Phone (3a) launches in the US, Apple releases new iPad, iPad Air and Macs Nothing is one of the promising new brands to emerge recently and, unlike most others, it has an official presence in the US. This week its first phone with a telephoto camera became available. The Nothing Phone (3a) is a mid-ranger and is available in two configurations, both under $500. Nothing doesnt do small phones, so this one is equipped with a 6.77 1080p+ display (120Hz, 10-bit, HDR10+, 3,000 nits). Instead of a Dimensity chip, the company picked a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 this time around. The battery is a 5,000mAh cell with 50W wired-only charging. The camera setup includes a 50MP main (1/1.57, OIS) and now a 50MP 50mm telephoto (2x), plus an 8MP ultra-wide and a 32MP selfie. Check out our hands-on review for camera samples. If that isnt enough camera for you, you may want to wait a couple of weeks for the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro to arrive (it launches on March 25). Apple released its new tablets and computers this week. The new basic iPad now flaunts 128GB base storage, but not enough RAM or chipset performance to run Apple Intelligence. The A16 chipset still offers a performance boost over the 2022 model, but this and the storage are the only things that Apple changed. Despite upgrading the iPad Air duo last year with the M2 chip, Apple decided not to leave another 2-year gap and released new 11 and 13 iPad Air slates with the M3 chip. This is a generation behind compared to whats inside the iPad Pros from last year, but better than the M2 inside the 2022 Pros. Like with the basic iPad, the chipset is the only notable upgrade this generation. If you want M4 power while maintaining portability, the new MacBook Air laptops are an option. Available in 13.6 and 15.3, these weigh 2.7lbs and 3.3lbs, respectively. This is compared to 1.3lbs for a 13 iPad Pro, but keep in mind that the matching Magic Keyboard adds 1.46lbs (yes, its heavier than the iPad itself). Finally, with no new Mac Pro in sight, the 2025 Mac Studio is the most powerful Apple computer right now. Its available with an M4 Max or an M3 Ultra. Note that the latter costs double, but thats mostly the RAM and storage the M3 Ultra model comes with a whopping 96GB of RAM! This is compared to 36GB on the M4 Max. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. From mentoring new officers to intercepting drugs at the border, 11 Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency officers have just been promoted to the next-higher rank. During a March 14 ceremony at Adelup, the agency promoted 10 officers to the rank of customs officer II: Officers Joey Almoguera, Eanielle Cacayan, Shane Cepeda, Roman Duenas, Christopher Espinosa, James Lujan, Jonathan Lim, Rollie Boy Marquez, Ryan Muna, and Raffaele Sgambelluri. Customs Officer II Ike Reyes Jr., with 17 years of service at the agency, was promoted to customs officer III. Some of my new roles would be to mentor some of the young officers coming in. Im assigned to the drug detection dog unit, so my role is as an instructor. Ill be able to teach new officers who want to come into K-9 and stop these narcotics from entering our borders, Reyes said. That also means a lot more administrative work, a.k.a. paperwork, which Reyes said he doesnt mind. He said its a necessary part of his career and a requirement for him to be considered for future promotions. Reyes thanked his family, which supported him throughout his career. They stood by him after he worked extra hours, and they continue to encourage even as he is called to work on his days off, he said. New Customs Officer II Roman Duenas said his promotion was another opportunity to advance within the ranks. I appreciate the men and women who have come before me, and now that I serve with, to protect our beautiful island, he said. Ive been with the agency for 13 years now, and being promoted is a humbling experience. He, too, was thankful for his familys support. Of course it starts with God, and then it starts with them. They are my support system, he said. Duenas added that he is looking to retire from Customs just as he retired from the U.S. Air Force more than a decade ago. When people ask how things are going for me in Customs, I have the same answer: I am still here, he said. I think that says everything it needs to say. Customs Director Ike Peredo said the newly promoted officers are among the first people seen when arriving on Guam. Among them are the friendly faces youve met upon return to Guam at the airport, or in processing at the commercial port and air cargo facility. They are effective detector dog handlers, members of our Maritime Interdiction Task Force, and graduates of the federal Marine Law Enforcement Training Program. They have made significant contributions to biosecurity and our increase in drug interdictions, Peredo said. The officers, he added, are also assigned to the Special Enforcement and Inspection and Control divisions in roles requiring them to be on constant alert, ready to engage with the community, and respond using high risk enforcement actions with immediate precision. Whether addressing imminent threats or executing critical interventions, they stand at the forefront of our efforts to safeguard and protect, often under the most challenging and high-pressure circumstances, he said. They can be relied upon to provide direction and drive results as they take on greater responsibilities, more complex tasks, and perform independently with an ability to lead and adapt quickly in different environments. As visiting leadership expert Cy Wakeman took the stage Tuesday afternoon at the Hyatt Regency Guam ballroom, her message was clear: Leadership today requires a blend of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering growth within teams. As the president and founder of Reality-Based Leadership, Wakeman is widely recognized for helping organizations ditch the drama and transform workplace cultures. She noted the significance of leadership training early in ones career, and stressed that behavioral health training is a cornerstone of effective leadership. If youre going to be a leader, a big one is that you really are responsible for doing two things all day long, she said. The first thing you need to do with all of your people and each other and all your customers, all your clients, is called loving people up. Wakeman, a New York Times bestselling author, captivated the audience of Guams industry leaders and community members with her dynamic presentation, blending humor and practical advice. The event, hosted by Bank of Guam, was part of the institutions ongoing commitment to investing in leadership and the communities it serves. The session, titled Business readiness: Leading in continuous change and uncertainty, was aimed at equipping Bank of Guams leadership and business partners with tools to navigate the challenges of change with confidence and resilience. Wakemans book, Reality-Based Leadership: Ditch the Drama, Restore Sanity to the Workplace, and Turn Excuses Into Results, was also distributed at the event, offering attendees further insight into her leadership approach. As leaders, your role isnt necessarily about motivating and inspiring people. Ditch the drama. The only value we add as human beings is in an imperfect reality, Wakeman said toward the end of her presentation. Her client list includes global powerhouses such as Google, Meta, NASA, Pfizer, and Bank of America. In her Bank of Guam session, Wakeman shared the model of business readiness, a proactive approach to preparing teams for change. The approach spotlights resilience and adaptation without burnout, teaching leaders to manage the energy of their people rather than simply overseeing tasks. Throughout the session, she covered strategies for redefining leadership, sustaining high performance, and navigating the challenges of constant transformation. Reflecting on her own leadership journey, Wakeman offered a valuable insight. Training in psychology, but I was pulling into leadership, and then about three years later, got training, she said. Amid the pressures of productivity and efficiency, Wakeman told the audience that it is vital for leaders to appreciate and recognize the contributions of their teams. I see you. I appreciate you. I want to thank you that youre bringing all of your diverse skill sets to my company, to my organization, she said. Wakeman also introduced another key responsibility of leadership: Calling people up. This concept involves reminding team members of their value and empowering them to step into their potential, especially in high-stakes environments like healthcare. Recalling her time leading a perioperative unit, she shared an experience where a nurse made a mistake, which caused a patient to panic. I checked myself before I wrecked myself, Wakeman said. Never match energy with whats coming at you. If somebodys coming in hot, you come in calm and loving. By staying calm and focused, Wakeman said she was able to shift the nurses perspective from frustration to problem-solving. If you were great right now, what would that look like? she asked, prompting the nurse to consider alternative solutions. This moment of reflection allowed the nurse to regain composure and find a path forward. In her presentation, Wakeman challenged leaders to rethink how they engage with their teams. Your job is just holding people compliant to those processes but leaders in todays world, we dont manage the work of people. We manage the energy of people, she said, encouraging leaders to cultivate an environment that promotes growth and positivity. Wakeman also addressed the dangers of venting in the workplace, explaining that it often prevents self-reflection. Venting is a problem because its the egos way of avoiding self-reflection, she said. You cant vent and self-reflect at the same time. And if you cant self-reflect, you cant get into accountability. Promoting resilience, she encouraged leaders to embrace the reality of disruption. When you begin to embrace the reality that disruption will happen, you can step into a mode of impact instead of suffering needlessly, she added. Eight students from Guam who have worked tirelessly for six months to develop their companies and products competed against other top teams from across the Asia Pacific region at the Junior Achievement Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition in Haneda, Japan. Two student-led companies traveled to Japan to represent Guam in the competitions from March 10 to 14. The two student-led companies earned the honor of competing on an international stage to showcase their innovative products and business acumen. Team Rooted, first place company, mentored by Bank of Hawaii, created a culturally inspired Guam board game that celebrates the islands rich heritage. Team Estoria, second place company, mentored by Harvest Christian Academy, developed an exceptional product and business that stood out in the competition. They made a Guam coloring and activity book. The competition provided a prestigious platform for young entrepreneurs to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and business leadership while representing Guam on an international level. The students pitched their businesses, showcased their products, and competed to be named the best student-run company in the Asia Pacific region. Residents are calling on the government of Guam to make changes now to its use of public funds to prepare for more federal funding cuts and policy changes from the Trump White House. Mangilao resident Michelangelo Macaraig believes GovGuam should prioritize local community improvements over tourism-related projects. We always have that problem where people dump a lot of waste, leaving it out there instead. They should think about relocating funding from certain programs into things that actually affect our community, like beach cleanups, Macaraig said. The island is already beautiful, but a lot of people just trash it. The government should probably enforce stricter laws. When you get caught doing that, there should be consequences. He suggested cutting back and reallocating tourism advertising funds to other initiatives. They put a lot of federal funding into education and building tourism, but maybe cut back on ads promoting tourism and focus more on making the island a better place, he said. If the island is better, tourists will naturally come. Its all about making the community better first. Macaraig also believes funding should be cut from the Office of the Attorney Generals billboards, saying they dont send the right message about the island. The billboards feature Guams homelessness, drug problems, panhandling and other social issues. As a tourist, when you see these kinds of billboards, its kind of strange. It doesnt promote the wellness of the island, he said. Celine Amparo, also a resident of Mangilao, believes GovGuam should focus on community involvement and digital solutions to address the challenges posed by federal funding cuts. Were very technologically inclined here, so we should use that to our advantage to spread awareness. Let people know that government funds are going to be limited, and show them the outcomes of limiting certain types of costs, she said. Digital platforms could be a more cost-effective way to spread important information, particularly in terms of advertising. We can use technology, rather than spending funds on billboards, she said. People would get the point if they see an ad online or through social media. Amparo also said village meetings would help spread awareness among both adults and youth. Having village meetings to spread awareness, not only to adults but also to the youth, would be great. We can get input from schools, parents, and other members of the community, she said. She also advocated for greater use of online platforms like Zoom or Google Meet to increase accessibility. With COVID, Zoom is a thing now, so we could use that to get more community members involved. It shouldnt just be the government handling everything. To get local support, you have to involve the community more, Amparo added. The best thing to do, she said, is to get more community input, involve more community members, and host town or village meetings. This way, the people of Guam can decide where our funds should be going so we know its being utilized properly, she added. Kekoa Phaynid, a resident of Chalan Pago-Ordot, believes Guam tourism is losing its competitive edge so the island needs to make Guam worth visiting. Phaynid, a business major at the University of Guam, works closely with Japanese exchange students and shares feedback from his interactions. They told me that they came to Guam, but theres not really a reason to come back. Okinawa is opening up a bunch of new attractions, so its going to be really hard to attract more tourists if Okinawa is basically the same, but better, he said. Phaynid suggested investing in island development before pouring money into advertising. Put more into developing the island first, he said. Because what are we even advertising? We dont have anything. The UOG student also recommended reallocating government funds to improve island infrastructure and create more job opportunities. Maybe they can cut some funding to government workers who arent really doing anything and put more money into hiring people who can help the island, he said. We need to fix the island up in general to bring more people and in turn, bring more money in. Aaron Ferrer, a resident of Chalan Pago, believes modernizing government services is key to adapting to financial challenges. I think that taking a step towards modernizing things like online applications for IDs, car registrations, all these services that take a lot of manpower and effort at places like the DMV should move to a more streamlined service like online applications, Ferrer said. Many services, such as renewing certifications or business licenses, could be more efficiently handled online. You dont necessarily need to be face-to-face just to renew any sort of certification or business license, he said. I know were moving towards that, but a lot of times were still required to come in to do those kinds of things, and it takes a lot of time. Theres people lining up from 6 a.m., two hours before the DRT even opens, and that takes a lot of staff to just handle and even then, its not effective no matter how much staff you put there. He also suggested that rather than cutting staff, the government should consider reassigning them to more pressing areas. Those staff are all generally really smart and capable people that dont need to do the mundane processes of these applications that we need to hand out. These day-to-day things where they could be utilized in places that are going to be cut, because there is going to be a downsizing, and we have to just use people more effectively, Ferrer said. Bernabe Garin, an Army veteran from Dededo, believes GovGuam needs to focus on funding areas that will directly benefit the community. The government should put the funding someplace where it helps more people, like in education, roads, and street lighting, Garin said. The streets in certain areas need more reflectors and better painting. Its especially dangerous for drivers at night or when its raining. University of Guam associate director Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D., has contributed to research that reclassified Caesalpinioidea, a group of plants that includes the critically endangered Serianthes, known as hayun lagu on Guam. Recently published in PhytoKeys, this study provides a new understanding of the relationships between various plant species within this diverse group, UOG said in a release. Demeulenaere is associate director for natural resources at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Island Conservation Lab. She's also a regular contributor to the Pacific Daily News with her lifestyle column, "Stories Rooted in Nature." UOG said Demeulenaere led the chapter dedicated to the Archidendron clade, building upon her Ph.D. research on the Serianthes genus and closely related species. The research was also published in PhytoKeys in 2022, under the guidance of dissertation chair, Stefanie Ickert-Bond, Ph.D. PhytoKeys serve as an essential resource for researchers, conservationists, and anyone interested in the biodiversity of the Archidendron clade and Caesalpinioidea. The Serianthes, also known as tronkon guafi in Rota, belongs to the Archidendron clade under Caesalpinioidea. A clade refers to a group of plants with related characteristics and a common ancestor with all its descendants. Demeulenaeres contribution particularly highlights the traditional uses of Serianthes, an ecologically and culturally significant species for Guam and the region, UOG said. "I took the opportunity to list the traditional uses related to the Serianthes genus important to Micronesia and clarified that, although the same species occurs on Guam and Rota and another on Palau and Yap, each has its own indigenous plant name, Demeulenaere said in a statement. She added that this aspect underscores these plant species' cultural significance and practical applications within local communities. Caesalpinioidea is a diverse subfamily of legumes consisting of approximately 4,680 species. The tamarind tree, the flame tree, and the acacia tree are other species belonging to the Caesalpinioidea subfamily that includes a variety of trees, shrubs, and herbs known for their economic and ecological importance. The recent monograph not only establishes a new classification for the Caesalpinioidea but also includes distribution maps, an identification key, and detailed morphological descriptions covering the species various growth forms, foliage, flowers, and fruits. According to Demeulenaere, reclassification is important because it helps botanists understand the relationships between plants, in this case based on genomic data, which is essential for conservation and recovery efforts. Demeulenaere collaborated with 48 authors from 41 institutions around the globe on the monograph, which was published earlier this year. Along with Demeulenaere, Ickert-Bond also contributed to the monograph. Its an honor to have collaborated with an incredible group of researchers on this monograph, Demeulenaere added. (This is Santos open letter to all Superior Court of Guam judges and Supreme Court of Guam justices.) The attorney general of Guams investigators have no authority or jurisdiction to issue aggressive panhandling citations. The aggressive panhandling law on Guam in Title 16 Guam Code Annotated, Chapter 3, Section3805 (b) states: The Guam Police Department has the authority to enforce this Act and may, in connection therewith and pursuant to 3401.1 (h) of Article 4, Chapter 3 of Title 16, Guam Code Annotated, the Chief of Police is authorized to enlist police reservists or CAPE volunteers to assist the Guam Police Department in the enforcement of this Act, upon the completion of training deemed necessary by the Chief of Police for the enforcement of this Act. 3401.1 (h) of Article 4, Chapter 3 of Title 16, Guam Code Annotated, states: (h) Volunteers Authorized to Issue Citations. The Chief of Police shall recruit volunteers who desire to assist the Guam Police Department in the enforcement of this Section (Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities). The volunteer shall: (1) be at least eighteen (18) years of age; (2) be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Guam; (3) not have been convicted of a felony or crime of family violence; (4) obtain a certificate from the Chief of Police demonstrating the completion of a required course of instruction and training that includes training in measures to avoid dangerous confrontations with violators of this Section. In addition, training shall include the enforcement of litter control laws and the Natasha Protection Act pursuant to 10 GCA Chapter 90. The course of instruction and training shall be at no cost to the volunteer. Retired uniformed personnel are exempted from this Subsection; and (5) satisfy any other qualifications and requirements established by the Chief of Police. There is limiting language in Title 16 Guam Code Annotated, Chapter 3, Section 3805 (b). It states that GPD is authorized to utilize CAPE volunteers and police reservists using the training procedure that is used to enlist civilian volunteers to issue citations for Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities. AG Doug Moylan, as usual, is wrong on the law. He claims that because the chief of police authorized and provided training to AG investigators to enforce the aggressive panhandling laws, that they are now authorized to issue citations. This is not how the law works. Neither the AG, nor the chief of police is authorized to expand any laws. Under a plain reading of the law, which is the best form of statutory construction, only Guam police officers, Guam police reservists, and CAPE volunteers are authorized to issue Aggressive Panhandling citations. The Guam Legislature could have very easily included other persons authorized to issue Aggressive Panhandling citations, but they simply did not. The AG should have known this, but as we have seen, he constantly misunderstands the law and willfully breaks the law. Why then did the chief of police allow this? Well, his legal advisor is the AG. I strongly urge anyone getting advice from the AG to seek a second opinion. Why then did the Superior Court of Guam provide citation booklets to the AG investigators? Well, I am sure it was a clerk who issued the booklets and this was not legally reviewed by a staff attorney or a judge. Panhandling in and of itself is not illegal. In fact, the chief of police is authorized to issue a permit to anyone for any reason, or no reason at all, to engage in panhandling. The purpose is so that the panhandler could be informed of the guidelines of panhandling on Guam. Panhandling is actually a legal right. The attorney general has engaged in a war on the poor panhandlers in an effort to grab headlines and deflect from the utter failures in his ability to provide the legal services that is his mandate and his losing track in drug cases. Six defendants in a row in the last three months have been acquitted of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver. Yet he spends taxpayer money, government time and effort, on billboards, fancy Panbuster jumpsuits, and decals, for an effort that is of very little importance and something he lacks authority to enforce. Come on people of Guam. Wake up and smell the coffee. Moylan understands that lying to people is much, much easier than for others to convince people that they have been fooled. Opinions cannot change facts, but facts should change your opinion, if you are a rational person. I felt compelled to write this letter, not because I believe aggressive panhandling shouldnt be enforced, but because Doug Moylan has chosen a vulnerable and mostly voiceless group of people to villainize in order to fuel his propaganda and rhetoric to deflect from his massive failures. Haiti - Technology : Official transfer of photovoltaic mini-grids in the Northeast department This week, as part of the Rural Electrification and Women's Empowerment (ERAF) project, a strategic meeting was held bringing together the Ministry of Public Works, the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANARSE), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP - Haiti). The objective of this meeting was to formalize the transfer of mini-grids in the municipalities of Capotille and Vallieres. Funded by Japan, UNDP, the United Arab Emirates, and the Haitian government, this project aims to improve access to renewable energy, particularly solar energy, in three priority municipalities in the Northeast department where solar photovoltaic power plants have been built : Mont-Organise (289 kWp); Vallieres (202 kWp); and Capotille (202 kWp). https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40713-haiti-clean-energy-3-new-solar-power-plants-in-the-northeast.html Discussions focused on the progress of the work in Mont-Organise and post-project management, structured around three major areas: - Local capacity building; - Deployment of solar microgrids; - Promotion of economic development. These projects represent a significant step forward for rural electrification and sustainable development in Haiti. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40713-haiti-clean-energy-3-new-solar-power-plants-in-the-northeast.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... FLASH : Nursing exams postponed for the West As part of the Ministry of Public Health's recruitment of 430 nurses, the evaluation, initially scheduled for this Sunday, March 16, 2025, has been postponed to a later date for security reasons for applicants in the West department https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44470-haiti-news-zapping.html PAP : Bandits loot and set fire On the evening of Friday, March 14, 2025, residents reported that heavily armed individuals set fire to several buildings on Christophe Avenue, Cameau Street, Lafleur Ducheine Street, and Marcellin Alley, including schools, businesses, and other properties. Earlier in the day, looting was reported on Christophe Avenue and Capois Street... Large-scale operation in the "Izo" stronghold On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Haitian National Police (PNH) conducted a large-scale police operation in downtown Port-au-Prince, supported by armored vehicles and heavy armored vehicles and several specialized units, in the stronghold of gang leader "Izo" as well as in the areas of Fort-Saint Clair and the National Theater, not far from the headquarters of Electricite d'Haiti (EDH) located at the Bicentenaire. Meeting on the Reopening of PAP Airport On Friday, March 14, 2025, a high-level meeting on securing and planning the reopening of Port-au-Prince Airport was held between the National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC), the National Airport Authority (AAN), the Tabarre City Hall, the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H), the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Prime Minister's Office. Air Transat extends its flight suspension Air Transat, whose flights to Port-au-Prince had been canceled since November 15, 2024 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43649-haiti-news-zapping.html due to the resurgence of violence in Haiti, is extending this suspension until September 3rd, 2025. Air Transat informs that it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and will share any relevant updates as soon as possible. The Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal closed The Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal informs the general public and the Haitian community in particular that its premises will be closed on Monday, March 17, 2025, in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Services will resume on Tuesday, March 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. HL/ HaitiLibre Several German internet providers are taking legal action against the blocking orders issued by the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia (LfM NRW) against hardcore portals such as Pornhub and YouPorn. Vodafone, for example, has filed a lawsuit against the orders with the Dusseldorf Administrative Court. At the heart of the matter is the question of whether the LfM is still responsible at all or whether the EU Commission now ultimately has the say in this area with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the availability of online pornography in Germany. For example, the judges will have to clarify whether and how national laws can be enforced in the digital age. Anzeige "As we see it, the DSA represents full harmonization," a Vodafone spokesperson told Netzpolitik.org, explaining the reasons for taking the case to court. As the DSA also regulates the protection of minors on the Internet, the provisions of the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (JMStV), to which the NRW media watchdogs refer, would become inapplicable. Vodafone did not comment on the details of the lawsuits when asked by heise online. Web blocks can be easily circumvented The LfM is calling for strict age controls on erotic platforms on the basis of the JMStV, such as ID or facial scanning, in order to protect minors from pornography. This is likely to deter many users, who have been able to access millions of porn videos without registering and largely anonymously. At the instigation of the NRW media regulator, the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM), which was ultimately responsible, initially ordered the major German access providers to block the xHamster porn portal in spring 2022. Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, 1&1 and Pyur implemented the blocks in this case and later on Pornhub and YouPorn. In such cases, however, the permissive portals simply change the domains and can be accessed under .org instead of .com, for example. Alternatively, they can be accessed via VPN using foreign IPs. The KJM itself admits that such web blocks can be circumvented. However, they are an additional hurdle and prevent accidental and unwanted confrontation with such offers. EU Commission relies on the DSA According to the report, Pyur has filed a lawsuit in Berlin against the blocking orders. However, the provider has agreed with the media supervisory authority responsible there to wait for the Dusseldorf decisions. The situation is similar at 1&1: the lawsuit has also been put on hold until then. The companies are receiving fundamental support from the EU Commission. A spokesperson told Netzpolitik.org that she is "firmly convinced that measures at EU level are more effective in protecting minors from harmful content on online platforms". Anzeige According to the Commission representative, the DSA provides for a clear supervision and enforcement system. Work is currently underway on an EU-wide, interoperable and data protection-compliant app for age checks based on the planned digital wallet. The Commission regularly discusses progress with national authorities. Pornhub recently reported together with other porn platforms significantly lower user numbers. According to the report, the strictest DSA regulations no longer apply to the portal. Pornhub & Co. have also announced legal action against the new obligations. A fundamental dispute over the authority of media watchdogs to block porn has also resulted from an amendment to the JMStV. () 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. Maria 01, one of Europes leading startup hubs, found that 36% of its startups have at least one international founder. Startups with international founders secured nearly 60% of all funding raised by Maria 01 startups in 2024, according to the latest Impact Report from the Helsinki-based startup hub. The report highlights the growing role of international entrepreneurs in Finlands startup ecosystem while also addressing funding disparities faced by female founders. The hubs total membership grew from 1,500 to 2,000 over the past year, representing around 40 nationalities. Most international founders at Maria 01 come from Europe, Asia, and South America. Sarita Runeberg, CEO of Maria 01, said international entrepreneurs bring valuable skills and ambition. They are bold risk-takers, highly educated, and driven to develop new products and businesses. This talent is a huge asset for the Finnish startup scene and Europes economic future, she said. Maria 01 aims to expand its global reach by attracting more international founders to Finland. The hub also introduced a digital membership option last year for those who cannot relocate. Runeberg highlighted Finlands advantages for early-stage founders, including high-quality education, affordable healthcare, a supportive startup ecosystem, and a strong work-life balance. Despite market challenges, Maria 01 startups increased their revenue from 2022 to 2023. The total funding raised since the hubs launch in 2016 surpassed 1 billion by the end of 2024. However, the number of employees in startups has decreased, as companies focus on efficiency and AI-driven automation. Runeberg noted that AI is now integrated into nearly every business sector, making it unnecessary to track as a separate industry. AI is embedded in daily tasks, processes, and innovations, she said. The report also highlights gender disparities in startup funding. Female founders raised less than their male counterparts in 2024. To address this, Maria 01 is launching a new initiative offering free workspace for up to three months per company, with 50% of slots reserved for female and minority founders. The program is open to startups from the idea stage onward. Runeberg said the initiative aligns with Maria 01s strategy to support diverse entrepreneurs. We want to be a founder-first campus where anyone with a vision can build a startup that makes a difference, she said. HT The activities provide a safe and structured environment where children can play, move, and spend time outdoors with friends after school. A nutritious snack is included in the daily programme. Applications for afternoon activities for the 20252026 school year in Helsinki open on 17 March and close on 16 April. The programme is available for first- and second-grade students, as well as pupils receiving special support. Every child who applies during the application period will be offered a place. "Theres lots of fun things to do!" said seven-year-old Ava, who has participated in the activities. "The most important aspect is doing things together with friends. Guided activities in a safe environment support children's well-being," said Tarja Tapper, head of leisure services for basic education at the City of Helsinki. Parents have given high ratings to the quality of the programme, which helps ease family routines. In a 2024 customer satisfaction survey for basic education, afternoon activities received excellent feedback. The programme is subject to a fee. Applications should be submitted through Wilma, the system used for managing school-related matters. Parents of children starting school in autumn who do not yet have a Wilma account can create one via Suomi.fi identification from 17 March. Those who already use Wilma can add their child to their existing profile. Instructions for creating a Wilma account are available at hel.fi/wilma. Parents who cannot apply through Wilma can submit a PDF application form, with details available at hel.fi/iltapaivatoiminta. Activities take place in schools and nearby locations across the city, with around 250 sites offering the service. Sessions run until either 16:00 or 17:00, depending on the location. Each year, approximately 11,000 children participate in the programme. If a child cannot be placed in their preferred location, an alternative in the same area will be offered. Fees for the programme include snacks and insurance. The monthly cost is 100 for activities ending at 16:00 and 120 for those continuing until 17:00. Parents can apply for fee reductions or exemptions based on income. HT VOLUNTEERS with the Rivertime Boat Trust are passionate about making the River Thames in Henley as accessible as possible. The trust, now in its 17th year, was founded by Pat and Simon Davis and has since helped more than 30,000 disabled, elderly or disadvantaged people on to the water. It runs a 42ft boat, which is moored close to the River & Rowing Museum in Mill Meadows, and it is equipped with a ramp, hydraulic wheelchair lift, large disabled toilet and a sliding roof. Twice a day from April to October, it takes up to 12 people from special educational needs and disability schools, care homes, local charities or families where a member has a disability on trips. The trust employs one full-time skipper, Lucy Herbert, who has helmed the boat since the beginning and the activities allow guests to learn about the river and its functions in a relaxed environment. Ms Herbert is assisted by a team of 30 volunteers, many of whom live in Henley and some are qualified to help skipper the boat. Others crew the boat, welcome guests and make them comfortable during the trips. Sarah Deacock, 67, a retired clinical immunologist who lives in Henley, is about to take on her fourth season. After retiring four years ago, a friend encouraged her to help out. She said: Im one of the crew volunteers who helps the skipper and the customers. We greet the carers and those with disabilities, adults and children, and assist them into the boat properly. Theres a special metal rim that we put across the bank on to the platform which we use to then help them to board. We then make sure everyone is settled in and we will make tea and coffee and, if they bring food, we will help to serve that. At the end, we help everybody to disembark. Usually there are two trips in the day and a two-hour cruising time, so we have to get there early to get the boat ready and then we tidy it all up and prepare it for the next group. A volunteer skipper, Geoff Probert, told me that it was a really good thing to do. I hadnt heard of it before that but it is really worthwhile. People really enjoy the trips. We are all trained very well, so you dont need to have lots of experience to be a volunteer. The skipper is always there making sure we know what we have to do, which bollard to moor against, which way to go in, they always tell us what to do in advance. Ms Deacock described seeing the reaction in clients who had never been on the river before as extraordinary. She said: I am amazed at the difference that you sometimes see between the children and also some of the disabled adults from when they arrive to when they leave. They may be quite frightened to board the boat or feel unable to speak to you. But with some of them, by the end of the two-hour trip, they are talking to you, looking out the window and pointing at things and saying gosh, Ive never seen that, what is it? Its quite extraordinary. By no means is that everybody but for some people it is. There are people who would hardly have the courage to get on to the boat when they first arrive but are almost completely changed by their trip. Thats really rewarding. For their families as well, its a great day out for them, its something different, so it works for the carers and for the people who are disabled. Geoff Probert, 74, a retired company director, is one of the longest-serving volunteer skippers, having worked with Rivertime since the beginning. He said: I was previously involved with a charity called Power, which provided prosthetic limbs for landmine victims, so I have been somewhat familiar with the disability field and the disadvantages that people with disabilities face. Rivertime is the only boat that allows disabled people to access the river. I think the most rewarding thing is seeing the delight that people who dont usually get to go on the river experience. We take it for granted but we shouldnt. It brings fresh eyes to it when youre trying to explain the wildlife and the things you see on the river, most kids wont ever see a coot or a swan. Were taking adults and children with physical or mental disabilities but also the carers and care home teams get an experience for the day, sometimes they get more out of it. You can see a real transformation in the time of a single trip. I remember one child who was scared to even get on the boat. It took a while to persuade them to come on but, when they got on, we were able to involve them in certain things. To us it might be trivial but to them it is fantastic. For example, when you make a turn, there are certain signals on the horn you have to do and I always try to get one of them to do the signal for me. I always explain that you have to do certain hand signals and we get them to do it and they just think its the most fantastic thing. In the end, we couldnt get this child off the boat and they said that when they grow up, they wanted to be a skipper. Trips on the boat create that sort of transformation. Chris Spencer, a retired navy captain, has volunteered on the boat since 2016. He said that watching customers appreciate the river is the most worthwhile part of his work. He said: Our customers make it worthwhile. Here in Henley, its the only place on the river where lots of disabled people have access to the water. I was with some members of my walking group the other day and one of them asked me what I did and I said that I helped with Rivertime. They replied saying they had been on the boat with their late mother. They said that, for their mum, it was the highlight of her year, going out from her care home and on to Rivertime in the summer, she thought that it was amazing. I have nice colleagues, and it is a great charity to work for. Its good fun driving the boat and going up and down the river. Mr Spencer said that many of the trips he had made with clients have stuck in his memory and he is always pleased to see people return for another trip. He said: We had an amazing trip two years ago with teenage girls who had been excluded from school. They were all very troubled and their lead teacher was pointing them all out individually saying, oh, this girl doesnt like the water, she doesnt speak. But we had a lovely day and they were so calm and so involved and chatty and interested in the river and the birds. The headteacher came over at the end and said that she had never seen them so calm. That was very memorable indeed. The river at Henley is very calming. Its a beautiful stretch of the river up towards Marsh Lock. Its interesting historically as well and there are all sorts of things to point out. I think the folks who come on board, young and old, really appreciate the calmness. Mr Spencer started helping with Rivertime in 2016 but did not join the crew officially until a year later and he became a skipper in 2019. He said: I was walking the dog along the river when I saw Rivertime and that was when I asked Lucy about helping out. I was once a captain in the merchant navy and this was the nearest thing to that I had found so I wanted to get involved. Darrel Poulos, a former Remenham parish councillor who moved to the UK from America with his wife Suri in 1985, has volunteered as a crew member since 2023. He said: Ive known about Rivertime for years because I live on the river and Lucy would constantly be skippering past me. My wife used to run the Bluebells dementia programme in Henley and its members used the boat a couple of times a year. I really love the idea of people making use of the river and I wanted to help in any way, shape or form. There are lots of people who go down and make use of the river, they run, they walk their dogs, they row. But there are a lot of people for whom its difficult to get on the river and thats one of the things that I really liked about Rivertime. The trust is allowing, not just people in wheelchairs, but all kinds of people, people who dont often, or for many years, probably havent had any access to the river and its just lovely to see them enjoying what we all think is lovely about Henley. David Guy has volunteered as a crew member since 2023. He said: So many different groups of people are supported, elderly people in care homes, special educational needs children, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, its such a broad range of people and thats why its so interesting. Its a real eye-opener. I manned the boat during the Regatta for the Disabled in Henley and the children got so much out of it. We were handing out brochures because lots of them wanted to come back for other trips. I really like to work with people who are impacted by disability or other disadvantages and also like meeting their parents or carers who are looking after them. I really like to support those people by making their trip engaging and enjoyable. He added: The other thing you realise is the real dedication of the carers looking after these people they are amazing theyre just so dedicated and so caring. Mary Webb, 67, who lives in Frieth, retired from her work as a pharmacist shortly after joining Rivertime in 2016. Although the charity only requires that trained volunteers complete five days of volunteering each year, she prefers to do 10. Ms Webb said: I heard about it through a friend at a sailing club who was then a skipper and he often talked about his Rivertime trips and it made me interested. I had fun on the river through my dinghy sailing but Id also done family holidays on narrow boats, so I knew about locks and boat handling, all that sort of stuff. Rivertime seemed to match my experience. I started crewing in about 2016 and I really enjoyed it. The rope work and the boat handling I really find quite easy. Its almost second nature because I do it a lot. At the beginning of every year Lucy will take out a small crew and helm on the river and everyone will have a turn at actually steering and driving Rivertime. The idea is that, should the helm become incapacitated, the crew can at least safely bring the boat into the shore and then call for help Ive learned more about how to communicate with people with additional needs, because they do have different requirements and they respond differently to how able-bodied people do. The trust is recruiting new volunteers. For more information, call 01628 780 700 or email manager @rivertime.org.uk HCMC airport's new terminal to handle 80% of its domestic flights Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air will transfer all domestic flights to the soon-completed Terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, significantly reducing congestion at the existing terminal. Terminal T3 will officially handle all domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air from May. Other domestic airlines, Vasco, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Pacific Airlines, will continue their operations from Terminal T1, while T2 will continue serving all international flights. The interior of Terminal T3, Tan Son Nhat Airport, HCMC, March 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Before T3 enters full operation, the airport will conduct trial procedures and stability checks on systems and staff training. Initial trials are scheduled from April 28 to May 4 on routes connecting HCMC with northern localities. Terminal T3 is set to open immediately following the peak travel period around the Reunification Day holiday (April 30-May 4), a time when passenger numbers significantly increase. Passengers traveling with Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air will use the new facility, significantly easing congestion at Terminal T1. Currently, the two airlines account for approximately 80% of domestic passenger traffic at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Tan Son Nhat's current domestic terminal T1s annual capacity is limited to roughly 15 million passengers, or around 41,000 per day, frequently causing overcrowding, especially during peak travel seasons. A crowded scene at domestic terminal T1 of Tan Son Nhat Airport during the recent Lunar New Year holiday in January 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Minh With a budget of approximately VND11 trillion ($431.2 million), primarily funded by the state-owned Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the T3 terminal project began construction in late 2022. It covers 112,500 sq.m, featuring one basement and four above-ground floors. Additionally, a multi-story vehicle parking structure covering 130,000 sq.m includes two basement levels and four floors above ground. To support the opening of T3, a new road directly connecting the terminal, the Tran Quoc Hoan - Cong Hoa connector road, will open by the end of April, according to Luong Minh Phuc, Director of Ho Chi Minh Citys Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Board. This road includes three access points: two ground-level entries and one elevated bridge. "The construction of this connector road is complete, providing efficient entry and exit points to T3, reducing congestion in the airport area and surrounding streets," Phuc said. Tan Son Nhat's T3 Terminal and the new connector road, March 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Further infrastructure improvements around Tan Son Nhat Airport, such as the newly completed expansion of the Bach Dang and Truong Son intersection, along with ongoing traffic management adjustments, will also enhance passenger flow to and from T3. The opening of Terminal T3 will raise the total annual passenger capacity of Tan Son Nhat Airport to 50 million, establishing it as Vietnams largest domestic terminal. Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. The positions of the Azerbaijani Army have been subjected to fire, Trend reports. At approximately 09:45 on March 16, units of the Armenian armed forces opened fire with small arms on Azerbaijani Army positions from their positions near the Digh settlement in the Gorus region, the Ministry of Defense reported. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has extended condolences to North Macedonia following a devastating fire in the city of Kocani that claimed dozens of lives, Trend reports. "We offer our sincerest condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking loss and hope for a quick and full recovery for those who have been injured," the ministry's statement read. At least 50 people lost their lives in the fire, which broke out during a concert in Kocani. From March 12 to 13,2025 Ambassador Wang Qing visited Kenema, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone at the invitation of Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba. Ambassador Wang attended the launching ceremony of the land rehabilitation project in Tongo Fields, visited communities and schools, and was awarded the title of Honorary Paramount Chief by the Lower Bambara Chiefdom. At the launching ceremony of the land rehabilitation project, Ambassador Wang Qing said that China has long provided assistance within its capacity to support Sierra Leone's economic and social development, including a large number of "smart but beautiful" projects aimed at improving social livelihood. It is expected that the land rehabilitation project supported by the Chinese Embassy will make new contributions to improving the welfare of local people. In accordance with the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, China will strengthen the exchange of experience in poverty alleviation with Sierra Leone, continue to carry out "smart but beautiful" projects and help Sierra Leone better achieve national development. When being awarded the title of Honorary Paramount Chief, Ambassador Wang Qing said that China and Sierra Leone have a deep traditional friendship, and the people of the two countries have always had friendly feelings and are truly good friends, brothers and partners. The Chinese Embassy looks forward to strengthening exchanges with all regions and chiefdoms in Sierra Leone, helping to improve people's well-being, strengthening mutual understanding, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and constantly consolidating the public opinion and social foundation of the friendly cooperation between the two countries. Minister Kabba spoke highly of the traditional friendship between China and Sierra Leone and the fruitful results achieved in the practical cooperation between the two countries. He said that China supports land rehabilitation project in the Tongo Fields, which will help improve the local ecological environment, accelerate economic transformation, and improve people's living standards. It is another vivid example of the practical cooperation between Sierra Leone and China benefiting the people of the two countries. Sierra Leone will take the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries as a guide, strengthen exchanges of experience in governance with China, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and make the friendly and cooperative relations between Sierra Leone and China better benefit the people of Sierra Leone. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. A delegation led by Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, is set to visit Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The visit will include several official meetings, including a session of the inter-parliamentary commission between the Federation Council of Russia and the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan. The meeting will be co-chaired by Andrei Yatskin, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, and Ali Akhmedov, First Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis. The Russian delegation will also include Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs; Vladimir Bulavin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security; Ilyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education, and Culture; Zhanna Chefranova, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy; Ivan Abramov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy; as well as State Duma deputies and Igor Babushkin, Governor of the Astrakhan Region. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. A delegation of Turkman NGOs from Turkiye, Iraq, and Syria began their visit to Azerbaijan on March 14, 2025, to assess the consequences of the Armenian occupation and observe ongoing restoration efforts, Trend reports. The delegation, consisting of NGO chairpersons, public figures, and media representatives, is visiting Azerbaijan with the support of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. As part of their trip, the delegation traveled to the liberated city of Fuzuli, where they inspected the destroyed city center and reviewed the reconstruction work in the region. They also visited Secondary School No. 1 named after Mirza Ulugbek and the Children's Creative Center named after Kurmangazy, where they were briefed on the restoration efforts and the crimes committed by the Armenian side during the occupation. Prior to this, the delegation had also visited Khojaly, Khankendi, and Shusha, where they familiarized themselves with the aftermath of the occupation and the ongoing revival of the region. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with visiting Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko, Trend reports. Mehriban Aliyeva welcomed Valentina Matviyenko, noting that her visit would contribute to the development of inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries. The Speaker of the Federation Council expressed her gratitude to the First Vice-President for the reception and hospitality. Valentina Matviyenko emphasized the importance of inter-parliamentary relations and reciprocal visits of parliamentary delegations in enhancing friendly ties between the two countries. They highlighted that relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are of a strategic partnership nature, and exchanged views on bilateral cultural and humanitarian cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. On March 16, from 20:10 to 20:45, the Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the direction of Burun settlement of Gorus region using small arms several times subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. The U.S. is pleased with Azerbaijan and Armenia taking a step forward toward a peace treaty, said Michael Waltz, National Security Advisor of the U.S., Trend reports. Conflict in the South Caucasus must end. <> We are pleased Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken a big step forward and agreed to a peace treaty, he wrote on his page on X. Waltz pointed out the need to finalize the peace deal as soon as possible. Meanwhile, on March 13, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the completion of negotiations on the draft text of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. "We once again reaffirm Azerbaijans long-term and principled position that the main condition for signing the agreed text is the amendment of Armenia's constitution to remove claims to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We also stress the need for the official dissolution of the outdated and non-functional OSCE Minsk Group and related structures. We are ready to continue bilateral dialogue between the two countries on these and other issues related to the normalization process," the MFA stated. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. Uzbekistan is currently developing a comprehensive national space program through 2035, aimed at advancing the countrys space industry, Director of Uzbekistan's National Space Agency (Uzspace) Shukhrat Kadirov told Trend. "The program is built on a thorough analysis of global trends in the space sector and takes into account Uzbekistan's existing scientific and technological potential. The development of the space strategy is currently in progress, with three main vectors identified," he said. According to him, the first strategic vector focuses on the development of human capital and the creation of a manufacturing base. "We are planning substantial investments in the training of highly skilled specialists, the creation of educational programs in partnership with leading global space centers, as well as the development of modern manufacturing capacities for the design and production of space technologies," the director explained. He noted that the second vector emphasizes the development of space infrastructure. This includes the terrestrial segment - control centers, data reception and processing systems, and testing complexes - as well as the space segment, which involves the creation of a satellite constellation for various purposes. "The third vector pertains to participation in international programs for the exploration of the Moon and Mars. We have adopted a smart specialization strategy. Instead of attempting to compete in areas that are already well-established, we are identifying unique niches where we can offer innovative solutions at optimal costs. This will allow Uzbekistan to make a significant contribution to the development of global space exploration," Shukhrat Kadirov concluded. The official added that once the program is finalized, the strategy will be submitted for approval by relevant ministries and the Government of Uzbekistan. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation, during which they discussed bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues, Trend reports. President Erdogan expressed confidence that Turkiye and the United States would continue to strengthen cooperation in a new format focused on tangible results and sincerity. He emphasized the importance of expanding consultations between the two countries in light of ongoing regional and global events. The conversation particularly focused on President Trump's initiatives to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as his support for Turkiye in achieving a just and lasting peace. Erdogan also addressed the issue of restoring stability in Syria, stressing the need to lift sanctions against the country to facilitate the return of Syrians to their homeland. Additionally, the two leaders discussed the prospects for defense sector cooperation, including resolving issues related to CAATSA sanctions, the purchase of F-16 aircraft, and Turkiye's potential return to the F-35 program. Erdogan expressed hope that the United States would consider Turkiye's interests in the fight against terrorism and further strengthen bilateral relations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 17. The UN is concerned about US strikes on Yemeni territory controlled by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement, the official representative of the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric said in a statement, Trend reports. He said the UN was calling on all parties to stop military action. "We note with concern that the United States has carried out several strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, resulting in deaths and injuries. We are also concerned by the Houthis continued threats to resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. We call for maximum restraint and an end to military operations," he added. The bodies of at least 25 people, including 21 hostages, killed in a train siege by separatist gunmen in Pakistan were retrieved from the site on Thursday ahead of the first funerals, officials said. Security forces said they freed more than 340 train passengers in a two-day rescue operation that ended late on Wednesday after a separatist group bombed a remote railway track in mountainous southwest Balochistan and stormed a train with around 450 passengers on board. The assault was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of a number of separatist groups that accuse outsiders of plundering natural resources in Balochistan near the borders with Afghanistan and Iran. Death tolls have varied, with the military saying in an official statement that "21 innocent hostages" were killed by the militants as well as four soldiers in the rescue operation. A railway official in Balochistan said the bodies of 25 people were transported by train away from the hostage site to the nearby town of Mach on Thursday morning. "Deceased were identified as 19 military passengers, one police and one railway official, while four bodies are yet to be identified," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. A senior local military official overseeing operations confirmed the details. An army official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, earlier put the military toll at 28, including 27 off-duty soldiers taken hostage. Passengers who escaped from the siege said after walking for hours through rugged mountains to reach safety that they saw people being shot dead by militants. The first funerals were expected to take place on Thursday evening, after the Muslim-majority nation broke its daily fast, for the holy month Ramadan. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the provincial capital of Quetta to meet with security officials, his office said. "The Prime Minister expressed grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of security personnel and train passengers during the operation," according to a statement. The BLA released a video of an explosion on the track followed by dozens of militants emerging from hiding places in the mountains to attack the train. Attacks by separatist groups have soared in the past few years, mostly targeting security forces and ethnic groups from outside the province. Muhammad Naveed, who managed to escape, told AFP: "They asked us to come out of the train one by one. They separated women and asked them to leave. They also spared elders." "They asked us to come outside, saying we will not be harmed. When around 185 people came outside, they chose people and shot them down." Babar Masih, a 38-year-old Christian labourer, told AFP on Wednesday he and his family walked for hours through rugged mountains to reach a train that could take them to a makeshift hospital on a railway platform. "Our women pleaded with them and they spared us," he said. "They told us to get out and not look back. As we ran, I noticed many others running alongside us." Security forces have been battling a decades-long insurgency in impoverished Balochistan but last year saw a surge in violence in the province compared with 2023, according to the independent Center for Research and Security Studies. Violent tornadoes wreaked havoc across parts of the U.S. on Saturday, leaving at least 17 people dead and causing extensive damage as the storms moved eastward through the Mississippi Valley and Deep South. The deadly storm system brought whipping winds, decimating homes and sparking chaos across multiple states. Missouri Hit Hardest, With 11 Confirmed Deaths The state of Missouri bore the brunt of the devastation as multiple tornadoes swept through overnight, killing at least 11 people. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported numerous injuries in addition to the fatalities. One of the most tragic scenes was in Butler County, where a man was killed when a tornado destroyed his home. "It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field," said Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County. "The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls." Rescuers were able to save a woman from the wreckage, Akers added. Arkansas and Texas Also Report Fatalities In Arkansas, the deadly storm claimed the lives of three people in Independence County, with 29 others injured across eight counties. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the losses and noted that teams were surveying the damage and first responders were on the ground to assist. "We have teams out surveying the damage from last night's tornadoes and have first responders on the ground to assist," Sanders posted on X. Meanwhile, in Texas, a dust storm on Friday led to the tragic deaths of three people in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle during a car crash caused by low visibility. Destructive Weather System Spurs Wildfires, Dust Storms, and Tornadoes The storms, part of a massive weather system moving across the country, also unleashed deadly dust storms and helped fuel more than 100 wildfires. Gusts of wind up to 80 mph (130 kph) were predicted, stretching from the Canadian border to Texas. These winds also raised concerns over blizzards in colder northern regions and wildfire risks in the warmer, drier areas to the south. Evacuations in Oklahoma as Fires Rage In Oklahoma, more than 130 fires have been reported, damaging or destroying nearly 300 homes. Gov. Kevin Stitt announced that around 266 square miles (689 square kilometers) had been consumed by the fires. Wind gusts were so strong that several tractor-trailers were toppled. "This is terrible out here," said Charles Daniel, a truck driver hauling a 48-foot trailer on Interstate 40. "There's a lot of sand and dirt in the air. I'm not pushing it over 55 mph. I'm scared it will blow over if I do." March Weather Extremes Expected Experts pointed out that such extreme weather events are not uncommon for March. The Storm Prediction Center warned that the fast-moving storms could generate tornadoes and hail as large as baseballs. The biggest threat, however, was expected to come from straight-line winds that could reach or exceed hurricane-force, with gusts up to 100 mph (160 kph) possible. The areas most at risk for significant tornadoes, some of which could be long-track and violent, were expected to be Louisiana and Mississippi in the afternoon, followed by Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle in the evening. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as these storms progress. Google has unveiled an update to its artificial intelligence chatbot, Gemini, introducing a personalized experimental version known as "Gemini with Personalization." This new feature allows the chatbot to access users' search history to provide more personalized results and recommendations. In a recent press release, Dave Citron, the product director of Gemini, shared the company's vision for the AI assistant. "With Gemini, we are creating an AI personal assistant that is not limited to answering general questions, but understands you," said Citron. He added, "All these updates are designed so that Gemini feels less like a tool and more like a natural extension of you." Google emphasized that user privacy remains a priority with the new feature. The company clarified that Gemini will ask users for permission before connecting to their search history or other applications, and users can easily disconnect this connection whenever they want, according to ABC Color. CNET further reports that the personalization feature is activated only if the user agrees to personal data collection, applying an opt-in method. The integration of search history enables Gemini to analyze queries more effectively. ABC Color explains that when a user asks a question, the chatbot will determine if their search history can improve the response. This approach allows Gemini to provide "insightful and directly needs-meeting answers," tailoring its responses to individual preferences. Looking ahead, Google plans to expand Gemini's access to other applications. In the coming months, the chatbot will gain access to services such as Photos, Calendar, Notes, and YouTube, enhancing its ability to understand user activities and preferences, as reported by ABC Color. This expansion aims to further personalize the user experience by drawing from a broader understanding of individual interests. The rollout of the personalized features is gradual. ABC Color notes that the mobile version is being released progressively and will be available in more than 40 languages in most countries. However, availability on the mobile app often lags behind the web version by a few days. The personalization feature will initially launch as an experimental option for Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers, web-only for now, in over 45 languages, and will expand to mobile over time. Early testers have found the personalized Gemini helpful for brainstorming and getting tailored recommendations. Users can now ask prompts like "Where should I go on vacation?" or "I want to start a YouTube channel but need content ideas," where Gemini could tie the response to what it already knows about the user's interests. The integration of the new Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking model enhances the chatbot's reasoning capabilities. With this model powering the chatbot, Deep Research now lays down its thought process and reasoning. This pairing is part of Google's effort to enhance the quality of its reports and provide more transparent responses. Google also addressed potential privacy concerns. "This will enable Gemini to provide more personalized insights, drawing from a broader understanding of your activities and preferences to deliver responses that truly resonate with you," stated the company in a blog post. Hyper-personalization is an important trend among AI this year. Additionally, Google assures users that it will only reference a user's search results when it determines they can meaningfully improve the output. Users can enable the personalization feature from the Gemini app in the browser if they are Gemini or Gemini Advanced subscribers. While some may feel uneasy about the AI reading search history, the utility it provides may alleviate privacy concerns over time. Moreover, Gemini is set to improve at handling cross-app requests between Google's different services. Gizmodo reports that the AI assistant will enhance its integration with applications like Calendar and Photos, further enriching the personalized experience. Google's updates to Gemini arrive shortly after competitive movements in the AI industry. ABC Color notes that these updates come just a month after the Chinese AI DeepSeek shook the U.S. tech market with its low costs. Originally published on Tech Times The first US strikes against Yemen's Houthis since President Donald Trump took office in January killed at least 31 people, the rebels said Sunday, as Washington warned Iran to stop backing the group. The Houthis, who have attacked Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, said children were among those killed by the intense barrage of strikes. An AFP photographer in the rebel-held capital Sanaa heard three explosions and saw plumes of smoke rising. Attacks on the rebel-held capital Sanaa, as well as on areas in Saada, Al Bayda and Radaa killed 31 people and wounded 101, "most of whom were children and women", Houthi health ministry spokesperson Anis Al-Asbahi said in a statement. Trump, in a post on social media, vowed to "use overwhelming lethal force" and ordered Iran to "immediately" cut its support. The Houthis warned that the strikes "will not pass without response". At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the deaths and said Washington had "no authority" to dictate its foreign policy. The Houthi Ansarollah website slammed what it called "US-British aggression" and Washington's "criminal brutality". The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which posted images of fighters and a bomb demolishing a building compound, said "precision strikes" were launched to "defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation". There was no immediate comment from British authorities. "Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation," the rebels' political bureau said in a statement on their Al-Masirah TV station. The rebels, who have controlled much of Yemen for more than a decade, are part of the "axis of resistance" of pro-Iran groups staunchly opposed to Israel and the United States. They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks at ships passing Yemen in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Houthis had "attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023". The campaign crippled the vital route, which normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies into a costly detour around southern Africa. The Palestinian group Hamas, grateful for the Houthi support, hit out Saturday at the U.S. strikes, branding them "a stark violation of international law and an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability". The United States has launched several rounds of strikes on Huthi targets, some with British support. After halting their attacks when Gaza's ceasefire took effect in January, the Houthis announced on Tuesday that they would resume them until Israel lifts its blockade of aid to the shattered Palestinian territory. Trump's statement did not reference the dispute over Israel but focused on previous Huthi attacks on merchant shipping. "To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!" he said. "Do NOT threaten the American People, their President... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" Earlier this month, the United States reclassified the Houthi movement as a "foreign terrorist organisation", banning any U.S. interaction with it. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Moscow is close to Tehran, which supports the Houthis. "Continued Houthi attacks on U.S. military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated," Rubio told Lavrov on Saturday, according to the State Department. The war devastated the already impoverished nation. Fighting has largely been on hold since a 2022 ceasefire, but the promised peace process has stalled in the face of Houthi attacks on Israel and Israel-linked shipping. Pankaj Mishra, 56, belongs to that category of intellectuals like Edward Said or Arundhati Roy who adeptly use the tools of Western culture to dismantle prejudices and historical conventions. To show that other parts of the world, much larger and more populated than Europe or the United States, have a completely different perspective and vision of events. With a precise and deeply creative style, this essayist and novelist born in Jhansi, India has been able, over a career spanning three decades, to create award-winning novels such as The Romantics (2000) and Run and Hide (2022), and also to devote himself to the study of the great events of our era with essays that have marked the public debate, such as The Age of Anger: A History of the Present (2017), in which he delves into the origins of the great wave of hatred that populates the world, or Bland Fanatics: Liberals, Race, and Empire (2020), where he analyzes why Anglo-American liberalism and capitalism were imposed as the only possible alternative. Mishra decides to chat with EL PAIS on a grey and humid London morning. The meeting takes place near Oxford Circus. He is hungry and suggests going to eat something at a very popular Indian restaurant. He barely touches his masala dosa, a crepe with potato and curry filling very popular in southern India. For an hour and a half, he passionately discusses his new book, The World After Gaza, his sentimental and critical relationship with Israeli Zionism, and his vision of the destruction of Gaza as the harbinger of a new culture of impunity. The conversation also touches on other issues, such as the Ukrainian crisis, the rise of Donald Trump and the right-wing attack on what is contemptuously called woke to mean feminism, the fight against climate change and the defense of a reasonable rhetoric around illegal immigration. Question: Donald Trump is now calling for the Gaza Strip to be cleared of Gazans, so that the United States can build a new Riviera there. Answer. Even I hadnt really imagined that what the destruction of Gaza portended was going to be as dark as it seems today. Donald Trumps victory, and then the first traumatic four weeks of his presidency, have turned the world upside down. It has basically instituted a kind of global rule of predatory imperialism, whether it is Donald Trump wanting Greenland and Gaza or Vladimir Putin wanting Ukraine. Its two gangsters coming to a deal among themselves. Q. Are you surprised by the Wests lack of reaction to the tragedy in Gaza? A. Our political classes in large parts of the Western world, and, of course, in the United States, have been desensitized. There, moral sensibilities have been numbed to the point where they stopped registering just how much of a break with international norms, with basic morality, the destruction of Gaza was. The true shock of the horror that Trump has inaugurated is still not being properly registered. Q. Gaza, like the beginning of a darker era A. I keep thinking that Gaza in retrospect, 20 or 30 years from now, will be the same harbinger of fascism across a very broad sweep of the Western world, the same kind of harbinger that the Spanish Civil War was in the 1930s to total war and destruction. And even back then, people like George Orwell, who were there, who witnessed the Spanish Civil War and participated in it, were very aware of the participation of countries like Germany. Lets not forget, Guernica was destroyed by German bombs. It was not something confined to the Spanish Peninsula, it was the inauguration of a continent-wide destruction of norms, of values, of principles. And I believe we are definitely heading towards much darker times. Mishra has this year published The World After Gaza. Manuel Vazquez Q. But you do not want to make a complete criticism of Zionism. You defend its original causes A. There was a time when it inspired a different kind of hope that Europeans in a part of the Middle East would create a socialist state. That is why illustrious figures such as Primo Levi or Jean Amery felt such an attraction to the Israeli cause. They were left-wing people convinced that an egalitarian and humanist socialist state was being created. Today, Israels great defenders are people such as the maniacal president of Argentina, Javier Milei, the former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, or Donald Trump. And some of the most notorious anti-Semites in the West, such as Viktor Orban, Marine Le Pen, Matteo Salvini or Santiago Abascal. Q. The latter are the heirs of those who saw Jewish-Masonic conspiracies everywhere, yet today they show unconditional support for the government of Israel. A. Israel represents to them a contempt for norms, particularly liberal norms, that they are struggling against in their own national political context, norms they see they see as a big constraint on their ability to do the things that they promised to do. Israel for them represents an exhilarating possibility, that you can ethnically cleanse an entire population in 2025, that you can have mass deportations. I think the culture of cruelty and the culture of impunity that Israel embodies at present is a very dangerous thing because it is enabling similar cultures of cruelty and impunity elsewhere. Q. You claim that many of these strange allies of Israel remain deeply antisemitic A. Theyve never departed from the conviction that Jews are a profoundly disruptive force, that they represent a kind of liberal modernity that they hate. That they represent a liberalism, a capitalism, and a cultural Marxism that they detest. Basically, that they are lefties. Theyre also people who gave us socialism or who were responsible for Marxist revolutionary movements. All that suspicion has not been dispelled by a very different history in the last 50 or 60 years. They are not interested in the Jewish aspect of Israel. Theyre interested in a country that violates all kinds of protocols and all kinds of norms. Back at home they will continue their anti-Semitic messages. Q. The grotesque handover of the bodies of Israeli hostages staged by Hamas predisposes international public opinion against the Palestinian cause. A. Of course, the handing over of the bodies of the kidnapped children [Kfir and Ariel Bibas] was an act of barbarism, but so is the bombing of Palestinian universities or the killing of children by Israeli snipers. Palestinians have always been handicapped by a leadership not able to present its case persuasively to not just the Israelis, but also to an international audience. This was something that people like Edward Said were concerned about, and that is why he ended up breaking with Yasser Arafat. But today we also see clearly that Israel has made many attempts to completely crush the possibility of a decent and viable Palestinian leadership. They had no problem promoting Hamas, bankrolling this organization for a long time. Theyre very much invested in the idea of keeping Hamas a player, because then they can continuously offer evidence for this claim that they are existentially threatened, and that these people are about to bring about another Holocaust in Israel. Q. You argue that Israel has fostered its nationalism on the basis of the memory of the Holocaust. A. The personal memory of the Shoah obviously existed in the minds and souls of all the survivors and those who lost loved ones. But collective memory is something quite different. It is something literally created and constructed by institutions, by educational institutions, by the state, by the media, and even by popular culture. Israel did not begin as a homogeneous national community. A large part of the population came from parts of the Middle East, from Arab countries. They had no experience or memory of the Shoah whatsoever. Their own identity was very fluid. The language of many of them was Arabic. The narrative of the Shoah was a construction of European Jews, especially their politicians, who decided that this was the glue that could bind together the different components of the Jewish population, each of them with a different historical experience. Q. You have always argued that the great process that defined the second half of the 20th century was decolonization, and that it is still present. A. Everything we are experiencing today shows how much the structures and mentalities of a certain kind of racial imperialism from the 19th century onwards have never really been truly dispelled. They are still there. Lets take over Greenland, force the Ukrainians to part with their rare minerals, turn Gaza into a new Riviera. These are projects of just grab-and-run imperialism and degrading dark-skinned people. Most people thought that this was now retreating. We were all investing in moral progress and social progress and social liberalism. Q. In these culture wars of recent years, which include the critical study of this imperial past, the left seems to be in retreat. Today, identity politics, pejoratively known as woke, are being attacked without mercy. A. If you talk about the remnants of imperialism in the U.K. today, youre denounced as woke; if you stand up for trans people, youre denounced as woke. Thats the excuse given by many people who have been complicit in the failures and disasters of recent years, who havent thought too much about a certain kind of global capitalism that has created deep inequalities and enormous resentment among the population of Western Europe. They dont realize that a vote for Trump is a vote against the system, not necessarily against woke. Its quite an interesting move to divert the conversation away from economic matters and inequality. Q. From the very beginning you were one of the voices who warned the West that much of the world, the Global South, was not so committed to helping Ukraine. A. The non-Western world has never felt involved in this battle against Russia for many reasons. A number of these countries, like India, depend on Russia for arms supplies or oil supplies. They are not going to break that relationship. Or look at China, for example, which has its own special relationship with Moscow and its own interests. But also, many of them do not understand the moral arguments for going against Putin. They see NATO as an aggressive and expansionist power, and they think that extending its reach right up to the Russian border is a terrible provocation. Even if they think Putin is a deranged imperialist, they do not believe that he just invented the NATO threat. This is something that Gorbachev spoke about. This is something Boris Yeltsin complained about. Q. And in that sense, you believe that the Ukrainian crisis has revealed that the emperor was naked. A. What the Ukrainian crisis has shown in the eyes of many people around the world, both with the ineffectual sanctions regime deployed against Russia and with the war itself, which has not inflicted serious defeats on Moscow, is that the West is today much weaker than it was. That it cannot support its claims to be a world leader in any credible way whatsoever, neither economically nor militarily. That without the help of China, without the help of India, sanctioning Russia will not work. Both the Ukraine and Gaza cases have shown the diplomatic, military and moral weakness of the West. Q. You end your book with a certain glimmer of hope, contemplating the student mobilizations against the destruction of Gaza. A. In todays climate of greed, violence and expansion, seeing young protesters defending values such as compassion, solidarity, empathy and feelings for the weak and the poor is a radical statement of intent. We are moving away from a technocratic left-wing language that spoke of redistribution and equality to claim instead certain basic moral principles that have always been present in philosophy and religion, and which we had disastrously lost sight of. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Starbucks has been ordered to pay $50 million to a California drive-through customer who suffered severe burns from a spilled hot drink. Michael Garcia was handed a tray of venti-sized drinks at a Starbucks drive-through on Feb. 8, 2020. As Garcia took the tray, one of the drinks, which had not been properly secured by the barista, spilled and caused severe burns to his genitals. Garcia, who required skin grafts and other medical procedures, underwent life-changing surgeries as a result of the burns. His lawyers successfully argued that the barista's failure to secure the drink in the tray directly led to the spill and subsequent injuries. The lawsuit claimed that Starbucks breached its duty of care to ensure customer safety. A Los Angeles County jury agreed, awarding Garcia a substantial payout. "This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility," said one of Garcia's attorneys, Nick Rowley, in a statement to The Associated Press. While the jury awarded Garcia $50 million, three jurors dissented and argued that the payout should be $125 million, according to Garcia's attorney, Nicholas Rowley, as reported by the Daily Journal. Starbucks, based in Seattle, disagreed with the jury's decision and announced plans to appeal the verdict. "We disagree with the jury's decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive," the company stated in a response to the media. They also emphasized their commitment to maintaining "the highest safety standards" in handling hot drinks. In its defense, Starbucks contended that Garcia's actions contributed to the spill, claiming he failed to exercise ordinary care. The incident occurred at the company's location at 1789 West Jefferson Blvd. Before trial, Starbucks offered $3 million to settle the case and later raised the offer to $30 million. Garcia initially agreed to settle under the condition that the company apologize and revise its safety standards. However, Starbucks refused to meet those terms, according to Rowley. The verdict highlights the importance of safety standards and has placed a spotlight on the risks of handling hot beverages in drive-throughs. Fifty-one people were killed and more than 100 others injured when a fire broke out early on Sunday in a nightclub in the North Macedonian town of Kocani, according to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski. The fire was caused by "pyrotechnic devices" used during a concert, Toskovski explained. He added, "Sparks caused fire ... and fire spread through the discotheque." A video from the event shows a band performing on stage with two flares shooting white sparks into the air, according to Reuters. The sparks ignited the ceiling above the band, causing the fire to spread. The band members can be seen stepping away as the video cuts. Firefighters were shown dousing the smoldering entrance to the nightclub, named 'Pulse,' in local TV footage. According to North Macedonia's MRT public broadcaster, 27 people were hospitalized at the Skopje City Hospital with severe burns, while another 23 were treated at the Clinical Center. Among the injured were minors, the broadcaster reported. The blaze began at 3:00 a.m. in Kocani. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his sorrow in a post on Facebook, saying, "This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia! The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, the pain of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable." He also urged authorities to take urgent measures, calling for health services and relevant institutions to assist the injured and support the families affected. This is a developing story. Participants pose for a group photo after a forum during the 2024 Tsinghua International Conference on Art & Design Education (ICADE 2024) in Milan, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU] Tsinghua University ranked No. 1 in Asia and No. 14 globally for arts and design, and No. 2 in Asia and No. 3 worldwide for art history in the 15th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, released on March 12 by global higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds. Both disciplines are part of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU). Notably, the art and design discipline rose 10 places in the global rankings, while the art history climbed 2 places. In its largest-ever subject rankings, Quacquarelli Symonds compared over 21,000 academic programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities across 100 countries and regions, spanning 55 subjects and five faculty areas. The Chinese mainland ranked third globally with 1,230 subjects listed, trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom. According to AADTHU's official website, the academy's achievements are deeply rooted in its strong commitment to constructing an integrated interdisciplinary system and to pioneering internationalized education. By leading the reform of global art education, AADTHU is crafting a new professional development blueprint with an open approach. It is deepening its strategy of integrating art and science, advancing the development of interdisciplinary talent, and fostering innovation in technology and design, cultivating professionals with expertise in both the sciences and humanities. In 2024, the academy invited 44 professors from prestigious global institutions, alongside artists, designers and industry leaders, for short-term programs. These initiatives featured 30 lectures, eight courses and two workshops, drawing over 1,000 faculty and student participants. Beyond this, the academy hosted 42 distinguished international experts as keynote speakers at conferences it either organized or co-hosted. Notable events from 2024 include an opening forum on the integration of art design and industry innovation in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) at Milan Academic Week in Milan, Italy, in January, as well as the 6th Art and Science International Symposium held in Beijing in March. Meanwhile, the 2024 Tsinghua International Conference on Art & Design Education (ICADE 2024), themed "New Dimensions: Imagination Beyond the Horizon," and the exhibition "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" were successfully held in Milan and Beijing, respectively, in November. Further highlights from last year include the "Arts and Crafts Artworks Exhibition of AADTHU" held in Wakayama prefecture, Japan, and a special exhibition and international symposium on Dunhuang art research, which opened at the China-France Fashion Week in Paris, France. "Brilliance of Cooperation: The Olympic Art Exhibition of Tsinghua University" was also held in Lausanne, Switzerland, in October. Additionally, Tsinghua University's doctoral degree authorization points for the first-level disciplines of both art studies and design studies successfully passed an on-site evaluation in October by experts from peer higher education institutions. Earlier this year in January, the China Scientometrics and Bibliometrics Research Center of CNKI also named 11 faculty members from AADTHU as "2024 CNKI Highly Cited Scholars." CNKI stands for China National Knowledge Infrastructure, a leading online academic database. AADTHU offers a diverse range of disciplines across 10 departments, including textile and fashion design, ceramic design, visual communication design, environmental art design, industrial design, information art & design, painting, sculpture, arts and crafts, and art history. The academy also features specialized offices for research, international exchanges, and art galleries. The academy's website also showed in recent years, AADTHU has continued to enhance its international standards, strengthen global academic exchanges, and expand its influence in international art education. Its art and design discipline, among the earliest in China to grant master's and doctoral degrees, consistently ranks first nationally, emphasizing interdisciplinary, innovative, and globally competent talent development. AADTHU's Department of Art History has also ranked among the top in national evaluations, with over half of its graduates securing positions at universities, museums, and research institutions. AADTHU pledges to use its expertise to support a global community with a shared future. Guided by the principle of "art for life, design for livelihood," it is contributing to addressing rural revitalization, livelihood development and global issues, making art a force for progress and contributing Tsinghua's wisdom to world civilization. The quadruped robot has been brought out through the companys back door for a demonstration. At 123 pounds, its made of titanium alloy and has an AI-powered brain thats capable of identifying terrain and adapting its movements accordingly. The robot is utilized for rescue operations, security and logistics work, as well as policing duties. The robot climbs steps, walks through mud, scampers up to hedges. Visitors take photos. Several of them are businessmen who are interested in buying one. One observer whose company plans to buy it in order to carry out surveillance work in an industrial park tests its endurance by giving it a tremendous kick: the robot takes a couple of steps back, but doesnt flinch. The scene takes place in a park next to a canal. Some locals, including a woman pushing a baby in a stroller, stop to admire it. These are the kinds of things you can see in Hangzhou, a city of almost 12 million people on Chinas east coast. Its the new, local, Silicon Valley. The city, located in Zhejiang province, has gained prominence as a technological hub since the emergence of DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence company whose model competes head to head with OpenAI, at a much lower cost. DeepSeek has pure Hangzhou DNA: its founder, Liang Wenfeng, graduated from Zhejiang University, which has its campus in the city. Years later, in 2023, he established his corporate headquarters here. Hangzhous techno-business drive is noticeable from the moment you arrive at the station via bullet train: a huge panel shows the location of the parking lot for DiDis (the Chinese version of Ubers), which travelers have ordered on their cell phones. Numerous technological giants have flourished here, such as the e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba or the internet services company NetEase. Their presence has helped give rise to an ecosystem that has an abundance of young people dedicated to technology. And this has, in turn, promoted the birth of a new wave of local companies, dubbed in the Chinese press as the Six Little Dragons. These promising start-ups include DeepSeek; the video game studio Game Science, creator of the successful Black Myth: Wukong; the brain-machine interface BrainCo, as well as the firm specializing in quadruped robots, Deep Robotics, whose machine has just moved around the park. Deep Robotics has a very similar history to that of DeepSeek. It was founded in 2017, also by two former students of Zhejiang University. It now has around 200 employees and an order list for robots that they cannot keep up with, according to Zhang Yatao, the companys director of foreign sales. He doesnt offer EL PAIS an exact figure. Its confidential, he notes, because we have close cooperation with the government. Zhang places the university campus among the key reasons for the citys development. Without this, its not possible to [build high-level] technology. He compares it to the ETH in Zurich (where Einstein was a student and teacher), and MIT. Others compare it to Stanford, the quarry of Silicon Valley. The university, according to some Chinese rankings, is the third-most prestigious in the country. In 2023, it was ranked sixth in the world in the index of research institutions put together by the academic journal Nature. It stands out in terms of providing technological degrees. And its not only known for research, but also for promoting the implementation of ideas through companies. To this, Zhang adds, must be added the support provided by the local government administrations. At the beginning, it was very difficult: there was no profit, no office, no factory While he speaks, in the demonstration room, several of his robots walk among the visitors. The secret, he says, is the firms motion control algorithm. It means that [the robot] can detect the environment. It recognizes mountains, stairs, the terrain A routine is programmed for the robot: a circuit that goes from point A to point B. And, from there, it does its job on its own. Its not difficult to imagine future wars between similar robots. Alternatively, perhaps they could use their cuddles to fill nursing homes with joy. This headquarters, Zhang continues, was rented from the local government at very low prices in the first few years. The company also received aid to promote itself overseas, by sending employees to international fairs. And the city, he concludes, has a less stressful pace of life than Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen. In these megacities, the technology sector has also boomed, but the cost of living has skyrocketed. Hence, Hangzhou is attractive to young people. Here, its possible to find a balance between work and life, he affirms. And the city is very beautiful. A giant screen shows Chinese President Xi Jinping shaking hands with DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng, during a meeting in February of 2025. Florence Lo (REUTERS) Hangzhou is huge. There are tourist-packed areas, with old-fashioned neighborhoods and a dreamy lake, as well as modern areas with glass and steel towers and young people sipping coffee. Last year, it was voted number one on the Milken Institutes index of the best-performing Chinese cities. The report highlights its evolution from a tourist attraction to an e-commerce hub, driven by the Alibaba Group, one of the worlds largest online retail companies. The index also cites Hangzhous diverse industrial landscape, the considerable investments in science and technology, as well as the the constant flow of high-quality talent provided by Zhejiang University. Since DeepSeeks emergence, it has also become a destination for bloggers and curious visitors. One of them who is starting a technology publication is standing in front of an office building called Galaxy International. The AI company is based on one floor, but the security guards are firm: Nobody is allowed to visit. So, the blogger, who admires the citys technological model, continues his route to the headquarters of Unitree, another humanoid robot company. The founder of DeepSeek had only given two interviews before the U.S. stock market crash he caused this past January. Now, hes revered among Chinas technology gurus. In mid-February, he was received by President Xi Jinping in a rare meeting with businessmen from the technology sector. The top leader promised them his administrations support, but also asked them for a patriotic commitment. Restrictions and innovation Chinas technological commitment is notable from the top-down. Beijing perceives that this area represents a significant part of the race between superpowers (China and the USA). Washington has been pushing the Asian giant with technological restrictions since Donald Trumps first term. DeepSeek has been a source of national pride, in part because it has continued developing new technology despite this external pressure. Wherever theres a blockage, theres progress; wherever theres repression, theres innovation, quipped Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, March 7, when he took questions about DeepSeek during a press conference. Hangzhou is a central part of the communist authorities strategy: Innovation is the main driving force of development, Prime Minister Li Qiang affirmed, during a visit to Hangzhou in December of 2024. Its an innovative city and its nice for young people, says Xiao Yuan, 25, as he eats fish meat with chopsticks. He speaks with EL PAIS while sitting in a restaurant in a neighborhood called Future Sci-Tech City, which houses numerous companies among parks with names like Three Dimensional Future Park. Xiao Yuan isnt his real name. He prefers to hide it, because the company he works for a top-level technology company, one of those that has problems with the United States doesnt allow employees to speak with the press. Hes a mathematician, an expert in algorithms. And his company, which is headquartered in another city, has several thousand workers in Hangzhou. He currently earns around 30,000 yuan ($4,100) a month. He lives with his girlfriend not far away from the restaurant. And the conversation is interesting: he talks about three-dimensional space recognition using lasers, as well as the coming industrial revolution of AI. After lunch, while walking between the skyscrapers, with a coffee in hand, he comments on the U.S. restrictions: In the short-term, they can slow down Chinas development but in the long-term, its not necessarily bad, because it can force China to make innovations. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Fort Garry Hotel - Image Credit TravelBoom Marketing Fort Garry Hotel, an iconic property in Winnipeg, Canada, has partnered with TravelBoom Hotel Marketing to modernize its digital marketing strategies. With TravelBooms expertise in web development, SEO, and PPC campaigns, the historic hotel is set to attract a new generation of guests while maintaining its legacy of excellence. Known for its blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury, Fort Garry Hotel is dedicated to providing unparalleled guest experiences. The hotels recent collaboration with TravelBoom will focus on strengthening its digital footprint and connecting with travelers who value tradition and sophistication. TravelBooms tailored solutions and deep understanding of the hospitality industry made them the perfect choice for Fort Garry Hotel, said Maria Cefali, Director of Marketing. Were confident their innovative approach will help us attract discerning travelers while preserving the essence of our brand. Key elements of the partnership include: Were honored to work with Fort Garry Hotel and contribute to their legacy of excellence, said Pete DiMaio, COO of TravelBoom. Our customized strategies will enable them to reach new audiences while driving direct bookings and maximizing profitability. 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. In the southwest of the state of Para, Brazil, beneath the vast, darkened waters of the Tapajos River, which slowly meander through the dense Amazon rainforest, a stealthy misfortune creeps along. With the river current, mercury spreads: an invisible poison that does not kill with the immediacy of a bullet, but that leaves a trail of violent disruption in every body it hits, like an unannounced sentence. Seven years ago, the inhabitants of the Munduruku Indigenous land, which belongs to the Tapajos region, began to notice a significant increase in strange health phenomena that aroused widespread concern among the communities. Some children were born with cerebral palsy, others faced severe difficulties in walking, while many adults had developed tremors, vision loss, and neurological problems such as memory lapses. We didnt understand what was happening, why so many people were having these problems, Alessandra Korap Munduruku, an Indigenous leader and socio-environmental activist, told EL PAIS. We suspected that these problems were related to mining, but we needed help. It was in 2018 that the Munduruku people decided to ask the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) to carry out an investigation into the health status of its members. By analyzing hair samples from residents of three Munduruku villages, as well as fish from the tributaries of the river that flows through these communities, researchers discovered that six out of 10 people analyzed were contaminated with levels of mercury higher than those recommended by international safety standards, which caused irreversible health problems. In addition, fish, the most accessible food source in the region, was one of the main carriers of the toxic substance. The river was sick and it was making everyone sick, says Korap. We observed adults with severe neurological disorders associated with high mercury contamination, says Paulo Basta, a doctor and one of the researchers in charge of the Fiocruz study. We saw children with disabilities in the main developmental milestones: they were slow to sit up, crawl, stand up or speak their first words. Some had congenital abnormalities, says the scientist. We often say that these populations live in a state of socio-environmental vulnerability. But in addition to historical vulnerabilities, there is an overlap of factors related to mining and contamination that aggravate their situation. A miner displays gold illegally mined in Yanomami territory ahead of planned operations in Alto Alegre, Roraima State, Brazil, in February 2023. Edmar Barros (AP) Mercury is commonly used by miners to extract gold. The substance binds to mineral grains and water, forming a metallic amalgam that is then heated, evaporating the mercury to obtain pure gold. Since 1980, the Munduruku Indigenous people have suffered the consequences of the invasion of illegal gold prospectors. But in recent years, the increase in its price has triggered interest in these illegal activities in lands protected by the Brazilian state, as well as in other countries in South America. In December 2024, a Brazilian Federal Police operation dismantled a gold trafficking scheme illegally extracting from Indigenous lands, including the Munduruku. The criminal group recruited citizens from various nations to dispatch suitcases loaded with gold on commercial flights. Authorities estimate that these individuals removed about a ton of gold from the state of Para, with an estimated value of around $686 million. We are living in a time of many attacks. The garimpeiros [illegal miners] come, destroy the river, take the gold, and leave after making us all sick, says Korap, who has noticed an increase in illegal mining activity near his land. Brazilian Federal Police Commissioner Adriano Sombra, who leads the institutions actions against environmental crimes in the north of the country, says that with the recent rise in the price of gold, criminal organizations have seen a greater incentive to invest in illegal mines in territories with difficult geographic access. We have had to step up operations in recent months. Many criminals are turning more to cross-border traffic by road, which was previously seen as too risky. If before, for many, it was not worth taking the risks of being stopped at the border with illegal minerals, now the price encourages them to do so, says Sombra. So far this year, the price of an ounce of gold has risen significantly, reaching an all-time high of $2,954.95 at the end of February, an increase of 57.7% compared to the value recorded by the precious metal in the same period last year. Prior to the price increase, gold was already an ideal vehicle for illicit activities, as it allows value to be moved very easily outside the financial sector, says David Soud, director of research and analysis at consultancy IR Concilium. The increase in its price has made gold even more attractive, as it has concentrated wealth even more, he says. An officer from Brazil's National Public Security Force stands next to a gold extraction pump motor on the Munduruku Indigenous land, in the state of Para, Brazil, last November. Adriano Machado (REUTERS) In times of political turmoil, war, and a weak global economy, some individuals, companies and nations turn to gold to preserve their fortunes. But at the same time, gold is used in some places to evade international sanctions or launder illicit money. The problem arises when there is no transparency, says Julia Yansura, director of the Environmental Crime and Illicit Finance Program at the FACT Coalition. Criminal organizations are increasingly using gold to accelerate the movement of their illicit finances, and the impact of this tends to spread to countries other than where the gold is mined. According to Soud, criminal groups often launder illegally mined gold very quickly after it leaves the mine. Records are falsified, miners who do not exist are invented, and the mines are so remote that the state cannot move resources to verify them, he explains. The same people are often behind many companies; they set them up for a short period of time then close the front company and open new ones. Gold is satisfying all the logistical needs of organized crime, Yansura adds. And the impact goes beyond the financial. In countries like Brazil, measures such as the implementation of electronic tax records and the end of the presumption of good faith in mining declarations for sale in the formal market helped to strangle illegal gold trafficking. But the specialists interviewed by EL PAIS maintain that once the price of the mineral increases to historic values, the notions of risk expand and crime proliferates for greater profit. For Yansura, the fight against illegal gold trafficking must begin by expanding control over the formal legal entities that move the resources. It is important to address this problem from the financial side. Most countries try to attack the challenge by hitting operations, but that is not effective. This is something that will require greater regional coordination in the future. These practices leave a type of environmental degradation that falls on society. Massive deforestation, water pollution, and violence are direct consequences of them, and they must be stopped, says Larissa Rodrigues, Research Director of the Escolhas Institute. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition MassDOT and Fundacion MAPFRE High School Roadway Safety Public Service Contest? BOSTON The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), in collaboration with global nonprofit Fundacion MAPFRE, announced the launch of the third annual roadway safety public service contest for Massachusetts high school students. The contest, which was launched in 2022 as part of Fundacion MAPFRE's Look Both Ways Program, seeks to help students raise awareness with their peers and underscore the importance of being safe while driving on roadways across the Commonwealth. "MassDOT is excited to renew our partnership with Fundacion MAPFRE for the third annual roadway safety education contest," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "Engaging young drivers in safety education is a crucial step in our mission to enhance road safety, and we look forward to seeing the innovative ideas that students will present this year. Their participation is vital to our efforts to create a future free of roadway injuries and fatalities." To enter the contest, high schools can visit: https://www.fundacionmapfre.org/en/look-both-ways/ . The deadline for contest submissions is Friday, March 21. Students with the winning submission will work with the Boston Creative Communications Agency (CTP) to produce the spot, which is anticipated to air in the spring before prom and graduation season. Additionally, the winning students' school will receive a $3,000 prize provided by Fundacion MAPFRE. "While statistics show a decline in road-related fatalities among young drivers over the past several decades, it remains the leading cause of death for that group," said Jaime Tamayo, Chief Representative of Fundacion MAPFRE in the United States and CEO of MAPFRE USA. "It is inspiring to watch students deliver a serious message in creative ways to reinforce the importance of safe driving habits. This contest represents a great example of how peer-to-peer engagement can encourage change." Fundacion MAPFRE, a non-profit based in Madrid, Spain, with North American headquarters in Webster, Massachusetts, aims to promote the well-being of society. One of the action areas to which the foundation is dedicated is prevention and road safety. It believes that, if the Vision Zero movement in 1997 led to a revolution in our understanding of road safety, the current goal should be to reach the point where there are no fatalities or road-related injuries. Kurtis Durocher, a retired master sergeant with 20 years of military experience, assumed the role of veterans service officer in February, succeeding former agent Mitchell Keil. North County Welcomes New Veterans Agent NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The city has appointed Kurtis Durocher as its new veterans agent, and he hopes to connect with as many veterans as possible. "I have been deployed five times, and so I can speak on that level. I can speak on the disability level. I can speak on many levels that these guys coming in here can relate to," he said. "Whether it's the vent or just to let somebody hear their voice. I definitely gravitate towards that, and I let them know that I have been in their shoes." Durocher, a retired master sergeant with 20 years of military experience, assumed the role in February, succeeding former agent Mitchell Keil. He was most recently director of learning and employee development at BFAIR. His military career includes multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and his decorations include the Purple Heart and bronze star medals among others. "I joined the Army in 2001. My first day was actually the day the towers fell," he said. "So I did 20 years as an infantryman and retired as a master sergeant in 2021." Durocher, originally from Williamstown, said he has settled into the position but is still learning. He said he is familiar with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system. "I understand the VA portion of it really well, Chapter 115," he said. "So it's just kind of one of those muscle memory, repetitive things. I love it. It's great. It's kind of what I wanted to do when I got out so it's perfect." Durocher expressed his desire to help members of his community and saw the veterans agent position as an ideal opportunity to do so, allowing him to play an active role in improving the lives of fellow veterans. "I get to revisit my military past without having to join the military again. So it's kind of nice to reconnect with veterans of all walks of life. Unfortunately, a lot of times I have to meet people who are falling on tough times, but it's nice to be able to kind of show them some of the resources they have in Massachusetts," he said. "You see the air go back into them. It is not the end of the world, and I can point out those resources." Durocher services eight communities that includes roughly 100 veterans and dependents. He said the job can be frantic but thankfully that is where he works best "There's 100 things going on at once, but I like that. It keeps me busy," he said. "Through multitasking, I'm good at prioritizing things. Everything's a priority. It's just kind of just checking things off the list." Durocher said he had no immediate changes he would like to implement, but expressed interest in starting a hero banner program in North Adams. "I am hoping to get it kicked off this year," he said. "I hope it catches on and next year it will boom." He said he would first focus on the 20 or so poles on Main Street and then expand from there. He would like them to hang from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. He asked that families interested in a banner should contact his office. He said he hopes to create a scholarship fund to keep the cost low for families. "If there is available funding for it absolutely it will be paid for. I am trying to reduce costs as much as possible. We don't want to make money off of this," he said. "... I am going to reach out to businesses and local individuals that I know in town so we can try to build that fund. Maybe no one is paying or maybe we can cut it in half." While Durocher is committed to helping veterans, he acknowledged the process can involve waiting periods, especially when requesting records from state agencies. He said it is important to manage these expectations with veterans and their dependents. "When you request records it could take three weeks, it could take 12 weeks so it is kind of a waiting game," he said. Once all documents are submitted, the process is straightforward, and veterans and dependents typically receive payment from the date they initiate the process. "If you put in a disability claim and you started today, but you don't actually get all your paperwork until six months from now, you're gonna get paid from today," he said. "It is just important to start that process and have some patience." He noted that one of the biggest challenges of the job is getting veterans to come in for assistance, as many feel that others are more in need of help. "They earned this, and at the end of the day, it's a noble thing for them to say that but it's not correct because the money is there and it is their money," he said. "And if they don't take it, it's just going to sit there, and the state is just going to spend it. So, at the end of the day, that's the hardest part, getting these, especially the older generation of veterans. It's just a way of life for them to decline that kind of stuff." He added that he wished more veterans also accepted the Welcome Home Bonus. He noted that many veterans don't know about it. Massachusetts' Welcome Home Bonus gives money to eligible veterans who lived in the state before serving. Bonus amounts vary by service location and time, especially for those in Afghanistan or Iraq. Veterans must apply with proof of service and residency. In the immediate future, Durocher hopes to improve the Veteran Services website with more resources and an up-to-date calendar of events. Regarding events, he announced a Veterans Coffee Hour to be held at the North Adams Elks Lodge on March 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and a Veterans Luncheon to be held at the Adams American Legion from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m on. April 10. He also added that the Adams Veterans Office has moved to the Visitors Center; he's there Tuesday afternoons and by appointment. Durocher said his goal is to connect with every veteran. "I am happy if one person comes in, however, I'm not satisfied," he said. "... Satisfaction would be 100 percent." In November 2021, three juvenile snowy owls were sighted almost simultaneously in northern Spain. Their extraordinary appearance and beauty (white plumage, black spots and large amber eyes) attracted a large number of ornithologists and curious onlookers. The most common question was how they could have arrived in Cantabria and Asturias from their distant places of origin. Had they escaped from somewhere? Had they crossed the Atlantic perched on a ship? Now a scientific study reveals that they were not born anywhere in Spain or central and southern Europe, but in other Arctic latitudes located in areas of North America, Greenland, Russia, or Fennoscandia (Sweden, Finland and Norway). We cannot pinpoint the location, but we have shown that they have not escaped from a zoo or from any cage and that they are not Spanish or European, explains biologist Carlos Gutierrez-Exposito, lead author of the research published in the SEO/BirdLife journal Ardeola. It is most likely that they were born in the wild and got lost, as this owl is a long-distance traveler because the resources of the Arctic are ephemeral and unpredictable, which leads them to move south of their usual range in winter. The researchers analyzed the feathers of two of the three specimens that landed in Spain a male and a female, from whom samples could be taken: the other male disappeared which, as they were juveniles, had maintained the feathers that grew in the nest where they were born. They were kept in a drawer at the University of Cantabria and when I found out about this I thought that an analysis of the heavy isotopes could be carried out, says the biologist. The aim was to find out what proportion of deuterium (heavy hydrogen) the feathers contained, because the further north the feather was created, the lower the proportion is, and so we can infer from which latitudes it comes. The deuterium content also allowed them to verify that the two specimens analyzed were not siblings and that they were born in different places, which further removes the possibility that they had escaped from somewhere. Whats more, there are several factors that point to the owls wild origins: the exhaustion and weight loss they were experiencing could have been caused by a long journey (probably without food), in addition to the difficulty in adapting to a new environment. This could have caused the immunosuppression observed in the male and the illness in the female. It is also not uncommon for snowy owls to land on ships on the high seas that transport them wherever they go, sometimes to the European coasts. Therefore, arrival on a ship from North America or Greenland is the most plausible origin of the snowy owls found in northern Spain in 2021, the study states. The journey of the birds The first specimen detected, a male, was found exhausted on November 8, 2021, near the Virgen del Mar beach, in Santander (Cantabria), and died four days later, after being transferred to a recovery center. The second, a female, was sighted in Gozon (Asturias) on November 10. And, three days later, another male was found around three miles away. These last two birds appeared almost 100 miles from the first sighting, the study says. The owls remained in Asturias for several days, which attracted hundreds of bird watchers, generating the first great rush for a rare species in Spain. They remained there until November 20, to then be sighted further east: the male in Somo (Cantabria) seven days later and the female 13.5 miles further away, in Santona (Cantabria) on November 30. Very close to where the first exhausted male had been found, the researchers point out. From there they disappeared, until the male was spotted on the roof of the bullring, near the port of Santona, almost three months after the first sighting. The crowd appeared again, and remained there until nightfall. The female seemed to be in good health, showing normal behavior such as grooming and defecating, with her eyes wide open and alert. But, the next morning, she was found dead, the study states. She suffered from advanced aspergillosis, a disease caused by a fungus, which she should have been accustomed to if she had escaped from somewhere nearby. At the time, most hypotheses pointed to the fact that they were wild specimens that could have arrived on a ship. What strengthened this belief was their simultaneous appearance in coastal areas close to large cargo ports such as Gijon and Santander. In addition, one of the owls had rust on its plumage, something common on the decks of cargo ships. Based on these facts, the Spanish Rarities Committee accepted the three as wild birds that arrived with the help of a ship, explains the study. But now, the analysis of stable isotopes offers scientific evidence. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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 Jimmy Carr has reflected on the time Elon Musk attended one of his comedy shows with a group of heavily armed men. Musk is no stranger to comedians having had run-ins with the likes of Bill Burr, Kathy Griffin and Chloe Fineman as of late. Although he appears to be at odds with some people in the comedy world the same cant be said for Carr. Shortly after Musks Nazi salute controversy at Donald Trumps inauguration celebration, Carr defended the Tesla CEO during a stand-up gig in Washington DC. For the record, Elon Musk is not a f**king Nazi. Its just the internet goes hes a Nazi almost immediately. Hes a f**king genius. And Neal Brennan, my friend pointed this out brilliantly, if youre a genius...theres a little Salt Bae of f**king crazy that comes with it. Hes maybe a little bit crazy but hes not a f**king Nazi. Hes alright. Ive met him. Hes a very nice fella. Great sense of humour. Speaking to The Telegraph, Carr recalled an encounter with Musk when the billionaire attended a television performance of his in Los Angeles in 2016. Carr explained: Elon came along as a friend of a friend, which caused some consternation even then. Because I said to Comedy Central, Im bringing some guests. And they went, Oh, thats fine. And I went, hes got some security, and then eight guys with AK-47s rolled up. I didnt realise [until] I was chatting to him that hes the biggest kidnap threat in the world. Because there are three billion-dollar companies that all go to zero if he gets popped. Its not like guarding the president, where they can take an afternoon off every now and then. Theyve really got to take this seriously. Theres money at stake. Jimmy Carr attends the Last One Laughing photocall at Underbelly Boulevard Soho on March 10, 2025 in London ( Getty Images ) Elsewhere, Carr opened up about getting Botox, admitting it never stops. The 52-year-old 8 out of 10 Cats host is currently promoting his new Prime Video series, Last One Laughing, in which several comedians are forced to stay in a house together. Theyre challenged not to laugh at all through the course of each day. Contestants, which include Joe Lycett, Bob Mortimer, Judi Love, Daisy May Cooper, Rob Becket and more, are handed a yellow card if they fail to keep a straight face, and a red card if they fail twice. Carr, who is hosting the show, was asked if hed considered participating. I think, technically, the amount of Botox Ive had is cheating, he said. Questioned about the work hed had done he quipped: A little bit? Christ, Im like the Forth Bridge, it never stops. 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 Brenda Song has recalled the first time she rewatched Home Alone with her fiance Macaulay Culkin. Culkin, who shot to fame for his portrayal of Kevin McAlister in the 1990 holiday classic and its 1992 sequel, and Song, 36, have been dating since 2017. During a recent appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Song recounted their first Christmas spent together. When we started dating almost eight years ago now, Christmastime came around and its a tradition, Ive always watched Home Alone every Christmas, the Suite Life of Zach & Cody alum said. He hadnt seen the movie in almost a decade he didnt want to watch it and I forced it. I was like, We have to. She remembered that once the movie began, Culkin started telling me all the behind-the-scenes stories. And I was like, Stop. Stop. Youre ruining it for me. Brenda Song said she forced her fiance Macaulay Culkin to rewatch 'Home Alone' during their first Christmas together ( Getty Images ) The movie holds such a special place in obviously so many peoples hearts. Its just hard for me, thats all, she explained. Song also grew up in the business, landing her breakout role in the Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody when she was only 16. However, the two could not have been raised more differently. Mac is a very unique human, being like the most famous child actor in the world, she told Hudson. He lived and grew up in hotels. As a result, she said he had never really done laundry. And I was shook-eth! she exclaimed. I have been doing laundry since I was like 10, helping my mom. 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. Song said that in addition to teaching Culkin how to do laundry, shes also tried to teach him how to drive. I took him out to drive in our neighborhood. I was terrified, let me tell you. Im like this 44-year-old man driving for the first time; I was like nope. I gotta hire someone to do that, she quipped. The couple first met in 2014 at the house of actor Seth Green following the cancelation of Song and Greens short-lived Fox sitcom, Dads. [Culkin] was trying to be funny about our show being canceled and I was not having it, Song recalled in her January Cosmopolitan cover story. They eventually reconnected in 2017 while co-starring in Greens comedy-drama, Changeland. They got engaged in January 2022, in between the births of their two sons, Dakota (April 2021) and Carson (December 2022). While they have kept their relationship mostly out of the spotlight, save for a few red carpet appearances, Song and their two sons supported Culkin at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star dedication ceremony in December. Id like to thank Brenda. Youre absolutely everything. Youre my champion. Youre the only person happier for me today than I am, the My Girl actor said in his acceptance speech. Youre not only the best woman Ive ever known, youre the best person Ive ever known. Youve given me just all my purpose, youve given me family. After the birth of our two boys, youve become my three favorite people. I love you so much, Culkin added. 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 man who called 911 to report the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa said he knew something was wrong with the couple - and claims he tried to organize a wellness check before their bodies were found. The Oscar-winning actor, 95, and his classical pianist wife, 65, were both found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last month by the couples handyman Jesse Kesler. However, in an interview with Fox, Kesler revealed that he was concerned about the couple prior to their deaths. Kesler, who has been the couples contractor for 16 years, told the publication that he stopped by their house after he hadnt heard from Arakawa in two weeks, having previously spoken to her every three days. We were getting pretty worried, Kesler said. We knew something was wrong. We asked law enforcement for advice on how to do it. We started the process of a wellness check, he continued. We had to involve a family member to do a wellness check. They had to have an authorization from a family member. However, Kesler explained that they were unable to reach any members of Hackmans family which was when he decided to go into the house himself. Hackmans daughter (not pictured) revealed she was never contacted about a wellness check on her father ( AP ) We couldn't get hold of any family membersWe were in the process of getting hold of a family member, and it was taking too long, he told Fox. And finally, finally, I saw the security guard, and that's when me and him went in. Kesler told the Daily Mail that he wished he had gone in quicker as he might have been able to save Gene or the dog. Hackmans daughter Leslie told Fox News that she had never spoken to Kesler before, and that she was unaware anyone was pursuing a wellness check. No one had reached out, Leslie said, adding that the authorities did not contact her about her fathers well-being until the discovery. 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. Sante Fe County Sheriffs Office also said they were not contacted about a wellness check until the 911 call was made about the bodies being found on February 26. Last week, authorities announced that Hackman died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimers disease, as much as a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease hantavirus pulmonary syndrome killed his wife. Currently, there is uncertainty over the fate of Hackmans reputed $80 million fortune after it emerged he left his entire estate to his late wife, Betsy Arakawa. TMZ reported on Friday that Hackman had a will drawn up in 1995 that made Arakawa his sole beneficiary. His three children, son Christopher and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth, are not named in the document. 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. 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 One of Gene Hackmans two surviving dogs played a pivotal role in the discovery of his body, first responders have revealed. The Oscar-winning actor, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home last month, along with one of their dogs, Zinna. The couples two other dogs, Bear and Nikkita, were found alive and running around the property. Upon entering the home, paramedics and the fire department first discovered Arakawas body lying on the bathroom floor, fire chief Brian Moya told USA Today. Zinna was found dead in a crate in a nearby closet, while a back door had been propped open, allowing the other two dogs to roam freely. For the next 30 minutes, first responders continued their search of the four-bedroom house, looking for other people. But they found nobody, Moya said. Eventually, however, they realized that one of the dogs, who they assumed was running and barking for play, wanted to show them something. They realized (the dog) was trying to say, Hey, come over here! Come over here! Moya said. open image in gallery Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home in February ( AP ) The dog then led them to a mudroom at the far end of the house, next to the kitchen, where Hackmans body was found. The actor appeared to have fallen, and his cane and sunglasses were found on the ground nearby. Moya said that Hackmans body shows signs of decomposition, including blackened hands. Arakawa, who died from hantavirus, also showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet, according to a search warrant. She is believed to have died around a week before Hackman, chief medical examiner Heather Jarrell said at a press conference last week. Jarrell added that its possible Hackman was unaware Arakawa had died due to his advanced Alzheimers. His cause of death was tied to heart disease, with Alzheimers disease contributing. 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. open image in gallery The home where Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead ( AP ) The dog who died, Zinna, had undergone major surgery, and Arakawa had been instructed by veterinary staff to keep it confined to a crate, the hospitals owner, Robert Gruda, told USA Today. [Arakawa] was an excellent dog owner, excellent caretaker to those dogs. She really doted on them, Gruda said, explaining that Arakawa was supposed to pick up food and medication for Zinna at the hospital. She was consistent, predictable, he added. We knew something was wrong when she didnt pick up the food on time. The two surviving dogs have since been taken to a local pet daycare facility. 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 A necropsy report has revealed that dehydration and starvation likely led to the death of one of actor Gene Hackman and his wifes dogs, found alongside the deceased couple in their New Mexico home. The Santa Fe County animal control agencys report, obtained by The Associated Press, details partial mummification of the dog and notes the absence of signs indicating infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning. While severe decomposition may have obscured changes to the dogs organs, its stomach contained only small amounts of hair and bile. The dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was one of three owned by the couple. Two other dogs survived. Zinna was discovered deceased in a crate inside a bathroom closet, near the body of Hackmans wife, Betsy Arakawa. Authorities confirmed last week that Hackman died from heart disease complicated by Alzheimers disease. His death followed that of his wife, who succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne illness, approximately a week earlier. Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimers, may have been unaware of his wifes passing, medical examiners said. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa in 1993 ( AP ) Hackman was found in the homes entryway, while Arakawa was located in a bathroom. Similar to the dog, their bodies exhibited decomposition and some mummification, a result of body type and the arid climate of Santa Fe, situated at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet. Zinnia went from being a returned shelter dog to an incredible companion that was always at Arakawa's side, said Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care facility that was involved in the surviving dogs care. 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. 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. 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. The pair led a private life after moving to Santa Fe decades ago. A representative for the couple's estate has cited that privacy in seeking to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports related to their deaths, especially photographs and video. It will be up to a state district judge to consider that request. 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 There is uncertainty over the fate of Gene Hackmans reputed $80m fortune after it emerged he left his entire estate to his late wife, Betsy Arakawa. The Oscar-winning actor, 95, and his classical pianist wife, 65, were both found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last month. Last week, authorities announced that Hackman died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimers disease, as much as a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease hantavirus pulmonary syndrome killed his wife. TMZ reports that Hackman had a will drawn up in 1995 that made Arakawa his sole beneficiary. His three children, son Christopher and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth, are not named in the document. 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 and Betsy Arakawa in June 1993. According to a report, Hackman left his fortune to his wife, who died a week before him ( AP ) open image in gallery Authorities announced that Hackman died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimers disease, as much as a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease hantavirus pulmonary syndrome killed his wife ( Associated Press ) Earlier today, a representative for Hackmans estate sought to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports relating to the deaths of the actor and his wife. The representative, Julia Peters, urged a state district court in Santa Fe to seal records in the cases to protect the familys right to privacy in grief under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. She emphasized the possibly shocking nature of photographs and police body-camera video in the investigation and the potential for their dissemination by media. 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 request, filed on Tuesday, also described the couple's discreet lifestyle in Santa Fe since Hackman's retirement. The couple lived an exemplary private life for over 30 years in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and did not showcase their lifestyle, said the petition. New Mexico's open records law blocks public access to sensitive images, including depictions of people who are deceased, said Amanda Lavin, legal director at the non-profit New Mexico Foundation for Open Government. Some medical information is also not considered public record under the state Inspection of Public Records Act. At the same time, the bulk of death investigations by law enforcement and autopsy reports by medical investigators are typically considered public records under state law in the spirit of ensuring government transparency and accountability, she said. I do think it does infringe on transparency if the court were to prohibit release of all the investigation records, including the autopsies, Lavin said Thursday. The whole idea of those records being available is to ensure accountability in the way those investigations are done. There is also a public health concern given that hantavirus was involved, Lavin said. She said the preemptive request to prevent the release of government records on constitutional grounds is unusual. 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 Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are set to reunite for a new show, months after announcing the end of their partnership. The trio first worked together on BBCs Top Gear in 2002 before moving to Amazon for the Prime Video series The Grand Tour. Last year, a Grand Tour special titled One for the Road served as a swansong for the groups onscreen partnership, which lasted 22 years, with Clarkson focusing on his farm and pub business. The emotional finale saw the friends and co-hosts look back at their decades-long collaboration. But it appears it is not the end. The Not Very Grand Tour is set to be released next month (18 April 2025), according to an announcement by Prime Video. The British Board of Film Classification lists Clarkson, Hammond, and May as cast for the new project. It is directed by long-time collaborator, Phil Churchward, who has also worked on Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Described as a motoring comedy documentary series, one episode titled The Glory and The Power is listed on the site. In this episode, the team celebrate the combustion engine, with a look back at footage from past adventures and test drives, reads a description. Industry details on the site show that the segment was produced in July 2024. Trio have worked together for over 22 years ( PA ) Clarkson previously said that the Grand Tour finale would be the last time he would talk about cars on television as he is too old and fat to get into the cars that I like and not interested in driving those I dont. The broadcaster, who also owns a farm and a country pub, said the trio had thought long and hard about how we should end our 22-year partnership, but in the end we just went to the end of the alphabet and selected Zimbabwe as a place to set the special. He added that it makes the three of us happy that their working relationship did not disintegrate in a blizzard of outrage and tabloid headlines, but was landed safely and gently. Last year, it was reported that Clarkson, Hammond and May had dissolved their production company, declaring solvency and appointing a liquidator to wind up their business. 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 producer of the hit soap opera Neighbours has confirmed why the show has been cancelled for a second time despite positive viewing figures and awards nominations. The Australian show was cancelled for a second time in February after originally being axed in February 2022 when Channel 5 decided to stop airing it in the UK. When production company Fremantle was unable to find another channel to carry the programme, the show was cancelled altogether due to a lack of funding. Nine months later, it was announced streaming giant Amazon would revive the programme with the series making a return to screens in September 2023. However, in a statement released by the show on Friday (21 February), it was revealed the show would be resting from December 2025. Now executive producer Jason Herbison has spoken out about the cancellation saying that the closure of Amazon Freevee, where the show was streamed, was the key contributing factor to the sudden end. open image in gallery The cast of Neighbours ( PA Media ) Speaking to TV Tonight, Herbison said: We were considered a very big success on Amazon Freevee, and were so grateful to them for this chapter and this two and a half years. The team at Amazon Freevee did an incredible job of launching us over there. I think we were on bus stops all across the UK, it was amazing and they have been wonderful to work with. But yes, as youve as youve mentioned the closure of Freevee, did change the landscape. While we seem to be very successful on Prime were just simply not part of their content strategy going forward. And theres really no hard feelings with that. Things change and as I say, were just very grateful to them to have had this chapter. 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 show was regularly in the most watched shows on Amazon and even earned two Daytime Emmy awards nominations during its run ont he service. As our viewers have pointed out, were consistently number one, number two, number three show every day on Prime in the UK. So yes, thats frustrating, added Herbison. But the flip side of that is that I think wed be more disappointed if we werent successful and we were just disappearing. So were very, very sad that this chapter is coming to an end, but were also very proud that its done very well, and that our audience is still very invested in the show and wed love to see it continue. open image in gallery Top names like Guy Pearce returned to the show when it first ended in 2022 ( PA Media ) The current iteration of the show is set to end in July but Herbison, who wrote the 2022 finale, has not got any firm plans in place yet. Its a strange position to be in, to be contemplating another finale. I definitely have thoughts. I havent committed to anything yet. I dont see it as a big street party with a cast of thousands. Im not going to compete with what we did in 2022 because Im very, very proud of that episode, and I do think it was a great way to go out at the time. But I definitely have ideas. Im sure theyll evolve between now and July. All I can say is that door will absolutely be left open for a future chapter. The 2022 finale saw a host of top names, who had previously appeared on the show, return for cameos including Guy Pearce, Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Holly Valance, Delta Goodrum and Natalie Imbruglia. 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 Jason Isaacs has shut down speculation about whether he wears a prosthetic penis in The White Lotus. The 61-year-old actor plays Timothy Ratliff, patriarch of a wealthy family and father of Saxon Ratliff (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger). The new season of the dark comedy is set in another luxury hotel - this time in Thailand. Viewers were left shocked when an episode of the show featured a full-frontal nude scene starring the Harry Potter actor. A lot of people are debating it. Its all over the internet, Isaacs said on CBS Mornings when asked if he was wearing a prosthetic in the scene. Explaining why he refused to answer the question, he said: Ill tell you why because the best actress this year is Mikey Madison at the Oscars and I dont see anyone discussing her vulva, which is on television all the time and Im not talking about Swedish cars. He added: I think its interesting that theres a double standard for men, but when women are naked, Margaret Qualley in The Substance, no one would dream of talking to her about her genitalia or her nipples or any of those things. So, its odd that theres a double standard. Although he continued to be pressed by hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson, he admitted dodging the question as he said: Because I dont think that people really want to know how the sausage is made. open image in gallery Isaacs called out the double standard for men ( CBS Mornings ) I genuinely think it would be odd when there are characters - and some of the women are naked in here - itd be odd if you were sitting here. And you would never dream of discussing their genitalia, not for a second. As he continued to be asked, Isaacs quipped: What is your obsession? Mike White is a brilliant writer, its the best series on television for a long time. And what is the obsession with penises? Its an odd thing. 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. open image in gallery Isaacs in 'The White Lotus' ( HBO/Sky ) After the scene aired for the first time, viewers at home couldnt hide their disbelief at what they had just seen. I did NOT have Jason Isaacs full-frontal on my White Lotus S3 bingo card lmaooo, wrote one person. Using a Harry Potter reference (Isaacs played Lucius Malfoy in the film franchise), one viewer joked: Well, I didnt expect White Lotus to show Lucius Malfoys wand tonight, but here we are. 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 Chinese president Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to visit Brussels for a summit to mark the 50th anniversary of his countrys diplomatic ties with the EU, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. Beijing told EU officials premier Li Qiang would meet presidents of the European Council and the European Commission instead of Xi, the paper said, citing two people familiar with the matter whom it did not identify. The premier usually attends the summit when it is held in Brussels while the president hosts it in Beijing. But the EU wants Xi to attend to commemorate half a century of relations between Beijing and the bloc, the newspaper said. Tensions between Brussels and Beijing have grown since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the EU accusing China of backing the Kremlin. Last year, the EU also imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports. China's foreign ministry and the EU did not immediately respond to requests by Reuters for comment. Informal discussions are ongoing, both about setting the date for the EU-China summit and the level of representation, an EU official told the newspaper, while the Chinese ministry was quoted as saying it didnt have any information to provide on the matter. Chinese president Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang attend the opening session of the National People's Congress ( REUTERS ) China, the world's second-largest economy, and the EU, its third-largest, spent most of last year exchanging barbs over allegations of overcapacity, illegal subsidies and dumping in each other's markets. In October, the EU imposed double-digit tariffs on China-made electric vehicles after an anti-subsidy investigation, in addition to its standard car import duty of 10 per cent. The move drew loud protests from Beijing, which in return raised market entry barriers for certain EU products like brandy. China also moved forward with a complaint at the World Trade Organisation alleging that the EU move amounted to an abuse of trade remedies that violated WTO rules and to protectionist measures, according to the missions statement. HIROSHIMA - The number of visitors to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum documenting the devastation caused by the U.S. atomic bombing of the city in 1945 surpassed 80 million on Sunday, reaching the milestone 70 years after its opening in 1955. At a ceremony to mark the achievement, Yoshifumi Ishida, director of the museum, said, "I hope people from both Japan and abroad, as well as those who will lead the next generation, will continue to visit" and recognize that nuclear weapons are an "absolute evil." The 80 millionth visitor was Rinon Shimura, a 23-year-old cafe employee from Tokyo. She said she heard stories from atomic bomb survivors when she was a junior high school student, inspiring her to tour the museum. Visiting Hiroshima for the first time with her family, Shimura said, "I want to learn about the extent of the damage in Hiroshima and what those exposed to the atomic bomb felt back then. I will share that with everyone." The leaders of the Group of Seven countries visited the museum during their summit in Hiroshima in 2023. In February, it welcomed 2 million visitors in the current fiscal year through March 31, a record high since it opened. Located near ground zero of the atomic blast in downtown Hiroshima, the museum displays artifacts of the victims, along with other materials to convey the horror of nuclear weapons. The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 in the final days of World War II, killing an estimated 214,000 people by the end of that year and leaving numerous survivors with long-term physical and mental health challenges. Related coverage: U.N. treaty members reaffirm no nuke policy, to reconvene in 2026 A-bomb survivor's son repeats call for elimination of nukes at U.N. Smithsonian exhibition including Japan A-bomb photos delayed to 2026 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 A bus carrying security forces in Pakistans restive Balochistan province was struck by a bomb on Sunday, killing at least five personnel and injuring 10. The blast in the Naushki area severely damaged another nearby bus, local police chief Zafar Zamanani said. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The death toll could rise as many of the wounded were in serious condition. Initial investigations indicated a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus, Dawn quoted the Naushki police as saying. Balochistan chief minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, as did Pakistans interior minister Mohsin Naqvi. We share the grief of the families of the deceased. Targeting innocent people is the height of brutality, Mr Naqvi said on X. The enemy of the country is hatching a heinous conspiracy to create instability in the beloved homeland. The nation's firm resolve cannot be weakened by such cowardly acts. Those who play with the peace of Balochistan will be brought to a tragic end. Cowardly attacks cannot lower our morale. There is no place for terrorists in Balochistan, peace will be established at all costs, Mr Bugti said. He promised to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. This war will continue till every last terrorist is eliminated. While no group had claimed responsibility by the afternoon, suspicion was likely to fall on the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, an insurgent group seeking independence, or at least autonomy from Islamabad. The BLA is classified as a terrorist organisation by Pakistan as well as the United States. Balochistan, Pakistans largest but least populated province, is rich in oil and minerals, which the ethnic Baloch accuse the central government of exploiting to their detriment. Islamabad denies allegations of shortchanging the local people or discriminating against them. The attack in Naushki occurred just a day after a policeman was killed and six of his comrades injured in a blast in Quetta. It also came a week after BLA gunmen hijacked the Jaffar Express train carrying over 400 passengers in the mountains of Balochistan. The gunmen killed at least 21 passengers, many of them security personnel travelling home, before the military freed the train in an operation that left 33 assailants dead. President Asif Ali Zardari and prime minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack on the train and vowed to bring the cowardly terrorists to their end. 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 Dr. Andrew Hazelton is one of the nations Hurricane Hunters. He was part of the crews that would fly deep into powerful hurricanes as they churned in the ocean, all to collect data to help forecasters improve predictions on the storms power and direction. But, he was among the first rounds of layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. He said his job loss - and the thousands that have followed - are making Americans less safe. Because you could see the forecast improvements that weve come to count on or rely on could be reversed, he told The Independent. And, that would lead to more damage, potentially, and more loss of life. And, thats not what we want to see. open image in gallery Dr. Andrew Hazelton was laid off in the first round of cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations 12,000-strong workforce last month. More layoffs are expected imminently. Hazelton says these decisions could threaten lives ( Andrew Hazelton ) President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, though his Department of Government Efficiency, have sought to trim the federal budget. They are looking at shrinking the workforce and have pushed for cuts across the federal government, including NOAA. About 800 agency workers were laid off in February with another 1,000 let go last week. Advocates have blasted the cuts at NOAA. They have pointed to how little the agency costs each taxpayer per day, when compared to the return. They note how the agency provides much of the data that weather forecasting is based on. They say losing people hurts their work, which could make people less safe when severe weather is on the horizon. "So it is, like, cutting off your nose to spite your face. Which seems a bit counterintuitive if your goal is really to serve the American people, a former agency official previously told The Independent. Still, it hasnt slowed DOGEs efforts to shrink the NOAA workforce, including Hazelton. open image in gallery Scientists such as Hazelton fly into hurricanes to collect crucial data that cannot be retrieved using satellites. The data helps to improve hurricane forecasts ( Andrew Hazelton ) Hazelton grew up in central Florida and has been into the weather since he was a kid. Three hurricanes went through his county in 2004. They cemented his interest in the field. He went to Florida State and got a bachelors degree in meteorology before working his way to a doctorate. After completing his Ph.D., Hazelton started working at NOAA - where he served for eight years. He later took on a federal position working for the Environment Modeling Center. I always knew I wanted to come back and work for NOAA and sort of be involved in all this. So, it definitely was kind of a dream and its obviously sort of disappointing whats happening now, he explained. Hazelton and the Hurricane Hunters flew into hurricanes to collect critical data that gives scientists a three-dimensional picture inside the storm. Its data that cannot be collected from satellites and is used by the National Hurricane Center to diagnose what the storm is doing and gets fed into computer models to help make forecasting more accurate. Its no easy feat and the ride can be pretty bumpy, he noted. There were some nasty parts of Hurricane Helenes eyewall, for example. Its exciting, but can also it be a little unnerving sometimes, too, he said. open image in gallery Hazelton says NOAA was already understaffed. He said that the agency will be strained unless decisions are reversed ( Andrew Hazelton ) Over the years, hurricane forecasting has improved, shrinking the cones that contain the probable path of the storms center. Last year, the National Hurricane Centers forecast track performance was its best in history for the Atlantic hurricane season. Now, the five-day forecast error [margin] is about like what the one or two-day error was 30 years ago, which is pretty remarkable, said Hazelton. The forecast track error is the distance between the forecast location and the actual location of the center of the storm. Like many, Hazelton is waiting to see what comes from federal rulings that could perhaps temporarily reinstate fired probationary workers. Until then, NOAA is feeling the weight of these losses. There are a lot of forecast offices and places that are understaffed. So, its just going to be a lot of strain across the enterprise, he said. ...You hope that it doesnt lead to any big forecast issues, but you never know. 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 Cambridgeshire restaurant owner has said he uses CCTV to debunk nonsense reviews from guests. Jackie Wan, the owner and head chef of the Forum Chinese restaurant in Great Shelford, has been running the eatery for 11 years. Mr Wan said he uses footage to clarify problems raised from unhappy diners who leave one or two-star reviews online. In one case, the head chef conducted a week-long inquiry and looked at footage of the diners after a customer reported that their stir fry only had four prawns. He responded to the reviewer after getting in touch with the CCTV company and receiving the high-definition copy of the video. The review on TripAdvisor read: We arrived quite early for a Saturday night to avoid the crowds and our food was rushed out with very little taste and substance. The sizzling prawns with onions was literally a large plate of four prawns and a big pile of onions! 15 please! Overall we were sorely disappointed in the quality and presentation of the food, the reviewer added. In the end we finished what we could eat and left to pay the bill. open image in gallery Jakie Wan has been running the Forum Chinese restaurant in Great Shelford for 11 years ( Getty Images ) The Forum Chinese owner replied: We managed to pull out some footage to clarify the issues u mentioned. It's such a shame that you felt like this, as every other person at The Forum that night; really enjoyed their food along with the evening. We never rush out our food, as everything come out from the kitchen are prepared with love and passion, to perfection. Mr Wan added: [The] sizzling king prawn and rice was served at 18:53:25. Below is the exact time for you both actually put the prawns in your mouth: 18:54:34 yourself, 18:54:39 yourself, 18:54:39 your partner, 18:55:49 your partner, 18:57:11 your partner, 19:01:33 yourself, 19:02:27 yourself. From my limited calculating skills, I got seven pieces, which is the standard number of prawns for our main courses. Have you forgotten the three pieces your partner had? Responding to the reviewer saying he finished what he could, Mr Wan replied: The bowl, the plates were shining clean, I could almost see my reflecting image. Still not enjoying huh? The Hong Kong-born head chef said that he only uses camera evidence when the complaint doesn't align with his or his staff's memory of the incident. He told The Times: If there are issues on our side or whatever happens is our mistake then of course we try and make up for it Im more than happy to offer free bills. But there are some customers that it doesnt matter what you do, you cannot please them. Those are the things I really cant stand because weve done nothing wrong. I will not kneel down for anyone. I will stand up and fight when the fault is not on our side. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor from 305 reviews and 4.6-star rating on Google from 319 people. 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 Fundraising platform JustGiving has come under fire over the level of profit it makes from donations. The company made more than 31m before tax on 59m of income from fees from donors and charities in the 2023 financial year. Andrew Sanford, a partner at accountants Blick Rothenberg, said it was an astonishing profit margin for the nature of that business. They have got a very repeatable piece of software, that is quite easy to use, he said. He said he was aiming to set up a fundraiser for himself and his office colleagues for a charity walk to donate to causes including The Royal Marsden hospital, and began investigating the best way to help people donate. He said, for charities missing out on money that goes to the company there must be a better way. JustGiving deducts 1.9 per cent from charitable donations plus 30 pence to process the payment. But it also asks for a tip, suggesting 17 per cent of the donation. And it charges charities subscription fees of up to 39 a month. open image in gallery A tip of 10-20 per cent is added to donations by default ( Independent ) A spokesperson from JustGiving said that since the fundraising platform began 25 years ago, Weve enabled millions of fundraisers to raise nearly 7bn for a huge number of charities and good causes. In order for us to continue to support fundraisers, it is essential that we operate as a for-profit organisation. In recent years we have seen growth in the volume of donations which in turn has naturally increased our profitability, the spokesperson said. In 2019 it scrapped its previous model of a 5 per cent platform fee charged to charities and introduced the tip. The spokesperson said: Following consultation with some of the UKs leading charities, in 2019 we moved to a voluntary contribution model, so that as much money as possible could go directly to charities and good causes. This is now standard practice across the industry and the voluntary contribution presented is in line with the market. Today, anyone using our platform has the option to leave a tip on top of their donation to support the running of JustGiving and this is not compulsory. When people do choose to add a tip, this goes towards investing in and maintaining the technology that helps our site continue to securely raise funds on a global scale, 24/7. The introduction of the tip was also the point at which profits at the company shot up, rising from 4.4m in 2018 to 9.6m in 2019. Mr Sanford said that after spending on the tip, you suddenly think that money could really be spent elsewhere. JustGiving came in for criticism in 2014 when it reportedly stood to make 180,000 from fundraising efforts of teenage cancer sufferer Stephen Sutton, who had raised 3.7m. Donors asked it to waive its fee. The company insisted at the time that a 50,000 donation it made plus a volume discount meant it made less than a quarter of the claimed sum. In 2020 it was urged to reveal how much it stood to receive from donations to Captain Sir Tom Moores sponsored walk for the NHS. He raised 15m at the time of the criticism, ultimately rising to 38m as more donations flooded in. Nikki Kerr, director of fundraising and marketing at Family Support Work which helps families in Sussex facing poverty and other crises said competition for JustGiving has shrunk in recent years, with fundraising platforms from Virgin Money and BT having shut down. She said that JustGiving has made donating much speedier and helped her raise more money. They are well known, so people trust them and people use them, she said. To do a good job, you need professional people who know what theyre doing, so they need to be paid for it. open image in gallery It is possible to reduce the tip to zero by clicking enter custom amount ( Independent ) But she said the change to a tip has meant she has had to explain to donors why the 10 they aimed to donate is now 10-20 per cent more on their bank statement. I dont necessarily agree with the amount that they take, she said. And since they changed it and turned it into this tip format, it is much more confusing for the donor. She said there were settings available to make the tip zero, but its very hard to find it. Ultimately, this confusion hasnt necessarily done any favours to the charity sector, she said. JustGiving is not alone in being for-profit. California-based GoFundMe charges 2.9 per cent of donations plus 25 pence, with a discount rate for charities of 1.9 per cent plus 20 pence. It says much of this goes to suppliers. It also asks for tips. GoFundMe Ireland Ltd, which covers 16 European countries including the UK, last filed accounts in the UK for 2021, which showed 42.6m (35.8m) turnover and 8.6m pre-tax profit. The filings are not up to date, but they suggest a comparable level of profitability to JustGiving, said Mr Sanford. The two compete closely, with GoFundMe having a page on its website arguing its service is better and cheaper than JustGiving. JustGiving operates through the company Giving.com Ltd. The company paid a 24.5m dividend to its owners in 2023, down from 31m the year before, according to its most recent accounts. It is owned by American firm Blackbaud Inc, which itself is owned largely by US pension funds and investors. Its fees helped bring in 59m of revenue for the company in 2023, the last time it filed accounts. After paying its 129 staff 14.4m including pension costs, the companys profit before tax was 31m. The company gathered more than 550m for almost 20,000 UK charities. GoFundMe said: GoFundMe is the only platform which allows donors to move the voluntary contribution slider to zero per cent with one click. Underneath the slider, we explain how that contribution helps us help millions of people around the world raise billions every year for causes they care about. We encourage all other platforms to follow our lead and ensure donors can give safely without any nasty surprises. 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 couple who were fined after they reported finding a migrant on the bike rack of their motorhome have had their penalty cancelled. The Home Office had ordered Adrian and Joanne Fenton, from Heybridge in Essex, to pay 1,500 for failing to check that no clandestine entrant was concealed in the vehicle as they crossed the English Channel, the BBC reported. Mr Fenton, 57, has now told the broadcaster that Border Force, part of the Home Office, had taken his objection to liability into consideration and they were no longer being fined. The Home Office confirmed to The Independent that a letter was sent to the couple reducing the fine to 0. The couple boarded Le Shuttle from Calais to Folkestone, Kent, on the evening of 15 October after they had been travelling around France. Mrs Fenton, 55, told the BBC that after a six-hour drive, her husband had unzipped the cover of the bicycle rack and found someone inside. The couple called the police to tell them they had found a stowaway. They later discovered the boy was a 16-year-old from Sudan. The couple claimed that no one at Border Control had found the man and they had been vigilant ( Getty Images ) They received an email saying they were being fined. The couple argued that the man had been clinging to the outside of the motorhome rather than inside it, and they thought theyd done the right thing by calling the police. The Home Office has said such fines are designed to target negligence rather than criminality. It added those who are actively involved in people smuggling will be investigated and prosecuted. On Wednesday, the couples local MP, Sir John Whittingdale, raised the issue at PMQs and said they should be thanked rather than punished. Sir Keir Starmer responded: Can I thank him for raising this important case on behalf of his constituents? Ive seen some of the details, and I am concerned about it, and I do think its important, as he says, that the Home Office look into it, and therefore we will do so. And I will make sure that he is updated in relation to that in due course. The Carriers Liability Amendment Regulation 2023 states that owners, drivers, hirers and operators must secure their vehicles to prevent unauthorised access by clandestine entrants. The government can fine people up to 10,000 under the scheme. Mrs Fenton told the BBC: Its about motorhomes and caravaners coming through the borders - how many more people are going to get caught out exactly the same? Her husband added: We dont want anyone else to go through what weve gone through. If someone does call the police because theyve got someone discovered in their motorhome, Border Force shouldnt even be considering fining them because everyone's doing the moral and the right thing. He said the Home Office should be looking at their policy and make sure that it's fit for purpose and not targeting holidaymakers. 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 Tesla: The Swasticar, reads a poster at a bus stop opposite Sadlers Well Theatre. Autopilot for your car. Autocrat for your country. First appearing around Clerkenwell in February, London has since been plastered with guerrilla advertisements comparing Elon Musk to a Nazi over recent weeks. It was a satirical swipe at the multi-billionaire Tesla owner and worlds richest man. We are holding Elon to account, the group behind the poster said. open image in gallery Posters taking a swipe at Elon Musk have appeared across London over recent weeks ( Getty Images ) Not happy with fuelling the far-right in the USA, Elon Musk is now doing the same in Europe. We cant let the richest man in the world poison our politics, it said. Since then, copy-cat campaign groups have taken to erecting larger-scale billboard-style posters across other parts of the capital. Here, The Independent takes a look at who is behind the campaigns and why they are appearing across London. open image in gallery The satirical posters appeared in Clerkenwell in February and have since spread across London ( Everybody Hates Elon ) Who is behind the campaigns? Though it is not clear who the individuals are behind the groups, Everybody Hates Elon has vowed to build a movement against billionaires who seek to divide ordinary people. Everyone Hates Elon is doing actions holding Elon to account. All proceeds will go directly towards the costs of our campaigning, the group said on its gofundme page. Overthrow Musk said it was founded to fight the oligarchs and defend democracy, with their political stunts cropping up in Tottenham, Walthamstow and St Albans. open image in gallery A billboard-style advert popped up in Walthamstow this week ( Overthrow Musk ) Everybody Hates Elon was the first group reported to have erected the posters, which appeared in February. A week later, the volunteer-led campaign group put up a series of fake advertisements on the London Underground comparing Musk to a Nazi. It showed Musk appearing to give a Nazi salute next to Teslas dwindling share prices with the title: Hate doesnt sell. Just ask Tesla. A different poster showed an image of a fake Elons Musk swastika perfume bottle with the caption Elons Musk, Parfum de 1939. open image in gallery A mock film advertisement for The Fast and Fuhrer showing a Doge plated Telsa Model S next to the caption Heil Tesla was also put up in Tottenham ( Overthrow Musk ) In Walthamstow, a billboard-style poster designed by a separate group Overthrow Musk showed an image of Musk with the words: Buying a Tesla? You may be in for a Nazi surprise?. A mock film advertisement for The Fast and Fuhrer showing a Doge plated Telsa Model S next to the caption Heil Tesla was also put up in Tottenham. It had a fake PG warning reading: Parental guidance. Teslas CEO is a far-right activist. Dont give him your money. Why are they appearing? Elon Musk was accused of giving what appeared to be a Nazi salute during a Trump inauguration rally in January. In response he said on X: Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The everyone is Hitler attack is so tired. Musk has made a number of high-profile attacks against Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government, while throwing support behind right-wing party Reform. open image in gallery Musks controversial salute at Trumps inauguration parade ( Getty Images ) In a slew of attacks in January, he accused the prime minister of being complicit in the crimes carried out by UK grooming gangs. It also emerged that Musk had discussed how best to remove from office before the next UK general election. The Financial Times reported he was in talks with right-wing allies on how he could best destabilise the Labour government beyond his aggressive social media attacks on the PM. The SpaceX and Tesla owner also took aim at Germany ahead of federal elections in February, endorsing and promoting the far-right AfD, which came second in the polls. Dan, who designs posters for Overthrow Musk, and only gave his first name, told The Independent: Musk is an oligarch co-president. He is a very dangerous man and his Nazi salute and support for far-right European parties show this. But his weak spot is Tesla. His wealth is tied up in it. Reducing Teslas sales reduces his power. We are trying to make the link between Tesla and Musk more obvious. What has the response been? A Transport for London spokesperson said the posters were not authorised by the network, and we have instructed our teams and contractors to remove any that are found on our network." 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 United States court has ordered that documents relating to the Duke of Sussexs visa application must be made public by Tuesday. Judge Carl Nichols mandated the release of the files as part of a freedom of information (FOI) request from The Heritage Foundation, a conservative US think tank. The organisation questioned Harrys admission into the US in 2020, citing his references to using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms in his memoir Spare. According to court documents dated 15 March, Judge Nichols directed the Department of Homeland Security to release redacted versions of the documents by Tuesday. This decision follows a ruling in September 2024, where the same judge stated that the public interest in disclosing Harrys immigration records was not substantial. However, The Heritage Foundation sought a revision of this judgment. Despite initially denying the FOI request, lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security agreed in February to release redacted versions of the forms. Specifically, defendant would propose redacting all information in these items that would reveal information that the court has determined defendant can withhold, department lawyer John Bardo wrote in a court filing. Harry admitted to using drugs in his memoir, Spare ( AP ) The Heritage Foundation alleged the duke may have concealed past illegal drug use that should have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa. It previously argued answers on Harrys prior drug use in his visa application should have been disclosed as they could raise questions over the US governments integrity. In February, President Donald Trump ruled out deporting Harry from the US, telling the New York Post: Ill leave him alone. He went on to say: Hes got enough problems with his wife. Shes terrible. The Duchess of Sussex has previously been a vocal critic of Mr Trump, calling him divisive and a misogynist. Meghan previously said she was backing his rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 US presidential election and suggested she would leave the US if he won. In his controversial memoir, Harry said cocaine didnt do anything for me, adding: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me. Mr Trump said in a GB News interview with Nigel Farage in March 2024 that Harry should not receive preferential treatment. Asked if the duke should have special privileges if he was found to have lied on his application, Mr Trump had said: No. Well have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied theyll have to take appropriate action. 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 Two tales of maverick MPs, both incredibly popular with the party membership but both forced out because they represented a challenge to the leaders authority and were considered too outspoken and too rightwing. One man links both those tales - Ashfield MP Lee Anderson. In 2024 he was the maverick MP ousted from Rishi Sunaks Tories by an unbending chief whip. But in 2025 he is the party chief whip forcing the latest outspoken right winger Rupert Lowe out of Reform. By chance, memories of his painful episode with the Conservatives have been replayed in detail with the publication of the diaries of Rishi Sunaks former Tory chief whip Simon Hart entitled Ungovernable: Diaries of a Chief Whip. open image in gallery Farage embraced Anderson as a Reform MP ( Nigel Farage ) 30p Lee Lee Anderson is a former miner and Labour party activist who after his election as a Tory MP became the face of the new red wall 2010 intake. His plain speaking approach and blunt, colourful language made him a delight for journalists on rightwing newspapers, an icon for the Tory right, but a nightmare for everyone else particularly leftwing commentators and Tory whips trying to control him. He gave me two unforgettable stories suggesting the BBC is a haven for perverts in regard to the Huw Edwards scandal, and that asylum seekers who did not like living on the Bibby Stockholm should f*** off back to France. He was even more famous for going around telling the low income families they could cook meals for 30p which gave him the nickname 30p Lee. Those in Reform (including Mr Anderson) now complaining about Mr Lowes rightwing rhetoric on mass deportations and rape gangs, suggesting the Great Yarmouth MP is not a team player, seem to have conveniently forgotten Andersons prior record of doing the same. open image in gallery Former chief whip Simon Hart ( PA ) Losing the whip Things came to a head on 22 February 2024 when Mr Anderson said on his GB News show that Islamistshave got control of [London Mayor Sadiq] Khan, and theyve got control of London. Mr Harts diary entry on 23 February, the day after revealed his displeasure. Word reaches me from a colleague that Lee Anderson has, as he put it, escaped from his cage.Of course, most of what he has said is fine, if a little unsubtle, but the direct link between Khan and terrorism is the wrong side of the red line. He noted that the Tories had successfully forced Labour to kick out their Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali at the time over antisemitism which put the Tories then in an embarrassing position over Mr Andersons comments. It falls to me to speak to Lee and broker some sort of apology and retraction or clarification. This being Lee, he is having none of it. I explain that he can stand by everything he said about Khan but that he needs to rephrase one sentence. Still nothing. He wont apologise because he says it is a matter of pride, even though there is an easy way out of this. After Mr Anderson failed to see reason, the inevitable moment comes. He knows, and I know, that we are left with no option but to suspend the whip. There now seems to be some irony that Mr Anderson and other leading members of Reform are complaining about Mr Lowe refusing to tone down his rhetoric. open image in gallery Rupert Lowe says he is seen as a potential rival to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Tejas Sandhu/PA) ( PA Archive ) Farage pounces As the story broke of Mr Anderson losing the whip, I was in Washington DC in the Starbucks at the Gaylord conference center where the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was taking place. Sitting opposite me was Nigel Farage who I revealed the news to. He reacted instantly: Lee Anderson should join Reform UK." Mr Farage at that point was honorary president of Reform but still the majority shareholder having handed the leadership to Richard Tice. The wheels were in motion. open image in gallery Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire ) Trying to get Anderson to see reason Tories in the rightwing Common Sense and New Conservative groups were fighting a rearguard action to get the whip restored for Mr Anderson. But frustrations over Mr Hart, who many believed had a vendetta against the right, were growing as a number of them briefed me for an analysis piece for the Express. Mr Hart noted his reaction to reading the article on 28 February. The Express describes me as the wokest chief whip ever....and it is not even 1 April. By 4 March Mr Hart noted that efforts to find a compromise with Mr Anderson are failing. Met with Lee Anderson to discuss the way back. It grates me a bit as hes totally unaware of the damage he is doing. There is a lot of northern speak as I find rhetoric. open image in gallery Former Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Archive ) Defection to Reform Late on Sunday 10 March a calling notice drops for an emergency press conference with Reform. I messaged the then deputy leader Ben Habib (later forced out of Reform himself by Mr Farage). Mr Habib says it is a defection and after some prodding reveals it is Lee Anderson. He was clearly personally uncomfortable about bringing Mr Anderson into the party. But given Mr Farages statement at CPAC and the tale that Reform had tried to previously bribe Mr Anderson to join, this was no surprise. I broke the story just before the press conference was due to begin on the morning of 11 March. As leader it was Mr Tice who officially unveiled Mr Anderson. As deputy leader now it is Mr Tice who is being sent around the studios explaining why Mr Lowe will not be welcome back because he is not a team player. Meanwhile, back in the chief whips office, Mr Hart was raging. Lee Anderson defects to Reform - despite personal assurances that he wont. I have tried to avoid the conclusion that he is a total k**b, but he has made it nearly impossible. What it means for the Rupert Lowe crisis The parallels between Mr Anderson and Mr Lowe play a large part of what is fuelling the conspiracy theories that the Great Yarmouth MP has been whacked because he represents a threat to Mr Farage following Elon Musks endorsement as an alternative leader. While we still do not know all the details, it is clear that not being a team player, being very rightwing and outspoken were not problems for Reform when it came to recruiting Mr Anderson. But they do seem to be problems for Reform in allowing Mr Lowe to stay. The clear conclusion is that in Mr Andersons case it was political opportunism to damage the Tories and strengthen Reform. That seems to be the only substantial difference. While, Mr Farage and Reform will get through this current difficulty the comparisons between the two cases of Mr Anderson and Mr Lowe have not gone unnoticed. Simon Harts Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip is on sale now. 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 A former Conservative MP has detailed his love affair with the UKs shortest-serving prime minister Liz Truss claiming it led to the breakdown of his marriage. Mark Field, MP for Cities of London and Westminster from 2001 to 2019, revealed the first serious signs of cracks in his marriage began just as Elizabeth Truss entered his life. In his new book serialised in The Mail on Sunday, Mr Field said he met the 49-day prime minister at the Conservative Party Conference in October 2002 in the romantic dimmed lights of the Highcliff Hotel in Bournemouth. She was married to Hugh O'Leary at the time. He claims the pair had a brief conversation, he wished her luck in her search for a parliamentary seat and casually said: Please get in touch if I can be of any help. Ms Truss took him up on the offer almost immediately, he wrote, requesting advice on candidate selection. open image in gallery Field said Truss was an impulsive bundle of energy, obsessed by the workings and machinations of politics ( PA ) As they began meeting regularly, Mr Field said she was an impulsive bundle of energy, obsessed by the workings and machinations of politics. He recalled that even then, Liz came across as intensely focused on success, displaying the parroting of slogans, the blind partisanship and the need to present it all with a veneer of absolute confidence. As they worked together, they spent more and more time in each others company, he wrote. Before long, barely a day would pass without us at least speaking over the phone. He said he found her intoxicating, disconcerting and exhausting. Not to mention at times utterly infuriating. Their intensity of friendship had become an affair in late 2003, he said. There is something very unreal in any affair, especially when both parties are married and living with their spouses, Mr Field wrote. He said every few months, Ms Truss would try to cool things down but would always apologetically get back in touch soon after. Ms Truss was selected as the Conservative candidate for Calder Valley in early 2005, and Mr Field observed her campaign closely, admiring her utterly obsessive approach to politics. When their affair eventually ended in 2006, Mr Field immediately recognised that my own marriage was over. Ms Truss, however, remained with her husband. Their relationship became public knowledge that year when she stood as a candidate for the Bromley and Chislehurst by-election. open image in gallery Field served as a minister of state at the foreign office from 2017 to 2019 ( Getty ) Reflecting on her rise to prime minister, he said Ms Truss had limitless ambition and self-belief, raw intelligence, resilience and an overwhelming sense of personal destiny. However, he argued that her entire decade-long ministerial career had been an object lesson in relentlessly talking a good game But actually delivering next to nothing. Having made it to 10 Downing Street against the odds, she was determined to do it her way, he said. He believed that her downfall stemmed from startlingly little to suggest that Liz had either the powers of inspirational leadership or the capacity to focus on the implementation of her policies. 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 Nigel Farage reportedly met with Brexit architect Dominic Cummings as Reform UK attempts to pick itself back up after an explosive row with one of its own MPs. Despite the pair having once been bitter political enemies, Mr Farage and Mr Cummings are said to have discussed how to tackle civil service bureaucracy an issue figures on the right have blamed for problems in government. It comes after the Met Police launched an investigation into suspended Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, who was stripped of the whip amid allegations he made verbal threats against Zia Yousaf, the partys chairman allegations Mr Lowe denies. At the time, he dismissed them as vexatious and suggested he had been stitched up by the party leadership, including Nigel Farage. open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire ) The police probe is the latest twist in the Reform civil war, which has been playing out behind the scenes but exploded publicly at the start of this month. And as the chaos plays out in the public eye, Mr Farage appears to be attempting to make an ally out of Mr Cummings - who has had bitter fallouts with several political figures, including Boris Johnson, Savid Javid and more recently Kemi Badenoch. Nigel and Dom did have a meeting they discussed how to take on the blob, a source told The Sunday Times. An old colleague of Mr Cummings said he had a friendly chat with Mr Farage about the general scene, about Trump and Doge, about how No 10 and the Cabinet Office really work, about the catastrophe of the Tory party and about what Reform has to do to replace the Tories. However, Mr Cummings is said to have no plans to work for the Reform leader. The historic rivalry between the two political figures is said to date back to the Brexit referendum. But Mr Farage went on to make his views on Mr Cummings public in 2020 when he described him as a horrible, nasty little man. The latest reports of a meeting between the pair coms after the former Vote Leave chief launched an attack on Mrs Badenochs leadership of the Tory party. Kemi spends more time playing games on her iPad than thinking about how and why Tories failed so badly, he wrote on his blog, warning that the Tory party is dead unless it re-engages with core issues of productivity and state capacity. open image in gallery Dominic Cummings ( Getty Images ) Details of Mr Farages meeting with Mr Cummings come amid reports that a Reform UK general election candidate who said Hitler was brilliant at inspiring people and described Bashar al-Assad as gentle by nature is now in charge of the partys vetting process. Jack Aarons comments emerged last year when he stood for the party in Welwyn Hatfield, but according to the Guardian, he has since had a promotion. His new role includes looking at prospective candidates social media profiles and advising them on whether anything should be taken down. A spokesperson for Reform UK said: Mr Aaron is Jewish, and sits on his local synagogue council. His grandfather came to this country as a refugee from Vienna and much of his family on that side were murdered by Hitlers regime. Reform UK does not disclose details of our internal vetting process and nor staff members involved. Reform UK has been contacted for comment. TOKYO - Japan is considering deploying long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu as part of the country's efforts to acquire "counterstrike capabilities" to hit enemy targets in the event of an emergency, government sources said Saturday. The deployment, expected to commence at the end of the next fiscal year in March 2026, is aimed at bolstering the security of the country's southwestern Nansei island chain, strategically important for its proximity to Taiwan, amid growing fears the self-ruled democratic island may be invaded by China. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Authorities are assessing possible deployment sites, with local residents concerned they could be targeted in enemy attacks, the sources said. The missiles may be deployed at the Ground-Self Defense Force's surface-to-ship missile regiment garrisons in Yufu in Oita Prefecture and the city of Kumamoto, according to the sources. The southern island prefecture of Okinawa, which lies closer to mainland China, is unlikely to be a deployment site amid concern it could heighten tensions with Beijing, the sources said. The missiles to be deployed are an upgraded version of the GSDF's Type-12 land-to-ship guided missile, with an extended range of 1,000 kilometers. Deployment in Kyushu would put North Korea and China's coastal areas within range. Related coverage: Japan MSDF frigate makes port call in Australia amid contract bid Japan voices "full" trust in U.S. after Trump questions security pact 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 delivery driver who had needed skin grafts after being seriously burned when a Starbucks drink spilled on his lap was awarded $50 million dollars in a lawsuit on Friday. A lawsuit claimed that a Starbucks barista had negligently failed to secure one of three venti-sized Medicine Ball tea drinks before handing the order to Michael Garcia, who was working for Postmates at the time, the firm representing him, Trial Lawyers for Justice, said. One of the drinks fell on Garcias lap, causing third-degree burns to his penis, groin and inner thighs, leading to hospitalization and multiple skin grafts, his attorney said. A Los Angeles County jury awarded Garcia, who has suffered suffered permanent and life-changing disfigurement, according to his attorneys, $50 million. open image in gallery A delivery driver won a huge pay out from Starbucks after one of their baristas failed to properly secure the lid on a hot tea, a jury found. ( AP ) This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility, one of Garcia's attorneys, Nick Rowley, said in a statement. Starbucks said it sympathized with Garcia but planned to appeal. We disagree with the jurys decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive," the Seattle-based coffee giant said in a statement to media outlets, adding that it was committed to the highest safety standards in handling hot drinks. U.S. eateries have faced lawsuits before over customer burns. In one famous 1990s case, a New Mexico jury awarded a woman nearly $3 million in damages for burns she suffered while trying to pry the lid off a cup of coffee at a McDonalds drive-through. A judge later reduced the award, and the case ultimately was settled for an undisclosed sum under $600,000. Juries have sided with restaurants at times, as in another 1990s case involving a child who tipped a cup of McDonald's coffee onto himself in Iowa. --- Additional reporting by AP. 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 Hmong American woman who is a mother of five has been deported from the Milwaukee area to Laos, a country she has never set foot in, according to a new report. Ma Yang, 37, is being held in a rooming house in Laos, surrounded by military guards, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. She does not speak the language, knows no one, and says the military is holding all of her documents. "The United States sent me back to die," Yang told the outlet. "I don't even know where to go. I don't even know what to do." "How do I rent, or buy, or anything, with no papers?" she added. "I'm a nobody right now." open image in gallery ICE deported Ma Yang, a mother of five, to Laos last month ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The 37-year-old is also without insulin for her diabetes and is running out of her medication for high blood pressure. Yang was born in Thailand and was a legal permanent US resident until she pleaded guilty to marijuana-related charges and served more than 2 years in prison. She took the plea deal after her attorney incorrectly stated it wouldnt affect her legal permanent residency, which was later revoked, the Journal Sentinel reports. Yang says she wouldve taken a longer sentence to keep her legal residency. I made a mistake and I know that it was wrong," she told the outlet. "But I served the time for it already." open image in gallery Ma Yang, pictured, was deported in February to Laos, a country she has never set foot in ( Facebook ) After her sentence, Yang was taken to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Minnesota. There, a new attorney told her to sign a document that allowed her to leave but required her to agree that a deportation order would be entered against her, according to the Journal Sentinel. Yangs attorney believed she would never be deported, as the US typically deports a small number of people to the country each year and Laos has typically refused to accept deportees, the Journal Sentinel reports. Yang also thought her case would be re-opened because she had poor representation. It wasnt. "I just keep getting screwed in this system," Yang told the Journal Sentinel. In February, ICE agents asked Yang to report to their Milwaukee facility. From there, she was detained, sent to Indiana, transferred to Chicago, and finally put on a series of flights to Laos. Yang was removed from the US after President Donald Trump vowed to deport millions and millions and conduct the largest deportation operation in US history. The Trump administration has been ramping up deportation efforts, and the president has even attempted to speed up their efforts by invoking the rarely-used Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump signed an executive order Saturday invoking the act, which is intended to be invoked when the country is at war or if a foreign nation has invaded the U.S. or has issued threats that they will. However, Chief Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order on deportations under the wartime law on Saturday night. The order blocks the deportation of any non-citizens who are in custody and facing removal under the Alien Enemies Act for at least 14 days. The Independent has contacted ICE for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice El Salvador's mega-prison, the centerpiece of its controversial anti-crime strategy, has become the latest holding ground for US deportees. Hundreds of immigrants, alleged by US authorities to be members of Venezuela's notorious Tren de Aragua gang, were transferred to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) on Sunday. This move comes as part of a $6 million agreement between the Trump administration and El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, providing the US with a year's worth of detention services. The CECOT, opened in 2023, stands as a stark symbol of Bukele's iron-fisted approach to crime. Within its walls, inmates are denied access to visitation, recreation, and education. The transfer of the immigrants to the facility occurred despite a federal judge's order temporarily halting deportations under an 18th-century wartime declaration targeting Venezuelan gang members. open image in gallery Guards at the CECOT ( AP ) The agreement and subsequent transfer highlight the Trump administration's continued hardline stance on immigration, leveraging El Salvador's penal system as a tool in its deportation efforts. Here is what to know about the facility and why it is being used for immigrants. What is the CECOT? Bukele ordered the mega-prison built as he began his campaign against El Salvadors gangs in March 2022. It opened a year later in the town of Tecoluca, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of the capital. open image in gallery Alleged gang members are transferred to CECOT in 2024 ( El Salvador's presidency press office ) The facility has eight sprawling pavilions and can hold up to 40,000 inmates. Each cell can fit 65 to 70 prisoners. CECOT prisoners do not receive visits and are never allowed outdoors. The prison does not offer workshops or educational programs to prepare them to return to society after their sentences. Occasionally, prisoners who have gained a level of trust from prison officials give motivational talks. Prisoners sit in rows in the corridor outside their cells for the talks or are led through exercise regimens under the supervision of guards. open image in gallery Police officers in riot gear stand guard as new inmates arrive at the prison ( El Salvador's presidency press office ) Bukeles justice minister has said that those held at CECOT would never return to their communities. The prison's dining halls, break rooms, gym and board games are for guards. How many prisoners does El Salvador hold? The government doesnt regularly update the figure, but the human rights organization Cristosal reported that in March 2024 El Salvador had 110,000 people behind bars, including those sentenced to prison and those still awaiting trial. That was more than double the 36,000 inmates that the government reported in April 2021, a year before Bukele ramped up his fight against crime. Thousands of inmates transferred to El Salvador 'mega prison' in crackdown on gangs Cristosal and other advocates have accused authorities of human rights violations. Cristosal reported in 2024 that at least 261 people had died in El Salvadors prisons during the gang crackdown. The group and others have cited cases of abuse, torture and lack of medical attention. In slickly produced videos, the government has shown CECOT prisoners in boxer shorts marching into common areas and made to sit nearly atop each other. Cells lack enough bunks for everyone. Why were immigrants sent to CECOT? open image in gallery Inmates attend a class on social behaviour at CECOT ( AP ) The migrants were deported after Trumps declaration of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which has been used only three times in US history. The law requires a president to declare the US is at war, giving him extraordinary powers to detain or remove foreigners who otherwise would have protections under immigration or criminal laws. Trump claimed the Tren de Aragua gang was invading the US in invoking the wartime authority. Tren de Aragua originated in an infamously lawless prison in Venezuela and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade. The Trump administration has not identified the migrants deported, provided any evidence they are in fact members of Tren de Aragua or that they committed any crimes in the US. open image in gallery Watchtowers and barbed wire at CECOT ( Getty Images ) Video released by El Salvadors government on Sunday showed men exiting airplanes into an airport tarmac lined by officers in riot gear. The men, who had with their hands and ankles shackled, struggled to walk as officers pushed their heads down to have them bend at the waist. The video also showed the men being transported to CECOT in a large convoy of buses guarded by police and military vehicles and at least one helicopter. The men were shown kneeling on the ground as their heads were shaved before they changed into the prisons all-white uniform knee-length shorts, T-shirt, socks and rubber clogs and placed in cells. 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 New legislation proposed in the Florida House could change the way customers tip at restaurants. The bill, HB 535, entitled Public Lodging and Public Food Service Establishments, makes clear the conditions under which a patron may be removed from a restaurant for not paying their bill. An amendment to the legislation also handles tipping as well as service charges. Customers would not have to pay a required gratuity or service charge if the service wasnt up to scratch, according to Fox News Digital. A guest may not be required to pay an automatic gratuity or service charge if the guest complains about the quality of service provided, the amendment states. Meanwhile, service charges or automatic gratuity may only be included for groups with six or more people. The proposed law could also direct restaurants to reveal whos getting the gratuity or service charge and disclose the percentages. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association said in a statement that they are not in favor of the amendment. A Florida bill aims to change the way tipping and service charges work ( AFP via Getty Images ) We understand that customers may be experiencing tip fatigue because they are feeling compelled to tip even when, historically, no tip would be warranted," the groups vice president for government relations and general counsel, Samantha Padgett, said. However, many restaurants in Florida and across the U.S. use service charges as a key tool for insuring service and success. She added that Florida statutes already require that a service charge notification appear on the menu and on the customers receipt. We feel there are important and effective ways to build on the current notification requirements that are currently in statute, that will result in better customer communication, said Padgett. We believe a customer deserves to have the information needed to make their own decisions about where to dine. WalletHub found in a recent survey that nine out of 10 Americans think tipping culture is out of control in the U.S. As many as 83 percent of Americans think that automatic service charges should be prohibited. Meanwhile, roughly half of Americans revealed that they often tip because of social pressure instead of because of good service. The proposed law would go into effect on July 1 if it passes. The amendment was put forward by State Rep. Demi Busatta, a Republican, after dining in Miami and receiving a bill with both a pre-set gratuity and a service charge. In Miami, weve seen a growing circumstance where all the restaurants are automatically including a 20 percent gratuity, or theyre calling it gratuity or service charge or service fee or tip, not just on regular sitdown meals but on take-out as well at fast-casual establishments, said Busatta, according to ClickOrlando. 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 Jasmine Crockett did not mince her words when asked about John Fettermans ongoing criticism of his fellow Democratic lawmakers on Sunday. Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, has been critical of the more left-leaning members of his party, condemning their push for a government shutdown. He also joined in with the chorus of people who mocked the Choose Your Fighter TikTok video, in which some members of the House Democratic caucus participated in a social media campaign that highlighted their backgrounds. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett responded to criticism from Senator John Fetterman, a fellow Democrat, on CNN. ( CNN ) Jake Tapper questioned Crockett over Fettermans criticism, leading her to unload of the Senator and his trademark casual attire. "He's not the one to talk about anything, the Texas congresswoman said. After quipping about how she and some other were asked to jump in the videos, Crockett explained: Just know, we were not on the House floor jumping around at all, whereas Senator Fetterman is consistently walking around the Senate chamber, and he is walking around in such a way that they literally had to change the rules in the Senate so that he could walk around that way. The Senate changed its rules in 2023 to allow members to wear what they want on the Senate floor. She added: I dont show up in hoodies when Im going on the floor. Jasmine Crockett responds to John Fetterman's criticism of Democrats Fettermans heel turn has not been without consequence, and an ongoing staff exodus from his congressional office has been linked in media reports to his outspoken hard-right position on Israel and frequent breaks with the majority of the Democratic caucus. The senator in the past referred to himself as a progressive but now eschews the label, leading many former Pennsylvania-based campaign volunteers to publicly lament his evolution. One recent departure from the senators office told the progressive news outlet The Intercept: This is a guy who came in talking about being a champion for labor and hes gone pretty quiet on it. This is a guy who, since Trump won, is for lack of better word basically a useful idiot for Republicans. Hes supporting stuff and it gives them cover to say, Look its bipartisan, we got Fetterman.' Most recently, his departure from the positions supported by his partys base led him to be one of the most outspoken voices against a Democratic filibuster of a Republican-led effort to meet a federal funding deadline with a bill that cut nondefense spending. Backed by Schumer and eight other Democrats in the upper chamber, Fetterman on Friday voted for cloture to advance the Republican bill to debate, bypassing the filibuster threshold and ending the prospect (for dissenting Democrats) of pressuring Republicans to pass a clean short-term funding bill. 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 Proudly holding their shiny binders titled the Epstein files Phase 1 outside the White House, MAGA influencers believed they had the real deal. Donald Trumps new Attorney General ,Pam Bondi, had vowed to release the Epstein files after taking over the Justice Department, but the process has been hit with delays and excuses, including claims that she was misled. In a possible bid to get MAGA off her back, Bondi invited right-wing personalities including commentator Liz Wheeler, Chaya Raichik, who is the person behind the prolific Libs of TikTok X account, Republican activist Scott Presler and conservative commentator Rogan OHanley to name a few down to the White House on February 27 to see the files for themselves. They hoped that the files might shed light on one of the most sinister figures in American public life and those who may have taken part in his crimes. open image in gallery MAGAs Rogan OHandley, Chaya Raichik, and Liz Wheeler proudly hold up the Epstein files Phase 1 binders. When it turned out they mostly contained no new information, there was uproar. ( REUTERS ) Jeffrey Epstein a financier with a taste for the high life and his own private island was once a friend to the rich, famous and powerful, counting presidents, royals, Hollywood stars and celebrity lawyers among his acquaintances. But he was also a child sex offender. In 2008 he was convicted in Florida of procuring a child for prostitution and of soliciting a prostitute. In 2019 he was being held on charges of sex trafficking minors when he died by suicide in a New York jail cell. None of the Epstein clients suspected of taking part in the sexual exploitation of girls and young women with him have ever been brought to justice; only one person his former confidante Ghislaine Maxwell has ever been charged or convicted. So hopes were high that Bondis release of the files would finally help expose a network of abusers who had so far escaped culpability. It turned out to be nothing more than a PR stunt because the binders mostly contained information already in the public domain. The farcical episode ignited even more rage on the right and some on the left as prominent MAGA commentators furiously lashed out on Elon Musks X platform. There is one person who takes the blame for what happened today. Its @PamBondi, Laura Loomer fumed. I think she should resign. She went on Fox News and said the files were on her desk. Then she went on Fox News last night and said we would have files today. She is a total liar. Bondi has since blocked Loomer on X, according to the right-wing activist. GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR instead of leaking old info to press, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna also demanded. The saga of the Epstein files has captivated the MAGA movement and now President Donald Trumps attorney general finds herself in the unenviable position of facing their wrath. The Independent asked academics who have studied MAGA and conspiracy theories why the movement is so obsessed with the release of the documents. There are a couple of factors at play here, said John Kane, clinical associate professor at NYUs School of Professional Studies Center for Global Affairs, citing what scholars call a conspiracy mentality. Essentially, this is a predisposition to believing that small groups of powerful people control virtually everything and keep the Truth hidden from ordinary people, Kane said. Epstein's status, horrific behavior, and shocking suicide thus lend themselves easily to a conspiracy. Another factor, Kane said, is that MAGA influencers and commentators are always in need of flammable content to discuss. open image in gallery Pam Bondi is in the middle of a MAGA storm over the release of the Epstein files, which has been hit by numerous delays. Trumps attorney general has bungled the rollout of the files, which she says are still being reviewed by her department ( REUTERS ) The Epstein files represent a major story that, no matter what the files say, will allow for plenty of discussion and unrestrained speculation, Kane said. But if no new files are released, it's like a fire being deprived of oxygen. There are, too, prominent voices on the left calling for the files to be released, and taking the opportunity to tie Trump to the sex offender. Senate Judiciary Democrats posted on X that the delay is part of a bigger pattern of years of entanglement between Donald Trump and Jeffery Epstein. Trump has not been formally accused of wrongdoing and denies any involvement in Epsteins crimes. NBC coverage from 1992 shows Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein discussing women at Mar-a-Lago party Any attempts to link Trump to Epstein wont matter to MAGA, the experts explained. This is the power of what researchers call partisan motivated reasoning, Kane said. The Epstein files will not determine how [MAGA] evaluates Trump, rather, their support for Trump will determine how they evaluate the Epstein files. X has become a MAGA echo chamber since Musk took it over in 2022, and is now a hotbed for conspiracy theories. The Epstein files are no exception. Some even believe that Epstein is still alive. I have never bought into the story that Epstein is dead, one MAGA account with 21,000 followers posted. I believe this is another reason why we will never see the release of the Epstein files. open image in gallery The latest instalment of the Epstein files, released at the end of February, included an already-public redacted contact book and flight logs that made up part of the investigation into the disgraced financier. Epstein killed himself in his prison cell in 2019 ( New York State Sex Offender Registry ) Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson doesnt believe that Epstein killed himself but that he was murdered, despite the overwhelming evidence. In regards to the files, Carlson believes that there is a force preventing Trump officials from releasing them, but didnt say what it was. We can say with certainty that there is a force acting on these people, he said recently on NewsNation. A very serious force to the point where they're embarrassing themselves because they promised [to] release this and they haven't. Another prominent MAGA conspiracy theorist account baselessly suggested that Antony Blinken, former President Joe Bidens Secretary of State, is one of the reasons the files havent yet been released. The account shared an antisemitic diagram highlighting the fact that Blinken is Jewish and linked him to Epstein and Ghilsaine Maxwell via her father Robert Maxwell, a British newspaper mogul who died in 1991. X has transformed a great deal in recent years, Kane said, noting that the platform allows users to go ever father down conspiracy rabbit holes, like the Epstein case. A 2021 study by academics at the Universities of Oklahoma and Washington examined the demographic of the MAGA movement in the immediate aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots. It found that the composition of the MAGA movement is overwhelmingly white, male, Christian, retired, and over 65 years of age, the studys authors wrote. Theyre attracted to the following groups, ones that include gun rights, charities, pro police, anti-lockdown, pro-life, and stop the steal. Theyre extremely politically active, all in support of the Republican Party. open image in gallery MAGAs crusade to see the release of the Epstein files stems from a deep mistrust of government, John Geer, a senior advisor at Vanderbilt University, said. Many Americans who identify as MAGA supporters have not benefited from the economys growth in the last 40 years, he said ( REUTERS ) MAGAs strength has grown since Trump was re-elected. A poll by the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy released last month found that a majority of Republicans now identifies with the MAGA movement. In 2023, 37 percent of Republicans surveyed identified with MAGA. Now, the share of MAGA identifiers within the GOP jumped to 52 percent. John Geer, a senior advisor who oversees Vanderbilt Universitys project, said that the fascination with the Epstein files stems from MAGAs deep sense of mistrust. This element of right-wing extreme politics that has a strong, paranoid anti-government angle has been around for a long time, Geer told The Independent. [MAGA] is going to show their anger toward the government, toward conspiracies, toward cover up. And that's partly what Trump was able always to tap into. Geer noted that its nothing new. What's gone on in this country over the last 40 years, the economy has grown, but there's a huge group of Americans who have not benefited from that economic growth, he explained. They especially live in the rural areas. They blame government and so they blame cover ups. Its something that hits us much more in the face because of social media. But also partly because Trump has given it life. For MAGA, the crusade to release the Epstein files is just the shiny object right now, Geer said. It could easily be something else, he said. Trump was going to try to claim to lay open all this stuff even though he is not very transparent, but he'll do these kinds of things to claim that he's trying to to bring all these conspiracies to light. And it's smart politics on his part. While MAGA world continues to rage about the release of the Epstein files, economists warned this week that a recession could be on the cards after the U.S. economy took a battering because of Trumps trade war. But MAGA is largely silent on the issue or placing the blame solely at the door of the previous administration. The biggest impact of the Epstein files, Kane said, might end up being that it distracted large segments of voters from actual issues that will likely affect their daily lives far more than any information about Epstein ever could. 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 policies and rhetoric have driven some international tourists to cancel their trips to the United States. International travel is expected to dip by 5 percent this year as Trumps trade policies, proposed handling of Russias war in Ukraine, and threats to absorb both Canada and Greenland into the U.S. have stoked tensions abroad. Combined with an anticipated slide in domestic travel spending, these factors could contribute to a predicted $64 billion in losses for the U.S. travel industry in 2025, according to travel research firm Tourism Economics. In a report published late last month, Tourism Economics predicted that domestic travel will be negatively affected by slower income growth and higher prices while international travel to the U.S. will be hit by a trifecta of slower economies, a stronger dollar, and antipathy towards the US. Compared to last February, inbound travel to the U.S. last month dipped by 2 percent, preliminary U.S. government data shows. Trump has demanded that Canada become its 51st state and has imposed levies on the country. open image in gallery International travelers are scrapping their plans to visit the U.S. in light of Trumps policies and rhetoric ( REUTERS ) Now is also the time to choose Canada, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a speech in February following Trumps initial tariffs. It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer. Some north of the border now appear to be taking him up on that idea. Canadians, the most common international visitors to the U.S., have stopped coming to the country. in droves. Last month, visits by car from Canada to the U.S. plummeted by 23 percent compared to February 2024, Statistics Canada data shows. Similarly, U.S. car trips to Canada decreased by 7.9 percent from the year prior. Bertha Lopez, a 54-year-old who lives near Toronto, told the Washington Post she used to routinely drive across the U.S. border to buy staple foods, but that habit has come to a screeching halt in light of Trumps recent rhetoric. Lopez canceled a trip to Arizona to visit her friends sick husband and instead plans to buy her friend a ticket to visit her in Canada. All of this talk of making Canada the 51st state has been upsetting. Its just incredibly offensive, she said. So Im doing what I can: No more Tide. No more Coca-Cola. No more Disney. And barring a funeral or someone in the hospital, I am not going to the United States. open image in gallery Protesters in Canada hold up signs saying the country is not 4 sale as Trump demands it become the U.S.s 51st state ( AP ) Trump has also renewed calls from his first term, saying he wants the U.S. to buy Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The Danish government and the Greenlandic government have both said that the territory is not up for sale. Overall travel from Western Europe was down 1 percent in February compared to the same month last year, while travel specifically from Denmark dipped by 6 percent in February compared to the same month in 2024, according to U.S. government data. Travel from Western Europe, which represented 37% of overseas travel to the U.S. last year, is susceptible to declines as a result of both tariffs and the administration's perceived recent alignment with Russia in the war in Ukraine as sentiment towards the U.S. is damaged, the Tourism Economics February report warns. Last week, Trump threatened a 200 percent tariff on alcoholic beverages imported from the European Union, which he called one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World. Jens Muellers, 31, and his father were planning to travel from Germany to Seattle over the summer to go on a road trip to see some of the national parks in the western U.S. Trumps recent remarks about the E.U. on top of his layoffs at the National Park Service and budget cuts to other departments overseeing federal lands prompted Muellers to shift gears and head to Canada, he told the Post. This trip would have marked his fifth trip to the United States. Its a real shame and breaking my heart to see what is happening with the national parks and [its] employees right now, he said. We wont come back to the U.S. until things change significantly. 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 The Trump administration announced it had deported hundreds of alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, even after a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from carrying out deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the president invoked on Saturday. This weekend, at the Presidents direction, the Department of Homeland Security successfully arrested nearly 300 Tren De Aragua terrorists, saving countless American lives, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Sunday. Thanks to the great work of the Department of State, these heinous monsters were extracted and removed to El Salvador where they will no longer be able to pose any threat to the American People. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also remarked on the deportations Sunday, writing in a statement on X that El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars. He added that the U.S. also sent two dangerous top MS-13 gang leaders as well as 21 Salvadorans to face justice in the country. The announcement comes one day after Chief Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order on deportations under wartime law on Saturday night. This order blocks the deportation of any non-citizens in custody and facing removal under the Alien Enemies Act for at least 14 days. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward challenging Trumps order hours before he signed it. I think theres clearly irreparable harm here given these folks will be deported, Boasberg said. A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm. Particularly given the plaintiffs information, unrebutted by the government, that flights are actively departing and planning to depart, I do not believe that Im able to wait any longer, he added. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States. Democrats swiftly condemned the deportations. Speaking on MSNBC Sunday, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are going to stand strongly in support of the rule of law and its application, which the Trump administration appears to be violating in this particular instance. House Judiciary Democrats said the invocation of the act requires a declaration of war. But Congress has declared no such war, the statement read. There are lots of lawful ways to promote public safety and national security, but this is a lawless and reckless exercise of emergency powers to skip over Congress and due process. Trump signed an order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against members of a Venezuelan gang on Saturday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Earlier Saturday, Boasberg had issued a preemptive block on the removal of the five Venezuelans identified in the lawsuit who believed they were about to be removed. At that point, Trump had not yet signed the executive order. Trump issued the executive order on Saturday afternoon, invoking the rarely-used wartime power against members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Trumps order claims the gang is invading the US, and under the Alien Enemies Act, the administration has new powers to deport members. I proclaim that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of TdA, are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies, Trump wrote in his order. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the gang a foreign terrorist organization last month following an executive order that allowed him to do so. The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 is intended to be invoked when the country is at war or if a foreign nation has invaded the U.S. or has issued threats that it will. While the administration is pointing to threats from gangs and cartels, legal experts noted that it will be challenging for the administration to use the law when the country isnt being actively attacked by a foreign government. Beatriz Lopez, co-executive director of the Immigration Hub, said in a statement that Trump is unearthing one of Americas darkest laws to launch a deportation dragnet unlike anything in modern history. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. LOS ANGELES - Former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson, who dedicated himself to securing an apology and compensation from the government for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, has died, a group of which he was a board member said. He was 93. Simpson died at a hospice in Cody, Wyoming, on Friday. A longtime Republican, he developed a close friendship with the late Democratic Rep. Norman Mineta, the first Japanese American to serve in the U.S. Cabinet. Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1931, Simpson was a Wyoming House of Representatives member before becoming a U.S. senator for the state, holding the position for nearly 20 years until 1997. He broke his lower back in December, the group said. In 1943, Simpson met Mineta, who had been taken to the Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming. After resuming contact around 30 years later, Simpson cooperated with Mineta, who sought redress for Japanese Americans, leading to the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 under then U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Related coverage: Mineta, 1st Japanese American in Cabinet, declined 1993 offer to join Museum names plaza after 1st Japanese American member of Cabinet Biden vows "never again" in marking 80 yrs since Japanese internment 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 appears to have expanded the scope of the travel ban from his first term to include 43 countries, according to a report. Although Trump failed to reintroduce the travel ban on day one of his second term, as he promised, he did issue 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" within 60 days. Now, with that deadline approaching, a draft list of proposed countries banned from traveling to the US is circulating, the New York Times reported. A White House official told The Independent no decision has been made. It was developed by the State Department weeks ago, officials familiar with the matter told the outlet, who cautioned it will likely undergo changes by the time the White House gets ahold of it. The Independent has reached out to the State Department for comment. open image in gallery President Donald Trumps administration has proposed a three-tier ban on citizens from certain countries from entering the US ( AFP via Getty ) The draft list was separated into three sections red, orange, and yellow to denote the level of restriction, according to the outlet. The red list includes 11 countries whose citizens would be entirely forbidden from entering the US: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. Ten countries whose citizens will be limited from entering but not entirely banned, meaning they are required to have specific visas, were on the orange list. People of Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Turkmenistan will have to sit for in-person interviews to obtain a visa, the outlet reported. The yellow list contains 22 countries, mostly African nations, that the Trump administration is giving 60 days to address its concerns over alleged deficiencies. If these nations dont comply, they risk being placed on the red or orange lists, the Times reported. This list includes Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe. open image in gallery Donald Trump signed 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 within 60 days ( AP ) Security specialists and embassy officials at State Department regional bureaus are reviewing the proposal and providing comments as to the accuracy of the so-called deficiencies or whether there are policy reasons to avoid certain categorizations, the outlet reported. In his January 20 executive order, Trump said the travel ban would protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes. On former President Joe Bidens first day in office in 2021, he issued a proclamation to terminate Trumps travel bans. He said Trumps bans were a stain on our national conscience and [were] inconsistent with our long history of welcoming people of all faiths and no faith at all. 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 At least 32 people across five states have died and dozens more are injured after a violent storm system swept across the country, slamming the Mississippi Valley and Deep South. A brutal combination of tornadoes, severe storms and whipping winds has left at least 12 dead in Missouri, the Associated Press reports. Another eight died in Kansas on Friday in a highway pile-up involving 50 vehicles amid a dust storm. Mississippis governor also reported six dead after the state was rocked by tornadoes, severe storms and even an earthquake late Saturday. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported three deaths in three separate car crashes due to low visibility and high winds after a dust storm ripped through the state Friday. Another three people also died in Arkansas amid the storms. One man was killed after a tornado tore apart his home. "It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field," Butler County, Missouri Coroner Jim Akers told the Associated Press. "The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls." A woman in the home was saved by rescuers, the outlet noted. Governors of Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi have each declared states of emergency. open image in gallery Debris covers the road during a severe storm slams the area north of Seymour, Missouri late Friday, March 14, 2025. (Trooper Austin James/Missouri State Highway Patrol via AP) ( AP ) The Carolinas Nearly 250,000 Americans are without power across as of Sunday morning, according to poweroutage.us. North Carolinians went to sleep Saturday night with the threat of damaging winds, tornadoes and large hail, the states emergency management team predicted. More than 44,000 in the state are without power as of Sunday morning, with Duke Energy reporting 200 outages across 16 counties, according to Fox Carolina. Tornado watches were still in effect Sunday morning in counties across North and South Carolina through Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Strong winds are expected to whip throughout the day Sunday into the evening, with gusts of up to 45 mph. Texas Three have died in Texas in car crashes as a result of the dust storm, with one car pileup including an estimated 38 vehicles, AccuWeather reported. In Amarillo in the Texas panhandle, a video posted by the National Weather Service captured 83 mph winds dust to swirl and lamp posts, flag poles and trees to shake. Dangerous winds and blowing dust are causing LOTS of issues out there, including accidents, downed power lines and low visibility. Take extreme caution out there! the government agency wrote. Many others are under threat as wildfires tear across the northern part of the state. As of Sunday morning, nine wildfires were raging across the state, most of which were more than 65 percent contained. Fire weather watches and red flag warnings are expected to take effect early this week. open image in gallery A blaze overtakes a home in Stillwater, Oklahoma on Friday as wildfires in the state destroy more than 200 homes ( REUTERS ) Fires are also devastating Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas. In some Oklahoma communities, officials ordered locals to evacuate as more than 130 fires were reported across the state, the Associated Press reported. At a press conference Saturday, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said nearly 300 homes were damaged and more than 170,000 acres had burned due to the fires. --- Additional reporting by AP. 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 Government officials are among those arrested after at least 59 people were killed dead and more than 100 are injured in a fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia early on Sunday. The blaze broke out at the Pulse nightclub in the town of Kocani at around 2.35am during a concert by DNK, a popular hip-hop duo in the country. The fire is believed to have started when sparks from pyrotechnic devices hit the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material and burned quickly, according to interior minister Panche Toshkovski. More than 20 of the injured and three of those killed were aged under 18, he said. Authorities arrested about 20 people in connection with the fire, including government officials and the manager of the "Pulse" nightclub, which did not have a valid licence, Interior Minister Pance Toskovski told a press conference. open image in gallery Club Pulse experienced a massive fire in the early hours of Sunday morning ( AP ) Prime minister Hristijan Mickoski said the licence was issued illegally by the economy ministry and promised those responsible would face justice. "Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession," Mickoski said. He declared seven days of national mourning. North Macedonias public broadcaster reported that 27 people had been taken to Skopje City Hospital with severe burns, while a further 23 were treated at the Clinical Centre. It is understood that children were injured in the blaze. "Fire broke out, everyone started screaming and shouting: 'Get out, get out'," Marija Taseva, 22, told Reuters. As she tried to escape, Taseva fell to the ground and people trod on her, injuring her face. In the rush, she lost contact with her sister, who did not make it out. "My sister died," Taseva said, breaking into tears. Footage on social media showed chaos inside the club and the growing blaze outside. Family members have gathered in front of hospitals and Kocani's city offices begging authorities for more information. open image in gallery The damaged nightclub ( Reuters ) North Macedonia's prime minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote on X: This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable. In these moments of deep sorrow, our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, and the families of the deceased strength to endure this unimaginable loss. The people and the government will do everything in their power to at least alleviate their pain a little and help them in these most difficult moments. open image in gallery Interior minister Panche Toshkovski speaks following the fire in Kocani ( AP ) He called on health services, police and local authorities to take urgent measures to help the injured and support affected families. The government is fully mobilised and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy. In these times of deep sadness, when our hearts are broken with pain due to this terrible tragedy, I call for unity, solidarity, humanity and responsibility. Marta Kos, the European commissioner for enlargement, said: Deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, which claimed lives of too many young people. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the whole of North Macedonia during this terrible tragedy! 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 A devastating nightclub fire in North Macedonia has been declared one of the countrys worst tragedies in recent memory as over 50 people have died and more than 100 people have been injured. The Pulse nightclub was engulfed with flames at 2:35am on Sunday morning in Kocani, around 100km east from the capital city of Skopje. Police have questioned 20 people in connection with the incident, which includes government officials and the manager of the venue, which did not have a valid licence. Footage on social media showed chaos inside the club as the band onstage urged people to get out as quickly as possible. External footage of the venue showed the growing blaze spreading to the roof. Local authorities are investigating the venues licensing and safety provisions, as the government has insisted on its moral responsibility to help prosecute anyone responsible for the blaze. open image in gallery Emergency responders stand outside the night club in response to the blaze ( REUTERS ) Where did the fire take place? The fire took place in the Pulse nightclub, an old building that was previously a carpet warehouse and had been running for several years, according to local media MKD. How many people were at the club? Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said preliminary investigations revealed the number of people in the club was likely at least twice its official capacity of 250 people. "Fire broke out, everyone started screaming and shouting: 'Get out, get out'," Marija Taseva, 22, told Reuters. As she tried to escape, Taseva fell to the ground and people trod on her, injuring her face. In the rush, she lost contact with her sister, who did not make it out. "My sister died," Taseva said, breaking into tears. What caused the fire? Initial reports suggest the fire started from sparks caused by pyrotechnic devices at the gig, said interior minister Panche Toshkovski. He told a press conference that sparks hit the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material. Footage shows a hip-hop group DNK playing on stage when two flares went off and the sparks led to the blaze rapidly spreading throughout the venue. open image in gallery The damaged nightclub building ( REUTERS ) How many casualties? Mr Toshkovski confirmed that 59 people had been killed in the fire, with over 150 people injured. Among the dead are several members of the band, local media reported, including lead singer Andrej Gjorgievski. Health minister Arben Taravari said 115 people have been taken to hospital in North Macedonia, with burns specialists from as far afield as Israel expected to arrive in the country on Monday to assist. Another 47 patients have been transported to neighbouring countries for treatment, Mr Taravari said. Dozens of seriously injured patients, including critically injured teens and young adults, were transferred to neighbouring Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey, Croatia and Greece for treatment, authorities from those countries said. More than 20 of the injured and three of those killed were aged under 18, he said. All our capabilities have been put to use, in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy. Authorities expect the death toll to rise given the severity of some of the injuries. open image in gallery Relatives and survivors outside a hospital in the town of Kocani ( AP ) Has anyone been arrested? Authorities have arrested 20 people in connection with the fire, including government officials and the nightclub's manager. The "Pulse" nightclub, which local media reports described as a former carpet warehouse, had only two fire extinguishers and no fire alarm, Kocevski said. The ceiling was made of flammable materials and the plasterboard walls were not fire resistant. "It did not have two exit doors, but only one single improvised metal door at the back of the building, which was locked and without a handle on the inside," North Macedonia's state prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski said late on Sunday. Mr Kocevski said his office was working to determine the criminal liability of a number of people for "serious offences against public security" and other crimes. "The individuals acted contrary to the regulations and technical rules of the protection measures and thereby caused a danger to the life and work of people on a large scale," he said. Mr Kocevski said five prosecutors would investigate the incident. "At the moment, orders have been issued to collect evidence" and people were being interviewed. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the licence for the nightclub was issued illegally by the economy ministry and promised those responsible would face justice. "Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession," Mr Mickoski said. He declared seven days of national mourning. open image in gallery North Macedonia's prime minister called it a "difficult and very sad day for Macedonia" ( REUTERS ) What has North Macedonias prime minister said? Prime minister Hristijan Mickoski said: This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable. In these moments of deep sorrow, our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, and the families of the deceased strength to endure this unimaginable loss. The people and the government will do everything in their power to at least alleviate their pain a little and help them in these most difficult moments. He called on health services, police and local authorities to take urgent measures to help the injured and support affected families. The Government is fully mobilized and will do everything necessary to deal with the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy. In these times of deep sadness, when our hearts are broken with pain due to this terrible tragedy, I call for unity, solidarity, humanity and responsibility. What have world leaders said? Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said: I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our Macedonian friends on this sad day. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen shared her deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected. I grieve the tragic loss of life in the fire in Kocani, she said. Pope Francis, who remains in hospital with pneumonia, expressed his profound condolences through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. Albanias prime minister Edi Rama said: With a deep sense of sorrow, I extend my condolences to the brothers and sisters of North Macedonia for the great tragedy in Kocani. I am at a loss for words and pray for the recovery of the injured and for the families of the victims to find the strength to endure their unimaginable loss. 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 Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since he was taken to hospital with double pneumonia more than a month ago. The photograph shows the 88-year-old pontiff celebrating a mass in his prayer room in the hospital chapel on Sunday morning. The photograph is taken from behind, and shows the leader of the Catholic Church wearing a purple stole sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar. The Vatican said he was particpating in the celebration of the Mass with other priests. open image in gallery Candles and flowers for Pope Francis outside the Rome's Gemelli hospital ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) It is the first photograph of the pope since he was admitted to hospital on 14 February with a severe case of bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. It is also the first time the Vatican has mentioned that the Pope has participated in celebrating a Mass in the period. Earlier, dozens of children toting yellow and white balloons many from war-torn countries gathered outside Rome's Gemelli hospital to greet Francis. While the Pope did not appear from the 10th-floor suite of windows, he thanked them and acknowledged their presence in the traditional Sunday blessing. "I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness," the pontiff said in the Angelus text prepared for the traditional prayer but not delivered live again. open image in gallery The 88-year-old has been in hospital for a month ( AP ) "Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you," Francis said. Doctors this week said the pontiff was no longer in a critical condition, but they have continued to emphasise that his condition remained complex due to his age, lack of mobility and the loss of part of a lung as a young man. Still, they are issuing fewer medical bulletins as the pontiff has been on an upward trajectory. An X-ray this week confirmed that the infection was clearing. Francis has not been seen publicly since he was admitted to the hospital after a bout of bronchitis that made it difficult for him to speak. Doctors soon added a diagnosis of double pneumonia and a polymicrobial (bacterial, viral and fungal) infection. The first three weeks of his time in hospital were marked by a rollercoaster of setbacks, including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure and a severe coughing fit. 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 Ukraine has drawn up a series of red lines as the US tries to hammer out a ceasefire deal with Russia, The Independent understands. After three years of war, the world is waiting to see if the 30-day plan accepted by Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday will find common ground with Vladimir Putin. High-level Ukrainian sources briefed on the ongoing talks are warning there is little trust that Russia will accept a reasonable deal, adding: We expect another trick. Despite Donald Trump describing good and productive talks with Russia on Friday, Putin has been accused of using delaying tactics by raising nuances and further questions, as well as suggesting that Ukraine would not be permitted to rearm, mobilise or receive Western military aid during the truce. But Ukraine is understood to be clear on several key areas of negotiation if the war is to stop. They include: No further territory to be ceded, despite Putins desire to take four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by the Russian military since 2014 The return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia The return of thousands of civilians illegally held by Russia, who are not considered Prisoners of War and so would not be included in PoW exchanges A need for international security guarantees, should Putin infringe any ceasefire deal Ukrainian officials are concerned that Russias stalling is nothing more than a game from their side. We are really willing to make peace, but we need a long-lasting peace, not a short ceasefire. We do not want our children fighting this battle, said the senior source, who cannot be named as they are not permitted to speak to the media. Putin is playing games. We have made a strong move now it is his turn. We have proved we are reasonable; we are willing to have peace if Russia doesnt agree, the whole world will see they are liars. One key point of contention is the return of tens of thousands of children, whom Ukraine says have been abducted to Russia as part of an effort to erase the countrys identity. open image in gallery Russian service members walk along a street in a part of the Kursk region, which was recently retaken by Russia's armed forces ( Reuters ) Kyiv claims that it knows of at least 20,000 children who have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians since the war began, calling the abductions a war crime that meets the UN treaty definition of genocide. Another issue is Putins demands that in any deal, Ukraine cede the entirety of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk, which have been partially occupied by the Russian military since 2014. In the months after the full-scale 2022 invasion, Moscow annexed these regions by holding referendums in the areas they occupied, which were widely dismissed by the international community as illegal and coerced. The US secretary of state Marco Rubio said there had been talk of territorial concessions in the negotiations with Ukraine this week and has previously said Kyiv must expect to give up land. Ukrainian officials told The Independent they had come to terms with the current battle lines freezing, with Russia holding on to some territory for now for a ceasefire to work, but ceding any additional territory would be a red line. It is not reasonable to demand that, for example, Zaporizhzhia or Kherson be fully handed over that sounds like a f*** off to us. They said fate of these territories held by Russia since the invasion in February 2022 was not sealed. We will do our best to retake it with diplomacy. open image in gallery A view shows a site of a Russian military strike in the frontline city of Pokrovsk ( Reuters ) At his news conference on Thursday, Putin said Russia supported the idea of a ceasefire, but with the caveat that it should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of the conflict. He also suggested there were a number of nuances, including in Kursk, where a truce would be very good for the Ukrainian side. The Kremlin later said Putin was cautiously optimistic after holding late-night talks in Moscow with Steve Witkoff, Trumps envoy, on the US proposal. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Mr Zelensky, echoed the distrust of Putin, saying his words looked like a direct desire to continue the war. He said it effectively forced Ukraine to give up its weapons, army, mobilisation, and supplies of equipment, and simply silently watch as [Russians] continue to peacefully fire along the entire front line President Zelensky said on Friday that while he saw a good chance to end the war with Russia, he feared Putin would try to drag the ceasefire proposal into endless discussions. He urged the US and Ukraine's other allies to apply pressure on Russia. On Friday, the G7 nations, including the UK, warned Moscow to follow Kyiv in agreeing to the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire or face further sanctions, according to a draft statement. Mr Trump again pressed Russia to sign and complete "a ceasefire and final agreement", saying on his private social media platform on Friday that he would extract the U.S. from what he called a "real 'mess' with Russia". open image in gallery Vladimir Putin is cautiously optimistic about a truce after holding late-night talks with the US in Moscow ( AP ) In Ukraine, there are deep concerns about the impact of a ceasefire and freezing of lines on the fate of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, who they say have either been forcibly taken to Russia or swallowed up into occupied territories during the full-scale invasion. One of the key demands for the deal is that these children be retrieved and that the policies of Russification including forced passport adoption and re-education camps be stopped. The UK Ministry of Defence said this week that Russia has issued 3.5 million passports to Ukrainians living in illegally Russian-occupied territory, leaving them at risk of conscription into its army. While Ukraine fights for survival, Russia is building its army not just with soldiers but with stolen children, said Mykola Kuleba from Save Ukraine, an organisation that has managed to locate and retrieve over 600 children since the start of the full-scale invasion, including three teenagers in the last week. Over the past 11 years, 1.6 million Ukrainian children have been trapped in Russian-occupied territories. Many have been forcibly taken to Russia. They are indoctrinated in new schools. Their Ukrainian identity is erased, and their minds are filled with hatred for us, the West, the US, and its allies. Ukrainian civil society is also concerned about Ukrainian PoWs and civilians held in Russian detention centres. The Centre for Civil Liberties, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 for its work, said since the full-scale invasion they know of at least 8,000 civilians in 70 different Russian detention centres in occupied territories and Russia itself. The release of civilians should be without conditions as part of the agreement, said Vyacheslav Likhachev, from the centre, adding that the truce was one of the only chances to retrieve people. For more than three years, nothing has been really effective in making Russia release civilians or act in line with international humanitarian law. No sanctions should be lifted without the release of civilians. 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 Stunned, bleeding, disorientated and amazed at surviving a double landmine blast inside their armoured ambulance, the Ukrainian medical team had lost their radio and their bearings. They knew a Russian ambush team was close and they had to get out of Niu York, near Donetsk, fast. Their leader, Rebekah Maciorowski, a volunteer from Colorado, didnt see the Ukrainian drones overhead that were flashing their beacons to lead her to safety. It was broad daylight. Russian drones could also see them, they knew as they scuttled into an abandoned building. They were in the worst of military predicaments a total loss of control. Getting blown up was not so traumatic compared to the situation that we were in with no comms. No comms, you know, in a grey zone, no communications, no navigational reference, says Rebekah, 31, a permanent frontline medic in Ukraine since March 2022. Yet even more traumatic was hearing her own president turn on Ukraines president and switch sides, to backing the Kremlin. She heard him do that while watching a drone feed of another of her teams under fire trying to rescue wounded soldiers on the front line near Toretsk, north of Donetsk. open image in gallery US medic Rebekah Maciorowski and her team tend to injured Ukrainian soldiers in the Donetsk region ( Supplied to The Independent ) You know whats crazy? Im watching on the [live combat drone feed] as hit after hit goes to my [soldiers] position. And were waiting to find out whos dead or injured. And Donald Trumps voice is in the background saying like, well they could have had a deal and it would have been a very good deal, and it just it was so ironic. Youre watching your friends and colleagues that you have taken care of potentially die in front of you while youre listening to a leader of a democratic country say it doesnt matter. This was the point when Ukraine almost lost control of its defence against Russia when Trump resolved to suspend military aid, then cut intelligence feeds blinding and weakening Ukrainian soldiers in combat. Ukrainian soldiers and foreign volunteers fighting alongside them have been largely gagged by Kyiv. They have been told not to make the terrible relations with the Trump administration any worse after the White House changed from ally of Ukraine to adversary. But for Rebekah and her team, which include Ukrainians, a German, a Georgian and a New Zealand nurse, as part of Ukraines 53rd Brigade, the American switch has been devastating. Rebekah, a trauma nurse based in Denver, with experience in humanitarian work in Central America, volunteered when Ukraine called for help after Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. She came on a five-week leave period and never went back. open image in gallery Rebekah Maciorowski, medical officer for Ukraines 53rd Brigade, talks to Sam Kiley from a secret location ( Independent ) Volunteering in teams on the front lines and running evacuations of civilians and soldiers, she built up a social media following which allowed her to raise an estimated $300,000 for supplies to her teams. She thought what she was doing was all-American and in the best traditions of the defence of democracy and decency her country always stood for. Then, a few months after being formally brought into Ukraines armed army as a medical officer, she heard the row between Trump and Zelensky at the White House. It was kind of traumatic. Honestly, it was kind of traumatic. It was unexpected, and it was, I dont even have words. It was awful, yeah. It felt like a knife in the back, says Rebekah. As the 53rds medical officer she is responsible for the wellbeing of hundreds of soldiers fighting on Ukraines bloodiest and most forsaken front line. There are pockets of troops wounded and hiding in dugouts in the rubble of Toretsk still holding against a Russian advance while Vladimir Putin mulls a ceasefire offer from Trump. The two men are expected to talk this week. Were getting about 300g of water to them a day. Food, medicine, we drop it in from drones that were adapted to drop bombs because we cannot get the soldiers out overland, she tellsThe Independent from her secret location close to Toretsk. Troops there are able to survive, often with appalling wounds, because the drone packages of medicines dropped to them are backed up by Rebekah and doctors who talk them through how to treat themselves while holding back frequent Russian attacks across the shattered landscape. Her evacuation teams include medics and Ukrainian soldiers, who drive to rescue wounded troops in the ambulance version of the ancient American-supplied M113 vehicles on the edge of Toretsk, and along a wide section of the eastern front near Konstaninivka. The vehicles are Vietnam war-era armoured vehicles donated by the US which, once they were repaired and made combat ready in Ukraine, won surprising praise for their resilience against Russian weapons. The US has given about $60bn (46bn) in military aid, suspended the flow under Trump, and it is now unclear as to whether the supplies have been allowed again. In the meantime European nations are scrabbling to meet the US shortfall and fill the gap that has been left by an unreliable ally. As Putin continues to delay his response to the ceasefire proposal agreed by Ukraine, Russia has taken advantage of the meandering US policy by attacking Ukrainian forces inside Kursk, a tongue of Russian land captured by Kyiv last year. There are also credible independent reports to support Volodymyr Zelenskys claim that Moscow is massing troops on his northern border across from Sumy province. This may be an attempt to strike into Ukraine and gain territorial advantage before any real peace talks begin. On the eastern front, every one of the medical teams rescues around and near Toretsk are under fire. Denys, one of the team drivers, has been blown up so often he cannot recall exactly how many times. A grizzled middle-aged man, he leans against a wall in the medical base with a cup of tea. His semi-shaved head is pockmarked with scabs. open image in gallery Sasha, (left) who was driving the vehicle when it was blown up in Niu York, has lost two fingers and calls what remains his ninja turtle right hand. On talk of ceasefire he shrugs: No ceasefire will work ( Rebekah Maciorowski ) He cant see out of the hatch of his armoured ambulance so has to drive with his head exposed. He got hit by a first-person view (FPV) drone three days ago. He didnt admit he had been wounded he didnt want to do the paperwork. We took in four fresh guys [new soldiers] and brought out seven wounded. Ive got a piece of drone in my head, he mutters. He has metal and plastic stuck in his head and some in his neck from a previous strike, says Alex, a German volunteer who was with him. Sasha, who was driving the armoured vehicle when it was blown up in Niu York, has lost two fingers and calls what remains his ninja turtle right hand. Hes also having a cup of coffee and waiting for the next callout. On the ceasefire being asked of Putin after Ukraine agreed to stop fighting for 30 days in talks with Trump, he just shrugs. No ceasefire will work, he says. Rebekah agrees. She does not have the experience of the dozens of previous Russian ceasefire violations following previously signed and agreed internationally negotiated ceasefire deals made in Minsk. open image in gallery Rebekah has treated soldiers on the front lines of some of the heaviest battles fought since 2022, in Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Vuhledar and elsewhere ( Rebekah Maciorowski ) But she has treated soldiers on the front lines of some of the heaviest battles fought since 2022, in Bakhmut, Aavdivka, Vuhledar and elsewhere. She knows how gruesome, undignified and permanent a battlefield death is. For her, war is an abstract story to be bent by Trumps echoing Russian lies that Ukraine is surrounded in Kursk, or that millions are dead and that Ukraines cities are all rubble. Day to day, she deals with the screaming bloody reality of whats happening here. On the ceasefire, she is clear: I dont think the ceasefire will be honoured. I dont think it will be honoured. I would absolutely love the chance to get my wounded guys out, and for them to have some rest and respite. But based on history and based on Russia's proven behaviour, over and over again, I cant even fathom a world in which a ceasefire was actually honoured. She then leaves to train freshly arrived troops in the rudiments of battlefield medical aid. Theyre being deployed to Toretsk in a couple of days. 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 presented the US with a list of demands for a deal to end its invasion of Ukraine and reset relations with Washington, it has been reported. The demands were submitted to Washington after Ukraine accepted a 30-day proposal discussed with the US during peace talks in Saudi Arabia on 11 March. It is unclear what was included in that letter, but a senior Russian official told state media that any long-term peace deal rests on guarantees that Ukraine will not be allowed to join Nato. We will demand that ironclad security guarantees become part of this agreement, deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko said. Part of these guarantees should be the neutral status of Ukraine, the refusal of NATO countries to accept it into the alliance. The Ukraine-US talks in Saudi Arabia produced a commitment that the US would renew intelligence and security support after suspending both last week following a disastrous White House meeting between President Trump and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky in February. Last week, it emerged that UK officials, including a Downing Street fixer, were reportedly intimately involved in brokering the talks. Below we look at everything we know about the ceasefire deal so far. What are Vladimir Putins demands? open image in gallery Vladimir Putin has broken truces in the past ( AP ) During a press conference in the Kremlin on Thursday, Vladimir Putin said he agreed with the ceasefire but added there were nuances that had to be discussed. He would agree to a truce based on the assumption it would lead to a long-term peace, he claimed, adding that any such agreement had to eliminate the root causes of the conflict. The Russian president said Russian forces were moving forward along the entire front line and that the ceasefire would have to ensure that Ukraine did not seek to use it simply to regroup. While Russian forces have staged a successful counteroffensive in the border region of Kursk in the last week, their attacks in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk have slowed to a halt. Ukrainians have begun launching counterattacks along that eastern line, particularly in Toretsk. The overwhelming concern among Ukrainians and their European allies is that it is Russia that would use a pause in fighting to regroup and attack Ukraine again. Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk would have to surrender or die, Mr Putin warned. He questioned what would happen to troops currently in Kursk during any truce. Previously, he has ruled out territorial concessions and said Ukraine must withdraw fully from four Ukrainian regions claimed and partly controlled by Russia. He has also insisted any ceasefire could proceed only if the West gave a guarantee that Ukraine would not join Nato. What is Ukraines reaction? Mr Zelensky on Tuesday called on Russia to accept the ceasefire deal his team agreed with the United States, posting on social media that Ukraine was ready to accept it. But following Mr Putins revealing his conditions, the Ukrainian leader said Mr Putin wanted to delay a truce and was playing for time. Right now, we have all heard from Russia Putins highly predictable and manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire on the front lines at this moment he is, in fact, preparing to reject it, he said. Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians. Thats why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions that it either fails or gets dragged out for as long as possible. Putin does this oftenhe doesnt say no outright, but he drags things out and makes reasonable solutions impossible. We see this as yet another round of Russian manipulation. There was a US proposal for an unconditional ceasefirein the air, at sea, and on the front lines. We in Ukraine accepted this proposal. He said the Americans were ready to organise, monitor and verify the ceasefire. It was feasible, he said, to put a plan to end the war on the table during the ceasefire. We are not setting conditions that complicate the processRussia is, he added. open image in gallery Mr Zelensky said he has wanted peace from the first minute of the invasion ( Office of Ukraine President ) The truce proposals were reportedly drafted with the help of UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell, who visited Mr Zelensky in Kyiv on the weekend. Mr Powell also worked with US counterpart Mike Waltz and German and French officials to fashion a plan for the ceasefire, government sources told the BBC. Proposals drafted with Mr Powell reportedly included a temporary pause in fighting, prisoner-of-war exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia. Mr Zelensky says a more permanent ceasefire is not possible without some form of American security guarantees. His ultimate goal is Nato membership for Ukraine but the US appears to have ruled that out. Previous suggestions that they will not stop fighting until Russian forces are pushed completely out of Ukraine, including from Crimea, seem to have been dropped. What has the US said? President Trump, who said he was willing to talk to the Russian leader by phone, called Mr Putin's statement "very promising" and said he hoped Moscow would "do the right thing". But, he added: Now were going to see whether or not Russia is there, and if theyre not, itll be a very disappointing moment for the world. He said Steve Witkoff, his special envoy, was engaged in serious talks with the Russians in Moscow on the US proposal, which Kyiv has already agreed to. Mr Trump claims he has received positive messages about the ceasefire from Moscow and reiterated on Wednesday that he would do things financially that would be very bad for Russia if they did not accept it. He said that a ceasefire would make sense for Moscow but said there was a lot of downside for Russia too, without elaborating. We have a very complex situation solved on one side, pretty much solved. We've also discussed land and other things that go with it, he said. We know the areas of land we're talking about, whether it's pull back or not pull back. He acknowledged that positive signals from the Russians meant nothing until a deal had been signed. Much of Europe and Ukraine believe Mr Putins positive signals will continue to mean nothing even after a peace agreement is signed; history is filled with examples of Russia, under Mr Putins leadership, breaking ceasefire agreements, they say. US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who led the delegation in Saudi Arabia, said after the talks that the US would take the offer to Russia, and the ball is in Moscow's court. "Our hope is that the Russians will answer 'yes' as quickly as possible, so we can get to the second phase of this, which is real negotiations," he told reporters. What happens now? Mr Rubio said the plan would be delivered to the Russians through multiple channels. The Kremlin says it will respond after the US has discussed with them the details of the proposal agreed by Ukraine. Mr Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, is due to meet his Russian counterpart in the coming days and Mr Witkoff met with Kremlin officials in Moscow on Thursday. In the meantime, fighting continues. Russian forces are in the middle of a major counteroffensive in the border region of Kursk. They could retake the salient soon, removing a key territorial bargaining chip for Ukraine. Mr Putin, donning military fatigues, visited troops in Kursk recently. It is the first time he has visited the frontline in three years of war against Ukraine. It is telling that he did so less than 24 hours after Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire. Moscow also continues to launch hundreds of missiles and drones at civilian-populated cities and towns across Ukraine each night. 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 Ukrainian forces are rapidly losing ground in the Kursk region amid a major Russian offensive to recapture land which Kyiv hoped could be a crucial bargaining chip in peace negotiations. In an attempt to divert Russian forces from the brutal frontlines in eastern Ukraine and embarrass Vladimir Putin Ukraine smashed across the border into the Kursk region in August, the biggest attack on Russian territory since the Nazi invasion of 1941. Putin visited the western region for the first time since its seizure on Wednesday, in a sign of the confidence Moscow has that they will retake complete control of the region. Moscow claims that recent advances from its forces have left Ukrainian troops with less 200 square km (77 square miles) in Kursk, down from 1,300 square km (500 square miles) at the peak of the incursion. Ukraine's top army commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said on Wednesday that Kyiv's troops would keep operating in Kursk as long as needed. The Independent details how and why Ukraine seized Kursk, and what will happen if Russia retakes the entire territory. When did Ukraine seize Kursk? In early August 2024, reports emerged that a few hundred Ukrainian troops had staged an incursion into Russias Kursk region. Within days, the Ukrainian operation went far beyond anyones expectations, was far bigger than anyone had expected, extending to a pocket of territory which Kyiv said measured 1,376 sq km (530 sq miles) at its peak and included about 100 towns and villages. One of those towns was Sudzha, the largest town captured by Ukraine in the offensive. Commander Syrskyi, said on Wednesday that Kyiv's troops are still fighting in and around the town, despite the Kremlin claiming that Russian forces have retaken control. Why was the land important for Ukraine? Seizing much of Kursk had a number of strategic benefits for Ukraine. Although a tiny fraction of the area which Russia has captured from Ukraine since 2014, the attack on Kursk gave Ukraine its largest gains against Russian forces for two years when its forces retook swathes of territory in Ukraine in a summer 2022 offensive. It also proved a major morale boost for Ukrainian troops, wearied by years of battling Russias invasion. The operation had stunned Russia and proved Kyiv could still seize the initiative in what was becoming a gruelling war of attrition. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin in Kursk ( Russian Presidential Press Service ) Kyiv also hoped it would slow Russias advances in its eastern regions, forcing Moscow to redirect troops to defend its own territory. Perhaps most crucially, President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped the pocket of land could be used as a bargaining chip for peace negotiations, saying as recently as last month that the territory could be traded for Ukrainian territory under Russian control. How has Russia responded? The invasion was humiliating for president Vladimir Putin, who desperately tried to play down its military impact. Since then, Russian forces bolstered by thousands of North Korean troops sent by Putin-ally Kim Jong-un have sought to claw back most of that land. The North Korean troops began arriving in Kursk from late October as part of a mutual defence pact agreed between Putin and Kim. Putin has never acknowledged their role on the battlefield but Ukraine and its allies say the North Koreans have played an active part in fighting and sustained heavy casualties. Deep State, an authoritative open-source intelligence site that charts the frontlines of the war, updated its battlefield map to show Ukrainian forces were no longer in control of Sudzha, the biggest town Ukraine controlled in Kursk. Fighting continued on the outskirts, DeepState said. open image in gallery A drone view shows men dressed in military uniform waving flags, including the state flag of Russia, and standing on a water tower in the centre of Sudzha town in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict ( via REUTERS ) Ukrainian sources said that Donald Trumps pause in military intelligence sharing with Kyiv after a clash with Mr Zelensky at a White House meeting two weeks ago may have contributed to the accelerating Russian gains. Speaking to The Independent, a senior ministerial advisor said: Kursk shows what happens when we dont have [US intelligence]. The US agreed to resume the intelligence sharing on Tuesday, after talks between officials from Washington and Kyiv in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Putin arrived in Kursk on Wednesday, paying his first visit since Kyivs lightning offensive last August. "Our task in the near future, in the shortest possible timeframe, is to decisively defeat the enemy entrenched in the Kursk region," he told generals in televised remarks, dressed in green military gear. It is a rarity to see Putin in military fatigues. What happens next? Losing territory in Kursk could damage both the morale of Ukrainian troops and be detrimental to its bargaining power round the negotiating table. It would also intensify pressure on Mr Zelensky as he attempts to navigate a turbulent relationship with the Trump administration - which is pushing Ukraine to accept long-term peace with Russia. But there is also pressure on Putin, as the United States urges him to join a proposed 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine told Washington on Tuesday it was ready to support. Putin's surprise visit to Kursk in combat gear appears aimed at sending a signal of military resolve to the West, while making clear to his own forces to ensure the ejection of Ukrainian forces before entering any negotiation to end the war. Close Zelensky condemns Russian strikes on hometown: Diplomacy means nothing to them 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 A Ukrainian team will visit Washington this week for crunch talks on a minerals deal, the first visit since the deal collapsed in dramatic fashion five weeks ago. Volodymyr Zelensky was set to sign a framework agreement in late February before he was booted out of the White House, when a furious Donald Trump berated the Ukrainian president for not being thankful enough for US war assistance. Since then, teams from Kyiv and Washington have been working to hash out a revised agreement - and to rebuild a broken relationship. Washington has proposed a more expansive minerals deal which could give it access to valuable mineral resources, including titanium, lithium, and uranium, according to economy minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. But the deal has not yet been agreed by Ukraine and it is unclear exactly how close the two sides are to reaching an agreement. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has urged Russia to stop bombing Ukraine, after a ballistic missile strike in Kryvyi Rih killed 20, including nine children., We are talking to Russia. We would like them to stop, Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One. I dont like the bombing, the bombing goes on and on, and every week thousands of young people being killed. TOKYO - Around a quarter of victims who responded to a survey about posttraumatic stress linked to their experience of the AUM Shinrikyo nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway 30 years ago are likely still suffering the disorder, a nonprofit support group said. The findings by the Recovery Support Center are based on an annual survey and free medical checks conducted on hundreds of victims since 2000 following the sarin attack on March 20, 1995, that killed 14 people and injured over 6,000. It is still considered Japan's worst terrorist attack. In the survey, respondents were asked to answer 22 questions such as whether the scene of the attack suddenly comes to mind, and if they try not to think about the incident on a five-point scale. The respondents' total score determines whether they are considered to be suffering PTSD. The latest research conducted in 2023 on around 200 people showed 24.1 percent of both male and female respondents likely suffer PTSD, according to analysis by Yoshiro Okubo, professor emeritus at Nippon Medical School. The ratios compare with 26.7 percent of males and 38.8 percent of females in the 2000 survey and 20.3 percent of males and 45.5 percent of females in 2010. When asked about physical aftereffects in 2023, 56 percent said they have difficulties in focusing their vision, 44 percent said they get tired easily, 26 percent noted numbness in hands and legs, 24 percent headaches and 22 percent suffered dizziness. With 2025 marking 30 years since the attack, the center has decided to end its activities in support of victims due to the aging of its members and a decrease in the number of victims seeking health examinations, it said. "As the central government and public offices were slow in offering support to the victims, I had the feeling that somebody had to do it," said Shinsuke Kimura, an 80-year-old lawyer who heads the center. Noting that victims still suffer from aftereffects, Kimura said, "I hope to set up a framework by this summer so victims can continue to interact and bond." In the AUM Shinrikyo attack, the nerve agent was scattered in five subway train cars during the morning rush hour at the instruction of cult founder Shoko Asahara. Asahara, whose real name was Chizuo Matsumoto, was executed at age 63 with 12 other former senior members of the cult in July 2018. Related coverage: Japan AUM cult web archive opens ahead of sarin attack's 30th anniv. 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 US military conducted overnight airstrikes on Yemen in what president Donald Trump claimed was a response to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, killing at least 31 people, most of them women and children, at the start of a campaign expected to last many days. The airstrikes came after the Houthis threatened to resume attacks on ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea over its blockade of Gaza. Israel cut off power, halted all international aid supplies to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory earlier this month and renewed deadly attacks, imperiling the fragile ceasefire. The Houthis targeted around 100 military and civilian ships with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, between October 2023, when Israel launched its war on Gaza, and January 2025, when the ceasefire took effect. Mr Trump also warned Yemens chief ally, Iran, that it needed to immediately halt support to the Houthis, who rule most of the Arab country. If Iran threatened the US, he said, America will hold you fully accountable and we won't be nice about it! The top commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded on Sunday that the Houthis took their own strategic and operational decisions. We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action, Hossein Salami told state media. The strikes which one US official told Reuters might continue for weeks was the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since Mr Trump took office in January. It came as the United States ramped up sanctions pressure on Tehran while trying to bring it to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme. open image in gallery People and rescuers search through the rubble of a house hit by a US strike in Yemen ( Reuters ) To all Houthi terrorists, your time is up, and your attacks must stop, starting today. If they dont, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before, Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. The attacks killed at least 31 people and injured over 100, mostly women and children, Anees al-Asbahi, a spokesman for the Yemeni health ministry said on Sunday. The Houthi political bureau described the American attacks as a war crime. Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation, it said in a statement. The attacks targeted the capital Sanaa, the southwestern city of Taiz and the town of Dahyan in northwestern Saada area, Al Masirah TV reported. Dahyan is where Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the enigmatic leader of the Houthis, often meets his visitors. The explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake. They terrified our women and children, Sanaa resident Abdullah Yahia told Reuters. open image in gallery An American ship fires missiles during military strikes against Yemen ( REUTERS ) The Houthis carried out scores of attacks on ships sailing off its coast after Israel launched the war on Gaza, disrupting global commerce and setting the US military on a costly campaign to intercept missiles and drones that burned through air defence stocks. A Pentagon spokesperson said the Yemeni attacked American warships 174 times and commercial ships 145 times until early this year. The Houthis said the attacks were in solidarity with the Palestinians and aimed at pressuring Israel to end the assault on Gaza. The Joe Biden administration had sought to degrade Houthi ability to attack Red Sea shipping by carrying out a series of airstrikes but had limited success. US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Mr Trump had authorised a more aggressive military approach. open image in gallery Yemenis clean debris in front of their shops after a US airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on Sunday ( AP ) The US military's Central Command, which oversees troops in the Middle East, described the attacks as the start of a major operation across Yemen. Mr Trump held out the prospect of far more devastating military action. The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective, Mr Trump wrote. Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi demanded that the US end support for Israeli genocide and terrorism. Stop killing of Yemeni people, he said in an X post on Sunday. He also remarked that Washington had no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy. Mr Trump recently sent a letter to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, seeking talks over its nuclear programme. Mr Khamenei, however, rejected holding negotiations with the US. Iran denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons. However, it is accelerating the enrichment of uranium to up to the roughly 90 percent weapons-grade level, the International Atomic Energy Agency says. The US and its allies say theres no need to enrich uranium to such a high level under a civilian programme and that no other country has done so without producing nuclear bombs. Iran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful. 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 At least nine Palestinians, including three local journalists, were killed on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza's northern Beit Lahiya town, the local health ministry said, as Hamas leaders held ceasefire talks with mediators in Cairo. Several people were critically injured as the airstrike hit a car, with casualties inside and outside the vehicle, health officials told Reuters. The people in the car were on a mission for a charity called Al-Khair Foundation in Beit Lahiya and they were accompanied by journalists and photographers when the strike hit them, eyewitnesses said. At least three journalists were among those killed, Palestinian media reported. The Israeli military initially claimed it had struck two "terrorists" operating a drone that posed a threat to its personnel and several people who collected the drone equipment. In another statement it named six men that it said were members of the Palestinian armed groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad and had been killed in the attack. Some of the militants had operated "under the cover of journalists", it alleged. Salama Marouf, head of the Gaza media office, run by Hamas, denied the Israeli allegations. The team was made of civilians and worked in an area near a shelter on a mission sponsored by a charity. They were not in a prohibited area and didn't pose any danger of any kind to the occupation army," Mr Marouf said in a statement. Another Israeli airstrike in the town of Juhr Eldeek in central Gaza killed two Palestinians later on Saturday. The Israeli army said it was unaware of the incident. The renewed Israeli attacks underscore the fragility of the January 19 ceasefire deal that halted fighting in Gaza. Palestinian health officials said dozens of people had been killed by Israeli fire despite the truce. Hamas accused Israel in a statement of attempting to renege on the ceasefire agreement, putting the number of Palestinians killed since January 19 at 150. The group urged mediators to compel Israel to move ahead with the implementation of the phased ceasefire deal, blaming Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the impasse. Responding to some of the incidents reported by Gaza medics, the Israeli military claimed that its forces had intervened to thwart threats by "terrorists" approaching them or planting bombs near where they operated. After the first phase of the ceasefire expired on March 2, Israel rejected opening the second phase of talks, which would require it to negotiate over a permanent end to the war, the main demand of Hamas. The latest Israeli attacks in Gaza coincided with a visit by Hamass exiled Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, to Cairo for further ceasefire talks aimed at resolving disputes with Israel that could risk a resumption of fighting. Hamas said on Friday that it had agreed to free an American-Israeli dual national if Israel were to start the next phase of ceasefire talks towards a permanent end to the war. Israel dismissed the offer as "psychological warfare". Hamas said it had made the offer to release New Jersey native Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier in the Israeli army, after receiving a proposal from mediators for negotiations on the second phase. Israel says that it wants to extend the ceasefire's first phase rather than implement the second phase. Hamas says it will resume freeing hostages only under the second phase. Israel launched the war on Gaza after a cross-border raid by Hamas in October 2023 saw around 1,200 civilians and soldiers killed and 251 taken hostage. The Israeli war has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians so far, according to Gazas health officials, reduced much of the territory to rubble and led to accusations of genocide and war crimes that Israel denies. 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 An American Airlines passenger launched an attack on a fellow traveler and a flight attendant while swallowing rosary beads to ward off a satanic disciple he believed had stowed away on the flight. Delange Augustin, 31, was approached in the cabin after flight attendants feared he was suffering from a seizure, before he began his spiritual battle against them and the evil he believed was on board the aircraft. According to a criminal complaint and supporting affidavit obtained by The Independent, the incident took place on March 10 on a flight from Savannah, Georgia, with an intended destination of Miami, Florida. Less than one minute after take-off, the complaint states, an attendant observed Augustin in what appeared to be a fit of epilepsy as he was stomping, incoherent yelling, and shaking. When two attendants approached to check on him, Augustin turned in his seat and delivered a powerful two-footed kick to the chest of one, sending them flying across the aisle and row of seats, into the far window. open image in gallery Delange Augustin, 31, was approached in the cabin of the American Airlines flight after attendants feared he was suffering from a seizure, before he launched his spiritual battle against them and the evil he perceived on board the aircraft. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Augustins actions appeared purposeful, contrary to the prior belief that he had been in medical distress, the affidavit states, which caused the attendants to be afraid. The commotion was heard from the cockpit by the pilots, who agreed to return to Savannah. This decision, however, enraged Augustin further, and he began punching and kicking the seat and passenger in front of him, eventually causing the seat to collapse. He later calmed down. When the flight landed back in Georgia, Augustin removed his seatbelt and stormed the front while clutching his sister, his traveling companion, to him, the affidavit stated. At the front of the aircraft, he cornered a flight attendant in the galley and threw several haymakers, at least one of which belted her upper arm. Three passengers intervened, pulling both Augustin and his sister to the ground. Airport Police then boarded the plane and subdued Augustin, and he was later transported to the hospital by EMS for evaluation due to the violence as well as the ingestion of rosary beads. Speaking to authorities afterwards, Augustins sister, Medjina Augustin, said her brother had been trying to protect her as they had been on their way to Haiti to flee religious attacks of a spiritual nature. She told police that the evil comes out in the darkness, adding that she had never experienced as much darkness as was on the plane that evening, the affidavit stated. open image in gallery During his in-flight rampage Augustin kicked the seat in front of him so hard that it collapsed ( United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia ) Once on the plane, she said, Augustin had told her to close her eyes and pray because Satans disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane and the legion did not want the Augustins to make it to Haiti. Medjina continued to pray while he launched his double-footed kick and the subsequent violence on the crew members. Augustin had swallowed the rosary beads because they are a weapon of strength in the spiritual warfare, his sister said. Medjina indicated Augustin was not suffering from any medical or mental health issue or impairment. Rather, Augustin needed to fight for both him and his sister, the affidavit stated. Augustin was booked into Chatham County jail on a misdemeanor battery charge, a misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement charge, and a felony count of criminal property damage, according to the jails records. A lawyer or place of residence was not listed. According to the affidavit, there is also probable cause to charge him with interference with flight crew members following the incident. We appreciate the professionalism of the entire crew and thank our passengers for their understanding, American Airlines said in a statement. 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 Tourist numbers have rapidly dwindled in the Unesco World Heritage site destination of Hampi in India following the gang rape of two women and the death of a male tourist on Thursday night. The two women, a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old Indian homestay operator, were stargazing with three male tourists near Sanapur Lake in Hampi, Karnataka, when a group of men attacked them. A male tourist from Odisha was later found dead, police said. The attack has increased concerns about safety in Hampi, known for its group of spectacular remnants of monuments and temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire that attract thousands of domestic and international tourists. Since the incident on Thursday, there appears to be a sharp decline in tourists making their way to the ancient village. More than 25 homestays in and around Hampi saw travel agencies cancel bookings over the weekend, and local media is reporting that several tourists have cut their stays short and left the region. Virupakshi V Hampi, secretary of the State Tourist Guides Association, confirmed there was a decline in homestay bookings. Even tourists from other states are cancelling or postponing their visit to Hampi, he told The New Indian Express. The entire nation condemned the Sanapur rape incident. Hope police increase patrolling in Hampi and surroundings." Vijayanagara police superintendent Shrihari Babu B L said his force was ready to take care of visitors to Hampi and that they would issue guidelines for homestay owners. Foreign visitors in Hampi said they had been instructed to travel in groups and return to their homestays by 8.30pm. The attack comes after similar incidents last year, including the gang-rape of a tourist from Spain in Jharkhand and the rape and murder of a 28-year-old Irish tourist in Goa. Sexual assault reports in India have become more frequent in the country, as police recorded 31,516 rape cases in 2022, a 20 per cent increase from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Yet the actual figure is believed to be much higher dueto lack of reporting caused by the stigma surrounding sexual violence in the country. Government advice on travel in India The UK Governments Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any specific travel advice relating to the attacks in Hampi. The FCDO does give advice on sexual assault cases in general in India: There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors in tourist areas and cities. Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in multiple states in India. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day, the FCDO writes. The FCDO does also share advice on the state of Goa: Many opportunistic criminals operate in Goa because of the high number of tourists. There have been some serious incidents involving British nationals in recent years, including sexual assaults and the murder of a young female traveller. If youre the victim of crime in India, call: police helpline: 100 national emergency number: 112 women helpline: 1091 The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and the region Jammu and Kashmir, as well as all but essential travel to the state of Manipur. FCDO advice for women travelling abroad to any country The FCDO says that when planning travel, it is worth researching the local culture of a country and whether women travelling have received unwanted attention or difficulties because of their gender. It warns that violence towards women and girls is a risk in many countries, but could take different forms depending on the local context, laws, history and culture in the country. Rape and sexual assault are risks to people of all genders worldwide, it adds, and local services and attitudes towards it can vary by country. The FCDO says they take any report of rape and sexual assault seriously. Guidance on rape and sexual assault abroad If you have been sexually assaulted it is important to remember that it was not your fault, the FCDO writes on its guidance page for British nationals who have been raped and sexually assaulted abroad. Rape and sexual assault is always wrong no matter who commits it or where it happens. It is traumatic and it can affect you both physically and emotionally. Do not be afraid to get help. When reporting rape or sexual assault to the FCDO, it says you will be provided with immediate support on the telephone at any time of the day or night, staff will try to see you in person as soon as possible, and will be empathetic, patient, sensitive and non-judgemental. They will also try their best to provide you with a female consular official if you prefer to talk to a woman. In most countries, you must report the crime before returning to the UK if you want it to be investigated. UK police do not have jurisdiction to investigate an attack that has taken place abroad and cannot direct something to be investigated. You can report the crime to your local UK police who should send the information you provide to the country where the crime happened. However, it is up to the police forces in that country to decide whether to investigate a crime. It may be possible to report an assault from the UK to a foreign police force via a third party, such as a local lawyer to make representations on your behalf to the local police. The FCDO adds that in a very small number of countries, being the victim of rape or sexual assault could be considered illegal and could lead to local authorities questioning you. If you have concerns about this, contact the FCDO for advice. Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673) Protests against Elon Musks Tesla spread to London this week, calling for people to boycott the company. Demonstrators gathered outside the Tesla centre in Park Royal, west London, on Saturday (15 March), holding up banners that read Honk if you hate Elon. It followed a Just Stop Oil protest on Wednesday. Two protesters were arrested after pouring orange powdered paint over a robot at a shop in Shepherd's Bush, the Metropolitan Police said. Organisers are encouraging Tesla owners to sell their cars and for people to dump stock amid calls for a boycott over Musks close ties with US president Donald Trump. Tesla has been a target of protests and vandalism in America in recent weeks. Bodycam footage captured the moment an armed robber returned to a house to find police waiting to arrest him. Jack Holland-Batt, 31, of no fixed address, threatened staff with a knife at businesses in Gillingham on 25 November 2024, taking around 20 from a pharmacy before demanding money from an amusement arcade and a third business. Following the robberies, Holland-Batt contacted Kent Police confessing to his crimes but not specifying where he was. He was arrested as he approached the front door of an address he frequented. Holland-Batt was charged with two robberies, an attempted robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place. He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Tuesday 11 March, was sentenced to six years imprisonment. Donald Trump launched military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday, 15 March, warning "Hell will rain down upon you" if the Houthis do not abandon their campaign. The US president said the strikes would continue until the Houthis stopped their attacks on shipping vessels off the coast. Yemens Houthi-run health ministry said that at least 13 civilians were killed in the capital Sanaa, Reuters reports. Footage shared by the US Central Command on Saturday (March 15) showed a ship firing missiles and a strike on a ground building seen from above. Vladimir Putin's former advisor has suggested that Ukrainians should be "thankful" for Russia invading their country, prompting a heated clash with a UK radio host. On Sunday, 16 February, Lewis Goodall spoke to Sergei Markov, former advisor to the Russian president and representative to the Council of Europe. When discussing the possibility of peace, Mr Markov claimed Ukrainians should be "thankful" as Russia's bombs will liberate them from a "Neo-Nazi" regime, in what escalated into a heated clash between the Putin ally and the LBC host. 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 COLOMBO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Maldivian government has contracted the development of waste management centers on 109 islands as part of its efforts to address waste management challenges, PSM News, the Maldives' state media, reported on Sunday. Described as the administration's largest and most comprehensive program addressing waste-related issues in the outer islands, the government has said the initiative marks a significant step in its broader agenda to establish sustainable and efficient waste management systems across the nation. The report, quoting Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, said the profound impact of the directive issued by President Mohamed Muizzu to ensure that all inhabited islands receive waste management centers customized to their unique needs. This phase of the program not only includes the construction of new facilities but also the renovation and upgrading of existing centers. The development of these facilities is critical, not only for environmental protection but also for the growth of local tourism, as the cleanliness of these islands plays a significant role as tourism continues to expand, said the minister. Of the 109 islands, waste management development and upgrades have been successfully completed on 17 islands in 2024, while other projects are at various stages of progress, PSM News reported. AIB signals interest in growing its wealth management space Donal Galvin, chief financial officer of AIB, told debt investors the bank had little interest in overseas expansion Donal Galvin, chief financial officer of AIB and Colin Hunt, AIBs CEO Sean Pollock Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 03:30 AIB has signalled interest in growing the banks wealth services business, saying it does not see the appeal of overseas expansion. Commission for Regulation of Utilities confirms data centres and power suppliers are eligible for big capacity payments After a suite of price hikes by Irish energy providers, prices are set to rise further this year. Stock image After recent price hikes by energy providers, further data centres and power plants are coming on stream which are set to see bills rise further. Stock image Household electricity bills are effectively subsidising data centres by hundreds of millions of euro a year, an investigation by the Sunday Independent can reveal. The energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), has confirmed that data centres and power suppliers are eligible for hundreds of millions of euro in so-called capacity payments for generating electricity, some of which is gas-powered. Such payments have increased significantly since 2007 and are contributing to higher bills. They are paid to electricity providers for being available to supply power when it is needed, and a component of the price of electricity. Now, after a suite of price hikes by energy providers, further data centres and power plants are coming on stream which are set to see bills rise further. Our analysis, in collaboration with an environmental campaign group and a firm of energy analysts, found 600m in capacity payments awarded to or applied for by three companies supplying or running data centres. After recent price hikes by energy providers, further data centres and power plants are coming on stream which are set to see bills rise further. Stock image Today's News in 90 seconds - 16th March 2025 The largest recipient is Lumcloon Energy, which built a 275MW gas power station, for which it was awarded 364m in such payments when it was completed last year. In December it submitted plans to build a 1bn 250MW data centre nearby, with on-site fuel cells, solar and battery power, which would also be eligible for subsidies. Bord Gais is due 132m in payments later this year for a power station being built beside a west Dublin cluster of data centres. Some 101m in capacity payments was applied for by two Echelon Data Centres facilities there and in Wicklow scheduled between 2023 and 2027. Ireland already has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe and new electricity peak demand records were hit during recent cold snaps Dublin-based Echelon Data Centres said it had bid for capacity payments but clarified that its gas-powered generation facilities in Arklow and Dublin havent been built yet, so it has not received any money. Lumcloon Energy said its gas plant provides backup for wind, claiming its power is cheaper than from temporary generation. Its data centres on-site power plan is innovatively market-leading, it added. A spokeswoman for Bord Gais said that its Profile Park facility is currently being built, due for completion later this year. It has a contract making it eligible for capacity payments from later this year, she added. Ireland already has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe and new electricity peak demand records were hit during recent cold snaps. SSE Airtricity recently announced a price hike of 10.5pc taking effect next month, equating to 171 on the average annual bill. It cited a 20pc increase in network charges last October, and capacity payments are a component of these as well as overall power costs. Daragh Cassidy of price comparison site Bonkers.ie said: Data centres use more than a fifth of all electricity nationwide and impact peak demand, which is typically when the least efficient and most expensive gas-fuelled suppliers are needed, so its ridiculous to think they dont impact on prices. Former housing miniser and now energy minister Darragh O'Brien. Photo: Niall Carson/PA A spokesman for Energy Minister Darragh OBrien said: The CRU decides on the power procured in the capacity market. It also has responsibility for the setting of electricity connection policy. Ger Fulham, managing director of Dublin-based energy procurement consultants Kore Energy, said capacity payments are one of a number of regulatory charges that have collectively doubled between 2019 and this year, according to his own analysis. Those charges make up about a fifth of recent price rises, he added. He said that between 2007 and 2018 billpayers paid about 5bn in capacity payments, an average of 454m a year. Then, from 2018 to 2024, a report by UK analysts Aurora Energy Research and Beyond Fossil Fuels (BFF) found that 6bn in capacity payments were awarded for gas generation in Ireland, about 1bn a year. Gas-powered energy generation is more expensive than renewable power and is vulnerable to price surges Billpayers are already paying further monies on top of these charges. Theyve paid an additional 1.18bn over the three years to September in a so-called temporary generation levy to cover four new gas generation units, Mr Fulham explained. Gas-powered energy generation is more expensive than renewable power and is vulnerable to price surges such as those seen since the war in Ukraine yet it is predicted to increase nationally, according to the CRU. On-site generation will be eligible to participate in the capacity market. Peak day gas demand is predicted to grow due to increased gas-fired electricity to meet demand on days of low renewable availability, a CRU spokeswoman said. The report also found that payments bid for by and awarded to gas-powered electricity suppliers cover an increase in new power stations generation capacity here by 3.9GW, about 80pc more than the current 4.7GW. Eirgrid capacity statements also point to an increase equal to four or five new large gas power stations being required by 2030. Data centres power use is forecast to increase to 31pc by 2032. It has risen more than 20pc a year since 2015, according to research by University College Cork published in December. There are 89 data centres in Ireland, mostly concentrated in and around Dublin, with around 11 in construction and applications for at least 30 more to be built, according to planning applications and industry data. Their use of electricity has also effectively cancelled out all of the growth in renewable electricity from sources such as wind, critics have previously pointed out. Partly as a result of this, BFFs analysis found that Ireland has the highest per capita existing and planned gas power plant capacity in Europe. Out of the six markets the report analysed, Ireland also had the highest overall level for such payments, about 70pc higher than the next-ranked, Britain. Critics have called for government action to bring down electricity prices, including power market reform and limits on data centre expansion. The Social Democrats' spokeswoman on climate, Jennifer Whitmore Social Democrats spokeswoman on climate Jennifer Whitmore said: The Government has rolled out the red carpet to data centres without any strategic analysis of the overall impact on our grid, energy security and ability to meet emissions targets. Without any transparency on their impact on prices, data centres extreme levels of energy demand could only be forcing our already high energy prices up even further. The Government should be working to bring them down. Rosi Leonard, data centre campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: We need to start talking about capacity limitations on these energy users who are rapidly outpacing renewables generation, and can now make a handsome sum from capacity markets. The campaign groups head of policy Jerry Mac Evilly said regulation of the electricity market needs a fundamental overhaul, and contradicted the Programme for Governments commitment to decisive action to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The capacity market is locking us into more, not less, gas infrastructure, he added. Trout of order? Fine Gael TD fined and charged with using three fishing rods on lake David Maxwell, who was elected to the Dail in November, was warned he faced being nicknamed Three-Rods Maxwell David Maxwell is contesting the charge Mark Tighe Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 03:30 A newly elected Fine Gael TD is facing a charge of illegal fishing for allegedly using too many fishing rods. Wife of former Fianna Fail TD convicted for managing unlicensed pub after she claimed she was just cleaning Patricia Ellis fined 500 after gardai called in to premises Stock image: PA Mark Tighe Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 03:30 The wife of a former Fianna Fail TD has been convicted of managing an unlicensed pub. However, she claims she was merely cleaning it on behalf of her daughter. LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konate, Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, line up with their mascots prior to the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Hannah (right) with Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool as he leads the team out prior to the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) A Derry schoolgirl has realised a once in a lifetime opportunity by leading Liverpool out at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. Millions of TV viewers watched Hannah O'Carolan, 11, emerge from the tunnel at Wembley Stadium hand-in-hand with Reds captain Virgil Van Dijk. Hannah could be seen smiling throughout as she stood in front of 90,000 Liverpool and Newcastle fans at fever-pitch. Walking in front of Van Dijk she shook the hands of the Newcastle players. Its understood Hannah arrived at Wembley a few hours before the match to meet the first team and to get pictures with the players before watching them warm up. The die-hard Liverpool fan plays for her local side Maiden City as a defender. She was inspired by her great uncle Brendan Bradley, who remains the League of Ireland's record goal-scorer with 235 goals. Another inspiration was her aunt Sinead who played for the Northern Ireland ladies' team. LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konate, Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, line up with their mascots prior to the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Hannah, a member of Liverpool's Red Squad programme, a fan membership for young supporters, was chosen as the club's only official mascot from thousands of hopefuls. "I am so excited to be mascot for Liverpool and getting to walk out with Virgil Van Dijk as he is a defender - the same as me," Hannah previously told the BBC. Hannah was filled with emotion after receiving the news by email at the end of February. Her mother Shauna said they initially thought it was a scam. She told the BBC: "To be picked out of so many children across the UK and Hannah's been picked all the way from Derry. "You can only imagine the excitement, there were a few tears and a few squeals, she was just so excited." Hannah's dad Steve has taken Hannah to Liverpool games and was excited about the occasion. "If you think of the millions of fans worldwide, to be picked, someone was looking down on us or really wanted it for Hannah," he said. "It's stuff you dream of, it's something you can't buy." CAIRO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Hamas movement has stipulated that the release of an Israeli prisoner with U.S. citizenship and the delivery of the bodies of four other hostages is contingent upon the opening of the Rafah Crossing, the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip and an extension of the ceasefire for approximately two months. The conditions were proposed by a Hamas delegation that arrived in Cairo on Friday for negotiation, an informed Egyptian source confirmed to Xinhua Saturday. The source added that Hamas also required a direct transition to the negotiations of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which entails a permanent cessation of hostilities. The Egyptian side conveyed Hamas's conditions to the Israeli side and is awaiting a response, the source said. On Friday, Hamas announced that a negotiating delegation had headed to Cairo to meet with Egyptian officials and follow up on developments in the negotiations and the ceasefire agreement. A three-phase Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on Jan. 19. However, negotiations for the second phase remain stalled after the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1. Since March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, Israel has blocked aid and food shipments from entering Gaza. Doctors have raised concerns about the very high rate of repeat caesarean sections in one of the countrys regional maternity units. In the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar, just under 90pc of women with one previous caesarean section went on to have a repeat C-section across a single year, which is higher than the national rate. The statistic has led a group of obstetricians and doctors to highlight the persistently low rates of vaginal birth after caesarean in the Republic of Ireland in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. Despite a success rate of approximately 75pc for a vaginal birth after a C-section in Ireland, around 80pc have a repeat section nationally. But rates of repeat section were even higher in the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar in 2022. The Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar Today's News in 90 seconds - 16th March 2025 Of 210 women eligible for vaginal birth after caesarean which we defined as those with one previous caesarean section and no contraindications for trial of labour only 10.4pc had a vaginal birth, said the doctors based in the hospital. This local figure is even lower than the national average, and we believe it warrants immediate attention and action. When examining the underlying reasons for the trend, the doctors said they identified a pattern as they found more than half the women, 53pc, had already decided, by their booking appointment, to have a repeat caesarean section... before any discussions with a healthcare professional could occur. Globally, they said, caesarean sections are rising, which is causing a pressing challenge for maternity-care systems. They said: Failure to improve vaginal birth after caesarean rates will inevitably lead to a continued upward trajectory of repeat caesarean sections, which, in turn is associated with maternal morbidity and even mortality. The doctors, which include specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Sarah J Murphy, are particularly concerned about the impact on the incidence of the pregnancy complication, placenta accreta spectrum. Are women making these choices based on accurate, comprehensive information? This happens when some or all of the placenta, the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients, is abnormally attached to the womb and does not detach after the birth. The placenta can grow into the womb muscle and even through it and into other organs and can often necessitate a hysterectomy, cause damage to the bowels or bladder, or cause obstetric haemorrhage. A recent HSE report said a previous caesarean section is the single most frequent risk factor for the complication. The use of assisted reproduction technology and increased maternal age are also known risk factors for the condition, which has increased in prevalence in recent decades. In the correspondence on their study on caesarean births at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar, the doctors said their findings raise several critical questions about the factors influencing womens decisions to opt for repeat caesarean sections. Are women making these choices based on accurate, comprehensive information? Or are misconceptions, fear, and poor health literacy playing a role? Understanding these dynamics is crucial if we are to address this issue effectively, they said in the correspondence. The doctors hypothesised that several factors may contribute to the preference for repeat sections. They said previous negative birth experiences, planning, a feeling of control and perceptions of safety may discourage women from attempting a vaginal birth. Without enough information about the benefits of vaginal birth after caesarean and the potential risks of repeat caesarean, women may default to what's familiar They added: We are aware that societal attitudes and anecdotal stories from family and friends can strongly influence decision-making. The doctors said the availability and quality of antenatal counselling provided is likely to play a pivotal role. It is possible that women who are eligible for vaginal birth after caesarean are not being given enough detailed, individualised counselling about their options in a future pregnancy. Without sufficient information about the benefits of vaginal birth after caesarean and the potential risks of repeat caesarean, women may default to what they perceive as the more predictable or familiar option." They said they wished to further explore the role of disinformation in the high rates of repeat caesarean sections. By identifying barriers to trial of labour after caesarean, we can develop targeted interventions to improve vaginal birth after caesarean uptake and outcomes. Ensuring women are well-informed, supported, and empowered to consider vaginal birth after caesarean is essential to reversing the trend of rising caesarean section rates and mitigating the associated risks. 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 One begins Kitty darling and the other starts with My dear dearest Kitty. Both were signed off with love. Two letters between the revolutionary leader Michael Collins and his fiancee Kitty Kiernan, which have never been seen publicly before, have now been handed over to the Cork Public Museum as part of the will left by former MEP Mary Banotti. The countrys best-known civil servant said a document leaked by former taoiseach Leo Varadkar was never declassified and was always meant to remain confidential. Robert Watt, the secretary general of the Department of Health, told the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) the document was not supposed to be shared until it was formally published. In April 2019, Mr Varadkar sent a draft copy of the agreement between the government and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to Dr Maitiu O Tuathail, who was at the time the head of a rival GP group. Last December, Sipo, for a second time, ruled out a formal investigation into Mr Varadkar leaking the contract while taoiseach. A file regarding the leak was also sent to the DPP, who directed no criminal charges be brought in 2022. Ireland is facing a significant period of turbulence with regard to trade and tariffs, Tanaiste Simon Harris has said. Mr Harris was speaking in Philadelphia on Sunday after US President Donald Trump threatened to put a 200pc tariff on alcoholic drinks from the EU earlier this week, further increasing fears for businesses and consumers. Mr Trump has previously said a general 25pc tariff will be placed on all EU goods coming into the US but has not given a date for this as of yet. Alongside his threatened tariff on alcohol products, Mr Trump said the EU was one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States. On the matter of tariffs and trade, Mr Harris said: "Im going to be honest with the Irish people, I think we are heading for a fairly significant period of turbulence in relation to trade and in relation to tariffs. But I also want to say that we will get through it together. Every disagreement will be solved by an agreement and what I hope will happen is we could try keep the periods of disagreement to as short as possible and we reach an agreement quickly. President Trump is a politician, of course, but is also fundamentally a businessman and he knows, and prides himself, on the importance of a deal. I want to see us make a deal thats good for Ireland, the EU and the US, Mr Harris said. Today's News in 90 seconds - 16th March 2025 "Tariffs are bad. Tariffs are bad for consumers in Ireland, the EU and the United States. They will push up the prices of good for everyone and free trade is a good thing. "The EU and the US have interdependent economies, of that there is no doubt. "Ultimately, we need to find an agreement thats good for Ireland, the EU and the US. I will bring a memo to cabinet on Wednesday on recent developments on trade that we have heard in recent days and take stock of where we are at, Mr Harris said. With regard to amending legislation on the triple lock system which determines when Irish peacekeepers are deployed abroad, Mr Harris said he believed Ireland is engaging in an act of sovereignty by removing the need for UN approval for any mission which would see more than 12 Irish Defence Forces members sent abroad. Draft legislation has been published and Mr Harris said if ratified, it would allow our government, our Dail to make decisions on where our peacekeepers go. "It now needs to go to the appropriate Oireachtas committee for scrutiny. "This is priority legislation, for me, and I would like to see it passed through both houses [of the Oireachtas] quickly. "Military neutrality is very important and something I passionately value. There are no plans to change this military neutrality but there are serious issues around an effective veto by other countries around where we can send our peacekeeping troops, Mr Harris said. A total of 200bn in sanctioned deposits is frozen in EU countries Russian oligarchs are looking forward to unlocking more than 2bn in frozen assets in Ireland if peace talks end the war in Ukraine and lead to the lifting of sanctions. The Department of Finance has said all Russian cash deposits frozen here since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 belong to wealthy individuals, banks and corporate entities. A total of 200bn in Russian deposits is frozen across the 27 EU member states. A spokesperson for the department said: As per EU restrictive measures, any interest which might accrue on frozen assets is also frozen and not made available to designated persons. However, because the assets in Ireland belong to entities and individuals, the interest continues to be paid into the accounts. There are at least 100 high-net- worth Russians who have stored their assets in Ireland, the value of some running into the tens of millions. New EU regulations were introduced last year that allow for the interest generated by sovereign Russian assets held in central securities depositories to be used to support Ukraine. These are deposits of assets held under the name of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. The majority of these assets in the EU are held in Euroclear, the central securities depository in Belgium. The State does not receive any interest that might accrue on assets frozen under EU restrictive measures The EU uses a euphemism of extraordinary revenues to describe the interest scrape-off that has been allocated to help Ukraine repay loans provided by EU and G7 partners. No immobilised sovereign Russian assets are held in Ireland, while the interest accrued on individual accounts is understood to be around 150m, depending on the investment. The Central Bank says it is not possible to provide a precise figure on these earnings. The Department of Finance spokesperson said: There is a legal and binding obligation on all natural and legal persons to comply with EU sanctions, and any breach of this obligation is a criminal offence under Irish legislation. The State does not receive any interest that might accrue on assets frozen under EU restrictive measures. In October 2024, the EU and G7 agreed to provide $50bn in extraordinary revenue acceleration loans to Ukraine. As part of the agreement, the EU has allocated the extraordinary revenues generated from immobilised Russian sovereign assets, of which just over 200bn are held in the EU, to help repay the loans provided by EU and G7 partners. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeills boycott of Washington DCs St Patricks events was a big mistake, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. The Taoiseach said the decision was not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, pointing out that huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein. While Ms ONeill travelled to Carolina last week for a business event, she returned home rather than attend the Washington DC events as part of Sinn Feins protest against US President Donald Trumps threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza. First Minister Michelle ONeill, along with other members of her party, did not attend St Patricks events in Washington (Liam McBurney/PA) Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP did travel to Washington and spoke with Mr Trump during a lunch at Capitol Hill. The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House events in protest at actions by the US president. During an interview on the BBCs Sunday Politics programme, Mr Martin was asked whether he thought Ms ONeills refusal to go to Washington was a missed opportunity. He said: I do, I think it was a big mistake. I met with the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill, met with President Trump. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly met with President Trump (DUP/PA) I think it was a wrong decision because huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein at the time. A lot of people put a lot of effort into that. I thought it was a bit opportunistic and I think not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or indeed the island of Ireland for Sinn Fein to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year. I think it was the very wrong thing to do and opportunistic and somewhat cynical. A Sinn Fein spokesperson responded: The decision not to travel to the White House was not taken lightly, but taken conscious of the responsibility each of us as individuals have to call out injustice. We are all heartbroken as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent comments of the US president around the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza, something we cannot ignore. The Taoiseach said he did not discuss the appointment of a US envoy to Northern Ireland during his meeting with Mr Trump, but said he wanted to work with the US administration over the potential appointment of an economic envoy. Joe Kennedy was US economic envoy to Northern Ireland during the Biden administration (Liam McBurney/PA) Joe Kennedy previously served as the US economic envoy to Northern Ireland under the Biden administration. Mr Martin said Mr Trump had shown an interest in Northern Ireland. He added: Certainly the envoy has played a very useful role over the years politically in terms of making the peace. Now the political institutions are up and running and there is a case perhaps for an economic envoy because we do have to continue to work to enhance investment into Northern Ireland and enhance the economy there. There are opportunities as well in Northern Ireland for that investment. An economic envoy is certainly something we can work with the US administration on and the UK Government and the Northern Ireland parties. Taoiseach Micheal Martins visit to Washington was overshadowed by the potential threat of a EU-US trade war (Niall Carson/PA) The Taoiseach said the relations between the US and EU were currently difficult on the economic side, but added that he hoped progress in other areas could lead to renewed engagement. He added: I think on Ukraine there are challenges, although I think the work of President Macron and others has been impactful, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. I think there has been a good co-ordinated approach now to trying to get peace in the Ukraine, which is positive. We welcome the momentum behind peace in both Ukraine and in the Middle East because too many people are suffering and too many people are dying. I would hope that could lead to engagement on the trade side because it is not clear yet that there has been substantive engagement in terms of negotiations between the EU Commission and the US administration. I know that the EU wants to engage and understands that there is a two-way process here. Mr Martins visit to Washington DC was overshadowed by the looming threat of an EU-US trade war. There is heightened concern in Ireland that the new US administrations protectionist approach could pose a risk to an Irish economy which is significantly sustained by long-standing investment from US multinationals. Speaking from Philadelphia where he is attending St Patricks Day celebrations, Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris said all efforts would be going into finding an agreement between the EU and US on trade. He said: I am very satisfied that on a European level there is a real effort to intensively engage with the United States. Tariffs are bad. Tariffs are bad for consumers in Ireland, they are bad for consumers in Europe and they are bad for consumers in the United States of America. Tanaiste Simon Harris said efforts had to go into finding an agreement between the EU and US on trade (Brian Lawless/PA) They will push up the prices of goods for everybody. The European Union and the United States have interdependent economies, of that there is no doubt. President Trump has a view, he is the democratically elected president of the United States. But ultimately we need to find an agreement here which is good for the European Union, good for Ireland and good for the United States. That is where all of our efforts will be. File photo of someone using social media on their phone. (Yui Mok/PA) Some Three prepay customers were left unable to use their call, text or data allowances today as their credit balances were displayed as 0, despite having credit in their account. Customers faced a technical issue that impacted their credit balances, but the company has promised no customer will be out of pocket as it works to resolve the issue. Three Ireland said it was aware of the issue and its technical team began working to resolve the disruption earlier today, with a spokesperson apologising for any inconvenience caused. File photo of someone using social media on their phone. (Yui Mok/PA) Today's News in 90 seconds - 16th March 2025 However, some customers continue to face issues and report incorrect credit and allowance balances being displayed on their account. A spokesperson has since informed customers that balances will re-appear in the coming hours. We'd like to reassure you that no customers will have loss of credit as a result of this issue. If any customers are still experiencing connection problems, please power off and on your device to reboot, they said in a post shared to X. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. ROME, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Italians gathered in central Rome on Saturday to voice their support for greater European Union (EU) unity amid growing geopolitical uncertainties and concerns over transatlantic relations. The demonstration, inspired by a newspaper column by Italian journalist Michele Serra, aimed to counter what he described as U.S. policies seeking to create divisions between Europe and the United States in defense and trade. According to Italian media estimates, between 30,000 and 50,000 demonstrators filled and surrounded Piazza del Popolo, transforming the historic square into a sea of banners and European flags. Participants called on European leaders to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy, particularly in defense and economic policy, in response to shifting U.S. priorities. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has taken a cautious stance on increasing EU defense spending, citing concerns over the financial burden such measures could impose on Italy, which already has one of the highest public debt levels in the world as a percentage of gross domestic product. Meloni's reluctance to fully endorse a coordinated EU defense strategy comes as Washington signals potential reductions in U.S. security commitments to Europe, further fueling debate over the bloc's future geopolitical direction. The chairman of IDA Ireland has urged that the country should not rest on its laurels but take seriously the threat posed by Donald Trumps 200pc tariffs on EU alcohol exports to the US. Feargal ORourke told the Sunday Independent that the impact of such tariffs would be awful, and he expects this year will be turbulent and tumultuous, but said he does not foresee any immediate job losses in Ireland. A lobby group for US airlines told the Government it is of critical importance to remove the Dublin Airport passenger cap, saying bold action and collaboration was needed. Airlines for America (A4A) said the cap risks irreparable damage to US carriers and Irelands economy. It believes removing the cap would open new opportunities for businesses and support economic growth here. The group, whose members include American Airlines, United and Delta, claimed the cap violates an EU-US open skies agreement which allows European and American operators fly between both jurisdictions. In letters sent to senior figures in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail during government formation talks, A4A senior vice president Keith Glatz said removing the cap would enhance Dublins international standing. A copy of one of the letters, sent to Tanaiste Simon Harris, has been released under a Freedom of Information request. In the letters, Mr Glatz praised Fianna Fail and Fine Gael election manifesto commitments to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, and insisted the commitment must be at the forefront of the governments agenda. Removing the cap would not only strengthen Dublin Airports status as a vital hub for connectivity, but would also unlock new opportunities The Programme for Government commits to removing the passenger cap. Removing the cap would not only strengthen Dublin Airports status as a vital hub for connectivity but would also unlock new opportunities for businesses, passengers and the broader economy, Mr Glatz added. This is critical to A4A, as our members have key operations to and from Ireland, as well as long-standing alliance relationships with Irish carriers that serve the worlds most important aviation market the transatlantic. The US airline group joined a legal action against an Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) decision last year to limit the number of passengers who could use Dublin Airport this summer. This cut was eventually paused after the High Court granted a stay on the IAA capping of take-off and landing slots at the airport to ensure it does not breach planning rules by exceeding an annual 32 million passenger limit. The IAA said it has taken a neutral position on the court order. This weekend, an A4A spokeswoman said the issue needs to be resolved quickly. We have been urging all governments involved the Irish Government, the European Commission and the US government to urgently resolve this matter before irreparable damage is done not only to US airlines, but also to Dublin Airport and the Irish economy, she added. Airport operator DAA said it agrees with calls to remove the cap, and also called for urgency on the issue because it may be increasingly seen as a trade barrier between Ireland and the US. DAA has applied to Fingal County Council for permission to raise the cap to 36 million passengers per year, but the planning process can be lengthy. We need it removed within the next six months and faster planning decisions to add new terminal capacity. If we remain in the current planning process, it will take years. Every solution should be considered to unblock this impasse and protect connectivity, tourism, and jobs, DAAs spokesman said. Transport Minister Darragh OBrien said he supports the development of Dublin Airport and has started a process to meet with stakeholders to try and resolve the issue. It is very important for the region and the country in terms of jobs and economic growth but it needs to develop in a sustainable way that considers the local community, Mr OBrien said. Aaron Waddington grew up in a home where illegal drugs were readily available and his parents and would-be role models were addicts. At the age of 12, his father had died and his mother had been sent to jail for heroin related offences. Sent to live with his older sister in a nearby home in the south Dublin suburb of Shankill, "this was when things spiralled out of control" for Aaron. In an interview with independent.ie, the now 26-year-old shares his path to addiction and successful road to recovery in a frank and honest way. His approach in addressing what inevitably led him to living homeless on the streets, injecting heroin, aims to raise awareness among others experiencing similar feelings of helplessness. "I felt alone, abandoned, rejected, not loved; all these things you would feel as a child scared, in fear. It's different having a sister to having a mother and father. "First of all I stopped going to school, then I started robbing and hanging around with older lads." Before long Aaron was staying out drinking "from Thursday to Sunday" and his family "had no control over me". "My sister had no control over me as she wasnt my mother. Her husband had no control over as he wasnt my father so I was basically running riot." Soon moving on to cannabis as he "didn't really like drinking", Aaron reveals that this was his first drug of choice. "When I start smoking hash it gave me a different feeling, nothing mattered, things didnt matter anymore. But it quickly progressed to ecstasy and cocaine. I wouldnt have said that I was trying to get rid of these feelings of loss or abandonment at the time, but now seeing what these drugs have done to me it did take those feelings away." "I enjoyed taking them, I enjoyed being on drugs as they gave me a sense of belonging to something. I belonged to the little gang of guys I hung around with. They made me feel like a different person, like I wasnt on my own." As a "hyper teenager", Aaron said he mainly took ecstasy and cocaine at the weekend but moved on to prescription "calmers" as "they tended to chill me out a bit more". "When I was 18 I start taking Valium, Zimovane. I loved Valium, I loved taking prescription tablets they are very easy to get on the streets. It keeps you really relaxed. Especially after being on cocaine for a weekend, when it comes to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, you want to take Valium to relax and be smoking weed. "My sister tried her best for me she still does. Shes a great person and I didnt help it at all. It caused a lot of problems in her home too as she took me in. It affected her family. Her husband would be arguing with her over me, the way I went on, the things I was doing, the hours I would come in at. I was even taking things out of the house, I caused a lot of trouble in the house. By the time Aaron reached his mid teens, he was well known to the gardai - "I was jailed for possession of drugs, for robbing cars, fights, all things like that". "When I got out of jail I was about 20 and I started smoking heroin in prison. I didnt have a heroin habit but I very quickly developed a habit. "I always knew that drugs werent for me I knew when I start smoking heroin that things were going to go bad. Soon I was injecting and before I knew it I was homeless. I didnt have anywhere to go." Aaron soon became well acquainted with the volunteers running the Tiglin outreach bus in Dun Laoghaire, "going on to it to get a cup of coffee and a chat with them". "I knew at that stage that that was where I needed to be. I said I cant do this anymore running from hostel to hostel. I think it was easier for me to come to that decision as I didnt want to be the way I was. I got to a really low place, living in hostels and not talking to my family. I wanted a new life I think it really helped me there. "No one wants to know you when you are on heroin. Nobody wants to hang around with a heroin addict." Arriving at Tiglin, Aaron wasn't planning on staying for the duration of the program. "I said to myself that Id go down there for a couple of weeks and get clean and get my stuff together. But when I got down there it just all fell into place. People wanted to be back in my life. I have my daughter back in my life, I have my son back in my life. It just all fell into place." The Wicklow-based rehab facility caters for both men and women in separate centres. Approximately 30 people can reside in each centre at any given time. Aaron explains what his day would be like at Tiglin. "You get up in the morning at 7 oclock you go upstairs and have a bit of quiet time. Then you clean the house and then you go to your classes. One of your classes is about love and acceptance, another one would be personal relationship with others. Then, in the afternoon, youd have a work program - you're learning things that are necessary tonmoving on with your life. "The biggest changes for me came from counselling. You get counselled once a week on a one-to one or a group basis. Theres therapy and theres behavioural counselling all different kinds that are tailored to your needs. "Sometimes you dont realise the problems that you have until you get there. You think theyre outside problems but theyre actually internal." But the first course Aaron attended wasn't a success - he relapsed when he entered "phase four" of his programme. "After 10 months you live back in society and you get a job and you things. But I wasnt happy I didnt deal with a lot of stuff that I should have. I didnt deal with a lot of my problems that I went there for. Things started coming up and I couldnt handle it I ended up going out one day and I started using. I made the decision to use, I made the choice to use drugs. I used straight heroin and they asked me to leave. "Then after a few weeks the manager rang me and asked me did I want to come back. I knew that I had to go back and finish what I started. I just knew I had to do it. Before I just wanted to get out. This time I worked hard and I did what I had to do. I was there for 22 months. I was a very angry person for my hurts. I learned to get to know people and get on with people." Aaron graduated from Tiglin almost four months ago and is currently doing an addiction studies course and working part-time. He volunteers at the centre and plans to do a social studies course next year. His relationship with his family and friends has improved significantly and he beginning to establish relationships with his four-year-old daughter and son (3). Great majority of applicants present themselves at the IPO in Dublin. The majority of asylum-seekers arriving in Ireland are seeking protection at the International Protection Office (IPO) in Dublin, rather than at airports or ports, the Justice Minister has been told. Figures supplied by the Department of Justice show 18,561 people sought international protection (IP) in Ireland last year, and nearly 90pc made their first application at the IPO office in Lower Mount Street. The increased cohort claiming asylum in Dublin is believed to be caused by those travelling from Northern Ireland and availing of the Common Travel Area with the UK. Former justice minister Helen McEntee generated controversy last year when she claimed 80pc of asylum-seekers were coming from Northern Ireland. Micheal Martin sought to downplay that at the time, saying the figure was not statistical. However, Ms McEntees assertion was reiterated by the department last week. Figures released by the Department of Justice show that in 2022 there were 13,644 IP applicants, with 64pc lodging their claims in the IPO office in Dublin. More than 35pc lodged their claims in airports or ports in 2022, but that fell to under 10pc last year, when 90pc claimed asylum at the IPO office. Great majority of applicants present themselves at the IPO in Dublin. Today's News in 90 seconds - 16th March 2025 In a briefing note that was given to new Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan on his appointment, the department also said its significant immediate priorities included addressing prison overcrowding, increasing garda recruitment and implementing the new EU migration pact. On immigration, the minister was told that while Ireland had low levels of IP applicants relative to other EU members, applications last year were at an all-time high and brought Ireland to the EU average. Mr OCallaghan was told that a border risk assessment is under way and will feed into an overall assessment of the Common Travel Area with the UK. The briefing noted that removal efforts are being stepped up considerably. On the prison system, the minister was warned that jails were operating at 112pc capacity in December and January. While capacity of the prison system is 4,534, there were 5,014 people incarcerated on January 17. Female prisons are the worst affected, with Dochas in Mountjoy at 123pc capacity and Limerick at 143pc. What a difference a fortnight makes in Trump world. From histrionics in the White House with Trump, Vance and Zelensky to a potential 30-day ceasefire less than two weeks later.US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that if Russia does not agree to a deal, we will know who is the impediment to peace. But we already know who that is. The man who started the war in February 2022, Vladimir Putin. The Taoiseach flew to Washington with the sole aim of not getting lured into a futile row with Donald Trump. Right now, the US president is in such a disputatious mood with Americas allies, who he accuses of taking advantage of the USA on trade, that this could have felt like mission impossible. In the event, it was mission accomplished. Trump even seemed to rather like the Taoiseach, which is a definite advantage when this president conducts so many negotiations on the basis of his personal, albeit unreliable, feelings. Some at home may have wanted Micheal Martin to take a more muscular approach with a problematic president, but that is not his style. His approach to a difficult brief instead recalled Rudyard Kiplings famous poem in praise of men who can keep your head when all about are losing theirs and blaming it on you. Within hours of that meeting in the White House, Mr Trump was nonetheless back to scratching his favourite sore by threatening to impose tariffs of up to 200pc on alcohol from the EU, a move which would be catastrophic for Irelands long-established whiskey trade and blossoming craft spirits industry. The jokey banter about vice-president JD Vances St Patricks Day socks was a fading memory by then. Mr Trump may get along with the Taoiseach, but that doesnt mean he listened. Ireland must now trust in the strength of collective EU bargaining to avert that outcome. The real hurdle in Washington came from a different source. On Friday, Mr Martin met privately with the influential American Jewish Committee. A disagreement later arose as to what had been said behind closed doors. Representatives of the Jewish community left the meeting under the impression that the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban trade from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, was no longer on the legislative calendar. A spokesman for Mr Martin hurriedly clarified that the bill had been deemed unconstitutional in its present form, but would be amended and brought back to the Dail in due course. Without being a fly on the wall, it is impossible to say with certainty what went on at the Irish ambassadors residence in Washington where the parties met; but it does seem unlikely the Taoiseach would have declared the bill to be dead in the water when it remains a commitment in the Programme for Government. Closure of embassy highlights the need to urgently improve Irelands relationship with Israel Clearly, however, there was a breakdown in communications. That is the sort of thing that can happen in the vacuum of dialogue left by last years closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin. What it highlights is the need to urgently improve Irelands relationship with Israel. The Taoiseach was right to stoutly defend the country against accusations of anti-semitism levelled by Israels ambassador to the US; but there is still too much evidence Jewish people do not feel safe or welcome here at present. Plenty of work needs to be done. It needs to be done because it is the right thing to do, but also for reasons of self-interest. Jewish Americans have made no bones of their intention to exert pressure on Ireland through President Trump. It would be regrettable if the careful work of last week was undone by a refusal to overcome this mutual mistrust. Last Sunday the UK held a day of reflection to remember those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic, which arrived into Europe five years ago. But why has the pandemic and the just under 10,000 people who died here in Ireland been forgotten by the State? Some of the Paddys who have shaped our national story Welcome to this special St Patricks edition of the Indo Daily. March 17 is so much more than just a public holiday. It has evolved from being St Patricks Day to a week-long St Patricks Festival, and its global appeal is greater than ever. But who was St Patrick? And how has our patron saints name travelled across the world from Nigeria to Times Square and beyond? Fionnan Sheahan is joined on the Indo Daily podcast by the author, historian and host of the Three Castles Burning podcast, Donal Fallon. Incidentally, Donal also wrote an article on the top 100 Patricks of all time, available to read here. So, pull on an Ireland jersey (or a green jumper!) and enjoy the insights as we reveal the Patricks, Paddys and Patricias who have worn the name with distinction. This podcast was originally published on March 17th 2024. The team at Campile Allcare Pharmacy dressed up in their best denim outfits recently to celebrate Denim Day for Dementia. Denim Day is an annual event, organised by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, where people are encouraged to wear denim to work, school, or in their communities. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) is the leading dementia-specific service provider in Ireland and the society works across the country providing dementia-specific services and support. It advocates for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. The staff at Campile Allcare Pharmacy wanted to support this good cause as there are over half a million families in Ireland affected by dementia and this number is set to rise in the future, said staff member, Dearbhla Walsh. "The ASI works to empower and champion the rights of people living with dementia, she added. The fundraising goal set by the ASI this year is to raise 4 million which will be used for its much needed support and services. Some of the services provided by the ASI include the national helpline, home care, social clubs and the Alzheimers cafe. The staff would like to thank all those who supported us on the day and sponsored our team so generously, concluded Dearbhla. This spring, the challenging task of afforestation at the edge of the Mu Us Desert in northern China takes on a futuristic feel, with drones soaring through the air, transporting seedlings across vast sand dunes, while intelligent planting machines carve through the sands, embedding saplings with precision. "It only takes five seconds for these robots to plant a seedling in the desert," said Gao Fei, as he remotely operated the two planting machines. Gao, who works with the Jintaiming Technology Group based in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, explained that these are the company's second-generation intelligent tree-planting machines. They can completely automate the tree-planting process, from loosening the soil with an auger and inserting the sapling to watering its roots, covering it with soil, and compacting it. "Four such machines, still in the trial phase, were deployed this year. The production line for the machines has yet to be fully launched," Gao said, adding that the company holds independent intellectual property rights for the intelligent machines. He went on to explain that the machines integrate advanced technologies such as spiral ground drilling, unmanned driving, and artificial intelligence to enable large-scale, round-the-clock tree planting without human intervention. The company is also investing in the development of other intelligent machines to accommodate different planting scenarios. The desert lies near the irrigated lands of the Hetao section of the Yellow River, China's second-longest river. Winding through Inner Mongolia with sweeping bends, the river stretches over 840 km in the region. In addition to the Mu Us Desert, its banks border the Ulan Buh and Kubuqi deserts. Inner Mongolia has identified a total of about 15 million hectares of desertified land spread across areas governed by seven cities, which are the source and pathway of sandstorms that impact the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. To mitigate sandstorms, ensure food security, and protect the Yellow River -- China's mother river -- afforestation in Inner Mongolia serves as a key battleground for the country's ambitious Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), initiated in 1978 to combat desertification. Yan Wei, director of the TSFP center in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, said that in the afforestation program in Otog Banner, where the robots are used, this year's target is to plant trees across 3,333 hectares of sandy land, with 60 percent of the work supported by various types of machinery. There are 20 drones used for transporting seedlings in the program area, which improves the efficiency of transporting large amounts of the saplings in the complex terrain. Meanwhile, the smart tree-planting machine is capable of performing ten times the amount of work that a human laborer can do in a day, while its cost is just 30 percent of the labor cost, Gao said. He added that machine-planted salix mongolia, a drought-resistant willow tree species, demonstrated a higher survival rate compared to those planted manually. The company remains optimistic about the market potential for intelligent planting robots. China's expertise and experience in building windbreaks on deserts have earned global acclaim. By using grass grids made of wheat straw to stabilize the sand, vast numbers of people from all walks of life have been mobilized to plant trees, expanding the "green Great Wall." According to Ma Qiang, deputy director of the Inner Mongolia regional forestry and grassland administration, anti-desertification efforts must transcend administrative boundaries. He stressed that desertification prevention and control should be integrated with new energy initiatives, such as the development of wind and photovoltaic power projects in desert regions. The Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal welcomed a record number of foreign tourists on Sunday, as two large international cruise ships docked at the port. #XinhuaNews Engineers and graduates from EirGrid, the operator and developer of Irelands electricity grid, visited schools in Arklow, Bray, Roundwood and Rathnew to mark STEPS Engineers Week and to inspire students future studies in the field. Students from St Marys College, Arklow, St Peters Primary School, Bray, St Laurence OToole National School, Roundwood and Saint Coens National School Rathnew engaged in interactive experiments, created their own mini-wind turbines, and learned more about renewable energy generation and EirGrids role in decarbonising the energy system. STEPS Engineers Week, run by Engineers Ireland, aims to promote engineering education, celebrate innovation, and encourage the future engineering workforce. EirGrid engineer and former graduate, Aine Doyle, spoke to students about the different opportunities and prospects available to those pursuing a career in engineering. She said: At EirGrid, we recognise the value of introducing young people to engineering at an early stage. Not only is it an incredibly rewarding career, attracting new talent to the sector is crucial in our work to meet the Governments climate ambitions for 80% of our electricity to come from renewable sources. EirGrid employs engineers from a wide range of engineering disciplines on a range of projects throughout Ireland, who all play a vital role in strengthening the electricity grid across Ireland and integrating more renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, onto the energy system. Aine added: Its fantastic to see such enthusiasm from the young people here today. Hopefully interactions like these will encourage a lifelong interest in engineering for some students, as we always need more talented people to tackle the challenges and opportunities of creating a cleaner energy system. EirGrid is working on projects that will upgrade the electricity grid in Wicklow and help deliver a consistent and reliable supply of electricity to homes, schools and businesses across the county. These projects include the redevelopment of the Arklow Station and Ballybeg Station, as well as the upvoltage of the Arklow to Carrickmines Line. Dr Paolo Virtuani completed his PhD in Medieval History in UCD (2014), with a thesis on The Knights of St John of Jerusalem in Medieval Ireland (c.1169 - 1378). Wicklow history-buffs have a treat in store with two separate talks taking place in Wicklow town and Roundwood. Joan Kavanagh will discuss the all-female prison at Grangegorman at the library in Wicklow town on Thursday, March 20 from 7pm. The first all-female prison in the British Isles was opened in 1836 at Grangegorman in Dublin. A section of this prison was set aside to hold female convicts sentenced to transportation prior to being shipped to the penal colonies of Australia. A project, under the auspices of Grangegorman Histories, is examining the lives of the women held there. Who were these women? What crimes did they commit? What sentences did they receive? And what of their families? These questions and more will be answered by Joan Kavanagh when she will give a talk entitled Grangegorman the transportation story. All are welcome. This event is free, however spaces are limited. To book call 0404 67025 or email wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie On Tuesday next week, Dr Paolo Virtuani will deliver the next Roundwood Historical Society talk which is titled The Knights Hospitaller and Medieval Wicklow: War, Murder and the odd Crusade. The religious-military order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, also known as 'Knights Hospitaller', an offspring of the Crusades, are perhaps less known than their more famous counterpart, the Knights Templar. Yet they were arguably just as successful, and for a longer timespan, indeed they survive today in their modern guise, as the Order of Malta. This talk will also explore the brief and tense interactions between this crusading Order and the Irish of Wicklow, in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The area of Wicklow was outside the Pale, and became a zone of unrest and turmoil throughout the Middle Ages (and well beyond), making it difficult for the Knights to create a presence there. Dr Virtuani, now resident in Roundwood, is from Milan, where he obtained his BA in Medieval History. After coming to Ireland (2007), he completed his PhD in Medieval History in UCD (2014), with a thesis on The Knights of St John of Jerusalem in Medieval Ireland (c.1169 - 1378). The talk takes place at Roundwood Parish Hall on Tuesday, March 25, starting at 8pm. Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain launches her book 'A Neutron Walks into a Bar' at The Science Gallery, Trinity College in 2012 Academic and TV presenter Aoibinn ni Shuilleabhain pictured with her new husband after their wedding last weekend Academic and TV presenter Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain pictured with her new husband after their wedding last weekend Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain has become the master at keeping her private life out of the spotlight, even managing to tie the knot last week with the nation none the wiser. The former Rose of Tralee even left us guessing when it came to the identity of her new groom, having managed to shield her relationship completely from the media following her very public break-up from broadcaster Ryan Tubridy in 2014. Academic and TV presenter Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain pictured with her new husband after their wedding last weekend However, according to the Sunday World, Aoibhinn's mystery man's name is Carlos Diaz. "Despite the Spanish-sounding name, Carlos is actually Irish born and raised," the publication reports. The happy pair wed in a small ceremony with just 70 guests in Dublin city last week. The assistant professor of mathematics at UCD thanked her guests for making the couple's day particularly special. "Thank you to our beautiful friends and family who made our wedding so special," she wrote on social media. "We had an absolute ball sharing our vows to each other with you... Here's to continuing to share the love." Hamas will only hand over American-Israeli hostage once truce agreed Ceasefire hopes are hampered by what group has termed a serious escalation as Israeli strike kills nine Mourners react next to Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters Samy Magdy Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 03:30 Hamas said yesterday it will only release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel implements their ceasefire agreement, calling it an exceptional deal aimed at getting the truce back on track. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed nine people in Gaza including local journalists according to medics and a watchdog. The anime One Piece is getting ready for its comeback. One Piece is currently experiencing the longest hiatus in the nearly 30-year history of the anime. This April marks the start of One Piece: Egghead Arc Part 2's release in Japan. Fans who had been anxiously waiting for this news have found it to be a blessing in disguise. Everyone is geared up just like Luffy to know whats next on cards. While a lot of information has not been revealed yet by makers, heres everything we know so far. One Piece Egghead part 2 release date On April 6, the anime series One Piece will restart its Egghead arc. On March 18, new dubbed episodes and specials will be released. Toei Animation will release Specials 14, 15, 16, and a fresh block of Egghead Arc episodes from the popular English dub of the series ahead of the simulcast's return. Crunchyroll will begin airing English dub episodes 11091122 on March 18, 2025. What do we know about the One Piece Egghead arc? According to the One Piece fandom page, the Egghead Arc, also known as the Future Island Arc, is the first narrative arc of the Final Saga, the ninth story arc of the second half of the series, and the thirty-second story arc in the manga and anime One Piece. ONE PIECE: EGGHEAD ARC PART 2, COMING THIS APRIL pic.twitter.com/6z8kkFJekv Netflix Anime (@NetflixAnime) March 12, 2025 According to the website, the Straw Hat Pirates reach the futuristic island of Egghead, home of the super genius Dr. Vegapunk, as the repercussions of the Levely and the Raid on Onigashima, as well as the destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom, create significant changes throughout the world. What happened during the hiatus? Fans got a special edition of the Fish-Man Island Saga over the break. This special edited version of the original arc, titled One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga, told the story of Fish-Man Island in a condensed 21 episodes. Luffy fans have geared up, have you? For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Seruppugal Jaakirathai OTT Release: Rajesh Suseirajs upcoming directorial is all set to be a direct-to-digital hilarious riot of hide and seek. The Tamil comedy series is ready to be an experience that you will never forget. Starring Singampuli, Vivek Rajagopal, Ira Agarwal and Manohar in lead roles, Seruppugal Jaakirathai will be streaming on Zee5 starting March 28, 2025. Seruppugal Jaakirathais plot preview The plot revolves around a diamond smuggler named Rathinam, who hides one of his valuable diamonds inside a shoe. Worried that officials might search him, he swaps his shoe with that of an auditor named Thyagarajan. Thyagarajan and his son, Ilango, end up losing the shoe, setting off a funny and exciting adventure to find it. Every episode is packed with comedy, surprises, and lots of fun moments. The technical team of Seruppugal Jaakirathai includes cinematography by Gangadharan, music by L V Muthu Ganesh, writing by Ezhichur Aravindhan, editing by Wilcy J. Sathy, audiography by Tony J., art direction by S. Satheesh Kumar, sound design by Hari Haran, and costume design by M. Ashok Kumar. This action-packed web series is produced by Singaravelan of SS Group and also features Indrajith, Mapla Ganesh, Usain, Sabitha, Uthumalai Ravi, Palani, Seval Ram, and Dr. Prabhakar in key roles. To celebrate Holi 2025, Zee5 is hosting a Manoranjan Utsav from March 1 to 30 where you'll get free access to a variety of hit films, critically acclaimed series, comedy dramas, and action-packed movies. Whats new on Zee5? Zee5 recently started premiering Manikandans Kudumbasthan, a family drama that was a huge hit in the theaters as well. While many family dramas have been released in the Tamil belt, Kudumbasthan, directed by first-time filmmaker Rajeshwar Kalisamy, stood out. Rajeshwar also co-wrote the script and screenplay with actor Prasanna Balachandran, who also plays an important role in the film. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The Paradise OTT Release: This upcoming Telugu-language film is all set to arrive in theatres on March 26, 2026. The mega-actioner will reunite director Srikanth Odela with actor Nani, following their successful collaboration on Dasara in 2023. For those wondering where to watch it on OTT, then as per Telugubulletin, Netflix has acquired the streaming rights of The Paradise for about Rs 65 crore. More about The Paradise Produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the banner of SLV Cinemas, The Paradise is set in the 1980s and follows the story of an oppressed and marginalized tribe in Secunderabad. The film addresses themes of societal injustice and prejudice, aiming to present a raw narrative. The cast includes Nani in the lead role with Sonali Kulkarni also featuring prominently. Earlier, Janhvi Kapoor's involvement was also mentioned in some reports, though her role has not been officially confirmed. An OTTPlay report recently revealed that Mohan Babu might be playing the main antagonist in The Paradise. The Paradise's music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his third collaboration with Nani after Jersey and Gang Leader in 2019. A teaser released in March 2025 showcased Nani in a transformative role, portraying a leader who unites his people against oppression. The glimpse has been described as raw and powerful, drawing comparisons to the film Mad Max due to its gritty portrayal. For the unversed, The Paradise will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, English, and Spanish with Nani dubbing most of them in his own voice. Stay tuned to Indiatimes for more updates regarding the film and its developments. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Rang Panchami 2025: Rang Panchami, a vibrant and spiritual Hindu festival, is celebrated five days after Holi. In 2025, the Panchami Tithi begins on March 18 at 10:09 PM and ends on March 20 at 12:37 AM. But, according to the Hindu tradition of observing festivals based on the rising sun (udaya tithi), Rang Panchami will be celebrated on March 19, 2025. Rang Panchami is not just about playing with colours but also holds deep religious and cultural importance. It symbolises the triumph over negative energies and honouring the five elements of nature. It is widely observed in regions like Brij, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, where people engage in colourful festivities and traditional rituals. When is Rang Panchami 2025? Exact date & timing Rang Panchami in 2025 will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The Panchami Tithi begins at 10:09 PM on March 18, 2025, and ends at 12:37 AM on March 20, 2025. Here is the key dates and timings: Event Date & Time Rang Panchami Tithi Begins March 18, 2025, at 10:09 PM Rang Panchami Celebration March 19, 2025 Panchami Tithi Ends March 20, 2025, at 12:37 AM Significance of Rang Panchami 2025 Rang Panchami is not just about playing with colours; it has deep religious and spiritual significance. It symbolises the triumph over negative energies and honours the five elements of nature: fire, earth, water, air, and space. People believe that offering colours to deities brings blessings and prosperity. Historical Background of Rang Panchami 2025 The mythological tale of Rang Panchami is deeply connected with Lord Shiva and Kamadeva. According to Hindu mythology, Kamadeva, the god of love, tried to awaken Lord Shiva from deep meditation by using his flowered arrows. But, Shiva, enraged by the disturbance, opened his third eye and incinerated Kamadeva into ashes. Later, Rati, Kamadevas wife, along with other deities, prayed for his revival. Moved by their devotion, Lord Shiva restored Kamadeva, but only in a spiritual form. The gods celebrated this event by playing with colors, which is believed to be the origin of Rang Panchami. This festival, observed five days after Holi, shows the victory of divine energy over negativity and the restoration of harmony. Rang Panchami 2025 will be celebrated on March 19, 2025, with various auspicious timings throughout the day. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. The John Mulaney and Olivia Munn cheating rumors have resurfaced, thanks to a joke on Everybody's Life with John Mulaney on Netflix. The live talk show, which will premiere on Netflix for 12 weeks with new episodes releasing every Wednesday, debuted on March 12. However, what stole the spotlight was a joke that Mulaney made about his children. John Mulaney jokes about his children on his Netflix show Comedian John Mulaney is back with a new live talk show, Everybody's Live with John Mulaney, after a successful experiment with a week-long talk show during the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. While Mulaney's comedy style has often been scrutinized, his personal life has also been controversial, particularly his divorce from Anna Marie Tendler and marriage to Olivia Munn. Everybody's Live with John Mulaney is live worldwide on Netflix! Here's a taste. pic.twitter.com/oAFlDeVpKt LateNighter (@latenightercom) March 13, 2025 In his opening monologue, Mulaney addressed the controversy, joking about his two children, saying one was controversial, while the other was met with less criticism. He said, "Yes, I have two children now. One was controversial, one you all seem to be cool with." The comment referenced the public controversy that erupted when Mulaney announced his separation from his ex-wife, Anna Marie Tendler, and shortly after, he shared the news of Olivia Munns pregnancy, leading to rumors of infidelity. Did John Mulaney cheat on Anna Marie Tendler with Olivia Munn? So, did John Mulaney really cheat on his former wife Anna Marie Tendler with Olivia Munn? Exploring the allegations below. John Mulaney and Anna Marie Tendler's divorce sparked shock Mulaney tied the knot with multimedia artist Anna Marie Tendler in 2014. In his comedy specials, he would often praise Anna, which also earned him the title of 'wife guy.' The two were longtime friends before they became a couple. Courtesy: Green Wedding Shoes However, in December 2020, the comedian entered rehab for his struggle with substance addiction, and shortly after completing his 60-day program, he announced his separation from Anna, leaving everyone, including his then-wife, shocked. In a statement to People, Anna said, "I am heartbroken that John has decided to end our marriage." But the real drama started when Mulaney's relationship with Olivia Munn came to light, sparking widespread speculations about potential cheating on his part. The affair allegations further escalated after Munn's past comments about stalking Mulaney resurfaced. When Olivia Munn revealed she had a crush on John Mulaney years before they began dating In a 2015 interview with HuffPost Live, Olivia Munn confessed that she had been drawn to John Mulaney at Seth Meyers' 2013 wedding, despite knowing he was engaged to Anna Marie Tendler at the time. Munn recalled being "obsessed" with talking to Mulaney and even invited him and his fiancee to dinner. Although she reached out to him afterward, she never received a response. A source later revealed that Mulaney and Munn actually first met at a Los Angeles church. The two started dating in 2021, just days after Mulaney's divorce from Tendler. Notably, Olivia Munn was among the first to publicly express support for John Mulaney when he entered rehab in December 2020. She took to Twitter (now X), writing, "Sending SO MUCH love and support to John Mulaney. You got this." John Mulaney and Olivia Munn's pregnancy led to cheating rumors After John Mulaney separated from Anna Marie Tendler, Olivia Munn appeared with a noticeable baby bump months later, sparking infidelity accusations. Mulaney addressed the rumors on Late Night with Seth Meyers, clarifying the timeline of his relationship with Munn. He explained that he went to rehab in 2020, moved out of his home with Tendler afterward, and started dating Munn in spring 2021. Credit: Instagram Munn gave birth to their son, Malcolm, in December 2021, suggesting she got pregnant earlier in the spring. Munn later told the Los Angeles Times that no one could truly know the details of their relationship. Tendler, in her 2022 memoir Men Have Called Her Crazy, spoke about the shock of the breakup but never accused Mulaney of cheating. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. RAMALLAH, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official said on Saturday that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Central Council will convene in April to discuss amendments to the Basic Law, including the creation of a vice president position of the organization. Wasel Abu Yousef, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, told Xinhua that the head of the Palestinian National Council, Rawhi Fattouh, has officially invited Central Council members to meet between April 21 and 26. "During this session, significant legal amendments are expected to be discussed, most notably the establishment of the vice president position of the organization," he said. Abu Yousef added that this initiative follows Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's announcement at the Arab Summit in Cairo earlier this month. During the summit, Abbas revealed plans to introduce the vice president role and declared his decision to pardon all individuals previously dismissed from the Fatah movement. Meanwhile, an informed Palestinian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the coming phase may include internal elections to renew the PLO's membership, as well as the nomination of candidates for the new vice president position. The PLO Central Council, also known as Palestinian Central Council, serves as an intermediary body between the PLO Executive Committee and the Palestinian National Council, comprising representatives from Palestinian factions, unions, and institutions. Given its influential role, the upcoming meeting is expected to be pivotal in shaping the next phase of Palestinian politics. South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun made his first on-screen appearance since the breaking out of his scandal involving his ex-girlfriend Kim Sae Ron, who died by suicide on his birthday exactly one month ago. Amid the backlash and calls for boycott, the actor was featured on the March 16th broadcast of G-Dragon's variety show Good Day. Kim Soo Hyun seen smiling in latest episode of Good Day Kim Soo Hyun currently starred as one of the guests on MBC's Good Days hosted by G-Dragon, which features various artists who all come together to create a song out of their life experiences. Barring the third episode, which premiered last week, the actor has appeared on all the Good Day episodes. However, a lot has happened in the last week, which had many believing the makers would edit Kim Soo Hyun out from the fourth and final episode. But much to everyone's surprise, he appeared unedited in the March 16 broadcast of the show. In the latest episode of Good Day, Kim Go Eun and friends gathered for G-Dragon's music project, showcasing fresh chemistry. Despite his ongoing controversy, Kim Soo Hyun made a notable appearance on the show, singing alongside his friends from the "88 Liners" group, which includes G-Dragon, Lee Soo Hyuk, Im Si Wan, Hwang Kwang Hee, and Jung Hae In. During the charity auction segment, he was dressed in an all-black outfit, blending in seamlessly with the musical atmosphere. In another segment of the show, Kim Soo Hyun was the highlight as comedian Jo Se Ho asked G-Dragon if he had grown closer to the actor after a recent gathering. G-Dragon confirmed that the "88 Liners" had spent the night together, strengthening their bond. The BIGBANG member further reminisced, "It strangely felt like a reunion with old classmates. The next morning, I woke up to messages from the group saying, 'It was great seeing you' and 'Let's meet again soon.'" Kim Soo Hyun continues filming for Good Day despite ongoing controversy Kim Soo Hyun continued filming for Good Day even after heavy social media criticism. According to a report by Tenasia, the actor was on set on March 13, just a day after Garosero exposed his dating scandal with the late actress, Kim Sae Ron. A source close to Kim Soo Hyun had revealed that he never informed the production team of his intention to withdraw and was not asked to do so either. However, it was revealed that he participated in the filming with 'minimal involvement.' Kim Soo Hyun is currently also filming for the Disney+ K-drama Knock Off. Despite the controversy, the makers had earlier clarified that there will be no changes in the cast and schedule of the drama. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Kim Soo Hyun has been facing calls for a boycott following the resurfacing of his dating scandal with the late actress Kim Sae Ron, uncovered by the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute. As a result, the actor has lost Instagram followers and has been dropped by several major brands amidst the ongoing controversy. After global fashion giant Prada severed ties with the Queen of Tears star, he has now officially been let go by DINTO. Initially supportive, the K-beauty brand faced heavy public backlash for their stance and ultimately decided to halt his activities while investigating the matter. DINTO announces termination of advertising contract with Kim Soo Hyun Following the recent controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun, DINTO has decided to terminate its one-year advertising model contract with the actor, which was set to expire in August 2025. "As a partner in both business relations and contractual agreements, we believed it was essential to uphold the principle of good faith," said DINTO in a statement. "We couldn't issue an official statement or terminate the contract immediately, as we wanted to give Kim Soo Hyun and his agency the opportunity to express their position." However, after reviewing the statement issued by Kim Soo Hyun's agency, DINTO determined that there were "substantial grounds rendering the fulfillment of the advertising contract unfeasible." "We are officially proceeding with the termination process through our legal representatives," the representative stated. "This decision was made to uphold the values that DINTO stands for and to honor the trust placed in us by our consumers." DINTO emphasized its commitment to making responsible decisions that align with its brand philosophy and consumer expectations while focusing on meaningful projects that create lasting value. "We remain committed to our values and will continue to make decisions that reflect our brand's philosophy," the statement concluded. Prada ends partnership with Kim Soo Hyun On March 14th, luxury fashion brand Prada announced it has severed ties with Kim Soo Hyun in light of his ongoing controversy. Credit: Instagram Prada released a brief statement, saying, "It has been mutually decided to end the collaboration between Prada and Kim Soo Hyun." Kim Soo Hyun, 37, was appointed as a Prada brand ambassador in January and attended the brand's fall 2025 men's ready-to-wear runway show in Milan. Kim Soo Hyun's Instagram followers drop to 20.4 million Kim Soo Hyun's reputation has taken a significant blow after Kim Sae Ron's aunt, through Garosero Research Institute, claimed that the actor dated the late actress from 2015 to 2021, when she was just 15 and he was 27. Initially, the My Love from the Star star denied any romantic involvement but later admitted to being in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron while denying allegations that she was a minor at the time. However, netizens have since presented evidence, including intimate photos released by Garosero during a livestream, showing that the images were taken before 2019, contradicting the actors claims. As the controversy continues to grow, Kim Soo Hyun's Instagram following has been steadily declining. According to SocialBlade, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, he had approximately 21,237,121 followers. The following day, his count rose by 3,806, followed by fluctuations in the following days. Currently, the actors follower count stands at 20.4 million, marking a significant loss of over 800k followers. Kim Soo Hyun's billboards are being taken down in South Korea Kim Soo Hyun's billboards have also been taken down in South Korea amid the ongoing controversy. Amid public backlash, several of the actor's advertisements have been removed from prominent locations across the country. Newly revealed Bubble messages from Kim Soo Hyun have sparked further controversy amid his ongoing backlash surrounding his dating scandal with late actress Kim Sae Ron. The private messages, sent just one week after Kim Sae Rons tragic passing, have drawn criticism, with many accusing the actor of showing indifference to her death, despite their past romantic involvement. Kim Soo Hyuns Bubble messages resurface amid growing controversy On February 23, just one week after Kim Sae Rons passing on February 16which also happened to be his birthdayKim Soo Hyun interacted with his fans on the fan communication app Bubble. The messages, originally posted on TheQoo and reshared on X by K-media outlet Pancchoa, show the actor responding to fan inquiries in a cheerful, upbeat tone, as he continues to celebrate his birthday. As translated by the publication, he greeted fans with, Wow. Hello? and added, Kim February Sunday special. Its still my birthday. Just days later, on February 25, Kim Soo Hyun attended G-Dragons album listening party. In response to a fans question about the BIGBANG member, he remarked, Im busy as well, but he (G-Dragon) is even busier. Credit: TheQoo Netizens react to Kim Soo Hyun's fan message X users have now slammed the Queen of Tears actor, with many criticizing his apparent insensitivity to the tragedy. One user wrote, "He has no regret, just playing victim so that some fools fall for it. All he cares about is himself. He must be looking for his next target. Pedophile." He has no regret , just playing victim so that some fools fall for it. All he cares about is himself . He must be looking for his next target . Pedophile https://t.co/Qv38D19g18 Maverick (@Maveric23329704) March 15, 2025 Another commented, "Genuinely, you groomed her, and she was a part of your company, yet 2 days later you're partying the f**k up after her death ON YOUR BIRTHDAY??? Like, you're definitely going to hell." genuinely you groomed her and she was apart of ur company yet 2 days later ur partying the fuck up after her death ON UR BIRTHDAY??? like you definitely going to hell https://t.co/ROfnqBNtJ8 sohee thinker (@heesoluvlee) March 15, 2025 A third user slammed the actor, writing, ""Its still my birthday," he said, even if 0.1%. I believe he dated her after she became legal (which itself is weird because how can you date someone you knew as a child?). How can you NOT have empathy for your own ex? That alone marks him as psychotic, and now he is under anxiety? " its still my birthday " he said even if 0.1% i believe he dated her after she became legal ( which itself is weird bcoz how can you date someone you knew as a child) how can you NOT have empathy for your own ex? That alone marks him as psychotic and now he is under anxiety? https://t.co/5kORiC2rtg House of Xu (@XuHousePali) March 15, 2025 "Pure evil," one simply commented. "I seriously believe he is a psychopath, devoid of any kind of emotion; his ex, regardless of the duration of dating, died, and he didn't even budge, partying for the next few days. Never in my life have I seen such a disgusting person," added another user. i seriously believe he is a psychopath,devoid of any kind of emotion, his ex regardless of the duration of dating died and he didn't even budge, partying for next few days. Never in my life ive seen such disgusting person. https://t.co/KDx9WTS6ln pea.FirstFrostYearner (@f4kebongg) March 15, 2025 Kim Soo Hyun's controversial post on the day Kim Sae Ron died Earlier, Kim Soo Hyun faced intense backlash after an old Instagram post resurfaced, showing him celebrating his birthday on February 16, the same day actress Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her apartment. The controversial post, in which he thanked fans for their gifts and well-wishes, has now been deemed insensitive by many, especially after Kim Sae Ron's family accused Kim Soo Hyun of contributing to her struggles. The backlash erupted on March 10 after the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute aired a video in which Kim Sae Ron's aunt made shocking claims about Kim Soo Hyun. She alleged that the actor had been in a secret relationship with the actress for six years, starting when she was just 15. Additionally, she accused Kim Soo Hyun of distancing himself from Kim Sae Ron following her 2022 DUI scandal and claimed that his agency, Gold Medalist, played a role in her financial struggles. Gold medalist confirms Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron After denying Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun's relationship for years, the actor's agency Gold Medalist confirmed on March 14 that he dated Kim Sae Ron, but only after she became an adult. The agency released several statements that day, addressing the allegations made by Garosero Institute and revealing the toll the controversy was taking on Kim Soo Hyun's mental health. According to Gold Medalist, Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae Ron was already an adult. The agency denied claims that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, stating that photos presented as evidence were actually taken when Kim Sae Ron was an adult. It also refuted allegations that Kim Soo Hyun ignored Kim Sae Ron's financial struggles, arguing that Gold Medalist had actually helped Kim Sae Ron resolve her debts and even wrote off her remaining debt in December 2023. The agency said that the My Love from the Star actor's mental state has been affected by the intense media scrutiny, with individuals loitering around the company building with cameras. His agency expressed concern about the spreading of false information and the impact it's having on Kim Soo Hyun's well-being. Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron's family has threatened legal action, seeking an apology from the actor for denying their relationship earlier. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Elon Musk's AI model Grok on X is the subject of endless discussion on the internet. Indians have been asking the bot a variety of things, ranging from who secretly has a crush on them to which account they engage with the most and more. But some of the responses the tool provides have caused a meme frenzy. On social media, people have been expressing their opinions over Grok vs. Chat GPT by taking actors, movies, artists and more as examples. So far people are saying that ChatGPT is superior. Take a look: Grok Vs ChatGPT Memes Grok to Indian people pic.twitter.com/AIfrdngY2x Sajcasm (@sajcasm_) March 15, 2025 Asked Grok to draw a picture of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders. pic.twitter.com/CUXY7q4DFN Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) March 15, 2025 Grok after watching Indian users : pic.twitter.com/wOil8KKIPZ (@aakash_lakhia) March 15, 2025 Grok after interacting with Indian users pic.twitter.com/YRcRIH023N A (@anushmita7) March 15, 2025 What is Grok? Grok is an AI chatbot that converses with users through natural language processing. Elon Musk founded the startup xAI, which created it. Grok is capable of creating graphics, summarizing content, translating languages, and producing text. Grok-1, Grok-1.5, and Grok-1.5 Vision are the three versions of Grok that xAI has made accessible as of March 2025. What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that communicates with people via natural language processing. OpenAI is the creator of it. It learns how to produce text that sounds like human speech using a transformer algorithm. Although ChatGPT was initially made available as a free research preview, OpenAI now runs the service on a freemium basis because of its popularity. GPT-4o is accessible to users on its free tier. Extra features like DALL-E 3 picture generation, more powerful AI models, and a higher usage quota are available with the ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Team, and Enterprise subscriptions. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has said that President Bola Tinubu wont be affected over defection of former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. Recall that Mr. El-Rufai on Monday announced his resignation from APC to Social Democratic Party, citing leadership concern and lack of partys vision. The former governor vowed to challenge his former party in 2027, saying that Nigerians deserve better leader. Advertisement Reacting to El-Rufais statement in an interview with PUNCH on Saturday, Arodiogbu described the former governor as a spent force. He said: El-Rufai has angered and alienated many people from different backgrounds, and he has become a political outcast. Even the Christian community will take more than a decade to forgive him for the controversial remarks he made after President Tinubus victory in the last presidential election. Also addressing El-Rufais defection on Saturday, a former Minister of Communications and APC chieftain, Adebayo Shittu, insisted that defecting from the ruling party was not the right step for the former governor. READ MORE: SDP Youths Reject El-Rufai Over Alleged Anti-Democratic Gesture, Party Hijacking He noted that despite the early challenges faced by the Tinubus administration, particularly on the removal of the fuel subsidy, the governments support base was growing stronger. He said: A lot of people who were once in the PDP and Labour Party are now joining the APC in droves. The defection of El-Rufai will not harm the party or President Tinubus re-election prospects. The government in Kaduna is doing well and garnering support for President Tinubu. Things are improving, and I pray that God continues to guide the President so that he can make the right decisions for the benefit of Nigeria. Ahead of 2027 election, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on political gladiators in Nigeria to drop merger talks and join Social Democratic Party party with him. El-Rufai, during an interview with BBC Hausa over the weekend, begged ex- vice president Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join hands with him and challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the former Kaduna State governors is coming, following his resignation from ruling All Progressive Congress on Monday. Advertisement El-Rufai called on the trio of Obi, a major key politician from Labour Party and Atiku, Peoples Democratic Party and Aregbesola to form a political alliance with him towards 2027 elections. READ MORE: 2027: El-Rufais Exit Wont Affect Tinubus Re-Election APC He said: My wishes and prayers are Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf, all opposition leaders to come and join SDP, not to do a merger or to register a new political party. Addressing speculation about his presidential ambition in 2027, El-Rufai stated that the decision was not his to make but would depend on the party and the will of the people. He added: It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people that will decide. Even when I was contesting for governor, it was people that met and convinced (Muhammadu) Buhari, and he called me and asked me to contest. A 43-year-old man, Rabiu Usman, has been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl. The incident occurred in Timdore District, Ganye Local Government Area, during a wedding ceremony. According to reports, Usman took advantage of the celebratory atmosphere to commit the heinous act. The police have confirmed the arrest and are investigating the matter. In a statement signed by the commands spokesman, Suleiman Ngoruje, on Saturday. he disclosed this to news men: The arrest followed a referral from the Chief Magistrate Court, Ganye, based on a complaint lodged by the victims mother that, on February 16, the victim, while attending a wedding ceremony in Timdore village, went to a nearby house to drink water. Advertisement Unfortunately, the suspect forcefully dragged her to the rear side of the compound and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her, the statement revealed. The statement revealed that the victim was taken to a medical facility in Ganye for examination and treatment. The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, directed the officer in charge of the commands family support unit to take over the investigation and ensure the suspect is prosecuted diligently. I urge parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and promptly report any incidents of sexual harassment or criminal activities to the police, the statement added. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has rejected Nasir El-Rufais call to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress to the SDP, had invited key opposition figures, including Lamido, to join him. However, Lamido, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, dismissed the invitation, making it clear he wont be abandoning his party. El-Rufais call was seen as an attempt to strengthen the SDPs position ahead of future elections. Advertisement Responding in a BBC Hausa interview on Sunday Lamido had this to say: The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai, youre not enough to make us leave the PDP, He once said that there are no adults in Nigeria in politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP. The former governor also questioned El-Rufais motives for defecting from the APC to the SDP. He said he told President Buhari about his decision to leave the APC, but now he is saying that he is one of the adults in Nigerian politics. The former governor argued that the PDP had not done anything to warrant his defection, emphasizing his long-standing loyalty. If I was going to leave the PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed. Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole. What should be done is to put patriotism first, instead of showing anger towards someone. A joint security team comprising the Nasarawa State Police Command, the Army, and local vigilantes has killed a notorious kidnapper in Akwanga Local Government Area. Ramhan Nansel, the states Police Public Relations Officer and Superintendent of Police, confirmed this in a statement issued in Lafia on Saturday. According to Nansel, the operation took place on Friday, March 14, at about 10:00 p.m. when security operatives tracked down the suspect, identified as Honor, near the Akwanga Central Mosque. Advertisement READ MORE: Ogun Police Arrest Siblings Over Cement Theft He is a well-known armed robber and kidnapper who had been on the commands wanted list for multiple offenses. He was intercepted near the Akwanga Central Mosque while riding a motorcycle and was fatally shot while attempting to evade arrest, Nansel said. During a search operation, security operatives recovered a Beretta pistol without a bridge number and 12 rounds of 9mm live ammunition. Nansel further disclosed that one of the suspects accomplices escaped with gunshot wounds, adding that efforts were ongoing to track him down. He stated that the suspects body had been deposited at the Akwanga General Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro-Mohammed commended the operatives for their professionalism and effective collaboration in tackling crime. He urged them to sustain their efforts in combating criminal activities across the state. The police spokesman reiterated the commands commitment to maintaining law and order, warning criminals to desist from their unlawful acts or face decisive action. The Lagos Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old woman for allegedly colluding with her brother and an accomplice to rob her boyfriend of three iPhones and bitcoins valued at about N15 million. Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, the commands spokesman, confirmed the arrest to journalists in Lagos on Saturday. He mentioned that the complainant filed a report at the Okota Police Division on February 17. Advertisement READ MORE: Jigawa Police Nab Suspect Linked To Brutal Killing Of Almajiri Boy Upon receiving the report, the woman was apprehended, Hundeyin said. He further stated that after her confession, officers tracked down and arrested her 22-year-old brother. Both of them confessed to the crime, the spokesperson confirmed. Hundeyin disclosed that the stolen phones and N6.5 million had been retrieved and documented with the exhibit keeper. He stated that efforts were still underway to apprehend the other gang members. TAIYUAN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- An investigation report released on Sunday concluded that a fatal bus crash in north China's Shanxi Province in 2024 was a production safety incident. Fourteen people were killed and 37 others injured after a passenger bus crashed into a tunnel wall on the Hohhot-Beihai Expressway in Shanxi on March 19, 2024. According to the report released by Shanxi provincial department of emergency management, the accident was caused by a combination of driver fatigue, speeding in the tunnel, and the failure to use headlights. negligence by the involved bus company and regulatory authorities also contributed to the crash, the report determined. Direct economic losses resulting from this accident were estimated at approximately 15.89 million yuan (about 2.22 million U.S. dollars). The report suggested that Li Congyong, the legal representative of Jiajun Transport Company, along with several others, be transferred to judicial authorities. Several other involved enterprises and individuals have also been advised for administrative penalties, according to the report. A total of 18 people were held accountable by disciplinary inspection and supervisory commissions in Shanxi Province and Henan Province, respectively. Three of the people held accountable are in Shanxi, while the remaining 15 are in Henan in central China. Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a stern warning to former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Mumuni cautioned El-Rufai not to drag Lagosians into his current predicament, condemning his recent remarks that those who worked for the APC were sidelined while political positions were given to Lagos boys. Mumunis statement comes in response to El-Rufais allegations, which have sparked controversy within the party. The warning aims to prevent further escalation and protect the reputation of Lagosians. Advertisement Speaking to news men on Saturday Mumuni had this to say: One needs to caution Mallam El-Rufai about his reckless statements. Although we were together in the CPC before the formation of the APC, he should not drag Lagosians into his unfounded claims. Those he refers to as Lagos Boys are not even the legit sons of the soil. They are individuals from other states who have merely lived in Lagos and remained loyal to the President for years. Hence, El-Rufai should be mindful of his utterances. I have no issue with him speculating about the APC or the Tinubu government, but he should leave Lagos out of his rhetoric. Some of us who are bonafide Lagosians and worked tirelessly for the Presidents election have not been appointed to any positions. I was in the campaign crew and personally procured equipment from A to Z for the security committee where I served. Despite my contribution to the success of Asiwajus victory, you will not see me parading the presidency like some people. If the President finds me suitable for an appointment, I would gladly serve, but that time has not come yet. So, I will not allow a stranger to take me across my fathers compound. A gun battle in Osisioma Local Government Area has led to the rescue of four kidnapped victims and the elimination of six suspected abductors by operatives of the Abia State Police Command. Danladi Isa, Abias Commissioner of Police, presented the rescued victims at the Government House in Umuahia on Saturday, stating that they were abducted on March 9 along New Umuahia Road in Obingwa Local Government Area. Isa revealed that the police tactical team acted on intelligence and used advanced technology to locate the kidnappers, tracking them to Osukwa in Osisioma LGA. Advertisement READ MORE: Jigawa Police Nab Suspect Linked To Brutal Killing Of Almajiri Boy Our men stormed the hideout where the victims were kept, but they came under heavy gunfire from the criminals. In the ensuing exchange, six of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while others fled with bullet wounds, he said. He stated that officers recovered two AK-47 rifles and multiple rounds of live ammunition from the scene. This achievement is a result of the continuous support of Governor Alex Otti to security agencies, including the police, Isa said. In response, Otti praised the police for their prompt action and reaffirmed his administrations dedication to enhancing security. He directed the immediate demolition of the building where the victims were held and called for a thorough investigation into the case. For us in Abia, security is non-negotiable. We will not allow criminals to take over any part of our state, Otti said. I congratulate the CP and his team for their bravery in rescuing our citizens. We are grateful that none of the victims was harmed despite the intense exchange of gunfire. The governor promised to keep investing in security technology, revealing plans to set up a modern control centre in Umuahia to strengthen crime-fighting efforts. Pope Francis health is slowly improving, but he still needs hospital care, according to the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff has been at Romes Gemelli hospital for a month now, where doctors say his condition is stable, but he requires ongoing therapy. After a critical period with breathing crises that put his life at risk, Pope Francis is showing signs of progress. The Vatican considers this a positive sign, and as a result, health updates will be issued constantly Despite the lengthy hospital stay, Pope Francis is expected to continue recovering. Advertisement In a statement on Saturday the Vatican disclosed: The clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stable, confirming the progress shown in the last week, The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements These days, the flow of letters and messages addressed to Pope Francis is particularly intense, a sign of the affection and closeness of the international community, said the statement. In a bit of self-promotion, the postal service said it was playing a fundamental role in ensuring that every message of support and prayer reaches its destination. The Vatican has yet to say when Francis could be released from the hospital, where he is in a special papal suite on the 10th floor Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom WIke, has issued warning to his successor, Sim Fubara, Rivers State Governor, to be careful with people surrounding him. Speaking at a grand reception in his honour by the Kalabari people of the state on Saturday, Wike revealed that many political associates of Governor Fubara had once lobbied to be governor of the state, but he refused to let them succeed. The FCT Minister noted that advisers of Governor Fubara do not mean well for him and only want him to vacate the seat for them. Advertisement Wike added that people like Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo are part of the reasons why Rivers State is going through political crisis. READ MORE: Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta Youths Threaten To Shutdown Oil Production, Warns Tinubu To Caution Wike He said: The problem started when Danagogo, the Secretary to the government, used his elder brother, who is a justice, to use an exparte order to justify that 27 members of the Rivers Assembly have defected. Unnoticed. He also used the same order to say that the state governor can present the budget to three or four lawmakers. Look at Danagogo, who wanted to be governor. He was so pained that he was not given the ticket; he was the one following the governor, and he (Fubara) did not know. He will lead you (Fubara) to hellfire. You (Fubara) surrounded yourself with people who wanted to be governor, whom I said no, these people dont mean well for Rivers State. They are the ones surrounding you, giving you advice. Do you think you will succeed? They will give bad advice, and look at what bad advice is doing to you. You are already down 2-0, and theres more to come. They come there and abuse me and you are happy; you dont know it is you they want to destroy. Social media activist VeryDarkMan has shared his thoughts on the viral video of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was allegedly threatened for speaking out against the government. Ushie Rita, the corps member, took to social media to express her frustration over the economic challenges in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration. In a heartfelt video, she decried the soaring costs of transportation, food, and data, saying life had become unbearable for many Nigerians. She even went as far as calling Tinubu a terrible president. Advertisement READ MORE: NYSC Thrratens Corps Member For Calling President Tinubus Government Terrible After posting the video, Rita alleged that NYSC officials reached out to her, threatening her and insisting she delete the post. She released an audio recording in which an official was heard yelling, Pull down that rubbish you put there. Despite explaining that she was merely demanding accountability, she was allegedly warned to stay silent. On Sunday, in a video posted on his Instagram page, VeryDarkMan criticised NYSC officials for attempting to suppress the corps members right to free expression. He compared them to the people legendary musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti described as suffering and smiling individuals who support oppressive systems instead of resisting them. VeryDarkMan also challenged the relevance of the NYSC scheme in present-day Nigeria. He called out the government for not fulfilling its pledge to raise corps members allowances from N33,000 to N70,000, stating that the increase had yet to take effect. He suggested that officials could be involved in corruption, hinting that funds intended for corps members might have been mismanaged. The activist encouraged Rita, assuring her that she had support despite the risk of being blacklisted. He called on Nigerians to focus on addressing the concerns she raised rather than trying to silence her. Lagos dey smell? Then make it scent. Data costs too much? Regulate it. Transportation is expensive? Find alternatives. Instead of attacking the girl, fix the problems, he said. VeryDarkMan wrapped up his response by urging Nigerians to overcome fear and speak out against bad governance. If you talk, theyll come for you. But what are we even living for if we cant speak? he asked. Watch him speak below https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHQUZkVzxZm/?igsh=MXAyemI0bHJicWtuaw== Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has regretted over his efforts are in supporting President Bola Tinubu during the last 2023 presidential election. El-Rufais statement is coming, amid economic hardship and insecurity challenge facing the country. The former governor noted that, despite all the struggles President Tinubu faced over Chicago University certificate forgery, drugs allegations, he was still there for him during campaign. Advertisement Mr El-Rufai, led this out during an interview with the BBC Hausa, on Friday, saying that the president performed better as a governor of Lagos State, but failed to relocate same efforts as President. READ MORE: 2027: El-Rufais Exit Wont Affect Tinubus Re-Election APC He said: What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. We all knew about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, lets support him. However, he failed. As part of efforts to eradicate corruption within Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Sunday, said that it has recovered over N365.4bn and secured 4,111 convictions in 2024. In a statement by EFCC s Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the agencys boss, Ola Olukayode on Saturday, led this out in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the end of a three-day Retreat for Directors. Olukoyede attributed the feat achieved to the commitment, sacrifices and dedication of staff, promising to surpass the record in 2025. Advertisement He also assured Nigerians that in another six months, he would deliver a brand new EFCC in Nigeria. READ MORE: EFCC Secures Conviction Of 32 Internet Fraudsters In Oyo The statement partly reads: In 2024, the commission secured 4,111 convictions and hauled monetary recovery of over N365.4billion. The EFCCs boss appreciated the sacrifice, hard work, and discipline, and called for increased dedication to surpass the records of 2024 and greater commitment to the integrity of processes in the agency. Other highlights of the Retreat include driving digital transformation and innovation of processes and systems in the Commission through procurement of cutting-edge technology to aid the works of the EFCC, enhanced staff welfare, improving the brand equity of the Commission and doing the right thing always for the nation and the entire world. Olukoyede is positive that, in another six months, we will deliver a brand new EFCC in Nigeria. Art lovers will soon be able to take an inspired tour through the varied beauty of France, and they wont even have to leave Philadelphia to do it. The Barnes Foundation has announced a new exhibit, From Paris to Provence: French Painting at the Barnes, which will be held June 29-Aug. 31 in the Barnes first floor Roberts Gallery. Advertisement Many of the more than 50 paintings in this exhibit will likely be familiar to previous Barnes visitors, but the intent is that by placing these artworks in new contexts, the exhibition will open visitors to new perspectives. The exhibition will be a rare opportunity to see beloved works in the Barnes collection in a completely new installation, as well as to discover small gems that tend to get lost in the densely packed display in the collection galleries, said Cindy Kang, curator at the Barnes and of this exhibit. Its a show that emphasizes the pleasure of looking and considers how travel enriches and impacts our lives. From Paris to Provence gives a view into how the country shaped and inspired the art of modern painters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. That includes particular locations that touched these artists. For example, one wall examines the suburbs of Paris as a dynamic setting for the Impressionists and Postimpressionists because these areas outside the city were both semi-industrialized as well as sites of leisure, Kang said. This energizing contrast between work and pleasure can be seen across the wall, which includes Monets Studio Boat (1876) along with van Goghs painting of a glass factory (The Factory, 1887). Another part of the exhibition focuses on the paintings Cezanne made at the Jas de Bouffan, his family estate in Provence. The exhibit also gives a look into these great painters and how different parts of France and, in some cases, its people moved the artists to create art. Paris, of course, as the center of the art world during this time, was important to quite a few of the artists in this exhibit. It drew them from many places and many schools of artistic practice. We see Paris through the eyes of Manet, Degas, Renoir, etc., and then travel to the South of France with van Gogh, Kang said. As a Dutchman, van Gogh was seeing Arles from the perspectives of a foreigner and seeking a very specific experience there a rustic environment away from the city, a place with deep history, the brilliant sunlight. Artists Amedeo Modigliani and Chaim Soutine, Kang added, moved to Paris in the early 20th century and fled to the south during World War I. Their story of permanently moving to France contrasts with artists like De Chirico and Miro who came after them and used Paris as one base for their artistic practice, Kang said. She contrasted that with Cezanne, a proud Provencal whose paintings of his native soil and family home form the heart of the exhibition. Of the works in the exhibition, 21 are paintings by Cezanne belonging to the Barnes collection. While From Paris to Provence is in the Roberts Gallery, all collection gallery rooms (Rooms 2-13) except for the main gallery will be closed temporarily for floor maintenance this summer. The works will return to their original locations on the first floor of the collection galleries, said Kang, so this exhibition is an extraordinary occasion not to be missed! This story has been updated to reflect that Barnes main gallery will be open to the public while other gallery rooms remain closed for the summer. Clan-na-Gael, an Irish nationalist group, celebrated at the St. Patrick's Day parade in Philadelphia in 1970. Some members pictured here would go on to join NORAID, which funded humanitarian aid and also sent guns to the IRA. Read more Daniel Cahalane, a father of three with a thick Cork accent and a head of black curls, was well-respected among Philadelphias working-class Irish community. A carpenter with his own business in the late 1960s, Cahalane could often be seen driving his dark-green work van from his home in Newtown Square to contract jobs around town. He was fastidious in his appearance, and fiercely proud of being Irish. By 1972, Cahalane was also one of the Irish Republican Armys most successful international gunrunners, ferrying rifles and bullets from Philadelphia and its suburbs to arm guerrilla fighters in Northern Ireland. Eventually, Cahalane welded a false bottom onto that green van to make it easier to transport the lethal contraband. Advertisement The story of Cahalanes efforts, and those of a close-knit circle of his peers in Northeast Philadelphia and Delaware County, forms the core of Ali Watkins new book, The Next One Is for You: A True Story of Guns, Country, and the IRAs Secret American Army. By the 1970s, Republican paramilitary groups like the IRA were waging a guerrilla campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland, and reunite Ireland. Watkins book tells a little-known part of the bloody, decades-long conflict that came to be known as The Troubles. Watkins, a New York Times reporter, pieces together how a strange collection of suburban fathers with brogues in the Philadelphia-area came to raise cash for and smuggle weapons to the front lines of Belfast. They snuck ArmaLite AR-180s into the luggage of politically-aligned passengers on luxury ocean liners and stuffed them into crates leaving New York ports. Five of the men involved, including Cahalane, ultimately came to be known as The Philadelphia Five, convicted of an obscure weapons charge in a 1975 federal case. It was one of those stories that was so well known within this specific group household-name basis. But you step outside these Irish pubs, its like nobody has any idea what youre talking about, Watkins, 33, said in an interview, across the street from Philadelphias federal courthouse, where she spent months poring over typewritten documents from the case. Watkins, who was raised near Reading in an Irish American family, had grown up hearing rumors about her own great-grandfather: how he had served in the IRA in the 1920s and fled to the United States under hushed, hazy circumstances. Her grandmother never wanted to talk about it. In the book, out this week, Watkins documents how American IRA supporters sought to create a plausibly mainstream organization that would garner support, and collect funds, from Irish Americans. They founded the Irish Northern Aid Committee, or NORAID, which had the vague humanitarian mission to help and clothe the people of Northern Ireland. And the group did fund people who were displaced by riots and anti-Catholic harassment in Northern Ireland. At the same time, the groups cash collected in tin cans and at informal auctions in Philadelphia and other cities around the country helped to purchase ArmaLites that soon flooded Northern Irish streets. Philadelphia was one center of that clandestine campaign. In 1971, Philadelphias NORAID chapters were collecting about $10,000 a month, with the citys donors receiving poetic two-line receipts: Though the strife of the North fill poor Erin with care, / There are hearts true and trusted toward Erin so fair. Cahalane worked alongside other Philadelphia-based gunrunners, including Vince Conlon, an IRA-veteran who eventually returned to Ireland, and Neil Byrne, an eccentric bachelor who served in the U.S. Army. Together the men purchased many of the guns legally, in suburban Philadelphia gun shops, like one owned by Bucks County resident Marjorie Palace. When the men explained to Palace that they would be repeat customers, placing large, frequent orders for rifles and ammunition that would be picked up by a rotating crew, Palace didnt hesitate, Watkins writes. She simply supplied the guns. Cahalane, who led the Delaware County chapter of NORAID, signed personally for 119 ArmaLites that ended up on the streets of Northern Ireland. As a shadow boss of NORAID in New York later explained, The boys in Philly really came through for us. Watkins especially wanted to trace a single gun that came from Philadelphia and ended up in Northern Ireland, and after years of reporting dead-ends and false starts, she was able to track down a young IRA volunteer an 18-year-old with long brown hair and sad eyes who was carrying one of the Philadelphia Fives guns when she was shot. The terrible consequences of that night reverberated throughout her life. To change a life doesnt take hundreds of guns. It doesnt even take twenty-five, Watkins writes in the book. It only takes one. The After Modernism exhibit at the Arthur Ross Gallery inside the Fisher Fine Arts Library on Penns campus is a quick, free show. The landmark Frank Furness building, which houses the gallery, is worth a visit in itself. The exhibit is curated from the collection of Hubert Neumann under the direction of Professor Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, with assistance from the students in her The Art of Art Collecting seminar co-taught with Peter Decherney. Advertisement Shaw notes that if you Google the name of Hubert Neumann, 93, youll find quite an interesting backstory on the collection. Theres a Wall Street Journal story in which Neumann said the $1 billion collection was ruining his familys lives, and a New York Post Page 6 story that featured security camera photographs of Neumann, then 86, in handcuffs inside his New York City brownstone, surrounded by his cascading artwork. The billionaires son-in-law had called the police after a feud over the collection got violent. When youre at the Arthur Ross Gallery exhibit, youll feel like youre going through that five-story townhouse, art crammed on every surface. The exhibits virtual reality component allows you to traipse up and down the five eye-popping floors of Neumanns home. You can hover over the Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jim Dine paintings in his bedroom (near the treadmill), or linger over his pleasingly messy desk with a Warhol soup can and a Tom Wesselmann nude nearby. Put on the headset, and dont miss this part of the exhibition. (For the noobs, DAndre Rivera, the security officer at the front desk, is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.) Shaw said she and her colleague, a cinema media studies professor, really wanted to document what the collection inside the house looked like on Oct. 19, 2024, the day they used a Matterport 3D camera and student iPhones to create the virtual reality experience in conjunction with Agora World Inc. When we went up to meet with him, we were just floored by the house and everything in it, she said. As an art historian I was really struck by the familys story. They started collecting in the 1940s. Neumann graduated from Wharton in 1952. The family made its money in the cosmetics business, and traveled to Europe to buy compounds for perfumes. Thats where they started buying art. The collection, which is about 3,000 pieces and fills several warehouses, has only rarely been exhibited (other than in the pages of the New York Post and Wall Street Journal). Inside the Arthur Ross Gallery are 56 pieces selected mostly by the students from a list of art that the Neumanns were willing to lend. (The Andy Warhol and Basquiat werent going to come, Shaw said.) The eclectic exhibit, which hangs salon style on four walls, includes pieces by artists including Picasso, Miro, Matisse, Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, Danny Farrell, and Nina Chanel Abney. And two Penn alumni artists: Patricia Renee Thomas and Allison Zuckerman. Shaw says the collection reflects an expansive and lively vision which the Neumanns brought to their collecting, marked by the thread that runs through the show of Dada and surrealism and psychedelic visions that artists are still having. The Neumanns are into what it means to be human and move through this world and also to have a fantastic and expansive cosmic vision, she said. Theres something for everybody in this show. The power of the salon hang makes it challenging to focus on one thing, but you get to see a lot. After Modernism: Selections from the Neumann Family Collection is on view through April 13 at Arthur Ross Gallery (in the Fisher Fine Arts Library Building), University of Pennsylvania, 220 S. 34 St., Phila. He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, meets with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in Beijing, capital of China, March 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official He Lifeng on Sunday met with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in Beijing, and the two sides exchanged views on both China-U.S. economic and trade relations and the global economy. Noting that China's economy is maintaining its recovery momentum, He, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, said that China's innovation-driven development has achieved remarkable results, while market expectations continue to improve, and adding that domestic demand potential and internal circulation space are huge. China's new development pattern is taking shape at a faster pace, the fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain unchanged and its prospects remain bright, He said. Noting that U.S.-China relations are very important and green transformation is the general trend, Paulson said that the Paulson Institute is willing to continue to contribute positively to the stability of U.S.-China relations and green and low-carbon development. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (second from right) speaks to steel workers after touring the ArcelorMittal Dofasco steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, on March 12. Read more Every year, Pennsylvania businesses sell hundreds of millions of dollars worth of motorcycles, machinery, chocolate, and coffee to companies and consumers in Canada. Canadian businesses, for their part, export $1.2 billion worth of steel and aluminum products annually to the Keystone State, commodities that are used in everything from building and construction to beer cans and consumer electronics. Advertisement Now, amid an escalating global trade war that has rattled financial markets and sown uncertainty across the economy, those are among the products that face new taxes that are straining commerce between Pennsylvania and its biggest trading partner. READ MORE: A South Philly produce distributor is girding for pain from Trumps tariffs on Mexico Pennsylvanias economy is reliant on international business, and that looks like trade. It looks like our ability to attract foreign direct investment, to get international companies to open here and hire Pennsylvanians to help our economy and create jobs, said Lauren Swartz, chief executive of the nonprofit World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. Doing things that limit our ability to access that 96% of the world that lives outside of the U.S., and 74% of global economic growth that occurs outside of the U.S., is going to be felt here at home, said Swartz, a former Philadelphia deputy commerce director. After President Donald Trump earlier this month imposed 25% levies on almost all goods from Canada and Mexico then paused the tax on some imports after the stock market plunged Trump upped the ante last week. He slapped 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, including from Canada, which is the biggest supplier of those commodities to the U.S. That prompted retaliation from our northern neighbor, with matching 25% levies taking effect Thursday on $20.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, including metals, computers, tools, and an array of other products. Those taxes came on top of earlier tariffs Canada announced on goods such as orange juice, coffee, and motorcycles such as those made by Harley-Davidson, which has a plant in York, Pa. in response to Trumps initial levies. Pennsylvania sent more than $14 billion in goods to Canada in 2024, with top exports including machinery, cocoa, plastics, pharmaceuticals, iron, and steel. Canadas taxes on certain U.S. exports affect Pennsylvania products that last year combined for a total of $2.56 billion in sales, according to an Inquirer analysis of Canadian government trade data. Trump, a Republican, has given a variety of reasons for the new economic posture toward Canada, from stemming the flow of illegal drugs across the border to reviving domestic manufacturing all the while musing about annexing the longtime U.S. ally. It makes no sense, Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said earlier this month, adding that the effect is going to be higher prices for Pennsylvanians. Some American steel and aluminum companies have cheered Trumps moves, saying foreign companies have long flooded the U.S. market with cheap products subsidized by their governments, making it hard to compete. Other business leaders have been less sanguine. William Oplinger, CEO of Pittsburgh-based aluminum maker Alcoa, said in February that the presidents tariffs on that commodity could cost 100,000 U.S. jobs. Local companies are closely monitoring news out of Washington to see how trade policy develops. Northeast Philadelphia helicopter manufacturer Leonardo sources most of its metal products from Quebec, according to Swartz. Michael Cooper, a spokesperson for the Italian company, which employs about 1,000 workers at its Philadelphia assembly plant, said it is still too soon to comment and evaluate these possible measures. Swartz said the products that go back and forth between Pennsylvania and Canada are mostly inputs to making other things. Tariffs, she said, will impact manufacturers and jobs. And each of those inputs that is getting tariffed perhaps back and forth many times, in something as complex as a vehicle thats being manufactured, or a big piece of equipment has to be paid for by someone, Swartz said. That will likely mean higher prices for consumers, she said. File photo of the boardwalk in Wildwood. Five South Jersey men were charged in connection with the assault of an off-duty police officer who was running on the Wildwood boardwalk Wednesday night. Read more Five South Jersey men were charged in connection with the assault of an off-duty police officer who was running on the Wildwood boardwalk Wednesday night. The Cape May County Prosecutors Office charged Isaiah Ortiz, 19, of Lindenwold, and Elijah Williams, 19, of Deptford, with aggravated assault and related offenses. Both men are being held in the Cape May County Correctional Facility. Three additional men William Jewell, 20, of Magnolia, Manuel Ortiz, 21, of Lindenwold, and Maliky Reyes, 20, of Stratford were charged with failure to render aid to a victim and released on a summons. The victim, an off-duty Stone Harbor police officer, suffered a concussion and facial fractures in the attack, according to the prosecutors office. Authorities did not say what time the alleged assault occurred. Anyone with information relating to the incident is urged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutors Office at 609-465-1135 or the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division at 609-522-0222, or to submit a tip anonymously at cmcpo.tips. Chloe Grigri and Vincent Stipo, the couple behind the Good King Tavern, its wine bar le Caveau, and the chic Rittenhouse bar Superfolie, were looking for their next thing. Of course it would be French, reflecting Grigris background. (Her Chester County-born mother, Jeanne, met her father, Bernard, in a most-80s way: while running an aerobics company in Aix-en-Provence.) Chloe Grigri grew up in South Jersey and the South of France. She and her father opened the Good King in 2013. Advertisement Stipo, originally from the Boston area, likes how the Italian emporium Eataly combines dine-in and shopping. There was a brief moment where we said, Lets go get tons of money and open a French Eataly in Philly, and obviously that was not within reason or scope at that point, Grigri said. This was where we landed. The new shop, Superette, mixes the concepts of a cave a manger (bottle shop/eatery) and epicerie (grocery store) in the former Primal Supply market on East Passyunk Avenue at Cross Street. Theyre partners here with Owen Kamihira, who owns El Camino Real in Northern Liberties, and her parents. The food is based on what Grigri called the deli-esque counter, stocked with meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. Theres a bottle selection specialty wines, cider, vermouth lining the walls and a case with chilled wines and beers. Behind the deli, in a sunny setting, are the bar and dining tables. Service runs all-day. We developed the retail and the food menu side by side, Stipo said. Maybe 60% of what you can buy in here is integrated into the dining menu, but in a different way. You can buy fish rillettes or terrine packaged to-go, but you can sit at the bar and this stuff is on our menu. Itll then get opened up, garnished, and plated. You can buy handmade Toulouse sausage in one-pound packs, for example, but the kitchen managed by Jasie Schaeffer, an alumna of the former Bing Bing Dim Sum will serve it on a baguette with vinegar peppers. Chef Damon Menapace, who worked at Primal, put the menu together. Plates are relatively inexpensive. Top price is $18 for comte ravioles with brown butter as well as octopus and merguez. Most sandwiches like the classic ham with cornichon butter and crushed potato chips are $11. Dessert is two flavors of soft serve (vanilla bean and creme de marrons, or chestnut; $8). The shelves are stocked with French chips, candies, and pantry items like mustards and harissa. Grigris brother, Lucas, is general manager, and Pizzeria Beddia alumnus Kyle Genander oversees the retail. Superfolies Kaitlyn Caruke set up the wine list, which includes zero-alcohol beverages. The wine selection is categorized by genre and spans the price spectrum. Were hoping that guests come in, sit down, have a nice little meal, love something on the plate, and as theyre on their way out, theyre putting a little grocery bag together and trying it at home, Stipo said. Superette, 1538 E. Passyunk Ave. Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. The Trump administration has transferred hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador even as a federal judge issued an order temporarily barring the deportations under an 18th century wartime declaration targeting Venezuelan gang members, officials said Sunday. Flights were in the air at the time of the ruling. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued an order Saturday temporarily blocking the deportations, but lawyers told him there were already two planes with immigrants in the air one headed for El Salvador, the other for Honduras. Boasberg verbally ordered the planes be turned around, but they apparently were not and he did not include the directive in his written order. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement Sunday, responded to speculation about whether the administration was flouting court orders: The administration did not refuse to comply with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory. Advertisement The acronym refers to the Tren de Aragua gang, which Trump targeted in his unusual proclamation that was released Saturday. In a court filing Sunday, the Department of Justice, which has appealed Boasbergs decision, said it would not use the Trump proclamation he blocked for further deportations if his decision is not overturned. Trump sidestepped a question over whether his administration violated a court order while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening. I dont know. You have to speak to the lawyers about that, he said, although he defended the deportations. I can tell you this. These were bad people. Asked about invoking presidential powers used in times of war, Trump said, This is a time of war, describing the influx of criminal migrants as an invasion. Trumps allies were gleeful over the results. OopsieToo late, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who agreed to house about 300 immigrants for a year at a cost of $6 million in his countrys prisons, wrote on the social media site X above an article about Boasbergs ruling. That post was recirculated by White House communications director Steven Cheung. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who negotiated an earlier deal with Bukele to house immigrants, posted on the site: We sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars. Steve Vladeck, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, said that Boasbergs verbal directive to turn around the planes was not technically part of his final order but that the Trump administration clearly violated the spirit of it. This just incentivizes future courts to be hyper specific in their orders and not give the government any wiggle room, Vladeck said. The immigrants were deported after Trumps declaration of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which has been used only three times in U.S. history. The law, invoked during the War of 1812 and World Wars I and II, requires a president to declare the United States is at war, giving him extraordinary powers to detain or remove foreigners who otherwise would have protections under immigration or criminal laws. It was last used to justify the detention of Japanese-American civilians during World War II. Venezuelas government in a statement Sunday rejected the use of Trumps declaration of the law, characterizing it as evocative of the darkest episodes in human history, from slavery to the horror of the Nazi concentration camps. Tren de Aragua originated in an infamously lawless prison in the central state of Aragua and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone during the past decade. Trump seized on the gang during his campaign to paint misleading pictures of communities that he contended were taken over by what were actually a handful of lawbreakers. The Trump administration has not identified the immigrants deported, provided any evidence they are in fact members of Tren de Aragua or that they committed any crimes in the United States. It also sent two top members of the Salvadoran MS-13 gang to El Salvador who had been arrested in the United States. Video released by El Salvadors government Sunday showed men exiting airplanes onto an airport tarmac lined by officers in riot gear. The men, who had their hands and ankles shackled, struggled to walk as officers pushed their heads down to have them bend down at the waist. The video also showed the men being transported to prison in a large convoy of buses guarded by police and military vehicles and at least one helicopter. The men were shown kneeling on the ground as their heads were shaved before they changed into the prisons all-white uniform knee-length shorts, T-shirt, socks and rubber clogs and placed in cells. The immigrants were taken to the notorious CECOT facility, the centerpiece of Bukeles push to pacify his once violence-wracked country through tough police measures and limits on basic rights The Trump administration said the president actually signed the proclamation contending Tren de Aragua was invading the United States on Friday night but didnt announce it until Saturday afternoon. Immigration lawyers said that, late Friday, they noticed Venezuelans who otherwise couldnt be deported under immigration law being moved to Texas for deportation flights. They began to file lawsuits to halt the transfers. Basically any Venezuelan citizen in the US may be removed on pretext of belonging to Tren de Aragua, with no chance at defense, Adam Isacson of the Washington Office for Latin America, a human rights group, warned on X. The litigation that led to the hold on deportations was filed on behalf of five Venezuelans held in Texas who lawyers said were concerned theyd be falsely accused of being members of the gang. Once the act is invoked, they warned, Trump could simply declare anyone a Tren de Aragua member and remove them from the country. Boasberg barred those Venezuelans deportations Saturday morning when the suit was filed, but only broadened it to all people in federal custody who could be targeted by the act after his afternoon hearing. He noted that the law has never before been used outside of a congressionally declared war and that plaintiffs may successfully argue Trump exceeded his legal authority in invoking it. The bar on deportations stands for up to 14 days and the immigrants will remain in federal custody during that time. Boasberg has scheduled a hearing Friday to hear additional arguments in the case. He said he had to act because the immigrants whose deportations may actually violate the U.S. Constitution deserved a chance to have their pleas heard in court. Once theyre out of the country, Boasberg said, theres little I could do. A controversial Christian church at the center of investigations into excommunication and rigid control of its members is finding a foothold in the Philadelphia suburbs. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has about 54,000 members worldwide and a history shy of 200 years. Advertisement The evangelical group has long been known for imposing boundaries on outside life, with some former members going as far as comparing Brethren life to that of a cult. Those allegations have reached larger audiences in recent years following investigations by leading news organizations in the United Kingdom and Australia, where the Brethrens influence is strongest. Earlier this month, the Telegraph detailed a former members account of being shunned after her departure from the church, where fear overruled my life, really, from about the age of four, she recounted. Those who speak out say the process can sever long-standing relationships between mothers and sons, grandmothers and grandchildren. The Plymouth Brethren have categorically denied those allegations, and no comparable accounts have been shared in major American news outlets. The church has touted something of a modernization in recent years, loosening restrictions and integrating more members into public life. And even as church membership dwindles across the country, the Brethren in Delaware County, at least are growing. The church increased its membership in the suburban county significantly in the last decade, scooping up a handful of properties around Middletown Township in the process. Our relatively small congregation of 150 members has roughly doubled over the last 12 years, a U.S.-based Plymouth Brethren representative, who asked to be identified as a church spokesperson, told The Inquirer. Thats due to our younger members building families, as well as members from outside of the area moving into Delaware County for the wonderful opportunities and lifestyle it offers. Who are the Brethren? The Plymouth Brethren, often called Exclusive Brethren, originated in Ireland in the 1820s amid growing dissatisfaction with the hierarchical nature of the Anglican Church. Groups splintered off over the years, and Brethren arrived in the United States by the 1860s. Today, Australian multimillionaire Bruce Hales is the churchs global leader. Brethren have practiced in Delaware County for several decades, according to the church spokesperson, though not at todays scale. The churchs doctrine of separation has become the subject of multiple media reports in recent years. Many Brethren are forbidden from consuming secular sources of television and radio, for example. That is in addition to being discouraged from eating with those outside the church, attending college and, by some accounts, living in homes that share walls with them. Speaking with the New Statesman in 2023, former Brethren recounted those limitations as well as being withdrawn from the churchs purported method of disciplining noncompliant members through isolation. Everything was really regimented and controlled what you wear, what you do during your day, how you spend your evenings, what you think, one former member told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. in a 2024 report on life within the church. What does the church say? Of course, not all Brethren experiences are similar. Some raised in the church have taken to social media sites like Reddit to soften the worst of those narratives (one user told of being allowed to listen to Taylor Swift, for example), and the church says many of its conservative beliefs are no different from those of other Christian faiths. And while Brethren mostly avoid social media, members have begun to use it for business endeavors, the spokesperson said. Brethren are deeply involved in entrepreneurial pursuits where non-church relationships are unavoidable; members own a variety of businesses, so much that well-connected Brethren-linked firms in the United Kingdom were recipients of more than 2 billion in government contracts for personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the allegations of cultlike behavior that have gripped the United Kingdom and Australia, no such accounts have been raised in Delaware County. But in 2023, as the church eyed an expansion near Chicago, a group including former Brethren protested the sale, citing alleged abuses within the sect. The Plymouth Brethren denied allegations raised in multiple reports through its U.S. spokesperson. To be clear, most of us live normal lives, run normal businesses, have normal families, and work with and alongside many people from outside of our church community, the spokesperson said. The people who are feeding social media and media with stories to the contrary are misrepresenting our way of life. We work, live and interact with others every day as we strive to embody Christian principles in all we do a free practice of religion like any other, whose tolerance and protection is built into the heart of this country. Where are the Plymouth Brethren expanding in Delaware County? Within the past decade, the Plymouth Brethren have purchased five Delaware County properties through a nonprofit arm called Philadelphia Meeting Room Inc., according to tax and deed records. The buying spree began in 2016 with the purchase of 40 State Rd. in Media. In 2022, the nonprofit bought a single-story property in nearby Chester Heights. Philadelphia Meeting Room has since acquired three more properties along Middletown Road in Middletown Township. One property serves as the Plymouth Brethrens main meeting hall, the spokesperson said, a space that seats around 300 for weekend services. Three smaller properties are used as meeting rooms, which the spokesperson described as hyperlocal neighborhood worship centers for families in the immediate vicinity, used for prayer during the week, that accommodate between 30 and 50 people. The church has larger ambitions for the area. We are in the process of soliciting contractors for a new meeting hall located in Middleton Township, which we intend to break ground on in 2025, the spokesperson said via email. Once completed, we will consider offering for sale our property in Media, PA. Those driving by the Brethrens property at 47 N. Middletown Rd. may also notice a sign for Campus & Co. deliveries. The global chain of Brethren-exclusive supermarkets is open only to church members and the stores are managed by volunteers. Those are in addition to OneSchool Global, the Brethrens worldwide network of independent schools; the closest campus is in Joppa, Md. We feel honored to be members of this beautiful community and will continue to contribute to it for many years to come, the spokesperson said. On the scene at 29th and Clearfield where man was shot and scooped to the hospital by police on Dec. 7, 2023. Five years ago, what had once been intermittent became incessant, write Jessica Beard and Elinore Kaufman, police cars arriving at hospital doors, with patient after patient whod been shot. Read more Nearly five years ago, from separate hospitals across Philadelphia, the horrifying reality of what we were facing came into focus. What had once been intermittent became incessant: police cars arriving at our doors, with patient after patient whod been shot. We were among the first to document the rise in gun violence in 2020, anticipating the heartbreaking years that would follow as the pandemic sowed fear and economic disempowerment. We now see a new wave of apprehension and uncertainty building and we are bracing ourselves for a return to the distressing rates of gun violence we witnessed five years ago. But theres a notable difference between then and now. Five years ago, we were just coming out of a 25-year pause on gun violence research that saw devastating consequences across the United States. Today, we face new attacks on research with communication blackouts, funding freezes, and cuts at the National Institutes of Health that threaten to halt the progress weve made since 2020, with generational impact. Advertisement Gun violence prevention research was advancing rapidly until political obstruction halted progress in the mid-1990s. Aiming to replicate successes in curbing traffic fatalities, researchers had been hopeful the same public health approach track the problem, identify and test solutions, share findings, and implement what works could prevent gun violence. But the research findings that emerged including that owning a gun increased ones risk of being murdered in ones own home angered lobbyists from firearm manufacturers, leading to the passage of the 1996 Dickey Amendment. While the text of the amendment did not ban research outright, it stipulated that no federal funds be used to advocate or promote gun control. Gun violence research dollars within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were reallocated, and a shadow was cast over the field of gun violence research for more than two decades. Sixteen years later, in 2012, Rep. Jay Dickey, who had put forward the 1996 amendment as the point person for the National Rifle Association, coauthored an op-ed reversing his stance, urging more scientific research, and stating the truly senseless part of gun violence is to decry these deaths as senseless when the tools exist to understand causes and to prevent these deadly effects. Six months later, President Barack Obama directed the CDC to conduct or sponsor research into the causes of gun violence and the ways to prevent it. But it wasnt enough. In 2018, President Donald Trump signed a bill clarifying that the Dickey Amendment did not actually prohibit gun violence research. Still not enough. Not until 2021 the deadliest year on record for gun violence in America, including here in Philadelphia would we see the first dedicated federal funding for gun violence research in 25 years. Gun violence prevention research was advancing rapidly until political obstruction halted progress in the mid-1990s. The quarter-century gap resulted in a lack of essential infrastructure to support gun violence research, including expertise, mentorship, basic data, surveillance tools, and that critical public health approach noted above. Palpably present was a reticence by many to embark on research that could upset the same powerful lobby that brought about the Dickey Amendment of the 90s. In recent years we have finally been emerging from our horrific state of inaction. And the rate of gun violence has been decreasing. In Philadelphia, the total number of shooting victims over the last year is down about a third from the same point just before the pandemic. Our renewed research efforts have been working. Lives are being saved. Theres so much reason for hope. And yet, here we are. Back into chaos, back into economic uncertainty, back into a struggle for our nations essential research efforts. But it is a cause worth standing up for. READ MORE: Cutting NIH funding puts my life on the line and maybe yours, as well | Opinion As trauma surgeons, the suffering of our patients motivates us to do research that will prevent gun violence. We want our research to stop our patients from getting shot; we want it to stop them from dying. And so, even amid these most uncertain times and perhaps especially during these most uncertain times we must not stop asking questions, we must not stop searching for solutions. We must all stand up for science. We must all stand up for our neighbors. We must all stand up for the untold many who will surely die from preventable and treatable diseases be it cancer, diabetes, or gun violence if the research that could have saved them simply didnt get done. Jessica Beard and Elinore Kaufman are trauma surgeons and public health researchers in Philadelphia. Beard is also a Stoneleigh Foundation fellow and the director of research for the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting. Kaufman is the research director for the division of trauma at the University of Pennsylvania and chair of the Pennsylvania Trauma System Foundation research committee. The balcony outside Adolf Hitlers office in Munich, where he negotiated the infamous 1938 Munich Agreement with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain that handed the fuhrer part of Czechoslovakia. Read more Czechoslovakia was not invited to the conference. It was Sept. 30, 1938, in Munich following Adolf Hitlers threat to start another European war. Britain, France, and Italy pressured the Czechoslovaks to surrender their German-speaking province of the Sudetenland to Germany. Sound familiar? At the Riyadh Summit between Russia and the United States, Ukraine was on the menu, not at the table. The following week, President Donald Trumps and Vice President JD Vances attempted shakedown in the Oval Office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also had the smell of another Munich Agreement in the works. Advertisement Trump is not British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Vladimir Putin is not Hitler. The world of 2025 is not 1938. But the shakedown of Ukraine replays the shameful spirit of the Munich Agreement. Hitler had launched a propaganda campaign alleging atrocities against the German-speaking Sudetenlanders and decried Czechoslovakia as a fraudulent state, merely a client regime of France. In return, Hitler promised peace. At the Berlin Sportpalast, he declared that the Sudetenland was the last territorial demand I have to make in Europe. Back in London, Chamberlain mused, How horrible, fantastic, incredible it is that we should be digging trenches and trying on gas masks here because of a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing. The prime minister then celebrated peace for our time. One year later, Hitler told his generals: Our enemies are men below average, not men of action, not masters. They are little worms. I saw them at Munich. He invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia and Poland, and World War II engulfed Europe. Zelensky came to Washington prepared to sign an agreement. It started as a gangster-style agreement ($500 billion of your minerals or your life!) and morphed into the joint development of Ukraines strategic minerals (someday). This was Trumps extortion for the aid former President Joe Biden had poured into Ukraine, with the Europeans, to keep the country out of the clutches of Putins invasion of February 2022. It was also somehow to be a U.S. contribution to a guarantee of peace for Ukraine. Surely, Putin wouldnt disrupt strategic mineral mines in which the U.S. had an ownership share by invading the country again? Zelensky was further told he had to negotiate the surrender of parts of Ukraines territory (seemingly the full fifth including Crimea, Kherson in the south and the Donbas in the east Putin claimed). Disturbingly, Putins appetite for Ukraine goes further. As Hitler did with Czechoslovakia, he has denounced Ukraine as an artificial state. And Putin added that modern Ukraine was entirely created by Russia after the communist revolution in 1917, thereby dismissing centuries of Ukrainian cultural identity. Zelensky was prepared to talk, but only for security guarantees. Vance demanded Zelensky show respect. (Zelensky has thanked the U.S. repeatedly, and even Trump, since the inauguration.) Vance wanted a public obeisance then and there. When Zelensky asked where was the security for Ukraine, Trump bellowed that his failure to negotiate was provoking World War III that is, that Putin would launch World War III. What did Trump and Vance put on the table? Putins promise that he would not invade again. They said Zelensky should trust Putin, despite two previous broken Putin promises to keep the peace in Ukraine. Exposing the fakery and appeasement underlying the Trump deal then got Zelensky summarily bounced from the White House. On March 4, the U.S. paused assistance to Ukraine, and the next day, the U.S. stopped sharing the intelligence Ukraine has relied on for warnings of Russian attacks. In U.S.-Ukraine talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last week, the Ukrainians accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, and Trumps team announced the temporary resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing. But there is no indication the gulf between Russian imperial aims and Ukraines independent survival has been bridged. Putin insists on recognition of his annexation of Crimea and the eastern and southern regions that his army has (even if only partially) occupied, He also wants a neutralized Ukraine without allies and without an armed force capable of defending itself. Ukraine appears prepared to concede territory, but only for security that could deter the next Russian invasion. France and Britain have proposed a deterrent force of European peacekeepers on the ground in Ukraine, but only if backed by U.S. airpower. Trump, like Chamberlain in 1938, refuses, proposing instead that the Ukrainians trust the goodwill of Putin. Winston Churchills prediction made just before the Munich Agreement has echoed through time: England has been offered a choice between war and shame. She has chosen shame, and will get war. The Oval Office shakedown offered Zelensky a choice between gambling with World War III or dismembering his country without any prospect that the independence of the rest would be secure. The other choice is American: Whose side are we on? Putins or Zelenskys? An autocrats or a democrats? An aggressors or his victims? Trump and Vance have flunked this test. The American people should not. Michael Doyle is a professor of international affairs, law, and political science at Columbia University and the author of Cold Peace: Avoiding the New Cold War. Something about the way Rep. Al Green (D., Texas) brandished his black cane during President Donald Trumps recent address to Congress reminded me of Charlton Hestons Moses wielding a staff in Cecil B. DeMilles movie version of The Ten Commandments. Green looked like the leader the Democrats need during this time of political turmoil, as he stood in the House chamber on March 4 and pushed back against Trumps statements about having a mandate from voters to make sweeping changes to government, including eliminating whatever agencies, programs, or positions he likes. Advertisement Green, a dignified, 77-year-old lawyer from Houston, shouted, You have no mandate to cut Medicaid no mandate. He stood tall that day for the truth. He stood tall for the future of Medicaid. He stood tall for each of us. More than a week later, the lingering question I still have is: Why didnt each and every Democratic member of the House immediately jump to their feet and stand with him? Especially when the sergeant at arms approached to escort Green away. Reps. Jasmine Crocket (D., Texas) and Maxwell Frost (D., Fla.) were among those who walked out at other points during Trumps speech. But youd think at least some of Greens fellow Democrats would have made a big show of rising and accompanying him as an act of solidarity. Instead, they allowed their widely respected colleague to be led away as if hed done something disgraceful. It was painful to watch and it reminded me of how police officers would take away nonviolent civil rights activists who dared to demonstrate for the right to vote, eat at a Woolworths lunch counter, or have the temerity to attend a school designated for whites only. Greens removal happened just three days before the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, one of the seminal events of the civil rights movement, during which state troopers attacked peaceful demonstrators on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. The night Green confronted Trump, he was channeling civil rights activists such as the late Rep. John Lewis (D., Ga.), who suffered a skull fracture and other injuries during the violence on Bloody Sunday. It took a lot of courage to do what Green did the kind of bravery the Dems really need more of at this perilous moment. Lets face it: Showing up dressed in shades of pink isnt the kind of thing thats going to give even a moments pause to the most fervent MAGA faithful. The same with holding up auction-style paddles with messages such as Save Medicaid. The Democrats used to be the party of Ask not what your country can do for you and I still believe in a place called Hope, and even Yes, we can. But this is the best weve got? Seriously? Adding insult to injury, the House voted to censure Green for his disruption. Ten cowardly, go-along-to-get-along Democrats, including Rep. Chrissy Houlahan from Chester County, joined Republicans in that action. Greens Democratic supporters on the House floor that day sang We Shall Overcome in protest. Green is believed to have been the only lawmaker in modern history to have been removed like that, according to ABC News. None of the Republicans who have famously acted out during speeches by former Presidents Barack Obama or Joe Biden ever got this kind of treatment. But Green, a former president of the NAACP, certainly did. When Green rose to his feet during Trumps speech, he stood on the shoulders of Lewis and so many others. I doubt anything will happen to Rep. Lauren Boebert (R., Colo.), either. She has had a House resolution filed against her for saying of Green during an appearance on a conservative streaming website, For him to go and shake his pimp cane at President Trump was absolutely abhorrent. That was truly disgusting for one member of the House to say about another, but given her ignominious history, Im not surprised. Meanwhile, I have nothing but respect for how Green managed to keep his composure through everything, and for doing as Lewis famously urged us, Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America. When Green rose to his feet during Trumps speech, he stood on the shoulders of Lewis and so many others. As Green wrote on social media, I accept the consequences of my actions, but I refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice. If only every Democrat had the fortitude to do the same. Antoinette Miles, state director of New Jersey Working Families, speaking at a rally outside U.S. District Court in Trenton, N.J., on Monday, March 18, 2024. Miles and others at the demonstration oppose New Jersey's method of awarding ballot preference to candidates backed by the county political party. The court was hearing a case brought by then-U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D., N.J.) and others seeking to stop the practice. Read more New Jersey has a new primary ballot design now that Gov. Phil Murphy has signed it into law though it remains to be seen whether it the measure will be challenged in court. With the governors quiet approval last week, the new rules of the ballot shepherd the state into a new era of primary elections. Advertisement The main purpose of the ballot overhaul is to organize candidates by the office theyre seeking, getting rid of the long-standing county line design. The county line grouped together party-endorsed candidates and put outsiders not supported by their county political establishment at a disadvantage by listing them on less prominent positions on the ballot. The death of the county line ballot is a victory for candidates who want to run for office without the prized endorsement of their county party committee, and it can motivate more candidates to throw their hat in the ring to compete for support from voters, not party bosses. This year, 10 candidates are running for governor. But progressive advocates say the new design still has issues reminiscent of the old design, in part because it still groups together certain candidates in a way that could favor the establishment. The new law provides design guidelines for clerks to create primary ballots for their counties, but the plan for the ballot is currently just words on a page. The new ballots will be created in time for the June 10 primary. The state legislature began this initiative in the fall after a judge ordered the ballot redesigned for last years Democratic primary when now-Sen. Andy Kim and others argued the states county line ballot design violated their rights as candidates. READ MORE: What you need to know about the federal court ruling against the county line in N.J. elections The line was abolished in the Democratic primary last year as a temporary fix, and legislators found themselves at the drawing board over the last several months juggling how to make the ballot more fair while still controlling whatever elements they can. They had to cope with this in a way that they hadnt before, and really figure out what are the things that we have to do, while also thinking through what are the things that we could potentially get away with, said Antoinette Miles, the director of the New Jersey Working Families Party, who opposes the line. Miles was part of a group of nearly 80 activist groups that called on Murphy to issue a conditional veto of the ballot design bill to address its elements they saw as getting in the way of progress, but Murphy ignored it. On Wednesday, nearly a week after signing the bill, Murphy said on the Ask Governor Murphy radio show that he disagrees with advocates that the new ballot design is unfair, but he didnt have a problem with the county line in the first place. Murphy, who was elected with establishment support, has long supported the county line design, differing from Matt Platkin, his appointed attorney general, on whether the line was constitutional. The governor opposed Kims lawsuit, and Murphys wife, first lady Tammy Murphy, dropped out of a primary for U.S. Senate against Kim last year when the county line was at risk, which was expected to benefit her in the race. Is it perfect? Im not sure it is, Murphy said of the new design. Will it work? I assume it will, but like a lot of other things we do, well assess it, well, based on the facts, and if we think we need to tweak it down the road, well tweak it. Miles said she would have appreciated Murphy providing more rationale about his decision. Murphy on Thursday declined to comment beyond his remarks on the radio. New Jerseys new ballot design The new ballot is a big improvement from the old system, but it still has the footprint of politicians hoping to maintain a leg up for the political establishment, according to advocates like Miles. The new ballot design continues old practices that advocates argue are archaic, like allowing county clerks to draw names from a box or a bingo machine to determine the order of the candidates on the ballot instead of a more modern randomizer. Whoever is picked first will be listed first on every ballot in a given county, rather than having a different order for each precinct like advocates like Miles sought. READ MORE: New Jersey ballots will look different this year. Heres what was considered. The final design also got rid of font design standards the Assembly created in conjunction with the Center for Civic Design, and it allows clerks to use a letter and numbering system for the boxes on the ballot so campaigns and party establishments can guide voters on which candidates to support. According to Miles, this practice is just another way to manipulate the ballot in a way that guides the voters towards a certain choice of candidates. Candidates will also be able to associate with other candidates across the ballot by sharing a common slogan or endorsement accompanying their name. The most controversial aspect of the ballot is that multiple candidates running for an office that has more than one open seat (like in the Assembly, where each district has two representatives) will be able to be grouped together and drawn for the same ballot position, listed one after another. Advocates argue that this violates the judges order last year that said each candidate should be drawn separately and every candidate should have an equal chance at the first ballot position, and that grouping creates visual cues that influence voters and potentially confuses them. The new law also gets rid of state committee party elections, making the positions appointed by county committees instead of showing up on the ballot. Through a separate new law signed by Murphy, the legislature increased the number of signatures required to be on the ballot, which advocates also lament. Kim said the new ballot design law falls short of what voters deserve after Murphy signed it last week. Almost exactly a year ago I testified in court to fix NJs broken ballot and make our politics more fair, Kim said on X. The simple premise was to have every candidate treated exactly the same on the ballot. ... At a time when Trump is inflaming political corruption, we must prioritize restoring trust from the people. Legal action is on the table Miles said progressive advocates are seriously deliberating taking legal action against the measure. If they file a lawsuit, its currently unclear whether they would do so before or after the primary takes place. We know what it takes to take down an unconstitutional ballot, Miles said. " We are trying to answer many questions about how this new law would impact voters and candidates. Kim said he will keep fighting to fix our broken politics in NJ and Washington when condemning the new ballot, but his team declined to elaborate on what that means regarding the ballot design. But two progressive candidates for governor signaled theyre open to a lawsuit, each describing the new design as just going halfway toward progress. I think the fact that he did it in secret with no fanfare tells you a lot about what the public should think about this, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said in a phone interview about Murphy signing the bill. " The judge last year outlined what a fair ballot looks like, and this is not it. Fulop said his team is talking to lawyers to explore litigation. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said the ballot design does not reflect the courts guidance for a ballot free of bias and political gamesmanship, adding he would support a lawsuit if necessary. This is a half-measure designed to protect the same political power structures that have held our democracy hostage for decades, he said. In the days ahead, well be working with the organizations leading the fight to defend democracy in New Jersey to decide our next steps together and if that means going to court, I will proudly stand with them. Editors note: This story was updated March 17 to reflect arguments advocates made against grouping. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Democrats in Washington should have been more strategic in trying to extract concessions from the Republican-led Congress on the government funding bill that passed last week, weighing in on a debate that divided his party over its response to President Donald Trumps agenda. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) has faced intense criticism from many in the Democratic Party including elected officials and fellow party leaders over his vote Friday in favor of a procedural measure that allowed the GOP bill to clear the upper chamber and reach Trumps desk. Advertisement Dissenters were itching for a fight with Trump and preferred a government shutdown to what they saw as the latest sign of a party missing in action as the administration has dismantled federal agencies, launched a global trade war, and tested the limits of executive power. I would have liked to see when Chuck Schumer had leverage here to say, We need A, B, C and D for the Democratic Party, and force the Republicans to meet him halfway on those issues and deliver something for the folks who are worried now, Shapiro said Friday on HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher. Shapiro, a first-term Democrat whos widely seen as a likely candidate for president in 2028, also used the interview to tout his accomplishments in swing-state Pennsylvania and criticize Trumps trade policies, which he said were jacking up costs for farmers and for manufacturers. He at times deflected, including when Maher asked whether teachers unions a key part of the Democratic coalition were responsible for prolonged school closures during the pandemic. Look, we partnered with our teachers unions in Pennsylvania to increase the number of teachers we have in the classrooms, Shapiro said. After the audience applauded Shapiros answer to a question about Trumps speech Friday at the Justice Department, Maher nodded to the governors aspirations for higher office. Its only March of 2025, the center-left host said. Youre going to get exhausted. Here are some highlights from the interview. Josh Shapiro on the government funding bill Ten Democrats, including Schumer and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), voted Friday in favor of a procedural measure to advance the spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, which keeps the government funded through September. The Senate ultimately approved it, mostly along party lines, 54-46. It had already passed the House, where all Democrats voted against it. Schumer said he wanted to avert a shutdown to prevent Trump from gaining even more power. Im not an expert in the D.C. stuff, Shapiro said when asked about the issue. I try and stay as far away from that as I can. I live in the real world in Pennsylvania, where we have to balance budgets. When pressed, the governor said there was an opportunity for more action from Schumer but didnt get into specifics on the funding negotiations. He added, I think it is a false choice to suggest you need either/or either you need that resistance, that fight, that opposition, or you need to find ways to compromise and come together. Tanking the stock market When Maher noted that Trump has called for a common-sense revolution, Shapiro argued the president had failed to deliver on that promise. Its not common sense what he did to press a button and start a tariff war with our two biggest trading partners, Shapiro said, adding that Pennsylvania dairy farmers have been harmed. Now their products cost 25% more when theyre trying to sell in Mexico. Theyre losing market share, he said. Its tanking the stock market. Its making goods cost more. Department of Education cuts The U.S. Department of Education last week laid off more than 1,000 workers, or almost half its staff. Trump has said he wants to fully dismantle the agency and give states and parents more control over schools. Ive got kids who are coming from poor families who rely on this funding from the federal government, Shapiro said. Asked about Trumps cost-cutting efforts, Shapiro said the administration is going about it wrong. Its important that we support the American people, not the American institutions, he said. You are right that there is waste, there is fraud, there is abuse in these institutions, which should be rooted out. The governor said as a former county executive, hed successfully reduced wasteful spending but didnt go with a hatchet. The 2024 veepstakes and being Jewish Maher noted that after Kamala Harris passed on Shapiro as her vice presidential nominee, a lot of people said, Well, the only reason he didnt get it was because hes Jewish, and there was a wing in this party that was very anti-Israel now. Which is a big change in my life, because the Democrats used to be a very pro-Israel place, and then it all got switched around. Do you think thats true? Maher asked, adding that politicians running for president should defend the Jews, like, outright, because I just feel theres a lot of tiptoeing back away from this issue. I said all along that Kamala Harris had a deeply personal decision to make in that process. In the end, so did I, Shapiro said. I love being governor of Pennsylvania, and I love charting my own course and being able to serve the people on my terms. Im damn proud of my faith, Shapiro added, without commenting on his partys fissures over Israel. The governor said the first TV ad of his 2022 gubernatorial campaign showed his family sitting around the Shabbat dinner table on a Friday night celebrating our faith. Voters responded warmly, he said, sharing their own religious traditions with him. Folks were more open about it because I showed them truly who I am, he said. Trumps Justice Department speech Maher brought up Trumps speech at the Justice Department on Friday, during which the president attacked former officials who tried unsuccessfully to prosecute him and said he would insist upon and demand full and complete accountability for the wrongs and abuses that have occurred. Shapiro said he didnt see Trumps comments but warned against even the appearance of politics in prosecution. You have the power when youre a prosecutor to take away someones liberty, take away someones freedom, ruin their reputation and their careers. There can be no room for politics in that, he said during a panel discussion. Asked by a panelist whether that happened during the Biden administration, Shapiro did not directly answer, saying he was making a general point. TEHRAN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Sunday exchanged views on an agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the draft of a peace treaty. In a phone call, the two sides also discussed bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in the Caucasus region, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office. The Iranian president extended congratulations to Armenia and Azerbaijan on their agreement, saying Iran had always welcomed peace and stability in the region, especially among neighbors. He pointed to the "good and progressing" relations between Iran and Armenia, urging to accelerate the implementation of the two countries' agreements in different areas. The Armenian prime minister, for his part, praised Iran's role and support in facilitating the agreement's achievement. Pashinyan added that his country would continue negotiations on the agreement, expressing hope that the treaty would be signed in the near future. He also voiced his country's willingness and determination to implement the agreements signed with Iran. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that negotiations on the text of the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations with Armenia have been concluded. The Armenian Foreign Ministry also said that the peace agreement is "ready for signing." Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at loggerheads over the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1988. Peace talks have been going on since 1994 when a ceasefire was agreed on, despite sporadic clashes since then. 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 The California Department of Insurance has been under pressure to stabilize the market, introducing new rules that allow insurers to factor in future climate risks when setting rates. However, these regulations have yet to take full effect, leaving insurers frustrated with a system that, they argue, does not allow them to charge premiums that reflect actual risk. A U.S. appeals court on Friday said the Trump administration could temporarily implement a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at federal agencies and businesses with government contracts, which had been blocked by a judge. The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the directives by President Donald Trump, including an order urging the Department of Justice to investigate companies with DEI policies, were likely constitutional, disagreeing with a February ruling by a federal judge in Maryland. But two of the three judges on the 4th Circuit panel wrote separately they did not agree with the substance of Trumps orders and that agencies that implement them may risk violating the U.S. Constitution. Despite the vitriol now being heaped on DEI, people of good faith who work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion deserve praise, not opprobrium, Circuit Judge Albert Diaz wrote. Circuit Judge Allison Rushing, a Trump appointee, responded that her colleagues policy views were irrelevant to whether Trumps directives should stand. A judges opinion that DEI programs deserve praise, not opprobrium should play absolutely no part in deciding this case, Rushing wrote. The decision, in a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore and three groups, will remain in place pending the outcome of the Trump administrations appeal, which could take months. The White House and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Democracy Forward, a left-leaning group representing the plaintiffs, said the decision was being reviewed. The orders are part of Trumps larger efforts to eradicate DEI initiatives, which he and other critics say are discriminatory, from the government and the private sector. U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore had blocked Trump and several federal agencies from implementing the orders nationwide pending the outcome of the lawsuit. Along with directing federal agencies to eliminate diversity programs, Trump also barred federal contractors, which include many of the largest U.S. companies, from having them. He also told the Justice Department and other agencies to identify businesses, schools and nonprofits that may be unlawfully discriminating through DEI policies. Baltimore and the groups that sued claimed Trump lacked the power to issue the orders, which they said improperly targeted constitutionally protected free speech. The Trump administration has maintained that the orders do not ban or discourage any speech but were targeted at unlawful discrimination. The plaintiffs this week had accused the Trump administration of defying the ruling by continuing to condition some federal contracts on recipients agreeing not to implement DEI programs. Abelson held a hearing on the matter on Friday but did not issue any further ruling. Topics USA Ireland would benefit if the UK strikes a favourable economic deal with the US, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin said while it was early days regarding the prospect of such a deal, his general view was that anything that benefited the UK economy had a knock-on positive effect for Ireland. Mr Martin was asked whether Ireland should have an input in any UK/US negotiation on an economic deal, given the trading arrangements that apply in Northern Ireland as a result of post-Brexit accords between the UK and EU. Northern Ireland applies EU customs rules under arrangements designed to ensure an open land border on the island of Ireland. Taoiseach Micheal Martin speaking to the media in Washington DC (Niall Carson/PA) At the close of his St Patricks visit to the US, the Taoiseach made clear that engagement on international trade policies was a matter for the EU, not for Ireland to act alone. Asked whether he would be urging Keir Starmer to ensure that the situation in Northern Ireland was properly factored into any deal that he might agree with President Donald Trump, Mr Martin said the UK government was very conscious of those issues. The situation in terms of UK/US is not clear yet, he told reporters. But from the Irish point of view, I take a general view that if the UK does well, Ireland will do well economically, because that economic relationship is very important. They are very conscious of the impact on Northern Ireland but, look, its early days yet in terms of any prospective trade deal, nothing is clear at all in respect of that. Mr Martin said Ireland was also working with the EU to facilitate and ease post-Brexit economic barriers on trade with the UK . Irelands relationship with Britain is still very strong economically, he added. Its a very, very important market for us. And, so, if the UK economy picks up in whatever shape or form, or for whatever reason, Ireland will benefit from that. And so thats why the relationship between the UK and Ireland is very important, because weve got to control what we can control in a very challenging geopolitical situation. Its challenging, but thats how I see it. Mr Martin said he would not understate the importance of the recent UK/Ireland summit in Liverpool, signalling that it could pave the way for greater Anglo-Irish co-operation on off-shore wind energy production. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeills boycott of Washington DCs St Patricks events was a big mistake, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said the decision was not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, pointing out that huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein. While Ms ONeill travelled to Carolina last week for a business event, she returned home rather than attend the Washington DC events as part of Sinn Feins protest against US President Donald Trumps threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza. First Minister Michelle ONeill, along with other members of her party, did not attend St Patricks events in Washington (Liam McBurney/PA) Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP, did travel to Washington and spoke with Mr Trump during a lunch at Capitol Hill. The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House events in protest at actions by the US president. During an interview on the BBCs Sunday Politics programme, Mr Martin was asked if he thought Ms ONeills refusal to go to Washington was a missed opportunity. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly met with President Trump (DUP/PA) He said: I do, I think it was a big mistake. I met with the deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill, met with President Trump. I think it was a wrong decision because huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein at the time. A lot of people put a lot of effort into that. He added: I thought it was a bit opportunistic and I think not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or indeed the island of Ireland for Sinn Fein to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year. I think it was the very wrong thing to do and opportunistic and somewhat cynical. A Sinn Fein spokesperson responded: The decision not to travel to the White House was not taken lightly, but taken conscious of the responsibility each of us as individuals have to call out injustice. We are all heartbroken as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent comments of the US president around the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza, something we cannot ignore. The Taoiseach said he did not discuss the appointment of a US envoy to Northern Ireland during his meeting with Mr Trump, but said he wanted to work with the US administration over the potential appointment of an economic envoy. Joe Kennedy was US economic envoy to Northern Ireland during the Biden administration (Liam McBurney/PA) Joe Kennedy previously served as the US economic envoy to Northern Ireland under the Biden administration. Mr Martin said Mr Trump had shown an interest in Northern Ireland. He added: Certainly the envoy has played a very useful role over the years politically in terms of making the peace. Now the political institutions are up and running and there is a case perhaps for an economic envoy because we do have to continue to work to enhance investment into Northern Ireland and enhance the economy there. There are opportunities as well in Northern Ireland for that investment. An economic envoy is certainly something we can work with the US administration on and the UK government and the Northern Ireland parties. The Taoiseach said the relations between the US and EU are currently difficult on the economic side, but added that he hoped progress in other areas could lead to renewed engagement. We welcome the momentum behind peace in both Ukraine and in the Middle East because too many people are suffering and too many people are dying He added: I think on Ukraine there are challenges, although I think the work of President Macron and others has been impactful, along with prime minister Keir Starmer. I think there has been a good co-ordinated approach now to trying to get peace in the Ukraine, which is positive. We welcome the momentum behind peace in both Ukraine and in the Middle East because too many people are suffering and too many people are dying. I would hope that could lead to engagement on the trade side because it is not clear yet that there has been substantive engagement in terms of negotiations between the EU Commission and the US administration. I know that the EU wants to engage and understands that there is a two-way process here. Tanaiste Simon Harris has warned that Ireland will face a significant period of turbulence as the trade war between the US and EU escalates. The Fine Gael leader said the imposition of tariffs on goods by both the US and EU will lead to higher costs for consumers across the board. Speaking in Philadelphia, Mr Harris said the EU was engaging intensively with the US to resolve the matter but warned of the impact of levies on exports. He said: Ive got to be very honest with the Irish people, I think we are heading for a significant period of turbulence in relation to trade and tariffs. Tariffs are bad for consumers in Ireland, theyre bad for consumers in Europe, and theyre bad for consumers in the United States of America. They will push up the price of goods for everybody. The Tanaiste said that US president Donald Trump was entitled to his views on tariffs, but that there needs to be an agreement reached between the EU and US. Ultimately we need to find an agreement here that is good for the European Union, good for Ireland, and good for the United States, Mr Harris said. He added that while there will be a period of turbulence, the country would get through it together. Every disagreement has to be solved by agreement and what I would hope would happen is that we can try and keep the period of disagreement as short as possible so we can get to the point of trying to cut a deal. President Trump is a politician of course, but hes also fundamentally a businessman. He knows and prides himself on the importance of a deal." The Tanaiste added that there should not be a tit-for-tat running commentary on the matter. We need to find a way through. We need to be calm, we need to be reasonable, and we need to be willing to engage intensively. Mr Harris said that he would be updating Cabinet on Wednesday on the latest developments on trade, while also convening the Governments trade forum on Friday. ADDIS ABABA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government has called for urgent international support to prevent a resurgence of conflict in Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, accusing a political faction of committing "multiple violations" of the peace accord that ended a two-year war. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos issued a statement amid rising tensions within the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a signatory to the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), which was signed in November 2022 alongside the Ethiopian federal government, state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported late Friday. While briefing members of the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa on Friday, Timothewos urged the international community "to discern and distinguish between the spoilers of the COHA and those who are trying to faithfully implement the agreement, and support the process moving forward," according to the ENA. Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation, endured a devastating two-year conflict between government-allied forces and forces loyal to the TPLF, which erupted in November 2020, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. In November 2022, the Ethiopian government and the TPLF signed a peace accord in Pretoria, South Africa, aimed at ending the war. The agreement includes provisions for restoring law and order, resuming basic services, and disarming former TPLF combatants. As the deepening power struggle within the TPLF raises serious security concerns, relevant parties are urged exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue. Expressing its "deep concern" over the situation, the African Union (AU) on Friday stressed the importance of stability and peace in Tigray. "In light of the current developments, the AU strongly encourages the parties to uphold the obligations enshrined in the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement," the AU said in a statement, adding that adherence to the COHA is crucial for maintaining the hard-won peace and fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, sustainable peace-building, and development. Amid the latest developments, a dissident faction within the TPLF has, over the past week, seized control of key offices and institutions across the region, raising fears of renewed conflict. Timothewos outlined several "material breaches" of the peace accord, accusing the faction of "attempting to dismantle the interim administration through violence, collaborating with external forces hostile to Ethiopia, and obstructing the return of internally displaced persons," according to the ENA. He also highlighted the derailment of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration process, a key component of the peace accord, as well as the faction's refusal to comply with directives from the Ethiopian National Election Board. "These are not just minor breaches. These are major violations that threaten the very foundation of the Pretoria Agreement," the ENA quoted Timothewos as saying. Speaking alongside the Ethiopian foreign minister, Getachew Reda, president of Tigray's interim administration, said the region had reached "a point where the interim administration cannot conduct its daily business." Accusing the faction of forcibly seizing administrative structures, detaining interim administration officials, and using violence against protesters, Reda warned that the situation could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order and potentially reignite conflict. A judge has ruled that a prisoner who has been refusing food and fluids can be transferred to hospital for treatment to preserve his right to life. The inmate, who has not been identified, was the subject of an ex parte application by the governor of the prison where he was on remand, to the High Court. The governor sought inter alia orders which would permit the transfer of the respondent to a certain hospital or other appropriate clinical setting so that necessary and proportionate steps could be taken to preserve his right to life by the provision of nourishment, both food and fluids, despite the expressed wish of the respondent to refuse nourishment in all forms. The man had been the subject of an earlier application to the High Court after he refused food and fluids between February 11 and 17. However, the second refusal began on February 25, and he also started to refuse prescribed medication on February 24. A day later, the prisoner wrote: I am refusing to voluntarily consume food and liquid here indefinitely until such time as this State fully restores my liberty. I have resumed this stance due to the evil and self-harm this State is seeking to promote and pursue here via me. "I request the High Court immediately to recognise the contempt of justice and illegal use of the entire workings of the State against me. Court's judgement In the judgement, dated March 5 but only published in recent days, Mr Justice Mark Heslin said that the mans health on any analyses is deteriorating and has now reached a very grave and acute state. On March 3, the prisoner refused a variety of medical checks, as well as a review by the prison psychiatric service. On March 4, an independent consultant forensic psychiatrist said the defendant presented with acute mental illness in that he was exhibiting symptoms of a paranoid psychotic illness. As a consequence, she felt that because his decision-making is predicated on delusional beliefs, I am of the view that he lacks the ability to weigh information in a reasoned manner and this negates his capacity regarding his capability to make decisions relating to the refusal of food and fluids. She also said his distrust was all pervasive and his delusional beliefs all consuming. He repeatedly expressed a desire for The State or other government parastatals and their employees to stop persecuting him and was clearly distressed by his delusional belief system. This, according to Judge Heslin, was consistent with the views of a consultant psychiatrist who assessed him in a hospital on February 16 and 17, who noted: He believes his life was and is central to the occurrence of the covid virus. He believes the government and other agencies, nationally and internationally, have pursued a campaign against him to supress and control him and that they have engaged in higher level communications and surveillance. On the morning of March 5, the prison doctor said his physical and mental health had deteriorated overnight, and said: In my opinion he (is) at risk of sudden death and requires refeeding and rehydration immediately. Mr Justice Heslin said that on the evidence presented to him, the inmate is someone who lacks capacity to make the relevant decision to refuse nutrition, including liquids, and medical care. He ruled in favour of the governors application and said: In crude terms, the right to life is taking precedence over the right to autonomy, given the evidence of lack of capacity. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. Gardai who were trying to help an elderly lady, distressed after her car was clamped in Cork, were later accused of assault by the clamper. Tomasz Luczak alleged that his finger had been injured when he was arrested after being resistant to showing Sergeant Kieran Kelleher and Garda Richard OSullivan his driving licence or giving his name and address when requested. His finger was inflamed and sustained a soft tissue injury which healed in weeks, Cork District Court heard. Mr Luczak was working for Apcoa clamping vehicles on March 14, 2023 in Time Square, Ballincollig, Co Cork, when the incident took place. He had returned to remove a clamp he placed on a car there that morning when a garda at the scene asked for his driving licence. But Mr Luczak initially believed he did not have to show gardai his driving licence. He removed the clamp and then took a phone call and brought the clamp back to his own vehicle, instead of providing the driving licence or his name and address as an alternative to Sgt Kelleher. A garda then grabbed my hands and started walking me to the Garda patrol car, saying youre under arrest. I said for what? Not giving my driving licence?'" He alleged that gardai forced him against the vehicle. Following a Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) investigation, both gardai were charged with assault under Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Barrister for Sgt Kelleher, Amy Nix, BL, said, after viewing CCTV of the majority of the incident, that the only physical contact was when Gda OSullivan grabbed him in a soft hand hold and walked him towards the van when he was arrested. This action was allowed in the law when someone did not comply with a gardas orders. Sgt Kelleher had used no physical force at all, she said. Only low-level force was applied, with no batons, pepper spray, or handcuffs which was proportionate and lawful, she said. But barrister for the State Paula McCarthy, BL, said the CCTV clearly showed that Mr Luczak displayed no aggression to gardai. Independent witnesses, who had been at the scene that day, also said that Mr Luczak had not appeared to be in any way aggressive. One witness, Micheal Hurley, who works on the square, said that there was some pushing and shoving and Mr Luczak was pushed against the squad car. Mr Luczak was very cool, composed. There was no air of aggression, he didnt seem distressed." But the gardais demeanour was confrontational, he said. It was like one garda was trying to push his buttons, another independent witness said. But Judge Joanne Carroll noted that gardai asked Mr Luczak for his driving licence but he did not comply and took a phone call instead. Katherine McGillicuddy, BL for Garda O'Sullivan, noted from CCTV footage that it took more than 10 minutes for the witness to provide gardai with his driving licence following the request. Once he supplied his driving licence, the incident ended, the court heard. I put to you that you were aggressive and uncooperative with both gardai. You had your fists clenched and shoulders up. Gardai thought that you were behaving aggressively, Ms McGillicuddy said. Sgt Kelleher had served with An Garda Siochana for 30 years, in multiple Cork stations and with the UN in Sarajevo. This was his first ever disciplinary procedure. In a statement to GSOC, he said that he was sent to Time Square in Ballincollig that day where he met the woman whose car had been clamped. He had never met her before, she told him she was diabetic and had not eaten that day. She had gone for a dental appointment and returned to find her car clamped. The clamper also left a large sticker on her window which she was afraid would not come off fully and would obscure her vision so much it would be unsafe to drive. She had begun to panic not knowing how to deal with the clamp, Sgt Kelleher said. I left her sit in the garda car to keep her warm. She said she had a disability sticker [to permit her to park]. Sgt Kelleher said he was concerned that placing the large sticker across her car window may be a possible criminal damage offence so he remained to speak to the clamper. When I cautioned him, he laughed. He did not seem to take the situation seriously, or the upset caused to [the woman]. He refused to give me his details, ignored my request for his driving licence. I was concerned why he would not give me his name or details. In Gda OSullivans statement to GSOC, he said that Sgt Kelleher had given the defendant every chance to comply but he still refused. Mr Luczak was very angry, fists clenched, Gda OSullivan said. Gda OSullivan had 28 years service and no previous complaints to GSOC, Ms McGillicuddy said. Judge Joanne Carroll said that neither could be convicted of assault on the basis of the evidence. In my view, Mr Luczak was uncooperative [] and extremely belligerent. He refused to supply his name and address to Sgt Kelleher, and continued to refuse to provide these details for an unreasonable amount of time. In my view, Garda Kelleher and Garda OSullivan acted proportionately and reasonably at all times. There is no case to answer. US air strikes on Yemen have killed at least 31 people, according to the health ministry run by Houthi rebels. US President Donald Trump ordered the air strikes on the capital Sanaa, promising to use overwhelming lethal force until the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels stop their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. On Saturday the Houthis reported explosions in the capital of Sanaa and the northern province of Saada, the rebels stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia, with more air strikes reported in those areas early on Sunday. Images online showed plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility. The Houthis also reported air strikes early on Sunday on the provinces of Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib. Aircraft launch from the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before the air strikes (US Navy/AP) The Houthi-run health ministry said on Sunday that the death toll had climbed to 31, including women and children. It said another 101 people were injured. A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said this was the beginning of air strikes on Houthi targets that are expected to continue. The Houthi media office said the US strikes hit a residential neighbourhood in Sanaas northern district of Shouab, including the Eastern Geraf neighbourhood which is home to Houthi-held military facilities and a headquarters for the rebels political bureau, located in a densely populated area. The Houthis reported fresh strikes on south-western Dhamar province late on Saturday. They said the strikes hit the outskirts of the provincial capital, also named Dhamar, and the district of Abs. Mr Trump said on social media: Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists bases, leaders, and missile defences to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World. These relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk. He also warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, promising to hold the country fully accountable for the actions of its proxy. Mr Trump issued a new warning to Iran (AP) The move comes two weeks after the American leader sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restarting bilateral talks between the countries on Irans advancing nuclear weapons programme that Mr Trump has said he will not allow to become operational. Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, said the air strikes will not deter the group and it will retaliate against the US. Sanaa will remain Gazas shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges, he added on social media. The air strikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israels blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then. Earlier this month, Israel halted all aid coming into Gaza and warned of additional consequences for Hamas if their fragile ceasefire in the war is not extended as negotiations continue over starting a second phase. The Houthis had targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023 and January of this year, when this ceasefire in Gaza took effect. The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israels military declined to comment. Files relating to Prince Harry's US visa application must be made public by Tuesday, a court has ruled. Judge Carl Nichols ordered the release of the documents as part of an ongoing Freedom of Information (FOI) request brought by conservative US think tank the Heritage Foundation. Harrys reference to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in his book Spare prompted the Washington DC organisation to question why he was allowed into the US in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London, after the announcement of their engagement Judge Nichols ordered the US Department of Homeland Security to release the redacted versions of the documents no later than Tuesday, according to court filings dated March 15. It comes after a September 2024 ruling from the same judge that the public did not have a strong interest in the disclosure of Harrys immigration records, but the Heritage Foundation wanted the judgment to be changed. Despite previously refusing the FOI request, lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security in February agreed to release redacted versions of the forms. Specifically, Defendant would propose redacting all information in these items that would reveal information that the Court has determined Defendant can withhold, department lawyer John Bardo wrote in a court filing. The Heritage Foundation alleged the duke may have concealed past illegal drug use that should have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa. They previously argued answers on Harrys prior drug use in his visa application should have been disclosed as they could raise questions over the US governments integrity. In February, President Donald Trump ruled out deporting Harry from the US, telling The New York Post: Ill leave him alone. He added: Hes got enough problems with his wife. Shes terrible. US President Donald Trump is expected to speak to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Pool via AP) Meghan Markle has previously been a vocal critic of former reality star Mr Trump and called him divisive and a misogynist. Meghan said she was backing his rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 US presidential election and suggested she would leave the US if he won. In his controversial memoir, Harry said cocaine didnt do anything for me, adding: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me. Mr Trump said in a GB News interview with Nigel Farage in March last year that Harry should not receive preferential treatment. Asked if the Prince should have special privileges if he was found to have lied on his application, Mr Trump had said: No. Well have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied theyll have to take appropriate action. The United States launched a wave of air strikes against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen as US President Donald Trump warned Tehran will be held fully accountable for their actions. The Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes killed at least 31 people, including women and children, and injured more than 100. Here is what is behind the USs action: Threat to global shipping The Houthi rebels started attacking military and commercial ships on one of the worlds busiest shipping corridors shortly after the war in Gaza began between Hamas and Israel in October 2023. The Houthis said they were targeting vessels on the Red Sea with links to Israel or its allies the US and the UK in solidarity with Palestinians, but some vessels had little or no link to the war. The Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, until the current ceasefire in Gaza took effect in mid-January. Other missiles and drones were intercepted or failed to reach their targets, which included Western military ones. US President Donald Trump gestures from the steps of Air Force One (Luis M Alvarez/AP) The attacks paused during the ceasefire, but the Houthis on Wednesday said they would resume against any Israeli vessel after Israel cut off all aid supplies to Gaza to pressure Hamas during talks on extending their truce. The rebels said the warning also affects the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea. No Houthi attacks have been reported since then. These relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk, Mr Trump said Saturday while announcing the airstrikes in a social media post. Threat to the US The earlier Houthi campaign saw US and other Western warships repeatedly targeted, sparking the most serious combat the US Navy had seen since the Second World War. The US under the Biden administration, as well as Israel and Britain, previously struck Houthi-held areas in Yemen. But a US official said Saturdays operation was conducted solely by the US. The USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group, which includes the carrier, three Navy destroyers and one cruiser, are in the Red Sea and were part of Saturdays mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been operating in the region. Mr Trump said the strikes were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom. The focus on the Houthis and their attacks have raised their profile as they face economic and other pressures at home amid Yemens decade-long stalemated war, which has torn apart the Arab worlds poorest nation. An aircraft launches from the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on Saturday (US Navy via AP) Pressure on Iran Saturdays strikes also were meant to pressure Iran, which has backed the Houthis just as it has supported Hamas and other proxies in the Middle East. Mr Trump vowed to hold Iran fully accountable for the Houthis actions. The US State Department earlier this month reinstated the foreign terrorist organisation designation for the Houthis, which carries sanctions and penalties for anyone providing material support for the group. The Trump administration also has been pressing Iran to restart bilateral talks on Irans advancing nuclear programme, with Mr Trump writing a letter to the countrys supreme leader. Mr Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, has said he will not allow the programme to become operational. Mr Trump has also levied new sanctions on Iran as part of his maximum pressure campaign against the country and has suggested that military action remains a possibility, while emphasising he still believes a new nuclear deal can be reached. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak this week as the US tries to broker a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. It would be the second publicised call between the two leaders since Mr Trump began his second term in January. Mr Trump and Mr Putin spoke in February and agreed to start high-level talks over ending the war in Ukraine. I think the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week, Mr Witkoff said on Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. I think its a very positive sign that the two of them will be talking at some point. I think thats showing that theres positive momentum Mr Witkoff this week met Mr Putin in Russia for talks aimed at ending the countrys invasion of Ukraine and said he expects to see a deal soon. The president uses the timeframe weeks and I dont disagree with him. I am really hopeful that we are going to see some real progress here, Mr Witkoff said. When Mr Witkoff appeared later on Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation, he again spoke about a prospective Putin-Trump call but did not offer specifics on what decisions might be made coming out of the discussion. Mr Witkoff said they forged a relationship in Mr Trumps first term and that he expects the call this week to be very positive and constructive. Mr Trumps first call to Mr Putin came after Mr Witkoff travelled to Russia to bring home Marc Fogel, an American history teacher the US had deemed wrongfully detained. One day after the prisoner swap, Mr Trump announced that he spoke to Mr Putin and said their call was lengthy and highly productive. Mr Witkoff demurred on whether Mr Putin and Mr Trump will decide in the call to move forward with a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed to the deal. Mr Putin has said he agrees in principle with the proposal but there are details to be worked out. President Trump is the ultimate decision maker, our decision maker, and President Putin, for the country of Russia, is their decision maker, Mr Witkoff said. I think its a very positive sign that the two of them will be talking at some point. I think thats showing that theres positive momentum. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairing a Security Council meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow on Friday (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Mr Witkoff also brushed aside a recent assessment from French President Emmanuel Macron, who said in a statement that Russia does not seem to be sincerely seeking peace and that Mr Putin was intensifying the fighting before negotiating. Mr Witkoff said he was not aware of Mr Macrons comments but said, Its unfortunate when people make those sort of assessments when they dont have necessarily first-hand knowledge. I know what I heard, the body language I witnessed, Mr Witkoff said of his meeting with Mr Putin. I saw a constructive effort, over a long period of time to to discuss the specifics of whats going on in the field. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will bring a vote to the government this week to dismiss the director of the Shin Bet internal security service, Ronen Bar. Mr Netanyahu said he has had ongoing distrust with Mr Bar. The decision comes after an increasingly acrimonious dispute between the men focused largely on who bears responsibility for the October 7 2023, Hamas attack that sparked the war in Gaza. The Shin Bet is responsible for monitoring Palestinian militant groups. It recently issued a report accepting responsibility for its failures around the October 7 attack. But it also criticised Mr Netanyahu, saying failed government policies helped create the climate that led to the attack. The tensions boiled over this weekend when Mr Bars predecessor, Nadav Argaman, said he would release sensitive information about Mr Netanyahu if it is found that the prime minister had broken the law. Mr Netanyahu accused Mr Argaman of blackmail and filed a police complaint. The Shin Bet did not have an immediate response to Mr Netanyahus announcement. Mr Netanyahu has resisted calls for an official state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack and has tried to blame the failures on the army and security agencies. In recent months, a number of senior security officials, including a former defence minister and army chief, have been sacked or forced to step down. Mr Bar had been one of the few remaining senior security officials since the October 7 attack to remain in office. Mr Netanyahu said on Sunday his distrust in the head of the Shin Bet had grown over time, and that removing Mr Bar from his position would help Israel achieve its war goals and prevent the next disaster. If Mr Bar is removed, Mr Netanyahu is expected to appoint a loyalist in his place, slowing any momentum for the commission of inquiry. Mr Netanyahu is also angry that the Shin Bet is investigating members of his staff for their dealings with Qatar. The Shin Bet, and Mr Bar, have been closely involved with the hostage negotiations during the war in Gaza. Mr Netanyahu recently removed Mr Bar from the negotiating team and replaced him with a loyalist, Cabinet minister Ron Dermer. Israeli media have repeatedly reported on deep policy differences between the negotiators, who have pushed for a hostage deal, and Mr Netanyahu, who continues to threaten to resume the war. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, a good-governance civil society group, called Mr Netanyahus announcement a declaration of war on the rule of law and claimed that he does not have the authority to take steps against Mr Bar because of investigations into his own office. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Mr Netanyahu of attempting to sack Mr Bar over the investigation into connections between the prime ministers office and Qatar and said he would appeal against the dismissal, calling the resolution shameful and politically motivated. Sunday, Mar 16th, 2025 (6:55 am) - Score 6,040 The CEO of Openreach, Clive Selley, has backed the Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Barbara Janke after she proposed an amendment to the new Renters Rights Bill (RRB) that would allow tenants to request the right for a gigabit broadband installation, while ensuring that consent cannot be unreasonably refused by landlords (theyd get 28 days to make a decision). The availability of gigabit broadband was mandated for new build homes in December 2022, but older properties particularly large residential buildings (Multi-Dwelling Units) still require network operators to secure the permission of freeholders before they can deploy new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) lines. This can become particularly tedious when landlords refuse access, fail to respond to a request, or where its unclear who the freeholder for a building actually is. NOTE: The Renters Rights Bill currently only applies to England. The Renters Rights Bill currently only applies to England. Openreach has so far extended their FTTP broadband network to nearly 18 million UK premises and aims to reach 25 million by December 2026, before then pushing on up to 30m by 2030. Openreach estimates that there are approximately 1,040,000 premises in such buildings across the country for which this issue applies and over 780,000 of those are said to be at risk of no coverage from us or any other provider, although its difficult to verify these figures. Advertisement At present the RRB hands a lot of new rights to tenants (gov summary), including the right to request a pet in the property (alongside a supporting requirement for pet insurance). But it does not allow them to request an upgrade to faster broadband connectivity, and this can sometimes leave whole buildings and related tenants trapped on older copper lines. Clive Selley said (Yorkshire Post paywall): It is a huge number of people who could get full fibre because we have the infrastructure outside the building but we havent been able to secure the legal right to come into the building and do the plumbing. Fibre is thinner than a hair on a human head, the sheathing is white and when you put it against a white wall, if you are my age you cant see it. Adding fibre is very, very non-intrusive, it is not like plumbing in a load of pipes. A surprising number of blocks are owned by people who dont live anywhere near some are technically owned by a Post Office box in the British Virgin Islands. Often they are just overseas investors, sometimes in tax havens. Or they are just owned by landlords who dont want the bother but it is denying renters the ability to get full fibre broadband and our commitment is to get that just about everywhere in the UK. However, there are of course two sides to every story, and this is not a new proposal. The previous Conservative Government rejected the idea because they feared that allowing broadband operators to enter premises without a landlords permission would significantly and adversely impact on the rights of property owners and occupiers. The issue of automatic upgrade rights in MDUs sounds fair and logical, but rivals have already warned that this must not result in a situation that grants special access to Openreach without also affording opponents a fair level of comparable accessibility. The latter could risk handing the incumbent an unfair competitive advantage (here), which is something the RRB must be careful to avoid. In addition, property owners also have concerns that must be balanced in all this (i.e. insurance, damage to property, security, safety (e.g. fire, asbestos) and other liabilities etc.), which is because upgrading copper lines to fibre in MDUs is often a bit more involved than it may seem (its not always minor work) and not everybody may want that. Advertisement Some landlords may also have exclusive agreements in place with rival network operators, which would be put at risk. Similarly, its also possible that some buildings may run into the same problem as weve seen in many UK streets over the past few years, with multiple operators trying to conduct work on the same site causing a lot of disruption. Suffice to say, network operators and the government are walking a bit of a tightrope in terms of the rights of freeholders and leaseholders, although it remains to be seen whether the proposed amendment gains enough support to be included in the final bill. But if it does, then it must be done in a fair and balanced way. Audience enter the cinema for the Indonesian premiere of Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 at CGV Grand Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) JAKARTA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," the highest-grossing animated film of all time, premiered here on Saturday, with a packed theater of eager moviegoers. Throughout the screening, Indonesian moviegoers were fully immersed in the movie, responding with laughter, gasp, and applause. Notably, the audience was moved and hailed spontaneously, showing their excitement and appreciation. After the screening, many young viewers gathered near the "Ne Zha 2" posters to film videos, eagerly recommending the movie to others. Oscar Prajnaphalla, head of marketing at Warner Bros. Indonesia, the movie's local distributor, expressed his admiration. "This is the first Chinese movie we have distributed, and I must say, 'Ne Zha 2' left a strong impression. The animation is top-notch, the production quality is outstanding, and the story is deeply engaging. It's a film that truly captivates the audience." "Seeing today's response, it's clear that viewers were highly impressed by the animation and storytelling. I do not doubt that through word-of-mouth, 'Ne Zha 2' will attract even more moviegoers. We look forward to bringing more exceptional Chinese films to the Indonesian market in the future," he added. For many Indonesians, "Ne Zha 2" marks their first experience with Chinese animated movies. Local moviegoer Syarah Prasetyo described it as a visually stunning film that kept her engaged throughout. "The plot twists kept me engaged, and the depiction of parental love resonated deeply with our culture, making it easy to connect with. The humor and emotional moments were well-balanced, making the entire viewing experience incredibly enjoyable. I genuinely look forward to seeing more outstanding Chinese movies at Indonesian cinemas," she said. "Ne Zha 2" will officially hit screens in Indonesia on March 21. An audience shows his ticket before the Indonesian premiere of Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 at CGV Grand Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) People pose for photos in front of a poster of Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 at CGV Grand Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) 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. Arrest Warrants Issued Amid Rising Death Toll from North Macedonia Fire, Now at 59 The death toll from a fire that engulfed a nightclub in North Macedonia during a performance by a well-known local hip-hop duo has increased to 59, according to the countrys interior minister. Based on our current information, there are 59 fatalities, with 35 individuals identified, stated Interior Minister Pance Toskovski at the scene in Kocani, noting that arrest warrants had been issued for four individuals in relation to the incident. Previously, officials had reported 51 deaths from the fire, which erupted at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani around 3 AM local time, where fans had gathered to watch the hip-hop group DNK. As of noon (11 AM Irish time), the latest count of the injured stands at 155, Mr. Toskovski added. The fire occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani (Pic: Radio Kocani) Of the identified deceased, thirty-one were residents of Kocani, the eastern town where the concert was held, while an additional four were from the nearby town of Stip, the minister noted. Mr. Toskovski indicated that the injured were transported to hospitals throughout the country. Mr. Toskovski explained that the fire ignited after the concerts pyrotechnic displays set fire to the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material. Central arrest warrants have been issued for four individuals, Mr. Toskovski confirmed. We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that may set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences A video from the event, authenticated by Reuters, depicts a band performing on stage with flares shooting white sparks into the air. The sparks ignited the ceiling above the band. Tanaiste Simon Harris expressed that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragedy. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the people of North Macedonia, he stated. In a related gesture, a hospitalized Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims and survivors of the fire. The Pope wished to convey to the families of the deceased, most of whom were young, his deep condolences, reflecting his spiritual closeness to the injured, according to a telegram from Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin addressed to the bishop of Skopje, Kiro Stojanov. An aerial view of the venue in Kocani North Macedonias MRT public broadcaster reported that 27 individuals were admitted to Skopje City Hospital with severe burns, while another 23 were receiving treatment at the Clinical Center. According to state agency MIA, approximately 1,500 people were present at the concert. Around 1,500 concertgoers were at the nightclub when the fire broke out. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski remarked on Facebook: This is a difficult and profoundly sad day for Macedonia! The loss of so many young lives is irreplaceable; the grief of the families, loved ones, and friends is immeasurable. Nasa and SpaceX have successfully launched a long-awaited crew to the International Space Station, paving the way for the return of US astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stationed on the orbital lab for nine months. SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket took off at 7:03 PM local time (11:03 PM Irish time) from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying four astronauts designated to replace Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams, both veteran NASA astronauts and retired US Navy test pilots. They were among the first to fly Boeings flawed Starliner capsule to the ISS in June. Initially a routine crew rotation flight, yesterdays Crew-10 mission marks a long-awaited step towards bringing the astronaut duo back to Earthpart of a plan put forth by NASA last year, which has gained urgency under President Donald Trump. The Crew-10 launch took place while Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams were asleep, according to Dina Contellam, deputy manager of NASAs ISS program, who spoke to reporters after the launch. US astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been aboard the ISS since June. Mr. Hague and Mr. Gorbunov traveled to the ISS in September aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft, which included two empty seats for Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams. The Crew-10 team, set to stay on the station for around six months, consists of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Planning for the unexpected Moments after reaching orbit, Ms. McClain, part of NASAs astronaut corps since 2013, introduced the missions microgravity indicatora plush origami crane, symbolizing peace, hope, and healing, in line with American spaceflight tradition that signals the crews safe arrival in space. It is much easier to be enemies than it is to be friends; it is easier to break partnerships than it is to build them, Ms. McClain, the Crew-10 mission commander, said from the Crew Dragon capsule, with her communications live-streamed by NASA. Spaceflight is challenging, and success hinges on leaders of character who opt for difficult but right choices over simple but wrong ones, building programs, partnerships, and relationships. We explore for the benefit of everyone, she added. NASA astronaut Anne McClain serves as the Crew-10 mission commander. The mission entered the political arena as Mr. Trump and his adviser Elon Musk, who is also SpaceXs CEO, pressured for an expedited Crew-10 launch, claiming without evidence that former president Joe Biden had politically abandoned Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams on the station. We arrived prepared for a lengthy stay, despite initially planning for a shorter one, Mr. Wilmore remarked from space earlier this month, insisting that NASAs decision to prolong their stay on the ISS until Crew-10s arrival was not influenced by politics. Thats what your nations human spaceflight program embodies, he stated, planning for unexpected contingencies. And we did that. The Crew-10 mission is a part of a standard crew rotation occurring under unusual circumstances for NASAs ISS operations, rather than a dedicated mission to retrieve Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams, who will return to Earth as late additions to NASAs Crew-9 crew. Mr. Musk noted that SpaceX had offered a dedicated Dragon mission for the two astronauts last year while NASA considered options for their return. However, NASA officials indicated that the two astronauts needed to remain on the ISS to ensure sufficient staffing levels, emphasizing that there was neither budget nor operational necessity for a dedicated rescue spacecraft. As their mission transitioned into a regular NASA rotation to the ISS, Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams have been engaged in scientific research and routine maintenance alongside the other five astronauts. Crew-10 mission members include Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, along with JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi. Ms. Williams mentioned to reporters earlier this month that she was eager to return home to see her two dogs and family. Its been a roller coaster for them, probably a bit more than for us, she stated. Unusual mission preparations The demands from Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk for an earlier return of Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams represented an atypical intrusion into NASA operations. The agency subsequently advanced the Crew-10 mission launch from March 26, swapping a delayed SpaceX capsule for another that would be ready sooner. The pressure from Mr. Musk and Mr. Trump loomed over NASAs preparation and safety processes, which ordinarily follow a clearly defined protocol. Steve Stich, NASAs Commercial Crew Programme manager, remarked that preparing for the mission had been an unusual flow in many respects. NASAs space operations chief Ken Bowersox stated that the agency had to address several late-breaking issues, including an investigation into a fuel leak from a recent SpaceX Falcon 9 launch and the deterioration of a coating on some Dragon crew capsule thrusters. Mr. Bowersox acknowledged the challenges of keeping pace with SpaceX: Were not quite as agile as they are, but we are collaborating well. BAGHDAD, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani held Saturday a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed bilateral relations and the situations in the Middle East. The two leaders agreed to form a joint team to schedule Macron's visit to Baghdad and explore the possibility of holding the third edition of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office. The two leaders emphasized that the new political process in Syria must represent the country's social diversity, stressing the importance of combating terrorism and extremism and advancing a pluralistic and inclusive political process in Syria, it said. They also underscored the need to ensure stability in Lebanon, intensify efforts for Gaza's reconstruction, maintain the ceasefire, and prevent any escalation due to non-compliance, according to the statement. During the conversation, al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation at various levels, particularly in the economic and cultural sectors, the statement said. For his part, Macron expressed his country's desire to continue cooperation with Iraq in various fields, particularly its readiness to coordinate with Iraq in counterterrorism efforts, it said. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has remarked that Ireland would stand to gain if the UK successfully negotiates a favorable economic deal with the United States. He noted that while it is still early days regarding the likelihood of such an agreement, he generally believes that any improvement in the UK economy would positively impact Ireland. When asked if Ireland should have a role in any UK-US discussions concerning an economic dealespecially considering the trading arrangements in Northern Ireland established by post-Brexit agreements between the UK and EUMr. Martin acknowledged the complexities involved. Northern Ireland is subject to EU customs rules under arrangements intended to maintain an open land border on the island of Ireland. In response to a question about whether he would encourage UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to consider Northern Irelands situation in any negotiations with US President Donald Trump, Mr. Martin stated that the UK Government is very conscious of these matters. Mr. Martin expressed that Ireland is collaborating with the EU to facilitate and ease post-Brexit trade barriers with the UK. The situation concerning UK-US discussions is still uncertain, he shared with reporters. However, from Irelands perspective, I hold the view that if the UK thrives, Ireland will also prosper economically, as our economic relationship is crucial. Additionally, Mr. Martin reaffirmed Irelands efforts alongside the EU to facilitate and ease the economic obstacles stemming from Brexit on trade with the UK. Read more: Relief for Taoiseach after successful White House visit; Oval Office strategy appears effective, but trade war threats persist. Irelands economic relationship with Britain remains very strong, stated the leader of Fianna Fail. It is an extremely important market for us, and therefore, if the UK economy improvesregardless of the circumstancesIreland will reap the benefits. Mr. Martin highlighted the significance of the recent UK-Ireland summit in Liverpool, indicating that it may lead to enhanced cooperation on offshore wind energy initiatives. ONeills absence from the White House visit is labeled a big mistake. Simultaneously, the Taoiseach expressed that Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeills boycott of the St. Patricks events in Washington DC was a big mistake. Mr. Martin opined that this decision was not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, emphasizing the huge efforts that were made during the early stages of the peace process to support Sinn Fein. Last month, Ms. ONeill expressed her inability to travel to Washington DC while the US administration was threatening to annex and steal from the Palestinian people. While Ms. ONeill attended a business event in Carolina last week, she chose to return home instead of participating in the Washington DC events. Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the DUP did attend the Washington events and had lunch with Mr. Trump at Capitol Hill. The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House gatherings in protest of actions taken by the US president. During an interview on the BBCs Sunday Politics program, Mr. Martin was asked if he considered Ms. ONeills refusal to attend Washington a missed chance. Yes, I believe it was a big mistake, he replied. I met with Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill and spoke with President Trump. I believe it was a wrong decision, considering the significant efforts made at the outset of the peace process to include Sinn Fein. Many put in significant effort to achieve that. He added: I found it a bit opportunistic and not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or the entire island of Ireland for Sinn Fein to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year. A spokesperson for Sinn Fein responded: The decision not to travel to the White House was not made lightly; it was made with an awareness of our individual responsibility to speak out against injustice. We are all deeply saddened as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent statements from the US president regarding the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gazasomething we cannot overlook. The Trump administration is contemplating implementing extensive travel restrictions for citizens from numerous countries as part of a new ban, as reported by sources familiar with the topic and an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. The memo identifies a total of 41 countries categorized into three distinct groups. The initial group consists of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, which will face a complete visa suspension. The second group includes five nations Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan that will experience partial visa suspensions affecting tourist and student visas, along with other immigrant visas, though some exceptions may apply. The third group comprises 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, which will be subject to a partial suspension of US visa issuance unless their governments take steps to address deficiencies within 60 days, according to the memo. The New York Times was the first to report on this list of countries. This initiative recalls the travel ban on individuals from seven majority-Muslim countries during President Donald Trumps first term, a policy that underwent several changes before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. On January 20, Mr. Trump issued an executive order mandating increased security vetting for foreigners seeking to enter the US to identify national security threats. This order instructed several cabinet members to deliver a list of countries by March 21 from which travel should be partially or fully restricted due to deficient vetting and screening information. Mr. Trumps directive is part of an immigration enforcement strategy he commenced at the beginning of his second term. He highlighted his intentions in a speech in October 2023, promising to limit entry from individuals from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other locations posing security threats. The State Department has not immediately responded to a request for comment from Reuters. Trump set to initiate another round of layoffs Protesters gather to oppose President Donald Trumps mass government firings. In the meantime, the Trump administration showed no indication of veering from its plan for a second wave of extensive firings and budget cuts across the US government, following two federal court rulings that mandated the reinstatement of thousands of employees. Despite this, Vice President JD Vance admitted yesterday that errors occurred during the downsizing process, which has progressed rapidly since Mr. Trump took office in January. Federal agencies faced a Thursday deadline to present comprehensive reorganisation strategies as part of Mr. Trumps initiative to radically reshape the federal bureaucracy, a task largely delegated to Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. To date, the DOGE initiative has proposed potential cuts exceeding 100,000 jobs within the 2.3 million-member federal civilian workforce, halted foreign aid, and canceled thousands of programs and contracts. At times, DOGEs approach has been so haphazard that significant federal employees, including those overseeing the nations nuclear arsenal and scientists combating bird flu, were fired and then recalled. Simultaneously, financial markets have reacted negatively to the economic threats posed by a global trade war initiated by Mr. Trump. Stock markets have plummeted over the past two weeks, erasing $5 trillion (4.5 trillion) in value amid fears that Mr. Trumps policies could trigger a recession, although Wall Street stocks rebounded yesterday. Mr. Vance acknowledged that Mr. Musks DOGE has made mistakes and defended most federal employees as diligent workers. Federal agencies had a Thursday deadline to submit their reorganisation plans. Elon himself has noted that sometimes mistakes are made, but we must promptly rectify them, Mr. Vance stated in an interview with NBC News. I am also very aware that many dedicated individuals are employed in the government, contributing positively, Mr. Vance added. Our goal is to retain as much of what functions well in government as possible while eliminating ineffective practices, he stated. Rulings in federal courts in California and Maryland on Thursday ordered certain agencies to reinstate thousands of probationary employees who were terminated in recent weeks. The White House, labeling the judges as partisan activists, committed to challenging these decisions. The California ruling has already been appealed, and the administration has requested a delay in the judges ruling until the appeal is decided. This injunction is blatantly unconstitutional, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declared. A low-level district court judge cannot issue an injunction to undermine the presidential authority of the United States. Together with Mr. Musk, the worlds richest individual, Mr. Trump signed an executive order on February 11 directing all agencies to swiftly prepare for significant staff reductions, utilizing the legal term commonly known as RIF to indicate mass layoffs. Read more: Musks DOGE ordered to disclose operational records A subsequent memo from the US Office of Personnel Management indicated that plans should entail a considerable reduction in full-time staff, real estate cuts, a smaller budget, and the elimination of non-mandatory functions. IRS job cuts The Internal Revenue Service, consistently a target of Republican criticism, is slated to cut 20% to 25% of its workforce by May 15, according to a source familiar with the agencys plans. The IRS had approximately 100,000 employees when Mr. Trump assumed office, which could translate to as many as 25,000 positions being eliminated. The targeted 20% to 25% reduction includes roughly 5,000 IRS employees who accepted buyouts last month and potentially 7,000 probationary staff who were dismissed, though recent court rulings may lead to the reinstatement of some probationary workers, as noted by the source. The intended job reductions are being described internally as the initial phase of the agencys efforts to cut career employees, suggesting there may be additional reductions beyond May 15. JD Vance indicated that Elon Musks DOGE has made occasional mistakes. The Trump administration has not provided a total count of individuals it has dismissed, but internal memos, public statements, and other sources compiled by Reuters indicate that over 100,000 people have been let go or offered buyouts, with the Department of Veterans Affairs alone planning to reduce its workforce by over 80,000 employees. Legal challenges Multiple agencies have offered lump-sum payments to employees for voluntary early retirement, possibly aiding in avoiding legal complications related to the RIF process that unions plan to contest in court. Although court rulings on the layoffs have produced mixed outcomes, the decisions from California and Maryland on Thursday mark the administrations most significant legal setback to date. US District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ruled that probationary employees, typically those with under two years of service, should be reinstated in the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Energy, Interior, and Treasury. Following Mr. Alsups decision, US District Judge James Bredar in Baltimore ordered the administration to reinstate tens of thousands of federal workers. Judge Bredar concurred with 20 Democratic-led states that 18 agencies had unlawfully terminated probationary employees en masse in recent weeks, violating regulations governing federal worker layoffs. Trump and Putin Set to Discuss Ukraine This Week US President Donald Trump is anticipated to converse with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin this week, as part of the efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Mr. Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism regarding meaningful progress to resolve the three-year war. I expect there will be a call between both presidents this week, and we are also continuing our discussions with the Ukrainians, he remarked, adding that he believed the dialogue between Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin would be very positive. In an interview with CNN, Mr. Witkoff noted that while the situation on the ground is quite complex, Were working to bridge the gap between both sides. Despite recent strains between Mr. Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has agreed in principle to a US-mediated 30-day unconditional ceasefirecontingent on Russia ceasing its assaults in eastern Ukraine. Conversely, Mr. Putin has not consented to any truce, instead imposing conditions that exceed what was stipulated in the US agreement with Ukraine. The ceasefire proposal from Mr. Trumps team arises as Russia gains momentum in various regions along the front in Ukraine. Mr. Zelensky cautioned that Russia aims to secure a stronger position militarily before any ceasefire can occur. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed next steps during a call, as stated by State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. Since his return to the White House in January, Mr. Trump has reiterated his commitment to ending the three-year conflict and has seen a remarkable diplomatic thaw with his Russian counterpart. The statement did not specify when the next round of US-Russia talks hosted by Saudi Arabia would commence. However, Mr. Rubio and Mr. Lavrov also agreed to keep working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia, Ms. Bruce added. Moment of truth This call followed a virtual summit convened by the UK yesterday. During that meeting, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged around 26 fellow leaders to consider how to bolster Ukraine, safeguard any ceasefire, and maintain pressure on Russia. Mr. Starmer asserted that the Russian president would eventually have to come to the table. Putin is attempting to delayclaiming a thorough examination is needed before a ceasefire can occur, he added. Military leaders from approximately 30 countries convened in Paris on March 11 to discuss plans for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, with a subsequent meeting scheduled in Britain on Thursday. French President Emmanuel Macron called for collective action to ensure Russia adheres to the proposed ceasefire. This is a moment of truth because if Russia does not genuinely commit to peace, President Trump will enhance sanctions and retaliatory measures, which will significantly alter the dynamics, Mr. Macron told French regional publications during an interview. The British leader informed Emmanuel Macron and 25 other leaders during a call that they should focus on strategies to strengthen Ukraine. Russia must respond unequivocally, and the pressure must be evident, in tandem with the United States, to secure this ceasefire, he stated in remarks to journalists. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted that Russia needs to demonstrate its readiness to support a ceasefire that leads to a just and lasting peace. Nonetheless, Mr. Zelensky cautioned that Russia aimed to enhance its military standing prior to any ceasefire, now over three years since its invasion of Ukraine. They seek to bolster their conditions on the battlefield, Mr. Zelensky informed journalists in Ukraine. Troops Mr. Starmer and Mr. Macron have indicated their willingness to deploy British and French troops in Ukraine, yet it remains uncertain if other countries are inclined to do the same. Russia has dismissed the proposal of foreign soldiers serving as peacekeepers in Ukraine. Nonetheless, Mr. Macron stated: If Ukraine requests allied forces to be present on its territory, it is not for Russia to accept or decline. The UK prime minister has expressed his support for any offers of assistance for the coalition, suggesting the possibility that some nations may contribute logistics or surveillance. Individuals navigate debris following a Russian aerial attack in Kherson, Ukraine. Mr. Trump has appointed Keith Kellogg as the special envoy to Ukraine. A former national security advisor during the presidents first term, Mr. Kellogg was previously recognized as a special envoy for both Ukraine and Russia. However, he was excluded from recent discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the war, with NBC News citing a senior Russian official who declared that Mr. Putin deemed him too pro-Ukraine. Read more: Putin will have to come to the table for a truce Starmer Conflict persists, with Russia regaining significant territory this week in the Kursk border region. In Russia, three civilians were reported injured last night when Ukrainian drones targeted the town of Gubkin and the village of Dolgoe in the Belgorod region, officials announced via Telegram. On the Ukrainian front, a residential building ignited and a house sustained damage yesterday evening in the northern Chernihiv region, authorities reported. Russian officials noted ongoing efforts to drive out the remaining Ukrainian forces from western Russia, following a seven-month incursion by Ukraine aimed at diverting Moscows troops, gaining leverage, and provoking President Putin. In one of the most notable confrontations of the three-year-long conflict, Ukrainian forces launched a significant attack across Russias western border in Kursk last August, marking the largest assault on Russian soil since the Nazi invasion of 1941. Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected a command post in Kursk last week. However, a rapid offensive this month has diminished the area under Ukrainian control to approximately 110 square kilometers, down from the 1,368 square kilometers claimed by Kyiv last year, according to open-source maps. Battlefield maps from both Ukraine and Russia illustrated two interconnected areas of Ukrainian troops on the Russian side of the border in Kursk. Russia claimed it was clearing vast quantities of mines in the region. Putin has accused Ukrainian forces of committing crimes against civilians in Kursk, a claim Kyiv has denied. Ukraine has asserted that as many as 11,000 North Korean soldiers are engaged alongside Russia in Kursk, though both Russia and North Korea have refrained from providing specifics about their troops present. The intense conflict for the Kursk region has underscored Mr. Trumps efforts to terminate what he labels a bloodbath war that could escalate into World War Three. The Russian military continues to shell the outskirts of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine. Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, displaced millions, reduced towns to ruins, and triggered the most severe confrontation in decades between Moscow and the West. US intelligence estimates suggest that over 100,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured, according to a 2023 assessment, while the economy has been severely impacted by unprecedented defense spending and the strictest Western sanctions ever enforced. Ukraine has also seen over 100,000 troops killed or injured, based on leaked US intelligence reports. Summary Executions, Indiscriminate Shootings, Outrages on Personal Dignity. ( Human Rights Watch (New York) Summary executions and other atrocities have taken place in Syrias coastal region following insurgent attacks on Syrian security forces and during subsequent government security operations, with the Alawite community bearing the brunt of the violence, Human Rights Watch said today. While interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa acknowledged that many parties entered the Syrian coast and many violations occurred, he declined to comment on the involvement of foreign fighters, allied factions, or his own security forces. The full extent and perpetrators of these crimes have not yet been conclusively determined. The recent wave of abuse began after coordinated attacks on March 6 by armed men apparently linked with the former government of Bashar al-Assad. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 231 members of the security forces as of March 9, according to the new governments Military Operations Command via its official Telegram channel. In response, government security forces, including factions under the Ministry of Defense, conducted what the government called combing operations throughout the region. Unidentified armed groups and individualsmany entering Tartus and Latakia governorates from other parts of Syria following official calls for general mobilizationjoined these operations. Unverified videos posted to Telegram channels show perpetrators, many in military fatigues, committing extrajudicial executions, looting, and indiscriminately shooting into homes and villages, as well as widespread mistreatment and outrages on personal dignity, including sectarian rhetoric. Syrias new leaders promised to break with the horrors of the past, but grave abuses on a staggering scale are being reported against predominantly Alawite Syrians in the coastal region and elsewhere in Syria, said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Government action to protect civilians and prosecute perpetrators of indiscriminate shootings, summary executions, and other grave crimes must be swift and unequivocal. Human Rights Watch was not able to verify the number of civilians killed or displaced, but obituaries circulating on Facebook indicate hundreds were killed, including entire families. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported on March 9 that general security forces and affiliated armed factions and individuals were responsible for the deaths of at least 396 people, both civilians and disarmed members of the remnants of the Assad regime. Some estimates put the civilian death toll at over 700. The SNHR also reported civilian deaths at the hands of armed groups affiliated with the former government. Initially, official Telegram channels urged people to head to the coast to support our brothers. However, this rhetoric quickly changed, with officials later emphasizing that volunteers were no longer needed. On March 6, Latakias public security director announced a full security mobilization, while the defense minister ordered military deployment to crush Assad loyalists. By March 7, President al-Sharaa declared that the time for forgiveness had passed, focusing on liberation and purification of the region while urging security forces to protect civilians. The Military Operations Command reported that about half a million fighters had mobilized to defeat the Nusayri [a derogatory word for Alawites] rebellion. It later claimed individual violations took place at the hands of unorganized crowds. On March 9, President al-Sharaa announced the formation of an independent national committee to investigate the events of March 6 within 30 days and pledged to refer those responsible for crimes to the judiciary. Syrian authorities should ensure that the commission is able to carry out its work independently and impartially. Many families in the coastal region have fled because of the security raids, taking shelter in remote mountain villages, the Russian Hmeimim airbase near Latakia city, and across the border in Lebanon. Human Rights Watch spoke to a 22-year-old Alawite medical student who fled Baniyas city on foot with his family after learning that four of his relatives had been killed. They found shelter in a house on the edge of a village. File. Downtown Latakia. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.. Via Wikimedia Commons.. Were hungry and cold but theres no way well go back to the city, he said. We dont feel safe there. Here too, there is no rest, every time we hear a sound we run into the wilderness and hide. He said he contacted the Syrian Red Crescent and the White Helmets for evacuation, but they told him they lacked the capacity. They told us to call the authorities but theres no way we can trust them. Our top priority right now is survival and if we survive this then we want to seek refuge outside this country. Human Rights Watch reviewed and geolocated videos and images of one incident of mass executions in the village of al-Mukhtariya in the Latakia countryside, counting at least 32 mens bodies. Syrian activists in the coastal region told Human Rights Watch that Alawites and others in the region have lived in fear because of abuses during security combing operations since December, as well as widespread loss of livelihoods due to arbitrary dismissals from jobs and the dissolution of the former army and security forces. Since December, there have been numerous incidents of incitement against predominantly Alawite and Shia communities, including intentional vandalizing and destruction of Alawi religious shrines and mass distribution of anti-Alawite flyers. Violations in the context of combing operations, including summary killings, have been reported since at least early January, including in Alawite-majority villages in the western Homs countryside. On January 23, security forces conducted a combing operation in Fahel village, during which they arrested at least 58 men, including former military personnel who had had formally resolved their legal status with the new authorities. After the operation concluded, residents say, they discovered bodies on the outskirts of town. It was later confirmed that 13 former military personnel, some of whom were detained earlier during the operation, and two civilians were killed that day. The Homs media office said in a statement to The National that authorities tracked down and arrested attackers, but no further information has been made public about accountability efforts. The Syrian government should immediately ensure that civilians who want to flee are able to do so through secure routes and that humanitarian organizations can provide assistance to those sheltering in remote villages, including food, medical aid, and secure relocation options, Human Rights Watch said. The violence in Syrias coastal region underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability. Accountability for atrocities must include all parties, including groups like Hayet Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkiye-backed Syrian National Army, which now constitute Syrias new security forces. These groups have a well-documented history of human rights abuses and violations of international law. Justice efforts need to address past and ongoing violations, ensuring accountability for abusers and providing reparations to victims. Syrias new leadership should also fully cooperate with and ensure unhindered access to independent monitors including the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria. At the same time, comprehensive security sector reform of Syrias new army and security forces is critical. This includes creating a security sector aligned with international human rights standards, ensuring civilian oversight, and implementing rigorous vetting to remove individuals involved in abuses. Other countries should provide technical and financial assistance to ensure that the new security forces protect civilians and observe the rule of law. This should also include supporting an independent judiciary that can ensure the legality of detention and lawful treatment of all detainees. Justice is not real justice if it only applies to some but not others, Coogle said. Accountability needs to extend to all human rights abusers, regardless of their past or current affiliations. Without this, lasting peace and stability in Syria will remain elusive. Via Human Rights Watch Review of Peter Schwartzstein, The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence (London: Footnote Press, 2024). Munich, Germany (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Although climate change does not directly cause conflict, it makes violence more likely to occur and to be more intense. The effects of climate change act as threat multipliers that intensify already-existing conflict patterns. The link between climate change and conflict is by now well-established, but most explorations of this connection are found in academic studies that are likely to come off as dull to the general public. A far livelier account of this problematic link is on offer in Peter Schwartzsteins recently published book, The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence. Schwartzstein is a journalist and a non-resident research fellow at the Center for Climate & Security in Washington DC. His book incorporates the scientific research on the climate change/conflict nexus but largely relies on Schwartzsteins years-long experience reporting from, as he puts it, the frontlines of climate violence. Climate change has displaced old certainties, challenging inter-generational knowledge and traditional structures of authority. In Boki Saboudo, in north-eastern Senegal, Schwartzstein meets Idrissa Ba, the village chief. His position makes him the person local herders traditionally approach for counsel, an increasingly complicated task these days. As Ba explains to the author, You start to question if what you know is still useful, adding that the climate is not normal. The rains are not normal.[1] Highly fluctuating precipitation patterns have brought more years of weak rains, forcing pastoralists to leave depleted pastures earlier on in the year and move to the areas inhabited by farmers when they are still completing the harvest. The farmers used to welcome the cattle as natural fertilizers and allowed them to eat from the fields. With the arrival of artificial fertilizers into traditional agriculture and smaller crop yields due to irregular rains, the cohabitation between pastoralists and farmers often collapses and the cattle go hungry. As Schwartzstein explains, jihadi groups in the Sahel have profited from this hopelessness, recruiting over-proportionally among herders. If climate change is a threat multiplier, this is partly because it acts as an accelerator of long-running inequalities in wealth and political power. The World Economic Forum notes that the lowest income countries produce one-tenth of emissions but are the most heavily impacted by climate change. Schwartzstein offers a good example of this dynamic in his chapter on Sudan, a country responsible for only 0.06% of global CO emissions. Sudanese villagers have suffered displacement or been left without water for agriculture as Gulf countries heavily invest in major farming exploitations in Sudan after filling their coffers with the export of polluting fossil fuels. Within the nations most affected by climate change, the costs are also unevenly distributed. The chapter in The Heat and the Fury dedicated to Nepal and its water crisis shows this clearly. As subsistence agriculture falters in Nepal as a consequence of climate change, more Nepalis are abandoning mountainous rural areas to search for a job in the capital, Kathmandu. These internal migrants often end up in the citys slums, which the state has not properly connected to the water grid. As Schwartzstein reports, when the dry season comes, these neighborhoods are dependent on the tanker men, who distribute water at great expense and push many buyers into debt. The tanker men can go to great lengths to defend their business model. It is common for them to reach deals with corrupt officials to prevent water pipelines from flowing into the areas where they sell their product. In these conditions of weakened state power, the internal migrants misery becomes the fortune of unscrupulous businessmen and officials. A couple who lives in Kathmandus slums and depends on the tanker men for potable water tells the author: Whatever it costs, we pay. We have no choice.[2] Not everyone approaches the situation with this resignation, however, as some state water employees have been beaten up in the citys slums. Schwartzstein covers some relatively well-known cases, such as the environmental roots of ISIS expansion in Iraq. Other stories, however, will certainly come as a surprise to most readers. One of them is the chapter dedicated to the pirates of the Bangladeshi Sundarbans. Located between eastern India and southwestern Bangladesh, the Sundarbans are a mangrove forest area in the Ganges Delta that spans 10,000 km2 (3,900 sq mi), making it the largest mangrove forest in the world. In the Sundarbans, climate change has brought rises in the sea level and diminishing river flows that damage agricultural activities. As a result, some farmers are trying their luck as fishermen and honey collectors in the waters of the Sundarbans. Once there, they risk getting lost in the confusing vastness of trees and water or falling prey to the jaladoshyu, as the pirates are referred to locally. These bands of pirates are made of long-time criminals, but also of some former fishermen or farmers fleeing mountains of debt. The jaladoshyu make money with the poaching of the endangered Bengal tiger or the kidnapping of unlucky fishermen. In a gruesome practice, the kidnapped fishermen are sometimes mutilated to add further pressure on the relatives asked to collect the ransom money. The infamous Master Bahini (Master Group) pirate gang is reported to have had yearly earnings of about 60 million Taka ($732,000). For comparison, the average monthly salary for a worker in a textile factory in Bangladesh is 8,300 taka ($75). Peter Schwartzstein The Heat and the Fury. Click here to Buy. Richer countries have so far been comparatively isolated from the worst climate impacts, but this is starting to change. And despite these countries being better endowed with the kind of economic and infrastructural resources that are key to countering the effects of climate change, they might be in for a rude awakening. Schwartzstein mentions the work of scholars who argue, somewhat counterintuitively, that it might be in rich countries where governments will have more difficulties maintaining social peace in times of catastrophic climate change. As the author writes, Popular frustration with government frequently peaks when officials fail to deliver services to which citizens have grown accustomed. If that is the case in the West, we, with our generally strong senses of entitlement, might be in for an awful lot of bother.[3] Oxfam International notes that rich countries greatly overstate the climate finance they provide to poorer countries. Although $116 billion in climate finance was announced in 2022, most of these funds came in the form of loans at profitable market rates. The true value of climate finance provided by rich countries in 2022 was actually between $28 billion and $35 billion according to Oxfam estimates. And these values are probably going to decrease in the coming years. Last year, the US provided around 8% of global climate finance funds. US President Donald Trump, who withdrew his country from the Paris climate agreement for a second time after he returned to office in January 2025, has halted much of the funding to USAID. This government agency, responsible for overseas aid, provides about a third of US climate finance. Washington also recently canceled $4 billion in US pledges to the Green Climate Fund, the worlds largest climate fund. Europe, immersed in plans for an increase in defense expenditure, is highly unlikely to make up for the decrease in US contributions to climate finance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in November 2024 that his new government would be renewing UK climate leadership. Two weeks ago, however, Starmer announced he is planning to fund the expansion of the British military budget by implementing aid cuts of over 6 billion ($7 billion) a year. It is unclear what will happen with UK climate finance when the cuts enter into force in 2027. Londons future loss of influence in climate negotiations due to the aid cuts was one of the aspects mentioned by Anneliese Dodds in her resignation letter as Britains international development minister. It might amount to little consolation in times of major cuts in aid for climate change mitigation, but some of the successes in environmental peacebuilding Schwartzstein mentions in the book are inexpensive. Environmental peacebuilding refers to cooperation on environmental issues between distinct social groups that leads to more peaceful relations. Schwartzstein describes a successful example of environmental peacebuilding in northern Senegal, in one of the areas with recurrent conflicts between herders and farmers. In the case Schwartzstein documents, a herder had killed another herder during a dispute for scarce pasture. An international NGO with a strong local presence intervened in the conflict by assembling representatives from the different villages in the area after they had been chosen by their respective communities. These representatives convened and managed to agree on rules about maximum herd numbers and appropriate compensation in case of rule breaches. To be sure, the core problem these communities are facing, namely the irregular rains that lead to depleted pastures, remains unsolved. But these environmental peacebuilding efforts, explains Schwartzstein, have expanded in the Sahel and contributed to a decrease in violence. The key, he notes, is that most of these projects are led by locals and so are more in tune with the needs and desires of the intended recipients than are many interventions from on high.[4] The Heat and the Fury is Schwartzsteins first book. Given his skillful combination of personal anecdote, factual analysis, and impressive on-the-ground reporting, we can only hope more books are to come. [1] Peter Schwartzstein, The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence (London: Footnote Press, 2024), p. 151. [2] Ibid., p. 124. [3] Ibid., p. 229. [4] Ibid., p. 270. The case comes amid growing global scrutiny of UAE military alliances, including its deepening ties with Israel despite accusations of genocide in Gaza Written by Walid El Houri ( Global Voices ) On March 6, 2025, Sudan initiated legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the UAE of breaching the Genocide Convention by supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group implicated in atrocities against the Masalit people in Sudans West Darfur region. The UAE has denied the accusations. Historical accusations The allegations against the UAE are not isolated. In October 2024, the RSF mistakenly shot down a military plane in Sudans Malha region, killing two Russian crew members and three Sudanese on board. The Conflict Observatory identified the aircraft as an Ilyushin Il-76, affiliated with Kyrgyzstans New Way Cargo, suggesting involvement in arms shipments from the UAE to the RSF. Identity documents found at the crash site included a passport and an ID of a Russian linked to a UAE-based company, Airline Transport Incorporation FZC. Prior to this incident the Sudanese government had been repeatedly accusing the UAE of arming the RSF and prolonging the war while profiting from the illegal exploitation of gold. In October 2024, Khalid Ali Aleisir, Minister of Culture and Information in Sudan shared a video of what he claimed was evidence of UAE supplying weapons to the RSF: Context of the war The almost two-year-long round of violence is the fourth civil war in the countrys history. The violence, fueled by ethnic and tribal divisions, can be traced back to the rule of former president Omar al-Bashir lasting from 1989 to 2019 before being ousted in a popular revolution. A fragile civilian-military coalition ensued but it soon collapsed under a military coup led by al-Burhan in October 2021. Following the coup, tensions increased between the military and the RSF, especially over plans to integrate the latter into the army. This culminated on April 15, 2023, when RSF units launched coordinated attacks on SAF targets, including in key locations in the capital Khartoum, marking the beginning of the war. The RSF, originally formed from the Janjaweed militias accused of atrocities in Darfur during the early 2000s, has been implicated in severe human rights violations, including attacks on the Masalit community in West Darfur. According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), by the end of November 2024, over 28,000 people have been killed, though some estimate that the real number is far higher and could be as high as 150,000. Recent numbers from the International Organization for Migration estimate that more than 14 million Sudanese have been displaced since the beginning of the fighting in April 2023, including more than 3.5 million who have crossed the borders to seek refuge in neighboring countries. That is almost 30 percent of the total population of the country with half the population in need of humanitarian help. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused both warring parties of bombing populated areas indiscriminately, with RSF deliberately targeting hospitals, according to Mohamed Osman, researcher for their Africa division. The UAEs role in other conflicts Beyond Sudan, the UAE has faced scrutiny for its involvement in various regional conflicts. In Yemen, the UAE has been a key member of the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels, a campaign criticized for causing civilian casualties and a humanitarian disaster. Photo by Roman Boed, from PxHere. Additionally, reports have emerged of the UAE supplying arms to factions in Libya, further destabilizing the region. These actions have raised concerns about the UAEs adherence to international law and its role in perpetuating conflicts across West Asia and North Africa. The UAEs relationship with Israel has evolved significantly since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, normalizing relations between the two countries. Despite Israels military actions in Gaza, which have been described as a genocide by various experts and human rights organizations and ruled as a plausible case of genocide by the ICJ, the UAE has maintained and expanded its diplomatic, economic and military ties with Israel, including helping Israel bypass the naval blockade through setting up a route from Dubai to Haifa. In February this year, a video of the UAE ambassador to the US saying that he saw no alternative to Donald Trumps plan to ethnically cleanse Gazas Palestinian population caused outrage. Challenges to the ICJ Sudans case against the UAE at the ICJ highlights the complexities of international relations and the growing challenges of holding states accountable for their involvement in foreign conflicts. This comes at a time of unprecedented violence and impunity, as international law and institutions face systematic erosion since the establishment of the UN. In March 2025, the ICJ elected Japanese judge Yuji Iwasawa as its new president. The Sudan vs. UAE case coincides with another major genocide accusation at the court South Africas case against Israel over its actions in Gaza. It is the seventh genocide case brought before the ICJ, two of which pertain to the ongoing war in Gaza. The outcome of Sudans case against the UAE could set a significant precedent for international law, particularly regarding state complicity in human rights violations. As proceedings unfold, the international community will closely watch how the ICJ navigates these complex legal and ethical issues amid growing attacks on international institutions and courts, particularly from the US and some of its allies. This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 15, 2025. The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen's capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) SANAA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen's capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. "This is an initial toll as the number of death could increase," the TV cited the Houthi-run health ministry as saying, adding that at least nine others were injured. The Houthi TV reported four airstrikes in the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa and several other airstrikes on the Shoab residential neighborhood in eastern Sanaa. Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province's namesake central city Saada, the group's northern main stronghold. No further details were provided by the television. According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. White smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses added. Osama Sari, a Houthi official, wrote on X that the strikes on Al-Jarraf neighborhood also damaged parts of the Specialized Modern University near the Airport Road. Another Houthi source told Xinhua that the airstrikes also targeted two houses of key Houthi leaders. This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed power in January and redesigned the group as a "foreign terrorist organization." Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the "terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom." He also warned Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks "starting today... Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before." In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it "initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation." Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying "this aggression will not pass without a response," and that the group is "fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation," the Houthis' political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV. On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the crossings of Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in. From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and the Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 15, 2025. The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen's capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 15, 2025. The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen's capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Str/Xinhua) Sunday, March 16, 2025 - Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, is facing backlash from a section of ODM leaders over his position on the partys pact with President William Ruto. His absence from Rutos recent city tours - meant to solidify the ODM-UDA pact - has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning his commitment to the deal. Sifuna, however, has dismissed the criticism, arguing that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ODM and UDA on March 7th at KICC does not obligate him to accompany the President on his visits. Speaking during the burial of veteran pilot Gitahi, husband of ODM-nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet, Sifuna clarified his stance. "There is nowhere in the agreement that states the ODM Secretary General must accompany the President to his meetings," he asserted. Citing a recent event where Raila Odinga attended a burial in Kiambu without UDAs SG, he insisted that his focus remains on his Senate duties, adding, 2027 people will decide. However, Kileleshwa MCA, Robert Alai, has warned Sifuna that his defiance could cost him his place in ODM. Taking to X, Alai wrote, Once upon a time, nobody had a sharper tongue than Miguna Miguna. The sharp tongue will be tamed. Soon. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, March 16, 2025 - Kenyas Foreign Affairs Ministry has described Margaret Nduta Macharias case as complex and difficult as the Muranga native faces imminent execution in Vietnam for drug trafficking. With her execution scheduled for Monday, her family and a section of Kenyan legislators are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention. Macharia was convicted by the People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City on March 6th after being found guilty of smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine. Kenyan lawmakers, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, have urged the Government to negotiate her repatriation, even if it means serving a sentence locally. In a letter to President William Ruto on March 14th, Onyonka requested that Kenya plead for clemency on humanitarian grounds, seeking to have Macharias death sentence commuted to life imprisonment or an alternative penalty. Responding to growing concerns, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei stated on X that the Government is exploring all possible avenues for reprieve. Singoei confirmed he had spoken to Vietnams Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, requesting a stay of execution. Given that Kenya lacks a diplomatic mission in Vietnam, the countrys embassy in Thailand is handling the matter. Vietnam enforces some of the worlds strictest drug laws, with capital punishment for anyone caught smuggling over 600 grams of heroin or cocaine. Unless diplomatic efforts succeed, 37-year old Nduta will have her final meal at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, with execution scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, March 16, 2025 NTV journalist Ben Kitili had social media buzzing after jokingly calling out Power star Omari Hardwick, aka Ghost, for holding his wife, Amina Mudes arm. The 50-year-old Hollywood star touched down in Nairobi yesterday ahead of the grand opening of a high end clubhouse at Tatu City. Among those welcoming him at JKIA was none other than Kitilis wife, Amina, who was part of the PR team coordinating his visit. Amina shared a clip of their interaction, captioning it, Just a PR girly at work making things happen! In the video, Hardwick was spotted holding her arm, seemingly trying to get her attention. But while she was all business, Kitili, humorously marked his territory, commenting, "Yoh Ghost, tuheshimiane bro. Analeta mchezo." His cheeky remark sent netizens into fits of laughter, with many chiming in on the lighthearted exchange. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, March 16, 2025- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas Head of Security, Paul Kinyanjui Njenga alias Chechnya, has been accused of preying on his fellow men. According to a victim, who was once part of Gachaguas security team, the elite police officer took advantage of him at a house along Kiambu Road. The victim claims that he has medical records to prove that Paul took advantage of him. I will expose you and you will trend. I have all the medical records, the victim said in a video, adding that he has text messages of Paul hitting on him. Paul allegedly co-habits with his gay partner in a house behind Kiambu Mall and is fond of preying on young men while promising them jobs. Listen to the confessions from one of the victims. 1/3 . Head of security for Rigathi Gachagua, one Paul Kinyanjui Njenga aka Cheranganyi or Chechnya is also abusing young boys recruited to guard Gachagua. He is allegedly sodomising them. Currently he is even living with one in a house behind Kiambu Mall. pic.twitter.com/AO9G87aygh Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) March 16, 2025 2/3 . The confession of this young man should not be taken for granted. After being abused, he was thrown away like trash. Now he is constantly being threatened. pic.twitter.com/Bxhrurl8mm Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) March 16, 2025 3/3 . Mr Chechnya, stop threatening this young man. @rigathi your head of security MUST GO to JAIL. pic.twitter.com/aIxljUBMrK Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) March 16, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, March 16, 2025 - Police in Nakuru have arrested a preacher who had been on the run after being accused of preying on his fellow men, a matter that had sparked public outrage and led to a violent raid on his church earlier this month. Prophet Peter K of Christ Impact Church was tracked down in Nairobi alongside an associate, James Kangethe, before being transferred to Nakuru Police Station for processing. Nakuru East Deputy Sub-County Commander, Sheila Kegode, confirmed that the arrest followed a warrant issued on March 3rd, 2025, after investigators reviewed the evidence linked to the allegations that first surfaced in 2022. According to police reports, the preacher had been accused of taking advantage of a TukTuk driver in Nakuru in an incident that was reported at the Central Police Station in May 2022. The complainant told police that Peter K had approached him under the guise of hiring his transport services before persuading him to accompany him for drinks. The victim recalled that after consuming alcohol, the preacher convinced him to get into his vehicle, which had no back seats. He alleged that he later woke up to sharp pain and realised that the prophet had done the unthinkable to him. A subsequent medical examination report indicated that the victim had suffered injuries after the rogue prophet drugged him and took advantage of him. Despite the complaint being filed, law enforcement officers failed to apprehend the preacher, leading to frustration of the victim and his family. The case remained dormant for months, with the suspect continuing to operate his church in Ruiru. Public anger over the allegations intensified on March 2nd, when hundreds of youth and residents stormed Christ Impact Church, demanding that the preacher be held accountable. The enraged crowd accused him of preying on young boys and threatened to destroy the church building if he did not appear. With his arrest now confirmed, the preacher is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday. Police say investigations are ongoing, and additional charges may be brought against him. Watch video his dramatic arrest. BREAKING NEWS || PASTOR MLA MAVI PASTOR K ARRESTED IN NAKURU KWA KULAWITI WANAUME!He was Exposed on Tiktok and his Church in Ruiru was Closed by Tiktokers! pic.twitter.com/53yTYysBrz Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) March 16, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, March 16, 2025 - The Vietnamese Government has issued a firm response to Kenyas request for clemency in the case of Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan national facing execution after being convicted of drug smuggling. Nduta, a native of Muranga County, was sentenced after being found guilty of trafficking two kilograms of illegal drugs into Vietnam, a country known for its strict enforcement of drug laws. In a statement shared by Gatundu North MP, Elijah Njoroge Kururia, Vietnamese authorities reiterated their tough stance on drug-related offenses, asserting that their laws apply equally to all offenders, regardless of nationality. The response comes just hours after MP Kururia claimed that President William Ruto had personally reached out to Vietnam and was awaiting their feedback. The statement from Vietnam emphasized that their leader does not interfere in judicial matters, even when Vietnamese citizens face the same fate. This is not about citizenship; it is about protecting our children from killer substances, the statement read, further questioning Kenyas record on similar cases. How many Vietnamese citizens arrested in Kenya have been pardoned? Ndutas fate remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue. BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- "It started out as an 'economic hunt' ... I have no doubt that in the end (U.S. President Donald) Trump wants to control Ukraine economically, and seize its mineral resources," said a New York Times best-selling author. Speaking of the potential U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal, John Perkins, an author and former U.S. "economic hitman," revealed tactics employed by the United States to "economically hunt" emerging market nations. In an interview with Xinhua, Perkins said he was recruited by U.S. intelligence to become an "economic hitman" in the 1960s-1970s. For over a decade, under the guise of chief economist at Charles T. Main Inc., he traveled to numerous emerging markets and developing countries, planning, participating in and witnessing major historical events. In 2004, Perkins published his semi-autobiographical book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man and lifted the veil on America's "economic hitmen." In his view, these hitmen often disguise themselves as economists, bankers, international financial advisors and executives of multinational corporations and investment funds. He said they have for years used such tactics as falsifying financial reports, rigging elections, bribery, extortion and even assassination to co-opt, corrupt and control the political and economic elites of emerging market countries. The mineral agreement the United States pushed Ukraine to sign is the latest example of its "economic hunt" targeting other nations, Perkins said. Speaking of the clash between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. leaders during Zelensky's late February visit to the White House, Perkins described the incident as a "power play" by Washington. The clash showed Trump wants to demonstrate to the world that "he can push around countries and their leaders who are not as powerful as the United States," he said. To this day, Perkins said, U.S. "economic hitmen" remain a covert force operating across the globe. He explained that their primary mission is to target emerging nations, pushing them to take unmanageable loans from groups like the World Bank and the U.S. Agency for International Development, and steering contracts to U.S. firms and selected interest groups. These countries are then forced to divert funds from social services like healthcare and education to pay off loan interest, trapping them in a cycle of debt, Perkins said. When they're too deep in crisis to recover, the "economic hitmen" step in with unreasonable demands like hosting U.S. military bases, aligning with the United States in UN votes, or selling precious resources at rock-bottom prices, he further explained. "One of the ways in modern history that empires have been expanded is through putting countries deep into debt," he said. "In the past, empires primarily expanded through military forces or the threat of military intervention. But in more recent years, there's been a lot more emphasis on doing it through economics. And debt plays a big role in that," Perkins noted. He told Xinhua that when leaders of emerging markets and developing countries refuse to bow to U.S. interests or reject American-proposed deals, the "economic hitmen" resort to their second tactic -- unleashing "jackals." These operatives, he added, force compliance through brutal means like orchestrating coups, assassinations or even waging wars. When an emerging market country defaults on its debt and plunges into economic chaos, U.S. "vulture funds" will swoop in to exploit the crisis, Perkins said, noting that this is yet another tactic in America's playbook to economically target emerging markets. "Vulture funds" are investment funds that buy up defaulted bonds at low prices and pursue high profits through aggressive litigation. They are named for their appetite for distressed debt, much like vultures feeding on carrion. "Unfortunately, there are still a lot of vulture funds, and they cause a lot of damage around the world," Perkins said. "They are very, very predatory." Sitting alone in our cars, our cubicles and in front of our screens, its almost impossible for us in the modern world to imagine how communal and intimate virtually all human life used to be until historically yesterday. For 20 years I talked to elderly people in rural Ireland who often grew up in intense poverty, without electricity or cars and over and over they described how everyone looked out for each other. What they describe is simply how most humans lived in tribes, villages and neighbourhoods for thousands of generations until historically yesterday. While the social network dissolved earlier in my USA than in Ireland, even here older people can remember a time when it was utterly normal to know all the neighbours and borrow a cup of sugar as the phrase goes. Theres a world of meaning in such old phrases; it implied that people could walk around neighbourhoods unafraid, knew their neighbours well enough to walk in and ask for something, and could expect to be told yes. It also meant that most people cooked their own meals, rather than buying them pre-cooked and frozen from the store, so that people could plausibly need a cup of sugar for something. In his excellent book Bowling Alone, sociologist Robert Putnam used dozens of polls, surveys, diaries and other statistics to back up their depiction of what American life used to be, a culture rich with neighbourhood gatherings, card games, fraternal lodges, dinner parties, bowling leagues, PTA meetings, political caucuses, town bands, scouts and many other groups for both genders and all races. He also shows how all these things in fact, all forms of human interaction have plummeted in recent decades, as screens and politics have conspired to divide us against each other. One surprisingly useful resource to see this transformation in the USA, at least is through the newspaper funny pages, comic strips like Blondie or Family Circus. Many of them have been running for more than a century and have changed little and so provide a valuable time capsule of the habits and values of Americans three or four generations ago. For example, in Family Circus, a running gag shows the mother sending a child out to the neighbours to borrow a cup of sugar and telling him to come right home. The rest of the comic is a map of their town, showing the child winding through the woods, the creek, the playground, his friends houses and finally home to an exasperated mother. When the strip was created in 1960, this immediately earned a chuckle, as adults saw children do this every day, and remembered being that child. Today, the scene looks too incomprehensible to be funny; not only would few people in a village even know their neighbours, much less borrow from them, but few parents would allow their child to wander the neighbourhood unsupervised, or play in the woods, or wander in and out of other houses. Blondie also has once-common scenes, like the husband sitting at a bench at his favourite diner and chatting to the cook as a neighbour normal when the strip appeared a century ago, but try doing it in the local kebab shop or fast-food joint. Another common joke is that he is always late for his carpool in the morning; he and all his neighbours carpool to work, an act that was taken for granted several decades ago but is rare today. Also in Blondie, many of the jokes centre around the husband and wife chatting amiably with local children who just wander up to them and talk, or Dennis the Menace no relation to the UK comic of the same name pestering his adult neighbours. Today, if a local man were to spend a lot of time with a child, parents would be likely to call the police. Of course, comic strips were works of fiction that exaggerate reality for broad comedy, yet the comedy only worked because everyone who read the strips recognised the situations from real life. Today, they are read mostly by an increasingly elderly audience who remember the lost civilisation they depict; for the rest of us, society has changed so much that they are merely bizarre. Their humour now consists of what we might as well call banana-peel jokes, something we register as a standard joke material even though no one can remember the reason it was once supposed to be funny. The 'Waterboys' starring Jim Rohan and Gary Comerford was broadcast in living rooms across Co Kilkenny and beyond last Autumn on RTE2. If you missed it, the shortscreen which documents the lives of the two inspirational GAA men is available to watch by clicking here! Jim and Gary, two well-known and much-loved Kilkenny characters made their on-stage debut in 2019, performing in the same show at the Watergate Theatre to widespread acclaim. Away from the stage, the two men are hurling fanatics and are Carrickshock's most loyal supporters. A support acknowledged by the South Kilkenny club last December when the newly opened community walking track in the area was named 'The Waterboys Mile'. The pair have a double life. They are actors by day but by night they are The Water Boys for Carrickshock hurling team. As kids they dreamed of raising an All-Ireland hurling trophy in Croke Park. Their bodies may have prevented them from playing for their club, but nothing will stop these striped crusaders from being part of their team. The Waterboys is an extraordinary, real-life story about learning to walk, learning to fall and learning to follow your dreams. ADEN, YEMEN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. forces launched a large-scale air and sea operation against Houthi forces in Yemen on Saturday night and Sunday morning, targeting radar systems, air defenses and missile installations. The operation, causing at least 31 fatalities, was described by U.S. media as the most significant military action since U.S. President Donald Trump's second term began. Trump later vowed on social media to deploy "overwhelming lethal force" against the Iran-aligned group, blaming it for repeated attacks on U.S. and allied assets in the Red Sea. WHY DID THE U.S. ATTACK? The United States said its operation aims to secure vital Red Sea shipping lanes, which have faced persistent threats from Houthi attacks over the past year. A lull in Houthi assaults followed a January ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, as negotiations for a second-phase Gaza ceasefire stalled and humanitarian aid remained blocked, the Houthis announced on Tuesday they would resume attacks on "Israel-linked" ships across the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the renewed offensive was intended to support Palestinians and pressure Israel to reopen border crossings for aid. Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi had earlier given Israel a four-day ultimatum to allow humanitarian access, warning of renewed naval attacks if demands were not met. On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed military deterrence operations against the Houthis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. "Continued Houthi attacks on U.S. military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated," Rubio said. Lavrov called for "an immediate cessation of the use of force" and stressed the importance of political dialogue to prevent further bloodshed, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. After the recent attacks against Yemen, the Houthis accused the United States and Britain of aggression targeting residential areas in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. The BBC, citing British sources, reported that Britain did not take part in Saturday's U.S. strikes on Houthi targets but provided routine refueling support. The U.S. move is also seen as part of broader efforts to counter Iranian influence, marking a sharp escalation from the previously limited airstrikes under President Joe Biden's administration. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the strike an aggression against the United Nations (UN) Charter. He called for the UN Security Council to react to the developments and for collective action by the international community, as well as Islamic countries, to deal with the "ongoing genocide" in the region. WILL WASHINGTON ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES? Military experts note that despite U.S. air superiority, the Houthis have honed asymmetric tactics, using low-cost drones and missiles while drawing on strong local tribal support. Since November 2023, the group has targeted dozens of merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with missiles, drones and small boat attacks, sinking two vessels, seizing a third and killing four crew members. Previous U.S. attacks, launched by the Biden administration, have not stopped the Houthi offensives. Abdul-Ghani Al-Zubaidi, a Yemeni political and military observer, said that without a clear political strategy, the campaign could drag Washington into a prolonged, uncertain conflict. Since seizing Sanaa in 2014, the Houthi movement has consolidated control over roughly one-third of the country's territory -- including the strategic port of Hodeidah -- and a majority of its population. The group's forces, estimated to have more than 350,000 fighters, are equipped with tanks, artillery, fighter jets and advanced drones. After the recent attacks, Houthi leaders condemned the strikes as "war crimes" and vowed retaliation. Senior Houthi official Nasruddin Amer pledged continued support for Gaza and defiance against U.S. pressure. Observers warn that prolonged U.S. military involvement could escalate regional tensions, risking the involvement of Iran or other actors in a wider conflict. HALO Arctic research flight at an altitude of 13 kilometers over Svalbard on March 4, 2025 (photo: Thomas Gulde, KIT) The Arctic is one of the regions most strongly affected by climate change. In recent decades, the temperature there has risen four times as fast as the global average. The ASCCI measurement campaign coordinated by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Goethe University Frankfurt is investigating why the Arctic is warming so much faster than the rest of Earths surface and what effects that will have. With measurement flights taking place in the region through early April, the researchers are working to gain a better understanding of the causes and effects of Arctic climate change. The main focus of the ASCCI (Arctic Springtime Chemistry-Climate Investigations) measurement campaign is on how ozone and water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, i.e. at altitudes between approximately 5 and 15 kilometers, affect (or are affected by) Arctic climate change. In particular, the campaign is investigating the processes that take place in the spring, including the depletion of stratospheric ozone. Processes similar to those of the Antarctic ozone hole take place in the Arctic, especially in years when the stratosphere is cold, and can lead to the destruction of a significant portion of the Arctic ozone layer. The stratosphere has warmer and colder winters. Thats completely normal year-to-year variability. But were also observing that the increasing amount of greenhouse gases is causing the stratosphere to get colder and colder while temperatures on the ground and in the troposphere keep going up, said Professor Bjorn-Martin Sinnhuber from KITs Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, who is coordinating the campaign with Professor Andreas Engel from Goethe University Frankfurt. The temperatures measured in the Arctic stratosphere this winter were colder than ever. And even though chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting substances havent been produced for decades, it will still be decades before they disappear from the atmosphere completely. At temperatures below minus 78 degrees Celsius, chlorine compounds undergo chemical changes that make them able to damage and partly destroy the ozone layer. The measurements we conduct at Goethe University quantify how much ozone-depleting chlorine and bromine is present in the stratosphere. There is still enough to trigger chemical processes in these cold conditions that can lead to human-induced ozone depletion, Engel said. At the same time, because of the Hunga Tonga underwater volcanic eruption three years ago, there is still much more water than normal in the stratosphere. During the ASCCI campaign, the scientists also want to investigate how this affects the ozone layer. HALO research aircraft arriving in Kiruna, Sweden. On the underside of the fuselage is the GLORIA instrument developed and operated by KIT and Forschungszentrum Julich (photo: Marina Schimpf, DLR). Better Understanding of Arctic Air Pollutants and Their Effects In addition, air pollutants are mainly transported into the Arctic in the spring, where they can act as short-lived greenhouse gases. Another objective of the campaign is to gain a better understanding of these processes with targeted measurements. The measurement flights are conducted with the research aircraft HALO, operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), which is based in the northern Swedish city of Kiruna until April. A key instrument for measurements on board the aircraft is the GLORIA infrared spectrometer jointly developed by researchers from KIT and Forschungszentrum Julich. GLORIA is one of the few instruments worldwide that can make high-resolution measurements of the vertical distribution of numerous trace substances at high altitudes. In addition to the campaigns scientific objectives, the measurements also support preparations for the CAIRT satellite mission intended to determine how Earths atmosphere is reacting to climate change. The mission, for which KIT is coordinating the planning, has been selected by the ESA as one of the two remaining candidates for an Earth observation mission called Earth Explorer 11. The final decision will be made in the second half of 2025. Along with KIT and Goethe University Frankfurt, Forschungszentrum Julich, the DLR, Heidelberg University, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and the University of Wuppertal are also involved in the ASCCI campaign. About HALO HALO (High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft) is a joint initiative of German environmental and climate research institutions. HALO receives funding from Germanys Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the German Research Foundation, the Helmholtz Association, the Max Planck Society, the Leibniz Association, the Free State of Bavaria, KIT, Forschungszentrum Julich, and the DLR. DLR (German Aerospace Center) owns and operates the aircraft. More about ASCCI More about HALO More about CAIRT More about the KIT Climate and Environment Center Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Showers and thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High around 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. KHARTOUM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 civilians were killed following attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages around El Fasher in western Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced on Sunday. "The RSF launched aggressive and indiscriminate attacks on 37 villages around El Fasher on Friday and Saturday, leading to the deaths of 16 civilians and injuries to others," the SAF's 6th Infantry Division said in a statement. "These attacks, aimed at plundering citizens' property, led to the burning of homes, looting of agricultural crops, livestock, and others, and forced the remaining citizens to flee," it said, adding that damage assessment is still ongoing. The statement added that the RSF also launched heavy artillery shelling on the Abu Shouk displacement camp in El Fasher, causing limited material damage but no reported casualties. There was no immediate comment from the RSF regarding the attack in El Fasher. El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, has been the site of fierce clashes between the SAF and the RSF since May 10 last year. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed at least 29,683 lives by the end of November 2024, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a crisis monitoring group cited by the United Nations. The conflict has also displaced over 15 million people, both inside and outside Sudan, according to estimates by the International Organization for Migration. 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. BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A public prosecution has been initiated against Xu Ying, former deputy director of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, on charges of bribery. Following the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP)'s designation, the Anyang Municipal People's Procuratorate in central China's Henan Province recently filed a lawsuit against him with the Intermediate People's Court of Anyang, according to an SPP statement released Sunday. The lawsuit follows the conclusion of an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision into Xu's case. According to prosecutors, Xu had exploited his positions in the Beijing tobacco monopoly bureau and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration to secure benefits for others and accept an extremely large amount of bribes. KAMPONG SPEU, Cambodia, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway has significantly changed the livelihoods of villagers along the route here in Voa Sar village in Samraong Tong district of southwest Cambodia. Chhay Kimsan, 69-year-old village chief, said the village has a total population of 1,128 villagers, and they earn their livings by working in various sectors, as some also work for the Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd., which is the operator of the 187-km Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. He said the expressway, which was opened to traffic in November 2022, has helped turn his once poor and tranquil village into a thriving village, where wooden houses with iron-zinc roofs were being replaced by concrete houses or mini villas, and gravel roads were being replaced by concrete roads. "In the past, their lives were not as good as they are today. They faced many difficulties," he told Xinhua. He said the expressway has provided a lot of benefits to the villagers, as it is convenient, safe, time-saving, and economical for them to travel. "Since there is this expressway, they like traveling on it, going to Sihanoukville for leisure purposes," Kimsan said. Kimsan said the expressway has also spurred a significant rise in land prices along the thoroughfare. "Now, there are significant changes in their livelihoods because land prices in this area have doubled, so they make a lot of money from selling their land adjacent to the expressway," he said. The village chief said that in general, the villagers are happy with the expressway because it has also reflected the country's rapid development. "I suggest that the company help create more job opportunities, so my villagers will be able to earn more money and their livelihoods will be better," Kimsan said. Mann Piseth, 40-year-old villager, agreed that the freeway has helped improve the livelihoods of local residents along the route. "I'm very pleased that the expressway had run through our village," he told Xinhua. "It has made the village more beautiful and improved the villagers' livelihoods." Piseth, who has been offered a job by the expressway operator, said the motorway has provided a lot of jobs for the Cambodian people. "Through this expressway, Cambodia and China have enjoyed an even better relationship," the father of four children said. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in the amount of 2 billion U.S. dollars, the expressway was the first of its kind in Cambodia and was the largest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation between Cambodia and China. The expressway passes through Kandal, Kampong Speu and Koh Kong provinces. With two lanes for traffic in each direction plus an emergency lane on each side, vehicles will be able to reach their destinations within two hours through the expressway instead of five hours on National Road 4. Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the expressway has played a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of travels and logistic system. "It is a key strategic route for the Southeast Asian country to boost trade exchanges with the rest of the world and also a major road to attract tourists to the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk," he told Xinhua. "Traveling on the expressway has saved both fuel and time and is quite safer than traveling on ordinary roads," he said. BEIRUT, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed, and another injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes targeting two vehicles in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities and media. Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Public Health stated in a report that an Israeli airstrike targeted a vehicle in the village of Yater, resulting in one death and the injury of another. Also on Sunday, the state-run National News Agency reported another Israeli airstrike on a vehicle in the village of Mays al Jabal that killed one person. The Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X that the Israel Defense Forces "targeted and eliminated two Hezbollah terrorists who were engaged in reconnaissance and planning terrorist operations in the areas of Yater and Mays El Jabal in southern Lebanon." He added that the activities of these two "terrorists constitute a violation of the understanding between Israel and Lebanon." Since Nov. 27, 2024, a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been in effect, bringing an end to prolonged clashes between Hezbollah and Israel triggered by the Gaza war. Despite the agreement, the Israeli military occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target "threats" posed by Hezbollah. Israeli forces also remain in several strategic locations in Lebanon despite the Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline outlined in the agreement. Yes, by at least $1 Yes, by $2 or more No Vote View Results 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. This photo taken on March 16, 2025 shows the site of a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua) SKOPJE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed that 18 of the injured are in critical condition. Among those hospitalized is Vladimir Blazevski, a member of the performing hip-hop group DNK, who sustained burns but remains in stable condition. Police have detained one suspect and issued arrest warrants for four others, including the club's owner. Investigators are focusing on possible safety violations and negligence. The North Macedonian government has pledged a thorough investigation to prevent similar disasters in the future. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski canceled his planned trip to Montenegro and traveled to Kocani to oversee emergency efforts. Justice Minister Igor Filkov has called for accountability, stressing that such a tragedy must never happen again. European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos also extended her condolences to the victims and their families. Policemen are seen near the site of a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, March 16, 2025. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua) People are seen near the site of a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, March 16, 2025. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua) Police stand guard near the site of a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, March 16, 2025. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua) People gather at a hospital after a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, March 16, 2025. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua) People gather at a hospital after a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, March 16, 2025. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua) Military ambulances drive towards a hospital after a fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, March 16, 2025. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyrotechnic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua) By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Detectives are appealing for information after a man was knocked unconscious when he was set upon by two masked assailants in Belfast. The man turned up at the hospital on Saturday with serious wounds. A PSNI spokesperson said: The man, aged in his 30s, reported that he was walking on North Queen Street at around 8pm when he was set upon by two men in balaclavas. He believed that one of the men was armed with a machete and reported that there was a struggle during which he was knocked unconscious. He suffered deep lacerations to his leg and face in addition to the head injury. Its shocking that an attack of this seriousness could take place in a busy area, and we know that someone must have seen the assault take place or suspicious behaviour around that time. We would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1603 of 15/03/25. A SCHOOL principal who briefly fell asleep while driving and crashed into a parked van on the hard shoulder of the M9 has been fined 400 at Carlow District Court. Simon Thompson, 20 Grosvenor Terrace, Johns Hill, Waterford pleaded guilty to careless driving contrary to section 52(1) of the Road Traffic Acts. The court heard that on 8 July 2024, Garda Ryan was called to a road traffic accident involving two vehicles on the M9 at Tinryland. Mr Thompson (59), who was travelling southbound, had collided with a stationary van that was broken down on the hard shoulder. Garda Ryan told the court that the vans occupant, who was resting in the passenger seat at the time of the collision, was taken to St Lukes Hospital but suffered no serious injuries. Mr Thompson also escaped without serious injury. They were very lucky that it was only soft-tissue damage to both parties, said Garda Ryan. Defence solicitor John OSullivan said his client had been bringing his son to Dublin Airport and had planned to rest, but nodded off for a second. The court was told that Mr Thompson is fully insured and that he and his wife had paid 2,230 for the emergency services that were called to the scene, which Mr OSullivan described as to his great credit. The solicitor explained that the defendant, who works as a school principal, was moving house and then bringing his son to the airport all on the same day and got exhausted. Mr OSullivan asked for the benefit of the Probation Act for his client, noting that, given the nature of his work in education, he is subject to garda vetting and a conviction could cause certain problems. Judge John OLeary declined to disqualify the defendant from driving, but described the incident as reckless, careless driving. He knew he was tired and ought to have acted sooner, said the judge, adding that it was a pretty egregious manner to drive and there but for the grace of God The court heard that Mr Thompson had no previous convictions. Judge OLeary imposed a fine of 400, giving the defendant four months to pay. ADEN, Yemen, March 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. warplanes launched extensive airstrikes across northern Yemen on Saturday night, targeting multiple Houthi-controlled locations in a large-scale operation. According to Houthi estimates on Sunday, the bombardment resulted in at least 31 deaths and 101 injuries. WIDESPREAD MILITARY CAMPAIGN American fighter jets carried out approximately 40 airstrikes targeting multiple locations across six Houthi-controlled governorates in northern Yemen. The coordinated assault struck sites in the capital Sanaa as well as Dhamar, Al-Bayda, Marib, Hajjah, and Saada provinces, according to the Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV. In Sanaa, the strikes focused on strategic military installations including the Jabal Attan area housing missile brigade headquarters, the Jarban area in Sanhan district east of the capital, and Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in the north, which reportedly contains significant Houthi political offices. The bombing campaign extended to critical civil infrastructure in Saada province, the Houthi main stronghold in Yemen's far north, where the U.S. warplanes targeted a key power plant in Dahyan area. Additional targets included sites in Marib's oil-rich Majzar district, areas in central Al-Bayda province, positions in the outskirts of Dhamar province and military sites in Hajjah province. The U.S. Central Command publicly announced the large-scale operation against "Iranian-backed Houthi targets" via social media, stating the mission aims to "defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation." This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January and redesignated the group as a "foreign terrorist organization." Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the "terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom." He also warned the Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks "starting today ... hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before." CIVILIAN IMPACT & CASUALTIES The strikes on residential areas, particularly in Sanaa's Al-Jarraf neighborhood, caused widespread panic among civilians. One resident, speaking under the pseudonym Ahmed Hayani, described the terrifying experience to Xinhua: "I was at home with my children when suddenly we heard a huge explosion and the glass of the house's windows fell on us, as if an earthquake had struck." He recounted four massive explosions that followed within minutes as missiles struck a building in the neighborhood. Security forces quickly cordoned off streets leading to the targeted structure while ambulances rushed to retrieve victims. The resident noted significant damage to nearby homes and the traumatic night experienced by all neighborhood inhabitants. Following Saturday's night bombardment, witnesses reported that huge explosions continued on early Sunday in Faj Attan, generating powerful shockwaves that affected scores of businesses in neighboring areas and shattering storefront windows. Ambulances were seen rushing to the targeted neighborhoods following the attacks. The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health in Sanaa reported this morning that most casualties were women and children, describing the attacks as "a full-fledged war crime." HOUTHI RESPONSE & REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS In response to the U.S. strikes, the Houthi Supreme Political Council -- the group's highest governing authority -- vowed a "painful" retaliation, framing the American attacks as support for Israel and warning they would "drag the situation to a more severe and painful level." In a statement, the council said "the aggressors against Yemen will be punished in a professional and painful manner," while calling on the international community to address what it termed "U.S.-Israeli recklessness." The Houthi leadership also confirmed that its naval operations would continue until the blockade on Gaza is lifted, and humanitarian aid is permitted entry. Fatima Asrar, research director at the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies, told Xinhua that the Houthis are unlikely to be deterred by these strikes. "The Houthis have a known pattern of escalation, and they will not yield to deterrence," she explained, predicting the group may target Israel directly "to justify their position of weakness and frame it as support for the Palestinians so that they can garner sympathy." The renewed conflict comes after Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, coinciding with the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the crossings of Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in. From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The attacks later expanded to include U.S. and British ships after the U.S.-British navy coalition started to intervene, launching air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. The Houthi group has maintained control of Sanaa and most of northern Yemen for more than a decade with strong ties to Iran. AS I WRITE this article, taoiseach Micheal Martin is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House as part of the traditional St Patricks Day celebrations. This meeting continues a long-standing tradition where the Irish taoisigh visits the president to mark the deep cultural and economic ties between Ireland and the United States. Key topics anticipated for discussion include US tariffs, which Martin plans to address by highlighting their potential damage to Irelands small, open economy, as well as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The taoiseach has emphasised a respectful approach, intending to present Irelands perspective while acknowledging Trumps views, particularly on achieving peace in Ukraine and consolidating a ceasefire in Gaza. He has also indicated he would "absolutely" invite Trump to visit Ireland, a customary gesture extended to US presidents. This meeting occurs against a backdrop of global tensions, including Trumps threats of 25% tariffs on EU goods and his recent suspension of military aid to Ukraine, posing diplomatic challenges for Martin. The taoiseach has stressed the importance of protecting Irish economic interests and maintaining the strong, two-way relationship with the US, especially given Irelands significant trade ties and investments there. I pray that this important diplomatic mission goes well for Ireland. St Patrick's feast day is now a global event. The Irish diaspora have contributed significantly to the four corners of the world. In this regard, civic buildings and national monuments around the globe will go green to celebrate our national holiday. On St Patricks Day we celebrate our Irishness and our faith. For so long in our history they have been intertwined, perhaps at times identified. As a result, we may have been tempted to take our faith for granted. Admittedly, we did not have to fight or die for it as our ancestors did. They were challenged by their faith and responded generously to that challenge. Today, Irish people all over the world and we at home rejoice in the new opportunities which are available in our country for education, employment and a good quality of life. Indeed, many of our exiles will say that they regret the fact that these opportunities were not available to them before they emigrated. However, the high numbers of well-educated young people emigrating because of the lack of affordable housing is a cause of deep concern. In the past, the challenge to our faith came from outside of ourselves from Penal Laws and from oppressive regimes. Today, the challenge comes from within ourselves. Faith is not something that has myths of compartmentalisation; rather, it impinges on all areas of human living. Today, there is probably no area of life in which faith is not being challenged and in which it does not have a significant contribution to make. At times we misinterpret and misunderstand the nature of faith. Great faith is not a faith that walks in the light and knows no darkness. Real faith perseveres in spite of Gods seeming silence. When one considers the obstacles with which Patrick contended taken captive from his own people and his home, slavery on Slieve Mish, eventual escape and yet prepared to return as a missionary and preach Christs Gospel to those who had held him captive. The wholeheartedness and singlemindedness of Patrick are clear pointers to his faith. Faith must have been a struggle for him, as it is for you and me. Yet he recognised his real helplessness and turned to God as a helper and a true friend. Almost unnoticed, God can be excluded and pushed out to the margins of life in a busy, competitive world. With so many voices clambering for our attention, we have to make an effort to keep the lines of communication open with God in prayer and in our participation at Mass and the sacraments. In a confused and complex culture, we need a compass to provide us with a sense of direction. Enabling us to cope with and respond to the various challenges which meet us every day. I am convinced that faith, properly understood and genuinely lived, can provide us with such a compass. Faith can enable us to see beneath and beyond the situations in which we find ourselves. Just as in Patricks life, faith made it possible for God to enter, so in our lives faith makes it possible for God to become involved in our busy world and our hectic activity. With St Patricks Day over for another year, I pray that the faith he brought to our shores will sustain all of us in these challenging times. Story by Sarah Anne Hughes of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG Top Republican lawmakers who can make or break a budget deal appear skeptical about sending roughly half a million dollars to some Pennsylvania school districts this year as part of an effort to close the adequacy gap. In his latest budget proposal, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed sending an additional $494 million to schools deemed chronically underfunded and another $32 million to districts with high property tax burdens. Those numbers match what the Democratic-controlled state House and GOP-controlled Senate appropriated for those purposes as part of last years budget. Despite that previous agreement, state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) recently questioned the fairness of giving additional funding to 348 of Pennsylvanias 500 districts. Fairness is in the eye of the beholder, Pittman said during a February budget hearing with the state Department of Education. And frankly, I think the more we review this adequacy funding formula and the way it treats all the school districts, that there is inherent unfairness within this formula. In 2023, Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvanias spending on public education was inequitable so much so that it violated the state constitution. Specifically, the judge found that schools in poorer districts, which dont have the resources to raise as much money through property taxes, werent serving students well enough. That suit was brought against the state by a group of parents, administrators, and advocacy groups. For much of 2023 and 2024, lawmakers held hearings and negotiated on how exactly to quantify the funding shortfall. A commission convened to study the issue eventually came up with the concept of an adequacy target the bar at which a district can serve students at an acceptable level. This measure sets a baseline of per-student spending, then adds in additional spending based on a districts student body and factors like poverty and level of English proficiency. If a district spends less than the resulting number, it is missing its adequacy target and has an adequacy gap, the report said. Republicans did not vote in favor of the report that created the adequacy target, Pittman noted during the budget hearing last month. He added that the Commonwealth Court ruling didnt direct the governor and legislature to set aside an amount of money or prescribe a specific remedy. Were not talking about outcomes, Pittman said. Were putting more dollars into an educational system thats educating fewer students. Carrie Rowe, acting secretary of education, emphasized at the hearing that the adequacy formula was determined by the legislature and is doing exactly what it was designed to do. I think that to drive money to schools that need it the most, based on the adequacy funding formula, does not mean that schools that arent receiving it dont need funding and wouldnt benefit from increased funding, Rowe said. It simply means that those that are receiving the adequacy supplement are doing so because they are deemed to have been underfunded for a long period of time. Rowe said recipients of adequacy funding have used it to provide full-day kindergarten, add security features, improve curriculums, and hire counselors. She also noted that 115 of the states 168 rural districts have received some of this money. Public education advocates viewed last years investment of nearly $500 million as a down payment on closing a $4.5 billion gap. But even annual investment at that level will address the disparity too slowly, they say, and those involved in the funding lawsuit have warned that additional legal action is possible. Shapiro and the legislature must agree to a budget deal before the June 30 deadline. For schools statewide, Shapiros budget pitches an additional $75 million for basic education and another $40 million for special education much smaller increases than seen in recent years. State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D., Allegheny) said during the hearing she is concerned many of her districts will get very little additional money despite rising costs. The same report that proposed adequacy gap spending also called for at least $200 million in new basic education funding annually. The Shapiro administration endorsed that report, she noted. If the state doesnt fund adequacy supplements, basic education, special education, and more at a sufficient level, Williams said, we will be back in court but with different school districts. Spotlight PAs Katie Meyer contributed. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. "A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read" premieres on Monday, March 17. Investigation Discovery/YouTube The upcoming Investigation Discovery docuseries A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read will document Karen Reads first trial for the alleged murder of her boyfriend John OKeefe, a Boston police officer. Those who followed the trial closely might be wondering whether the docuseries will provide any new information. Is A Body in the Snow worth watching for those who already know the case inside and out? As is often the case for criminal defendants, Read did not testify at her first trial. In A Body in the Snow, shell be able to tell her side of the story in detail for the first time. Doing this film is my testimony, Read says in the trailer for the docuseries. I want to say what happened exactly as it happened. While Read has given several interviews in the past, including one with Vanity Fair, A Body in the Snow will provide a closer look at her experience during the first trial. At first, I thought, I hope they really mean what theyre saying. You know, can we be in the car? Can we be in the War Room? Can we be in your hotel room? And it turned out that they really did [allow us in]. The access was incredible, Meurer said. Karen liked to talk, and shes been muzzled for two years. Shes done a few interviews here and there. But shes never felt like she could tell her entire story from beginning to end. And thats what she wanted to do [with this docuseries]. READ MORE: When does the Karen Read docuseries premiere? Investigation Discovery President Jason Sarlanis added that Read was very open with the filmmakers. I think Karens struggle through this multiweek process is so daunting, and the level of openness to share that struggle with the world is what makes this project so interesting for potential viewers, Sarlanis said. In addition to Reads commentary, A Body in the Snow viewers will hear from several of OKeefes friends. It was so important in putting this film together to keep John OKeefe, the victim in this case, a presence in the series. Because its about John. Everyone would tell you he is a great guy, a great cop, a great dad to his sisters kids, and hes gotten so lost in this, Meurer told THR. After OKeefes death in January 2022, Read was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene of a deadly crash. She pleaded not guilty. Reads first trial began in April 2024 and ended with a mistrial that July due to a hung jury. The prosecutors claimed that Read hit OKeefe with her car and fled the scene, while the defense alleged that Read was framed for OKeefes murder. Reads attorneys laid out a case claiming that several witnesses used their resources as police officers to taint the investigation and cover up what really happened to OKeefe. Reads second trial is set to begin in April 2025. A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read premieres on Investigation Discovery and MAX on Monday, March 17, at 9 p.m. EST. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. An investigation into the alleged use of a drone over Portlaoise Prison will be complex, a sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told. Desmond Collins (19) of 31 Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick and Michael Shannon (29) of 80 Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick are both accused of having cannabis for sale or supply at Borris Road, Portlaoise on December 17 last. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said we are looking for more time. It is a fairly complex matter. He said a file was being prepared for the DPP. There may or may not be further charges, he told Judge Susan Fay. The allegation is these gents were involved in flying a drone with a package dangling over Portlaoise Prison, said Sgt Kirby. He requested as much time as the judge would allow for the investigation. Sgt Kirby said such a case would require assistance from Forensic Science Ireland, finger print and mobile phone, drone and photography analysis. He said witness statements from prison staff may also be required and then a file would need to go to the DPP. It is a rather complex investigation, he said. Judge Fay noted that the two accused had to travel from Limerick for the court. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said preliminary investigations had resulted in her clients being charged. She was reluctant to consent to a lengthy adjournment. However, Judge Fay agreed to adjourn the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 15 but marked it peremptory against the State. The Government must do more to stimulate the building of apartments on brownfield sites, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin conceded there was currently not enough redevelopment of urban sites that have previously been built on. Mr Martin declined to be drawn on whether the Government would seek to incentivise developers with tax breaks in the autumn budget but he acknowledged there was a need for more private sector investment. He highlighted that the taxpayer was already paying to boost redevelopment of such sites through state subsidisation. The first point I would make is we do need more private sector investment, and I think we need to work on whats the optimum mechanisms and policy instruments we can use to bring more private sector investment into the building of apartments, particularly in brownfield sites, he said. Ive heard a lot about brownfield sites and watched it over the last while, number of years, and essentially whats happening now is the state is intervening in significant subsidisation. He added: Were going to work collectively on it. Were going to work through whats the most effective way to do it. The budget is some way off. In the short term, however, the state will continue to invest significantly in terms of, through the expenditure side, pump prime or enable state money to be a catalyst for private sector building, alongside maybe work that the approved housing bodies are doing and so forth. Asked if he favoured introducing new tax breaks for developers, he replied: Im not going to go into the specifics right now. But Im clear that we need more than existing policies to make sure that we can get real traction on brownfield sites, because its not happening to the degree or at the volumes that we require. We need to be building far more, faster. And its good if you get brownfield sites going because, of course, all the services are there. Its good for the cities be it Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Cork. It makes absolute sense from an environmental and from a climate perspective. The Stationery Store in Naas, county Kildare celebrated its 40th birthday with a week of fantastic giveaways every day last week. Customers were invited to drop into the premises on the Dublin Road where they may be lucky to win a spot prize. A big party was planned on Friday, March 14 where there were some treats and bigger prizes on offer, as well as the K Cruiser broadcasting live! Opened in 1985 Director Edel McGarr has been with The Stationery Store since it opened in 1985 alongside the original owners - Helen Magee and the late Hugh Magee Senior. Long-serving employee Theresa Ronaldson is also a Director. Hugh Senior passed away in December 2023 and is still fondly remembered by staff and customers. Helen and Hugh Seniors son Hugh, has been with the company since 1995 and is now the Managing Director. Hugh specialises in the Office Furniture and Equipment end of the business; this area of the business has grown immensely since back in the early days. Loyalty Edel said: "We have always been blessed with loyal staff, loyal customers and loyal suppliers. Our 40 years in business is a big achievement for us and we want to celebrate that with our Appreciation Week. We're asking people to pop into the store all week and they could be lucky and win a spot prize! Everybody who follows, likes and shares the store on Facebook will also be entered into a draw to win a prize. In a world of electronic communication, The Stationery Store still encourages people to drop into the store for friendly customer service. As well as the retail business, The Stationery Store has over 300 business customers which it supplies products to. With free parking and being in a very close proximity to Dublin it is very beneficial to the business and enables The Stationery Store to give an exceptional service. The Stationery Store will mark another milestone next month when shop manger Johnny Kelly retires after 25 years of service. Congratulations to The Stationery Store and here's to the next 40 years! READ NEXT: Major crackdown as Kildare Gardai seize 35 cars in past week. The road surface will be cleaned, and debris will be removed at the junction of the N4 and the R201 later this year, pending funding approval. During a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Maeve Reynolds urged Leitrim County Council to clear debris and clean the road surface at this location following the recent storm. Cllr Sean McGowan seconded the motion. In response, the Roads department stated that funding is being pursued to carry out the works. The speed of the national road traffic demands that we have a full traffic management plan from specialists before we carry out any works. This is expensive but necessary from a safety point of view, the response concluded. District engineer Darragh OBoyle noted that they are seeking central government funding for the works, as there is no Council budget for clean up operations. He acknowledged the challenge posed by the high speed junction and emphasised the need for thorough preparation. He assured that the works will be completed this year. If central government funding is not available, the Council will seek funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). READ MORE: Leitrim among lowest in Ireland for apartment planning approvals Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeills boycott of Washington DCs St Patricks events was a big mistake, Irelands premier Micheal Martin has said. The Taoiseach said the decision was not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, pointing out that huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein. While Ms ONeill travelled to Carolina last week for a business event, she returned home rather than attend the Washington DC events as part of Sinn Feins protest against US President Donald Trumps threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza. Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP, did travel to Washington and spoke with Mr Trump during a lunch at Capitol Hill. The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House events in protest at actions by the US president. During an interview on the BBCs Sunday Politics programme, Mr Martin was asked if he thought Ms ONeills refusal to go to Washington was a missed opportunity. He said: I do, I think it was a big mistake. I met with the deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill, met with President Trump. I think it was a wrong decision because huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein at the time. A lot of people put a lot of effort into that. He added: I thought it was a bit opportunistic and I think not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or indeed the island of Ireland for Sinn Fein to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year. I think it was the very wrong thing to do and opportunistic and somewhat cynical. A Sinn Fein spokesperson responded: The decision not to travel to the White House was not taken lightly, but taken conscious of the responsibility each of us as individuals have to call out injustice. We are all heartbroken as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent comments of the US president around the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza, something we cannot ignore. The Taoiseach said he did not discuss the appointment of a US envoy to Northern Ireland during his meeting with Mr Trump, but said he wanted to work with the US administration over the potential appointment of an economic envoy. Joe Kennedy previously served as the US economic envoy to Northern Ireland under the Biden administration. Mr Martin said Mr Trump had shown an interest in Northern Ireland. He added: Certainly the envoy has played a very useful role over the years politically in terms of making the peace. Now the political institutions are up and running and there is a case perhaps for an economic envoy because we do have to continue to work to enhance investment into Northern Ireland and enhance the economy there. There are opportunities as well in Northern Ireland for that investment. An economic envoy is certainly something we can work with the US administration on and the UK Government and the Northern Ireland parties. The Taoiseach said the relations between the US and EU are currently difficult on the economic side, but added that he hoped progress in other areas could lead to renewed engagement. He added: I think on Ukraine there are challenges, although I think the work of President Macron and others has been impactful, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. I think there has been a good co-ordinated approach now to trying to get peace in the Ukraine, which is positive. We welcome the momentum behind peace in both Ukraine and in the Middle East because too many people are suffering and too many people are dying. I would hope that could lead to engagement on the trade side because it is not clear yet that there has been substantive engagement in terms of negotiations between the EU Commission and the US administration. I know that the EU wants to engage and understands that there is a two-way process here. Mr Martins visit to Washington DC was overshadowed by the looming threat of an EU-US trade war. There is heightened concern in Ireland that the new US administrations protectionist approach could pose a risk to an Irish economy which is significantly sustained by long-standing investment from US multinationals. Speaking from Philadelphia where he is attending St Patricks Day celebrations, Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris said all efforts would be going into finding an agreement between the EU and US on trade. He said: I am very satisfied that on a European level there is a real effort to intensively engage with the United States. Tariffs are bad. Tariffs are bad for consumers in Ireland, they are bad for consumers in Europe and they are bad for consumers in the United States of America. They will push up the prices of goods for everybody. The European Union and the United States have interdependent economies, of that there is no doubt. President Trump has a view, he is the democratically elected president of the United States. But ultimately we need to find an agreement here which is good for the European Union, good for Ireland and good for the United States. That is where all of our efforts will be. by Burak Akinci NEVSEHIR, Turkiye, March 16 (Xinhua) -- At Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University in Turkiye's famed Cappadocia region, the Chinese Language and Literature Department is preparing to celebrate its first graduating class. Established four years ago, the department has seen a steady increase in student applications. "The Chinese language study has been flourishing in Turkiye," said Fatma Ecem Ceylan, head of the department, adding that 10 of her students who have received scholarships are currently studying in China. With the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, an increasing number of Chinese companies are operating in Turkiye, providing more job opportunities for the locals, Ceylan noted. "The promising job prospects inspire more young people to learn the Chinese culture and language," she said. Cappadocia, known for its unique volcanic terrain and hot air balloon rides, is a popular tourist destination for international travelers, including many Chinese tourists. Given this, the department has introduced specialized Tourism and Business Chinese courses, in addition to the regular curriculum, to better prepare students for careers in tourism and trade between Turkiye and China. According to Ceylan, students are motivated not only by language acquisition but also by a genuine interest in cultural exchange. Emrecan Olmez, a third-year student, shared his passion for Chinese culture. Chinese movies and TV dramas that have gained popularity in Turkiye, along with "the similarities between the two cultures," drew this young man from Istanbul to move to Nevsehir for Chinese language and culture study. "There are shared values in both cultures that emphasize family, friendship, and harmony, and I find that very appealing," Olmez said. Berra Sen, another student, echoed her classmate's feelings, saying that language, which is more than just a tool for communication, helps connect the hearts and minds of people from different nations. "I believe that we, as Turkish students learning Chinese, can serve as a bridge between China and Turkiye," Sen said. AN INTERNATIONAL company with offices in Limerick have promoted a new partner. Xeinadin, one of the leading professional services groups in Ireland and the UK has announced the promotion of Anne Hogan to Partner at the companys Mid-West offices, which includes Limerick, Ennis and Nenagh. Anne has over 25 years of experience working in taxation. She trained with PWC and worked in Limerick City for BDO and Horwath Bastow Charleton before joining McKeogh Gallagher Ryan when it was established in 2012. Sandra Clarke, managing partner of Xeinadin Ireland said: We are delighted to share the promotion of Anne to the market. Anne is a tax specialist and her knowledge of EIIS (Employment Investment Incentive Scheme) has brought huge strength to the Xeinadins offering in the space. She has been instrumental in the growth of our Xeinadin office in Limerick and the wider business, and we look forward to seeing her prosper in her new role. READ ALSO: Limericks Hunt Museum to host contemporary art programme Anne has general expertise across all tax heads as well as technical specialisms in succession planning, mergers and acquisitions and property transactions. Additionally, she is a member of the Irish Tax Review Magazine Committee and is a regular contributor to taxation publications, as well as delivering guest lectures on taxation at the University of Limerick (UL). Alongside Partner promotions, Xeinadin also announced that Aileen ONeill and Brid Darcy have been promoted to Directors at Xeinadins Midwest offices. Derry Crowley, CEO, Xeinadin said: A strong business needs strong leaders to support and drive our teams. As Xeinadin has evolved and grown, so has our wider leadership team and Im extremely proud to see our people take the next step in their careers, providing inspiration and motivation to those in their teams who want to go to the next level. We have big aspirations for Xeinadin in Ireland and our employees are central to achieving those targets. THIS WEEK marks the first anniversary of regular protests in Adare over plans for a wind farm in Coolcappa. The Coolcappa Community Action Group are concerned about the proposals from Ballynisky Wind Energy to construct six turbines with an overall height of 158 metres near the village. Since March 2024, members of the group in the west Limerick village have staged regular demonstrations in Adare village on the main N21 road. Not only is this because the developers offices are in the village, they also want to capture the attention of the thousands of passing motorists each day. READ MORE: Sports and recreation hall planned at former Limerick swimming pool Our biggest concern is our health. This is going to affect everybody. Whether from noise or shadow flicker, the impact will be felt by everyone in the community in some way, said group spokesperson Donal Egan. Shadow flicker takes place when the sun is low enough in the sky - in evenings and mornings - that wind turbines pass across it causing a brief shadow over landscapes and buildings every few seconds. For its part, the developer, Ballynisky Green Energy has said the turbines are designed with technology which prevents shadow flicker. The firm said it remains open to talks with residents, but the Coolcappa Community Action Group says Ballynisky would only attend a public meeting. This is something they feel is unacceptable. Local farmer Mary Barrett, whose family has lived in Coolcappa for generations, said: Weve worked this land for decades and this wind farm would disrupt our way of life. We believe there are more suitable locations for such developments that would minimise disruption to local communities. The Coolcappa Community Action Group has continued to express concern over the fact the HSE was not consulted in previous wind farm applications, with members questioning how a development of this scale can proceed without health assessments. The fact the guidelines around oversight of wind farm applications have not been updated since 2013 is something that was raised in Dail Eireann by Independent Ireland Limerick TD Richard ODonoghue with An Tanaiste Simon Harris. Planners lack the expertise to assess public health risks. What is the States position on wind farms and their health impacts, Mr ODonoghue asked. In response Mr Harris said: This is one of the reasons why we have explicitly stated in the Programme for Government that this has gone on for far too long. He acknowledged the guidelines in relation to wind farm applications need to be updated. THE IRISH Coast Guard helicopter flew over Abbeyfeale in celebration as opposed to its normal duties to mark 20 years of the local search and rescue organisation. Abbeyfeale District Search and Rescue marked the two decades since it started with a special event. It was attended by a huge crowd including Limericks three TDs Patrick ODonovan, Niall Collins, Richard ODonoghue; local councillors Liam Galvin, Francis Foley, John Sheahan and gardai including Chief Superintendent Derek Smart and Inspector Gearoid Thompson. One of the highlights of the day was the flyover by Rescue 115. Christy Kelliher, search co-ordinator and equipment officer, said there was an unbelievable turn-out. It was a far cry from when they started as he said they didnt have the price of a stamp. Abbeyfeale Search and Rescue was founded after a man went missing locally and they helped in the search. A group of men and women got together and put their own money into it to get it off the ground. Christy recalls they did a street collection in Abbeyfeale as traffic headed to the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney and they raised 11,800. Local businesses generously came on board and they got a big break with the lease from the OPW of the former garda station as their base. Weve spent a lot of money on training too. We brought in a man from Canada, Richard Smith who is renowned all over the world for training search and rescue groups. There isn't too much we dont know about search and rescue, the pattern of people going missing and why they've gone missing, said Christy. READ MORE: Funding of 18k for two Limerick agricultural shows The 40-strong volunteers are happy to share their expertise near and far to help return loved ones to families which they have been doing for 20 years. For more pictures, click 'Next' PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has officially sent his best wishes to the Limerick native set to be the grand marshal of New York City's St Patricks Day parade - the largest in the world. Michael Benn, from Clare Street, Limerick city will join a long list of luminaries as grand marshal including Maureen OHara and George Mitchell on Monday. He was unanimously appointed last year for his decades of community service including over 25 years running the Queens County Parade, 20 years as producer/director of An Suil Na Gael TV promoting Irish culture, his service as a sergeant in the US Army, and his many years working to promote unions and the rights of workers. Mr Benns family in America and Limerick are very proud of the honour after the successful businessman was unanimously appointed last year. Mr Benn met and married wife Christina in New York but she was born and raised in Vizes Field in Limerick. They have six children - Michael, Richard, William, Brendan, Patrick and Tara - and 11 grandchildren. President Higgins extended his warmest wishes and St Patrick's Day greetings to the board of directors, friends and volunteers of the New York City St Patrick's Day Parade and the St Patrick's Day Foundation, NYC, on the occasion of the 264th annual parade. It attracts more than two million spectators per year to Fifth Avenue. President Higgins sent his sincere congratulations to all involved, including Sean Lane, chairman of the parade's board of directors, and Hilary Beirne, chairman of the St Patrick's Day Foundation. May I say how delighted I am to learn that a community leader of such influence and dedication as Michael Benn has been chosen to lead the festivities as grand marshal. It is especially heartening that the grand marshal has chosen to honour the Irish language in his work this year. Gabhaim mo bhuiochas leat as ucht do chuid oibre. Mar Uachtaran na hEireann, as President of Ireland, may I thank you, Mr Benn, for your commitment to preserving and growing the Irish language. I know that there are so many across the US who find comfort and inspiration in our beautiful language and that it lives on, in many households, schools and universities across the country, said Mr Higgins. Mr Benn first saw the St Patricks Day Parade in New York as a wide-eyed teenager in the 1960s after his family left Limerick for America. It was the size of it and, my God, the amount of people that march. Nobody knows truly how many that go up there. And the warmer the day, the bigger the crowds are. You can't even walk on the sidewalks, Mr Benn told the Leader last year in his softly-spoken accent which is a mix of Queens with a nod to his Limerick roots. READ MORE: PICTURES: Local village first to hold St Patrick's Day parade His role encompasses a lot more than just one day as there are months of planning and organising involved. It has been a whirlwind few days for Mr Benn (pictured below) with a number of high profile functions to celebrate Irish culture. Irish folk/indie group Seo Linn were just a number of Irish acts to perform. Mr Benn has also had a lot of media duties including a feature on national network NBC. He was instrumental in helping the Queens County St Patrick's Day Parade went on in 2013 just months after Superstorm Sandy devastated the area. "Everybody was down here and they loved it. It brought the spirit, you know, esprit de corps, back into our community," Mr Benn told NBC. People at home in Limerick can watch the New York City St Patricks Day Parade live here THE FACT that suspects in 1,750 crimes in Limerick were on bail at the time is shocking but not surprising said Deputy Maurice Quinlivan. The combined figure for the past three years of suspects implicated in crime in Limerick while on bail amounted to 5,299, he revealed. These are incredible figures, said the Sinn Fein TD, who spoke of local gardai's deep frustration. Mr Quinlivan (pictured below) said the figures released to Sinn Fein Justice spokesperson Matt Carthy show that suspects for 40,348 crimes carried out across the State in 2024 were on bail release. This was an increase of almost 5,000 since 2022. The combined figure for the past three years of suspects implicated in crime while on bail amounted to 114,655. "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, said Mr Quinlivan. READ MORE: Young woman tells trial she was raped by two boys, aged 13 and 15, in Limerick after saying 'no' It is clear there has been a considerable rise in the number of crimes being committed by those on bail, he said. 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. I have spoken to many local gardai who are deeply frustrated that many people in Limerick on bail continue to commit crimes often making a nonsense of their police work. 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. 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. A LIMERICK pensioner who shot and killed a man while protecting his family 25 years ago has pleaded guilty to an assault in a city pub. Christopher McCormack, aged 65, of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick city pleaded guilty to assault causing harm in Gerry Powers pub, William Street on August 25, 2019. In 2000, Mr McCormack shot three men outside his home, killing one of them, while trying to protect his family. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to one of the three who he had shot in the buttocks, a court heard in 2004. The DPP instructed that no charges be brought against Mr McCormack in relation to the shooting of the other two men, one of which was fatal. Mr McCormack told gardai the men came to his house saying his son was "dead" and that they threatened to shoot him, too. I had to protect my family. I did what I had to do," Mr McCormack told gardai at the time. Mr MCormack appeared before Judge Colin Daly in Limerick Criminal Circuit Court last week in relation to the assault in a pub in 2019. Prosecuting barrister John OSullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Aled Harkin. Mr OSullivan said the victim, aged in his 20s, walked out of the pub and on his way gave a friendly salute to Mr McCormack and Paul Mason who were seated together. In 2022, Mr Mason, aged 55, of Maple Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick city received a two year suspended sentence for the pub assault. The victim returned to the bar and was assaulted by Mr Mason and Mr McCormack. The court heard the victim was punched and stabbed. Mr Mason and MrCormack left and went to a pub in the vicinity. The gardai were called after the victim left Gerry Powers pub and collapsed on William Street, leaving a trail of blood to the door of the pub. The man was taken to University Hospital Limerick by ambulance Mr OSullivan said the victim did not identify his assailants. I dont think it is a case of a lack of memory, said Mr OSullivan, who described the guilty plea as most welcome due to the lack of witnesses. CCTV footage of the incident was played for Judge Daly. The judge asked Det Garda Harkin if it was an unprovoked assault. The injured party was not very forthcoming but it appears there is some history there, said Det Garda Harkin. The judge asked if it was Mr McCormack or Mr Mason who stabbed the victim. Det Garda Harkin said they were unable to ascertain this. The detective said the weapon was not recovered. READ MORE: Young woman tells trial she was raped by two boys, aged 13 and 15, in Limerick after saying 'no' Eimear Carey BL, who represented Mr McCormack, said her client has instructed her to apologise and he is very remorseful for getting involved in a nasty incident. He is truly sorry. He said he struck the victim with his fists into the face, said Ms Carey. The barrister said the plea of guilty was significant as witnesses didnt see anything, didnt want to get involved and there is a very reluctant injured party. Ms Carey said Mr McCormack is 65-years old, has severe pulmonary fibrosis, requires oxygen on a constant basis and is being assessed for a lung transplant. The barrister said her client's co-accused received a suspended sentence. Ms Carey said the incident occurred five and a half years ago and Mr McCormack has had no interaction with gardai since. Judge Daly said Mr McCormack and his accomplice attacked another man in a bar who suffered blows to the head and stab wounds to his neck and abdomen for which he was treated in hospital for almost two weeks. The judge said it is difficult to ascertain the harm done, describing the victim as a reluctant witness. The attack took place in a busy pub during the daytime where there were many other patrons. It appears to be an unprovoked assault and an assault in which a weapon was used. It is unclear which assailant caused the primary damage, said Judge Daly. In mitigation, the judge took into account the plea of guilty, his age of 65, work history and health difficulties, potentially being a candidate for a lung transplant. Judge Daly said Mr McCormacks previous conviction of assault causing harm was relevant but it was 19 years before the current offence so there should be no serious loss of mitigation. Judge Daly imposed a two year prison sentence which he suspended in full. Bengaluru: On 16 January, Refex Industries Ltd, a manufacturer of refrigerant gases, informed the stock exchanges that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Refex Green Mobility, had agreed to buy 2,997 electric cars from Gensol Engineering Ltd. Refex Green Mobility would take over Gensols existing loan of 315 crore as part of this transaction. Gensol Engineering Ltd also informed the same to the exchanges. Shares of Refex ended 1.6% higher the next day, while shares of Gensol remained unchanged. This transaction came under the spotlight after Gensol, a solar engineering, procurement and electric vehicle (EV) financing company, saw two rating agencies downgrade its borrowing to default earlier this month. Rating agency Icra even said Gensol is falsifying statements. Gensol denies any wrongdoing and claims that this sale should help reduce its debt, from 1,146 crore to 831 crore. So, why is there a problem? Many unanswered questions linger, particularly around the companys ties with the privately held Blu-Smart Mobility Ltd, the electric cab-hailing service. Blu-Smart was co-founded by Anmol Singh Jaggi; the 39-year-old is also the chairman and managing director of Gensol. In Gensols EV financing business, the company buys cars and then leases them to other companies. Gensol acknowledges that it owns 2,997 EVs that are part of Blu-Smarts fleet. But thats not the complete storyBlu-Smarts fleet consists of 8,000 cars and Gensol, according to people Mint spoke to, owns a meaty share of this number. While Gensol didnt disclose the overall number of cars it owns, and the number it leased to Blu-Smart, a spokesperson for Blu-Smart stated that multiple lessors lease out vehicles to the ride hailing company. According to two investors courted by Blu-Smart, two board members, and one proxy advisory firm executive, Gensols lack of transparency about its close ties with the cab-hailing company, particularly around the money spent on cars and loans granted, raises questions around Gensols corporate governance practices. Essential details, including the terms of lease partnerships, remain shrouded in mystery. Above all, a Mint investigation reveals that Gensols balance sheet has been used to build Blu-Smarts business even as the cab-hailing company continues to be a privately owned one. Mint reviewed Gensol and Blu-Smarts financials, including an investment proposal made by the electric cab-hailing service to prospective investors in October last year. We also spoke with seven executives to piece together this story. Growing together Jaggi founded Gensol in 2012 as a strategic advisory firm. By 2017, he started a solar engineering and procurement business. Two years later, in 2019, Gensol went public. The same year, Jaggi started a new business division, Gensol EV Lease Pvt. Ltd, to finance EVs. Outside of Gensol, in 2019, Jaggi also set up Blu-Smart Mobility Ltd. View Full Image A file photo of Anmol Singh Jaggi, CMD of Gensol and co-founder, Blu-Smart. (Mint) First, let us examine Gensols EV lease business and Blu-Smarts journey to understand the ties between the two firms better. Up until 2022, Gensols EV lease business was almost a non-starter. According to Gensols investor presentations, the business reported 4 crore in revenue in FY20; 3 crore in FY21, and 5 crore in FY22. By the end of March 2022, the EV business owned a little over 700 cars, according to a former Gensol executive who didnt want to be identified. According to the same executive, Blu-Smart started with 70 cars in 2019. In its early days, it received a $3 million investment from angel investors. By March 2021, it had 400 cars and hit an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $1 million. The number of cars on its platform more than doubled to 900 in FY22, when its ARR touched $8 million. Gensols EV business showed its first real growth in FY23 when it reported 41 crore in revenue, followed by 134 crore in FY24. Growth at Blu-Smart also picked up during this time. It ended FY23 with 3,100 cars and an annual revenue rate of $29 million, while the number of cars more than doubled to 7,300 last year. Its ARR totalled $60 million. In April-December 2024, 72.3%, or 764 crore, of Gensols 1,056 crore revenue was generated from the solar EPC business. The remaining 27.7%, or 294, came from the EV leasing arm, according to the companys latest investor presentation. Gensol was, and continues to be, Blu-Smarts largest car supplier, accounting for over 87% of its 8,000 fleet, according to a former Gensol executive who didnt want to be identified. Consequently, Blu-Smart has emerged as Gensols largest customer for its EV lease business, accounting for over 90% of the 294 crore business it received in the first nine months of the current financial year, the executive further mentioned. The fuel So, where did Gensol get the money from to expand its EV leasing business, which, in turn, fuelled Jaggis privately held electric cab business? In 2021, Gensol first received 35.55 crore from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (Ireda), a state-owned company, for its EV lease business. In August 2022, Gensol told investors that it had received Iredas nod to buy 3,000 EVs. In January last year, Gensol said that Ireda had sanctioned a fatter loan 513 croreone that would allow the company to finance 3,800 EVs. An Ireda spokesperson told Mint that Gensol has utilized the loans given to finance cars for Blu-Smart Mobility. This implies that Ireda knew Gensol was building an EV ride-hailing business through Blu-Smart. At the end of December 2024, Ireda had unpaid loans of 470 crore from Gensol, according to Icra, the ratings agency. The model Why couldnt Ireda give loans to Blu-Smart directly? Probably because Blu-Smart always wanted to remain an asset-light business. No Asset Ownership BurdenCompany Managed Cars", Blu-Smart claims on the third page of its 25-page investment deck sent to prospective investors in October 2024. Mint reviewed a copy of this document. The privately-held firm is yet to file its financials with the ministry of corporate affairs for the year ending March 2024. According to this investor presentation, Blu-Smart had 8,000 cars as on 31 September 2024. Gensol, meanwhile, didnt tell Mint how many cars it owns overall, limiting its commentary to the transaction it inked with Refex in January this year. Gensol is the owner of these 2,997 cars and post the transaction, Refex would be leasing the same vehicles to BluSmart," said a spokesperson for Blu-Smart. Gensol Engineering Ltd (GEL), was an early supporter of BluSmarts EV mission and as BluSmart has increased its presence, multiple more lessors have now leased vehicles to BluSmart," the spokesperson added. Apart from Gensol (which owns over 87% or about 7,000 of Blu-Smarts fleet), other leasers include state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd and Quiklyz, the vehicle leasing and subscription business of Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. View Full Image Blu-Smart EVs being charged at a charging hub in Bengaluru. The loans Gensol buys cars, leases them to Blu-Smart, and tops it up with more loans to the private cab-hailing company. The important thing which has not been reported until now is that Gensol spent 568 crore in the three years to March 2024 to buy electric cars, according to a review of the companys annual reports by Mint. In FY24 alone, Gensol spent 352.14 crore to buy cars. Gensol granted 148.33 crore as loans to three Blu-Smart subsidiaries in the year ended March 2024: Blu-Smart Fleet Pvt. Ltd received 138.87 crore while Blu-Smart Mobility Pvt. Ltd and Blu-Smart Mobility Tech Pvt. Ltd received 9.19 crore and 0.27 crore, respectively. Simply put, Gensol spent over 500 crore last year to build Blu-Smart, considering that most of the cars bought by the firm in 2024 ( 352.14 crore) were also leased to the ride hailing firm. This is not a small amount considering that on 3 March, Care Ratings Ltd downgraded Gensols 716 crore bank loan to default, citing delays in servicing of term loan obligations". Subsequently, Gensol termed it a temporary financial crunch and assured investors it would tide over these problems. The companys shares closed at 262.25 on 13 March, down 67% from a year ago. The questions The close ties between the two firms have raised questions over corporate governance. What is the nature of these loans given to Blu-Smart (by Gensol)? Are these loans secured or unsecured? What is the underlying security backing these loans?" asked Nitin Mangal, a Mumbai-based analyst who runs Trudence Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd, a Sebi-registered research firm. Gensol didnt answer Mints questions on the nature of the loans given to Blu-Smart. All material relationships between Gensol and BluSmart have been appropriately disclosed to both the Boards, the statutory auditors, lenders and the shareholders," said a spokesperson for Blu-Smart. Nonetheless, some large investors appear to be keeping a distance from the two firms given their close ties. In our due diligence of Gensol, we saw the close ties. This was one of the reasons why we decided not to invest in the company," said the head of a Mumbai-based portfolio management services firm who didnt want to be identified. The executive met with Anmol Jaggi and the senior management team in July 2021. What is the nature of these loans given to Blu-Smart (by Gensol)? Are these loans secured or unsecured? Nitin Mangal Jaggi and his family owned 62.65% of Gensol (at the end of December 2024). Retail investors or individuals owning less than 2 lakh worth of shares owned about a fourth or 23.44%, while individuals owning more than 2 lakh worth of shares own 7.1% in the company. Non-resident Indians, corporate bodies and family offices own 5.44%. No foreign institutional investor, mutual fund or insurance company is an investor in Gensol. The Enforcement Directorate has taken control of the remaining 1.37% sharesthey were previously owned by Hari Shankar Tibrewala, along with 13 other companies. This came in the aftermath of the financial crime investigation agency probing an alleged small-cap stock market manipulation fraud. A puzzling nature of the ties between Gensol and Blu-Smart is that even though Gensol describes transactions with Blu-Smart as related-party transactions, Blu-Smart hasnt reported its financial ties with Gensol as transactions with connected parties in its filings with the ministry of corporate affairs. Gensol is a listed company. Transparency and trust are more important, and the audit committee chair, along with independent directors, should come clean and provide all information to investors," said V. Balakrishnan, a former chief financial officer at Infosys Ltd and founder of Exfinity Ventures, a venture capital fund. All these transactions, including giving loans to Blu-Smart and Matrix Gas and Renewables ( 231.85 crore in loan in 2023-24), are reminiscent of how Vijay Mallya used the cash of the liquor business for the aviation business. The problematic issue in Gensols case is that the lease conditions under which Gensol is leasing out its cars to Blu-Smart have not been disclosed, and so minority shareholders of Gensol are the ones losing out," said Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director of InGovern Research Services Pvt. Ltd, a proxy advisory firm. Listing dreams Such disclosures are especially needed since Blu-Smart has listing dreams. Beginning September 2024, Blu-Smart has been looking to raise $50 million ( 418 crore) at a pre-money valuation of $335 million. It told investors it expects to go public in the second half of next year. Gensols current problems could cripple that plan of going public. It is important to mention that weeks before Gensols issues surfaced publicly, Blu-Smart defaulted on 30 crore worth of bondsin early February. This brings us back to the transaction of Refex buying 2,997 cars from Gensol. Refex Industries is a Chennai-based public company that trades coal, handles ash, and manufactures and re-fills refrigerant gases. Refex Green buys 2,997 cars and immediately leases them to Blu-Smart Mobility. Why? [W]e have acquired the vehicle from Gensol and we will be giving it to BluSmart only. So, for us, it will be a monthly payment of lease rental for these vehicles," Refexs managing director Anil Jain told analysts in a post-earnings interaction dated 27 January. It is unknown whether Blu-Smart, which defaulted on a 30 crore bond last month, can service the contract with Refex. This essentially is an asset (2,997 cars) and liability ( 315 crore loan) transaction through which Gensol is looking to clean up its book. Gensol could have sold these cars to Blu-Smart. But we dont know the financial position of Blu-Smart, and for this reason, Refex steps in," said Mangal. A questionnaire sent to Refexs chief financial officer, Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, went unanswered. Refex said it is buying these 2,997 cars at book value. At 315 crore, the average price of a car is 10.5 lakh. Book value is the difference between the cost of a car and the depreciation that has occurred over time. Most new electric vehicles sell between 10 and 15 lakh. Even assuming a 20% depreciation in the first year, it is unclear how Gensol and Refex arrived at 10.5 lakh for the cars running under the Blu-Smart brand. In addition, there is little clarity on whose loan Refex is taking over. There is no cash involved in the transactionRefex takes on Gensols 315 crore loan. A spokesperson from Ireda told Mint that its loan to Gensol is not being transferred. Other creditors include Power Finance Corp. Ltd (loans of 334.8 crore); HDFC Bank Ltd ( 26.4 crore); Tata Motors Finance Ltd ( 18.3 crore); and Axis Bank Ltd ( 15 crore). It is unclear if Gensol and Refex have received approval from the creditors to transfer this loan. The specific transaction is under the process of getting all necessary approvals," said a spokesperson from Blu-Smart. Anmol Jaggis plans to do things too fast (take on Uber and change the face of Indias cab hailing market) may have landed Gensol in a difficult spot for now, Subramanian of InGovern said. A Microsoft executive made a compelling pitch to mountaineer and physics professor Chetan Nayak in 2000: Join the Redmond, Wash., company and together they would scale nearby Mount Rainierand build a quantum computer . He summited Washingtons highest peak within two years. But the climb toward a workable quantum device continues. Nearly all major tech companies are working to build a practical quantum computer, which they hope will enable leaps forward in fields such as encryption and medicine. Rather than using classical bits that are either zero or one, quantum computing employs a type of bit known as a qubit that can exist in both states at the same time. This helps qubits to process more information than todays computers and to perform certain calculations exponentially faster. Nayak leads a team at Microsoft that consists of several hundred chemists, engineers and mathematicians who have been trying to build a quantum computer for about 20 years. The group, called Station Q, is taking an approach that is riskier and less widely accepted than approaches employed at rivals such as Alphabets Google. If it pays off, Microsoft could vault to the front of the industry and disprove numerous doubters in the tech industry and scientific community. Last month, Microsoft announced that it had created a chip capable of producing a long-elusive particle known as a Majorana that could form the basis for a useful quantum computer, a breakthrough they said could shorten the arrival of a quantum device to years, rather than decades. While some physicists expressed doubt that Microsofts claims would survive their scrutiny, Chief Executive Satya Nadella appeared thrilled to have something to show the world. Microsoft spends some $300 million annually on quantum research, according to a person familiar with the matter. While tiny compared with its investments in projects such as artificial intelligence, the spending on Microsofts quantum efforts has piled up over two decades with little to show until now. Such progress is a stark change from seven years ago, when Nadella dismissed the companys quantum efforts internally as research with no commercial potential, according to someone who viewed an email he sent at the time. Nayak, 53, describes his quantum research as years of incremental progress punctuated by eureka moments that get the worlds attention, like the Majorana announcement. Then it is back to the grind. Its just really, really hard to explain this any other way other than us being on the right track," he said. Nayak communicates daily with colleagues in his Santa Barbara, Calif., lab, as well as in Redmond and Europe. They are keenly aware they are in a race. Google made its own announcement of a quantum-computing advance using a different approach than Microsofts in December as did a company called D-Wave Quantum this month. Hooked on quantum Nayaks fascination with quantum physics started early, when he was a junior at the Manhattan science magnet Stuyvesant High School, when a teacher gave him a copy of a book of lectures by the legendary physicist Richard Feynman. Quantum physics dates to the early 20th century and challenges the traditional understanding of reality by positing that particles can exist in multiple places simultaneously and influence each other instantaneously across vast distances. Some executives at Microsoft and other tech companies have been predicting that a useful quantum computer powered by qubits would be commercially available in the next few years for at least a decade. The problem has been reliability. All computer chips make errors, but on the ones in todays PCs and smartphones, the error rates are minimal. On qubits, the slightest disturbance can cause them to make a cascading series of mistakes. Under Nayak, Microsoft is tackling the problem with something called a topological superconductor. In it, a single electron is essentially spread across a tiny wire cooled to near absolute zero temperatures. Smearing that electron would form a Majorana particle, which has properties that can be used to make a qubit. Microsoft contended in a paper published in the scientific journal Nature last month that it had identified a Majorana and measured the information in it. Qubit controversy Critics in the world of quantum physics say the Microsoft researchers claims that they observed a Majorana particle are a mirage. Chetan Nayak is running a fraudulent project within Microsoft," said Sergey Frolov, a quantum researcher at the University of Pittsburgh. He pointed to a number of alleged discrepancies in the published data that would materially change the outcome of their claims. Jason Zander, the Microsoft executive who oversees Station Q, said he was confident Nayaks science would stand. The company is set to publish follow-ups to the Nature paper, which an independent set of researchers are reviewing. A Microsoft spokesman said the company holds itself to the highest ethical standards. In 2021, two papers in Nature based on research partly funded by Microsoft about building Majorana particles were retracted because of questions about the validity of the research. Microsoft executives said the research wasnt done by Station Q, but rather a Dutch lab to which the company had ties. Now that Microsoft says it has shown off a Majorana, Nayak is focused on making the qubits even more reliable and adding more to the chip. Nayak said he doesnt want to still be working for Microsoft, trying to build a stable qubit chip, in his 70s. And he could finally put an end to the digs he gets from his three children, the oldest of whom was born around the time he joined Microsoft. Every time I say you havent cleaned your room yet, they say, Well look, you havent built a quantum computer yet," Nayak said. As a food and travel writer, I have been incredibly lucky to snag notoriously hard-to-land reservations at some of the world's most exceptional restaurants both celebrated and hidden gems. Yet, the most enchanting meals have often been at a locals home, shared with warmth and personal stories. Recently, I had one of those moments in Saudi Arabia. This is no ordinary home but that of Abir Abusulayman who holds a unique place in history as Saudi Arabia's first female tour guide, a role previously reserved for men. Her groundbreaking work paved the way for numerous women to follow her lead. The country opened to nonreligious tourism only in 2019. Much before Abusulayman (60 years) started showing tourists around the historical sights in Jeddah, she was an English teacher in the ministry of education. In 2011, she played a part in the effort to have Jeddah recognised on the UNESCO Heritage List. There was nothing officially that a woman cannot be a licensed tour guide, so I started with my formal request to get one." Her fluency in English and French, proved to be a valuable asset. Things started to roll when she was asked by the government to lead some diplomatic guests. When you walk on the streets everything is beautiful. But what about the inside of a Saudi home? People love to know how we live, what we eat and the dress we wear," says Abusulayman as she fusses around the dining table. Freshly baked bread is brought from the kitchen; stuffed gourds neatly coated with a tomato gravy suddenly appear out of nowhere, followed by a parade of steaming hot kababs. At the centre of it all is a huge platter of aromatic, spiced rice topped with chicken, something like a biryani. We call it bukhari. The name comes from Bukhara a region in Uzbekistan," informs Abusulayman. How did it get to Saudi? Saudi cuisine is influenced by pilgrims from all over the world who came here for Mecca and Medina. They brought with them their culture and cuisine. We are talking 1446 years ago. But we adapted the dishes and made them our own," explains Abusulayman. Bukhari uses a spice palette reminiscent of biryani. Tomato paste, cardamom, pepper and other spices play the main characters, but the hero is the rice. Long grained white rice which is always cooked in the broth from the poached chicken. This lends the rice a meaty, fatty heft. The chicken is then baked separately until golden. Bukhari is typically served in large communal platters meant for sharing. As young Saudi men leave home, learning to cook bukhari becomes an emotional rite of passage, a way to maintain a tangible link to their roots. Then there's mahshi, a delightful dish of stuffed vegetables, typically tomatoes and gourds. Abusulayman made a vegetarian version for me with rice, parsley, coriander and garlic, instead of the usual meat filling. View Full Image Abir Abusulayman Meals at the matriarchs home are a family affair. While the son pours us coffee from a long spouted dallah (Arabic coffee pot) the daughters rustle up the tabouleh and help us get into beautifully embroidered abayas for photos. Food for us is all about togetherness. Growing up, Friday lunches were always at my grandmothers home where all the siblings would get together and enjoy a home cooked meal. Now it is at my mothers home." Proximity to the Red Sea means a lot of fish. We love our fish which is very unique and found only in our ocean. For instance, the parrotfish everywhere is red. But ours is blue. We like it fried or cooked with tamarind, coriander or tahini. The rice we serve with fish is always brown. We call it sayadiya and it is cooked with the fish bone and topped with caramalised onions." A dish that is really close to Abirs heart is the saleeg - creamy, savoury rice cooked in milk. Its the Saudi version of the Italian risotto but topped with roast chicken! A diplomat father meant a childhood dotted with travel. Abusulayman lived briefly in Mauritania, Senegal, Turkey, Algeria and Tunisia before she finally settled home in Saudi Arabia. Education was always important for Saudi women. Both my mother and grandmother worked. But what has changed is the domains. Nowadays ladies are working in every field, not just in education, tourism or medicine but also in defense. My daughter-in-law is an architect. The media puts us in a certain box, perhaps because, until recently, they couldnt visit to see the truth. The media was never nice to us, especially to Saudi ladies. They portrayed us as oppressed, as if we dont have power. But that is not the case. Ever since my grandmothers time, ladies have always been the decision makers in our homes. It could be because Saudi opened to non religious tourists only in 2019. Until then they couldnt visit to see the truth," explains Abusulayman who now trains other tour guides. For dessert there is spongy date cake made by her mother. When I told my mother I was retiring early as a teacher to become a tour guide, she thought I was joking. She asked me, So you will leave your office and walk the streets?". But who will tell these stories of our beautiful land and its history? I wish my father was alive to see this. He was a great story teller himself." Dinner with Abir Abusulayman can be booked through her Instagram account @abir_abusulayman. Price per person starts at 250 Saudi Riyal ( 5800 approx). Nivedita Jayaram Pawar is a Mumbai-based food writer. Also read: Taste the regional delicacies of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday made public a plan on special initiatives to boost consumption, as the world's second-largest economy moves to make domestic demand the main engine and anchor of economic growth. The plan, issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, aims to vigorously boost consumption, stimulate domestic demand across the board, and increase spending power by increasing earnings and reducing financial burdens. It also aims to generate effective demand through high-quality supply, improve the consumption environment to strengthen consumer willingness to spend, and address prominent constraints on consumption. The plan, organized into eight major sections, adopts a holistic approach by simultaneously addressing factors such as income growth, service consumption quality enhancement, big-ticket consumption upgrading, and consumption environment improvement. The plan aims to promote reasonable wage growth by strengthening employment support in response to economic conditions and improving the minimum wage adjustment mechanisms. China will expand property income channels through measures to stabilize the stock market and develop more bond products suitable for individual investors. The plan calls for exploring ways to unlock the values of houses legally owned by farmers through rental arrangements, equity participation and cooperative models. Notably, the plan emphasizes both traditional consumption sectors like housing and automobiles, alongside emerging categories such as artificial intelligence-powered products, low-altitude economy and silver tourism. China will accelerate the development and application of new technologies and products including autonomous driving, smart wearables, ultra-high-definition video, brain-computer interfaces, robotics and additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, to create new high-growth consumption sectors. These measures reveal a geographically nuanced approach, with targeted policies for rural areas, regions rich in ice and snow resources, and urban centers -- allowing local authorities flexibility via implementation based on regional conditions. Support will be given to ice and snow resource-rich regions to help them develop into globally recognized winter tourism destinations. The plan also emphasizes developing inbound consumption by systematically expanding unilateral visa-free arrangements and optimizing regional visa-free entry policies. By connecting consumer spending to broader social goals like elderly care improvement, childcare support and work-life balance, the plan embeds consumption growth within China's wider development objectives, signaling that consumption is being positioned not just as an economic target but as a means to enhance quality of life. Where is a Toyota Camry or iPhone made? There is a label that identifies the country in which the final product assembly takes place, but it says nothing about where the product is actually made. It is unable to do so because for goods that have inputs (material or intellectual) that are traded across international borders, the answer is never a single country. It is estimated that a car has some 30,000 parts (counting everything from its engine block to nuts and bolts). The firm that provides a cars marque (like Dodge or Toyota) manufactures only a fraction of these parts in plants spread around the world. Several intermediate parts like tires, windshields, seats and mirrors, plus hundreds of smaller items, including electronics, are made by suppliersmany with names that people have never heard ofthat themselves are scattered around the world. A 2009 documentary called Global Car dissects the production of a single small item: the radiator cap for the Dodge Ram truck. It is designed in the UK, its metal components are mined and cast in Germany, sent for machining to the UK, thenceforth to Chennai to add plastic components, onward to Tennessee for placement in the engine, which is then sent to Mexico for final assembly. The finished car is sent back to the US for sale. Can we really identify where the radiator cap was made? How can we possibly say where the car itself was made? Global supply chains like this are ubiquitous in many industries, from apparel to consumer electronics. Advances in transportation, especially shipping, have led to the creation of massive container ships: the largest ones today are 30 times larger than they were in the 1960s and eight times larger than as recently as the 1990s. This has vastly reduced the cost of transportation. Moreover, the information and communication technology revolution allows production and supply chains to be chopped up into ever smaller pieces by enabling ever faster real-time management of data, design and product flow across the globe. This is at the core of the core of globalization. Apple is considered a master of supply chain management. The iPhone is arguably one of the most profitable products ever made. Apple guards its supply chain secrets closely, but experts who have poked through what data are available conclude that the profit margin on each iPhone is in a range of 50-60%. The cost to make one is distributed between design and marketing inputs primarily from the US, component inputs from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, and labour inputs from China (where, till recently, almost all iPhones were assembled). How much does Chinese labour add to the cost of the iPhone? About 2%, or $20 for a product that sells for $1,000. Yet, the iPhone is mostly seen to be made in China. No matter that the cost of design and marketing (both done in the US) and components like microchips and cameras simply dwarf assembly costs. No matter that the outsized profits from the phone go largely to US-based shareholders. It is likely that more than 80% of the $1,000 a customer pays for the iPhone stays in the US: in the form of dividends and bonuses, and wages for designers, brand managers, marketers and store employees. But what people see and what manipulative politicians point their fingers at is its assembly in China, so tariffs on China-assembled phones look attractive to the uninformed. The economic advisors of political leaders are not uninformed. They surely know that adding a tax of $100 or $200 on a product to punish $20 worth of labour changes nothing but the cost to the consumer. They pay more for the same thing; therefore, they are likely to buy less of it. Fewer phones sold means lower dividends, bonuses and wages in America. If the goal of tariffs is to force iPhone assembly to relocate to the US, is that likely to happen? It could, if a full-scale trade war erupts with tariff barriers erected for all trading partners. That would likely lead to a dystopian scenario in which all manufacturing for the US market gets onshored, although America simply doesnt have enough workers to do all the work. Worst case prognosis: goodbye globalization, hello North Korea. What if the general public actually knew the facts about the prices of products like iPhones? What if, like food labelling (so much salt, so much sugar, so much iron, etc), cars, phones and designer sneakers carried information labels on their origin based on wage shares paid in different countries (so much to China, so much to the US, so much to Canada, etc)? This is unlikely to ever happen, but if the government made it mandatory to declare this information, it could be done (at some cost). The iPhone could then be seen clearly as an American product, not assembled in but effectively made in America. A pair of Levis jeans sewed in Bangladesh and Nike sneakers put together in Indonesia would also be seen as American-made products. Would that diminish some of the nationalist xenophobia driving current US policy? One problem with trade is that it is hard to explain its benefits to lay people. Ideas like comparative advantage, opportunity cost and consumer surplus cant be communicated with memes and jokes. Even skilful speakers like Barack Obama have been unable to do it. It seems to defy common sense. The made in labels misleading information only makes things worse. Maybe the time has come to simply drop that label. Lets just call it made on planet earth. The author is a professor of geography, environment and urban studies and director of global studies at Temple University. Starbucks baristas have a new job requirement. In addition to remembering to make your latte with no foam, they must also write a little missive on your cup, as per a directive straight from CEO Brian Niccol, who says handwritten notes foster moments of connection"part of his strategy to get more customers into stores to turn around the faltering coffee -chain giant. In a memo sent out in January detailing the plan, he shared ideas for those not sure what to say. They could scribble an affirmation (youre amazing"), share well wishes (seize the day") or simply write a customers name or draw a smiley face. The underlying message to employees is this: Its not enough to manufacture a product for customers; they must also manufacture a feeling. And if Niccol cant motivate workers to do so organically, hell decree it by edict. Its not just Starbucks that has made trumped-up enthusiasm an expectation. Most companies arent going as far as the Japanese supermarket chain using an AI system to evaluate and standardize its employees smiles, but the trend is clear. Those ending their remote work policies want butts back in seatsand they want employees to be happy about it; at Alphabet, returning Googlers were reminded that office time should be not only productive but also fun." At Tiffany, executives required staffers to post and engage more with Tiffany Joy, an internal app designed to boost morale. No wonder employees mockingly gave the app a new nickname: Forced Joy. That could just as easily be the moniker of the era were entering. Employers are requiring positivity and passion because workers are not voluntarily producing much of either right now. In fact, they dont seem to like their jobs much at all. A recent Gallup poll found that employee engagement is at a 10-year low; only 39% of workers feel that someone cares about them as a person at their company, down from 47% in 2020. The Great Detachment, as Gallup has called it, has left the rank and file looking for new jobs at the highest rate since 2015jobs they cannot get because of a stalled labour market. With power now back in the hands of employers, bosses are doing less cajoling and more demanding. Also Read: HR should give itself and the people it manages a new sense of purpose To be fair, part of work has always been performance. Employees, especially those in the service sector, have long been required to project a certain emotion even when its mismatched with how they truly feel. This is what sociologist Arlie Hochschild famously coined as emotional labourwhen seeming to love the job becomes part of the job," as she wrote in her 1983 book The Managed Heart. You may recognize it from a scene in the 1999 movie Office Space, where Jennifer Anistons character is criticized for failing to contribute to the fun atmosphere at the restaurant where she works because she is not wearing enough goofy pins on her uniform. Or more recently, from Apple TVs Severance, where the Macrodata Refinement team is forced to awkwardly groove out during a Music Dance Experience. At its most basic, emotional labour is that old classic: service with a smile. When Hochschilds book came out some 40 years ago, she surmised that about a third of all jobs required substantial demands for emotional labour." But by 2013, she estimated it had grown to about half. Today, its likely even higher. As hard skills are taken over by robots, emotional labour is the human skill in otherwise digitized, AI-dominant, impersonal environments," wrote Rose Hackman, the author of Emotional Labor: The Invisible Work Shaping Our Lives and How to Claim Our Power. Niccol seems to be steering Starbucks towards such a bifurcation. The same week the companys cup-writing policy went into effect, it cut more than 1,000 corporate jobs and said it would outsource some of its technology work. You cannot contract out connecting with the customer. But mandated engagement doesnt particularly work well either. The most fun Starbucks customers and employees actually seem to be having is poking fun at the policy on TikTok. On Reddit, a customer posted that she hates the new policy because these messages have less meaning" now that theyre required. It felt special before and now it doesnt," read one of the 143 comments in the replies. The online critics might be onto something. Happy and engaged employees are good for business. But so is creating an environment where workers can effectively do their jobsand find their own sources of workplace joy. Companies might find that if they invest in the latter, the former will organically follow. Faking it isnt required. Bloomberg Watching the automatic hand of the Manus AI agent scroll through a dozen browser windows is unsettling. Give it a task that can be accomplished online, such as building up a promotional network of social-media accounts, researching and writing a strategy document, or booking tickets and hotels for a conference, and Manus will write a detailed plan, spin up a version of itself to browse the web, and give it its best shot. Manus ai is a system built on top of existing models that can interact with the internet and perform a sequence of tasks without deferring to a human user for permission. Its makers, who are based in China, claim to have built the worlds first general AI agent that turns your thoughts into actions". Yet ai labs around the world have already been experimenting with this agentic" approach in private. What makes Manus notable is not that it exists, but that it has been fully unleashed by its creators. A new age of experimentation is here, and it is happening not within labs, but out in the real world. Spend more time using Manus and it becomes clear that it still has a lot further to go to become consistently useful. Confusing answers, frustrating delays and never-ending loops make the experience disappointing. In releasing it, its makers have obviously prized a job done first over a job done well. This is in contrast to the approach of the big American labs. Partly because of concerns about the safety of their innovations, they have kept them under wraps, poking and prodding them until they hit a decent version 1.0. OpenAI waited nine months before fully releasing gpt-2 in 2019. Googles Lamda chatbot was functioning internally in 2020, but the company sat on it for more than two years before releasing it as Bard. Big labs have been cautious about agentic ai, too, and for good reason. Granting an agent the freedom to come up with its own ways of solving a problem, rather than relying on prompts from a human at every step, may also increase its potential to do harm. Anthropic and Google have demonstrated computer use" features, for instance, yet neither has released them widely. And in assorted tests and developer previews, these systems are as limited by policy as technology, handing control back to the user at regular intervals or whenever a complex task needs to be finalised. The existence of Manus makes this cautious approach harder to sustain, however. As the previously wide gap between big AI labs and upstarts narrows, the giants no longer have the luxury of taking their time. And that also means their approach to safety is no longer workable. To some American observers, fixated on the idea that China might be stealing a march on the West, the fact that Manus is Chinese is especially threatening. But Manuss success is nowhere near the scale of that of DeepSeek, a Chinese firm that stunned the world with its cheap AI model. Any company, be it American, Chinese or otherwise, could produce a similar agent, provided it used the right off-the-shelf components and had a large enough appetite for risk. Fortunately, there is little sign yet that Manus has done anything dangerous. But safety can no longer be just a matter of big labs conducting large-scale testing before release. Instead, regulators and companies will need to monitor what is already used in the wild, rapidly respond to any harms they spot and, if necessary, pull misbehaving systems out of action entirely. Whether you like it or not, Manus shows that the future of ai development will play out in the open. CENTCOM operations against Iran-backed Houthis continue pic.twitter.com/DYvc3gREN8 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025 The United States military carried out overnight strikes against Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on March 15. The strikes against the Houthis, who have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, are the first military actions taken against the Iranian-backed militia by the Trump administration since taking office. U.S. Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation, CENTCOM stated on X. The New York Times detailed that the targets of the initial strikes included radars, air defenses, missiles, drones, and a senior Houthi commander. However, operations against Iran-backed Houthis continue, CENTCOM stated. President Donald Trump announced that he ordered the attack to restore navigational freedom of international waterways where the Houthis have previously attacked commercial and military vessels. Trump also issued an ultimatum to the group to cease its attacks. To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DONT, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE! Trump posted on Truth Social and X. The operation follows the Trump administrations re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on March 4, 2025, after the Biden administration de-listed the group after taking office in 2021. The Biden administration responded to Houthi attacks on US and international shipping, which ramped up significantly in November 2023 after Hamas assaulted southern Israel the month before, with occasional airstrikes targeting the Houthis offensive weapons systems. Among the targets were anti-ship missiles, drones, launch sites, radar systems, and weapons storage depots. However, the Biden administration refused to target Houthi military and political leaders, as well as the Iranian advisers who aided the group in its attacks. In July 2024, General Eric Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, admitted that US efforts to coerce the Houthis into halting attacks on shipping had failed. The Houthis respond The Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV channel reported that the groups Supreme Political Councilthe governing body established by the Houthissaid it would punish the aggressors that carried out the strikes. The timing of the US military operation is noteworthy. On March 3, Israel halted aid and other goods to the Gaza Strip following Hamass refusal to accept an extension of the first phase of a ceasefire deal. The plan, proposed by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, would have extended the agreements first phase in which Hamas would have released half of the living and deceased hostages. If Israel and Hamas agree to a permanent ceasefire, the remaining hostages would be released. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al Houthi warned Israel on March 7 that it had four days to resume aid to the Gaza Strip before the group would restart naval operations against Israel. On March 11, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said that naval operations had resumed following the expiration of the four-day deadline. Saree warned that the Houthis had imposed a military blockade of Israeli ships in the Red and Arabian Seas, including the Bab al Mandeb Straight and the Gulf of Aden. Saree added that Israeli ships navigating those waterways would be targeted, and the blockade would last until Israel allowed aid into the Gaza Strip. Terrorist organizations aligned with the Houthis published statements of support following the strikes. For example, Hamas condemned the US and Britain (though theres no evidence the UK played a role) for carrying out the attack. We, in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), condemn in the strongest terms the criminal American-British air aggression that targeted a residential neighborhood in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, Hamas said. The Houthis and Irans Axis of Resistance The Houthis, as part of Irans Axis of Resistance along with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, have been targeting US forces to drive America from the region and support Palestinian terror groups in Gaza. The Houthis possess ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones and have used all three weapons systems against commercial vessels and US warships since Hamas launched its attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The Houthis also have a decade-long history of harassing and attacking commercial ships operating in the Gulf of Aden, the Bab al Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea. Also known as Ansar Allah, the Houthis have seized control of significant areas of northern Yemen, including the capital of Sanaa, since launching a rebellion in 2014. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) increasingly co-opted the Houthi Movement since its formation in the 1990s. The IRGC has provided the Houthis with weapons, training, and financial support. Iran uses its network of militias and terrorist groups in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to put pressure on Israel and the United States. The Houthis are estimated to have 100,000 fighters under arms. The groups official motto is God is great, death to the US, death to Israel, curse the Jews, and victory for Islam. Joe Truzman is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian militant groups and Hezbollah. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. KABUL, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's international trade in goods reached 295 million U.S. dollars during the Persian calendar year 1403, the country's Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported Sunday. During the year starting from March 20, 2024, and will end on March 20, 2025, the value of exported goods of the country reached 128 million dollars, while the imports stood at 167 million dollars, said Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesman for the ministry. The nation engaged in the exchange of commercial goods via air corridors with various countries, including Austria, Jordan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Britain, the United States, South Africa, Germany, China, and India, Jawad explained. Afghanistan's main exports include fresh and dry fruits, saffron, handicrafts, and other items, while it imports medical supplies and electrical equipment. Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., is an organizational executive, author and educator. She currently serves as a member of the Steering Committee for the International Union for Conservation of Natures Commission on Education and Communication. She is Co-Founder and CEO Emerita of the Children & Nature Network and Executive Director of the Nature-based Leadership Institute at Antioch University New England. She is in her tenth year as a Vermont school board member, currently serving as Chair of the Westminster Town School District board and Chair of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union Board. She is Chair of the Steering Committee for the newly-formed Vermont Rural School Community Alliance (RSCA). Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. A lucky Massachusetts State Lottery player bought a winning Powerball ticket worth $1 million at a Boston liquor store on Saturday. The ticket was sold at Supreme Liquors Fields Corner in the citys Dorchester neighborhood. Saturday nights winning numbers were 12, 28, 33, 36 and 54, and the Powerball number was 5. In Powerball, players select five numbers between 1 and 69 and one Powerball number between 1 and 26. They then choose how many drawings they want to use those numbers for. Players that match all five numbers and the Powerball number win the jackpot. They have 1 in 292,201,338 chances of winning this way. Players that match all five numbers but not the Powerball number win $1 million. They have 1 in 11,688,053.52 chances of winning this way. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The jackpot stands at $398 million as of Sunday. Overall, at least 300 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Saturday, including five in Springfield, eight in Worcester and 13 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. Physician assistants in Massachusetts are advocating for legislators to eliminate what they believe are strict supervising physician requirements. Physician assistants will return to Beacon Hill this year to advocate for the removal of archaic requirements that, they say, will make a difference amid the commonwealths primary care bottleneck. The Massachusetts Association of PAs wants state legislators to make permanent COVID-era accommodations that eliminate the legal requirement for physician assistants to register a specific supervising physician with the state. The idea is physician assistants would be able to practice to the fullest extent of their license by not being beholden to just one physician. Proponents argue it would deploy much-needed flexibility across a health care system plagued by a primary care doctor shortage, where data shows just 40% of Massachusetts patients' needs are being met. Duncan Daviau, an emergency medicine physician assistant (PA) at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield and president-elect of the Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants, said his profession represents some of the strongest and most resilient providers who frequently get into the business for the very purpose of increasing access to health care. Its time to update the supervisory model so they can do just that, he said. Our license being appended to one individual is kind of archaic and outdated, Daviau said. A handful of proposed legislation this session would achieve the associations goal, including SD 258, HB 774 and a broader primary care package. Last year saw a lot of progress, with the bill being reported out favorably by the Senate committees on health care financing and ways and means, Daviau said. But last year, the collapse of Steward Health Care across the state took precedence for legislators when it came to priorities, he added. In April 2024, physician assistant students and providers advocated for more flexibility in their licensure requirements during a lobby day organized by the Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants. (Alison Kuznitz/State House News Service) Thea Nolan, an interventional radiology physician assistant at UMass Memorial Health and current president of the state association, cited positive momentum because of what she sees as a shift in how PAs are viewed by physicians and the public. Theres more camaraderie between physicians and PAs, and less of that historical hierarchy, she said. More and more, physicians are recognizing our value as partners in care and that has been incredibly validating. A report published earlier this year by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission said as fewer physicians are going into primary care and many are exiting the profession altogether or retiring, physician assistants are increasingly involved with providing care. At the states community health centers, data shows the number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants now exceeds the number of physicians. But Massachusetts has been slow to integrate (PAs) into practice, said the report, which recommends shifting the supervisory requirement from an individual physician to the employer or practice. The effort does, however, face opposition from the Massachusetts Medical Society, the largest physician-led organization in the state that could have some hefty lobbying power. While physician assistants play a critical role in the health care system, physician-led, team-based care including physician assistants is the optimal model for achieving the best patient outcomes, association President Dr. Hugh Taylor said. Supervisory requirements are not merely administrative constraints, they are essential to protecting patient safety and to ensuring patients have access to physician-led care teams. What physician assistants do By definition, physician assistants are licensed clinicians with masters-level degrees who practice medicine in varying specialties and settings under a supervising physician. Daviau and Nolan described PAs as being part of a collaborative, team-based care model that includes several partners, including physicians, nurse practitioners and others working together for the good of the patient. During the COVID health emergency, in early 2022, a temporary executive order under then-Gov. Charlie Baker allowed the states more than 4,000 PAs to practice without physician supervision. At Mercy Medical Center, Daviau said, that enabled PAs of all specialties to join the frontlines for a better pandemic response. But the accommodations have since expired, and the states primary care crisis has worsened. In 2023, two-thirds of people seeking care in emergency departments said they were there because they couldnt get an appointment in a doctors office or clinic, according to the states Health Policy Commission. COVID forever changed the landscape of health care in so many ways, but I think we have to talk about the good things that came from it, Nolan said, and one of them is that people are speaking up more and advocating for improving health care. Crucially, that call for better care includes making sure PAs are part of the solution. Twenty other states including Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont have eliminated strict physician-to-PA supervision ratio requirements, according to a 2024 University of California Irvine School of Medicine study. The legislation in question Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Cape & Islands, sponsor of SD 258, emphasized his bill doesnt grant independent practice authority to physician assistants. Rather, it gives health care institutions increased flexibility to use PAs. He sees it as one mechanism to assist the chaotic primary care landscape in the state, which was a centerpiece of Gov. Maura Healeys State of the Commonwealth speech in January. Rep. Christine Barber, D-34th Middlesex, has introduced similar legislation in the House. My constituents are desperate for primary care providers to be taking new patients, Cyr said. I think many folks may not even know the difference in practice (of PAs). The physician supervising of PAs is not much more than something on a piece of paper. Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Cape & Islands (Sam Doran / State House News Se Cyr expects the state will be increasingly reliant on providers such as physician assistants to administer primary care because of a medical system that he views as incentivizing doctors to pursue specialties. According to the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, the share of physician assistants and nurse practitioners in primary care rose from 26% to 31% between 2018 and 2022. Cyr said most patients in Massachusetts seek just anyone who can provide basic care, whether it be a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. In Western Massachusetts, for example, the Caring Health Center in Springfield has a 2,000-person waiting list. Nolan of the states physician assistants association cited one Mass General Brigham clinic with 3,000 people on its waitlist. Its wild, but honestly, it reflects what many of us are seeing across the board, Nolan said. Responding to the Massachusetts Medical Societys opposition to his bill, Cyr said physicians have an interest in maximizing the market share. But the commonwealth has an obligation to make sure patients can access primary care, he said. Mass. Medical Society says patients want physician-led care Taylor, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, cited data from American Medical Association (AMA) polling showing that 95% of patients want physicians to be involved in their care. The AMA argues that scope of practice expansion, or scope creep, threatens patient safety. Patients deserve care led by physicians the most highly educated, trained and skilled health care professionals," its website reads. While the Massachusetts society is focused on the states primary care crisis, Taylor argued the systemic issues causing it wont be solved by shifting clinical responsibilities away from physicians. He contended not enough PAs are involved in primary care in the state to make much of a difference, either. With only 16% of PAs in Massachusetts working in primary care, expanding scope of practice will have little impact on improving patient access to care, Taylor said. Expanding scope of practice for non-physicians has not been shown to guarantee increased access to primary care for patients in underserved and rural areas. We must drive holistic policy solutions that will ensure long-term sustainability of the primary care system, addressing the administrative drivers of burnout among primary care physicians and increasing investments in primary care. Taylor cited extensive education and training that equip physicians with the expertise to supervise health care teams delivering care to a patient population that is increasingly sicker and more medically complex, improving the ability to provide a differential diagnosis when a seemingly common ailment is something more rare or serious. A 17-year-old male is facing a murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man on Saturday, the Bristol County District Attorneys Office announced Sunday. Fall River Police responded to the third floor of 983 Rodman St. around 12:30 p.m. for a report that a man had been shot inside the home, the district attorneys office said. They soon found 20-year-old Jaleale Simmons, who lived in the home, with a gunshot wound in his chest. Simmons was transported to St. Annes Hospital in Fall River, but he was soon declared dead, the district attorneys office said. The suspect is Simmons' relative and also lived in the home. The suspect is set to be arraigned in Fall River District Court on Monday, the district attorneys office said. Fall River detectives and the district attorneys office are still investigating Simmons' death. No further information has been released. Three men are facing kidnapping and robbery charges after a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and robbed at a Boston subway station earlier this month, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office announced Sunday. The district attorneys office has charged Boston residents Michael Cole, 23, and Nathan Moorewhite Jr., 19, and Dedham resident Derrick Eures, 25, with kidnapping, armed and masked robbery and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident. Shortly after 3:20 p.m. on March 7, MBTA Transit Police on patrol at Forest Hills Station in Jamaica Plain were approached by three minors, the district attorneys office said. The group said theyd boarded an Orange Line train at Roxbury Crossing Station when three men they didnt know all of whom were wearing black face masks began harassing them and threatening to beat them up. The minors said they tried to exit the train at the next stop, but the men grabbed one of their friends, pulled him back onto the train and stole his cellphone, the district attorneys office said. The victim, a 14-year-old boy, exited the train at Stony Brook Station. Security video of the incident backed the minors' story, the district attorneys office said. Shortly after 7 p.m. on March 7, Transit police noticed three men at Forest Hills Station who were later identified as Cole, Eures and Moorewhite who matched the images and descriptions of the suspects. Transit police arrested the three men, and the victims cellphone was found in Moorewhites possession, the district attorneys office said. Police soon discovered that Cole had an outstanding warrant out of Boston Municipal Court Central. The three men were arraigned in Boston Municipal Court Roxbury on March 10, and at a dangerousness hearing on March 13, the judge found all three dangerous, the district attorneys office said. She released them into home confinement with a GPS monitor and ordered them to stay away from MBTA public transportation while their cases are ongoing. The three men will return to court on May 20 for probable cause hearings, the district attorneys office said. All forms of bullying and violence are intolerable, but this conduct toward a 14-year-old boy is particularly deplorable. All our residents deserve to go about their daily lives safely, peacefully and without fear of harassment or violence, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release. The following editorial is from the opinion page of The Republican newspaper in Springfield. It reflects views of the newspapers leadership and not necessarily those of MassLive.com. Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing to letters@repub.com. Temperatures on Tuesday afternoon in Springfield rose into the 60s. Springs arrival brings many hopes. This year, one of the biggest is that next months energy bill wont make you cry. Some of that is guaranteed. Gov. Maura Healey this week announced that customers of the electric utilities in Massachusetts will get a $50 credit against their bills in April. Healey admitted during a stop in Lowell on Monday that in light of this heating seasons high energy costs, the credit is a small help. But it is something, she said. The state will advance an estimated $125 million worth of credits to electric customers. And natural gas customers will together save $95 million after the state Department of Public Utilities ordered suppliers to trim bills by at least 5%. Compared to last year, residential heating costs are expected to be 24% higher for those who use natural gas, 6% up for those who heat with electricity and 1% higher for users of propane. The cost of heating oil is actually down 11%, the DPU says. The DPUs move to buffer rates comes after it OKd natural gas cost increases last fall at the behest of the utilities, which claimed they faced higher prices and needed to pass the expense along. Eversource was granted a 25-30% increase; National Grid secured a rate jump of 11-13%. That was acceptable until it wasnt. Lawmakers joined Healey in pressing for immediate relief. While nobody will refuse a rate cut, how this played out is not encouraging. Costs shot up. People got mad. Lawmakers needed to do something. State Sen. Jacob Oliveira, D-Ludlow, led a group that successfully appealed to the DPU chairman. Wed like to see steps taken to permanently ease the awful burden energy customers shoulder in Massachusetts. It is one reason people leave the state. We know of a Western Massachusetts fire chief who announced to fellow Hilltown residents at Town Meeting that he planned to move to a state where he didnt have to run his furnace in June. Healey this week pledged to take steps to change the arithmetic. Already, the system offers discounts for low-income households and seniors. The governor said more can be done. I want to be the first state to expand that to the middle class, she said in Lowell. That sounds good, but will depend on negotiations between the utilities and the DPU. We hope the goal isnt snowed under by bureaucracy. This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 16, 2025. The death toll from U.S. overnight airstrikes on Houthi sites across northern Yemen has risen to 31, with at least 101 others wounded, Al Jazeera reported Sunday. (Str/Xinhua) SANAA/ADEN, Yemen, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from U.S. overnight airstrikes on Houthi sites across northern Yemen has risen to 31, with at least 101 others wounded, Al Jazeera reported Sunday. The death toll is expected to rise further as U.S. airstrikes continue across Yemen. The casualties were reported across multiple locations, including the capital Sanaa, the northern province of Saada, a Houthi stronghold, as well as other Houthi-controlled Yemeni provinces. The military campaign, which started Saturday evening, struck the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa, followed by several bombardments on the Shoab residential area in eastern Sanaa, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province's namesake central city Saada, the group's northern main stronghold. According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. A white smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses said. This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January and redesignated the group as a "foreign terrorist organization." Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the "terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom." He also warned the Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks "starting today ... hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before." In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it "initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation." Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying "this aggression will not pass without a response," and that the group is "fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation," the Houthis' political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV. On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the Gaza Strip's crossings are reopened and aid allowed in. From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. Residents clean broken glass on a street after U.S. overnight airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 16, 2025. The death toll from U.S. overnight airstrikes on Houthi sites across northern Yemen has risen to 31, with at least 101 others wounded, Al Jazeera reported Sunday. The death toll is expected to rise further as U.S. airstrikes continue across Yemen. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) Residents clean broken glass on a street after U.S. overnight airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 16, 2025. The death toll from U.S. overnight airstrikes on Houthi sites across northern Yemen has risen to 31, with at least 101 others wounded, Al Jazeera reported Sunday. The death toll is expected to rise further as U.S. airstrikes continue across Yemen. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters as they sit in a Tesla vehicle on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Washington. (Pool via AP) AP When Jessica Rabban of Cambridge first bought a Tesla Model 3 in 2023, the car was perfect for her poor eyesight. Rabban, who has bad peripheral vision, said the Teslas cameras help her drive efficiently and safely, whether it be on the streets of Cambridge or the highway to Maine. Mauritius looks forward to participating in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development Mauritius looks forward to participating in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development Dhananjay Ramful a pris la parole loirs de la signature dun accord avec le gouvernement japonais pour le truchement dun echange de note pour lachat dun remorqueur pour le pays. Good afternoon, I am pleased to be among youfor the signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes under Japans Grant Aid, the Economic and Social Development Programme , for the provision of a tug boat to the Government of Mauritius. This project, amounting to one billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to around 300 million rupees, is of significant importance to Mauritius. It will provide Mauritius a vital maritime asset that will enable us to further strengthen our maritime capacity. The provision of this Grant Aid is a testament to the enduring and ever-strengthening relationship between Mauritius and Japan. Our diplomatic relations, established in 1968, have flourished over several decades, grounded in shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and a mutual commitment to sustainable development and security. Japan has long been recognised as a beacon of excellence, efficiency, and innovation. Over the years, it has generously provided financial and technical assistance to Mauritius in several key sectors, which include coastal management, healthcare, meteorological services, disaster risk reduction, and maritime safety and security for projects such as the improvement of the Meteorological Radar System, budget support loan and grant aid for provision of medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worth noting that the Government of Japan had recently extended assistance of approximately 100 million rupees for the acquisition of six high-speedboats. It should also be recalled that during the 5th TICAD in Yokohama, at the request of our Prime Minister, Dr the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Japan donated a Doppler weather radar to the tune of Rs 460 million. The document that will be signed in a few minutes is yet another demonstration of Japans steadfast commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of Mauritius. Distinguished Guests, As we all know, Mauritius has an Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.3 million square kilometres, a vast maritime space that requires robust capabilities to ensure security and safety. Our waters face increasing threats, including transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing. As such, strengthening maritime surveillance and security is a national priority, and of paramount importance. The acquisition of this tug boat marksa vital step in enhancing the protection of our territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. Our maritime environment faces continuous threats from shipwrecks and the associated damages they cause. We have witnessed, in recent years, the devastating impacts of maritime casualties, as well as other near-miss incidents caused by technical failures within our waters. I wish to place on record here our deep appreciation to the government of Japan for their assistance during the Wakashio oil leakage incident, especially in the crisis management phase. As an ocean state, Mauritius remains vulnerable to the risks posed by shipping operations. This makes it imperative for us to take proactive and preventive measures to respond to oil spills and safeguard our coastal zones. The tug boat will play a crucial role in providing emergency response on a 24/7 basis for marine pollution prevention, mitigation, and wreck removal whenever the need arises. Beyond its emergency response capabilities, this vessel will also serve a dual purpose. In normal times, it will operate within the Port Louis Harbour for port operations, and it will be deployed on the high seas, whenever required, for emergency operations, including towing, marine pollution response, firefighting, and assisting vessels in distress in port waters, our territorial waters, and the high seas, amongst others. Today, as we formalise the new grant under the Economic and Social Development Programme, we reaffirm our gratitude to Japan for its unwavering support in the field of maritime safety and security. I need to highlight that this initiative is aligned with the Government Programme 2025-2029, A Bridge to the Future, which is not just a set of policies but a strategic blueprint for the progress and prosperity of Mauritius, including its commitment to enhancing regional maritime capacity. Distinguished Guests, Mauritius has taken a leading role in fostering regional maritime security. We have hosted three Ministerial Conferences on Maritime Security, in April 2018, June 2019, and November 2023 respectively, with the objective of building a strong and cooperative security framework for the region. These efforts have led to the establishment of key institutions such as the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar, and the Regional Cooperation Operations Centre in Seychelles, both of which are now operational. Japan has also been an active participant in these conferences, demonstrating its commitment to regional safety and security. Through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Japan had pledged funding to enhance maritime security, which had been instrumental in providing training and technical assistance to countries in the region. Mauritius is committed to contribute to the promotion of a safe Free and Open Indian Ocean, and looks forward to exploring new avenues for cooperation under the Indo-Pacific framework. This partnership under this framework will not only enhance maritime domain awareness but will also contribute to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, particularly for Small Island Developing States. The growing engagement between Japan, the Indian Ocean Commission, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association will also bring lasting benefits to the region. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mauritius is steadily enhancing its bilateral relations with Japan across multiple fronts. We commend the Government of Japan for its visionary themeDesigning Future Society for Our Lives, for the Osaka Expo 2025, which is an event that brings together people and innovations from around the world. Mauritius is honoured to participate in this prestigious event and has chosen Empowering Lives as the theme for its national pavilion. Through this platform, we will showcase our measures aimed at fostering a more sustainable, equitable, and environmentally conscious society. Furthermore, Mauritius looks forward to participating in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Japans long-standing commitment to supporting African-led development,scheduled to take place in Yokohama from the 20th to the 22nd of August 2025. The TICAD has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering partnerships, driving economic growth, and advancing peace and security in Africa. Mauritius is confident that TICAD 9 will serve as another stepping stone in strengthening economic and developmental collaboration. Looking ahead, the proposed establishment of a Mauritius Embassy in Tokyo will also mark a new chapter in our bilateral relations. This initiative will not only reinforce State-to-State diplomacy but will also unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, economic cooperation, and above all, increase People-to-People connections between Mauritius and Japan. Distinguished Guests, As we proceed with the signing of the Exchange of Notes, let us reassert our shared commitment to a partnership that is built on trust, mutual respect, and a common vision for prosperity and security. I again wish to extend my sincere appreciation toJapan for its friendship and invaluable support to Mauritius. May this collaboration continue to flourish in the years ahead. Long live Mauritius-Japan relations! Thank you. 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Martin Neary from near Swinford received a special recognition award at the annual Cathaoirleach Awards for donating his own land to the local community. In 2022, the farmer donated his 35-acre farm the community to create Martin Neary Woodland Park. The land also contains his burial plot, which we obtained permission for in 2015 after initially being refused permission by Mayo County Council. Mr Neary has stipulated that the land must never be sold or redeveloped. Mr Neary was praised for his extraordinary generosity he received the award from Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr John OHara at the Cathaoirleach Awards in Breaffy House Hotel. Born in 1949, Mr Neary moved to England before returning home to the land in 1974 where he expanded the family farm to produce excellent beef cattle. In what was described as a remarkable act of generosity and foresight that will enrich the lives of countless individuals for generations to come, Mr Neary donated his entire farm to the local community, establishing a community woodland trust with Mayo County Council and Western Forestry Co-Op. His philanthropic gesture stands as a testament to his profound connection to his community and his deep-seated concern for the future, his citation read. The woodlands planted on the land will serve as a public amenity and a living classroom to allow current and future generations to learn about biodiversity, ecology and the environment. Mr Neary was praised for his unwavering commitment to his land, his community and the future before receiving his award. Further coverage of the Cathaoirelach Awards will be carried in Tuesdays Mayo News. Virtual nature exposure offers a simple, drug-free approach to pain relief with practical benefits for care. Can a walk in the park really ease #pain? Science says yes, but with a twist. Want to know the details? #nature #painkillers #alleivatepain Alzheimers disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Trusted Source Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms & Treatment Go to source Trusted Source Dementia Rates Surge South Korea's #aging population highlights the urgent need to address Alzheimer's and mental health. #Alzheimers #SouthKorea Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms & Treatment - (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9164-alzheimers-disease) Nearly 10% of South Koreas elderly population is battling Alzheimer's disease ), with dementia cases expected to surpass 1 million by next year, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.As of 2025, the number of dementia patients in the country has reached 970,000, accounting for 9.17% of those aged 65 and older, as reported by Yonhap news agency. Projections indicate that this number will exceed 2 million by 2044.Although the proportion of dementia cases among older adults has slightly decreased from 9.5% in 2016, the ministry attributes this to improved education levels and better overall health conditions. However, experts predict that the percentage of affected seniors will remain around 10% until 2045, rising to 12-13% by 2059.To address this growing crisis, the ministry is planning new support measures to alleviate the financial and caregiving burden on families of dementia patients.Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Korea Institute of Public Administration found a rise in anxiety and depression among South Koreans last year. The survey, conducted on 8,251 adults, revealed that self-reported anxiety levels increased from 3.4 to 4.1 out of 10, while feelings of depression rose from 2.8 to 3.5 points.Despite this trend, the average public perception of happiness slightly improved to 6.8 points. However, disparities were noted based on income levels. While happiness levels increased among higher earners (6 million won or more per month), those in the lowest income bracket (earning less than 1 million won per month) reported a decline in happiness.Source-Medindia CAIRO (AP) Hamas said Saturday it will only release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel implements their ceasefire agreement, calling it an exceptional deal aimed at getting the truce back on track. Israeli airstrikes meanwhile killed nine people in the Gaza Strip who the military identified as militants, allegations denied by a U.K.-based aid group that said eight of its workers were killed. A senior Hamas official said long-delayed talks over the ceasefire's second phase would need to begin the day of the release and last no longer than 50 days. Israel also would need to stop barring the entry of humanitarian aid and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt. Israel has said it won't pull out from the corridor, citing the need to combat weapons smuggling. Hamas would also demand the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks. Edan Alexander, 21, who grew up in New Jersey, was abducted from his military base during Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. He is the last living U.S. citizen held in Gaza. Hamas still has 59 hostages, 35 believed to be dead. Speaking at a protest camp set up last week outside Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, relatives of hostages said Netanyahu was violating the agreement he signed and abandoning the hostages in Gaza. You want to sacrifice our children for the pleasures of power, said Itzik Horn, father of hostage Eitan and freed hostage Iair. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Saturday told negotiators to prepare for the continuation of talks regarding the release of hostages, his office said. Airstrikes kill nine Two Israeli airstrikes in the northern town of Beit Lahiya near the border killed at least nine people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Palestinian Journalists Protection Center, a local watchdog, said the dead included three Palestinian journalists who were documenting aid distribution. Local health official Fares Awad identified one as Mahmoud Islim, who was operating a drone. The Israeli military said it struck two people operating a drone that it said posed a threat to soldiers in the area. It said it launched another strike at a group of people who came to collect the drone equipment, identifying all those targeted as militants. The army later released the names of six people it said were militants killed in the strikes, including one accused of taking part in the Oct. 7 attack and another who it said had been released as part of the ceasefire. The military said two others, including Islim, were militants posing as journalists. The UK-based Al Khair Foundation said that eight of its workers were killed in the strikes. It denied the Israeli militarys allegations that those killed were militants or had connections to Hamas. Hamas in a statement called the attack a serious escalation showing Israels attempts to sabotage any opportunity to implement the ceasefire agreement. Also Saturday, Israel's military said it removed a platoon of soldiers from Gaza who were seen in a video on social media opening fire during a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim. The video shows soldiers shooting, apparently randomly, while another performs the customary reading of the Book of Esther. The military said the soldiers will face disciplinary measures. No major fighting has occurred in Gaza since the ceasefire took hold on Jan. 19, but Israeli strikes have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military said had entered unauthorized areas, engaged in militant activities or otherwise violated the truce. Israel has cast doubt on Hamas' offer The United States said it presented on Wednesday a proposal to extend the ceasefire a few weeks as the sides negotiate a permanent truce. It said Hamas was claiming flexibility in public while privately making entirely impractical demands. Talks continued in Egypt, which along with Qatar has served as mediators with Hamas in the indirect talks with Israel. Israel and Hamas were to begin negotiations on the ceasefire's second phase in early February, but only preparatory talks have been held. In Phase Two, Hamas would release all remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting truce. The first phase saw the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces pulled back to a buffer zone along Gazas border and allowed a surge of humanitarian aid. After the first phase ended early this month, Israel said it had agreed to a new U.S. proposal in which Hamas would release half the remaining hostages in return for a vague commitment to negotiate a lasting ceasefire. Hamas rejected that offer. Netanyahu's office said in a statement that he held in-depth discussions with the negotiating team and security officials on Saturday evening. Afterward, he told the negotiating team to prepare for continued talks as per the mediator's response to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal, the statement said. Palestinian official says no fuel left for wells For two weeks, Israel has barred the delivery of food, fuel and other supplies to Gaza's roughly 2 million Palestinians, and cut electricity to the territory a week ago, to pressure Hamas to accept the new proposal. The southern city of Rafah, on the Gaza-Egypt border, said it could no longer provide fuel needed to pump water from dozens of wells. Ahmed al-Sufi, head of the municipality, said fuel shortages caused by the Israeli siege have forced it to suspend essential services, threatening the lives of thousands. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza, displaced most of the population and left nearly everyone dependent on international aid. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage. Most have been released in deals, while Israel rescued eight living hostages and recovered the bodies of dozens more. Israel's military offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. ___ Associated Press writer Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war This photo taken on Feb. 20, 2025 shows a mango test field in Nochchiyagama, Sri Lanka. (Xinhua/Wu Yue) COLOMBO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- In Anuradhapura, a central Sri Lankan city, for Bandara Abeysinghe, how mango trees yield abundant fruits is a question. Abeysinghe is a local agricultural instructor responsible for Nochchiyagama, one of main mango-producing areas in Anuradhapura. Locals have long been cultivating mangoes but could not ensure stable yields. In 2023, a cooperation project was launched by China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Sri Lanka, with Chinese agricultural experts lending a helping hand to Abeysinghe. In an orchard cultivated by the Chinese experts, Abeysinghe and local farmers learned how to plant mango trees with new techniques, from precise fertilization to pest control. The demonstration plot was copied in Sri Lanka. Thanks to the new techniques, tropical fruit cultivation experiments have been conducted, including mangoes, pineapples and bananas. The outcomes, combining Chinese agricultural techniques and local conditions, have been shared with hundreds of thousands of local farmers. Liu Yangyang, an expert from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, said that the demonstration plots have been well-known for the benefits. "With the new practical techniques, yields significantly increased, and costs were not high," Abeysinghe said. Last month, the cooperation project was reviewed and approved by FAO. Kapila Munasinghe from FAO praised the Chinese experts, saying that their efforts contributed to the livelihoods of Sri Lankan farmers. Moreover, China and Sri Lanka were exploring new areas of cooperation, including processing agricultural products. There is potential for agricultural cooperation between the two countries, said Sun Dequan, Chinese team leader of the project. Liu Yangyang (R), an expert from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, instructs his Sri Lankan colleague to make pineapple cake in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Yue) This photo taken on Feb. 17, 2025 shows pineapple seedling culture bottles at a project lab in Horana, Sri Lanka. (Xinhua/Wu Yue) Blasting Off to New Frontiers: The Unexpected Jobs of Rockets (What Are Rockets Used For) When you picture a rocket, your brain might default to fiery launchpads, roaring engines, and astronauts waving from capsule windows. But rockets are so much more than flashy fireworks for space tourists. These engineering marvels are cosmic multitaskers, tackling jobs that range from the mind-bendingly scientific to the surprisingly mundane. Lets dive into the wild, wide world of rocket-powered missionsno spacesuit required. **Space Exploration: The Ultimate Road Trip** First, the obvious: rockets are our golden tickets to the stars. Since the 1950s, theyve hurled satellites, probes, and humans into the great beyond. Think of them as interplanetary Uber drivers. Without rockets, wed never have planted flags on the Moon, driven rovers on Mars, or snapped selfies with Jupiters storms. Missions like NASAs Artemis program and SpaceXs Starship are prepping to turn sci-fi into realitylunar bases, Mars colonies, and maybe even coffee shops in zero gravity. Rockets dont just take us places; they rewrite the map of whats possible. **Satellites: Silent Superheroes in the Sky** Ever binge-watched Netflix during a storm? Thank a rocket. Thousands of satellites orbiting Earthlaunched by rocketsmake modern life tick. They forecast hurricanes, beam internet to remote villages, and help you navigate traffic jams with GPS. Some even spy on endangered species or track illegal fishing boats. These metal birds are like invisible assistants, working 24/7 to keep our world connected, safe, and mildly obsessed with cat videos. **Science Labs on the Fly** Rockets arent just for transport; theyre mobile laboratories. Sound weird? Picture this: scientists stuff experiments into rocket noses, shoot them into suborbital arcs, and grab data in minutes. Microgravity experiments reveal how flames behave in space or how cells age without gravitys pull. Even better, sounding rocketscheaper, smaller cousins of orbital beastsgive researchers quick, affordable glimpses into Earths upper atmosphere. Its like FedEx-ing science questions to the edge of space and getting answers by lunch. **Planetary Defense: Earths Bodyguards** Yes, rockets might save us from asteroid Armageddon. NASAs DART mission proved it: in 2022, a rocket-launched spacecraft punched an asteroid off course. Future rockets could nudge space rocks away before they turn into dinosaur-level party poopers. Its the ultimate break glass in case of emergency toolexcept the glass is a rocket silo, and the emergency is literal global doom. **Military Muscle and Peacekeeping** Rockets have a darker side too. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) haunt geopolitical nightmares, capable of delivering warheads across continents. But heres the twist: the same tech that fuels conflict also enables peace. Monitoring satellites, launched by rockets, help enforce treaties and track troop movements. Sometimes, a rockets purpose depends on whos pressing the launch button. **The Future: Tickets to Space and Beyond** Rockets are evolving from government-only gadgets to playgrounds for billionaires and bucket-list travelers. Companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are selling joyrides to the edge of space, while SpaceX dreams of populating Mars. Meanwhile, researchers are eyeing nuclear-powered rockets for faster trips to Saturns moons or asteroid mines. The next era of rocketry might involve hitchhiking robots, space hotels, or even mail delivery to Mars. **Final Countdown** (What Are Rockets Used For) From delivering doom to enabling doom-scrolling, rockets are humanitys most versatile tool. Theyre explorers, scientists, bodyguards, and postal workersall rolled into a sleek, explosive package. So next time you see a rocket streak across the sky, remember: its not just a flashy firework. Its a Swiss Army knife of human ambition, blasting holes in the limits of what we can achieve. And who knows? Maybe one day, itll carry your future self to a Starbucks on Europa. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) MUSKEGON, MI -- The Hackley Public Library stuns with its high ceilings and painted-glass windows. Theres plenty to discover in Muskegons local library, but tucked up against the back wall is a particularly rare piece of Irish history. More than 1,200 years ago Celtic monks painstakingly recorded the Book of Kells. The religious text brings medieval art, religion and culture to the modern world. While Muskegon does not have the original from 800 A.D. thats preserved at Trinity College in Dublin it is one of very few exact copies of the illuminated manuscript. Less than 1,500 copies exist worldwide and one is sitting in a small, Lake Michigan beach town. An Illuminated Manuscript of the Medieval Age The Book of Kells contains the four Latin gospels of the New Testament. The 680-page manuscript is intricately decorated in a style known as insular majuscule script. The original copy was hand-written and painted on vellum, a calf-skin that has been tanned to paper thinness. Its believed the Book of Kells was started by monks on the Island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland. When the island was raided by Vikings, the Monks escaped to the village of Kells, located in County Meath, Ireland, and brought the sacred text with them. The Book of Kells was likely completed in the small village, giving it its name. Scholars believe it took 75 years to complete the delicate inscriptions of colorful birds, animals, faces and figures. The Book of Kells' story is one of survival. The manuscript was kept in a monastery for several hundred years, but the village of Kells was pillaged by Vikings throughout the Middle Ages. The manuscript became a prize among thieves. In one instance the book was stolen from the church and went missing for months. The manuscript was discovered buried under sod. However, the bejeweled and gold cover was ripped from the book. Scholars believe pages were ripped from the beginning and end when the cover was stolen, but the bulk of the pages remain in tact. In 1661 the Book of Kells was transferred to the Trinity College Library where it has been safeguarded ever since. World history on display in Muskegon, Michigan In 1990, Trinity College granted permission for a limited number of exact facsimile replicas of the book to be published. More intricate and exacting than just a copy, a facsimile replicates the wear and tear of an original text including wrinkles, fading, smudges and missing pages. The Muskegon Irish-American Society and Friends of Hackley Public Library, among other donors, fundraised to buy the $14,800 facsimile for Hackley Librarys 100th anniversary. The fundraising campaign was an incredible feat, said Mallory Metzger, Hackley Librarys Marketing and Program Coordinator. It really just goes to show how important history and literacy is here in our area, she said. Only 1,480 facsimile replicas were produced and sold around the world, putting Muskegon on a global stage. To have the facsimile here in Muskegon is incredibly special to showcase Irish culture and heritage, she said. Visitors can see the original Book of Kells on display at Trinity College in Dublin, or flip through the digital copy online. Only two public libraries in the Western Hemisphere are known to have a copy on permanent display Hackley Library in Muskegon and Washington-Centerville Public Library in Ohio. Visitors at Hackley can only view the book behind glass. Metzger turns the pages, while gloved, periodically to showcase the many illustrations. Kettering University president Robert McMahan speaks during the announcement of centennial celebration events on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 at Kettering University in Flint. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May | MLive.com FLINT, MI A Michigan university has received more than $1.6 million in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Higher Education Strategic Initiatives. Kettering University is working to underscore its leading role in educating Michigans next generation of engineers and innovators by developing cutting-edge curricula in semiconductors, hydrogen fuel and software engineering through these grants. The MEDC grant funding is just the latest in a broad effort to advance Michigans semiconductor, electric vehicle (EV), and mobility sectors, making certain the state remains a leader in advanced manufacturing. Kettering Universitys experiential educational model has always been focused on developing leaders that will shape the future, said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of Kettering University. This funding accelerates our ability to prepare Michigans workforce while enhancing our capacity to equip it with the critical skills and hands-on experiences necessary to thrive in industries that will define the economy of the state for decades. MEDC awarded Kettering four distinct grants as part of its Higher Education Strategic Initiatives: Semiconductor Curriculum Development ($320,882): Supporting the expansion of courses and resources designed to meet Michigans growing need for semiconductor expertise. Hydrogen Fuel Curriculum ($354,202): Creating innovative programs focused on the future of hydrogen fuel technologies, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge for cutting-edge industries. Software Engineering Curriculum ($287,432): Enabling the development of new courses and acquiring specialized equipment to prepare students for careers in software development and advanced systems. PK-12 Engagement ($53,324): Launching summer hackathon camps to engage young students in engineering and advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning experiences. These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of talent and provide pathways to real-world careers in high-demand fields. In addition to curriculum grants, Kettering University has also secured additional funding from the MEDC Talent Solutions division for The Michigander Scholars Program, providing $5,000 and scholarships to students completing Co-ops in Michigan with select employers, many of whom are already Co-op employer partners for Kettering. The program also helps retain top engineering talent in the state by offering $10,000 incentives for students who commit to a full-time position, staying in Michigan for at least one year after graduation. Were excited about the continued partnership with Kettering University to nurture and develop the next generation of mobility professionals who can pursue opportunities in Michigan that offer higher-paying jobs and career advancement while at the same time building a strong pipeline of future Michigan mobility leaders, said Kerry Ebersole Singh, MEDC Executive Vice President, chief of talent solutions and engagement officer. The MEDC Talent Solutions division is committed to creating stronger pathways to 21st-century careers that will help cultivate, attract, and retain young talent while showcasing Michigan as a hub for a future-ready workforce essential to building a stronger economy. The MEDCs Talent Solutions division consortium of EV/mobility and semiconductors partners includes more than 20 major employers and national industry groups, 17 higher education partners, and workforce and PK-12 leaders across Michigan. The MEDC grants to Kettering are part of a combined nearly $30 million the MEDC has invested with Michigans higher education institutions that are working with advanced manufacturing employers to design and deliver a curriculum preparing students for in-demand mobility-related careers. These grants provide the university with resources to further enhance its renowned educational Co-op model through June 2026. The $1.6 million in funding, including the Michigander Scholars Program, enables the University to expand Michigans talent pipeline and drive long-term economic growth in key industries. Kettering University is also launching an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices, an industry-driven program designed for students ready to lead in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry. Built for those who thrive in demanding, hands-on environments, this program maintains Ketterings high academic standards while delivering an efficient, immersive path to industry leadership. Kettering is also launching an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices, an industry-driven program designed for students ready to lead in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry. Built for those who thrive in demanding, hands-on environments, this program maintains Ketterings high academic standards while delivering an efficient, immersive path to industry leadership. Every modern technology from smartphones to medical devices, electric vehicles to national defense systems relies on semiconductors. Yet, the U.S. faces a critical shortage of engineers and scientists with the expertise to power the industrys next chapter. With global semiconductor supply chains under strain and the CHIPS and Science Act injecting billions into reshoring semiconductor manufacturing, the demand for highly skilled semiconductor professionals is skyrocketing. Industry leaders predict tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs will emerge in the coming years, yet there are not enough trained experts to fill them. Thats where Kettering comes in. Kettering Universitys educational model was built for industry, and the design of our new bachelors degree in semiconductors is a natural extension of that legacy, McMahan said. This is the first accelerated STEM degree of its kind and a high-intensity path designed to prepare students to lead in the semiconductor revolution. It provides students an opportunity to master the science and engineering of semiconductors faster while also preserving the deep industry engagement that defines a Kettering education. Read more on The Flint Journal: Yeah, yeah, yeah! Usher and other celebs shout support for one Michigan school Tranquility in northern Michigan: Magnificent log home hits market for under $1 million Jacks Record Stache finds new home in Linden, pays homage to Flint roots Nearly $1.6M in grants awarded by FlintNOW Fund, Community Foundation of Greater Flint People raise their signs as cars honk while driving by during a protest about Bay City Bridge Partners on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at the intersection of Center Avenue and Washington Avenue in Bay City, Mich. Bay City Bridge Partners leased two Bay City bridges, Liberty and Independence, from the city of Bay City, intending to repair them and add tolls. Recently, Bay City Bridge Partners announced a price increase from $15 a month to $30 a month beginning March 1, 2025 for those who already had the plan and are not offering the plan anymore. This plan will be completely eliminated in July 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com BAY CITY, MI Here are a few headlines from Bay County last week that attracted reader interest. The $5M deal that changed Bay Citys bridges and the 9 people who voted for it On a frigid Monday in December 2019, nine people formed a half-circle on the second floor of Bay Citys historic city hall. They sat at desks, their names etched in nameplates. They were Jesse Dockett, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Andrew Niedzinski, Brentt Brunner, Rachelle Hilliker, Christopher Girard, Kerice Basmadjian, Ed Clements and Cordal Morris. It was a regularly scheduled city commission meeting and the six men and three women were there to decide, among other things, what the city should do with its aging bridges. Read more here. 5 takeaways from JD Vances March visit to Michigan Vice President JD Vance hailed an American comeback for businesses at a Friday, March 14, visit to a Bay County plastics manufacturer. The former Ohio senator championed the economic policies of President Donald Trump during the 2-hour stay in Michigan, a state that favored the Republican ticket in the 2024 presidential election. Vance brought company from Washington D.C. with him Friday. He also attracted the company of protesters to the site of his Bangor County gathering. Read more here. Your guide to the 2025 Bay City St. Patricks Day Parade It was 1955 when Bay City residents and visitors gathered along Center Avenue to watch the citys first St. Patricks Day parade procession march through the streets of town, beginning at Center Avenue and Monroe Street and disbanding at City Hall on Washington Avenue. Seventy years later, the parade is still a fixture of the annual Irish celebration. And as they have for the past several decades, thousands of people are expected to line Center Avenue this year, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite float in the annual parade. I always look forward to this time of year, Bay City Mayor Chris Girard said at a news conference announcing this years festivities. The races, the parade. It is a party in Bay City. Read more here. Bay City Public Schools approves contract for next superintendent The Bay City Public Schools Board of Education approved a contract with Frankenmuth School District Superintendent Grant Hegenauer as the districts next top administrator. The board last month voted unanimously to offer Hegenauer the districts superintendent job after interviewing four candidates, including three more than once. On Monday, March 10, the board approved the contract to be sent to Hegenauer Tuesday for his signature. Read more here. Another month of closures scheduled for Bay Citys Independence Bridge Its another month of nightly bridge closures for Bay Citys Independence Bridge, according to the company leasing the drawbridge from the city. Beginning Monday, March 10, the Independence Bridge will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday until March 21, according to Bay City Bridge Partners, the subsidiary of United Bridge Partners. This timeframe is a slight deviation from the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. closures that occurred each weekday throughout February and into early March. Read more here. Bay County man crashed into police vehicles at HQ, kicked and gouged officers, reports state A Bay County man is facing charges after allegedly driving to police headquarters in the middle of the night, crashing into patrol vehicles, then fighting with officers after fleeing the scene. The suspect is the adult son of a local judge, prompting out-of-county officials to take over the case. The matter began about 11 p.m. on Feb. 22 when a blue 2006 Buick Lucerne drove into the parking lot of the Bay County Law Enforcement Center, 503 Third St., and rammed two sheriffs patrol vehicles. The Buick drove away before deputies could stop it, according to police reports obtained by MLive via the Freedom of Information Act request. Read more here. UNO Pizzeria in Bay City to close March 23 For the second time in six months, mid-Michigan is losing an UNO Pizzeria. The popular pizzeria and grill located at 2795 E. Wilder Road in Monitor Township announced on social media that it is closing effective Sunday, March 23. Serving our guests and creating countless memories has been an incredible experience, and we are truly grateful for our dedicated team members, loyal customers, and the amazing support weve received from this community throughout the years, ownership wrote in a Facebook post. Read more here. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. TEHRAN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly U.S. airstrikes across Yemen on Saturday night. The airstrikes targeted Houthi sites across Yemen, including the capital Sanna, killing at least 31 people and injuring more than 100, the al-Masirah TV cited the Houthi-run health ministry as saying. Baghaei said the airstrikes were a "military aggression" that targets "Yemen's resistant people," and were in "flagrant violation" of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. U.S. President Donald Trump said the airstrikes are also sending a message to Iran that its support for the Houthis must end immediately. "Do NOT threaten the American People, their President ... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it," read a post on Trump's Truth Social account. On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the Gaza Strip's crossings are reopened and aid allowed in. From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities, to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The attacks later expanded to include U.S. and British ships after the U.S.-British navy coalition started to intervene, launching air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept ANKARA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish Competition Board on Sunday announced the launch of an investigation into top video and streaming providers in the country over potential violations of competition laws. According to a statement on the board's website, an initial inquiry into major streaming platforms, both domestic and international, revealed concerns about possible infringement, prompting a formal investigation. The probe concerns global giants such as Amazon, Netflix, and Disney+, as well as Turkiye's homegrown platform, Exxen. A key focus is whether Netflix has abused its dominant market position by imposing exclusivity clauses in content licensing agreements and prioritizing its original productions over independent creators. Subscription-based streaming services have surged in popularity in Turkiye, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, which drove increased demand during lockdowns. In December, the Turkish competition regulator imposed a fine of some 75 million U.S. dollars on Google following its investigation of advertising practices. The ongoing probe into streaming platforms could lead to substantial fines and regulatory measures if anti-competitive behavior is confirmed. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows a view featuring jacaranda trees in Pretoria, South Africa. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's expelled ambassador, has been given 72 hours to leave the United States. JOHANNESBURG, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's expelled ambassador, has been given 72 hours to leave the United States. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), confirmed to local media News24 on Saturday that they have received official confirmation from the South African mission in the U.S. late on Friday night that Rasool had been expelled, and arrangements have been made for his return. A statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela is seen in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Dec. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) Phiri said Rasool will debrief Pretoria once in South Africa. "From there, Pretoria will assess what are the next steps that need to be done and attend to it," he added. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Rasool "persona non grata" on the social media platform X on Friday, following an earlier address by the South African ambassador in which he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the South African Presidency, it has noted the regrettable expulsion of the ambassador and urged all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter. 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. 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I Accept Criticism is the soul of democracy: PM Modi's top quotes from Lex Fridman Podcast Tamal Nandi 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 Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Not everything is always perfect': PM Modi on India-China ties on Lex Fridman Podcast 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. 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I Accept PM Modi advocates for 'path of peace' to resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict on Lex Fridman Podcast Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept PM Modi speaks about role of RSS in his life on Lex Fridman Podcast: 'RSS teaches nation is everything' Swarali Bodas 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 PM Modi to open Raisina Dialogue on Monday; New Zealand PM and global foreign ministers set to attend 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 WASHINGTON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft carrying four crew members docked with the International Space Station (ISS) early Sunday, a step closer to bringing home stranded NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore after nine months in space. The spacecraft was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:03 p.m. Friday Eastern Time (2303 GMT). After about 29 hours of flight, the spacecraft docked with the ISS at about 12:04 a.m. Sunday Eastern Time (0404 GMT). The mission, codenamed Crew-10, carries NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov to the ISS. During their mission, Crew-10 is scheduled to conduct material flammability tests to contribute to future spacecraft and facility designs. The crew will engage with students worldwide via the ISS Ham Radio program and use the program's existing hardware to test a backup lunar navigation solution, said NASA. Following a brief handover period, NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission will return to Earth no earlier than Wednesday, carrying the stranded duo, along with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, NASA said. Williams and Wilmore have been stuck in space since last June due to technical problems of Boeing's Starliner which took them to the ISS. Swarali Bodas USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who is Lex Fridman? American podcaster set to release 3-hour podcast with PM Modi Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 1/10 After a nine-month wait, NASA and SpaceX launched the Crew-10 mission to the ISS to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded in space since June. The Crew-10 capsule docked successfully with the ISS at 12:05 a.m. EST on Sunday, just over a day after its launch, marking the start of a long-term space research mission. (Image credit: PTI) 2/10 With the Crew-10 teams arrival, NASA and its global partners have successfully worked to bring back the stranded astronauts. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft was selected as their return vehicle after initial delays due to necessary battery repairs. (Image credit: AP) 3/10 The incoming astronautsAnne McClain and Nichole Ayers from NASA, Takuya Onishi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and Kirill Peskov from Roscosmoswill assume control of operations following a brief handover phase. (Image credit: Texasbrn/X) 4/10 Over the next few days, the incoming crew will take over the stations operations, allowing the stranded astronauts to get ready for their long-awaited return. The new crew, consisting of members from the US, Japan, and Russia, will learn the stations procedures from Williams and Wilmore during this transition period. (Image credit: PTI) 5/10 Before Williams and Wilmore board the Dragon capsule, Crew-10 will carry out essential pressurization and leak tests between the spacecraft and the ISS. These important procedures are conducted to ensure a safe transition and avoid any issues during the journey back to Earth. (Image credit: NASA) 6/10 Butch Wilmore opened the hatch and rang the ship's bell as the new astronauts entered, one by one, and were greeted with hugs and handshakes from the current crew, including Sunita Williams. (Image credit: AP) 7/10 With Crew-10's arrival, the ISS briefly accommodated 11 astronauts, including members from Expedition 72. This temporary increase in crew will be resolved once Williams, Wilmore, and Crew-9 complete their handover and return to Earth aboard the SpaceX capsule. (Image credit: PTI) 8/10 After nine months in space, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore shared an emotional, weightless embrace with the incoming crew. Their arrival marked the beginning of Williams and Wilmore's long-awaited return home, bringing a renewed sense of energy. They are expected to return to Earth no earlier than Wednesday, March 19, aboard a SpaceX capsule that has been stationed at the ISS since last year. (Image credit: AP) 9/10 Wilmore and Williams will return to Earth with Crew-9, which includes American astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who have been aboard the ISS since August. After spending an extended period in space, astronauts require medical monitoring to help them adapt to gravity again. NASA closely monitors their recovery, as they often face dizziness, nausea, and muscle weakness as they regain their ability to walk independently. (Image credit: NASA) Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BLA rebels claim 90 military personnel killed in attack on Pakistani convoy, official tally at 5 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Donald Trump may speak to Vladimir Putin on Ukraine this week: US envoy 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 Not for Russia to decide on peacekeepers in Ukraine: Emmanuel Macron 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 WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A federal judge on Saturday barred U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from invoking the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport five Venezuelan nationals from the United States, local media reported. The White House issued a presidential proclamation earlier in the day targeting Venezuelan members of Tren de Aragua gang, saying the country was facing an "invasion" from the "foreign terrorist organization." Hours later, Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order for 14 days. Boasberg's decision came in response to a lawsuit filed the same day by the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward. The organizations charged that the Trump administration unlawfully invoked the Alien Enemies Act, local media reported. The act has only ever been used three times before, all during wars. Reports indicate that by invoking the wartime act, the Trump administration can deport any migrant it identifies as a member of the gang without going through regular immigration proceedings, and can also remove other protections under criminal law for people it targets. The Alien Enemies Act: What to know about a 1798 law that Trump has invoked for deportations 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 Voice of America staff put on leave, Trump ally says agency 'not salvageable' Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who are Yemen's Houthis and why are they under attack by the 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 SKOPJE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia has left at least 50 people dead, local media reported on Sunday. About 1,500 people were present at a concert in the nightclub when the fire broke out, the state Media Information Agency reported. The fire quickly spread to the nightclub's ceiling and roof, engulfing the entire building, while a stampede occurred, resulting in at least 50 deaths and multiple injuries, said the report. The number of casualties in the fire was still being assessed, it added. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen on a screen in the courtroom of the International Criminal Court with his lawyer Salvador Medialdea seated left, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, March 14, 2025. REUTERS SANAA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said it launched a retaliatory attack against the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea on Sunday in response to dozens of U.S. airstrikes on its positions. "The American enemy launched a blatant aggression against our country with more than 47 air raids targeting Sanaa and seven other governorates," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "In response to the aggression, we carried out a military operation, targeting USS Harry S. Truman and its escorts with a drone and 18 ballistic and cruise missiles," Sarea stated. U.S. warplanes launched extensive airstrikes across northern Yemen on Saturday night, targeting multiple Houthi-controlled locations. According to Houthi estimates on Sunday, the bombardment resulted in at least 31 deaths and 101 injuries. High-security prisons across California have tightly restricted movement, calls and visits while officials probe a surge in violence this year. The restrictions started Saturday and affect the top-security sections of nearly a dozen lockups including the California Correctional Institution, California State Prison-Los Angeles County and California State Prison-Sacramento. Under the protocols, meals must be delivered directly to housing units and showers and any other movements must be done in a controlled manner, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. Calls by telephone and ViaPath tablet are also restricted, as are visitations. Prisoners still have access to medical care, legal proceedings and other critical appointments, corrections officials said. It is important to note this modified program is distinct from a lockdown and applies exclusively to Level IV housing units, the statement said. Asked for more information about the restrictions, CDCR spokesperson Terri Hardy said only that officials are conducting a comprehensive investigation into underlying causes of violent incidents at Level IV facilities throughout the state. The investigation continues. Corrections officials are investigating seven deaths since the beginning of the year as homicides. Three of those happened the day before the restrictions were announced by the Corrections department. Joshua L. Peppers, 39, was attacked by another prisoner at the Los Angeles County institution March 7 and died at a medical facility, corrections officials said in a statement. He was serving a sentence for second-degree robbery. That same morning Jake T. Kennedy, 32, was found stabbed multiple times in his cell at the Sacramento prison, according to corrections officials. He died at a triage and treatment area, and an improvised weapon was found. He was serving time for carrying a concealed bladed weapon and for a subsequent prison assault. And hours later German M. Merino, 37, died after he was attacked by two inmates in Kern Valley State Prison, authorities said. He was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. Prison violence is a longstanding problem as people serving life sentences have little to lose. In January, for example, Mario Campbell, 36, was attacked on the main exercise yard at the Sacramento prison by two inmates serving live with the possibility of parole, according to corrections officials. He died at a medical facility about an hour and a half later, and officers found three improvised weapons. The restrictions will stay in place until the investigation is completed. Its unclear how long that could take. Last year there were 32 homicides in state lockups, according to the California Correctional Health Care Services. By HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press PRAGUE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The government of the Czech Republic announced on Sunday that it has approved the dispatch of a medical team to North Macedonia in response to a deadly nightclub fire there. In connection with the tragedy in Kocani, North Macedonia, the government had approved the deployment of a medical team from the Ministry of Defense, the government said in a statement. "The news of the night fire in Kocani has deeply affected me. Allies must stand together in difficult times. That is why we immediately complied with North Macedonia's request and are sending a military plane with a medical team to help," said Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The ten-member medical team, including support staff, will travel to North Macedonia, departing late Sunday. At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, according to local media. Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office View Photo Sonora, CA A Sonora man was sentenced to more than eleven years for a domestic violence attack in December. Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke released the details of the case against Francisco Hernandez, who was sentenced to 11 years and 4 months in prison. Hernandez entered a guilty plea on January 30, 2025, to charges of causing corporal harm to a cohabitant or girlfriend and discouraging a witness from pursuing a criminal case while he was released on bail. Jenecke noted that he also admitted that he had been serving a prison term for first-degree residential burglary and had previously been placed under post-release community supervision for a strike conviction. On December 11, 2024, Hernandez was taken into custody after the victim went to work with visible facial injuries. Hernandez showed up there and insisted on speaking with her. Co-workers reported to police that they saw him hitting her in the face after she followed him outside. Meanwhile, the victims kids also reported to a teacher that Hernandez had harmed their mother. Hernandez was arrested but made bail and was released from jail on December 15, 2024. Two days later, Hernandez was served with an emergency protective order to stay away from the victim. Family members became concerned when, shortly after that, the victim missed work and stopped communicating with them. Officers located the victim the next day in the same car as Hernandez, a direct violation of his order, and he was taken into custody. Jenecke added that her office discovered the defendant was actively speaking with the victim on the same day they attempted to make sure the defendant was not phoning the victim from detention. She disclosed that the defendant called the victim nine times, telling her to inform her daughter that his incarceration was due to her daughters remarks at school and to warn her not to lie. At his arraignment on December 20, 2024, the court approved the peoples plea for no bail. Before a January 7, 2025, trial, Hernandez pleaded guilty. Jenecke reports that until he is sent to state prison, he will be held at the Tuolumne County Dambacher Detention Center. Harare In a stunning turn of events that casts a harsh light on the effectiveness of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Zimbabwe Military Police (MP) have apprehended a wanted international drug baron and his accomplice in Harare, just days after the ZRP seemingly abandoned the search. The incident raises serious questions about the ZRPs investigative capabilities and highlights a potential breakdown in law enforcement coordination. Reliable sources have confirmed to The Mirror that Ali Allan Mamudu (55), a suspected international drug kingpin, was arrested at his residence at number 440 Kairezi Street, Marimba, Harare, on Tuesday. The arrest was made by Military Police personnel after CID Harare indicated that they had been unable to locate him. Simultaneously, Military Police also apprehended Khumbo Njima of Blantyre, Malawi, who is believed to be Mamudus accomplice. The dramatic operation unfolded after Mamudu managed to evade arrest by the ZRP in Masvingo on Sunday morning. He was allegedly found in possession of a substantial consignment of 175kg of mbanje (marijuana), with an estimated street value of US$22,000. The illicit cargo originated from Eswatini and had transited through the Beitbridge Border Post, destined for Malawi. According to the States case, Mamudu, along with Limbikani Mwanandi and Njima, were travelling on an FA Roadlink Bus from South Africa. The bus, towing a trailer concealing the mbanje, successfully passed through the Beitbridge Border Post on Saturday. However, the journey was disrupted when the bus experienced a mechanical failure near the Bulawayo turnoff in Masvingo at approximately 1 am on Sunday. Acting on a tip-off, plainclothes Police officers lay in wait for the bus. A Nissan NV 350 commuter omnibus arrived from Harare, and the suspects began offloading the sealed mbanje into the vehicle. Detectives then moved in to make the arrests. However, Mamudu, his son Joel, and Njima allegedly managed to escape in a VW Polo with registration number JJ20NW GP. Mwanandi and Speakmore Mhonda (39), a soldier with the Zimbabwe National Army residing at 663 New Marimba, Harare, were apprehended at the scene. Speakmore Mhonda, who is reportedly the son of Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda, the Presidential Guard commander, stated in his warned and cautioned statement that he resides in the same neighbourhood as Mamudu. On the day in question, Mamudu allegedly contacted his son, requesting him to bring their Nissan NV 350 to collect a consignment in Masvingo where the bus had broken down. Joel, lacking a drivers licence, then enlisted Mhondas assistance to drive him to Masvingo. Mhonda maintains that he was unaware of the contents of the consignment and was merely assisting a neighbour. He claims that it was only upon their arrival at the location of the broken-down bus that Police officers arrived and made the arrests. Some suspects have corroborated Mhondas account, stating in their warned and cautioned statements that they saw him for the first time at the scene of the arrest. The Mirror has established that CID subsequently prepared a docket implicating Speakmore Mhonda. Police indicated that they were unable to locate Mamudu, prompting the Military Police, purportedly acting to assist its member, to intervene and apprehend the remaining suspects. On Tuesday, the Military Police reportedly apprehended Mamudu and Njima and handed them over to the ZRP. However, the CID docket presented in court lacks details regarding the circumstances of Mamudu and Njimas arrest or the identity of those who apprehended them. Sources maintain that the Military Police were responsible for the arrests. Mhonda appeared before Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi on Thursday for a bail ruling. A significant Military Police presence was noted at the court. He was ultimately denied bail. Sources have expressed surprise that the CID failed to apprehend the primary suspect in the case, while the Military Police were able to locate him at his residence with relative ease. Magistrate Hanzi denied Mhonda bail, classifying him as a flight risk due to his alleged attempt to flee the scene when detectives identified themselves. Mhonda, represented by Collen Maboke of Ruvengo Maboke Legal Practitioners, will be applying for bail at the High Court on Monday. Joel remains at large. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the ZRP and raised concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in Zimbabwe. The ease with which Mamudu evaded arrest and the subsequent intervention of the Military Police have fuelled public distrust and highlighted the need for improved coordination and investigative capabilities within the ZRP. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Harare A diverse coalition of Zimbabwean citizens have formally notified the police of their intention to hold nationwide peaceful demonstrations this Thursday, citing the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest as enshrined in Section 59. This unified action comes amid escalating political tensions fuelled by a deepening socio-economic crisis that has plunged ordinary Zimbabweans into dire poverty. The joint notification, submitted to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) headquarters in Harare on Friday afternoon, is a collective expression of discontent from various sectors of society, including the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu), vendors, nurses, doctors, teachers, and kombi representatives. The document, stamped at the police headquarters at 1520 hours, explicitly states the demonstration is a direct response to the prevailing economic crisis, which organisers attribute to corruption, tribalism, nepotism and lack of governance. We, the concerned citizens of Zimbabwe, hereby notify the Joint Operations Command (JOC) of our intention to participate in a peaceful demonstration countrywide, the notification reads. The organisers minced no words in demanding accountability from the government for the economic meltdown that has robbed citizens of their economic freedom. They also called upon the police to provide security and ensure the peaceful nature of the protest. We wish to emphasise that the demonstration is a constitutional right, as enshrined in the constitution of Zimbabwe, the notification continues. We are exercising our right to bring the government to account for the economic meltdown, which has resulted in citizens lacking economic freedom. Furthermore, the notification urges the JOC to ensure that the security cluster is fully aware of the demonstrations and provides maximum protection to the demonstrators. We believe that the peaceful demonstration is a necessary step towards bringing about change and promoting economic freedom in Zimbabwe, it states. We urge the JOC to respect our constitutional right to demonstrate and provide the necessary protection to ensure a peaceful and successful demonstration. The planned demonstrations coincide with a controversial move by the government to remove vendors from the streets. Local Government minister Daniel Garwe issued a 48-hour ultimatum to local authorities last week, instructing them to clear vendors from their trading spaces. This directive has been widely interpreted as a pre-emptive measure to suppress any potential anti-government protests. According to observers and security sources, the decision to remove vendors was made following security briefings last week. It is easy to start demonstrations when vendors are in the streets, a security source revealed. The ultimatum has already sparked chaos across the country, with reports of vendors clashing with municipal police attempting to enforce the removal order. In response to the escalating tensions, Venders for ED chairperson, Samora Chisvo, has called for dialogue with authorities to avert violent confrontations. We dont need people to resort to violence. We need a progressive dialogue so that we can come up with a lasting solution, he said. Echoing these sentiments, Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation representative, Samuel Wadzanai, emphasised the need for peaceful resolution. We dont expect people to resort to violence from both the vendors and authorities, he stated. We need to create alternative safe vending spaces for the vendors. Despite the growing unrest and the planned demonstrations, Zanu PF director of Information, Farai Marapira, has dismissed any concerns, claiming the ruling party is unfazed. Why should we panic; there is guaranteed failure in the demonstration, Marapira said. People need to calm down, but as a revolutionary party we take every funny threat seriously. State Security minister Lovemore Matuke has also urged ordinary Zimbabweans to reject calls for mass protests. The planned demonstrations represent a significant moment in Zimbabwes ongoing struggle for economic and political reform. Whether the protests will proceed peacefully, and whether the government will heed the calls for accountability, remains to be seen. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Capitol Hill closes the door on CCP propaganda: China Daily BANNED from Congressional offices Congressional leaders announced the cessation of China Daily, the official propaganda arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), from being distributed in the U.S. Capitol. This decision aims to counter Beijings efforts to influence American political discourse and protect U.S. democracy from foreign interference. The announcement was made by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) and Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), who emphasized the importance of blocking CCP propaganda from being disseminated within Congressional offices. They praised the cooperation of National News in implementing the ban. China Daily has been distributed in the U.S. for decades, with its U.S. distributor registered as a foreign agent since 1983. The publication has been criticized for promoting CCP narratives, whitewashing human rights abuses and paying U.S. media outlets to run pro-Beijing content. Between 2016 and 2024, China Dailys U.S. operations received $81 million in funding, with significant amounts spent on printing, operations and advertisements in U.S. media. This highlights Beijings substantial investment in shaping global perceptions and normalizing its authoritarian practices. The ban is seen as a victory for protecting U.S. democratic institutions from foreign influence. However, the broader challenge remains to combat CCP propaganda globally and ensure American policymakers and citizens are vigilant against foreign disinformation campaigns. In a decisive move toward safeguarding American democracy from foreign influence, Congressional leaders have announced the cessation of distribution for China Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), within the halls of the U.S. Capitol. This landmark decision marks a significant step in countering Beijings relentless efforts to infiltrate and manipulate American political discourse. The announcement was made jointly by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), chairman of the Committee on House Administration, and Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In a statement released on Tuesday, the lawmakers declared, We are pleased to announce that China Daily will no longer be circulated by National News to House offices. We took action to directly block the Chinese Communist Party from using the halls of the Peoples House to spread its propaganda. We appreciate National Newss swift cooperation on this important issue. This decision comes after years of mounting concerns over the CCPs use of state-controlled media to influence U.S. policymakers and public opinion. China Daily, one of Beijings most prominent propaganda tools, has long been distributed to Congressional offices alongside legitimate news publications, unless offices explicitly opted out. Long history of CCP propaganda in America The roots of China Dailys presence in the U.S. stretch back decades. Its U.S. distributor, the China Daily Distribution Corporation, has been registered as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) since 1983. This designation underscores the publications role as an arm of the Chinese government, tasked with advancing Beijings interests abroad. In 2020, the U.S. State Department designated China Daily and 16 other entities as foreign missions, a move that highlighted their function as extensions of the CCPs propaganda apparatus. Of these, 14 were news publications or broadcasters, reflecting Beijings heavy reliance on media to shape global narratives. The publications Chinese website openly declares its mission: to actively publicize and explain Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. In practice, this means promoting the CCPs agenda while whitewashing its human rights abuses, including the oppression of Uyghurs, Tibetans and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Growing backlash against CCP influence The decision to halt China Dailys distribution follows years of bipartisan criticism. In 2020, the publication came under fire for paying major U.S. newspapers millions of dollars to run inserts that portrayed the Chinese regime in a favorable light. These advertisements, which often downplayed Beijings authoritarian practices, raised alarm bells among lawmakers and national security experts. This year, Freshman Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.) reignited the push to ban CCP-controlled publications from Congress. His resolution, introduced on February 5, sought to prohibit the distribution of all CCP-affiliated media within House facilities. In an interview with EpochTVs American Thought Leaders program, Rep. Hamadeh argued that allowing China Daily in Congress was unacceptable because it represents propaganda by a foreign government thats trying to influence the highest echelons of the United States government. The issue also drew attention from then-Senator Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, who in March 2024 co-wrote letters to nine media companies accepting payments from China Daily. Rubio urged these outlets to stop disseminating CCP propaganda to an American audience, warning of the dangers posed by Beijings information warfare. Financial backbone of CCP propaganda The scale of Beijings investment in China Dailys U.S. operations is staggering. According to FARA filings, between November 2016 and April 2024, the China Daily Distribution Corporation received million in funding from its China?based headquarters nearly 9781 million on printing and operational expenses, including $20.78 million on advertisements in U.S. media outlets. This financial backing underscores the CCPs commitment to leveraging China Daily as a tool for shaping global perceptions. By flooding American media with pro-Beijing content, the regime seeks to normalize its authoritarian practices and undermine criticism of its policies. Victory for national security and sovereignty The decision to block China Daily from Congressional offices is a victory for those who recognize the threat posed by foreign propaganda. As Rep. Steil and Rep. Moolenaar noted, the halls of Congress must remain free from the influence of adversarial regimes. This move sends a clear message: the United States will not tolerate attempts to undermine its democratic institutions. However, the battle against CCP influence is far from over. Beijings propaganda machine remains active, with state-controlled media outlets continuing to operate in the U.S. and around the world. The challenge now is to build on this momentum, ensuring that American policymakers and citizens are equipped to recognize and resist foreign disinformation campaigns. As the U.S. confronts an increasingly assertive China, the decision to ban China Daily from Capitol Hill serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in defending democracy. In the words of Rep. Hamadeh, This is about protecting the integrity of our government and ensuring that our decisions are made free from foreign interference. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com TheEpochTimes.com Cha.House.gov Arrest of a Columbia University graduate participating in campus protests against Israel ignites widespread outrage online A Columbia University graduate, Mahmoud Khalil, was arrested by ICE on March 8 at his student residence. Despite presenting his green card, ICE agents allegedly threatened to revoke it, sparking outrage over potential suppression of pro-Palestine advocacy. The Department of Homeland Security claimed Khalil was arrested for allegedly "leading activities aligned to Hamas," but provided no evidence, leading to accusations of targeting dissent and immigrant communities. Students, activists and civil rights organizations condemned the arrest, calling it an intimidation tactic to silence pro-Palestine voices and a broader crackdown on free speech and immigrant rights. Critics accused Columbia of cooperating with federal authorities, demanding the university defend free speech and immigrant rights. Khalil had been targeted for his Palestinian identity and activism, including during the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. An Action Network petition demanding Khalil's release garnered over a million signatures in 24 hours, highlighting widespread opposition to his detention and Columbia's collaboration with ICE. The recent arrest of a new Columbia University graduate for participating in campus protests against Israel has ignited widespread outrage online from students, activists and civil rights organizations. Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent resident of the U.S. who graduated with a master's degree in December, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8 at his student residence facility. (Related: Police arrest former Obama adviser Stuart Seldowitz for stalking, harassing Palestinian street food vendors.) According to reports, ICE agents initially claimed Khalil's student visa was being revoked. When his wife, who is eight months pregnant, presented his green card on the spot as proof of his legal residency, an agent reportedly stated that the green card would also be revoked. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later stated on social media that Khalil was arrested for allegedly "leading activities aligned to Hamas," though no further details or evidence were provided. This has sparked a wave of condemnation from students, activists and civil rights organizations, who argue that the move is a blatant attempt to suppress pro-Palestine advocacy and intimidate immigrant communities. Many have described the detention as a "system test" for broader crackdowns on dissent. "Mahmoud Khalil's arrest is intended to make an example of him and intimidate us all from speaking out about Palestine," one social media user wrote. "And we should never stop speaking out about Palestine. Because they would like nothing better." Palestinian activists have expressed frustration over what they see as a coordinated effort to suppress their community both in the U.S. and abroad. "So we can't live in Palestine (freely or alive), can't live in the U.S. (freely), can't live in refugee camps (they're being destroyed), can't live. That's the end goal. To disappear the Palestinian people," another user posted. Critics have also directed their anger at Columbia University, accusing the institution of cooperating with federal authorities in Khalil's arrest. Students and faculty members, as well as civil rights organizations, are demanding that the university take a stronger stand in defense of free speech and immigrant rights. "The unlawful detention of Mr Khalil reeks of McCarthyism," NYCLU said in a press release on March 2. "Ripping a student from their home, challenging their immigration status and detaining them solely based on political viewpoint will chill student speech and advocacy across campus. Political speech should never be a basis of punishment, or lead to deportation." Action Network petition launched for Khalil garners millions of signatures In line with the widespread outrage, an Action Network petition was launched shortly after news of his detention broke, garnering over a million signatures in just 24 hours. Columbia University, which recently published a new protocol on its plans to cooperate with ICE, has targeted Khalil for his Palestinian identity and outspoken activism on multiple occasions over the last 17 months. He served as a lead negotiator during the Gaza Solidarity Encampment last spring and has frequently appeared in media interviews and press conferences. Columbia's continued acquiescence to federal agencies and outside partisan institutions has made this situation possible. Like many other Arab and Muslim students, Khalil has been the target of various Zionist harassment campaigns, fueled by doxxing websites like Canary Mission. This racist targeting serves to instill fear in pro-Palestine activists as well as a warning to others. "Add your name to demand the immediate release of Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil from DHS detention and a reversal to Columbia University's protocol permitting ICE on campus without a warrant," the Action Network wrote. Follow WWIII.news for more news about Israel and Palestine. Watch this video of pro-Palestine mobs who rebranded themselves as anti-ICE protesters. This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: ICE arrested over 300 illegal immigrants with major criminal convictions within 24 hours of Trump's inauguration. Police arrest 2 NYC residents for running SECRET Chinese police station in Big Apple. Trump Administration ramps up ICE arrests, setting daily quotas to combat illegal immigration and crime. Calgary Police arrest Christian pastor at his home for protesting at children's drag queen event. Connecticut police arrest parents for letting their kids walk freely. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net ActionNetwork.org Brighteon.com THE HIDDEN TRUTH: German intelligence reportedly concealed high probability of Wuhan lab leak Germanys Federal Intelligence Service (BND) concluded with 80% to 95% certainty that SARS-CoV-2 likely originated from a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), based on classified and public data, including evidence of gain-of-function research and safety violations. The German government allegedly withheld the BNDs 2021 assessment, codenamed Project Saaremaa, due to geopolitical concerns, particularly the potential impact on relations with China. The BNDs findings, shared with U.S. intelligence agencies, influenced a shift in the CIAs stance toward a lab-leak theory. However, prominent virologists like Christian Drosten and geopolitical considerations contributed to the suppression of the report. The revelations have reignited demands for an independent investigation into COVID-19s origins, with the U.S. and U.K. governments revisiting their assessments and the WHO facing scrutiny over its earlier dismissal of the lab-leak theory. The BNDs findings highlight the challenges of pursuing truth amid geopolitical tensions and scientific controversy, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability and improved biosecurity to prevent future pandemics. In a stunning revelation that could reshape the global understanding of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, German intelligence allegedly concealed an internal assessment concluding that the virus likely originated from a Wuhan laboratory. According to a joint investigation by Die Zeit and Sueddeutscher Zeitung, Germanys Federal Intelligence Service (BND) estimated an 80% to 95% probability that SARS-CoV-2 leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). This bombshell report, published on March 12, 2025, raises critical questions about transparency, geopolitical influence and the ongoing quest for truth in the wake of the pandemic. The BNDs secret Project Saaremaa The BNDs investigation, codenamed Project Saaremaa, began in early 2020 as the world grappled with the emerging pandemic. Intelligence agents reportedly gathered unpublished data and documents from Wuhan, including research from the lab of Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist at the WIV. The BNDs analysis, which incorporated both classified and publicly available scientific literature, pointed to a high likelihood of a lab-related origin. Key to the BNDs assessment were findings related to gain-of-function researchexperiments designed to enhance the transmissibility or virulence of viruses. The agency reportedly uncovered evidence of safety violations at the WIV, further bolstering the case for a lab leak. By late 2021, additional intelligence reinforced the BNDs confidence in its conclusion. Despite the compelling evidence, the German government chose not to publicize the findings. Sources suggest that political considerations, including concerns over damaging relations with China, played a significant role in the decision to withhold the report. Geopolitical fallout and scientific pushback The BNDs findings were reportedly shared with U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, in late 2024. This disclosure coincided with a shift in the U.S. intelligence communitys stance on COVID-19 origins. In January 2025, the CIA updated its position, stating that a lab leak was more likely than a natural origin, albeit with low confidence. However, the BNDs assessment faced resistance from prominent virologists, including Christian Drosten, Germanys equivalent of Anthony Fauci. Drosten, who has long advocated for a natural origin theory, participated in private discussions with U.S. health officials early in the pandemic to manage speculation about the WIV. His influence, along with broader geopolitical concerns, may have contributed to the suppression of the BNDs findings. Global repercussions and the fight for transparency The revelations have reignited calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19. In the United States, outgoing National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has tasked the Office of the Director of National Intelligence with convening a panel to revisit the pandemics origins. Similarly, the U.K. government has pledged to continually review its assessment of the viruss origins. The World Health Organization (WHO), which previously dismissed the lab-leak theory as extremely unlikely, now faces renewed scrutiny. Critics argue that the WHOs 2021 investigation was inadequate, with the lab-leak hypothesis dismissed in just a few pages of a lengthy report. As the BND prepares to brief the WHO on its findings, the global health body may be forced to reconsider its stance. Why this matters today The suppression of the BNDs assessment underscores the challenges of pursuing truth in an era of geopolitical tensions and scientific controversy. The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives and disrupted economies worldwide, yet critical questions about its origins remain unanswered. Historically, the origins of pandemics have been shrouded in mystery and misinformation. The 1918 influenza pandemic, for example, was initially attributed to Spain, earning it the misnomer Spanish flu, despite evidence suggesting it originated elsewhere. Similarly, the true origins of HIV/AIDS were not fully understood until years after the virus emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic has followed a similar pattern, with early narratives favoring a natural origin theory while alternative explanations were dismissed or suppressed. The BNDs findings, if confirmed, could mark a turning point in our understanding of the pandemic and hold significant implications for global health policy, biosecurity and international relations. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of COVID-19, the pursuit of truth remains paramount. The revelations about the BNDs assessment serve as a reminder that transparency and accountability are essential to preventing future pandemics and rebuilding public trust in science and governance. In the words of one anonymous intelligence source, The truth has a way of coming out, no matter how hard its suppressed. For the millions affected by COVID-19, that truth cannot come soon enough. Sources include: YourNews.com Reuters.com BBC.com HONG KONG, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The 18th Asian Film Awards were announced here in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday night. This year's Asian Film Awards showcased 30 exceptional films from 25 countries or regions, competing for 16 awards. The nominated works were diverse in genre and the competition was intense. Chinese actress Tang Wei was honored with the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award. Sean Lau, actor from China's Hong Kong, was awarded Best Actor. Action film "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" from China's Hong Kong won two awards including Best Editing and Best Production Design. Chu Wan Pin, composer from China's Hong Kong, was awarded the Best Original Music for the film "the Last Dance." Japanese actor Koji Yakusho was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Established in 2007, the Asian Film Awards aimed to showcase outstanding Asian films to global audiences. Since 2014, they have been hosted by the Asian Film Awards Academy, jointly founded by international film festivals of Hong Kong, Busan and Tokyo. Autism, genes and hormones: How the placenta may hold clues to autisms puzzle Autism is more common in boys than girls, and new research suggests that prenatal hormones and the placenta may influence genetic risk factors for autism. The placenta actively regulates hormone levels and gene expression, with male and female placentas functioning differently, potentially contributing to autism's sex differences. Autism-related genes interact with prenatal steroid hormones, like estrogen and testosterone, affecting early brain development and potentially influencing autism risk. The study found unexpected connections between autism and traits like male-pattern baldness (lower risk in autistic men) and earlier puberty onset in autistic girls. Understanding how genes, hormones and the placenta interact could lead to new insights into autism, including interventions and better support for autistic individuals. For years, scientists have been searching for answers to a long-standing mystery: Why is autism spectrum disorder (ASD) more common in boys (about four times more) than in girls? While genetics play a major role, emerging research suggests that prenatal hormones and even the placenta could be key players in shaping autism risk. A new study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology in May 2023 explores this fascinating connection, offering fresh insights into how genes, hormones and early development interact. Placenta: More than just a baby's life support Most people think of the placenta as a simple filter between a mother and her baby, but it is actually an active organ that helps guide fetal development. It regulates hormones, influences gene expression (controls how genes work) and even impacts or helps shape fetal brain development. This study found that genes linked to autism show different activity levels in male and female placentas. Since boys have only one X chromosome while girls have two, they may have fewer "backup copies" of certain important genes. This could make male fetuses more vulnerable to developmental conditions like autism. Hormones and autism: Hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, which help guide brain and physical development, play an important role even before birth. Research has shown that some autistic individuals had higher prenatal levels of certain hormones, including estrogen, which are mainly produced by the placenta. But how do genes come into play? The study found that several autism-related genes, including KDM5C and DDX3X, are involved in hormone activity and brain development. Mutations in these genes are also linked to rare conditions that affect development: Klinefelter syndrome happens when a male is born with an extra X chromosome, which can affect learning and development. Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a genetic disorder that can lead to developmental delays and physical differences, some of which overlap with autism traits. Baldness and autism One of the study's most unexpected discoveries was that men with genes linked to autism were less likely to develop male-pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia (hair loss). At first, this might seem confusing. Since testosterone is known to contribute to hair loss, scientists expected autistic men (who often have higher testosterone levels) to lose hair more often. However, autism has also been linked to higher levels of estrogen, which might counteract testosterone's effects on hair follicles. While no studies have directly examined whether autistic men are less likely to go bald, this genetic link suggests that autism-related hormonal differences could affect more than just the brain. Puberty and autism Previous research has shown that autistic individuals (both male and female) tend to go through puberty earlier than their peers. Scientists aren't exactly sure why, but it is possible that the same hormonal factors affecting brain development in autism also speed up overall physical maturation. Early puberty has been linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges conditions that are also more common in autistic individuals. Understanding these links could help researchers to develop better ways to support both the physical and emotional health of autistic people. These findings paint a complex picture of autism, where genetics, prenatal hormones and early development are deeply connected. The study reinforces the idea that the placenta is not just a passive organ but a critical regulator of brain development one that may contribute to the differences in autism prevalence between males and females. However, it is important to remember that genetic links do not necessarily mean direct causation. Many factors contribute to autism, including environmental influences, nutritional factors and social dynamics like gender norms and gender-based diagnostic biases, which may affect why fewer girls are diagnosed. Why is this important? The findings provide insights into why autism is more common in males, suggesting that sex-specific placental functions might mediate the genetic risk. Hormonal influences. The study highlights the potential role of steroid hormones (testosterone and estrogen) in autism, opening new avenues for research and scientific inquiry into hormonal therapies or interventions. The study highlights the potential role of steroid hormones (testosterone and estrogen) in autism, opening new avenues for research and scientific inquiry into hormonal therapies or interventions. Placental health. The findings underscore the importance of placental health during pregnancy, suggesting that factors affecting placental function could influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. Watch this video to learn how prenatal factors affect autism and other conditions. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Autism begins during pregnancy, may be caused by mercury in dental amalgam and thimerosal in flu shots, warns science paper. DISTURBING: Scientists use lasers to discover baby teeth of children with AUTISM contain shockingly high levels of HEAVY METAL TOXINS. Autism symptoms may be reduced by therapeutic scalp acupuncture, researchers find. Sources include: FrontiersIn.org NHS.uk MedlinePlus.gov Brighteon.com Iran, Russia, China unite against US sanctions, demand end to unlawful coercion in global power play Iran, Russia, and China issued a joint statement condemning US sanctions as "unlawful" during high-level talks in Beijing. The meeting aimed to revive stalled US-Iran nuclear negotiations, which Tehran refuses to engage in under threats and sanctions. US President Donald Trump has simultaneously pushed for talks while escalating economic pressure on Iran, including crippling oil export sanctions. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, citing a religious fatwa against weapons of mass destruction and its adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Israel is reportedly considering military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, further escalating tensions in the region. A history of coercion and using sanctions as an act of preemptive war In a bold move that highlights the growing rift between the United States and the rest of the world, Iran, Russia, and China have joined forces to reject what they call "unlawful" US sanctions. The tripartite meeting, held in Beijing on March 14, 2025, was aimed at addressing the stalled nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. The three nations emphasized that political and diplomatic engagement, based on mutual respect, is the only viable path forward. The joint statement, read by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaxou, condemned the US for its coercive tactics, which have long been a hallmark of American foreign policy. "The three countries reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option in this regard," the statement declared. The US has a long history of using sanctions as a tool of domination, often under the guise of promoting peace or democracy. However, these measures have frequently backfired, alienating allies and emboldening adversaries. The Trump administrations approach to Iran is a case in point. While publicly calling for negotiations, the US has simultaneously imposed harsh economic sanctions, including a near-total ban on Iranian oil exports, in an attempt to force Tehran to the negotiating table. Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have made it clear that they will not negotiate under duress. This stance is in line with the position of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has repeatedly stated that negotiations with the US are futile if they are based on coercion rather than mutual respect. Bully governments insist on negotiations, Khamenei said in response to a letter from Trump. They are not aimed at solving problems; they aim at domination. The nuclear question and regional tensions The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, raising concerns among Western nations. However, Tehran insists that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful, citing a religious fatwa against weapons of mass destruction and its adherence to the NPT. Despite these assurances, Israel has repeatedly threatened to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. US intelligence estimates suggest that such an attack could occur as early as this year. The Washington Post reported in mid-February that Israel is prepared to act "with or without" US backing if diplomatic efforts fail. This volatile situation has placed the US in an increasingly isolated position. While Trump has stated his preference for a nuclear deal over military action, his administrations reliance on sanctions and threats has only deepened the mistrust between Washington and Tehran. Russia and China step in as mediators Russia and China have positioned themselves as mediators in the conflict, offering to facilitate negotiations between the US and Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on March 4 that Moscow is prepared to "do everything in its power" to help resolve the issue through dialogue. Russia believes that the US and Iran should resolve all problems through negotiations, Peskov told Bloomberg. China, too, has expressed its willingness to assist in mediating the dispute. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei noted that it is "natural" for countries to "show good will" and offer assistance given the significance of the matter. The joint statement from Iran, Russia, and China marks a significant shift in global power dynamics. As the US continues to alienate allies and adversaries alike through its heavy-handed tactics, other nations are stepping in to fill the void. This growing coalition against US sanctions highlights the diminishing influence of American foreign policy and the rise of a multi-polar world order. The question now is whether the US will adapt to this new reality or continue down a path of isolation and irrelevance. As Khamenei aptly put it, Bully governments insist on negotiations, but they aim at domination. Will the US learn to engage with the world on terms of mutual respect, or will it remain a laughingstock, clinging to outdated strategies of coercion and control? Sources include: TheCradle.co TheCradle.co Reuters.com Trump to purchase a new Tesla Model S in support of Musk following a 15% stock price drop President Donald Trump announced plans to purchase a new Tesla Model S as a show of support for Elon Musk and Tesla, following a 15 percent stock price drop Tesla's worst single-day decline in nearly five years. Trump accused "radical left lunatics" of orchestrating an "illegal" boycott against Tesla, vowing to label violence against Tesla showrooms as domestic terrorism in response to protests and vandalism. Tesla faces a growing boycott fueled by concerns over Musks controversial DOGE initiative, declining global sales (e.g., a 76.3 percent drop in Germany), and investor unease as board members sell shares. Tesla's stock decline is attributed to broader market fears, Trump's proposed tariffs, and Musk's $29 billion single-day net worth loss, though he remains the world's richest person. Activists have targeted Tesla dealerships, urging divestment and, in some cases, resorting to vandalism, prompting Trump to pledge a crackdown on what he termed "domestic terrorism." President Donald Trump has revealed his plans to purchase a brand new Tesla, one day after Tesla suffered its worst single-day stock price drop in nearly five years, with shares plummeting 15 percent on March 10. During a press conference on the White House driveway on March 11, where he stood alongside Elon Musk and Musk's young son, he accused the "radical left lunatics" of orchestrating an "illegal" boycott against Musk's electric vehicle company. (Related: Tesla recalls over 27,000 Cybertrucks due to safety issue involving rearview cameras.) The president also vowed to label violence against Tesla showrooms as domestic terrorism, responding to a reporter's question about recent protests and vandalism at Tesla dealerships across the country. "I will do that. I'll do that," Trump said. "I'm going to put a stop to it. Because they're harming a great American company." Trump's comments echoed a post he made earlier in the day on his Truth Social platform, where he praised Musk as a patriot and criticized the boycott campaign against Tesla. "Elon Musk is 'putting it on the line' in order to help our Nation and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the World's great automakers, and Elon's 'baby,' in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for," Trump posted earlier that day. Several Tesla vehicles were displayed for Trump to choose from, and he ultimately selected a red Model S, which he said he would pay for by check. "In any event, I'm going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American. Why should he be punished for putting his tremendous skills to work in order to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN???" he said. TESLA boycott gains momentum amid Musk's DOGE controversy, stock plunge and global sales slump The boycott against Tesla has gained momentum in recent months, fueled by growing concerns over Musk's influence in the federal government and his controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. DOGE, which Musk has touted as a cost-saving measure, has been criticized for its lack of transparency, false claims about canceled contracts and minimal evidence of actual savings. Critics argue that Musk's involvement in federal affairs has created conflicts of interest and undermined public trust. Tesla's stock decline on March 10 was also attributed to broader market fears of a potential recession and Trump's proposed tariff plans, which could impact the auto industry. The company's shares have fallen every week since Trump took office, and Musk's net worth has taken a significant hit, dropping by $29 billion in a single day and $132 billion over the past year. Despite this, Musk remains the world's richest person, with a fortune estimated at over $320 billion. But the boycott has had tangible effects on Tesla's business, with vehicle sales abroad declining sharply. In Germany, for example, Tesla sales dropped by 76.3 percent in February 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, Tesla board members, including Musk's brother Kimbal Musk, have sold millions of dollars worth of shares in recent months, further eroding investor confidence. Moreover, the protests against Tesla have not been limited to financial markets. Activists have targeted Tesla dealerships, urging the public to sell their Tesla vehicles and divest from the company. Some protesters have even resorted to vandalism, prompting Trump's pledge to crack down on what he called "domestic terrorism." "We already know who some of them are. We're going to catch them, and they're bad guys," Trump said during the press conference. Visit RoboCars.news for more news on electric vehicles. Watch the video below to learn why car companies are struggling with electric vehicles. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Transgender suspect faces felony charges after targeting Tesla dealership in anti-Musk protest. Tesla recalls over 2,400 Cybertrucks due to faulty parts that could increase risk of crashing. Tesla recalls more than 1.8 MILLION units over car software's inability to detect an unlatched hood. Tesla plans to launch humanoid robots next year, says Elon Musk. Tesla shareholders vote to reinstate Elon Musk's $56 billion pay package despite earlier court order to rescind it. Sources include: TheGuardian.com 1 TheGuardian.com 2 Brighteon.com Maria Zeee and Mike Adams: The rise of digital ID, government censorship and tyranny Maria Zeee discussed the severe censorship by the Australian eSafety Commissioner, which has stifled free speech, and highlighted similar practices in the U.S. as revealed by the Twitter Files. Mike Adams emphasized his legal battles against government censorship and the importance of resistance. The interview explored the global push for digital IDs, which can be linked to social credit systems, eroding privacy and personal freedoms. Adams warned of the potential for CBDCs to be used to control individuals' financial accounts based on government-approved behavior, emphasizing the need for vigilant opposition. Zeee and Adams discussed the high tax rates and rising costs of living in Australia, and Adams predicted a potential global economic embargo against Western nations, which could lead to their economic and social decline. They highlighted the challenges of maintaining economic stability and the threat to Western democracies. The conversation praised certain Australian senators for their opposition to mandates and globalist agendas but criticized the lack of transparency regarding WEF ties. Both Zeee and Adams agreed on the importance of strong leadership, such as that of figures like President Donald Trump, in combating these threats. Zeee advocated for building local resilience by supporting independent farmers and retailers and businesses that resist CBDCs and digital IDs. Adams highlighted Texas' role in defending American values, emphasizing the state's commitment to private property rights and decentralization of power as a model for resistance. In a thought-provoking and hard-hitting "Health Ranger Report" interview, the Health Ranger Mike Adams welcomed renowned Australian journalist and activist Maria Zeee to his studio in Texas. The in-studio conversation delved into a range of critical issues, from government censorship and tyranny to the global push for digital IDs and the erosion of civil liberties. Zeee, who has been a vocal critic of government overreach, shared her experiences in Australia, where the eSafety Commissioner has been censoring content that challenges official narratives. "The eSafety Commissioner is a maniac," the founder of Zeee Media stated, emphasizing the widespread impact of censorship on free speech. She explained that many Australians initially felt that the issues facing their country would never affect the United States. However, the recent Twitter Files revealed that the U.S. government has been guilty of similar censorship practices, violating the First Amendment. Adams, known for his legal battles against government overreach, highlighted his ongoing lawsuit against the Department of Defense for censoring him and other critical thinkers. He also emphasized the importance of standing up against censorship. CBDCs and digital IDs The conversation then turned to the broader global agenda, which includes the implementation of digital IDs and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Zeee warned that digital IDs, already mandatory in some countries like Iceland, could be linked to social credit systems, where individuals' actions and even purchases are monitored and controlled. She mentioned that in Iceland, people can't vote, rent a house, or even buy certain items without a digital ID. Such a prospect illustrates the potential for such systems to erode privacy and personal freedoms. Adams drew a parallel with the potential for digital IDs to be tied to CBDCs, which could be used to lock down individuals' financial accounts if they express opinions the government deems undesirable. He added that this is a system designed for ultimate control while also emphasizing the need for vigilant resistance. They also discussed the economic and social ramifications of the policies being implemented by Western governments. Zeee highlighted the high tax rates and the rising cost of living in Australia, where the highest personal income tax bracket is 45 percent something she described as "insanity." Adams, on the other hand, pointed to the potential for the U.S. dollar to lose its status as the world reserve currency, leading to a global economic embargo against Western nations. Role of leadership and importance of communities The interview also touched on the role of political leadership in combating these threats. Zeee praised certain Australian senators, like Malcolm Roberts and Alex Antic, for their vocal opposition to mandates and the World Economic Forum (WEF). However, she noted that 80 percent of the Australian Senate voted against disclosing their ties to the WEF, raising concerns about the extent of government compromise. Adams and Zeee agreed that figures like U.S. President Donald Trump, with his track record of standing against globalist agendas, could play a crucial role in reversing the tide. Zeee emphasized the importance of building local resilience and self-sufficiency in the face of growing government control. She advised people to start building local relationships with farmers and retailers while also urging individuals to support businesses that refuse to comply with CBDCs and digital IDs. Adams highlighted the unique role of Texas in defending American values and freedoms. He noted the Lone Star State's commitment to private property rights and the decentralization of power, as well as its readiness to defend its borders and citizens even if the federal government fails to do so. The interview concluded with a call to action for viewers to remain vigilant and resist the encroachment of digital IDs and CBDCs. (Related: Decentralized AI: Mike Adams and Maria Zeee advocate for open source solutions to combat centralized control.) Follow Censorship.news for more stories about government censorship in America and other parts of the world. Watch the full interview between Maria Zeee and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: World War Zeee: Catherine Austin Fitts says central bankers want COMPLETE CONTROL through government coup Brighteon.TV. Trump administration takes on global censorship: A new frontier for free speech advocacy TYRANNY through CENSORSHIP: Web browsers could soon be required by law to block traffic to what the government labels fraudulent websites Sources include: Brighteon.com ZeeeMedia.com Mount Spurr volcano nears eruption: Scientists warn of impending danger for Alaskan communities Mount Spurr, a volcano 75 miles from Anchorage, shows signs of an imminent eruption, with rising magma detected through increased gas emissions and seismic activity. Volcanic gas emissions, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, are nine times higher than December levels, signaling heightened eruption risk. Over 3,400 earthquakes have occurred since April 2024, with shallow tremors indicating magma movement less than 2.5 miles below sea level. A potential eruption could mirror past events, producing massive ash columns, disrupting air travel, and posing health risks to Anchorages 300,000 residents. Authorities urge preparedness for ashfall, while scientists monitor for further warning signs, emphasizing the uncertainty of an eruption but the need for vigilance. Mount Spurr, a towering volcano located just 75 miles from Alaskas largest city, is showing alarming signs of an impending eruption that could occur within weeks or months, scientists warn. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has detected significantly elevated levels of volcanic gas emissions, increased seismic activity, and ground deformationall indicators that magma is rising beneath the 11,070-foot peak. With Anchorages 300,000 residents in the potential path of ashfall and toxic emissions, authorities are urging vigilance as the situation unfolds. Signs of an impending eruption The AVO has reported a dramatic spike in volcanic gas emissions, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, which are now nine times higher than levels recorded in December. These gases, detected during recent observational flights, confirm that new magma is flowing beneath the volcano. There was basically nothing coming out before, and now theres a lot of gas, particularly CO2 coming out, said coordinating scientist David Fee. When weve seen this at volcanoes in Alaska and across the world, it means that eruption is getting more likely. In addition to gas emissions, Mount Spurr has experienced more than 3,400 earthquakes since April 2024, with more than 100 shallow tremors recorded weekly. These seismic events, some as large as magnitude 2.7, are concentrated less than 2.5 miles below sea level, further signaling the movement of magma. Potential impacts on local communities If Mount Spurr erupts, scientists predict a scenario similar to its previous eruptions in 1953 and 1992. Those events produced explosive ash columns reaching over 50,000 feet and deposited ashfall across south-central Alaska. In 1992, Anchorage residents faced a quarter-inch of ashfall, prompting health advisories to stay indoors or wear masks to avoid inhaling the toxic particles. The ash cloud even drifted as far as Greenland. Volcanic ash is not only hazardous to human health but also poses a significant threat to aviation. The sharp, abrasive particles can shut down jet engines, leading to airport closures. In 1992, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, one of the worlds busiest cargo hubs, was temporarily shut down, disrupting travel and commerce across the region. Preparing for the worst While scientists emphasize that an eruption is not certain, they warn that additional signssuch as further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heatingcould provide days or weeks of advance warning. We expect to see further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating prior to an eruption, if one were to occur, the AVO stated. Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and prepare for potential ashfall by stocking up on masks, air filters, and emergency supplies. Anchorages proximity to the volcano makes it particularly vulnerable, but smaller communities in the region could also face significant disruptions. Mount Spurr last erupted in 1992 from its Crater Peak vent, located about two miles south of the summit. The summit vent itself has not erupted in over 5,000 years. The 1992 event, though brief, had far-reaching consequences, highlighting the volcanos potential for widespread damage. As scientists continue to monitor Mount Spurr, they remain cautiously optimistic that the current unrest could subside without an eruption. However, the stakes are high, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining the volcanos next move. Mount Spurrs recent activity is a reminder of the unpredictable power of nature. For the residents of Anchorage and surrounding communities, the threat of an eruption looms large, with potential impacts ranging from health hazards to economic disruptions. While scientists work tirelessly to provide early warnings, the ultimate challenge lies in preparing for the unknown. As the volcano stirs, Alaskans are left to hope for the bestbut they must prepare for the worst. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk NYPost.com NBCNews.com Over 80% of USAID programs CANCELED, the rest transferred to State Department U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also acting USAID administrator, announced that 83 percent of USAID programs will be canceled after a six-week review, with the remaining 17 percent transferred to the State Department for administration. Over 5,200 contracts, deemed wasteful or harmful to U.S. interests, were voided, saving an estimated $58.4 billion. This includes high-profile programs like diversity scholarships in Burma and environmental investments in Africa. Rubio framed the cuts as necessary to eliminate inefficiency and misuse of funds, with plans to integrate USAID's remaining functions into the State Department and potentially abolish the rest of the agency. Critics argue that dismantling USAID, a key player in global humanitarian efforts, will undermine U.S. efforts to combat poverty, disease and promote democracy worldwide. DOGE published a list of terminated contracts and Rubio emphasized that the remaining programs will be administered more effectively under the State Department, in consultation with Congress. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has revealed that 83 percent of its programs will be canceled following a six-week review. The remaining programs will be transferred to the Department of State for administration.http://trump.news According to Rubio, 5,200 contracts, which "spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve and in some cases even harmed the core national interests of the United States," had been voided. This decision follows a court filing last month by the Trump administration, which revealed that 5,800 of 6,200 multiyear USAID contracts more than 93 percent were slated for termination, along with 4,100 of 9,100 State Department grants. The administration estimated the cuts would save $58.4 billion. (Related: USAID's nefarious activities go beyond foreign aid corruption.) The court filing indicated that Rubio had "made a final decision concerning each award, on an individualized basis, affirmatively electing to either retain the award or terminate." Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which oversees federal spending, has published a list of hundreds of terminated contracts on its website. Among the canceled programs are a $4 million engineering services contract in Liberia, a $1.1 million online climate change tool, a $4 million project to assess primary education in Kenya and a $10 million safety support initiative in Bangladesh. Prior to the cuts, the Trump administration had publicly flagged concerns with several high-profile programs, including $45 million for diversity, equity and inclusion scholarships in Burma, $520 million for environmental, social and governance investments in Africa and $20 million for an Iraqi version of "Sesame Street." "In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18 percent of programs we are keeping (approximately 1000) to now be administered more effectively under the State Department. Thank you to DOGE and our hardworking staff who worked very long hours to achieve this overdue and historic reform," Rubio posted on his personal account on X, formerly known as Twitter. Rubio: Reorganization is necessary to eliminate inefficiency and misuse of funds USAID, an independent agency established in 1961, has long been a cornerstone of U.S. global humanitarian efforts, disbursing billions of dollars annually to combat poverty, treat diseases, respond to natural disasters and promote democracy and development. In line with this, critics argue that the administration's decision to dismantle the agency and consolidate its functions under the State Department will severely undermine these efforts. However, Rubio, who assumed oversight of USAID in early February, has framed the reorganization as a necessary step to eliminate inefficiency and misuse of funds. In a letter to Congress last month, he indicated that USAID's remaining functions could be integrated into the State Department, with the rest of the agency potentially abolished. "USAID may move, reorganize and integrate certain missions, bureaus and offices into the State Department, and the remainder of the agency may be abolished consistent with applicable law," Rubio wrote in a letter to Capitol Hill at the time. Visit BigGovernment.news for more stories about corruption at the USAID. Watch the video below where a GOP congressman praised Musk for doing the right thing in closing USAID. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: USAID funded Boko Haram slaughter of Christians in Nigeria. USAID accused of funding Boko Haram's REIGN OF TERROR against Nigerian Christians. USAID weaponized propaganda and BLACKLISTS to silence independent media TRUTH TELLERS. USAID tied to Trump's 2019 impeachment, Shellenberger reports. USAID funded massive 'news' platform, extending 'censorship industrial complex' to billions worldwide. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com CNN.com Brighteon.com Report reveals true extent of air pollution crisis: Only 7 countries meet clean air standards A report by IQAir reveals that only seven countries meet World Health Organization air quality standards with Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo having the most polluted air. India alone hosts 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities due to industrial emissions, vehicular pollution and urbanization. The scale of air pollution is likely worse than reported, especially in Africa where monitoring infrastructure is severely lacking. The U.S. Department of State's decision to halt its global air quality monitoring program further exacerbates the issue, leaving many regions without reliable pollution data. Air pollution causes seven million deaths annually linked to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, Alzheimer's and cancer. Some cities, like Beijing and Seoul, have improved air quality through strict regulations and cleaner energy investments. However, regions with weak regulatory systems still struggle. Over 9,000 new monitoring locations have been added globally, but more action is needed to address the crisis. A shocking new report from Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir reveals that only seven countries meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality standards. The findings, based on data from 40,000 monitoring stations across 138 countries, disclose that most of the worlds population is inhaling dangerously polluted air. They also paint a grim picture of a planet suffocating under the weight of its own progress. Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo top the list of nations with the dirtiest air. In these countries, the average smog levels are more than 15 times higher than WHO guidelines. Chad, for instance, earned the dubious distinction of being the most polluted country in 2022, a result of Sahara dust storms and rampant crop burning. Meanwhile, India home to 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities continues to grapple with industrial emissions, vehicular pollution and unchecked urbanization. (Related: Air pollution in late pregnancy increases NICU admissions, study warns.) The report underscores a troubling reality: The scale of the problem is likely far worse than the data suggests. In Africa, for example, there is only one air quality monitoring station for every 3.7 million people. This lack of infrastructure means that millions are living in areas where pollution levels are not even measured, let alone addressed. The situation is further exacerbated by the recent decision of the U.S. Department of State to halt its air quality monitoring program at embassies and consulates worldwide. For many developing nations, these U.S.-operated monitors were the only reliable source of real-time pollution data. Billions being denied the fundamental right to CLEAN AIR The consequences of breathing polluted air are dire. Long-term exposure to smog and particulate matter tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs can lead to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, Alzheimer's and even cancer. The WHO estimates that air pollution claims 7 million lives annually, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As a Malaysian air pollution expert Fatimah Ahamad, aptly put it: "If you have bad water, you can tell people to wait. But if you have bad air, you cannot tell people to pause breathing." Despite the bleak outlook, there are glimmers of hope. Cities like Beijing, Seoul and Rybnik in Poland have demonstrated that stringent regulations on vehicles, power plants and industrial emissions, coupled with investments in cleaner energy and public transportation, can significantly improve air quality. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also taken steps to address transboundary haze pollution, though its efforts have yet to yield substantial results. The IQAir report also highlights progress in expanding air quality monitoring networks. Over the past year, nearly 9,000 new monitoring locations and around 1,000 new monitors have been added worldwide. However, the report emphasizes that much more needs to be done, particularly in regions where government-operated regulatory systems are lacking. Oceania stands out as a beacon of clean air, with 57 percent of its cities meeting WHO guidelines. Australia, New Zealand and several island nations like the Bahamas and Barbados are among the few places where the air is still safe to breathe. But for the rest of the world, the message is clear: the fight for clean air is far from over. This is not just an environmental issueit is a moral one. The right to breathe clean air is fundamental, yet billions are being denied this basic necessity. The cost of inaction is too high, measured not just in dollars but in human lives. Visit Pollution.news for more similar stories. Watch this news clip about the Los Angeles fires and the poor air quality in the blaze's aftermath. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Air pollution can also happen INDOORS heres how to spot the worst offenders. California wildfires release lethal toxins: Environmental expert Eric Coppolino warns of long-term health impacts. Air pollution harms more than the lungs: New research links it to osteoporosis, bone fractures. Sources include: AlJazeera.com APNews.com DW.com Brighteon.com Trump rekindles Greenland annexation debate, seeks NATO involvement for international security U.S. President Donald Trump has revived the idea of annexing Greenland, emphasizing its strategic importance for national and international security, particularly due to increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. The proposal comes amid heightened global tensions, including a tentative U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, and reflects concerns over Arctic dominance as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to resources. Greenland's leadership, including outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede, strongly opposes annexation, with Egede stating, "Enough is enough," and emphasizing the need to reject Trump's disrespectful approach. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte distanced the alliance from Trump's proposal, focusing instead on the Arctic's strategic importance and the need for collaboration among Arctic nations, while acknowledging Russia and China's growing presence. Greenland's vast mineral resources, strategic location between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and existing U.S. military infrastructure (e.g., Thule Air Base) make it a focal point for global powers, intensifying competition in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of annexing Greenland, this time suggesting NATO's involvement to secure the autonomous Danish territory. During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on Thursday, March 13, Trump emphasized Greenland's strategic importance for national and international security, citing growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region. The proposal, first introduced in 2019, has drawn sharp criticism from Greenland's leadership, with outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede declaring, "Enough is enough." The meeting between Trump and Rutte came on the same day Russian President Vladimir Putin tentatively agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, underscoring the geopolitical tensions driving Trump's renewed interest in Greenland. With its vast mineral resources and strategic location, Greenland has long been a focal point for global powers, but Trump's latest comments suggest a more aggressive approach to securing U.S. dominance in the region. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of just 57,000. Its location between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans makes it a critical hub for military and economic interests. The U.S. already operates the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland, a key site for missile defense and space surveillance. However, Trump's vision extends beyond existing military infrastructure. "We really need it for national security," Trump told reporters during the meeting. "I think that's why NATO might have to get involved in a way." He added that the U.S. has "a couple of bases" and "quite a few soldiers" in Greenland, hinting at the possibility of deploying more troops. Trump's comments reflect broader concerns about the Arctic's growing importance as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to untapped resources. Russia and China have been increasingly active in the region, with Russia operating 40 icebreakers compared to the U.S.'s current fleet. Trump noted that the U.S. has ordered 48 new icebreakers to bolster its presence, but he argued that Greenland's annexation would provide a more permanent solution. (Related: Russia sees Trump's Greenland proposal as MILITARY THREAT, as Russia stealthily carries out their military objectives in the arctic.) NATO's delicate role During the meeting, Rutte sought to distance the alliance from Trump's proposal, stating, "When it comes to Greenland, joining or not joining the U.S., I would leave that outside this discussion, because I do not want to drag NATO into that." However, Rutte acknowledged the strategic importance of the Arctic, noting that Russia and China are increasingly active in the region. "We know that the Chinese are using this route, and the Russians are using this route," Rutte said. "We lack icebreakers, and there are seven Arctic countries in the region that are actually working on this matter under U.S. leadership. That is very important, and we have to be there." Despite Rutte's attempts to steer the conversation away from annexation, Trump remained adamant. "Denmark is very far away and really has nothing to do," Trump said, dismissing Denmark's historical claim to Greenland. "What happens, a boat landed there 200 years ago or something? And they say they have rights to it. I dont know if thats true. I dont think it is, actually." Meanwhile, Egede, whose party recently lost elections but remains in office pending the formation of a new government, took to Facebook to express his frustration. "The American president has once again evoked the idea of annexing us. I absolutely cannot accept that," Egede wrote. "This time we need to toughen our rejection of Trump. People cannot continue to disrespect us." Egede's comments reflect widespread opposition in Greenland to U.S. annexation. Polls show that while many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, they overwhelmingly reject becoming part of the United States. Danish politicians have also criticized Trump's proposal, with Rasmus Jarlov, a member of Denmark's parliament, warning that such a move could lead to "war between two NATO countries." Trump's latest remarks on Greenland underscore the island's enduring strategic significance in an era of shifting global power dynamics. While his proposal has been met with resistance from Greenland and Denmark, it highlights the growing competition for influence in the Arctic. As climate change transforms the region, Greenland's resources and location will likely remain a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions. Watch the video below where Trump promises to take Greenland to new heights. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump's Greenland and Canada ambitions: A strategic move in the new Cold War? Trump refuses to rule out military action to secure Greenland, Panama Canal for U.S. national security. Denmark open to allowing Trump increased U.S. military presence in Greenland. Sources include: RT.com AlJazeera.com EuroNews.com Brighteon.com JERUSALEM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Israeli negotiators met on Sunday with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss the hostages issue, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. "Under the directive of Prime Minister Netanyahu, representatives of the negotiation team are currently meeting in Egypt with senior Egyptian officials to discuss the issue of the hostages," the statement said. The talks come amid deep differences between Israel and Hamas over the terms of the next phase of the fragile ceasefire. The first phase, beginning on Jan. 19, concluded on March 1, but Israel would not proceed with the second phase of the agreement, and both sides have been unable to agree on new terms for the next stage of the ceasefire. During the first phase, 33 hostages -- including the bodies of eight deceased, have been released from Gaza, and about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails were freed. 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. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. ADEN, Yemen, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's internationally recognized government on Sunday condemned the Houthi group's military actions, particularly in the Red Sea, which have led to intensified U.S. military strikes on the war-torn Arab country. Yemen's Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani stated that the group "does not care about the future of Yemen" and continues to gamble with Yemeni people's lives "in service of Iran's regional agenda." In a series of statements posted on social media platform X, al-Eryani emphasized that the Houthi militia "continues to use war... as a means of trying to gain legitimacy," while pushing Yemen "into the abyss of a stifling humanitarian crisis." The minister's comments followed intensified U.S. military strikes on Saturday against Houthi-controlled areas across northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and several other provinces. According to Houthi-run media channels, the strikes killed at least 31 people and wounded 101 others, with the group claiming that many casualties were women and children. Al-Eryani accused Iran of providing military and logistical support that enables the Houthis to "strengthen their positions and expand the scope of their control," emphasizing that the Houthi group "alone must bear the consequences of its adventures." In response to the U.S. strikes, the Houthi group launched an attack on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its escorts in the Red Sea on Sunday "with a drone and 18 ballistic and cruise missiles," said Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. It came after the Houthi Supreme Political Council -- the group's highest governing authority -- vowed a "painful" retaliation, framing the American attacks as support for Israel and warning they would "drag the situation to a more severe and painful level." In a separate statement, the council warned "the aggressors against Yemen will be punished in a professional and painful manner," while calling on the international community to address what it termed "U.S.-Israeli recklessness." The Houthi leadership also confirmed that its naval operations against "Israeli-linked" shipping would be resumed and continue until the blockade on Gaza is lifted and humanitarian aid is permitted entry. From November 2023 to Jan. 19 this year, the Houthi group launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against "Israel-linked" ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attacks later expanded to include U.S. and British ships after the U.S.-British navy coalition started to intervene and launch strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when a Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. The Houthi group has maintained control of Sanaa and most of northern Yemen for more than a decade, with strong ties to Iran. A new research study led by Jonathan D. Santoro, MD, Director of the Neuroimmunology Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, shows evidence of dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier and inflammation in the central nervous system in individuals with Down syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD). The new study, "Evidence of bloodbrain barrier dysfunction and CSF immunoglobulin synthesis in Down Syndrome Regression Disorder," was published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology on Feb. 25, 2025. It was led by Dr. Santoro in collaboration with Saba Jafarpour, MD, Natalie K. Boyd, Benjamin N. Vogel, Lina Nguyen, and Lilia Kazerooni, from CHLA's Neurological Institute. The team collaborated closely with the Linda Crnic Institute at the University of Colorado and its director, Dr. Joaquin Espinosa. This is a huge missing piece in the puzzle of what we know about Down syndrome Regression Disorder." Dr. Jonathan D. Santoro, MD, Director of the Neuroimmunology Program, Children's Hospital Los Angeles Leading DSRD research efforts Over the past several years, Dr. Santoro, Dr. Jafarpour, and their team in the Strategic Therapies for Overcoming Reactive iMmunology (STORM) Lab have been leading several research efforts and developing new treatments for DSRD. This rare, yet increasingly diagnosed condition causes a rapid decline in young people with Down syndrome. High-functioning individuals will abruptly lose the ability to communicate, feed themselves, sleep, get dressed, or use the bathroom. Some individuals with the disorder become immobile and catatonic. Though DSRD was first described in a paper in 1946, it was not extensively researched since many assumed it was a psychiatric condition or potentially early-onset Alzheimer's disease, which are all well described in this population. But Dr. Santoro's team began seeing patients with DSRD and investigated it further. Their early research identified inflammatory markers in patients' cerebrospinal fluid indicating that DSRD could in fact be an inflammatory condition affecting the brain. "This was the aha moment," says Dr. Santoro. This discovery informed Dr. Santoro's treatment approach for DSRD, and he began administering high-dose steroids, as well as an immune therapy known as intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG). This approach proved highly effective, enabling patients to regain the ability to walk, run and communicate. But clinical investigations have identified abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid that indicate neuroinflammation in only a fraction of patients with DSRD, which didn't line up with the high success rate of immunotherapy among this population. Dr. Santoro's team and their collaborators at the University of Colorado continued their in-depth research. New evidence of DSRD as an inflammatory condition This latest study finds clear evidence that DSRD is indeed an inflammatory condition. It also connects DSRD with dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier, a layer of cells that form a membrane between the blood and the brain to filter out harmful substances. "The blood-brain-barrier is critical for keeping the immune system out of the brain," Dr. Santoro explains. "Any disruption could be enough to cause neurologic disease." The new study involved samples of cerebrospinal fluid from three different patient populations: individuals with DSRD, individuals with a known neuroimmunologic or neuroinflammatory condition, such as multiple sclerosis or autoimmune encephalitis, and a neurotypical, non-inflammatory control group. Proteomic profiling of samples from these individuals allowed the researchers to study the proteins found. Metabolomic profiling identified the metabolites-the molecules created when food, drugs, chemicals, or tissue is broken down-and enabled the researchers to identify the functional status of cells in the body. And immune marker profiling analyzed the specific molecules expressed by immune cells in the samples. Indications of inflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction The data showed heightened dysregulation in proteomics signatures in DSRD and neuroinflammatory patient samples when compared with the healthy control patient samples, specifically upregulation of several immunoglobulin sequences that indicate neuroinflammation. Additionally, the DSRD patient samples displayed significant upregulation of erythrocyte proteins and liver-derived plasma proteins, which point to poor integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The immune marker profile of the DSRD patient samples was also similar to various other neuroimmunological conditions. Based upon these results, Dr. Santoro and his team determined that the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with DSRD has proteomic and metabolic signatures that are consistent with both neuroinflammation and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. "The proteomic abnormalities found in this study confirm what we have seen in clinical practice the immune system is a major player in DSRD," Dr. Santoro says. The cerebrospinal fluid of DSRD patients is also more comparable to that of patients with neuroinflammatory disorders than to healthy control patients, suggesting a potential immune-related cause of DSRD which could inform future treatment strategies. "The implications of these findings are profound and will hopefully serve as the next step for finding the cause of DSRD" Dr. Santoro explains. This research has led to a Phase IIb clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy in individuals with DSRD. This clinical trial, performed with the Linda Crnic Institute at the University of Colorado, is the first of its kind in the treatment of DSRD. As Dr. Santoro says, "We've come a long way but have more work to do!" Artificial intelligence can transform medicine in a myriad of ways, including its promise to act as a trusted diagnostic aide to busy clinicians. Over the past two years, proprietary AI models, also known as closed-source models, have excelled at solving hard-to-crack medical cases that require complex clinical reasoning. Notably, these closed-source AI models have outperformed open-source ones, so-called because their source code is publicly available and can be tweaked and modified by anyone. Has open-source AI caught up? The answer appears to be yes, at least when it comes to one such open-source AI model, according to the findings of a new NIH-funded study led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and done in collaboration with clinicians at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital. The results, published March 14 in JAMA Health Forum, show that a challenger open-source AI tool called Llama 3.1 405B performed on par with GPT-4, a leading proprietary closed-source model. In their analysis, the researchers compared the performance of the two models on 92 mystifying cases featured in The New England Journal of Medicine weekly rubric of diagnostically challenging clinical scenarios. The findings suggest that open-source AI tools are becoming increasingly competitive and could offer a valuable alternative to proprietary models. To our knowledge, this is the first time an open-source AI model has matched the performance of GPT-4 on such challenging cases as assessed by physicians. It really is stunning that the Llama models caught up so quickly with the leading proprietary model. Patients, care providers, and hospitals stand to gain from this competition." Arjun Manrai, senior author, assistant professor of biomedical informatics, Blavatnik Institute at HMS The pros and cons of open-source and closed-source AI systems Open-source AI and closed-source AI differ in several important ways. First, open-source models can be downloaded and run on a hospital's private computers, keeping patient data in-house. In contrast, closed-source models operate on external servers, requiring users to transmit private data externally. "The open-source model is likely to be more appealing to many chief information officers, hospital administrators, and physicians since there's something fundamentally different about data leaving the hospital for another entity, even a trusted one," said the study's lead author, Thomas Buckley, a doctoral student in the new AI in Medicine track in the HMS Department of Biomedical Informatics. Second, medical and IT professionals can tweak open-source models to address unique clinical and research needs, while closed-source tools are generally more difficult to tailor. "This is key," said Buckley. "You can use local data to fine-tune these models, either in basic ways or sophisticated ways, so that they're adapted for the needs of your own physicians, researchers, and patients." Third, closed-source AI developers such as OpenAI and Google host their own models and provide traditional customer support, while open-source models place the responsibility for model setup and maintenance on the users. And at least so far, closed-source models have proven easier to integrate with electronic health records and hospital IT infrastructure. Open-source AI versus closed-source AI: A scorecard for solving challenging clinical cases Both open-source and closed-source AI algorithms are trained on immense datasets that include medical textbooks, peer-reviewed research, clinical-decision support tools, and anonymized patient data, such as case studies, test results, scans, and confirmed diagnoses. By scrutinizing these mountains of material at hyperspeed, the algorithms learn patterns. For example, what do cancerous and benign tumors look like on pathology slide? What are the earliest telltale signs of heart failure? How do you distinguish between a normal and an inflamed colon on a CT scan? When presented with a new clinical scenario, AI models compare the incoming information to content they've assimilated during training and propose possible diagnoses. In their analysis, the researchers tested Llama on 70 challenging clinical NEJM cases previously used to assess GPT-4's performance and described in an earlier study led by Adam Rodman, HMS assistant professor of medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess and co-author on the new research. In the new study, the researchers added 22 new cases published after the end of Llama's training period to guard against the chance that Llama may have inadvertently encountered some of the 70 published cases during its basic training. The open-source model exhibited genuine depth: Llama made a correct diagnosis in 70 percent of cases, compared with 64 percent for GPT-4. It also ranked the correct choice as its first suggestion 41 percent of the time, compared with 37 percent for GPT-4. For the subset of 22 newer cases, the open-source model scored even higher, making the right call 73 percent of the time and identifying the final diagnosis as its top suggestion 45 percent of the time. "As a physician, I've seen much of the focus on powerful large language models center around proprietary models that we can't run locally," said Rodman. "Our study suggests that open-source models might be just as powerful, giving physicians and health systems much more control on how these technologies are used." Each year, some 795,000 patients in the United States die or suffer permanent disability due to diagnostic error, according to a 2023 report. Beyond the immediate harm to patients, diagnostic errors and delays can place a serious financial burden on the health care system. Inaccurate or late diagnoses may lead to unnecessary tests, inappropriate treatment, and, in some cases, serious complications that become harder - and more expensive - to manage over time. "Used wisely and incorporated responsibly in current health infrastructure, AI tools could be invaluable copilots for busy clinicians and serve as trusted diagnostic aides to enhance both the accuracy and speed of diagnosis," Manrai said. "But it remains crucial that physicians help drive these efforts to make sure AI works for them." Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in people experiencing a heart attack is a time-dependent medical emergency requiring immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In new research presented at this year's ESC Acute CardioVascular Care congress in Florence, Italy (14-15 March), a research team led by Prof. Aneta Aleksova, including Dr. Alessandra Lucia Fluca and Dr. Milijana Janjusevic from the University of Trieste, Italy, in collaboration with interventional cardiologist Dr. Andrea Perkan, concludes that, while the proportion of bystanders (members of the public) performing CPR has increased over the past two decades in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (an autonomous region in northeastern Italy), the critical factor in determining survival and long-term outcomes is how quickly CPR is started, not who performs it. More specifically, while it is encouraging that the number of bystander rescuers has increased compared to previous years, the fact that 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur in residential settings highlights the crucial need for further public education and Basic Life Support (BLS) training to improve survival rates. The authors conclude: "Over time, the proportion of layperson rescuers constantly increased. Rapid return of spontaneous circulation was was crucial for in-hospital survival, independently of rescuer type. Also, similar long-term survival was observed comparing patients with initial layperson or emergency medical service cardiopulmonary resuscitaiton. Our data highlights the importance of immediate resuscitation and underlines the importance to promote population awareness and BLS training to further improve survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest." The authors analysed data from 3315 patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of a major heart artery, who were admitted to the cardiology department at University Hospital Trieste over the 22-year period (2003-2024). Among them, 172 suffered OHCA, and in total 44 had received CPR from a bystander during the whole study period. When the study period was divided into five intervals (2003-2007, 2008-2011, 2012-2015, 20162019 and 2020 to 2024) (see Figure 1 of abstract), the authors observed a significant increase in the proportion of patients receiving bystander-initiated CPR throughout the years. Statistical analysis showed the proportion of patients receiving bystander CPR increased from 26% in 2003-2007 to 69% in 2020-2024. The median time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 10 minutes overall, but longer for bystanders (20 minutes) compared with medical operators (5 minutes). Patients who received bystander CPR more frequently underwent endotracheal intubation (ET) (91% for bystander CPR versus 65% for those receiving EMS CPR). Overall, one quarter of the patients (25.6%) died in the initial period of hospital admission. Compared to survivors, patients who died in-hospital were older (mean age: 67 years versus 62 years) and had more comorbidities. Statistical analysis revealed worse left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), longer time to ROSC and older age were predictors of in-hospital mortality, after correction for rescuer type. More precisely, each 5-minute increase in time to ROSC and a 5-percentage-point decrease in LVEF were associated with a 38% increased risk in mortality, whereas every 5-years increase in age corresponded to a 46% higher death risk. Then, during a median follow-up of 7 years, 18 patients (14%) died, but the authors' analysis showed mortality did not differ based on rescuer type. While these survival rates are higher than typically seen for OHCA patients, the authors explain that various factors could be behind this the patients included in this study had STEMI-type heart attacks, from which the chances of recovery are higher (compared to patients with OHCA with other cardiac and extracardiac causes). Other factors could include higher than average proportions of bystanders trained in CPR, and strongly performing emergency health systems enabling operators to reach victims more rapidly. A University of Minnesota research team was recently awarded a five-year, $3.8 million grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health to develop a new cell therapy to combat Alzheimer's disease. More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, which includes Alzheimer's disease and other related conditions. The project aims to adapt advanced techniques developed for cancer treatment to create specialized macrophages - immune cells that can surround and remove proteins from their environment - to seek out and clear harmful proteins in the brain. Engineered immune cells have shown remarkable promise in the treatment of cancer. We hope to leverage these advances to develop an effective new way to treat Alzheimer's disease." Beau Webber, PhD, associate professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School and a Masonic Cancer Center researcher The team will genetically engineer human stem cells reprogrammed from adult cells, before converting them to a specialized immune cell type to target toxic Tau proteins, a key driver of Alzheimer's disease. The cells will also be engineered to control inflammation, which is a major challenge in treatment. This innovative approach could pave the way for a scalable, next-generation therapy to slow or halt Alzheimer's progression. "Our team's success in garnering NIH funds for this exciting new technology highlights the impact of collaborations between the Medical School and the College of Science and Engineering. We're excited to innovate across disciplines to design breakthrough therapies with the potential to cure diseases of the brain," said Jonathan Sachs, PhD, a biomedical engineering professor in the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering. The project officially began in January. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located H5N1 bird flu virus in samples of raw, or unpasteurized, milk in tests in four states in April 2024, and bird flu has been detected in commercially sold raw milk, many Americans do not know that consuming raw milk and its products poses greater health risks than consuming pasteurized milk and its products, especially for children. Consuming raw milk can expose one to Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Listeria, and Brucella and, potentially, H5N1 bird flu. A majority of U.S. adults (56%) knows that drinking raw milk from cows, sheep, or goats is less safe than drinking pasteurized milk. But over 4 in 10 Americans either are not sure (25%), think raw milk is "just as safe to drink" as pasteurized milk (12%) or think it is "safer to drink" (6%), according to a recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. The findings are statistically unchanged from APPC's July 2024 survey. Almost a third of people (32%) know that drinking raw milk increases a person's risk of foodborne illness, though 14% think it has no effect and 51% are not sure. The survey, conducted Jan. 30-Feb. 10, 2025, among more than 1,700 empaneled U.S. adults, also finds that two-thirds (66%) do not know that children are more vulnerable than adults to getting sick from the viruses and bacteria that can occur in raw milk. Consuming raw milk and raw milk products can make you sick and pasteurization reduces the risk of milk-borne illness. Looking for the pasteurization label before buying or consuming milk or milk products such as cheese is good practice." Patrick E. Jamieson, Director, APPC's Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute Bird flu As of March 10, 2025, 70 confirmed U.S. cases of H5 bird flu have been detected in people in 13 states, nearly all from exposure to infected poultry or dairy herds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One death from bird flu has been reported, involving a patient in Louisiana. To date there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission. From January 2022 through March 11, 2025, bird flu has been detected in nearly a thousand dairy herds in 17 states, and it has affected over 166 million poultry and wild aquatic birds, covering all states. Globally, according to the World Health Organization, from Jan. 1, 2003-Dec. 12, 2024, "954 cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus were reported from 24 countries. Of these 954 cases, 464 were fatal." Researchers have found that mice can be infected with bird flu by drinking raw milk. Although the FDA does not currently know whether H5N1 can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw milk, a study with mice suggests that the virus in "untreated milk can infect susceptible animals that consume it." The National Institutes of Health says this suggests "that drinking raw milk may pose a risk of transmission to people." Raw milk and bird flu Bird flu in raw milk: The vast majority of U.S. adults do not know that bird flu has been detected to date only in raw milk, not pasteurized milk. Just 17% know that bird flu has been found only in raw milk. Two percent incorrectly say bird flu has been found only in pasteurized milk, 7% say it has been found in both, 7% say it has been found in neither, and over two-thirds of those surveyed (68%) are not sure. Raw milk and your chances of getting bird flu: Almost a quarter of people (22%) say drinking raw milk increases the chances you will get H5N1 or bird flu, up from 15% in July 2024, though this is unchanged from November 2024. An equal number (22%) say drinking raw milk has no effect one way or the other on whether you will get bird flu, though fewer people believe that today than in November 2024 (35%). Over half of those surveyed (53%) are not sure what effect drinking raw milk has on getting bird flu, up from 43% in November 2024. The FDA has said that by heating milk to a specific temperature for a time pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and viruses, and that pasteurization will inactivate the bird flu virus if it is present in raw milk. Raw milk and health claims APPC's survey, which included non-milk drinkers, finds a small proportion of respondents (4%) who report having consumed raw or unpasteurized milk in the past 12 months, unchanged from our July 2024 survey. Another 2% were not sure whether they had consumed raw milk. Survey respondents are equally split between those who say raw milk has more nutrients than pasteurized milk (28%) and those who say it has about the same amount of nutrients (28%). Forty percent are not sure. The FDA says pasteurization kills pathogens in raw milk "without any significant impact on milk nutritional quality." Promoters of raw milk have made many claims about its health benefits but the FDA has categorized a number of them as misconceptions, as is explained here (current as of March 5, 2025). Though minorities believe in these claims, the survey finds that many more people about half of U.S. adults or more are not sure whether the claims are true or false: Bone thinning (osteoporosis) : About 1 in 4 people (26%) believe that raw milk is "about as effective" as pasteurized milk at preventing osteoporosis, although 10% incorrectly believe raw milk is more effective and 59% are unsure. The FDA says raw milk is not more effective than pasteurized milk at preventing osteoporosis. : About 1 in 4 people (26%) believe that raw milk is "about as effective" as pasteurized milk at preventing osteoporosis, although 10% incorrectly believe raw milk is more effective and 59% are unsure. The FDA says raw milk is not more effective than pasteurized milk at preventing osteoporosis. Lactose intolerance : 40% believe that it is false to say that regularly consuming raw, unpasteurized milk cures lactose intolerance. But 10% incorrectly say this is true and 50% are not sure. The FDA says raw milk does not cure lactose intolerance. : 40% believe that it is false to say that regularly consuming raw, unpasteurized milk cures lactose intolerance. But 10% incorrectly say this is true and 50% are not sure. The FDA says raw milk does not cure lactose intolerance. Asthma : 39% believe it is false to say that regularly consuming raw milk reduces the symptoms of asthma, but 7% believe it is true and 54% are not sure. The FDA says that raw milk does not cure or treat asthma and allergy. : 39% believe it is false to say that regularly consuming raw milk reduces the symptoms of asthma, but 7% believe it is true and 54% are not sure. The FDA says that raw milk does not cure or treat asthma and allergy. Immune system : 30% believe it is false to say that regularly consuming raw milk enhances the human immune system, but 23% think it is true and 47% are not sure. The FDA says raw milk "is not an immune system building food and is particularly unsafe for children," who are usually more vulnerable to pathogens in raw milk than adults. : 30% believe it is false to say that regularly consuming raw milk enhances the human immune system, but 23% think it is true and 47% are not sure. The FDA says raw milk "is not an immune system building food and is particularly unsafe for children," who are usually more vulnerable to pathogens in raw milk than adults. Children's vulnerability to sickness: About a third (35%) know that children are typically more vulnerable than adults to getting sick from the viruses and bacteria that can occur in raw milk. But 5% incorrectly think they are less vulnerable, 16% think they are "about as vulnerable," and 45% are not sure. Government regulation of raw milk The FDA has prohibited the interstate sale of raw milk since 1987, but 30 states in the United States allow its sale in some form, according to the FDA. Survey respondents were asked for their views on government regulation of raw milk sales and sellers: Interstate raw milk sales: Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (24%) favor the interstate sale of raw milk, and a slightly larger group (28%) opposes it, statistically unchanged from September 2024. Nearly half of respondents either are not sure (18%) or neither favor nor oppose it (29%). Raw milk sales within a state: Nearly a quarter (24%) favor the unrestricted sale of raw milk in the state in which they live, and another quarter (25%) say the sale of raw milk should be banned, except for farmers selling from their own dairy herds on their own land. Fourteen percent say the sale of raw milk should be banned in their states, and 37% are not sure. Government intrusion: Nearly a third (32%) agree that federal government regulations of raw unpasteurized milk are "another example of unnecessary government intrusion in people's lives," while a like number (34%) disagree. A third (33%) neither agree nor disagree. The rights of raw milk sellers: A quarter (25%) agree that state laws prohibiting the sale of raw milk violate the constitutional rights of raw milk sellers, while a third (34%) disagree, and 41% neither agree nor disagree. (Asked of a random half-sample.) Warning labels: Over half (56%) do not think that state laws requiring labels on raw milk containers warning about the risks of consuming raw milk violate the constitutional rights of raw milk sellers, while 14% think the state laws do violate their rights. Nearly a third (30%) neither agree nor disagree. (Asked of a random half-sample.) USDA testing of raw milk: Asked in how many of the states the U.S. Department of Agriculture is testing raw milk for bird flu virus, 74% are not sure. Two percent say "none," and a quarter of those surveyed say either "some" (10%), "most" (9%), or "all" (5%). As of Jan. 8, 2025, the USDA says its National Milk Testing Strategy has enrolled 28 states, accounting for nearly 65% of the nation's milk production. APPC's Annenberg Science and Public Health knowledge survey The survey data come from the 23rd wave of a nationally representative panel of 1,716 U.S. adults conducted for the Annenberg Public Policy Center by SSRS, an independent market research company. Most have been empaneled since April 2021. To account for attrition, replenishment samples have been added over time using a random probability sampling design. The most recent replenishment, in September 2024, added 360 respondents to the sample. This wave of the Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge (ASAPH) survey was fielded Jan. 30-Feb. 10, 2025. The margin of sampling error (MOE) is 3.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All figures are rounded to the nearest whole number and may not add to 100%. Combined subcategories may not add to totals in the topline and text due to rounding. Student Dies, 28 Hospitalised In Food Poisoning At Karnataka School Hostel Published By : PTI Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 18:44 IST A 13-year-old boy died, and 28 others were hospitalised after suspected food poisoning at an unauthorized hostel in Mandya, Karnataka. The hostel, run by a private school, served leftover Holi food. (Representative image) In a suspected case of food poisoning, a 13-year-old boy died, and 28 other inmates of an unauthorised hostel run by a private school here were admitted to the hospital on Sunday after complaining of stomach pain following the consumption of food prepared for Holi celebrations, police said. The deceased, identified as Kerlong, hailed from Meghalaya, they added. Recommended Stories The incident occurred at Gokula Vidya Samsthe in T Kagepura village in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, police said. Citing a preliminary investigation, Mallikarjun Baladandi, Superintendent of Police (Mandya), told PTI that the school, which has been operating since 1989, did not have a license to run a hostel. The management was illegally operating the hostel on the first floor of the school building without proper infrastructure, including toilets for children. A total of 202 students study at the school from LKG to Class 8, with about 30 studentsmost of them from Meghalayastaying at the hostel. The school reportedly follows an arrangement where hostel students receive leftover food from nearby events, celebrations, or weddings, he said. On March 14, a group from Malavalli organised a feast as part of Holi celebrations, serving vegetable pulao and chutney for breakfast. The leftover food was later distributed to 30 students at the school hostel, police said. Of these 30 students, 24 are from Meghalaya, while the remaining are locals, he added. On March 14, none of the students reported uneasiness, pain, or illness. However, the next day, six students complained of stomach pain and were admitted to the hospital, he said. On Sunday, a 13-year-old boy collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Among the 28 hospitalised students, seven are in critical condition, and one is on a ventilator, he stated. "We have registered a case under Section 286 (Negligent conduct concerning a poisonous substance) and Section 106 (Causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and have arrested three people in connection with the incident," he added. Those arrested include the cook who prepared the food, the hostel warden for distributing leftover food without checking its quality, and the school owner for negligence, he said. Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr Kumar told reporters that the health department was informed on March 15, and officials visited the school. In total, 30 children consumed the food and suffered food poisoning. "Unfortunately, a 13-year-old student has died, which is deeply saddening. We have informed his parents. The remaining 29 students are receiving treatment, with eight already shifted to Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS). Orders have been issued to transfer the other students as well, as MIMS has expert doctors," he said. "Our top priority is treating the affected students and ensuring their recovery. An investigation will be conducted into the schools facilities, permissions, and food suppliers, and appropriate legal action will be taken," he added. "Prima facie, the schools negligence is evidenthow did they allow an external party to supply food without permission? They had no authorisation to run a hostel," he stated. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to X and expressed his grief over the incident, stating that it was heartbreaking to learn about the students death and the hospitalisation of several others after consuming food at the private residential school in T Kagepura. "As soon as the incident came to my attention, I spoke to the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya and instructed him to ensure proper treatment for the children and take strict action against those responsible. The police have arrested three accused, and the investigation is ongoing," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Siddaramaiah also assured that the family of the deceased boy would receive appropriate compensation. "Everyone must be extra cautious before consuming food from external sources, especially when serving young children. Precious lives should not be lost due to carelessness," he added. 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 Location : Mandya, India, India First Published: March 16, 2025, 18:44 IST WBJEEB Announces 2025 Exam Dates for WBJEE, JELET And More, Check Full Schedule Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 13:24 IST WBJEEB has released the tentative schedule for 2025 entrance exams. WBJEE 2025 is on April 27, 2025. WBJEEB 2025 exam schedule is now available on the official website - wbjeeb.nic.in. (Representative image/File) WBJEEB Exam 2025: The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board (WBJEEB) has released the tentative schedule for the upcoming 2025 entrance exams on its official website- wbjeeb.nic.in. The board organizes several entrance exams, including the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE), Presidency University Bachelors Degree Entrance Test (PUBDET), Presidency University Masters Degree Entrance Test (PUMDET), Joint Entrance Test for Nursing, Paramedical, and Allied Sciences Undergraduate Course (JENPAS UG), and the West Bengal Joint Entrance Lateral Engineering Test (JELET), among others. As per the official schedule, the WBJEE 2025 exam, which determines admission to Engineering & Technology, Pharmacy, and Architecture courses, will be held on April 27, 2025. Additionally, the WBJEEB ANM & GNM 2025 exam is scheduled for June 29, 2025. See the tentative schedule for all upcoming WBJEEB exams below. Recommended Stories WBJEE Exam z Exam Name Courses Exam Date WBJEE-2025 Engineering & Technology, Pharmacy, Architecture April 27, 2025 JENPAS(UG)-2025 B.Sc Nursing and Paramedical UG Courses May 25, 2025 JELET-2025 3rd Semester in 4-Year Degree Courses in Engineering & Technology/Pharmacy under Lateral Entry Scheme June 15, 2025 PUBDET-2025 UG Courses in Presidency University June 21 and June 22, 2025 ANM & GNM -2025 ANM( R) & GNM Courses June 29, 2025 JEPBN-2025 Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Course July 12, 2025 JEMScN-2025 M.Sc Nursing Course July 13, 2025 JEMAS(PG)-2025 PG Courses in Paramedical & Allied Sciences under WBUHS July 19, 2025 JECA-2025 Master of Computer Application (MCA Course) July 20, 2025 PUMDET-2025 Post Graduate Courses in Presidency University July 27, 2025 WBJEE 2025 The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board (WBJEEB) conducted the registration process for the West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam (WBJEE) 2025 from January 22 to February 23, 2025 online on the official website wbjee.nic.in. The board opened the correction window from February 25 to February 27, 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Candidates who wish to get admission to Engineering, Technology, Pharmacy and Architecture courses at various Universities and Colleges in West Bengal are required to apply for WBJEE 2025. The board had already released the detailed schedule for WBJEE 2025. The WBJEE 2025 examination will be held on April 27, 2025. The first paper, Mathematics (Paper-I), will take place from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The second paper, which includes Physics and Chemistry (Paper-II), will be conducted from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. 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 16, 2025, 13:24 IST Karnataka Police's Record Drug Bust: Rs 375-Crore MDMA Seized, 2 South African Nationals Held Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 12:38 IST The operation, which culminated in the arrest of two women in Neeladri Nagar, near Electronic City, Bengaluru, has dismantled a significant drug trafficking network operating across India The arrested individuals were found to be transporting the MDMA via air routes. The Mangalore City Crime Branch (CCB) Police executed the largest drug seizure in Karnataka State Police history, apprehending two South African nationals and confiscating a staggering 37.870 kilograms of MDMA, valued at an estimated Rs 375 crore. The operation, which culminated in the arrest of two women in Neeladri Nagar, near Electronic City, Bengaluru, has dismantled a significant drug trafficking network operating across India. Recommended Stories The arrested individuals were found to be transporting the MDMA via air routes, smuggling the contraband from Delhi to Bengaluru for large-scale distribution. Police seized 37.870 kg of MDMA, concealed within two trolley bags. They have also recovered four mobile phones, two travel bags, two passports and Rs 2,18,460 in cash. Police have also recovered additional incriminating materials. The arrested individuals have been identified as Bamba Fanta, also known as Adonis Jabulile, a 31-year-old from South Africa and Abigail Adonis, a 30-year-old residing in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, and a permanent resident of South Africa. The investigation began with the arrest of Haider Ali by the Mangalore East Police, who was caught selling 15 grams of MDMA in Mangalore. The case was subsequently transferred to the Mangalore CCB, leading to a wider investigation that traced the supply chain to Bengaluru. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further investigations led to the arrest of Nigerian national Peter Ikedi Belonwu, during which 6.248 kg of MDMA was seized. Continued investigation then revealed the involvement of the South African women. On 14 March, an operation was launched leading to the arrest of the two women. 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 16, 2025, 12:24 IST ECIs EPIC & Other Moves: Poll Body Aims To Resolve Issues Pending For Decades Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 14:27 IST Resolving duplicate EPIC issues pending for nearly 25 years in the next three months is also in line with the initiatives. Duplication of the EPIC numbers, however, does not mean that the voters are fake The ECI announced it will replace all duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers with unique identifiers within the next three months. (PTI File) Within a month of joining as the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar has taken a series of measures to involve all stakeholders and seek their suggestions and views to resolve issues pending for decades. On February 19, Kumar took charge of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and within days, he called a meeting of all in-charge officials from the assembly, district, and state levels. It was the first time that EROs and DEOs were called for a meeting along with CEOs. Recommended Stories The Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) are in charge of the elections at the state levels, while District Election Officers (DEOs) are for districts and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are for the assembly constituency levels. The officials were directed to conduct all-party meetings at the level of EROs, DEOs and CEOs before March 31. Through these meetings, the issues can be highlighted and resolved locally. This will save a lot of time and also allow parties to get area-specific solutions from the concerned team of the poll body the ECI is taking proactive, strategic and definitive steps to resolve issues that were long pending," an official told News18. Decentralised engagement will save time and energy, they added. In addition to involving local officials with local party representatives, the poll body has also asked the presidents of all national and state parties for suggestions within the legal framework by April 30. DUPLICATE EPIC, OTHER REFORMS Resolving duplicate EPIC issues pending for nearly 25 years in the next three months is also in line with the initiatives. Earlier this month, the ECI announced it will replace all duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers with unique identifiers within the next three months. Duplication of the EPIC numbers does not mean that the voters are fake. The Commission, calling it a long-pending issue, said it carried out a sample enquiry of over 100 electors and found that those with duplicate EPIC numbers were genuine electors. After a comprehensive mapping of the constitutional framework and statutes, the ECI has listed 28 stakeholders and political parties are one of them. To train and make the rules aware to the field-level political agents of parties, including booth-level agents, polling agents, counting agents and election agents, the ECI will be holding sessions regarding their important role as per the legal framework for the first time. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further, to ensure that all genuine Indian citizens above 18 years are able to vote, the ECI has initiated the linking of EPIC with Aadhaar. With the EPIC-Aadhaar link, the ECI will be able to ensure proper identification of electors and ensure necessary communication," the official quoted above said. With no major elections scheduled in the next six months, the poll body is getting a lot of time to purify the electoral roll and the norms around it. We can expect some major reforms in the coming weeks. The ECI works with one motive and aim it was, is and will be with the voters," the official added. About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More First Published: March 16, 2025, 14:26 IST Godhra A Tragedy Of Unimaginable Magnitude: PM Modi Says Opponents Wanted Gujarat Allegations To Stick Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 19:25 IST PM Narendra Modi on Lex Fridman podcast said, "At that time, our political opponents were in power [at the Centre], and naturally they wanted all allegations against us to stick...The judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Lex Fridman podcast. (YouTube) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, called the Godhra train incident a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude" which became a sparking point for violence". In the second podcast of his decades-long political career, Modi said how the fake narrative that these were the biggest riots ever is actually misinformation", as before 2002, Gujarat had witnessed over 250 riots, and communal violence was frequent. Recommended Stories But after 2002, in 22 years, there hasnt been a single major riot in Gujarat. Gujarat remains completely peaceful," he added. Modi also highlighted how people tried to malign his image after the riots, but ultimately justice prevailed and courts cleared his name. At that time, our political opponents were in power [at the Centre], and naturally they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts," he said. It was indeed a fascinating conversation with @lexfridman, covering diverse topics including reminiscing about my childhood, the years in the Himalayas and the journey in public life.Do tune in and be a part of this dialogue! https://t.co/QaJ04qi1TD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 15, 2025 EXTREMELY VOLATILE: THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE VIOLENCE In his podcast, with audio tracks in English (US), Hindi, Hindi Latin and Russian, Fridman asked Modi about the learnings from the 2002 Gujarat communal violence during his tenure as the CM, which killed 1,000 people, even as the Supreme Court gave two rulings in 2012 and 2022 giving him a clean chit. Regarding the earlier events that you mentioned, like the 2002 riots in Gujarat, Id like to paint you a clearer picture of the 12 to 15 months leading up to that, so you can fully understand the atmosphere of that time. For instance, take December 24, 1999, roughly three years earlier, an Indian flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked, redirected to Afghanistan and landed in Kandahar. Hundreds of Indian passengers were held hostage. It caused massive turmoil across India as people faced life and death uncertainty," said Modi. Then, in the year 2000, the Red Fort in Delhi was attacked by terrorists. Yet another crisis struck the nation, intensifying fear and turmoil. On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers in America faced a devastating terror attack, once again shocking the entire world. Because ultimately, the people behind these attacks are driven by a similar mindset. Then in October 2001, terrorists attacked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Soon after, on December 13th, 2001, Indias parliament was targeted," he said. ENORMOUS CHALLENGE: FIRST TIME AS CM Within just eight to 10 months, these major global terrorist attacks took place, violent incidents that led to bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. In such a tense environment, even the smallest spark can ignite unrest. The situation had already become extremely volatile. In such times, suddenly, on October 7, 2001, I was given the responsibility of becoming chief minister of Gujarat. This was an enormous challenge," he said. At that time, Gujarat was recovering from a devastating earthquake, the largest of the previous century, which had left thousands dead. My first major task as chief minister was overseeing the rehabilitation of survivors. This was a crucial task, and from day one after my oath, I immersed myself in it. I was a person who had absolutely no prior experience with government. I had never been part of any administration, never even served in government before. I had never contested an election, never even been a state representative. For the first time in my life, I had to face elections," he said. TRAGIC FOR EVERYONE: THE HORRIFIC GODHRA INCIDENT On February 24, 2002, I became a state representative, an elected representative for the first time. And it was only around February 24, 25, or 26 that I stepped into the Gujarat Assembly for the very first time. On February 27, 2002, we were seated in the Assembly for the budget session. And that same day, it had been just three days since Id become a state representative, when suddenly the horrific Godhra incident occurred. It was a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude, people were burned alive. You can imagine, against the backdrop of incidents like the Kandahar hijacking, the attack on parliament, or even 9/11, and then to have so many people killed and burned alive, you can imagine how tense and volatile the situation was. Of course, this was tragic for everyone. Everyone prefers peace," he said. The perception that these were the biggest riots ever is actually misinformation. If you review the data from before 2002, you will see that Gujarat faced frequent riots. Curfews were constantly being imposed somewhere. Communal violence could erupt over trivial issues, like kite flying contests or even minor bicycle collisions. Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The riots in 1969 lasted nearly six months. So there was a long history, long before I was in the picture." But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts," he said. 'Reading about Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inspired a quest to understand their way of life and personal discipline' says PM Modi in pocast with #LexFridman @kritsween | #PMModi pic.twitter.com/N4OnnyafIK News18 (@CNNnews18) March 16, 2025 TODAYS GUJARAT top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to Modi, the most important thing is, in Gujarat, where riots used to happen some way or the other every year, there hasnt been a single major riot in Gujarat since 2002. Gujarat remains completely peaceful. Our approach has always been to avoid World Bank politics. Instead, our mantra has been, together with everyone, development for all, trust from all, and efforts by everyone. Weve shifted away from the politics of appeasement to the politics of aspiration. Because of this, anyone who wishes to contribute joins us willingly. Weve continuously strived to turn Gujarat into a well-developed state. And today, Gujarat is actively contributing toward building a developed India as well," he said. 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 16, 2025, 17:46 IST Farmers participate in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Codoi Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2025. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) An aerial drone photo taken on March 16, 2025 shows a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Quxar Town of Lnaze County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Farmers participate in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Codoi Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2025. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) A drone photo taken on March 16, 2025 shows a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Qangka Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Farmers participate in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Quxar Town of Lnaze County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2025. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Farmers participate in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Codoi Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2025. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) A farmer participates in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Codoi Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2025. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) A drone photo taken on March 16, 2025 shows a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Qangka Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Farmers participate in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Codoi Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2025. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Farmers participate in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Codoi Township, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2025. Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) This combo photo shows Tenzin Droma (R) and her fellow villager staying at a temporary shelter after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southwest China's Xizang on January, taken on Jan. 7, 2025 (above); and they participate in a ceremony marking the start of spring farming in Quxar Town of Lnaze County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 16, 2025 (below). Ceremonies marking the start of spring farming were held across Xizang on Sunday. The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the beginning of a new year's farming season and serves as a prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. It is considered an important ritual in the farming regions of Xizang. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Greatest Leader Of Centuries: PM Modi Says Mahatma Gandhis Vision Inspires His Every Initiative Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 19:07 IST PM Modi highlighted Mahatma Gandhis ability to transform Indias freedom struggle into a Jan Andolan by recognising the power of Jan Shakti (peoples power). Modi said that it was Mahatma Gandhi, who awakened the nation and forged a mass movement so immense that the British could never fully grasp it. (File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a podcast with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, shed light upon Mahatma Gandhis impact on Indias freedom struggle against the colonial rule. He highlighted Gandhis ability to transform Indias freedom struggle into a Jan Andolan" by recognising the power of Jan Shakti" (peoples power). Follow LIVE Updates Recommended Stories Modis Initiative Inspired By Mahatma Gandhi He further emphasised that his every initiative is being inspired by Gandhis vision of Jan Andolan". The Prime Minister said that in his own approach, he always strives to involve as many people as possible in every initiative, turning it into a mass movement with Jan Bhagidari (peoples participation). His call for unity and recognition of the peoples strength still resonates with me. In everything I do, I strive to include the common man and to ensure the participation of as many as possible. I dont believe in leaving everything to the government. I am a firm believer in the power of social change," he said. Mahatma Gandhi Awakened Nation He said that it was Mahatma Gandhi, who awakened the nation and forged a mass movement so immense that the British could never fully grasp it. It was Mahatma Gandhi who awakened the nation, leading a mass movement fueled by truth and he wove even a sweeper into the very fabric of the freedom struggle. He told teachers their work was part of the freedom struggle. He told the people spinning thread and weaving clothes, they were freedom fighters. He told those tending to lepers that their service was a step toward Indias freedom. He viewed every task as a vital thread in the fabric of Indias independence movement, and this transformed Indias common man into a soldier in the quest for freedom. Gandhi forged a mass movement so immense that the British could never fully grasp it." PM Modi further said that British never imagined that a pinch of salt from the Dandi March could spark a massive revolution, and he made it happen." Mahatma Gandhi Is The Greatest Leader Of All Times The Prime Minister further highlighted that Mahatma Gandhi is the greatest leader of not just the 20th century but also that of the 21st century and upcoming centuries as well. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mahatma Gandhi wasnt just a 20th-century leader. His relevance transcends centuries. Mahatma Gandhis legacy will last for centuries to come, and he remains relevant to date," he said. PM Modis conversation with Fridman is his second appearance in podcasts. This is his first appearance in a podcast hosted by an international personality. Earlier in January this year, he appeared in a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. 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 First Published: March 16, 2025, 19:07 IST Holi Turns Violent In Bengaluru As 3 Killed In Quarrel Over Inappropriate Remarks On Woman Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 10:10 IST An argument reportedly broke out between six labourers from Bihar over inappropriate comments on a woman, which later intensified into a full fight involving sticks and rods. The three men reportedly engaged in a heated quarrel over some remarks made on a woman. (Representative image) Three men were killed after a Holi celebration turned violent in Bengaluru. The incident occurred in Anekal, where a group of six labourers, all from the same village in Bihar, were celebrating the festival of colours at an under-construction building. According to police, an argument erupted among the intoxicated men following inappropriate comments made about a woman. The altercation escalated, with the men using wooden sticks and iron rods as weapons, according to NDTV. Recommended Stories Authorities arrived to find a gruesome scene, with all three victims lying dead in pools of blood. One body was discovered in the apartment passage, another inside a room, and the third outside the building. Two of the deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Ansu and 23-year-old Radhe Shyam. The identity of the third victim remains unknown. Police have one injured suspect in custody and are actively searching for the remaining two individuals involved. Holi celebrations were marred by violence in different parts of the country. In Delhis Dwarka area, another Holi celebration turned violent after a heated argument over splashed colour led to an assault and the vandalism of a taxi. In Madhya Pradesh, a 64-year-old succumbed to his injuries after he was attacked for objecting to loud music being played during Holi amid school exams in the Maihar district. The accused and five of his relatives have been booked. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additionally, two people were allegedly killed in separate incidents in Faridabad, while the body of a 14-year-old boy was found in the Aravalli hills. A 22-year-old man, identified as Suraj, was beaten to death while mediating in a quarrel, while another man, Deepak, 25, was stabbed to death in an old rivalry. (with PTI inputs) 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 16, 2025, 10:10 IST How Did I Do: Lex Fridman Chants Gayatri Mantra On Podcast, PM Modi Lauds His Effort | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 21:12 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on the 'Lex Fridman Podcast' on YouTube and talked about various aspects of his life. During the show, Fridman chanted Gayatri Mantra. Lex Fridman Podcast with PM Modi: Lex Fridman chants Gayatri Mantra (Photo: YouTube/ Led Fridman) A unique moment arrived during the Lex Fridman Podcast with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the American influencer recited the Gayatri Mantra and sought the validation of his pronunciation from the Indian leader, who lauded his effort as great". PM Modi appeared in his second podcast, and first with AI researcher Lex Fridman, whose episode was aired on Sunday evening. The duo held discussions over a range of topics, including the Prime Ministers childhood, the role of RSS in his life, the Gujarat riots, geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and education. Recommended Stories Lex Fridman Chants Gayatri Mantra On Podcast With PM Modi As the episode inched towards its closure, Fridman, who was on a nearly two-day fast (45 hours) in honour of this conversation to get in the right mindset and get into the spiritual level", made an attempt at chanting Gayatri Mantra. He said that he was trying to do the chants while fasting and sought PM Modis insights on the significance of this Mantra. In this moment, I was wondering if you could guide me perhaps through a Hindu prayer or meditation for a few moments. I learned, Im trying to learn the Gayatri Mantra. In my fast I was trying to do the chants. Perhaps I could try chanting. You could tell me about the importance of this mantra and maybe others in your life, in your spirituality? Should I try?" Fridman asked PM Modi. Yes, please," the Prime Minister responded. The podcaster chanted the Mantra in the tune it is traditionally chanted in India. Heres my conversation with @narendramodi, Prime Minister of India.It was one of the most moving & powerful conversations and experiences of my life. This episode is fully dubbed into multiple languages including English and Hindi. Its also available in the original (mix of pic.twitter.com/85yUykwae4 Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) March 16, 2025 (Timestamp for this conversation 2:57:57) PM Modi Lauds Effort How did I do? Its okay?" Fridman asked PM Modi. As the American podcaster made an attempt to chant the verse in Sanskrit one of the oldest languages in the world the Prime Minister hailed his effort. You did great. This mantra is dedicated to the radiant power of the sun and is considered a powerful tool for spiritual enlightenment," PM Modi said as he also chanted the Mantra. Many mantras in Hindu philosophy are deeply intertwined in some intricate and interesting ways with science and nature, each woven into different facets of life. Chanting mantras on a daily basis brings profound and lasting benefits," the Prime Minister added. At the end of the podcast, Fridman thanked PM Modi for the incredible conversation". Thank you for this honour. Thank you for this incredible conversation. Thank you for welcoming me to India, and I cant wait to break the fast with some Indian food tomorrow. Thank you so much, Prime Minister. This was an honour," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Responding to the podcaster, the Prime Minister suggested him to ease into eating slowly" after a two-day fast. I am thankful for the opportunity to have this conversation with you. After fasting for two days, I recommend you ease into eating slowly, and I hope you reap great benefits from this fasting experience," 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 First Published: March 16, 2025, 20:09 IST India-Russia Driving Global Change: Decoding Kremlin's Message Through These Hoardings Ahead Of Raisina Dialogue Published By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 16:16 IST With Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expected to attend the conference, some observers believe Russias messaging is more than routine diplomacy, potentially a calculated move to reinforce its influence in India One of the hoardings in New Delhi. As the Raisina Dialogue takes centre stage, hoardings featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have appeared across Delhi, even at the airports, boldly declaring: India-Russia driving global change. Displayed in three languages, the timing of these visuals have sparked curiosity. Recommended Stories With Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expected to attend the conference, some observers believe Russias messaging is more than routine diplomacy potentially a calculated move to reinforce its influence in India. RUSSIAS MESSAGING: READING BETWEEN THE LINES Russias participation looks rather meek, say observers, as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the event. However, the hoardings, not very far from the venue, tell a different story. Adding to the mix, Russias state-backed media outlet RT has been actively promoting its narrative in India. RTs promo with the slogan Reform how you watch news, observers say, has been subtly suggesting: Watch the world through Russian lens." A recent Holi-themed post by the Russian embassy prominently featuring RT further amplified the ongoing push. Decades of trusted friendship epitomised across #NewDelhiThese colours signify friendship Happy Holi, India! https://t.co/hMwPiymlFw Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) March 13, 2025 The boldness of Russias push has left experts intrigued about its intentions and the evolving dynamics of India-Russia relations. Putin recently thanked world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump and for their noble mission" to end the fighting between Ukraine and Russia. What exactly will unfold at the Raisina Dialogue and thereafter will be known soon. WHAT IS RAISINA DIALOGUE? According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release, the Raisina Dialogue is Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the international community. The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held from March 17-19. PM Modi will inaugurate the Dialogue on March 17. Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon will join the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address. The 10th Raisina Dialogue will witness participation of representatives from about 125 countries including ministers, former heads of state and heads of government, military commanders, captains of industry, technology leaders, academics, journalists, scholars on strategic affairs, experts from leading think tanks, and youth. Over 3,500 participants from about 125 countries will be joining the Dialogue in person, and the proceedings will be viewed by millions across the world on various digital platforms. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The theme of the 2025 edition is Kalachakra People, Peace and Planet. Decision makers and thought leaders of the world will engage each other across conversations in various formats, over six thematic pillars: Politics Interrupted: Shifting Sands and Rising Tides Resolving the Green Trilemma: Who, Where, & How Digital Planet: Agents, Agencies and Absences Militant Mercantilism: Trade, Supply Chains & the Exchange Rate Addiction The Tigers Tale: Rewriting Development with a New Plan Investing in Peace: Drivers, Institutions, & Leadership. 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 16, 2025, 16:03 IST Kerala Lottery Results LIVE: Akshaya AK-693 Winners For March 16, 2025 Soon; First Prize Rs 70 Lakh! Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 09:58 IST Kerala Lottery Result Guessing Numbers: Check the Live Updates and full list of winning numbers for Akshaya AK-693 lucky draw for Sunday, March 16, 2025 here from 3 pm. Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-693 Results: The first prize winner of Akshaya AK-693 will get Rs 70 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock) KERALA LOTTERY AKSHAYA AK-693 RESULT ON SUNDAY, 16.3.2025, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department will announce the results of the Akshaya AK-693 lucky draw for Sunday, March 16, at 3 pm. The draw will take place at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. Participants have a chance to win exciting cash rewards, with the first prize set at Rs 70 lakh, the second prize at Rs 5 lakh, and the third prize at Rs 1 lakh. To maintain fairness and transparency, independent judges will oversee the draw. Check the Live Updates and Full List of Winning Numbers here from 3 pm. KERALA LOTTERY AKSHAYA AK-693 GUESSING NUMBERS Recommended Stories 3681 3618 3861 3816 3168 3186 6381 6318 6831 6813 6138 6183 8361 8316 8631 8613 8136 8163 1368 1386 1638 1683 1836 1863 AKSHAYA AK-693 LOTTERY: PRIZE STRUCTURE 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakh 2nd Prize: Rs 5 Lakh 3rd Prize: Rs 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs 5,000 5th Prize: Rs 2,000 6th Prize: Rs 1,000 7th Prize: Rs 500 8th Prize: Rs 100 Consolation Prize: Rs 8,000 AKSHAYA AK-693 LOTTERY: WINNING NUMBERS WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKH IS: Result at 3 pm WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKH IS: To be updated WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: To be updated HOW TO CHECK KERALA AKSHAYA AK- 693 LOTTERY RESULTS? Check the Akshaya AK-693 results on the official Kerala Lottery website. Verify the winning numbers at the Kerala Government Gazette office. Contact the Kerala Lottery Department for accurate and official information. How to Claim the Prize Money? Cross-check the lottery results with your ticket number in the official Kerala Government Gazette. If your ticket appears in the official list, you may qualify for a prize. Winners must visit the Kerala Lottery Office in Thiruvananthapuram to claim their prize within 30 days of the result announcement. To collect the winnings, the original lottery ticket and a valid ID must be presented for verification. Documents Required to Claim Prize Money Provide a signed photocopy of both the front and back of the winning lottery ticket. Submit recent passport-sized photos, certified by a Gazette officer for verification. Attach a self-attested copy of your PAN card as proof of identity. Fill out the official prize claim form online, affix a revenue stamp, and submit it. Present a valid government-issued ID, such as a PAN card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Aadhaar Card, for authentication. HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS? Go to keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net, the official Kerala Lottery Department website. Navigate to the AKSHAYA AK-693 results section and click on the link. The page will display the complete list of winning numbers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Look for the download option provided on the webpage. Click the link to open and save the results in PDF format. 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 : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India First Published: March 16, 2025, 09:00 IST 'Nation Is Everything, Serving People Akin To Serving God': PM Modi On What RSS Taught Him Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 19:09 IST AI researcher Lex Fridman asked PM Narendra Modi about Hindu nationalism and RSS. In turn, the PM shared his knowledge of the organisations activities and the impact it has had on his political ideas In his podcast with AI researcher Lex Fridman, PM Narendra Modi spoke about the RSS and how it has shaped him into the political leader that he is today. (Image: @Lex Fridman/YouTube) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, said through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or the RSS, he found a life of purpose. He said its service-driven philosophy coupled with the teachings of Ramakrishna Mission and Swami Vivekananda have played a crucial role in shaping him. I feel blessed to gain lifes values from such a sacred organization. Through the RSS, I found a life of purpose," he said in his second podcast, where he also talked about his patriotic foundations of putting the nation above all else. Recommended Stories It was indeed a fascinating conversation with @lexfridman, covering diverse topics including reminiscing about my childhood, the years in the Himalayas and the journey in public life. Do tune in and be a part of this dialogue! https://t.co/QaJ04qi1TD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 15, 2025 Fridman asked Modi about Hindu nationalism and the RSS, the voluntary organisation he joined at the age of eight. In turn, the Prime Minister shared his knowledge of the organisations activities and the impact it has had on his political ideas. I was fortunate to spend some time among the saints, which gave me a strong spiritual foundation. I found discipline and a life of purpose. And through the guidance of saints, I gained spiritual grounding. Swami Atmasthananda and others like him have held my hand throughout my journey, constantly guiding me at every step. The teachings of Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekananda, and the service-driven philosophy of the RSS have played a crucial role in shaping me," he told Fridman during the interview. RSS PROVIDES CLEAR DIRECTION TOWARD PURPOSE IN LIFE Enlisting the core values of the RSS, Modi claimed that such a massive voluntary organisation likely does not exist anywhere else in the world. He said millions of people are connected to it, but understanding the RSS is not that simple. One of the core values that were instilled in us at RSS was, whatever you do, do it with a purpose. Even while studying, study with the goal of learning enough to contribute to the nation. Even when you exercise, do it with the purpose of strengthening your body to serve the nation. This is what we were taught. And today, RSS is a massive organization. It is now nearing its 100th anniversary" he said. He added: One must make an effort to truly grasp the nature of its work. More than anything, the RSS provides you with a clear direction toward what can truly be called a purpose in life. Secondly, the nation is everything, and serving the people is akin to serving God." He further said this what has been said since the vedic era, by sages, and by Swami Vivekananda. He added that these are the values that the RSS echoes. A volunteer is told that the inspiration he gains from RSS is not just about attending the one-hour session or wearing the uniform. What matters is what you do for society. And today, inspired by that spirit, many initiatives are thriving," he said. The Prime Minister explained in detail about the voluntary activities of the RSS from Seva Bharati, which serves slums and settlements, to Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram for tribal communities, and Vidya Bharati to revolutionise education. RSS APPROACH TO LABOUR UNIONS Modi spoke how the RSS prioritises values alongside education in every aspect of life, be it women, youth, or even labourers. He said the organisations approach to labour unions represents a huge ideological transformation". Drawing parallels with leftist ideology and its approach to labour unions, he further said: Historically, leftist ideologies have fuelled labour movements worldwide. And what has been their slogan: Workers of the world unite. The message was clear. Unite first and then well deal with everything else. But what do the labour unions run by RSS-trained volunteers believe in? They say: Workers unite the world. Others say: Workers of the world unite. And we say: Workers unite the world. It may seem like just a small shift in words, but it represents a huge ideological transformation." SPENT ENTIRE NIGHTS LISTENING TO PATRIOTIC SONGS Reminiscing about his childhood days, Modi said he was a crazy fan" of a man with a tambourine, who would come to his village and sing patriotic songs. He said he would spend entire nights" listening to the songs of this service group, which would hold programmes in different places. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I always had the habit of staying engaged in something or the other. I remember there was a man named Makoshi. I dont quite recall his full name. I think he was part of the service group, Makoshi Soni or something like that. He used to carry a small drum-like instrument called the tambourine with him, and he used to sing patriotic songs in his deep, powerful voice. Whenever he came to our village, he would hold programmes in different places. I would run after him like a crazy fan just to listen to his songs. I would spend entire nights listening to their patriotic songs. I enjoyed it. I dont even know why, but I just did," he said. He further said these patriotic songs stirred something inside me" and that is how he became a part of the RSS branch in his village that would play the songs. Something about those songs touched me deeply. They stirred something inside me, and thats how I eventually became part of the RSS," he added. 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 16, 2025, 18:28 IST NCB Seizes Drugs Worth Rs 88 Crore, Amit Shah Says 'No Mercy For Drug Cartels' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 13:11 IST The NCB seized over 100 kg of methamphetamine tablets from two vehicles in the Imphal and Guwahati zones and arrested four people in this regard. Amit Shah lauded NCB's efforts. Amit Shah lauded the NCB for a major drug haul in Imphal and Guwahati zones. (PTI/PIB) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted a major drug trafficking operation in the Imphal and Guwahati zones and seized a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 crores, arresting four people in connection with the operation, said Union Minister Amit Shah on Sunday. The officers of the NCB Imphal Zone intercepted a truck near the Lilong area on March 13 based on information and recovered 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets from the toolbox/cabin in the rear section of the truck. Two occupants of the truck were apprehended by authorities, according to an official statement. Recommended Stories The team immediately launched a follow-up operation and apprehended the suspected receiver of the contraband from the Lilong area. A four-wheeler, used for drug trafficking was also recovered from him which was allegedly used for drug trafficking. All three accused were arrested later. In a subsequent operation, officers of NCB Guwahati Zone intercepted an SUV vehicle in the AssamMizoram border near Silchar and recovered 7.48 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed inside the spare tyre of the vehicle. The occupant of the vehicle was apprehended and arrested. No Mercy For Drug Cartels: Amit Shah NCBs major success in stopping the international drug trafficking operations prompted a note of appreciation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who said the drug haul was a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation" by the agency. No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi govts march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth 88 crore is seized, and four members of the international drug cartel are arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones," Shah said on X. Our hunt for drugs continues. Heartfelt congratulations to team NCB." No mercy for drug cartels.Accelerating the Modi govts march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth 88 crore is seized, and 4 members of the international drug cartel are arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones. The drug haul is a Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 16, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The NCB is investigating both cases and looking for additional suspects. In another operation, the NCB also took over the investigation of a case from the Mizoram State Excise Department wherein about 46 kgs of crystal meth was seized on March 6. The NCB is probing the international and inter-state linkages of the drug trafficking network, as per the statement. The North Eastern Region has emerged as one of the most vulnerable areas of India from the point of view of drug trafficking owing to its geographic location. Identifying this vulnerability, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had augmented the strength of NCB in the year 2023 to further strengthen the war against drugs in the region. 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 16, 2025, 13:11 IST PM Modi Hails Resilient Trump, Says Hes Far More Prepared In 2nd Term As US President Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 18:37 IST PM Modi shared several incidents of Modi-Trump meeting at White House, 2019s Howdy Mody event where Trump threw off security for a walk with him. US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, DC, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interaction with AI researcher Lex Fridman in a podcast, opened up about his friendship and bond with US President Donald Trump. The prime minister shared several incidents of Modi-Trump meeting at White House, 2019s Howdy Mody event where Trump threw off security for a walk with him, and others. Recommended Stories Follow LIVE Updates Trump Far More Prepared In 2nd Term In the podcast, PM Modi emphasised that Trump seems to be far more prepared" as compared to his first stint as US President. I have observed President Trump both during his first term and now in his second run. This time, he seems far more prepared than before. He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals," he said. When asked about his recent visit to the US and meetings with Vice President JD Vance, DOGE head Elon Musk, and others, PM Modi said that the team is fully capable of implementing Trumps vision. I also had the chance to meet members of his team, and I truly believe he has put together a strong, capable group and with such a strong team, I feel they are fully capable of implementing President Trumps vision based on my interactions with them. I met several people, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, and there was a family-like atmosphere, everyone had come with their families," he said. Trump Threw Off Security In the podcast, PM Modi recalled a moment from the Howdy Modi event in US Houston, where he shared the stage with Trump. He said that the event was highly memorable for him as a large Indian diaspora had gathered for the event. We had an event in Houston, Howdy Modi. Both President Trump and I were there and the entire stadium was completely packed. A massive crowd at an event in the US is a huge moment. While packed stadiums are common in sports, this was extraordinary for a political rally. The Indian diaspora had gathered in large numbers," PM Modi said. He further praised Trump on how a US President, remarkable gesture, sat in audience to listen to him. Both of us delivered speeches and he sat down below listening to me speak. Now, thats his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage, that was a remarkable gesture on his part," he added. He further recounted how, after addressing the gathering, he approached Trump to suggest they walk around the stadium to greet attendees. I went to him to thank him, and casually said that if you dont mind why dont we take a lap around the stadium," PM Modi said. There are so many people here, lets walk, wave, and greet them," he added. PM Modi highlighted the strict security protocols in the US and said that such a request was unusual. In American life, it is almost impossible for a president to walk around in the presence of thousands of people," he said. He further said that Trump agreed without hesitation and began walking with him, surprising his security detail. His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but for me that moment was truly touching. It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but also he trusted me and my lead in that moment enough to have walked with me into the crowd. It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day and the way I saw President Trump that day walking into a crowd of thousands without even asking security, it was truly amazing," he added. PM Modi Stresses Nation First Like Trump PM Modi drew a parallel between himself and Trump while speaking about the last years assassination attempt on the US President. When Trump was shot during a recent campaign before the US elections, I saw the same resilient and determined President Trump, the one who walked hand in hand with me in that stadium," he said. Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life is for his nation. His reflection showed his America first spirit, just as I believe in India first. I stand for India First, and thats why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate," he added. Trump survived an assassination attempt during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. PM Modi On Trump Calling Him A Tough Negotiator PM Modi stated that it is Trumps magnanimity to call him a tough negotiator and appreciating him on various platforms. For Trump, it is America first, and for Modi, it is always Bharat first. PM Modi said that on all platforms he stands firm with Indias interest on top, without intending any harm to others. Its his graciousness and humility, it is very kind of him that he openly appreciates me on various occasions and in different contexts. But about negotiation, I always put my countrys interests first. Thats why in every forum, I speak up for Indias interest, not to harm anyone but in a positive manner and because of that, no one takes offense. People know that if Modi is present, he will strongly advocate for these things. After all, the people of India have given me this responsibility. For me, my nation is my high command and I will always honour their will," he said. He said that by keeping nations interests on priority he is just fulfilling the expectation of 140 crore Indians who have bestowed this responsibility upon him. PM Modi On Elon Musk, DOGE PM Modi further spoke about his meeting with Tesla CEO Musk during his last months US visit and said that since he knew him fir a long time, the atmosphere in the meeting felt warm and friendly. He said that he held discussions on various topics. As for Elon Musk, I have known him since my time as chief minister. He was there with his family and children, so naturally the atmosphere felt warm and friendly. Of course, we had discussions and we talked about many different topics." PM Modi also spoke about Musks DOGE mission and highlighted that he also aimed to eradicate deep-rooted issues and harmful practices that have crept in when he took the PM office in 2014. Now, with his DOGE mission, he is incredibly excited about how its progressing and honestly, it makes me happy too because when I took office in 2014, I wanted to free my country from the deep-rooted issues and harmful practices that have crept in, and Ill continue striving to eliminate as many of them as I possibly can. For example, after I took office in 2014, I observed that back then we werent part of many global discussions, not like how President Trump and DOGE are being talked about today." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Highlighting key governance reforms, PM Modi said that after taking office, his government identified and removed 10 crore fake beneficiaries from welfare schemes, ensuring benefits reached the right people through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), saving Rs 3 lakh crore. Additionally, his administration scrapped 1,500 obsolete laws and more than 45,000 compliances to streamline governance. PM Modis conversation with Fridman is his second appearance in podcasts. This is his first appearance in a podcast hosted by an international personality. Earlier in January this year, he appeared in a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. 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 First Published: March 16, 2025, 17:38 IST PM Modi Narrates Events Leading Up To Gujarat Riots: 'Major Terrorist Attacks Within 8-10 Months' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 20:49 IST PM Narendra Modi discussed the 2002 Godhra train burning and subsequent Gujarat riots with Lex Fridman, detailing the tense atmosphere due to prior terrorist attacks and the 2001 Gujarat earthquake Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Lex Fridman podcast. (YouTube) Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened up about the tragic 2002 Godhra train burning incident and the subsequent riots in Gujarat during an interview with US-based AI researcher and podcast host Lex Fridman. He listed the events leading up to the riots and talked about the atmosphere in the country at that time. Id like to paint you a clearer picture of the 12 to 15 months leading up to that, so you can fully understand the atmosphere of that time. For instance, take December 24, 1999, roughly three years earlier, an Indian flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked, redirected to Afghanistan, and landed in Kandahar. Hundreds of Indian passengers were held hostage. It caused massive turmoil across India as people faced life and death uncertainty," PM Modi said. Recommended Stories Then, in the year 2000, the Red Fort in Delhi was attacked by terrorists. Yet another crisis struck the nation, intensifying fear and turmoil. On September 11th, 2001, the Twin Towers in America faced a devastating terror attack, once again shocking the entire world. Because ultimately, the people behind these attacks are driven by a similar mindset. Then in October 2001, terrorists attacked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Soon after, on December 13th, 2001, Indias parliament was targeted," he said. PM Modi explained that within just eight to 10 months, major global terrorist attacks took place that led to bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. In such a tense environment, even the smallest spark can ignite unrest. The situation had already become extremely volatile. In such times, suddenly, on October 7th, 2001, I was given the responsibility of becoming chief minister of Gujarat. This was an enormous challenge," he said. Gujarat Earthquake top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PM Modi also referred to the 7.7 magnitude Gujarat earthquake in 2001 that killed 20,000 people and injured more than 150,000 others. He said, At that time, Gujarat was recovering from a devastating earthquake, the largest of the previous century, which had left thousands dead. My first major task as chief minister was overseeing the rehabilitation of survivors. This was a crucial task, and from day one after my oath, I immersed myself in it. I was a person who had absolutely no prior experience with government. I had never been part of any administration, never even served in government before. I had never contested an election, never even been a state representative. For the first time in my life, I had to face elections." 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 16, 2025, 20:49 IST From 2002 Riots To RSS: What To Expect From PM Modi's Podcast With Lex Fridman? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 16:20 IST PM Modi described his upcoming podcast with Lex Fridman as a fascinating conversation", which also touched upon the 2002 Godhra riots and a smear campaign against his government. PM Modi will feature in a three-hour-long podcast with AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman. (Lex Fridman/X) Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-hour-long epic podcast with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman will be released on Sunday evening. For the first time since becoming PM, he is expected to give a chronological detail about the 2002 riots in Godhra and a misinformation campaign that followed during the conversation. Fridman, an AI researcher, described the podcast as one of the most powerful conversations" of his life and called PM Modi as one of the most fascinating human beings" he has ever studied. In an X post, PM Modi described the podcast as a fascinating conversation" and said it covered diverse topics pertaining to his life and more. Recommended Stories Follow Live Updates It was indeed a fascinating conversation with @lexfridman, covering diverse topics including reminiscing about my childhood, the years in the Himalayas and the journey in public life. Do tune in and be a part of this dialogue!" he said on X. It was indeed a fascinating conversation with @lexfridman, covering diverse topics including reminiscing about my childhood, the years in the Himalayas and the journey in public life.Do tune in and be a part of this dialogue! https://t.co/QaJ04qi1TD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 15, 2025 The podcaster arrived in India last month to interview PM Modi. Ahead of his visit, Fridman had expressed his joy and eagerness to interact with PM Modi for hours on a range of topics including Indias history. What To Expect From The Epic Podcast? Prime Minister Modi is expected to dwell on the complex and deep history of India and his spiritual journey from childhood and his years in the Himalayas to his public life as the three-time Chief Minister of Gujarat and three-time PM. Interestingly, PM Modi also spoke about the infamous 2002 Godhra riots in detail, where he gave a detailed chronology of events at the time of the incident and how there was a massive smear campaign against the then-BJP government led by him. This is significant as he will give such a chronological detail on Godhra and the riots for the first time since he became the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also spoke in great detail about the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his life and its contribution to society. He will also offer valuable insights on a host of topics including global conflicts, his student life and Indias growing role in the world order. At three hours long, this is PM Modis longest such conversation and his first podcast with an international celebrity. This is PM Modis second podcast appearance after he made his debut in the programme with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath in January. During the podcast with Kamath in January, PM Modi shared anecdotes from his childhood and offered valuable advice on youth participation in politics, the importance of ideology and some setbacks he experienced in his life. Where To Watch PM Modis Podcast? The podcast will be broadcast from Lex Fridmans YouTube channel at approximately 5:30 pm on Sunday (March 16). You can also view the podcast from CNN-News18s official TV channel. You can also tune in to News18.com and its X handle for all the latest updates on PM Modis podcast with Fridman. Notably, the podcaster had announced the conversation with the Indian Prime Minister on January 19 after the latters podcast debut with Kamath. I will be doing a podcast with Narendra Modi (@narendramodi), Prime Minister of India, at the end of February. Ive never been to India, so Im excited to finally visit and experience many facets of its vibrant, historic culture and its amazing people as fully as I can," he said at the time. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Narendra Modi is one of the most fascinating human beings I have ever studied.I cant wait to talk to him on podcast for several hours in a few weeks. On top of the complex, deep history of India, and his role in it, just the human side of Modi is really interesting. For Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) February 7, 2025 Fridman has been a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 2015. His podcasts cover several themes, such as artificial intelligence, global politics, cryptocurrency, productivity, global geopolitics, and technology. 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 16, 2025, 14:08 IST BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed on Sunday evening in Israeli airstrikes targeting a house in the village of Ainata in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center. The center, affiliated with Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, confirmed the airstrikes and casualties in a statement. A Lebanese security source said Israeli warplanes fired two air-to-ground missiles at the house, leading to casualties and destroying the house. "Civil Defense teams are working to clear the rubble," the source added. The unnamed source noted that in a separate attack, Israeli helicopters fired three missiles at prefabricated homes in the village of Kafr Kila in southeastern Lebanon, utterly destroying them. According to the source, residents set up these temporary homes about two weeks ago as provisional shelters while rebuilding their damaged houses. No casualties were mentioned. Meanwhile, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported that an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade in the afternoon near a civilian inspecting his home in the village of Ramyah. The NNA added that the Lebanese Red Cross transported three bodies from the village of Al-Qasr, near the border with Syria, to Hermel Governmental Hospital. Security forces are investigating the case. On Sunday, the Israeli military said a gunshot hit a vehicle in the northern Israeli community of Avivim, with no immediate reports of injuries. "The gunshot most likely originated from Lebanese territory," the military said in a statement, adding that troops were scanning the area and the incident was under review. Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that the gunfire was likely errant shots fired during a funeral in southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to strike targets in the area of Ainata in southern Lebanon on Sunday. He issued a stern warning to the Lebanese government, saying, "We will not allow fire from Lebanese territory toward northern Israeli communities, we will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire." Later on Sunday, Israel's military said it struck a command and control center of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force and other structures used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, claiming their presence constituted "a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon." Although a ceasefire agreement has largely held between Hezbollah and Israel since November last year, ending more than a year of hostilities following the war in Gaza, Israel has maintained a military presence and carried out dozens of attacks in Lebanon, causing casualties. Police Arrest Man Who Led To Scientist's Death During Brawl Over Parking In Punjab Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 07:28 IST According to police, a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been filed, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to inform their next steps. The suspect had fled the scene immediately following the incident. Scientist Abhishek Swarnkar and screengarb of viral CCTV video. (X) A man has been arrested on Saturday for allegedly pushing a 39-year-old scientist during a parking altercation in Punjabs Mohali, leading to the latters death, police said. According to the police, the accused identified as Maninder Pal Singh Monty, will be produced in court on Sunday. Recommended Stories Accused Monty reportedly pushed Dr Abhishek Swarnkar, who worked at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, on Tuesday night to the ground and punched him during an altercation over parking near the scientists rented accommodation in Sector 67. CCTV footage of the incident shows Monty hitting Swarnkar, as both families intervene and pull them away. Swarnkar, who was recovering from a kidney transplant and undergoing dialysis, was rushed to the hospital after the attack, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. His family has since demanded severe punishment for the perpetrator, who fled the scene and remains at large. According to police, a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been filed, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to inform their next steps. The suspect had fled the scene immediately following the incident. Swarnkars mother Malti Devi accused Monty and his family of constant harassment over parking. Speaking to NDTV his mother said that Monty and his family used to regularly bother them over parking. He (Abhishek) returned from IISER (that night) and parked his bike. They asked him to remove it and there was an argument. My son came upstairs. And they shouted, We will blow up the bike. I told them, It is in front of you, blow it up. My son got agitated. My husband was downstairs and was talking to them. My son went downstairs. He moved his bike to show them how difficult it would be to take it out if he parked where they wanted him to," Swarnkars mother said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She recounted that Swarnkar had warned Monty and his family that he would file a complaint about their persistent harassment regarding parking. He (Monty) started shouting, Tu complain karega? and pushed him hard. My son was a patient. We took him to the hospital. They said he had died," she said. The IISER said that they have lost a brilliant mind" and demanded strict action against the accused. Hailing from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, Swarnkar had recently relocated back to India from Switzerland and taken up a position as a project scientist at the IISER. Location : Punjab, India, India First Published: March 16, 2025, 07:28 IST Tej Pratap Yadav Fined Rs 4,000 For Helmetless Bike Ride In Viral Holi Clip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 16:22 IST A video of Yadav riding the two-wheeler went viral among the netizens in which RJD leader can be seen riding the two-wheeler without wearing a helmet with another man drenched in colours riding the pillion, towards the Chief Ministers residence. The Traffic Police issued a challan of Rs 4,000. (ANI) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav has been fined Rs 4,000 for violating the traffic rules by riding a two-wheeler without a helmet near the Chief Ministers residence in Patna during Holi celebration. The Patna Traffic Police issued the challan after it was found that the vehicle also had expired insurance and a pollution certificate. Recommended Stories A video of Yadav riding the two-wheeler went viral among the netizens in which RJD leader can be seen riding the two-wheeler without wearing a helmet with another man drenched in colours riding the pillion, towards the Chief Ministers residence. #WATCH | Bihars former health minister & RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav took a scooty ride earlier today from outside of the CMs residence in Patna while celebrating #Holi pic.twitter.com/WIysHInGCn ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2025 In the video, Yadav, dressed in a traditional Holi attire, was heard screaming, Paltu chacha kaha hai" (Where is paltu uncle). The video further showed the party workers following him on other two-wheelers, and raising slogans as the ride continued. The term Paltu" is a colloquial Hindi term for someone is frequently changes his stance and sides. The term is often used by opposition leaders to mock Nitish Kumar ever since he broke the alliance with the RJD and Congress, only to later rejoin the BJP and form a new government ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Speaking to news agency ANI, Traffic Police SHO Brajesh Kumar Chauhan said that a total fine of Rs 4,000 has been imposed on Yadav. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar: Traffic police SHO Brajesh Kumar Chauhan says, " A video went viral on social media showing the rider on a scooter without a helmet. The insurance and pollution certificate also expired. A total fine of Rs. 4000 has been imposed." pic.twitter.com/v2gWYTBbDS ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2025 A video went viral on social media showing the rider on a scooter without a helmet. The insurance and pollution certificate also expired. A total fine of Rs. 4000 has been imposed," Chauhan said. Earlier today, the cop, who who was seen dancing on the instruction of Yadav, has been suspended, a statement from the police said. A video of Lalu Yadavs eldest son made the headlines in which he was seen ordering a police official in uniform to dance to a song during Holi celebration at his residence, and threatening with suspension. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the now viral video, the RJD leader can be seen saying, Ay sipahi, ek gaana bajayenge uspe tumko thumka lagana hai. Bura na mano holi hai. Thumka lagao nahi toh suspend kar diye jaaoge" (I will play a song, and you have to shake a leg. dont feel bad, its Holi. Dance or else you would be suspended.) (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 First Published: March 16, 2025, 16:22 IST 'Peace Won't Be Achieved Till Both Ukraine, Russia Sit For Talks': PM Modi In 'Lex Fridman Podcast' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 21:10 IST PM Narendra Modi appeared on the 'Lex Fridman Podcast' and spoke about a range of issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the possible path to peace. PM Modi appears on Podcast with Lex Fridman (Photo: YouTube/ Lex Fridman) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the path to peace in Ukraine is not through the battlefield but on the negotiation table, while also urging both warring countries to hold discussions about ending the three-year-long war. The Prime Minister also said that Ukraine may hold countless discussions with its allies" about peace, but peace will not be achieved until both Ukraine and Russia sit for negotiations. Recommended Stories What Did PM Modi Say On Lex Fridman Podcast? I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time for war, and I can also tell President Zelensky in a friendly way that brother, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield," PM Modi said on Lex Fridmans podcast that was aired on Sunday evening. He said that earlier peace talks were challenging, however, the current situation presents an opportunity to hold conversation with each other about ending the war. The resolution will only come when both Ukraine and Russia come to the negotiating table. Ukraine may hold countless discussions with its allies, but it will bear no fruit. Discussions must include both parties instead. Initially, it was challenging to find peace, but now the current situation presents an opportunity for meaningful and productive talks between Ukraine and Russia," he said. The Prime Minister maintained that India does not take sides in the ongoing war and only sides with peace. There has been a lot of suffering. Even the global south has suffered. The world has been grappling with a food, fuel and fertilizer crisis. So the global community should unite in the pursuit of peace. As for me, I have always maintained that I stand with peace. I am not neutral. I have a stance and that is peace, and peace is what I strive for," he said. Zelenskyy Seeks Support From Europe Ever since the fallout with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been meeting leaders from Europe, seeking their support in his war against Russia. He went to London to attend a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders who extended support to Ukraine and decided to chalk out a peace plan and then share it with the US. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PM Modis suggestion to sit with Russia for peace negotiations becomes significant in such a scenario. Recently, Ukraine and the US sat for a discussion in Saudi Arabia over a 30-day immediate ceasefire a proposal that was nodded by Zelenskyy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has, however, not yet nodded the ceasefire proposal and has raised concerns over its implementation and whether this duration would be used by Ukraine to regroup its troops. 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 16, 2025, 17:31 IST Wanted Right Mindset: Lex Fridman On Fasting For 45 Hours Before Podcast With PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 22:36 IST Lex Fridman described the fasting as a way to honour the discussion with PM Modi and reach a "spiritual level." PM Modi appears on Lex Fridman Podcast (Photo: YouTube/ Lex Fridman) US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman revealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he had been fasting for about 45 hours just to get into the right mindset" before the epic" conversation. He described the fasting as a way to honour the discussion with PM Modi and reach a spiritual level." Recommended Stories Follow LIVE Updates I am fasting right now its almost been 2 days, 45 hours. Just water, no food in honour of this conversation, just to get into the right mindset, get into the spiritual level," Fridman told PM Modi during the conversation. The Prime Minister broke into laughter and expressed surprised and gratitude for Fridmans gesture. All the more because it feels like youre fasting as a tribute of respect for me. So, I express my deepest gratitude to you for doing this," PM Modi said. PM Modi also highlighted the benefits of fasting and explained how ancient the practice is and how it has transformed his life, helping him think out of the box" and heightening his senses. Fasting is a way to cultivate discipline It is a powerful tool to bring both the inner and outer self into balance. It shapes life in profound ways. When you fast, every single one of your senses, especially smell, touch, and taste, becomes highly sensitive. Another thing Ive experienced is that fasting can greatly accelerate the thinking process and can, uh, give a fresh perspective. You start thinking outside the box," he said. PM Modi further outlined how the Supreme Court has seen Hinduism as not only about rituals or methods of worship, but rather as a way of living." In simple terms, it is a powerful tool to bring both inner and outer self into balance. It shapes life in profound ways," he said. The Prime Minister further said that he keeps various fasts through the year, including a major one for almost four-and-a-half months during which he has just one meal. During two auspicious periods of nine days each on Navratri, on one occasion, PM Modi just has a fruit once daily, and during the second period of nine days, he survives just on hot water. Fridman Attempts Chanting Gayatri Mantra During the conversation, the podcaster also made an attempt at chanting Gayatri Mantra. He said that he was trying to do the chants while fasting and sought PM Modis insights on the significance of this Mantra. In this moment, I was wondering if you could guide me perhaps through a Hindu prayer or meditation for a few moments. I learned, Im trying to learn the Gayatri Mantra. In my fast I was trying to do the chants. Perhaps I could try chanting. You could tell me about the importance of this mantra and maybe others in your life, in your spirituality? Should I try?" Fridman asked PM Modi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The podcaster then chanted the Mantra in the tune it is traditionally chanted in India. PM Modis conversation with Fridman is his second appearance in podcasts. This is his first appearance in a podcast hosted by an international personality. Earlier in January this year, he appeared in a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. 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 First Published: March 16, 2025, 22:29 IST Who Is Krishna Shekhar Rana? Man Held For Posing V-C To Oman High Commissioner Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 11:07 IST A 66-year-old man was arrested after sending a letter to the Ghaziabad Police Commissioner and District Magistrate's office, requesting special protocol and security arrangements for a visit by "Dr (Prof) K S Rana, High Commissioner of the Sultanate of Oman (Muscat). Krishna Shekhar Rana Held For Posing V-C To Oman High Commissioner (X) Fraud cases are consistently among the most frequently reported crimes at police stations, with numerous tactics employed by scammers. However, a particularly intriguing case has caught attention since Wednesday, standing out for its unusual nature. Krishna Shekhar Rana, a 66-year-old individual, was taken into custody on March 12 for posing as the high commissioner of Oman. Recommended Stories He went to great lengths to maintain the illusion, using forged letterheads to request security from the police and travelling in a black Mercedes adorned with a fake diplomatic license plate, typically associated with high-ranking diplomatic vehicles. A 66-year-old man was arrested after sending a letter to the Ghaziabad Police Commissioner and District Magistrates office, requesting special protocol and security arrangements for a visit by Dr (Prof) K S Rana, High Commissioner of the Sultanate of Oman (Muscat)". Except, Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra caught on to one thing Oman is not part of the Commonwealth" and hence there cannot be a High Commissioner to Oman". During interrogation, Rana claimed that he had been Vice-Chancellor (VC) in four universities in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan between 2018 and 2024. He was VC of Kumaun University in Nainital from 2018 to 2020), Uttarakhand Residential University in Almora from 2020-21, Mewar University in Rajasthan from 2021-22 and University of Technology in Jaipur for some time in 2024. Kumaun University and Jaipur Technical University have verified KS Ranas tenure as Vice-Chancellor, confirming his association with these institutions to the police. However, the police are still awaiting responses from Almora and Mewar universities. Rana claimed to have worked as a professor at a university in Agra from 1982 to 2015, according to police statements. Following his retirement, Rana allegedly held the position of Appraisal Authority at the Union Environment Ministry between 2015 and 2018, where he was responsible for granting environmental clearances. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, the police are still awaiting confirmation from the Environment Ministry regarding Ranas alleged involvement. Rana had earlier sought VIP protocols in Mathura, and Faridabad, and was the chief guest at an event at a Delhi hotel in February while posing as the high commissioner", according to the police. Location : Ghaziabad, India, India First Published: March 16, 2025, 11:06 IST Who Is Lex Fridman? AI Researcher Hosting PM Modi For 'Epic' 3-Hour Podcast Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 07:31 IST PM Modi's three-hour podcast with Lex Fridman will be released today. Fridman, an AI researcher and MIT scientist, has previously interviewed global leaders like Trump, Netanyahu, and Musk. PM Narendra Modi with AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman (X:@lexfridman) Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-hour-long podcast with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman is slated to be released on Sunday evening. Just a day before, PM Modi, in an X post, described the podcast as a fascinating conversation" and said it covered diverse topics. Meanwhile, Fridman also an AI researcher, described the podcast as one of the most powerful conversations" of his life. Recommended Stories It was indeed a fascinating conversation with @lexfridman, covering diverse topics including reminiscing about my childhood, the years in the Himalayas and the journey in public life.Do tune in and be a part of this dialogue! https://t.co/QaJ04qi1TD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 15, 2025 PM Modis podcast with Fridman was announced on January 19. In February, Fridman called PM Modi one of the most fascinating human beings" he had ever studied. Narendra Modi is one of the most fascinating human beings I have ever studied.I cant wait to talk to him on podcast for several hours in a few weeks. On top of the complex, deep history of India, and his role in it, just the human side of Modi is really interesting. For Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) February 7, 2025 Notably, this will be PM Modis second podcast appearance, following his debut on People by WTF, hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. WHO IS LEX FRIDMAN? Lex Fridman, a research scientist, hosts his own podcast by the name Lex Fridman Podcast. Also an American computer scientist, Lex Fridman has been hosting the Lex Fridman Podcast since 2018, interviewing prominent figures from science, technology, sports, and politics. According to Fridmans official website, Fridman has been a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 2015. In 2019, Fridman gained attention when Elon Musk praised his MIT study, which claimed drivers stayed focused using Teslas semi-autonomous system. However, the study was criticised by AI experts and lacked peer review. In the past, Fridman has invited several personalities from various walks of life to his podcast, discussing issues ranging from complex niches to other areas of mass understanding. Some of the prominent figures whom Fridman has spoken to on his podcast include US President Donald Trump, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Argentinian Prime Minister Javier Milei, along with several other leading personalities such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, Magnus Carlson, and Yuval Noah Harari. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His podcasts cover several themes, such as artificial intelligence, global politics, cryptocurrency, productivity, global geopolitics, and technology. His YouTube page has 4.8 million subscribers with over 82,00,00,000 views. About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: March 16, 2025, 07:31 IST Why Special Court Rejected Ranya Rao's Bail Plea In Gold Smuggling Case: News18 Shares Exclusive Details Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 07:00 IST The special court in Bengaluru denied bail to the Kannada actor who was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 14 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore into India from Dubai, while citing the seriousness of the offence and the ongoing investigation Rao, who was arrested on March 3 and remains in judicial custody until March 24, claims she is innocent and is being framed not just by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials who arrested her but also by others who recorded her statements to suit their investigation. File pic/X The Economic Offences Court rejected the bail application of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, stating that the alleged offence has serious ramifications on the entire economy of the country" and poses a serious threat to genuine gold traders". The court observed, As the facts and circumstances leading to the case on hand are detrimental to national security and the revenue of the country, this court is not inclined to exercise discretion in granting bail to accused No.1 at this juncture." Recommended Stories Rao, who was arrested on March 3 and remains in judicial custody until March 24, claims she is innocent and is being framed not just by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials who arrested her but also by others who recorded her statements to suit their investigation. Meanwhile, her associate Tarun Konduru, the second accused in the case, is alleged to have played a key role in the smuggling operation, with authorities linking him to international networks. Why did the court reject her bail plea? A special court in Bengaluru denied bail to Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 14 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore into India from Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted her at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) on March 3, 2025, after she was found concealing gold bars on her body. Rejecting her bail plea, the court cited the seriousness of the offence and the ongoing investigation. On overall examination of the case papers, it transpires that the investigation is under progress, and the allegations against accused No. 1 are of a serious nature. She attempted to smuggle 14,213.05 grams of gold into India in the form of bars by concealing them with medical adhesive bandages on her legs, waist, jeans pockets, and even inside the soles of her shoes. She allegedly did so with the assistance of a State Police Protocol Officer to bypass immigration and customs formalities," the court noted. The court observed that her entry through the Green Channel at KIAL indicated a deliberate attempt to evade duty. It relied on Supreme Court precedents, stating that at the bail stage, the key factor is whether there are reasonable grounds to believe in the accuseds involvement. Additionally, the court highlighted that Rao holds a UAE Resident Identity Card and had travelled to Dubai 27 times since January 2025, further strengthening the case against her. The court further stated: Having due regard to the fact that the investigation is yet to be concluded, the gravity of the offence being that of an economic offence which very much affects the financial health of the country and poses a threat to the genuine traders dealing with gold. Furthermore, accused No.1, having not extended her full cooperation during the course of the investigation, is also a factor which inclines the court to hold that at this stage of proceedings, there are no valid and tenable grounds to enlarge the accused No.1 on bail." Citing these factors, the court refused to grant her bail. Allegations of coercion and assault against DRI officials In a separate letter dated March 6 written to the Bengaluru DRI, Ranya Rao claimed she was falsely implicated, subjected to physical assault by DRI officials, and pressurised into signing documents under duress. She alleged that she was denied food and threatened during interrogation. One of the officers said that if you are not signing the papers, we will expose your fathers name and identify him, even though we know he is nowhere involved," her letter states. Rao, who is the stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K Ramachandra Rao, further alleged that she was forced to sign 50-60 typed pages and around 40 blank sheets. I was under immense pressure, stress, and subjected to physical assaultforced by the DRI officers," she claimed. She also contested the DRIs version of events, stating that she was arrested directly from the aircraft and not from the airport terminal, as mentioned in official documents. They apprehended me inside the aircraft, and from that moment until I was produced in court, I was hit and slapped on my face 10-15 times by the officers, whom I can identify," she alleged. Challenging the entire process, she claimed, No Mahazar, as is being stated, was ever drawn, nor was my search conducted, nor was anything recovered from me. Some persons from Delhi who claimed to be officers clearly warned me to protect some other passengers and have falsely implicated me." Her letter gains significance as it surfaced just a day after the special court in Bengaluru denied her bail request. DRIs case against Ranya Rao The DRI argued that the manner in which Rao attempted to smuggle gold indicated a premeditated effort to bypass customs checks. The concealment method clearly shows that the accused was well aware of the consequences and took calculated measures to evade detection," a senior DRI official stated in court. The officials pointed out that gold smuggling has become a sophisticated operation, with carriers using various means to transport contraband into India. This is not an isolated incident. Organised syndicates are exploiting air travel routes, and individuals like the accused act as couriers for larger networks," another officer added. Legal arguments in court Ranya Raos defence challenged the legality of her arrest, arguing that it violated guidelines issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). Her lawyer contended that the arrest memo was not issued in accordance with Circular No. 38/2013, dated September 17, 2013, and cited the Supreme Courts ruling in DK Basu v State of West Bengal to argue that the procedure was flawed. The defence also claimed that the DRI had pre-planned the search, as officers were stationed near the Green Channel before she arrived. Further, they argued that Section 102 of the Customs Act, which mandates searches in the presence of a magistrate or a gazetted officer, was not followed. The legitimacy of Raos written consent was also questioned, as the mahazar allegedly did not explicitly mention it. The defence also raised concerns about the prolonged interrogation, which extended into the early hours of March 4. My client was interrogated throughout the night without being allowed adequate rest. This is against basic human rights and procedural fairness," her counsel stated. Additionally, they pointed to discrepancies in the weight of the seized gold, arguing that the valuation report included penalties and duties, which should not have been used to determine the golds worth. Despite these arguments, the court dismissed the procedural lapses as technical objections that did not override the fact that she was caught with 14.2 kg of concealed gold. The judge ruled that the scale of the offence and the sophisticated smuggling method indicated an organised operation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The magnitude of the offence, coupled with the manner of concealment, makes this a serious case of attempted smuggling," the court stated. With her bail plea rejected, Rao remains in judicial custody as the investigation continues into whether she was part of a larger smuggling syndicate. 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 16, 2025, 07:00 IST You Cannot Wipe Out History, It Reminds What Must Not Be Repeated: Retired Justice Srikrishna On Mumbai Riots Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 12:56 IST Such tragic events remind us that communal harmony and justice are the cornerstones of a strong democracy," said Justice BN Srikrishna (retired), former judge of the Supreme Court, as he inaugurated a photo exhibition in Mumbai The exhibition, titled Forty-Four Thousand Words: A Photo Exhibition Showcasing the Haunting Memories of the 1992 Riots and 1993 Bomb Blasts, is being hosted at the Mumbai Press Club. History cannot be erased," said Justice BN Srikrishna (retired), former judge of the Supreme Court, as he inaugurated a photo exhibition on the 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai and the 1993 serial bomb blaststwo of the most devastating events in Indias financial capital. The exhibition, titled Forty-Four Thousand Words: A Photo Exhibition Showcasing the Haunting Memories of the 1992 Riots and 1993 Bomb Blasts, is being hosted at the Mumbai Press Club. It features 44 impactful images captured by 14 renowned Mumbai-based photojournalists, chronicling the horror, loss, and resilience of a city torn apart by communal violence and terrorism. Recommended Stories Addressing the gathering, Justice Srikrishna emphasised the importance of remembering history and learning from it. You cannot wipe out history. Exhibitions like these serve as a lesson on what must not be repeated and what needs to change," he said. Justice Srikrishna headed the Maharashtra government-appointed commission that investigated the riots and the bomb blasts, exposing the deep-seated communal divides that fuelled the violence. He also stressed the need to eliminate the divisions of us" and them", which, he said, had caused immense suffering in society. Such tragic events remind us that communal harmony and justice are the cornerstones of a strong democracy," he noted, while commending the role of the media and photojournalists in preserving the truth. The exhibition was attended by Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, along with former Rajya Sabha MPs Dr Bhalchandra Mungekar and Husain Dalwai, who interacted with the photojournalists. Athawale praised the exhibition for serving as a historical record and emphasised the importance of compassion and inclusivity in a diverse society. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The 44 featured photographs capture moments of tragedy, resilience, and humanity from the riots and blasts. Among the contributors are some of Mumbais most distinguished photojournalists, including Ashesh Shah, Datta Khedekar, Gajanan Dudhulkar, Jayprakash Kelkar, Mukesh Parpiani, Neeraj Priyadarshi, Prakash Parsekar, Raju Kakade, Santosh Nimbalkar, Shailendra Yashwant, Sherwin Crasto, Shrinivas Akella, and Sudharak Olwe, Rajanish Kakade. The month-long exhibition, which is open for all, serves as a visual testimony to a dark chapter in Mumbais history while urging future generations to uphold peace and justice. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More First Published: March 16, 2025, 12:54 IST Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singh Serve All-Black Chic at Mumbai Airport Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 08:44 IST Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh turned heads at Mumbai airport in effortlessly chic all-black ensembles, exuding spy-thriller vibes with their coordinated style Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh spotted at Mumbai airport Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, were spotted at the Mumbai airport after a long time, delighting fans with their coordinated airport looks. A paparazzi page shared a video of the duo on Instagram, capturing them walking hand in hand, greeting photographers, and posing for the cameras. Deepika and Ranveers Stylish Airport Appearance Recommended Stories On March 16, Deepika and Ranveer were seen at the Mumbai airport as they returned from their respective travels. Deepika had recently attended Paris Fashion Week as Louis Vuittons brand ambassador, making a striking presence at the global fashion event. Upon their arrival in Mumbai, the couple turned heads with their effortless, coordinated outfits, looking straight out of a spy-thriller film with their all-black ensembles. Decoding Deepika and Ranveers Airport Style View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Deepikas Effortless All-Black Look Deepika Padukone kept it sleek and sophisticated in an oversized button-down black shirt, layered under a crew-neck sweater with full-length sleeves and a relaxed drop-shoulder fit. She paired it with baggy black pants featuring a cinched hem and side pockets, adding a touch of comfort to the chic look. Her accessories were minimal yet strikinggold rings, dainty ear hoops, black leather boots, and oversized sunglasses from Louis Vuitton. With her hair neatly tied in a center-parted ponytail, she kept her makeup fresh with glossy pink lips, flushed cheeks, feathered brows, and a radiant glow. Ranveers Edgy Yet Classic Outfit Ranveer Singh matched Deepikas aesthetic with his own take on monochrome elegance. He wore a black crew-neck top under a long tailored coat that featured a structured silhouette, padded shoulders, notch lapels, and a double-breasted button design. He paired the coat with loose-fitting black pants, chunky black boots, and a black beanie for an effortlessly stylish edge. Adding to his signature cool persona, he completed the look with tinted sunglasses and a rugged beard. Airport Style Goals: Deepika and Ranveer Edition top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With their effortless chemistry and perfectly coordinated outfits, Deepika and Ranveer once again proved why they are Bollywoods ultimate fashion-forward couple. Their all-black looks exuded minimalism, elegance, and a hint of mystery, making them look like leads in a high-octane spy film. What do you think of their airport style? Would you take inspiration from their effortlessly cool looks? About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... 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 16, 2025, 08:44 IST Ramadan 2025: Discover The Top 5 Food Joints In Delhi For An Unforgettable Experience Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 13:05 IST Check out these five food joints in Delhi that offer the best delicacies during the holy month of Ramadan. Nihari was originally served during breakfast. (Representational Image) As a melting pot of cultures from across the country, Delhi offers a vibrant environment during Ramadan. The national capital comes alive with multiple restaurants and food joints offering traditional delicacies that are an essential part of Ramadans culinary celebration. Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Shaheen Bagh, Zakir Nagar and other places in the city offer some of the most decadent flavours to feast on after the sun sets. Here are five iconic food joints in Delhi that you must indulge in during Ramadan. Recommended Stories Karims Synonymous with Mughlai cuisine, the restaurant was founded in 1913 by Haji Karimuddin a descendant of royal cooks from the Mughal era. This eatery is known for its curries and kebabs that are cooked to perfection. With its modest interiors, it is a fuss-free place that has maintained its legacy to date. Location: Near Jama Masjid, Old Delhi Must Try: Mutton Nihari, Kebabs, Mutton Korma Al Jawahar Located next to Karims, this place is known for its rustic yet rich flavours. Their mutton korma is a crowd favourite. The restaurant is always packed so it is advisable to keep in mind that you might have to wait to find a seat. However, the wait is truly worth it because of the affordable pricing and generous portion sizes. Location: Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi Must Try: Mutton Korma, Biryani, Chicken Changezi Jahangeer Located a kilometre away from Jama Masjid, you must head to Jahangirs if you are looking for a more relaxed and indulgent experience. The food is as authentic as it can get and there are options for everyone. The aroma of the food will surely lure you in and with its affordable pricing, you can be sure to get your stomach filled without burning a hole in your pocket. Location: Daryaganj Crossing Must Try: Chicken Wings, Nihari, Tandoori Murgh Aslam Chicken Famous for its butter chicken malai tikka, Aslam has always been on every Delhi foodies go-to place. Be prepared for the crowd especially during the rush hours as the restaurant is located right in front of the main entrance of Jama Masjid. Location: Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi Must Try: Butter Chicken with Rumali Roti, Aslam Butter Chicken, Shahi Kheer Aakiba Javed Famous Nihari While this eatery is not as old as the other giants featured in this list, this place is famous for its Nihari. The restaurant is popular for suhoor. With reasonable prices, mouth-watering food, and prompt service, this eatery is a must-visit if you are looking for something indulgent during Ramadan in South Delhi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Location: Zakir Nagar Main Road Must Try: Chicken Biryani, Desi Ghee Nihari, Nahari Paya, Khameeri Roti 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 16, 2025, 13:05 IST SANAA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said it launched a retaliatory attack against the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea on Sunday in response to dozens of U.S. airstrikes on its positions. "The American enemy launched a blatant aggression against our country with more than 47 air raids targeting Sanaa and seven other governorates," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "In response to the aggression, we carried out a military operation, targeting USS Harry S. Truman and its escorts with a drone and 18 ballistic and cruise missiles," Sarea stated. The Houthi attack came after the Houthi Supreme Political Council -- the group's highest governing authority -- vowed a "painful" retaliation, framing the American attacks as support for Israel and warning they would "drag the situation to a more severe and painful level." The spokesperson also confirmed that his group would "continue to impose a naval blockade on the Israeli enemy" in its area of operations, including the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, until the entry of aid into Gaza is permitted. U.S. warplanes launched extensive airstrikes across northern Yemen on Saturday night, targeting multiple Houthi-controlled locations. According to the latest Houthi estimates on Sunday, the bombardment resulted in at least 53 deaths and 98 injuries. This is the first U.S. military operation against the Houthi group since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed power in January and redesignated the group as a "foreign terrorist organization." Trump warned on the social media platform Truth Social on Saturday that if the Houthis do not stop their attacks on the Red Sea shipping, "hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before," claiming the U.S. aerial attacks on the "terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom." The U.S. Central Command said earlier on X platform that the airstrikes were launched from a U.S. aircraft carrier north of the Red Sea. The U.S. airstrikes came days after the Houthi group announced on Tuesday that it would resume launching attacks against Israeli-linked shipping until the crossings of the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in. From November 2023 to Jan. 19 this year, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, launched dozens of attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians who are engulfed in a prolonged conflict with Israel. The attacks later expanded to include U.S. and British ships after the U.S.-British navy coalition started to intervene and launch strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when a Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. Halle Berry Reveals How Taking Testosterone Was A Game Changer For Her Health Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 15:52 IST For women who have hit menopause, taking testosterone therapy comes with its set of potential benefits and risks. Read about it here. Halle Berry revealed how taking testosterone helped her get her libido back. Oscar-winning actor Halle Berry has often wowed her fans with her toned physique. The 57-year-old actor is often seen defying age with her confidence and energy. Apart from her work in cinema, she is quite vocal about ageing and menopause. In a recent interview, she talked about how she started taking testosterone and how it has had a positive impact. Appearing on The Tamsen Show podcast, Halle Berry talked about how she was hesitant to take testosterone. She joked that she was scared it might have unintended effects, but she was surprised by the positive results it yielded. She said, I thought, Im not trying to grow hair on my chest. I do [notice a difference]. My libidos back. I have more energy." Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tamsen Fadal (@tamsenfadal) Halles comment strikes an important conversation about womens hormones as they near menopause. The body witnesses many hormonal changes as women age. The effects include a drop in energy, mood shifts, and a decrease in libido. Testosterone therapy can offer benefits to women in their 50s, however, it is important to carefully consider the risks as well. Potential Benefits of Testosterone for Women in Their 50s Increased Libido: One of the most common reasons women in their 50s seek testosterone therapy is to address a decrease in their libido, which can be a result of hormonal changes during menopause. Improved Mood and Well-Being: Some women find that testosterone helps with mood swings, irritability, or feelings of depression, as it can contribute to a sense of well-being and energy. Increased Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass and strength. For women over 50, it may support better physical function. Better Bone Health: Low testosterone levels can contribute to a loss in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Testosterone therapy can help prevent this by improving bone health and preventing fractures. Risks and Side Effects Excessive Hair Growth: Prolonged use of this therapy may cause unwanted side effects like increased facial or body hair. Voice Changes: Prolonged use of testosterone could lead to a deepening of the voice, which may be irreversible. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Heart and Liver Concerns: There may be an increased risk of cardiovascular issues or liver problems, depending on the method of testosterone therapy used. Potential for Hormonal Imbalance: If not carefully managed, testosterone therapy can lead to hormonal imbalances, causing side effects such as mood swings or other undesirable symptoms. 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 16, 2025, 15:52 IST How a Proper Sleep Routine Can Transform Your Skin? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 16:45 IST A well-structured sleep routine, combined with a good skincare regimen, can do wonders for your skins texture and appearance World Sleep Day 2025 educates people about healthy sleep schedules. (Image: Shutterstock) Sleep is often called natures best remedy, and when it comes to skin health, this couldnt be truer. A good nights sleep is more than just restits an essential component of skincare. As World Sleep Day 2025 approaches, experts emphasize the profound impact sleep has on skin regeneration, hydration, and overall complexion health. Sleep and Skin Regeneration Recommended Stories Proper sleep plays a crucial role in skin health by promoting cell regeneration and collagen production," says Dr. V.M. Gopal Menon, Ayurvedic physician, Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam. During deep sleep, blood flow to the skin increases, allowing for repair and renewal, which helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Sleep also helps regulate cortisol levels, the stress hormone responsible for inflammation and acne. By keeping cortisol balanced, sleep contributes to a calmer, clearer complexion. Agreeing with this, Dr Chandani Jain Gupta, MBBS, MD- Dermatologist & Aesthetic Physician, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi, explains, Sleep is the time when skin repairs itself and regenerates. Circulation to the skin improves, allowing it to fix damage from UV rays and pollution. This process reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye circles." Additionally, she highlights the importance of growth hormones secreted during deep sleep, which facilitate cell turnover and tissue repair. Disrupting this process can lead to puffiness, inflammation, and an increased risk of acne and sensitivity. Hydration and Glow: The Role of Sleep in Skin Moisture Sleep also plays a vital role in maintaining the skins natural hydration process. While resting, the body restores moisture levels, keeping the skin supple and glowing," explains Dr. Menon. Insufficient sleep disrupts this process, leading to dryness, dullness, and puffiness. Furthermore, sleep helps maintain the skins microbiomethe community of beneficial bacteria that protect against harmful stressors. Dr. Shifa Yadav, Consultant Dermatologist, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, underscores why the term beauty sleep exists: Your skin regenerates and heals when you sleep, so a healthy, radiant complexion is only possible through adequate rest. A disrupted sleep cycle causes dullness, dark circles, and early aging." She adds that sleep maintains hydration levels, preventing excessive dryness and puffiness, which can make skin look tired and worn-out. How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Need for Healthy Skin? So, whats the magic number? Experts agree that between 7 to 9 hours of sleep is optimal for supporting skin health. We suggest eight hours of good sleep every night to let the skin heal and renew itself," advises Dr. Gupta. Dr. Yadav further explains that a proper sleep regimen assists in collagen formation, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. This World Sleep Day 2025, prioritize sleep to naturally enhance your skins health. Good sleep isnt just rest; its skincare from within." The Verdict: Prioritize Sleep for Radiant Skin top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A well-structured sleep routine, combined with a good skincare regimen, can do wonders for your skins texture and appearance. Whether its repairing environmental damage, keeping the skin hydrated, or regulating stress hormones, sleep is the ultimate skincare ally. This month, let your bodyand your skinget the beauty sleep it truly deserves! About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... 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 16, 2025, 16:45 IST Understanding The Difference Between Abortion and Contraception -The Smart choice? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 07:45 IST Recent data from the National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals striking insights about family planning in India: while 75% of married women express a need for family planning, only 67% have access to contraceptive methods As per the fifth National Family Health Survey, 3.6% of the women who sought abortions attributed their pregnancies to contraceptive failure Have you ever wondered why healthcare providers emphasize the importance of understanding different reproductive health options and making informed choices? At the heart of this conversation lies a crucial distinction between two often-confused terms contraception and abortion. Understanding their differences can transform how we approach reproductive health decisions. Dr. Astha Agarwal, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Max Super Specialty Hospital , Vaishali , Ghaziabad, says, As an obstetrician, I see women every day who stand at crossroads, caught between making informed and proactive choices about their reproductive health and seeking emergency options in the absence of planning. Some seek my counsel about contraception, while others are presented with the option of terminating an unwanted pregnancy. In India, where cultural taboos, gender norms, religion, and social norms influence individual choice to a significant extent, women often find it difficult to access contraception services and safe abortion care." Recommended Stories While contraception is a preventive intervention for unwanted pregnancy, abortion is a corrective intervention for those with an unwanted pregnancies and/or health issues. Both services must be available for women to make choices right for them. However, choosing a right contraception should always be the preferred option or rather a smart choice for women who are not planning to get pregnant. Recent data from the National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals striking insights about family planning in India: while 75% of married women express a need for family planning, only 67% have access to contraceptive methods. Furthermore, nearly half (48%) of reported abortions were due to unplanned pregnancies. This means that women have inadequate access to preventive methods and are seeking abortion services for averting an unwanted pregnancy. Abortions, especially if not carried out under the guidance of a doctor, can have long term healthcare consequences. Modern contraceptives have emerged as a powerful tool in global healthcare, with an impressive 99% effectiveness rate when used correctly. This reliability has contributed to their widespread adoption, with WHO reporting that 842 million women of reproductive age worldwide now use modern contraceptive methods. The impact is significant: contraceptive use prevents an estimated 67 million unintended pregnancies each year, while simultaneously reducing maternal mortality rates by 40%. This interconnected benefits underscore contraceptions crucial role in protecting womens health and enabling families to choose and plan their future. Dr Agarwal shares key differences: The distinction between contraception and abortion extends beyond their basic purposes to encompass methods, accessibility, and duration. Contraception offers a spectrum of choices, from daily birth control pills and barrier methods like condoms to long-acting options such as IUDs and IUS and more recently subdermal implants, all available through healthcare providers. Conversely, abortion involves either medical pills or surgical procedures, typically requiring trained and licensed healthcare facilities and providers. The legal framework surrounding these options also differs significantly: while contraceptive access is widely available, access to abortion services can vary as per the policy and legal framework across regions. Another crucial difference lies in their duration and reversibility: contraceptive methods can be either temporary or long-term, allowing users to start or stop based on their family planning needs, while abortion is a one-time medical procedure with possible long-term effects on body and mind. Dr Agarwal shares the different types of contraception Women can make a choice between temporary and permanent methods. Permanent methods like tubectomy for women and vasectomy for men are permanent. It doesnt have any major adverse side effects on either males or females. However, couples should be certain of their decisions, long term goals and discuss options with their gynecologist. Among temporary methods that provide long terms protection, women can choose from a wide array of options which provide protection for three to five years, and with some products even longer. Women can choose between uterine and non-uterine methods. Copper Intra Uterine Device (IUD) or Hormonal (IUD) are long term methods that are highly effective. These are T shaped devices which are placed in the uterus and are commonly used by women for birth spacing and even after completing families. The latest in the category, sub-dermal implant is a non-uterine method which is a small hormone eluting device placed under the skin of the non-dominant arm. It provides long term protection from pregnancy and according to WHO, is 99.99% effective. Implants are discreet, non-uterine, suitable for women who want to delay their first pregnancy, for birth spacing, and for limiting family size. The return to fertility with implants is very quick; therefore, its often a choice of method for many. Among short-term methods, couples can choose options such as condoms, daily oral pills, vaginal rings and injectables. Based on your health condition and contraceptive needs, your doctor can suggest a suitable method for you. Many hormonal methods also have non contraceptive benefits also like they can be used for the treatment of acne, irregular periods, symptoms of PMS, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Limitations of contraception As per the fifth National Family Health Survey, 3.6% of the women who sought abortions attributed their pregnancies to contraceptive failure. It is not just the lack of knowledge that leads to contraceptive failure, but also other barriers. Hormonal methods, while highly effective, may not be suitable for everyone. Barrier methods require consistent, correct usage and can fail due to human error or product defects. Even long-term options like IUDs have their drawbacks, including insertion discomfort and potential expulsion. Practical challenges such as cost, accessibility, and the need for regular medical consultation can also impact contraception uptake. Understanding these limitations is crucial for making informed decisions about reproductive health, as no single method offers a perfect solution for all users The government-issued Comprehensive Abortion Guidelines says, no contraceptive is 100% effective and therefore, safe abortion services would always be a necessary component of reproductive healthcare." Abortion The Reality, in India Despite the availability of contraception, unintended pregnancies occur through contraceptive failure, unavailability, or rape. In these instances, abortion is still a legal and medical solution for women. Abortion, where it occurs, must never be a substitute for contraception. Access to safe and legal abortion services must be guaranteed, but efforts have to go beyond that to prevent unwanted pregnancy in the first instance. Despite the fact that abortion is secure if performed by expert professionals in a lawful setting, unsafe abortions are still a source of worry in India. As per Lancet Global Health, 78% of abortions are carried out outside of health facilities, leading to severe complications. The Legal Framework: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act Indias abortion legislation is liberal compared to the majority of countries. One of the important features of this law is that women( age > 18 yrs) do not need spousal or parental consent to undergo an abortion, which guarantees the women a better control over their reproductive decisions. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, amended in 2021, allows for abortion under these circumstances: A woman can terminate a pregnancy with the consent of one doctor up to 20 weeks. Special categories of women (survivors of rape, minors, women with disabilities, or women who have been victims of incest) can have an abortion with the approval of two doctors until 24 weeks. Severe foetal deformities are the only reason a woman is allowed to terminate a pregnancy after 24 weeks and this has to be approved by a Medical Board Medical constraints include strict timing requirements, as procedures vary based on gestational age and carry different risk levels. Legal restrictions vary widely, potentially including mandatory waiting periods, parental consent requirements, and provider limitations. Furthermore, psychological and social factors, including emotional impact and the need for support systems, must be considered. These limitations underscore the complexity of abortion care and the importance of comprehensive healthcare support systems. It should be responsibility of healthcare providers to educate women about smart contraceptive choices, provide non-judgmental abortion services and support better reproductive health policy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Society as a whole must assist the women during reproductive years and male partners should also learn about contraception and encourage their female partners in making smart contraceptive choices. As an obstetrician my perspective is that contraception is the first line of defense in preventing unwanted pregnancies. A women fertility is her choice, and she should be encouraged to freely make this smart choice. Putting a high value on contraception translates into limiting the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, and hence the need for abortionto a healthier, better-educated population," signs off Dr Agarwal. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... 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 16, 2025, 07:45 IST Amitabh Bachchan's Mother Prayed To Lord Hanuman To Protect Him From Evil Eye On His Wedding Day: 'He Looked...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 10:22 IST Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan married privately on June 3, 1973. Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan married in 1973. Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan got married in 1973 in a private ceremony. According to Jayas father, journalist Taroon Coomar Bhadhuri, their decision was sudden, but both families had no objections to their union. Although the couple had originally planned to marry in October 1973, they decided to wed on June 3 of the same year so they could travel to London together. Jaya later shared that they made the decision to marry just seven days before their planned trip and tied the knot a day before flying to London. Amitabhs father, the late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, also also beautifully described his sons wedding in his autobiography, In The Afternoon Of Time. He wrote about how Jayas family chose to hold the ceremony at a friends place, instead of their own flat, to keep it private. He wrote, Jayas family decided not to hold the ceremony at their flat in Beach House but at a friends place on the top floor of the Skylark building in Malabar Hills, where it could pass off unnoticed. We sent a telegram to Jagdish Rajan to come with your family immediately, with no indication of the reason." Recommended Stories Recalling how Amitabh Bachchan looked on his wedding day, Harivansh Rai Bachchan wrote, Amit looked so splendid that his mother prayed to Hanuman to protect him from the evil eye. Before fixing the bridgrooms veil of flowers, I said, my voice thick with emotion, that anyone wanting to see his face should have a good look now." Remembering the bride-to-be, Jaya Bhaduri, he wrote, Jaya was in her bridal adornment, and for the first time, I saw a bashful shyness on her face and realised what a particular aspect of beauty it is. She was enough of an actress to be able to simulate shyness, but what I saw now was very natural and real." Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan are one of Bollywoods most loved couples. They have been married for more than 50 years now and have two children, Shweta Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. They also have three grandchildren Agastya Nanda, Navya Naveli Nanda, and Aaradhya Bachchan. 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 16, 2025, 10:20 IST Lead TV Actress Molested By Drunk Co-Star At Holi Party, Files Complaint Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 10:12 IST A 29-year-old TV actress filed a complaint against her co-star for molesting her at a Holi celebration in Mumbai. The accused, intoxicated, forcefully applied color to her. Representative image. A 29-year-old television actress has lodged a police complaint against her co-star, accusing him of molesting her at a Holi celebration in Mumbai on Friday. According to the actress, the accused was intoxicated and forcefully applied colour to her despite her resistance. Disturbed by the incident, she approached the authorities, following which a case was registered against the accused. As per reports, the incident occurred at a Holi party in Mumbais western suburbs on Friday. The actress alleged that her co-actor arrived intoxicated and attempted to apply colours to her despite her objections. In her statement to the police, she stated, He was trying to put colours on me and other women at the party. I did not want to play Holi with him, so I objected and moved away." Recommended Stories I went and hid myself behind the panipuri stall at the terrace but he came after me and tried to put colour on me. I covered my face, but he forcefully grabbed me and put colour on my cheeks and then told me, I love you and will see who saves you from me. After this, he touched me inappropriately and put colour on me. I pushed him away. I was mentally shocked and went straight to the washroom," the actress shared, according to Free Press Journal report. She further stated that when she informed her friends about the incident, they confronted the accused actor. However, instead of backing down, he allegedly misbehaved with them as well. Following the incident, the actress promptly approached the police and filed an FIR against the accused actor. Law enforcement officials confirmed that a legal notice has been issued to him. Additionally, the police are recording statements from other guests at the party and reviewing CCTV footage to gather further evidence. The accused actor has been charged under Section 75(1)(i) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. First Published: March 16, 2025, 10:12 IST 'Fadnavis Is Equally Cruel': Maharashtra Congress Chief Likens CM To Aurangzeb, Triggers Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 23:35 IST Maharashtra Congress chief triggered a row after he compared Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (PTI Image) Controversies around Aurangzeb cease to die down as a new row erupted after Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal likened Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with the Mughal emperor as cruel". The BJP hit back at the Congress, alleging insult to the identity of Maharashtra. Recommended Stories Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler. Aurangzeb put his own father in jail. Also, Aurangzeb always took the help of religion," Sakpal said. Today, Devendra Fadnavis is equally cruel. He always takes the help of religion. Therefore, the administration of Aurangzeb and Devendra Fadnavis is the same," the Congress leader added. The BJP hit back at him, stating that his remarks were extremely childish". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The statement of Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal is extremely childish and irresponsible and tarnishes the political culture of Maharashtra. By comparing Aurangzeb with Devendraji Fadnavis, Congress is insulting the identity of Maharashtra. Sapkal and Congress have reached a low level," state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb erupted last month after Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi stated that the Mughal emperor was a capable administrator but had been misrepresented in history. His remarks sparked legal action, leading to police cases being filed against him. Anticipating potential arrest, he secured anticipatory bail from a Mumbai court. 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 16, 2025, 23:35 IST She Herself Used Tamil Letter Ru: Stalin On Nirmala Sitharamans Regional Chauvinism Remark Published By : IANS Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 22:52 IST Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin defended using the Tamil letter 'Ru' in the state budget logo, citing commitment to Tamil. Critics, including Nirmala Sitharaman, called it divisive. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin (Image/ X@mkstalin) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has defended his governments decision to replace the rupee symbol () with the Tamil letter Ru (from Rubaai, meaning rupee) in the state budget logo. He argued that those opposed to the Tamil language had blown the issue out of proportion. Responding to media questions, Stalin asserted that the move was a reflection of Tamil Nadus commitment to its language policy. Recommended Stories He pointed out that even Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had previously used the Tamil letter Ru in place of Re in English. Interestingly, Nirmala Sitharaman herself has used the Tamil letter instead of Re in English," he remarked. The decision to remove the rupee symbol from the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 logo, presented on March 14, has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, including the BJP and AIADMK. Critics have accused the ruling DMK of engaging in regional politics at the cost of national unity. Taking to social media, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly condemned the decision, calling it a completely avoidable example of language and regional chauvinism." She argued that removing the rupee symbol signalled a dangerous mindset that weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the pretence of regional pride." Sitharaman also reminded elected representatives of their constitutional duty to uphold national sovereignty, adding that the DMKs move contradicted this commitment. She also highlighted the irony behind the decision, pointing out that the rupee symbol was designed by D Udaya Kumar, the son of former DMK MLA N Dharmalingam. By erasing it now, the DMK is not only rejecting a national symbol but also utterly disregarding the creative contribution of a Tamil youth," Sitharaman said. BJP IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya criticised Stalin, emphasising that the rupee symbol was designed in Devanagari script by D Udaya Kumar. Malviya echoed a similar sentiment, writing on X, Chief Minister Stalin is insulting Tamilians by dropping the sign from the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 document." AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), also condemned the move, calling it a publicity stunt" designed to divert attention from administrative failures. He accused Stalin of engaging in empty advertisement campaigns" rather than addressing the real needs of the people. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai joined the criticism, questioning why Stalin replaced the rupee symbol with the Tamil letter Ru. The DMK government has replaced the rupee symbol, which was designed by a Tamilian and adopted by the entire nation. How foolish can you become, Thiru @mkstalin?" Annamalai posted on social media. Tamil Nadu government reiterated that the budget logo aims to reflect the states linguistic identity. The logo also carries the caption Everything for All," which the DMK claims embodies its inclusive governance model. Stalin also pointed out that many people still use Rs instead of Re in English documents without controversy. He criticised the Union government for responding only to the rupee symbol issue while ignoring Tamil Nadus demands for disaster relief, education funds, and employment schemes. The controversy comes amid a long-standing conflict between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over language policies. The DMK has repeatedly accused the Union government of imposing Hindi, and the removal of the rupee symbol is seen as part of this broader resistance. This marks the first time a state has rejected the national currency symbol, escalating the debate over regional identity versus national unity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 16, 2025, 22:52 IST Uttarakhand Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal Resigns After Remarks On People From Hills Spark Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 19:13 IST Premchand Aggarwal's remarks on the people from the hilly regions sparked massive row, pushing the BJP government in Uttarakhand on a backfoot. Premchand Aggarwal resigns (PTI File Image) Uttarakhand Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal stepped down from his position on Sunday, weeks after his remarks on the people from hill regions sparked a row, pushing the ruling BJP on backfoot. His resignation came after a massive row erupted following his speech in the state Budget Session, during which he criticised the people of the hills and asserted that the state does not belong exclusively to the pahadis (hill residents). Recommended Stories The Pushkar Singh Dhami government faced massive backlash from the Opposition, which accused the BJP of neglecting and abusing the local residents. According to an official statement, Aggarwal submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his official residence. During the Budget session in February, Aggarwal reacted sharply to a remark from Congress MLA Madan Bisht, asserting that he had not fought for Uttarakhands statehood only to witness a divide between pahadi (hill residents) and desi. Amid his heated exchange with Opposition MLAs, Aggarwal used an objectionable term, further fueling public outrage, particularly among the hill communities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the backlash, the Minister expressed regret for his remark, while the BJPs state leadership summoned him and urged him to exercise restraint. (With PTI inputs) 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 : Dehradun, India, India First Published: March 16, 2025, 19:06 IST Chinese Teen Urges Mother To Prioritise Herself: Beg You To Love Yourself Endlessly Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 08:00 IST The conversation began when Wang Nanhaos mother said she didnt want to buy expensive things for herself because she preferred to save money for him. Wang Nanhao lives with his family in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. (Photo Credit: X) A 16-year-old boy in China is gaining appreciation for his heartfelt message to his mother where he urged her to prioritise self-love. The teenager, Wang Nanhao, shared his thoughts in a conversation with his mother which was captured in a video that has gone viral. According to the South China Morning Post, the discussion took place at their home in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. Wangs mother said she didnt want to buy expensive things for herself because she preferred to save money for him. Wang strongly disagreed with her mindset. Mum, your mindset is far too harmful! You deserve a coat that costs 1,000 yuan (US$140) and face cream worth 3,000 yuan," he said. If you feel pressured to make those purchases, thats my fathers issue, or mine," he added. Recommended Stories He went on to explain that the most valuable lesson he had learned from her was not about doing endless household chores or making sacrifices but about her ability to seek happiness in any situation. Recalling a special moment, Wang spoke about how his mothers passion for the piano had inspired him. I remember when you developed an interest in the piano and dedicated your weekends to learning it. I followed in your footsteps and took up the piano as well. Although neither of us played particularly well, the simple melodies produced by our awkward fingers remain the most beautiful music in my memory," he said. He also questioned why parents are expected to put their children first at all times. Why is it assumed that your money must always be spent on your child? Why is my life deemed more important than yours?" he asked. Wang wanted his mother to be more confident and stand up for herself when she didnt like something. Please remember, your husband and your child are not the sole sources of light in your life. You must cherish yourself. Mum, I beg you to love yourself endlessly," he added. The video is one of 40 clips Wang has posted on Douyin where he has 1.66 million followers. His content focuses on family relationships and education from a teenagers perspective. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This isnt the first time Wang has spoken about his family. In a video last year, he shared that his parents argued a lot and even said he wished they would get a divorce. Wang received appreciation and praise on social media. One user wrote, What he said is absolutely right. Can his mother share some insights on how to nurture such an extraordinary and insightful child?" Another remarked, We must love ourselves first before we can truly extend that love to others." 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 16, 2025, 08:00 IST Abandoned Cat, Flight Booking To Canada: How Ranjani Srinivasan Fled After US Authorities Revoked Her Visa Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 17:13 IST Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national, went to the United States on an F-1 student visa to pursue a PhD in Urban Planning at Columbia University. Ranjani Srinivasan is a student at Columbia University (Credits: X/Sec_Noem) It was not an ordinary morning for Ranjani Srinivasan, an international student from India, when immigration agents knocked on her door on March 7 just two days after she received an email from the US Consulate in Chennai informing her of her visa cancellation. Ranjani, a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, was forced to flee the US, leaving behind her cat and belongings with a friend, after her visa was revoked for allegedly advocating for violence and terrorism" and being involved in activities supporting Hamas. Recommended Stories According to a report by The New York Times, she took a last-minute flight to Canada to ensure her safety. Upon discovering her visa had been cancelled, Srinivasan contacted Columbias international student office for assistance. In a conversation with The New York Times, she recalled the moment immigration agents arrived at her door, saying she panicked as soon as she heard the doorbell. I was on the phone with my friend in Canada, figuring out the details of my flight, when I heard the doorbell. I panicked," she was quoted as saying by The New York Times. The agents were persistent. My roommate had to explain that I had already left and was gone. It was a moment of sheer tension," she added. Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that being granted a visa to live and study in the United States is a privilege", according to PTI. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country. I am glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathisers use the CBP Home app to self-deport," Noem said. Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen and national, arrived in the United States on an F-1 student visa to pursue a doctorate in Urban Planning at Columbia University. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Department of Homeland Security stated that it has obtained video footage of Srinivasan using the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App to self-deport on 11 March. A day earlier, on 10 March, the department introduced the CBP Home app, which includes a self-deportation reporting feature for individuals residing in the country unlawfully. Through this mobile application, those staying illegally can submit their intent to leave the country. Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced the immediate withdrawal of around USD 400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, citing the schools continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 16, 2025, 15:41 IST JERUSALEM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he has initiated the procedure to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet, amid growing tensions with the internal security agency. According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, Bar was summoned to a meeting and informed that a proposal for his dismissal would be presented to the government this week. In a video address to the Israeli public, Netanyahu said the decision was driven by "a lack of trust" in Bar. As the dispute between the two became public, Bar issued a response to Netanyahu, stating his loyalty as Shin Bet chief is to the Israeli public and national security, not to the prime minister personally. He argued that Netanyahu's "expectation of personal loyalty contradicts the public interest, is fundamentally flawed, and violates the Shin Bet Law." Bar reiterated his call for a state commission of inquiry to investigate "all relevant parties," including government policies and Netanyahu himself. He said such an investigation is "essential for public security." The move comes amid an escalating dispute between Netanyahu and the Shin Bet over accountability for the failures leading up to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The Shin Bet, responsible for monitoring Palestinian militant groups, acknowledged in a recent report that it failed to anticipate the deadly assault on Israel. However, the agency also held Netanyahu accountable for government policies that enabled the "massive buildup" of Hamas. Netanyahu has rejected calls for a state commission of inquiry into his government's handling of the events before and during the attack. However, in his response, Bar indicated that the motive behind his dismissal is largely political and unrelated to the Hamas attack. "I took responsibility for the agency's part (in failing to prevent the attack) ... it is clear that the intent behind my dismissal is not related to October 7," he wrote in a statement. Tensions between Netanyahu and Bar have also been growing over the so-called "Qatar Gate," an inquiry into ties between Netanyahu's close aides and the Qatari government. Qatar has played a key role in mediating between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages. However, Qatar and Israel currently do not have formal diplomatic relations. Netanyahu's move to dismiss Bar underscores growing tensions between Netanyahu and Israel's security establishment as the country remains embroiled in war and political divisions. The move came about an hour after Israeli police launched an investigation into Bar's predecessor, Nadav Argaman, following a complaint from the prime minister. Netanyahu accused Argaman of "blackmailing a sitting prime minister" and making "mafia-style" criminal threats. The complaint stemmed from an interview Argaman gave to Israel's Channel 12 News on Thursday, in which he claimed to have "a great deal of knowledge" about Netanyahu. He said he would reveal "everything" he knows if he concludes that Netanyahu "has decided to act in contravention of the law." "I'm very troubled by the fact that the prime minister is deliberately damaging Israeli society and causing friction within it in order to rule," the former Shin Bet chief added, stressing "any information threatening Israel's national security would be shared according to law." Volunteer For Hafiz Saeed's JuD Killed In Shootout In Pakistan Reported By : News18.com Edited By: News Desk Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 15:11 IST Naeb Ul Rehman, a volunteer for Jamaat-ud-Dawa's Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, was killed in an attack on its convoy near Mangla in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A file photo of Hafiz Saeed (PTI) One of the volunteers of a charity organisation owned by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) died following an attack on its convoy near Mangla in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Naeb Ul Rehman, who worked for the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation of JuD, headed by Hafiz Saeed. Recommended Stories Multiple media reports and social media buzz had earlier suggested that Saeeds aide Abu Qatal had been killed in the attack. However, News18 could not independently verify the reports. There were also speculations about the fate of Saeed, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that he may have been injured. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, there were also indications that Saeed was safe. Hafiz Saeed, who co-founded the Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is on the National Investigation Agencys (NIA) most wanted list. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: March 16, 2025, 09:24 IST CNN name, logo and all associated elements and 2024 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of NEWS18.com does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. 11 Killed As Bomb Explodes Near Bus In Balochistan: '19 Attacks In 12 Hours Days After Pak Train Hijack' Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 14:59 IST The attack occurred in Naushki, said Zafar Zamanani, a local police chief. While nobody claimed responsibility, suspicion is likely to fall on the Baloch Liberation Army(BLA). According to local sources, there have been 19 attacks in the past 12 hours Image from the accident site where the blast occurred (Credits: News18.com) Days after the hijacking of the Jaffar Express, a bomb exploded near a bus carrying security forces in restive southwestern Pakistan on Sunday, killing at least 11 and injuring 22, according to local sources. The attack occurred in Naushki, a district in Balochistan, said Zafar Zamanani, a local police chief. He said the blast also badly damaged another nearby bus. The dead and wounded were transported to a nearby hospital. Recommended Stories The convoy included seven buses and two cars. Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan, condemned the attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). According to local sources, there have been 19 attacks in the past 12 hours. Earlier on Saturday, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Pakistans Quetta killed one Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel and injured six others. An ATF patrol vehicle was targeted in the explosion on Barori Road in the Karani area. The blast injured seven officers, who were rushed to the hospital. While six sustained injuries, one succumbed to his wounds. THE TRAIN HIJACKING The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group seeking Balochistans secession from Pakistan, on Tuesday hijacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express which was carrying over 400 people, mostly security personnel. On Wednesday, they gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to release Baloch political prisoners and activists who it claimed were abducted by the Pakistani military in exchange for the hostages. While Pakistan said the security forces launched an operation to end the siege and killed all the 33 attackers, the Baloch insurgents claimed to have killed all the 214 military hostages as their 48-hour deadline on Friday. " Pakistan, displaying its traditional stubbornness and military arrogance, not only avoided serious negotiations but also turned a blind eye to the ground realities. As a result of this stubbornness, all 214 hostages have been executed," the BLA said in a statement. The trains in the Quetta division of Pakistan remained suspended even on Saturday in the aftermath of the Jaffar Express attack. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Oil-and mineral-rich Balochistan is Pakistans largest and least populated province. Ethnic Baloch residents have long accused the central government of discrimination a charge Islamabad denies. With Agency Inputs About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Pakistan First Published: March 16, 2025, 14:08 IST Canada Reviews Purchase Of F-35 Combat Planes As Tensions With Trump Escalate: Report Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 07:38 IST Relations between Canada and the US soured after President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian products. Representative image Canada is reviewing a major purchase of US-made F-35 combat planes amid serious tensions with the Trump administration, a spokesperson for the Canadian defence ministry told AFP on Saturday. That announcement came two days after Portugal said it too was reexamining a possible purchase of American F-35 fighter jets amid rising international anger over the tariff war President Donald Trump has launched and his wavering support for the Atlantic alliance. Recommended Stories Trump rattled Americas northern neighbor by imposing 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian products before agreeing to suspend levies on Canadian exports covered by a North American trade pact. And he has regularly infuriated Canadians by suggesting their country become the 51st US state. In one of his first official acts since taking office Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked the defence ministry to determine if the F-35 contract, as it stands, is the best investment for Canada, and if there are other options that could better meet Canadas needs," according to an email from Laurent de Casanove, the ministry spokesperson. The Canadian government in January 2023 signed a contract with giant US defence company Lockheed Martin to purchase 88 F-35s for a total of Can$19 billion ($13.2 billion). It has already paid for a first shipment of 16, set for delivery early next year. The deal has not been canceled, but we need to do our homework given the changing environment, and make sure that the contract in its current form is in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces," the statement said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Portugal indicated Thursday that it was studying both American F-35s and European aircraft as it looks to replace its air forces aging F-16s. Outgoing defence minister Nuno Melo raised those options in an interview Thursday in the daily Publico, referring to the predictability of our allies" and the recent position of the United States, in the context of NATO and on the level of international geostrategy." Location : Canada First Published: March 16, 2025, 07:28 IST 53 Killed As Trump Orders Fresh Wave Of Airstrikes Against Yemen's Houthis: 'Your Time Is Up' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 12:46 IST The US airstrikes took place after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel's latest blockade on Gaza. Donald Trump ordered a wave of airstrikes in Yemen-based Houthis. (Agencies) US President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes in Houthi-held areas in Yemen, in retaliation for the groups attacks on global shipping in the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza. Trump warned of using overwhelming lethal force" against the group to stop attacks on American vessels. YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DONT, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!" he said on his Truth Social platform, in a new warning to Houthis. Recommended Stories The Houthis reported explosions in their territory on Saturday evening, in Sanaa and the northern province of Saada, the rebels stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia. At least 53 were killed and 98 others injured in the US strikes, mostly women and children, Anees al-Asbahi, spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry said in an updated toll on Sunday. In his post, Trump accused the Houthis of waging an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence and terrorism against American, and other ships, aircraft, and drones", adding that his predecessor Joe Bidens response was pathetically weak". The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective. The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt, and attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends," he added. The US President also warned Iran to immediately halt support for the Houthis, promising the hold Tehran fully accountable" for the attacks. Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we wont be nice about it!" Houthis Call Attacks A War Crime, Vow Retaliation The latest airstrikes represent the largest US military operation in the Middle East since January when Trump took office. Several images online showed plumes of black smoke over the area on early Sunday over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military complex. An official told Reuters that the strikes could take place for weeks. The USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group, which includes the carrier, three Navy destroyers and one cruiser, are in the Red Sea and were part of Saturdays mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been operating in the region. Describing the attacks as a war crime", the Houthis political bureau said its forces are fully prepared" to respond to escalation with escalation. Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, said the airstrikes wont deter them and promised retaliation against the US. Sanaa will remain Gazas shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges," he added on social media. Another spokesman, Mohamed Abdulsalam, on X, called Trumps claims that the Houthis threaten international shipping routes false and misleading." The airstrikes came a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israels latest blockade on Gaza. They described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea. Why Is US Targeting Houthis? The Houthis, an Iran-backed armed group that took control of most of Yemen in the last decade, have launched over 100 attacks targeting shipping since November 2023, disrupting global commerce and prompting firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. Trump said the Houthi attacks have cost the US and world economy in billions of dollars and put innocent lives at risk. The Houthis say the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians over Israels war with Hamas in Gaza. The Houthis have managed to sink two vessels and kill four sailors during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships after the Gaza war began. Irans other allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon were severely weakened by Israel since the start of the conflict. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Palestinian group Hamas, grateful for the Huthi support, hit out Saturday at the US strikes, branding them a stark violation of international law and an assault on the countrys sovereignty and stability". (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 16, 2025, 07:11 IST Buzz Over 26/11 Mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Fate After Attack That Killed JuD Volunteer In Pakistan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 14:40 IST Buzz surrounded Hafiz Saeed's fate today after one of the volunteers for Saeed's JuD was killed in an attack in Pakistan. The shootout happened early on Sunday. Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and his organisations LeT and JuD have been designated as terrorist organisations by both the US and the United Nations. (Source: Reuters) Hours after a volunteer for Hafiz Saeeds Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) died in a shootout in Pakistan on Sunday, buzz swirled about the fate of Saeed, one of the founders of the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. Amid unconfirmed reports about his injuries, there were indications that he was safe. Recommended Stories Earlier, multiple media reports and social media buzz had also suggested that Saeeds aide Abu Qatal had been killed in the attack. However, News18 could not independently verify the reports. ???????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? & ????????????????. The person killed today was Al Qatal Sindhi. He is important in the organisation but hes not Hafiz Saeed. Stop spreading bullshit. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) March 16, 2025 Meanwhile, an official word on Saeeds injuries, if any, was awaited. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The attack reportedly took place in Mangla Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Saeed, who co-founded the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group, is on the National Investigation Agencys (NIA) most wanted list. 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 16, 2025, 10:48 IST 'Lost Confidence': Netanyahu Announces Plan To Oust Israel's Domestic Security Service Chief Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 23:54 IST In a video statement, Netanyahu said that he had long lost his confidence in Bar and that trust in the head of the domestic security service was especially crucial at a time of war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu | File Image/Reuters Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the head of the countrys Shin Bet domestic security service Ronen Bar that he plans to bring his dismissal before the government this week, a statement from Netanyahus office said on Sunday. There was no immediate comment from Shin Bet or from Bar, whose dismissal would likely draw criticism in Israel. Netanyahu and Bars relations were often described in Israeli media as tense throughout the war against Hamas in Gaza. Recommended Stories In a video statement, Netanyahu said that he had long lost his confidence in Bar and that trust in the head of the domestic security service was especially crucial at a time of war. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The war was triggered by Hamas October 7, 2023 surprise attack, widely seen as Israels worst security failure, which led to its single deadliest day, with 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Shin Bet is currently part of an investigation into possible links between employees in Netanyahus office and Qatar, which has been mediating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel. Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: March 16, 2025, 23:54 IST News18 Afternoon Digest: NASA's Crew-10 Arrives At ISS To Take Back Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore; Trump Orders Airstrikes Against Houthis & Other Top Stories Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 12:58 IST We are also covering: Abu Qatal, Hafiz Saeed Aide And Wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist, Killed In Pakistan, Why Special Court Rejected Ranya Rao's Bail Plea In Gold Smuggling Case and AI Researcher Hosting PM Modi For 'Epic' 3-Hour Podcast Crew-10 astronauts welcomed by Crew-9 astronauts including Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on ISS. (International Space Station) In todays afternoon digest, News18 brings the latest updates on astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmores return to Earth after spending more than nine months in space, US President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes in Houthi-held areas in Yemen and Music composer A.R. Rahman admitted to a private hospital on Greams Road, Chennai, after suddenly experiencing neck pain. NASAs Crew-10 Arrives At ISS; Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Welcome Astronauts Before Departure Recommended Stories Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Return: NASA and Elon Musks SpaceX had launched a long-awaited crew mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for over nine months after technical issues in their Starliner capsule. Read More 24 Killed As Trump Orders Fresh Wave Of Airstrikes Against Yemens Houthis: Your Time Is Up US President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes in Houthi-held areas in Yemen, in retaliation for the groups attacks on global shipping in the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza. Read More Abu Qatal, Hafiz Saeed Aide And Wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist, Killed In Pakistan Abu Qatal Sindhi of Lashkar-e-Taiba, also a key aide of Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and so-called commander of the Khureta launch pad, was killed in Pakistan on Sunday morning, multiple media reports stated. Read More Why Special Court Rejected Ranya Raos Bail Plea In Gold Smuggling Case: News18 Shares Exclusive Details The Economic Offences Court rejected the bail application of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, stating that the alleged offence has serious ramifications on the entire economy of the country" and poses a serious threat to genuine gold traders". Read More Who Is Lex Fridman? AI Researcher Hosting PM Modi For Epic 3-Hour Podcast Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-hour-long podcast with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman is slated to be released on Sunday evening. Just a day before, PM Modi, in an X post, described the podcast as a fascinating conversation" and said it covered diverse topics. Read More AR Rahman Admitted To Chennais Apollo Hospital After Neck Pain Music composer A.R. Rahman has been admitted to a private hospital on Greams Road, Chennai, after suddenly experiencing neck pain. The renowned and Oscar-winning composer is currently under medical care at the Apollo Hospital, where he is being closely monitored by doctors. Read More top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Might Not Have An Australia Tour Again: Virat Kohli Accepts He Wont Get Another Chance To Make Up For BGT Disappointment Virat Kohli still gets disappointed when he fails but admits that in the twilight of his career, the opportunity to right the wrongs of his past will be rare. And he has made peace with the fact. Read More First Published: March 16, 2025, 12:56 IST Dangerous Atmosphere: Indian Student Who Fled US Shares 'Dystopian Nightmare' In First Remarks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 16:46 IST Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia University student from India, self-deported from the US after her visa was revoked over pro-Palestine protests. She described the experience as a "dystopian nightmare". Ranjani Srinivasan self-deported after her visa was revoked by the Trump administration for supporting pro-Palestine protests. (X/Reuters) Ranjani Srinivasan, a student from India at Columbia University who had to self-deport after her visa was revoked over pro-Palestine protests, recalled her dystopian nightmare" in her first remarks. Srinivasan, 37, who used the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Home app to self-deport from the United States, shared that she found the atmosphere dangerous and feared even the most low-level political speech could turn into this dystopian nightmare". Recommended Stories Im fearful that even the most low-level political speech or just doing what we all do like shout into the abyss that is social media can turn into this dystopian nightmare where somebody is calling you a terrorist sympathizer and making you, literally, fear for your life and your safety," Srinivasan, who was pursuing a PhD in urban planning at Columbia, said in an interview with New York Times. Divulging reasons for her quick departure, said, The atmosphere seemed so volatile and dangerous, so I just made a quick decision." The US Department of State confirmed that she self-deported on March 11, 2025, using the CBP Home App, and video footage of the process has been obtained. Ranjani Srinivasan was accused of supporting Hamas as a wave of pro-Palestinian protests swept Columbia University and other US campuses last year during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Why Ranjani Srinivasan Had To Self-Deport Srinivasan, a Fulbright scholar, found herself swept up in President Trumps crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators using federal immigration powers. She is among a small group of non-citizens recently targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Columbia University. Srinivasan expressed confusion over the State Departments sudden revocation of her student visa, which led Columbia to rescind her enrollment. Homeland Security officials explained that when Srinivasan renewed her visa last year, she failed to disclose two court summonses related to protests on Columbias campus. However, they did not clarify how these summonses made her appear as a supporter of terrorism. Srinivasans History Srinivasans current predicament dates back to last year when she was arrested near Columbias campus the same day pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied Hamilton Hall. She maintains she was not involved in the occupation but had been walking back to her apartment after a picnic with friends, navigating through the crowds and barricades on West 116th Street when police pushed her and arrested her. She was briefly detained and issued two summonses: one for obstructing traffic and another for failing to disperse. Her case was dismissed promptly, with no criminal record resulting, according to her lawyers and court documents. She also stated that she faced no disciplinary actions from the university and remained in good academic standing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She was arrested along with roughly 100 others after being blocked from returning to her apartment and getting caught in the street," said Nathan Yaffe, one of her attorneys. The court recognized this when it dismissed her case, ruling it had no merit. Ranjani was simply trying to walk home." Srinivasan explained that she didnt report the summonses on her visa renewal form later that year because her case had been dismissed in May and she had no conviction. Since I hadnt been convicted, I marked it as no," she said. Maybe that was my mistake. I would have disclosed it, but the way the questions were framed made it feel like they were assuming a conviction." 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 16, 2025, 16:30 IST Sudiksha Konanki Missing: Indian Students Clothes, Flip Flop Found On Dominican Republic Beach Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 14:04 IST Images obtained by CDN show the clothing undisturbed, with no signs of tampering. Authorities believe the 20-year-old may have left her belongings on the chair before heading into the ocean in a brown bikini. CCTV screen grab shows Missing Indian-origin student Sudiksha Konanki walking out of her hotel (Social Media) A sarong and flip-flops, believed to be those of missing Indian student Sudiksha Konanki, have been discovered on a beach in the Dominican Republic, where she went missing over a week ago. According to the local reports, the white netted sarong and beige flip-flops were found draped over a lounge chair, sparking renewed efforts to locate the missing student. Recommended Stories The beachwear reportedly bears a striking resemblance to the clothing Konanki was last seen wearing in surveillance footage captured the night she vanished. Images obtained by CDN show the clothing undisturbed, with no signs of tampering. Authorities believe the 20-year-old may have left her belongings on the chair before heading into the ocean in a brown bikini. Sudiksha Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, was reported missing by her group of five friends on March 6 around 4 pm. The group, who had travelled together to the Dominican Republic, stated that Konanki was last seen walking towards the beach with them, as confirmed by surveillance footage. The others later returned to the hotel, leaving her behind with 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, a senior at St Cloud State University in Minnesota, according to authorities. In a CCTV footage Konanki can be seen with an unidentified man believed to be Riibe along a resort pathway, accompanied by friends. She was seen wearing a white T-shirt, and shorts, and her hair tied in a ponytail. Dominican police have since named Mr Riibe a person of interest in the case, confirming that he was the last person seen with the missing student. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dominican authorities initially suspected that Sudiksha Konanki may have drowned, but her father is pushing investigators to consider alternative explanations, including the possibility of abduction. The family has raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, noting that it was unusual for Konanki to leave her phone and wallet with her friends, as she always kept her phone with her. The International Criminal Police Organisation, known as Interpol, has also issued a global alert after Konanki went missing. The yellow notice is for missing persons such as victims of kidnappings or unexplained disappearances". Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: March 16, 2025, 14:04 IST DAMASCUS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Syria's defense authorities on Sunday accused Hezbollah of ambushing and executing three Syrian soldiers near the Lebanese border, warning of repercussions for a "dangerous escalation." In a statement, the defense authorities' media office said a Hezbollah unit captured the soldiers near the Zeita Dam west of Syria's central province of Homs before taking them into Lebanese territory and carrying out the executions. "This blatant aggression will not go unanswered," the statement read. Meanwhile, Syria TV reported that the Syrian military launched retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah positions in the Lebanese village of Al-Qasr. For its part, Hezbollah swiftly denied any involvement in the incident. In a statement released by its media relations office and cited by the Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV, the group said, "We categorically deny any connection to the events that took place today on the Lebanese-Syrian border." The incident marked a significant escalation between the Syrian interim government and the Iran-backed Lebanese group, which has long played a role in Syria's conflict alongside the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Trump Invokes 18th Century Alien Enemies Act: How Will It Affect Immigrants Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 08:56 IST The order for the enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act was temporarily blocked by a Washington federal judge. The judge, James E Boasberg, mentioned that he blocked the deportation immediately as the Trump administration was already transporting migrants. US President Donald Trump | Reuters Image Hours after Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act on Saturday, a first since World War II, a federal judge in Washington blocked the US President from enforcing deportations under 18th-century law. The Enemies Act gives Trump the power to accelerate the deportation of illegal immigrants, including those linked with Venezuelan gang. In his Saturday proclamation, he labelled Venezuelas Tren de Aragua gang as an invading force. Trump claimed that Tren de Aragua was essentially waging war against the United States. Recommended Stories Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organisations, including TdA," said an official statement by Trump, as quoted by AP. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States," it added. Meanwhile, James E Boasberg, chief judge for the US District Court, who restricted the administration from deportations, stated that he had to issue his order immediately as the government was already transporting migrantswho it claimed were newly deportable under Trumps proclamationto El Salvador and Honduras for detention. This week, El Salvador also agreed to accept up to 300 migrants whom the Trump administration had classified as gang members. The judge also mentioned that the temporary blocking order will remain in effect for 14 days or until further order of the court." I think theres clearly irreparable harm here given these folks will be deported. A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm," Boasberg said, according to AP. While the Trump administration opposed the restraining order, arguing that blocking presidential action before its announcement would limit executive powers, the Justice Department warned that such orders could let district courts hinder vital national security measures. What Is Alien Enemies Act? The act is a law meant for wartime or when the US is at risk of invasion by a foreign country. It allows the President to detain or deport foreign nationals from enemy nations during conflicts, particularly recent immigrants who may be viewed as supporting US adversaries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How Will The Act Affect Immigrants? With the act coming into effect, the President will have the power to restrict travel or require people to check in with authorities regularly. The act allows Trump to bypass certain immigration and criminal law safeguards, enabling the fast deportation of individuals seen as threats. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 16, 2025, 08:56 IST Who Are The Lashkar, JuD Functionaries At The Centre Of Media Debate After Pakistan Attack Reports? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 16, 2025, 15:15 IST A volunteer of Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawa was killed in an attack in Pakistan on Sunday. However, multiple media reports suggested Saeed's close aide Abu Qatal had been shot dead. Hafiz Saeed with Abu Qatal on his right (Photo: Social Media) As Naeb Ul Rehman, one of the volunteers of a charity organisation owned by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) died in an attack in Pakistan on Sunday, multiple media reports suggested Hafiz Saeeds aide Abu Qatal was killed in the shootout. The attack, which took place near Mangla in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeted a convoy of the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, owned by Hafiz Saeeds JuD. Recommended Stories Later, a buzz on social media also suggested that Saeed may have been injured in the attack. However, News18 could not independently verify the reports. WHO WAS NAEB UL REHMAN? Sundays attack in Pakistan led to the killing of Rehman, who worked as a volunteer for a charity organisation Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. The charity organisation is owned by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), which is headed by Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed. WHO IS ABU QATAL? Abu Qatal is a close aide of Hafiz Saeed and one of the most wanted terrorists. Qatal was involved in the 2023 Rajouri attack and the 2024 Reasi bus attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He is also popular by the name Faisal Nadeem and crossed into Pakistan in 2002. He later joined the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Qatal has been a high-priority target for Indian security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Indian Army, due to his role in orchestrating several deadly attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA investigation exposed the role of Pakistan-based LeT handlers in recruiting and deploying terrorists across the border with the intent of targeting civilians, particularly from the minority community, as well as security forces. Following extensive probes, the NIA, in February this year, filed a chargesheet against five accused, including three Pakistan-based LeT commanders Abu Qatal, Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt (also known as Ali, Habibullah, and Nouman), and Mohd Qasim. WHO IS HAFIZ SAEED? Hafiz Saeed is a Pakistani Islamic preacher, who co-founded Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. Saeed is listed on Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA)s most-wanted list. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Saeed was designated by the Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee of the Security Council. He is also listed on the United States Department of the Treasurys Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The LeT is designated a terrorist group by India, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the United States, the UK, the European Union (EU), and some others. 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 16, 2025, 11:12 IST New legislation is being drafted to regulate social media use, targeting individuals and groups that use digital platforms to spread misinformation, operate ghost accounts and destabilise the country, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said. Speaking at a Ministers Meet the Media event last week, Dr Muswere said social media had become a double-edged sword, providing opportunities for engagement, while also being misused by cashvists and keyboard warriors to undermine national interests. Dr Muswere said unregulated digital spaces have led to an increase in anonymous accounts spreading falsehoods. Social media is not properly governed, and this has led to a situation where people are chasing shadows shadows that have no meaning; shadows run by ghost accounts operated by individuals seeking to demonise their own country, he said. He said some individuals, including former journalists, had transitioned into activists-for-hire, using social media to push political agendas without verified information. Dr Muswere said the proposed law would hold social media users accountable, ensuring digital platforms are used responsibly. Part of our responsibility as a ministry is to ensure that social media is governed effectively, he added. We are preparing new legislation to regulate these platforms and hold users accountable. Zimbabwe, he added, already has a governance structure that guarantees access to accurate information. He urged journalists to seek facts from official Government sources. Sunday Mail BAGHDAD, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met here on Sunday with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar to discuss bilateral cooperation in electricity, natural gas, and oil sectors. According to a statement from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the two officials explored ways to encourage Turkish companies to invest in Iraq's oil and gas sector. They also discussed the potential for Turkiye to supply electricity to Iraq to address seasonal shortages and stressed the importance of expediting the electricity interconnection project by completing the necessary technical preparations as soon as possible, read the statement. The two sides agreed to double the amount of electricity that Turkiye will provide to Iraq, which will help meet part of the energy needs of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and the city of Mosul, it said. Furthermore, they discussed the possibility of importing gas from Turkiye to meet the needs of Iraq's power plants and ways to strengthen cooperation in this area, the statement added. Earlier this month, the United States rescinded Baghdad's waiver to purchase electricity from Iran, as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran. Decades of conflict have left Iraq struggling with chronic electricity shortages. Despite its oil wealth, the country remains heavily dependent on gas imports from Iran to power its grid. The Bulawayo City Council has adopted a less aggressive approach to the vending saga allowing the 48-hour Government ultimatum to lapse incident-free with Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu stating yesterday that they will prioritise the relocation of vendors first before implementing enforcement measures. He said the process to relocate the vendors from the different vending sites that they have allocated themselves to designated vending bays strewn in the city was already in motion before the ultimatum was issued by the Government to remove illegal vendors from the thoroughfares of towns and cities. The BCC is in the final stages of relocating vendors from 5th Avenue and other areas in town to designated alternative spaces. This process will ensure a smoother transition to compliant trading practices. We had already set in motion the process of relocating vendors to designated areas such as Baktas and Egodini when the Government issued the ultimatum. All registered vendors will be moved to the council-constructed available bays and this relocation process is nearing completion, said Clr Ndlovu. Regarding enforcement, he noted that council was going to collaborate with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure measures were effectively put into place once the relocation had been finalised. Our enforcement efforts will be around the clock, but we will rely on the police since our municipal officers lack the authority to make arrests, he said. Figures released to Sunday News by council officials indicate glaring compliance gaps with a good number of vendors not licensed. BCC has a total of 3 416 vending bays in the Central Business District, of which 3 279 are occupied and only 244 of those have the necessary licences to operate legally. The highest concentration of unlicensed vendors can be found at various sites throughout the city, with significant discrepancies in site allocations and licences. The figures availed by the local authority indicate that the city has 16 vending sites in the CBD, with the site which is between Lobengula Street and Herbert Chitepo and 6th Avenue up to 8th Avenue, having the highest number of bays (814) that are occupied where just 12 are licensed. The Highlanders site has 749 bays, with 720 have been allocated and 184 bays being licensed. At Baktas (2nd Avenue and Lobengula Street), all 175 bays, despite being all allocated, none of them are licensed with the local authority, same goes with the site located at the corner of 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street where out of the 337 bays available and allocated, none of them are legally licensed to operate by the local authority. At Hyper, all the 30 vendors allocated are also not legally licensed to operate. At 6th Avenue Extension, only three vendors out of the 118 that were allocated are licensed to operate at the site while at the site along Lobengula Street between 5th and 6th Avenue only three out of the 121 allocated bays are licensed to operate. The Flower Trading Site, which is located adjacent to the Large City Hall, of the 37 allocated bays, just eight are licensed to operate, while the Fruits and Vegetables site located at the corner of Robert Mugabe Way and 8th Avenue of the 96 bays available, 52 have been allocated and of those, just one bay is licensed to operate. While the BCC is taking steps towards regulation, the Bulawayo Traders and Vendors Association (BVTA) has called for dialogue between the Government and vendors. BVTA Executive Director Michael Ndiweni emphasised the need for engagement to find mutually beneficial solutions for managing the informal sector within the city. We support the Governments initiative but stress the importance of dialogue. Engaging with various stakeholders in the informal sector will enable us to address issues like littering and compliance with the law, rather than resorting to zero-tolerance policies, said Mr Ndiweni. He noted that night vending can be a viable economic opportunity if managed well within the legal framework, further boosting community income while adhering to city by-laws. We believe that working together to educate vendors about regulations and fostering active economies, even at night, could lead to more revenue for everyone involved, he stated. Meanwhile, Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura) chairperson Winos Dube commended the Governments actions, stating that the initiative was long overdue. He highlighted the urgent need to restore cleanliness and order in the city, which has suffered from chaotic vending practices. We hope this ultimatum will not remain an empty threat but will be implemented to ensure a more organised and clean city, said Mr Dube. As the Bulawayo City Council continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on finding balanced solutions that address the needs of vendors while ensuring the welfare of the broader community. The Government, through the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, issued a 48-hour ultimatum last Wednesday to address the growing incidence of night vending. The argument has been that the surge in unregulated informal trading in the CBD has resulted in increased pedestrian traffic, widespread littering and disturbances to established businesses within the CBD making the cities unattractive to investors. Sunday News Climate change is already causing all sorts of problems on Earth, but soon it will be making a mess in orbit around the planet, too, a new study finds. MIT researchers calculate that, as global warming caused by the burning of coal, oil, and gas continues, it may reduce the available space for satellites in low Earth orbit by anywhere from one-third to 82% by the end of the century, depending on how much carbon pollution is spewed, per the AP . That's because space will become more littered with debris as climate change lessens nature's way of cleaning it up. Part of the greenhouse effect that warms the air near Earth's surface also cools the upper parts of the atmosphere where space starts and satellites zip around in low orbit. That cooling also makes the upper atmosphere less dense, which reduces the drag on the millions of pieces of human-made debris and satellitesdrag that pulls space junk down to Earth, burning up on the way. In other words, a cooler and less-dense upper atmosphere means less space cleaning itself, which in turn means that space will get more crowded, per a study published Monday in Nature Sustainability. Circling Earth are millions of pieces of debris about one-ninth of an inch and largerthe width of two stacked penniesand those collide with the energy of a bullet. There are tens of thousands of plum-size pieces of space junk that hit with the power of a crashing bus, per the Aerospace Corporation, which monitors orbital debris. That junk includes results of old space crashes and parts of rockets, most of it too small to be tracked. Meanwhile, density at 250 miles above Earth is decreasing by about 2% a decade, a rate likely to intensify as society pumps more greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, said the British Antarctic Survey's Ingrid Cnossen, a space weather scientist who wasn't part of the research. story continues below Cnossen said that the new study makes "perfect sense" and is why scientists have to be aware of climate change's orbital effects, "so that appropriate measures can be taken to ensure its long-term sustainability." "We rely on the atmosphere to clean up our debris. There's no other way to remove debris," said study lead author Will Parker, an astrodynamics researcher at MIT. "It's trash. It's garbage. And there are millions of pieces of it." More here. A massive fire tore through a nightclub in North Macedonia 's eastern town of Kocani early Sunday, killing 51 people and injuring more than 100, per the AP . The blaze broke out around 2:35am during a concert by a local pop group at the Pulse nightclub, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski told reporters. He said pyrotechnics caused the roof to catch fire. Videos showed chaos inside the club, with young people running through the smoke as the musicians urged people to escape as quickly as possible. Officials said the injured have been taken to hospitals around the country, including the capital, Skopje, many with severe burns. Health Minister Arben Taravari said 118 people have been hospitalized, adding that he had received offers of assistance from neighboring countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece. This is the worst tragedy in recent memory to befall the landlocked nation, whose population is less than 2 million. "This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable," tweeted Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Family members gathered in front of hospitals and Kocani's city offices pleading for more information. The club was in an old building that was previously a carpet warehouse and has been running for several years, according to local media MKD. story continues below The fire caused the roof of the single-story building to partially collapse, revealing the charred remains of wooden beams and debris. Toshkovski said authorities would investigate the venue's licensing and safety provisions, adding that the government had a "moral responsibility" to help prosecute anyone responsible. Police have arrested one man already, but no details were provided on the person's alleged involvement. (A similar tragedy took place in Turkey last year.) Indivisible, a grassroots progressive organization, has called on Sen. Chuck Schumer to step down as minority leader in response to his support for the Republican bill to fund government. After long saying he'd block the measure, Schumer instead backed it, helping to secure passage while arguing that the alternative of a government shutdown was a worse outcome. "After weeks of constituents demanding that Democrats use this rare, precious point of leverage on the government funding bill, Schumer did the opposite," Ezra Levin, Indivisible's co-director, said in a statement, Politico reports. "He led the charge to wave the white flag of surrender." Indivisible said Saturday that 82% of its leaders in New York and 91% nationally voted to push Schumer to quit the role. When Schumer announced his switch on Thursday, Levin immediately urged Democratic senators to defy him and vote no, per NBC News. "If your strategic analysis ends with you voting for the bill that Mike Johnson, John Thune, Donald Trump, and Elon Musk want, you should rethink your strategy," he said. Congressional Democrats also are unhappy with Schumer's decision; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to express confidence in his leadership. "Let me explain," Schumer told the New York Times on Saturday. "A shutdown would shut down all government agencies, and it would solely be up to Trump and DOGE and Musk what to open again, because they could determine what was essential. So their goal of decimating the whole federal government, of cutting agency after agency after agency, would occur under a shutdown. Two days from now in a shutdown, they could say, well, food stamps for kids is not essential. It's gone. All veterans offices in rural areas are gone. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. They're not essential. We're cutting them back. So it'd be horrible. The damage they can do under a shutdown is much worse than any other damage that they could do." Elon Musk has insisted that nobody has died as the result of slashed US foreign aid. "That is not true," writes columnist Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times. "In South Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries, the efforts by Musk and President Trump are already leading children to die." Kristof traveled through the African nation and writes of multiple examples to refute Musk's assertion. One is 10-year-old Peter Donde, who was infected with HIV by his mother and kept alive with drugs delivered through the now-gutted PEPFAR and USAID programs. Without the drugs, the boy died of a pneumonia infection. "If USAID would be here, Peter Donde would not have died," a health outreach worker tells Kristof, who warns things are about to get worse. Iran on Sunday again denied aiding Yemen's Houthi rebels after the US launched a wave of airstrikes against them and President Trump warned that Tehran would be held "fully accountable" for their actions. The Houthi-run Health Ministry said the weekend strikes killed at least 31 people, including women and children, and wounded over 100. The rebels said one strike hit two homes in northern Saada province, killing four children and a woman. The rebel-run Al-Masirah TV showed images of what it said were the bodies, the AP reports. Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, on Sunday told ABC that the strikes "actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out." The Houthis have repeatedly targeted international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles and drones at Israel in what the rebels have called acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been at war with Hamas, another Iranian ally, since October 2023. The Houthi attacks had stopped when a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire took hold in Gaza in January, but the rebels last week said they would renew them against Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen after Israel cut off the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza this month. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then, per the AP. The US and others have long accused Iran of providing military aid to the Houthis. Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, denied his country was involved in the Houthis' attacks, saying his nation "plays no role in setting the national or operational policies" of the militant groups it is allied with across the region, according to state-run TV. Appearing Sunday on ABC's This Week, Waltz did not rule out using military force against Iran, per Politico. "All actions are always on the table with the president," he said. "But Iran needs to hear him loud and clear." The Myrtle Beach Welcome Center prepared Tim Hortons coffee and cookies with maple leaves, as it does every year in anticipation of Canadian visitors arriving for winter vacations in South Carolina. But they're not all coming this time, a reaction to President Trump's trade imposition of tariffs and talk of turning their country into the 51st US state that will dent the $20.5 billion that Canadian visitors spend in the US each year, the New York Times reports. "It's bullying," said Amy Gleiser of Ontario, whose family canceled its Myrtle Beach vacation, losing a condo deposit, and is going instead to the Yucatan Peninsula. "That's how we feel." In Palm Springs, a Realtor received an email dropping a $7,000 Airbnb booking, per Business Insider. The guest, a friend from Vancouver, was canceling his US travel for the rest of the year. "I'm having real trouble sleeping here right now," he wrote, "I'm cutting my stay short and am going home to Canada." Bookings to the US dropped 40% last month over the previous February, reported one of Canada's largest travel agencies. Flight Center Travel Group Canada said that's unprecedented in its 30 years, except for during the pandemic. Businesses and organizations have changed their plans, as well. In canceling reservations, Canadians have written notes to hotels, tourism agencies, and officials in the US explaining their decisions. Many are regulars who expressed fondness for their usual vacation spots. "The hurt is what comes through the most," said a Vermont tourism official whose office has received about two dozen of the notes. The Washington Post compiled samples: Destination: Kingdom Trails, a biking network in Vermont Destination: Fort Lauderdale area Destination: Old Orchard Beach in Maine Destination: Southern Florida Destination: Oregon coast Read These Next Doctor left her Alaskan cruise Trump "never heard" that At least 13 people are dead He was caught working for 4 The wonderful and welcoming community along with superb trails has had me come back to KT for years. As a Canadian I no longer feel like a neighbour who is valued or welcome.""Unfortunately, there are those in the US who seem to have forgotten the support and friendship that has historically linked our two countries. As a result, we (and all of our friends) will be taking our autumn retreat in Mexico this year where we are welcome and appreciated.": "We are sorry to change our plans but it is one of the ways we choose to manifest our opposition to what is happening in the US. Unfortunately, we do not feel as the longtime friends we used to be.""My family, my friends, my neighbors, and a great many Canadians will be boycotting all travel not only to Florida but all American destinations. This is sad but necessary since your president has insulted all Canadians and stated that the US does not need Canada. ... Thank you for some of my best memories.""We love the endless beaches, the spectacular scenery, we love how dog friendly you are and we love your beer too. ... Unfortunately, due to the rhetoric of the President of the United States in regards to our home, Canada, we are cancelling our trip. ... We will miss our visit and spending money in your lovely state. As a Canadian, it's my duty to say 'Sorry,' but I'm not sure I mean it." The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of pope in more than a month, showing Pope Francis wearing a purple Lenten liturgical vestments sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar in the hospital chapel. The Vatican said he was participating in the celebration of the Mass with other priests. No one else is visible in the photo. It is the first photograph of the pope since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14 with a severe case of bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. It is also the first time the Vatican mentions that the pope has participated in celebrating a Mass in the period, the AP reports. Earlier in the day, dozens of children toting yellow and white balloonsmany from war-torn countriesgathered outside Rome's Gemelli hospital to greet the pope. One of them was 12-year-old Anastasia, who got up at 5am to make the trip from Naples with the hopes of delivering the message directly to the pope. "I wrote, 'Pope Francis, get well and return home soon,'" she said. "We love you, all of the children are praying for you." Doctors last week said that the pope's medical condition is no longer critical, but they have continued to emphasize that it remains complex. Still, they are issuing fewer medical bulletins as the pontiff has been on an upward trajectory. An X-ray last week confirmed that a lung infection was clearing. DOHA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met here on Sunday with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to discuss bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, economic, and technical fields, according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry. The two sides also reviewed developments in the Ukraine crisis and several other regional and international issues of mutual concern. Additionally, Al Thani and Manturov co-chaired the fifth session of the Qatari-Russian Joint Committee on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation. During the session, Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar's support for all international efforts toward a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and diplomacy. He further emphasized the "urgent need" to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement to bring the Gaza war to an end and pave the way for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in the region. On Sunday, Manturov also met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis. Manturov's visit followed recent U.S.-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia's port city of Jeddah, which concluded with Kiev okaying a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan and Washington consenting to lift its pause on military aid to and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Lawmakers have praised the successful launch of the Al Munther satellite, calling it a major step forward that strengthens Bahrains role in space science and technology. Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh described it as a historic and important achievement that demonstrates His Majesty King Hamads vision for Bahrains space ambitions. The successful launch of Al Munther places Bahrain firmly on the map of industrial advancement, he said, applauding the nations space team for their dedication. Al Saleh credited His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for their tireless efforts in advancing Bahrains capabilities in space science and technology. Their leadership has paved the way for Bahraini talent to excel in a field once beyond our reach, he added. MP Hassan Ebrahim called the launch a milestone that demonstrates HM King Hamads and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifas drive for scientific and technological progress. Al Munther is a crucial step in developing Bahrains own space capabilities, giving young Bahraini engineers hands-on experience in system design, software development, and operational testing, he said. MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen credited HM the Kings leadership for driving Bahrains space efforts, calling the launch a major step forward. Al Munther pushes Bahrain ahead, making it one of the first in the region to apply artificial intelligence in processing space data and images, she said. MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi described it as a proud moment that adds to Bahrains achievements in space research. This project is a result of HM King Hamads vision, which has established Bahrain as a key player in space science, he said. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- On Saturday, March 15, community members came together to celebrate Irish heritage with the 39th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Joseph. The parade, hosted by the St. Joseph Ancient Order of Hibernians, began at Frederick Ave. and Noyes Blvd. and ended at 8th and Felix Streets. Russell Gummelt has been involved in the parade before, and he says that it's always been a good experience working with the organizers. "The Ancient Order of Hibernians that put this thing together, they've always been really kind to me, really good to me and they put on a heck of a parade," Gummelt said. The event also drew several people out to Downtown bars, and D&G Pub and Grub bartender Kyle Martin shared that it is a great time for business. "It's nice to see a lot of regulars come in on today and then a lot of faces you haven't seen for maybe a year," Martin said. Martin said that D&G began preparations for the day about a month ago. The Grand Marshals of this year's parade were the Supple family. There were also donation buckets at participating establishments along the parade route in order to benefit Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Flash NASA and SpaceX launched a new crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday to bring home two NASA astronauts who have been stranded in space since last June. The spacecraft lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in the state of Florida at 7:03 p.m. Friday Eastern Time (2303 GMT), according to a NASA live broadcast. About two and a half minutes after the launch, SpaceX confirmed the successful separation of the rocket's first stage. The first stage booster landed at Landing Zone 1 located near the launch pad. The spacecraft is currently en route to the ISS. It will take about 28.5 hours for the spacecraft to autonomously dock to the space station, scheduled at 11:30 p.m. Saturday Eastern Time (0330 GMT Sunday), NASA said. The new mission, codenamed Crew-10, carries NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi, and cosmonaut Kirill Peskov with Russian state space corporation Roscosmos to the ISS. During their mission, Crew-10 is scheduled to conduct material flammability tests to contribute to future spacecraft and facility designs, NASA said, adding that the crew will engage with students worldwide via the ISS ham radio program and use the program's existing hardware to test a backup lunar navigation solution. Also, one crew member will conduct an integrated study to monitor and analyze physiological and psychological changes in the human body, providing valuable insights for future deep space missions. Following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory, NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission -- which includes NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov -- will return to Earth. Williams and Wilmore have been stuck in space since last June due to technical problems of Boeing's Starliner which took them to the ISS. The two astronauts were initially scheduled for an eight-day mission in space, but numerous issues were detected during their trip to the ISS, including helium leaks and propulsion issues. As a result, NASA deemed the Starliner spacecraft unsafe to return with astronauts on board. While the Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth last September, Williams and Wilmore remained aboard the ISS for several additional months. ALGIERS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Algeria's National People's Army foiled a major drug smuggling attempt from Morocco on Friday, seizing 2.51 tonnes of processed cannabis, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Saturday. A combined army unit intercepted the shipment in the Third Military Region, which covers Algeria's southwestern provinces along the border with Morocco. The operation also led to the seizure of a Toyota off-road vehicle used in the smuggling attempt, the ministry added. The statement said that this latest bust is part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking, noting that between March 5 and 11, army units seized 900 kg of processed cannabis, following 3.22 tonnes seized in February and 1.59 tonnes in January. In 2024, Algerian forces thwarted attempts to smuggle 36.8 tonnes of processed cannabis from Morocco and arrested 2,621 drug traffickers, according to the ministry. 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. TRIPOLI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Attorney General's office announced on Sunday that the country's Education Minister, Musa al-Magaryaf, has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for corruption and abuse of power. The charges stem from the minister's involvement in managing the contracting procedures for printing and supplying school books. The Attorney General's office stated that al-Magaryaf violated the principle of equality and engaged in favoritism and mediation during the process. The court's final ruling included a 3.5-year prison sentence, a fine of 1,000 Libyan dinars (approximately 207 USD), and a deprivation of civil rights for the duration of the sentence and an additional year after it is served. by Nurul Fitri Ramadhani JAKARTA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- As the Eid al-Fitr celebration approaches, the Indonesian government has introduced several policies to facilitate transportation, ensuring that people in the world's largest Muslim-majority country can uphold the tradition of returning to their hometowns. Earlier this month, the government mandated airlines to reduce the prices of economy-class domestic flight tickets by 13 percent to 14 percent. The discounted fares apply to tickets purchased between March 1 and April 7 for flights scheduled from March 24 to April 7, 2025. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono stated that the policy was issued under President Prabowo Subianto's directive as part of efforts to ease the economic burden on citizens and ensure safe, comfortable, and smooth mobility during the Eid holiday. "This will hopefully help those who have prepared to return home, reunite with their families, and celebrate Eid al-Fitr in their respective hometowns," Yudhoyono said at a press conference in Jakarta, as quoted by the Presidential Secretariat Office. In Indonesia, the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr festivities are closely associated with the tradition of homecoming, locally known as mudik. The Ministry of Transportation has estimated that at least 146.4 million people, approximately 52 percent of Indonesia's total population, will travel to their hometowns before Eid, which falls on March 31. Around 23 percent of these travelers are expected to use private vehicles. For residents of the archipelagic nation, air travel is often the preferred mode of transportation, particularly for those returning to regions outside Java. However, flights in Indonesia are relatively expensive, with ticket prices historically increasing two to three times during Ramadan, making it difficult for many to afford travel. To address this issue, the government is subsidizing airline costs by covering the 6 percent value-added tax (VAT) on economy-class domestic flights. Additionally, the price of aviation fuel has been reduced. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi reassured that the lower ticket prices "will not burden airline companies, as the policy does not affect their operational costs." For land travelers, the government has also introduced a 20 percent toll road discount, applicable across all toll roads in Indonesia. Additionally, through the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, authorities will provide free transportation for at least 100,000 people traveling by train and ship. "These measures aim to lower travel costs for the public," Yudhoyono said. For sea travelers, the Ministry of Transportation has allocated free tickets for at least 48,875 passengers across 336 ship departures on 153 routes. "This initiative reflects the government's commitment to making travel more accessible for those wanting to celebrate Eid in their hometowns," said Captain Antoni Arif Priadi, director general of sea transportation, in an official statement. He estimated that sea travel demand would increase by 10 percent this year, reaching 2.9 million passengers. Economic analyst Nailul Huda from the Center of Economic and Law Studies noted that these government incentives would stimulate domestic consumption. "People who save on travel expenses can spend more in their hometowns, boosting the local economy. Moreover, increased reliance on public transportation could help ease congestion on highways and at ports," Huda said. One person was killed and three more were injured after a fire broke out in an Asbury Park home on Friday morning, authorities said. The fire on Prospect Avenue was reported at 11:09 a.m., Asbury Park Fire Chief Kevin Keddy told NJ Advance Media. A man pulled out of the house during the blaze was transported to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries, Keddy said. The identity of the man was not immediately provided. Two others a man and woman and an Asbury Park police officer were treated for smoke inhalation, according to Mark Spivey, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear, but investigators were not treating it as suspicious, Spivey said. An investigation into the matter was ongoing Saturday, with the prosecutors office assisting the Monmouth County Fire Marshals Office. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. AJ McDougall may be reached at amcdougall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X at @oldmcdougall. FILE -People attend the "NO FEAR: Rally in Solidarity with the Jewish People" event in Washington, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) AP By Stephen R. Shalom The debate over whether New Jersey should adopt the definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) has been raging for many years. The context for that debate, however, has become very different under the second Trump administration. Advocates of the IHRA definition have claimed that its passage will combat pernicious antisemitism. Critics have argued that the definition and its included examples are designed to squelch criticism of Israel and interfere with our basic First Amendment rights while failing to address the real problem of antisemitism. Advocates have asserted that the IHRA bills before the New Jersey Legislature pose no threat to free expression. This sanguine view, however, has been challenged by countless civil liberties organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights Watch, and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Whatever the arguments of the past, today the dangers represented by IHRA are greater because the legislation would serve as a further tool in the hands of a Republican administration in Washington determined to undermine our basic democratic rights. The Trump administration claims it is concerned about discrimination, but in actuality it is dismantling decades of civil rights enforcement. Indeed, the administrations efforts to suppress language extend to ban or limit from government websites and documents includes bias, discrimination, injustice, and racial inequality. And it is hard to credit the administration is worried about antisemitism when its leading figures (like Elon Musk) are soft on Naziism, believe Covid was designed to spare Ashkenazi Jews, promote the antisemitic replacement theory, or tweet a neo-Nazi talking point about Jewish lynching victim Leo Frank. The Trump administration does not really care about antisemitism. It wants to wield charges of antisemitism as a weapon against its enemies, like higher education, liberal foundations, and student activists. Universities are supposed to be one of our countrys great institutional checks on tyranny. Already, Columbia University has set up an office to secretly investigate students for political statements about Israel and is requiring students to sign non-disclosure agreements to view the evidence against them. This is not enough for President Trump who using exaggerated allegations of antisemitism has cut $400 million in grants from the institution in an effort to snuff out any remaining independence. Among the demands made of Columbia in order to have its funding restored are that it place certain academic departments under receivership and adopt a formal definition of antisemitism, recommending the IHRA definition. Two years ago, the Heritage Foundation drew up Project 2025, a far-right program for dismantling American democracy. Before the election, Trump claimed he had never heard of Project 2025; since the election, he has been carrying it out in every detail. The same Heritage Foundation produced another action plan titled The Esther Project, which calls for combating antisemitism by going after the Hamas Support Network. Heritage defines it as consisting of anyone supporting justice for Palestinians, including the Rockefeller Brothers Foundation. Tellingly, the Esther Project totally ignores the problem of rightwing antisemitism and traffics in antisemitic stereotypes of its own. State Department officials have said that they are using artificial intelligence to search the social media of international students to see if theyve expressed pro-Hamas views and then revoke their visas. (Excluding people from the country because of their political views traces to a 1952 law seen at the time as designed to keep out Jewish refugees.) Trump declared during the presidential election campaign any student that protests, I throw them out of the country. The first student detained, Mahmoud Khalil, was a green card holder married to an American citizen, charged with no criminal act. We can be sure that neither Trump nor AI trained on weaponized definitions of antisemitism will detect the Jew-hatred of so many Trump allies, finding only critics of Israeli policy. Those who worry about the fate of our country ought to be very wary of having New Jersey endorse a definition of antisemitism that so many civil libertarians warn will chill free expression. Enacting the IHRA definition into law in New Jersey, however, will not only violate the First Amendment rights of those critical of Israels treatment of Palestinians; it will be used more broadly to advance the Trump administrations unprecedented assault on our democracy. Calling your elected representative in the state Assembly or Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your state Assemblymember or Senator and voice your opposition to Senate Bill 1292 and Assembly Bill A3558, go to the New Jersey Legislature websites Legislative Roster. Stephen R. Shalom is professor emeritus of political science at William Paterson University and a member of Jewish Voice for Peace. The views expressed are his own. Donald Trump voters will pay dearly for the president's trade wars, according to a study by the New York Times. (AP Photo | Gene J. Puskar) AP Many of us have seen the MAGA fallout from the Tesla Chainsaw Massacre Donald Trump voters with tearful posts on social media, crying that theyve lost their federal government jobs, or storming Republican congressional town halls to blast their representatives for allowing the president and his henchmen to cut programs and funding that red states rely upon. Trump even mocked his own supporters on Truth Social, his social media platform. And for the MAGA who havent been hit yet, the New York Times has some advice: Duck! Because unless Trump folds in his trade wars, his tariffs which even the Wall Street Journal calls the dumbest in history, will have a boomerang effect as other countries retaliate. And that boomerang is going to hit Trump voters the hardest. According to the Times: China has targeted corn farmers and carmakers. Canada has put tariffs on poultry plants and air-conditioning manufacturers, while Europe will hit American steel mills and slaughter houses. Since Mr. Trump ordered steep levies on some of Americas largest trading partners in February and March, other countries have begun imposing their own tariffs on American exports in an attempt to put pressure on the president to relent. The retaliatory tariffs have been carefully designed to hit Mr. Trump where it hurts: Nearly 8 million Americans work in industries targeted by the levies and the majority are Trump voters, a New York Times analysis shows. Some of those voters told the Wall Street Journal that theyre behind Trumps economic vision, even though the stock market and their retirement fund have been battered in Trumps first six weeks. Voters who resisted former President Joe Biden, who gave the U.S. the strongest economy in the world, near full employment and a roaring stock market, are now preaching a stay-the-course sermon, because its their guy. Hes doing some hard work, some things that are very difficult for people to understand and difficult for people to accept, physician Patrick Williams of Louisville, Ky., told the Journal. But itll be to our long-term benefit. Meanwhile, the Times says Kentucky is in the tariff crosshairs, along with other states that Trump carried in the November election. The retaliatory tariffs target industries employing 9.5 percent of people in Wisconsin, 8.5 percent of people in Indiana and 8.4 percent of people in Iowa. The shares are also relatively high in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Kansas. As a doctor, Williams likely wont feel the tariffs professionally, but if Trump and Elon Musk hack the heart out of Medicaid and Medicare, along with Social Security, doctors like Williams might have a different outlook. A change of opinion, though, on Trump? Probably not. 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. JAKARTA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia will host the 19th high-level parliamentary meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states in May, the state-run news agency Antara reported on Saturday, quoting lawmaker Mardani Ali Sera. "We must build institutional strength and good governance in each of our countries. Because if good governance is running, the institutions are strong, then we will become a country that does not need to depend on others," said Sera, chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency of Indonesia's House of Representatives. Themed "Good Governance and Strong Institutions," the event will be held in Jakarta on May 12-15. ISLAMABAD, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and five others were injured in an explosion targeting a police vehicle in Quetta, the capital city of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, on Saturday night, officials said. The incident took place at around 9:00 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) when an anti-terrorism force mobile unit was passing through the area, sources from Quetta police told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. "Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion was caused by a roadside-fitted remote-controlled improvised explosive device, though a conclusive statement about the nature of the blast is awaited yet," the sources added. The injured policemen were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, and security forces have cordoned off the area while an investigation is underway. No group has claimed the attack yet. Grand Calumet Bikes is peddling into Miller Beach just after a new trail was extended along Lake Street from the South Shore Line station to the beach. The new bike shop will offer bicycle sales, repairs and rentals in a former barbershop at 436 S. Lake St. Its tucked between Clutch Bagels and Vibrations, which owner Stephen Haslag said could serve as a waiting room for people waiting on repairs. The Miller resident is an avid cyclist who wants to encourage more people to bike. Having a trail to the lake is nice, he said. Having a bike shop in the area will get more people out on bikes because now if they have a flat tire, theyll be able to do something about it. I just want the people of Miller to enjoy the fun and freedom of riding bikes. Located near the Grand Calumet River that flows through the nearby Miller Woods, the Grand Calumet Bike Shop will stock cruisers, single speed bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes and commuter bikes. It will stock brands like Linus, Brooklyn and Kona. It will offer full-service repairs, such as fixing flats and adjusting brakes. It will rent out bikes for $5 an hour or $50 a day, serving mainly the tourists who flock to the neighborhood in the summer beach season. I took up biking because I saw it as a path to getting around easily, Haslag said. I started doing my own repairs because I have a pretty mechanical mindset. Its an economic and healthy way of getting around. He expects the bike shop will be particularly popular when the Marquette Greenway between Chicago and New Buffalo is finished, because there are not currently many spots along the trail to rent bikes or get bikes fixed. \ For more information, call 219-487-5038, visit grandcalumetbikes.com or find the business on Instagram. Open Namaste. Ebb & Flow Yoga is opening a new studio in downtown Chesterton. The Duneland Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. April 3. It will be followed by a free yoga class at 6 p.m. The business aims to lead yoga classes in a warm and inclusive setting. "Our mission at Ebb & Flow is to create a welcoming environment for all, whether it's your first yoga class or you've been practicing for years," owner and co-founder Gina Laureys said. "We want people to feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. We offer a variety of classes, whether you're seeking relaxation or movement. We're excited to be located in downtown Chesterton, hopefully offering a convenient location for people to experience yoga." For more information, www.ebbflow.yoga/book-online. Open The new thrift store See Great Stuff is stocking second-hand finds in Highland. Occupying part of the former Gandhi Medical Center, the resale shop at 2727 Highway Ave. claims to offer an indoor garage sale like no other. It sells all its clothes for $7 or less and stocks thousands of items for a fraction of the retail cost. Owner Heather Laredo is a nurse who previously ran the Running or Not Shoes store. She started selling used items online as a side hustle to help put her kids through college, and it evolved into another brick-and-mortar shop. The store sells clothes, shoes, handbags and other accessories. Most are gently used but it also carries new items from liquidation pallets. Its open by appointment and on select days. For more information, visit www.seegreatstuff.com or email seegreatstuffnow@gmail.com. Reopening It will be Halloween night every night after the Hershey Super Sweet Adventure reopens on March 21 at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. The iconic candy manufacturer partnered with Original X Productions to create the special exhibit that focuses on some of the best-known and most beloved candy brands in the United States. It's a colorful, Willy Wonka-like candyland on the Magnificent Mile in which kids and adults can learn more about how classic Hershey candies are made. Visitors can take part in interactive activities and games that focus on Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's Kisses, Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers and other confections. Immersive environments are meant to "unlock the wonder" Behind Hersey candies. The exhibit is story-driven, positioning visitors as "Sweet Seekers in Training" as they take part in hands-on challenges like twisting Twizzlers or coming up with the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. It features timed entry so should be booked in advance. It hosts birthday parties and also has a retail store in which people can buy Hershey's products and customize their own Hershey's wrappers on Hershey's XL chocolate bars. Tickets start at $24.99 per person. For more information, visit www.HersheySuperSweetAdventure.com. Open Ollies opened a few months ago in south suburban Homewood. The discount retailer, which also has a location by Southlake Mall in Hobart, opened at 3043 183rd Street in Homewood next to Jewel-Osco. It sells a variety of goods like housewares, clothes, bedding supplies, bath products, toys, clothes, books, flooring and food. It claims to offer as much as 70% off by selling close-out merchandise other retailers were trying to liquidate. It took over a former Big Lots and is taking over former Big Lots nationwide. It claims to be Americas largest retailer of excess inventory with more than 550 semi-lovely locations nationwide. Open The Pride of Dyer opened right on the state line on U.S. 30, taking over a convenience store portion of a BP gas station. The new convenience store at 3 Joliet St. has a coffee shop, snacks and grab-and-go sandwiches. It offers freeze drinks, a BMO Harris ATM, Amazon lockers, a car wash, free air for the tires and free vacuums for the vehicle interiors. It has an extensive selection of beer and wine. Its part of the Pride Stores chain that has around 18 locations around Chicagoland. Its the chains first Northwest Indiana location. Open 1st Source Bank opened a new branch in Winamac. The South Bend-based bank established a new full-service office at 110 N. Market St. with side-by-side banking in which clients are invited past the teller line. The idea is to provide the banks customers with a more transparent and inclusive experience. The new bank features a drive-through and a 24-hour ATM. Its located across the street from the Pulaski County Courthouse next to the historic Vurpillats Opera House. Open Franciscan Health Olympia Fields just opened new outpatient therapy services at 18410 Governors Highway in Homewood. Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Homewood offers physical, occupational and speech therapy. The clinic features seven private treatment rooms, a sensory playroom and a gym. It specializes in pediatric therapy for developmental delays, neurological conditions and orthopedics, offering services like sensory treatment and speech therapy. Our therapists provide personalized care tailored to the childs specific needs, all while using a wide range of specialized equipment and techniques, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Director of Rehab Services Laurie Shellito said. Ukrainian forces have pulled almost entirely out of the Kursk region of Russia, ending an offensive that had stunned the Kremlin last summer with its speed and audacity. Ukrainian soldiers at the front described a retreat that was organized in places and chaotic in others, as Russian forces stormed through their lines and forced them back to a sliver of land along the border. By the time one Ukrainian assault platoon retreated from its position less than a week ago, all their vehicles had been destroyed, drones hunted them night and day and they were almost out of ammunition. Russian forces were closing in from all directions, said the platoons commander, prompting our retreat. Trade War Retaliation Will Hit Trump Voters Hardest The counties where tariffs could hit jobs, by presidential vote winner 2024 winner Share of jobs in industries targeted by tariffs Trump Harris 1% 5% 10% 20% Ala. Ariz. Ark. Calif. Colo. Del. Fla. Ga. Idaho Ill. Ind. Iowa Kan. Ky. La. Maine Md. Mass. Mich. Minn. Miss. Mo. Mont. Neb. Nev. N.H. N.J. N.M. N.Y. N.C. N.D. Ohio Okla. Ore. Pa. S.C. S.D. Tenn. Texas Utah Vt. Va. Wash. W.Va. Wis. Wyo. + Source: New York Times analysis of data from Lightcast and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Note: Vote results are for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Data not available for Alaska. As President Trump imposes tariffs on products from countries around the world, foreign governments are answering back with tariffs of their own. China has targeted corn farmers and carmakers. Canada has put tariffs on poultry plants and air-conditioning manufacturers, while Europe will hit American steel mills and slaughter houses. The retaliatory tariffs are an attempt to put pressure on the president to relent. And they have been carefully designed to hit Mr. Trump where it hurts: Nearly 8 million Americans work in industries targeted by the levies and the majority are Trump voters, a New York Times analysis shows. The figures underscore the dramatic impact that a trade war could have on American workers, potentially causing Mr. Trumps economic strategy to backfire. Mr. Trump has argued that tariffs will help boost American jobs. But economists say that retaliatory tariffs can cancel out that effect. Number of jobs affected by each countrys retaliatory tariffs China Canada European Union Harris counties Trump counties Harris counties Trump counties Harris counties Trump counties 468,000 1.1 million 2.8 million 3.7 million 2.5 million 3.7 million China Canada Harris counties Trump counties Harris counties Trump counties 468,000 1.1 million 2.8 million 3.7 million European Union Harris counties Trump counties 2.5 million 3.7 million China Harris counties 468,000 Trump counties 1.1 million Canada Harris counties 2.8 million Trump counties 3.7 million European Union Harris counties 2.5 million Trump counties 3.7 million Source: New York Times analysis of data from Lightcast and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Note: Industries were targeted in more than one round and by more than one country, so there is overlap in the number of jobs affected. Note: Data not available for Alaska. The countermeasures are aimed at industries that employ roughly 7.75 million people across the United States. The bulk of those 4.48 million are in counties that voted for Mr. Trump in the last election, compared with 3.26 million jobs in counties that voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a calculation by The Times that included examining retaliatory tariffs on more than 4,000 product categories. These totals are the number of jobs in industries that foreign countries have targeted with their tariffs not the number of jobs that will actually be lost because of tariffs, which is likely to be significantly lower. But industries hit by retaliatory tariffs are likely to sell fewer goods on foreign markets, which may mean lower profits and job losses. The jobs that could be hit by retaliation are especially concentrated in pockets of the upper Midwest, South and Southeast, including many rural parts of the country that are responsible for producing agricultural goods. It also includes areas that produce coal, oil, car parts and other manufactured products. Robert Maxim, a fellow at the Brookings Metro, a Washington think tank that has done similar analysis, said that other countries had particularly targeted Trump-supporting regions and places where Trump would like to fashion himself as revitalizing the U.S. That includes smaller manufacturing communities in states like Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, as well as southern states like Kentucky and Georgia, he said. The message foreign countries are trying to send, he said, is, You think you can bully us, well, we can hurt you too. And by the way, we know where it really matters. Retaliation may also mean concentrated pain for some industries, like farming. In Mr. Trumps first term, American farmers a strong voting bloc for the president were targeted by China and other governments, which caused U.S. exports of soybeans and other crops to plummet. Chinese buyers shifted to purchasing more agricultural goods from nations like Argentina and Brazil instead, and U.S. farmers had a difficult time winning back those contracts in subsequent years. Mr. Trump tried to offset those losses by giving farmers more than $20 billion in payments to compensate for the pain of the trade war. One analysis published last year by economists at M.I.T., the World Bank and elsewhere found that retaliatory tariffs imposed on the United States during Mr. Trumps first term had a negative effect on U.S. jobs, outweighing any benefit to employment from Mr. Trumps tariffs on foreign goods or from the subsidies Mr. Trump provided to those hurt by his trade policies. The net effect on American employment of U.S. tariffs, foreign tariffs and subsidies was at best a wash, and it may have been mildly negative, the economists concluded. Rural parts of the country are once again at risk from retaliation. Agriculture is a major U.S. export and farmers are politically important to Mr. Trump. And rural counties may have one major employer like a poultry processing plant that provides a big share of the countys jobs, compared with urban or suburban areas that are more diversified. The retaliatory tariffs target industries employing 9.5 percent of people in Wisconsin, 8.5 percent of people in Indiana and 8.4 percent of people in Iowa. The shares are also relatively high in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Kansas. Share of jobs in targeted industries in each state State Share of all jobs Est. Jobs affected Share of jobs by Harris or Trump vote Wisconsin Wis. 9.5% 298,600 23% 77% Indiana Ind. 8.5% 289,900 16% 84% Iowa Iowa 8.4% 146,500 27% 73% Arkansas Ark. 8.2% 115,800 12% 88% Alabama Ala. 8.1% 186,800 19% 81% Mississippi Miss. 8.0% 101,600 11% 89% Kentucky Ky. 7.6% 167,500 29% 71% Kansas Kan. 7.0% 113,200 27% 73% Michigan Mich. 6.8% 319,300 47% 53% Tennessee Tenn. 6.5% 231,500 16% 84% Ohio Ohio 6.3% 366,800 33% 67% South Carolina S.C. 6.2% 152,500 20% 80% West Virginia W.Va. 6.1% 44,800 >95% Minnesota Minn. 6.0% 188,300 43% 57% Missouri Mo. 5.9% 170,100 28% 72% Georgia Ga. 5.7% 301,500 39% 61% Nebraska Neb. 5.7% 63,800 31% 69% South Dakota S.D. 5.6% 29,800 >95% Maine Maine 5.5% 39,500 63% 37% Pennsylvania Pa. 5.5% 347,100 28% 72% Vermont Vt. 5.4% 18,600 93% Idaho Idaho 5.3% 51,100 >95% North Carolina N.C. 5.3% 281,300 37% 63% Illinois Ill. 5.2% 334,600 72% 28% Rhode Island R.I. 5.1% 27,500 >95% Connecticut Conn. 5.0% 75,300 81% 19% North Dakota N.D. 5.0% 24,400 >95% Washington Wash. 4.9% 194,900 75% 25% Oklahoma Okla. 4.8% 91,500 >95% Oregon Ore. 4.7% 103,300 61% 39% Alaska Alaska 4.6% 17,400 No data available New Hampshire N.H. 4.5% 32,500 58% 42% Utah Utah 4.3% 81,400 38% 62% Wyoming Wyo. 4.1% 13,000 >95% Texas Texas 4.0% 606,400 44% 56% Louisiana La. 4.0% 85,100 18% 82% Virginia Va. 3.8% 168,600 55% 45% California Calif. 3.6% 730,200 77% 23% Delaware Del. 3.6% 18,400 49% 51% New Jersey N.J. 3.4% 151,200 68% 32% Montana Mont. 3.1% 18,100 29% 71% Colorado Colo. 3.0% 97,300 67% 33% Arizona Ariz. 3.0% 104,400 13% 87% Nevada Nev. 2.9% 49,400 63% 37% Massachusetts Mass. 2.9% 115,800 >95% Florida Fla. 2.3% 247,300 24% 76% New Mexico N.M. 2.3% 22,200 59% 41% Maryland Md. 2.2% 64,800 63% 37% New York N.Y. 1.8% 281,000 61% 39% Hawaii Hawaii 1.2% 8,900 >95% Show 40 more rows + Source: New York Times analysis of data from Lightcast and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. The New York Times In an address to Congress earlier this month, Mr. Trump implied that farmers could be hit again, saying there may be an adjustment period as he put tariffs in place on foreign products. There may be a little disturbance, he said. We are OK with that. It wont be much. Mr. Trump said he had told farmers in his first term to Just bear with me, and they did. They did. Probably have to bear with me again, he said. Mark Muro, a senior fellow at Brookings Metro, said that many of the counties affected by retaliation were rural, and hard red territory. The geography of Mr. Trumps political support, he said, was no secret to our trade partners. Theyre very cognizant of these industries, the geography of these industries, and how American politics work, he added. 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. WELLINGTON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and India have agreed to start negotiations on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in April after a meeting between trade ministers of the two countries on Sunday. "This announcement is a major breakthrough in the economic relationship between India and New Zealand," said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, following extensive discussions in New Delhi between New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal. India holds significant potential for New Zealand and will play a pivotal role in doubling New Zealand's exports by value over the next decade, Luxon said. McClay said that alongside trade agreement negotiations, New Zealand will continue to invest in stronger, deeper, more sustainable connections with India across all pillars of the relationship. 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 Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. The coverups get bigger although science moves forward in Aiken. Aiken had a power outage, I expected water main breaks based on my scientific research, and sure enough there were two near-simultaneous breaks. When I went to one of the water main-break sites, workers were very cooperative at first, but the situation changed. I was blocked from seeing water main damage, and I heard one worker say 'Do you want me to beat him up'. Following the breaks, I sent a letter to the City Manager and the Mayor, titled 'A very brief summary of all of my talks and all of emails [to Aiken staff]. The body of that email simply stated, 'I am standing strong for what I believe to be right'. Let me tell a story of how I worked to understand new science while I fought the government of my city to improve my city of Aiken. My Research on Power Outage Water Hammers and Breaks As part of 78 interrelated publications that include two engineering books, I proved that there are several different water hammer-pressure surge types that destroy water mains. One of the largest pressure surges occurs following power outages and subsequent pump startups. Without discussing the details of Figure 1 in this Op Ed, the largest and most damaging pressure surge in this simplified water main system bangs through this 100-psi operating pressure water main model, where the maximum predicted pressure surge is well above 500 psi (pounds per square inch). Figure 1. Pressure surges due to pump restarts ('The CDC Should Stop Drinking-Water Dangers - Stop E. Coli and Listeria Disease Outbreaks and Lead and Copper Poisonings!'). (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA New Findings in Aiken Pressures due to pump restarts have been modeled and experimentally tested, and the dangers of pump startups to water mains were further proven by recent events. Per the Aiken Engineering Director, the Aiken water supply operating pressure is coincidentally 100 psi like Figure 1. Although Figure 1 does not represent Aiken, the large, calculated pressures indicate the potential for major over-pressurization during power outage processes. On March 10, there was a two-to-three-minute power outage about 3:30 in the afternoon, as the building went dark in my doctor's office. I expected possible water main breaks due to this pump restart, and I looked for boil water notices and water main breaks on the Aiken city website. The following morning on March 11th, the city of Aiken reported two water-main breaks ("City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Water Main Break Advisory Notice[s]", click here and click here). This sequence of events provides confirmation of my earlier scientific conclusions concerning water hammer pressures during power losses. When power is lost, pumps stop, water exits the system, and vapor pockets form at high points in the water system. When the power restarts, the pump starts, and the vapor pockets slam shut to create excessive pressures. That is, this additional proof of power outage water hammers nails down the need to stop water hammers in Aiken and every other city in the world. Both breaks were located downhill from localized high points in the piping. When pressure surges formed at the high points, shock waves from these high pressures slammed through the piping to crack pipes at weaknesses in nearby piping. In other words, there were two simultaneous water main breaks due to a short power outage - and subsequent pump startup - due to a return of power in two to three minutes. Figure 2. Huntsman Drive water main break excavation prior to Caution tape installation, while access to view the hole was possible. (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA Figure 3. Polyvinyl chloride pipe crack due to water hammers. (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA Figure 4. Second section of cracked pipe removed from the excavation at Huntsman. (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA A Brief Investigation of The Huntsman Water Main Break [On] March 11th, I visited both water main break sites. One site was on Huntsman Drive, and I walked up to within a few feet of the excavation that workers were digging (Figure 2). When the first cracked pipe was removed, I was allowed to handle the pipe and photograph the cracks in the pipe (Figure 3). At that time, I informed one staff member that I was an engineer and that I was there to stop Aiken water main breaks. Later, while I was standing about 10 feet from the hole, I was asked to move another 10 feet, or so, away from the hole, and a yellow Caution tape, or ribbon, was erected that kept me away from the excavation. I then sat in my car with the windows down, the engine turned off, and the radio turned off. Since there were eight or more workers present at different locations, I did not know who made the comment, but I clearly heard the comment 'Do you want me to beat him up'. I was very uncomfortable, but I refused to leave in fear. I was not allowed to handle the second pipe that was removed, but I was able to photograph it (Figure 4). I later left for lunch and came back when I requested part of the broken pipe to further investigate these water-main failures. My request was refused. I sent emails to the Mayor of Aiken and asked her to make the cracked pipes available before the pipes were thrown in the trash. I explained that I wanted to use an electron microscope - at my cost - to scientifically investigate how some of the Aiken water mains are breaking. She did not respond, and I have not been allowed to inspect failed pipes as a concerned Aiken citizen. Apparently, the city of Aiken is even preventing my limited water main-failure investigation at my own costs and on my own time. The blockade of free information goes to further a coverup by the city of Aiken. Figure 5. Huntsman water main break excavation after Caution tape was installation. (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA A Briefer Investigation of the Huntcliff Water Main Break Later on March 11th, I visited the water main break site at Huntcliff Plaza and Huntcliff Trace while the excavation was being dug. I recognized some of the workers from the Huntsman site, where workers apparently dug one excavation at a time. Caution tape was not installed when I arrived. A workman approached my car, and I was concerned for my safety. Based on the 'beat him up' threat, I was concerned that I would be punched in the face when I opened my car window. However, I was only asked to move my car before I could take photos. I was told that he was did not want my car to be hit, but my car was safely located in the grass off of the road. While I moved my car, Caution tape was installed that blocked my view into the excavation (Figure 5). Then, there was little to see, so I left the site. When I arrived home, I wrote down this threat into the first draft of this Op Ed. Old Science in Aiken Near the Huntcliff break, a valve handle was installed onto hook onto an underground valve in the pipe to shut down the leak (Figure 6). When such a quarter-turn valve is closed, a water hammer shock wave can break the pipes somewhere else. This water main breaking action was not a new discovery, since this type of water hammer has been known for more than a century. A Third Water Main Break A third Aiken water main break occurred on March 14th - a few days after the power outage water hammer event. This break may well have been a slower leak due to the power outage hammer. However, the stonewalling of information from Aiken citizens by Aiken staff prevented any investigation on my part. A Coverup History My fight with Aiken government to stop water main breaks has been fraught with six years of defeats ("Money is Gone in My Home Town of Aiken, and the Water Main Breaks Keep on Coming"). After meeting with the Mayor of Aiken on March 7, 2025 to discuss my concerns, I spoke at the City Council meeting to once again request a meeting to fairly consider my offer to work with them to stop Aiken water main breaks. My request was met with silence. To document this request, the following email was sent to the Mayor and all City Council members and was updated and summarized from my other publications. 'Stop Aiken Water Main Breaks - Second City Council Workshop Request, 3/10/2025 Will I be allowed to present the facts at a second City Council Workshop to defend my reputation against false claims by [the City Manager], counter false claims about our water system by [the City Manager], and challenge the mistake of continuing to break our water mains? [The City Manager's] recommendations to keep on breaking Aiken water mains were based on false statements that he made to the Mayor and City Council members during my first City Council Workshop. I summed up the falsehoods in the following 3-minute speech to the City Council this evening (click here). We still can work together to stop Aiken water main breaks. Aiken City Council Meeting, March 10, 2025, Minute marker, 12:39 'Good Evening. I am Dr. Robert A. Leishear of Leishear Engineering, LLC on the south side of Aiken. Harming our people, Aiken chooses to destroy our water mains, which supply our drinking water, water for businesses, water for hospitals, and water to stop fires. In January, I met with Aiken officials in a city council Workshop to talk about how we can stop our water main breaks. Aiken staff stated that half of last year's water main breaks were caused by contractors while digging, where this rate of failures is estimated at more than 22 times the national average. The other [23-24] breaks were preeminently caused by water hammers, which are primarily caused by operations of pumps, fire hydrants and valves. Note that a concise history of water main breaks and resultant costs are unavailable, where Aiken staff refused to answer many emails. As a world-class water hammer and water main break expert, I have repeatedly offered my services without cost to Aiken. Aiken declined my most recent offer to pursue government grants of more than $1.2 million, stating that water main breaks are being addressed - nonsense. As a matter of fact, a February city council meeting Agenda requested $625,000 to hire contractors, since 'failure outpaces the ability to repair and replace those failures'. That is, water mains are breaking so fast that Aiken workers cannot keep up with fixing this incessant breaking of water mains in Aiken. For over six years, Aiken staff have been waiting to see if they will fix our water main breaks. Aiken has failed miserably to stop our water main breaks - just read the papers. Aiken has spent untold millions of dollars on our water system. Unless actions are taken, our water mains will keep on breaking, will continue to threaten our health, and the number of breaks will increase as Aiken destroys our water system. Aiken officials sweep away my offers to Aiken through a cover up, or concealment of facts, where preventable water-main breaks will continue, based on false statements and errant practices of Aiken staff. In our Workshop, deceptive and misleading information was provided by city staff to the Mayor and Council that thwarts my legitimate efforts to stop breaking water mains. False technical information was provided. Additionally, false statements were made against my character by falsely stating that I claimed in meetings that I could stop all Aiken water main breaks and that my false statements were those of a salesman. I never said any such thing in meetings with Aiken staff. [Clarification: I have never provided any statement that I would 'stop all of them']. I believe that this false claim smeared my character and my company. My request was refused to provide a second city council Workshop presentation to correct these falsehoods and defend my reputation. A second Workshop is still warranted for government transparency, and I request that opportunity. In short, my offer as a free consultant to Aiken - with unparalleled qualifications to stop water-main breaks - was turned down. Nobody has explained why free money and services to improve Aiken have been thrown away. What is going on in the backrooms of Aiken government? [The Mayor of Aiken] graciously agreed to talk about these concerns in March, and we may, or may not, work to stop water main breaks someday but not in the foreseeable future. Together, we can stop our water main breaks. Thank you for your time'. No responses were received to this request at the Council meeting. The Definition and Actions of a Coverup Per Merriam Webster, a coverup is defined as ''a device or stratagem for masking or concealing'. In our first, and maybe only, Workshop ("Aiken Water Main Breaks Can Be Stopped", click here). 1) My character was attacked. The first sentence of my website (.leishearengineeringllc.com/) states that 'There are a cost for doing the right thing, but regret is not one of those costs. Ethics and honesty are extremely important to me, and I even wrote a journal article on my fight to be honest and ethical in the business world ("The Price of Engineering Ethics, A Personal Story", click here). I vehemently resent the claim that I made false claims as 'sales talk' to city staff. An audio of this Workshop is available (Request Number: 55-2025, requested by Donald Moniak of Eureka Research). 2) A statement was made by Aiken staff that tree roots are breaking the mains, where water hammer is certainly the dominant cause of failures. The proof of this statement is provided in a draft of a second Workshop presentation ("I Have the Right to Fight Against Aiken Water Main Breaks", click here). 3) A statement was made by Aiken staff that we do not know the cause of water main breaks. This Op Ed and many peer-reviewed publications prove otherwise. 4) A statement was made [by the City Manager] that pipes fail because they are old, and I was even asked to confirm this opinion after I clearly stated that pipes do not fail because they are old. Note that if this opinion was true, many skyscrapers in the world would be in jeopardy. 5) Aiken was stated to be 'addressing' water main breaks, which is certainly false. Ongoing refusals to permit a second City Council Workshop endorses all of these false statements. I do not know the intent for these false claims - and I make no such claims to know intent - but the end results are that facts have been concealed, which constitutes a coverup by the definition provided here. Damages to Aiken People In addition to extensive repair and replacement costs due to water-main breaks, there are health risks. My publications prove that E.coli, Listeria and Legionella illnesses and deaths can result from cracks in water mains due to water hammers, where infections can enter mains through these cracks. Myriad existing cracks are known to be present in water mains, as evidenced by known water losses from water supplies. When I privately met with the Mayor of Aiken on March 7, 2025, I told her that my driving interest in saving Aiken water mains is for Aiken to serve as a model city to stop water mains in every U.S city and other cities around the world, since we all share the water main-break disaster. Oddly enough, I gave my "Stop Aiken Water Main Breaks" City Council speech on the same night of the two water-main breaks that are discussed in this Op Ed. Sad that proven technology meets with such harsh resistance at the expense of people. A Fight with Aiken This Op Ed and referenced documents clearly prove that there is a water main-break problem that needs to be fixed and that I have the skills to do so. This fight with Aiken has gone on for more than six years. Following a recent series of emails, the City Manager responded with his first written response in over six years, and he raised concerns that I did not here in earlier meetings and did not sound like anything that we discussed in those meetings - looks like fiction to me. My written presentation did not claim to be able to stop all water main breaks, and staff members stated that they were going to 'wait and see' if their spent millions of dollars would affect water main breaks. Their new information only served to smear my character in front of the public and politicians. I provided a rebuttal to him, and cc'd the Aiken Mayor and the Aiken Engineering Director. Both of these letters follow. City Manager Response 'I am replying to... multiple emails you have sent to Council members and [the Mayor] that have been forwarded to me. You have made multiple pitches to staff, former elected officials, current elected officials and me. I vividly remember our meeting when you said your hiring... would result in no more water main breaks. Such absolutist rhetoric made years ago by you about a system that has been continuously constructed for over a century continues to resound in a most negative way to me. In addition, your grandstanding comments cast unwarranted suspicion on our water system. There is no coverup... I simply fail to see how your approach and manner can lead to desired outcomes for the City. Therefore, my unequivocal recommendation to City Council is we neither want nor need your assistance at this time and no further formal presentation from you is warranted'. R. A. Leishear Rebuttal to the City Manager 'You and I have strong disagreements, but we could still work together to stop Aiken water-main breaks. I sincerely believe that your recommendation to the city is a mistake that hurts our city. You have again made more false statements. When opponents of scientific principles do not have any technical basis to refute those principles, they sometimes resort to personal attacks. I believe that may be the case with your response to my concerns about Aiken water main breaks and my request to stop breaks. There is very little correct information in your response. Why do you persist in falsely attacking my character? I stated to you, the City Council, and the Mayor that I never made comments that there would be 'no more water main breaks', and you persist with false, derogatory comments like "absolutist rhetoric". I never stated that I could stop all water main breaks, and I have the original, time-dated presentations to prove this opinion. These two presentations were downloaded by Aiken staff and stated that 'nearly all' or 'most' water-main breaks can be stopped. I still believe these statements to be true - except for contractor damages - since this fact has been proven to be true for Savannah River Site piping systems and other facility systems. Your claim that I did not agree with my own presentations does not make sense. Why would I provide a presentation and then conclude something different than what I presented, where I do not now, nor have I ever, believed that all water main breaks can be stopped. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, maybe you heard me say that Aiken water main breaks can be stopped, and you misinterpreted that I said 'all' Aiken water main breaks can be stopped. As the issue stands, I vehemently disagree with your comments that I made such false statements to you as a salesman. I believe that you owe me an apology. If your only claim to refuse my offer is my rhetoric, then you have no apparent justification to prevent me from working with your staff to stop the breaks. You have provided no other explanation for your refusal to stop the breaks. All that you have provided are unfounded attacks against my character' I asked to defend my character against false accusations and correct other false technical statements in a second City Council Workshop. Your misrepresentation of facts is the 'negative' part of our communications. What you call grandstanding is what I call facts, where these facts are based on decades of voluntary research. I live here, I have worked on piping failures for decades, I earned three graduate degrees to study piping failures, and I care about stopping water-main breaks. Why do you object to outside help to fix Aiken problems, where you have not been able to stop these problems? Using my approach simply replaces ongoing failure with success. Also, note the following: [1] You declined [a] 2018 offer and stated that you will wait and see how system changes affected water main-break prevention. I believe that you have failed - our water mains are still breaking. 2] When we met in 2023, I offered to pursue a grant to pay for Aiken water main-break prevention, and I offered to tentatively give $200,000 of those potential funds to Aiken to cover any required support costs. You then refused to respond to my offer and refused to answer any emails. Wages would be dictated by government grant requirements. [3] In 2025, I again offered to pursue a grant, and I reduced that tentative offer to $100,000 for Aiken support. [4] For years, I have written a series of Letters to the Editor of the Aiken Standard to oppose practices that I believe to be faulty and to oppose those practices that I believe to damage our water system. [5] To clarify my contention that there is a coverup in Aiken concerning water main breaks, I have written' 'an Op Ed to fight against your opinions and the decision to accept water main breaks in our city...' My 'manner' is to present facts to stop Aiken water main breaks, which you "fail to see". If I had been approved to present a second City Council Workshop presentation, I would have asked the Mayor and City Council to override your recommendations. My offer may have still been turned down, but at least the facts would be considered.' In my opinion, the City Manager sabotages my efforts to stop Aiken water main breaks. This Op Ed is aimed toward the Mayor and City Council to sway their opinions to stop water main breaks, and this Op Ed also documents the hurdles to be faced when standing up to government officials for the public good. Aiken keeps on raking in the money from problems that can be fixed, where recently reported efforts by Aiken to reduce fire hydrant hammers seem to have reduced breaks by only about 5 percent since August, 2022 (Figure 7). Additionally, numerous piping leaks occur in Aiken, where water hammer is a primary cause for leaks (Figure 8). As I say over and over, water main breaks can be stopped. What's Next Aiken water mains will be destroyed and health will suffer. I cannot make other people do the right thing. For me, I am writing two books, scheduled to be published in 2025. One book is highly technical to present state of the art for water hammer research, and is being written for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers ("The Fluid Transient Disaster, Water Hammers and Gas Hammers"). The other book is more political and concerns many industrial coverups that threaten our lives, environment and finances ("Industrial Murder for Profit in the Oil, Gas, Water, and Nuclear Industries, click here ). Aiken can be a good case study for this book. The Mayor of Aiken and the City Manager did not respond to requests for comments to a draft of this Op Ed. Addendum: Background of False Claims To now stand against false claims by the City Manager, note that my half-hour 2018 and 2023 presentations were written during a period of about 24 hours each to ensure clarity and accuracy. That is, my presentations were very carefully written and crafted to ensure that I was not misquoted or misunderstood, and the City Manager misquoted my written presentation anyway (Figure 9). In my engineering experience with promoting scientific research in a business environment, such research is frequently countered by personal attacks when an opposing opinion has little technical basis. The mayor of Aiken lets these accusations stand and allows water main breaks to continue. Looks like this case is closed for my town. Figure 9. Proof of my statements during previous Aiken meetings, where these slides have been misquoted when attacking my character. (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA Aiken is Done I wrote a Letter to the Editor of the Aiken Standard (click here), stating that: 'The city of Aiken has thrown away an opportunity to stop our water main breaks and reduce tax burdens and health hazards. I have lost my fight with our city to stop water main breaks. However, the losers in this fight are the residents of Aiken. The City of Aiken chooses to destroy our water mains, which supply our drinking water, water for businesses, and water to stop fires. Our mains keep on breaking'. '[T]he city council and also the city manager has deemed that we are not going forward with your plan at this time.' 'I don't have any support from the public or the city council '. The Mayor of Aiken responded that: I find it incredible to believe that the public, or residents, in Aiken do not support the prevention of water main breaks. I responded to the Mayor and City Council and cc'ed the City Manager and Engineering Director that: 'Having dismissed the opportunity to stop Aiken water main breaks, you are now breaking our water mains. [The City Manager] had no justifiable reason to falsely attack my character and keep the water main breaks going. He deceived you, and you chose lockstep to block the truth. You have executed a serious mistake against the people of Aiken'. I received no response. (Article changed on Mar 21, 2025 at 8:59 AM EDT) Technically, it wasnt Jade Careys final gymnastics meet at Gill Coliseum. But the two-time Olympic gold medalist made sure Senior Day was something special. Carey set a career and school record in all-around and posted a pair of perfect 10s as Oregon State rolled to a season-best score of 197.700 Saturday in a dual meet win over Air Force. Performing before a Gill Coliseum record crowd of 9,042, Carey scored 10s on balance beam and floor exercise, and 39.925 in all-around. Careys all-around total was .075 from perfect. Only one college gymnast has scored a 40.00, Georgias Karin Lichey in 1996. Carey, a senior, scored 9.975 on uneven bars and 9.95 on vault. Careys all-around score is a national best this season. Careys 10 on beam is the second perfect score this season in that event nationally, and fifth 10 on floor. Oregon State honored nine gymnasts on Senior Day. The Beavers have one home meet remaining this season, against Fisk next Friday. That meet was added to the schedule in January, after Senior Day had previously been scheduled. Here is more on Saturdays meet. --Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel | @nickdaschel.bsky.social | Subscribe to The Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. A 35-year-old Nevada man who was training to become a truck driver was sentenced to prison for slashing his instructor with a box knife at an Albany-area truck stop. Jaylon Marquise Gatlin, a Las Vegas resident, was charged with felony counts of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon in December 2023. Authorities said the instructor suffered serious cuts to his thigh and arm, requiring more than two-dozen stitches between two wounds. In a statement read by Prosecutor Douglas Prince, the victim said he is still affected physically and mentally by the assault, as well as financially. I used to be very outgoing and ambitious. Now, its as if Im dragging myself along. My concerns for safety have really broadened, he wrote. I have flashbacks, cold sweats, nightmares and generally shy away from people. Truthfully, Id like some time for the young man in prison to get to read the Bible and get to know God. I know this young man has a family, and its important that he be there. Because of the assault, the instructor, a California resident at the time of the assault, said he missed more than six months of work and lost nearly $35,000 in wages. That was on top of costs for doctors and psychologists, he said, to address his great anxiety and severe depression. Gatlin pleaded no contest to attempted second-degree assault in January. Under a plea agreement, the unlawful weapon use charge was dismissed. Calling the attack egregious, Judge Keith Stein on Wednesday, March 12, sentenced Gatlin to six years in prison. Given an opportunity to address the court, Gatlin apologized and said he never intended to hurt anyone. He was just trying to better his life. I do wish I could take it back, Gatlin said. It was one of the worst days of my life. Law enforcement was dispatched to the incident at the EZ Trip Travel Plaza on Highway 34 on a Sunday morning around 10:30 a.m. after Gatlin and the instructor both called 911. The victim told dispatch he was locked in the cab of a semi, and Gatlin was trying to get in, according to an affidavit. A Linn County Sheriffs deputy arrived and detained Gatlin, finding a Husky-brand, folding box knife in his pocket. Gatlin told the deputy that he and the instructor work for Western Express, and he was training in a company-provided truck. During an argument over going to a store, Gatlin claimed the victim hit him in the back of the head and neck area. Gatlin said while his head was being held down, he grabbed for anything he could use to defend himself, finding the box knife near the trucks center console. Gatlin described being in survival mode, swinging his arms around behind him before being pushed out of the cab. He tried to get back inside and noticed a cut on his instructors left leg. The victim was taken to Lebanon Community Hospital, where he received 21 stitches for a large gash on the posterior of his left leg and another seven stitches for a deep cut on his left arm, the affidavit states. Interviewed later at the Sheriffs Office, the instructor said Gatlin was in the drivers seat and was trying to start driving. He took the key, but Gatlin tried using a second key to start the truck again. The victim reportedly grabbed for the second key, then opened the drivers side door and pushed Gatlin out, struggling but succeeding in closing the door. Thats when he realized he was cut, telling the deputy he did not see the box knife in Gatlins hand until after the door was closed. Gatlin still had the second key and kept trying to get in, so the victim had to hold the locks on both doors to keep Gatlin out, according to the affidavit. A witness said he saw Gatlin trying to get in the cab, and while partially in, he appeared to hit the victim repeatedly. The witness said he saw a knife fall to the ground when Gatlin was pushed out of the truck. ATHENS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Saturday welcomed Moody's upgrade of Greece's credit rating to investment grade, marking the final step in restoring the country's status across all three major international rating agencies. Moody's raised Greece's rating late on Friday from Ba1 to Baa3, citing a faster-than-expected improvement in public finances and greater resilience to future economic shocks. "Moody's upgrade of Greece to Baa3 marks the final step in restoring our investment grade by all major rating agencies, highlighting Greece's significant progress," Mitsotakis wrote on social media. "We remain fully committed to reforms that attract investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth," he added. In its statement, Moody's emphasized the government's improvement. "Public finances have improved more quickly than we had expected. Based on the government's policy stance, institutional improvements that are bearing fruit, and a stable political environment, we expect Greece to continue running substantial primary surpluses, which will steadily reduce its high debt burden," Moody's stated. Moody's was the last of the three major credit rating agencies to grant Greece an investment-grade rating. S&P and Fitch upgraded Greece's sovereign credit rating in October and December 2023, respectively. These upgrades, the first since Greece's debt crisis over a decade ago, reflect growing confidence in the country's economic recovery and fiscal reforms, helping to attract more investment and lower borrowing costs. According to Moody's, Greece's debt-to-GDP ratio has declined by nearly 50 percentage points since its peak in 2020. "We estimate that it stood at 156.1 percent of GDP at the end of 2024 and project that it will decline to 148.3 percent in 2025," Moody's added. Moreover, the agency highlighted improvements in Greece's banking sector, which further reduces the risk of financial instability and enhances the country's credit outlook. Two dozen law enforcement agencies in the Portland area have joined forces to watch out for drivers speeding, driving distracted or under the influence during the St. Patricks Day weekend. Agencies from Lake Oswego to Gresham to Washington County have partnered on the effort, which started on Friday night and stretches through Tuesday morning. Its no surprise that during holiday weekends comes alcohol and drug use, Portland Police crash team investigator Chase Fullington said at a Friday news conference. ... Our ultimate goal this weekend is preventing life altering and fatal crashes. Portland has seen a record high in fatal crashes in recent years, Fullington said. The Portland Bureau of Transportation recorded 69 fatal crashes in 2023, compared to an average of about 41 a year from 2015 to 2019. On Friday night, the agencies stopped 260 drivers, ticketed 172 and arrested 11 people. Seven of those arrests were for driving under the influence, the Portland Police Bureau said in a news alert. A similar collaboration last year resulted in 1,600 traffic stops, 950 citations and 75 arrests, according to the Portland Police bureau. The transportation bureau is offering discounts for taxi rides, Uber and Lyft as part of a Safe Ride Home campaign for the holiday weekend. Learn more about how to access those coupons here. A wombat walks at a wildlife sanctuary in Bendalong on the South Coast, of Australia in 2020. AP MELBOURNE, Australia An American influencer who sparked outrage after posting a video of her snatching a baby wombat from its mother while in Australia apologized on Saturday, saying she had acted out of concern for the young animals welfare. Australian authorities had threatened Sam Jones with deportation after she posted a video on her Instagram account of her running with a wombat joey in her hands from its mother on a roadside at night. I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me, Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, posted on social media. Strable grew up in Montana, she told a Wyoming news outlet in a 2023 interview. The snap judgement I made in these moments was never from a place of harm or stealing a joey, she added. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the video of the young wombat being grabbed was just an outrage. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said his department was investigating whether Jones had breached the terms of her visa before she left the country on Friday. Theres never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia, Burke said. Burke said he did not expect Jones would apply for an Australian visa again. The animal appears to be a common wombat, also known as a bare-nosed wombat. It is a protected marsupial found only in Australia. Montana-based Jones claimed she became extremely concerned when she found the two wombats on a road not moving. As wombats are so often hit on Australian roads, I stopped to ensure they got off the road safely and didnt get hit, Jones said. However, as is seen from the video, when I walked up to them, the joey did not move or run off. I was concerned it may have been sick or injured, and made a snap judgement to pick up the joey and see if that was the case, she added. An unidentified man laughs as he films Jones saying: I caught a baby wombat. They both note the mothers sounds of aggression. Animal welfare experts said Jones could have harmed the joey by dangling it by its two forelegs. Jones said she returned the joey to its mother and ensured they both left the road. I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realized that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have, she said. I have learned from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused, she added. Jones did not immediately respond Saturday to The Associated Presss questions, including where and when the baby wombat was captured. A wombat expert said the video revealed the joey had the skin disease mange and would die without treatment. - By Rod McGuirk, The Associated Press The construction of Frank Lloyd Wright's last project, "RiverRock," has reached completion and is now open for overnight rentals in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. (Sarah Dykstra/TNS) TNS The construction of Frank Lloyd Wrights last project, RiverRock, has reached completion and is now open for overnight rentals in Willoughby Hills. While internationally renowned for his flagship projects including Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Johnson Wax Co. headquarters in Wisconsin, The Ennis House in Los Angeles and the Guggenheim Museum in New York, Wright also created a design for smaller, more affordable residences called Usonian homes, such as The Gordon House in Oregon. RiverRock was Wrights final Usonian home blueprint, delivered in 1959. More than 60 years later, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built on the homesite as originally intended, following Wrights original plans while also meeting modern building code regulations. The construction of Frank Lloyd Wright's last project, "RiverRock," has reached completion and is now open for overnight rentals in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. (Sarah Dykstra/TNS) TNS The property, located at 2217 River Road, was purchased by Sarah Dykstra in 2018. The purchase included an existing 1955 Wright home called The Louis Penfield House, as well as the unbuilt Wright plan known as Project #5909 in the Taliesin Archives, Wrights office. The plans for what would eventually become RiverRock were created for the Penfield family as their existing Wright home was slated for demolition to make way for an interstate highway. The highway planning commission was able to move the road, ultimately saving the Penfield residence. In late 2022, Sarah and her mother, Debbie Dykstra, set out to build this last piece of history, Wrights final Usonian home plan #5909. Serving as general contractors, the Dykstras reviewed the plans with a handpicked team of architects and engineers who are also Wright enthusiasts. The quest was to build Wrights final design true to his plan, its intent and spirit while also ensuring that the home would meet current building regulations. The construction of Frank Lloyd Wright's last project, "RiverRock," has reached completion and is now open for overnight rentals in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. (Sarah Dykstra/TNS) TNS When we set out to build this home, we gave a mandate to the professional team involved: if you must change something due to current building regulations, code, products, etc., do so under the skin so the house will look exactly the same, said Sarah, owner and co-general contractor of RiverRock. The design and the artistic aspect of this home should remain the same as intended in 1959. We are thrilled our team of construction professionals delivered on this promise and are proud to present a beautiful 2025 build from Wrights 1959 plans. A hallmark of Wright plans feature placing the home or office building within its natural setting, using local materials to blend into the landscape. The plans for RiverRock required a large quantity of local stone to be used in the design, Sarah said. Penfield, original owner of the plans, built a small, stone structure in the 1960s to be used as his art studio. Near this structure, piles of additional stone were found by the Dykstras. The construction of Frank Lloyd Wright's last project, "RiverRock," has reached completion and is now open for overnight rentals in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. (Sarah Dykstra/TNS) TNS Additionally, through the discovery of old photos and discussions with Paul Penfield, Louiss son, the Dykstras learned this stone was harvested from the Chagrin River in the 1960s by Louis. With the intention of building #5909 from this harvested stone, Louis dubbed the house RiverRock. The Dykstras incorporated the same stone into the construction of the home. To emphasize the importance of this discovered rock, Sarah kept the RiverRock name. Wrights original plans for the home supplemental structural engineering drawings were submitted for review and permitting to the Willoughby Hills Building Department and Architectural Review Board, as well as the Lake County Building Department. Those plans were approved in June of 2023. Groundbreaking and construction commenced that October. Construction was completed last month. The construction of Frank Lloyd Wright's last project, "RiverRock," has reached completion and is now open for overnight rentals in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. (Sarah Dykstra/TNS) TNS The home is approximately 2,000 square feet and features heated floors, three bedrooms two queen bedrooms and one bedroom with two extra large twin beds one full bathroom, one bathroom with shower, full kitchen, a large glass-walled living room with expansive views of the property and a wood-burning fireplace. The unbuilt project from history came with a unique set of considerations and complications as the architect and his core team are long deceased, Sarah said. Key questions the construction team faced included what would Wright do, who can make interpretations from the original architect, what modifications must be made to meet modern building codes and how are those incorporated while preserving the master design. Another question raised was how will the new construction impact the legacy of the original architect. Wright did more than design structures, said Debbie, the co-general contractor. He created living works of art and dotted them into nature. We feel Wrights legacy has been both honored and broadened by the construction team. Our intention, by opening the home for overnight stays, is to allow guests to decide for themselves. We hope they see and feel what we do from RiverRock. 2025 The News-Herald (Willoughby, Ohio). Visit The News-Herald (Willoughby, Ohio) at www.news-herald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Trevor Murphy inspects an orange tree in one of his groves, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Sebring, Fla. Murphy, whose family has been growing oranges for generations, is hoping for a cure to citrus greening, a bacterial infection that together with other factors has decimated the industry. AP As Trevor Murphy pulls up to his dads 20-acre grove in one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, he points to the cookie-cutter, one-story homes encroaching on the orange trees from all sides. At some point, this isnt going to be an orange grove anymore, Murphy, a third-generation grower, says as he gazes at the rows of trees in Lake Wales, Florida. You look around here, and its all houses, and thats going to happen here. Polk County, which includes Lake Wales, contains more acres of citrus than any other county in Florida. And in 2023, more people moved to Polk County than any other county in the country. Population growth, hurricanes and a vicious citrus greening disease have left the Florida orange industry reeling. Consumers are drinking less orange juice, citrus growers are folding up their operations in the state and the major juice company Tropicana is struggling to stay afloat. With huge numbers of people moving into Floridas orange growing areas, developers are increasingly building homes on what were once orange groves. Many growers are now making the difficult decision to sell orange groves that have been in their families for generations to developers building homes to house the growing population. Others, like Murphy, are sticking it out, hoping to survive until a bug-free tree or other options arrive to repel the disease or treat the trees. Mounting concerns When Hurricane Irma blasted through the states orange belt in 2017, Floridas signature crop already had been on a downward spiral for two decades because of the greening disease. Next came a major freeze and two more hurricanes in 2022, followed by two hurricanes last year. A tree that loses branches and foliage in a hurricane can take three years to recover, Murphy said. Those catastrophes contributed to a 90% decline in orange production over the past two decades. Citrus groves in Florida, which covered more than 832,00 acres at the turn of the century, populated scarcely 275,000 acres last year, and California has eclipsed Florida as the nations leading citrus producer. Losing the citrus industry is not an option. This industry is ... so ingrained in Florida. Citrus is synonymous with Florida, Matt Joyner, CEO of trade association Florida Citrus Mutual told Florida lawmakers recently. Nevertheless, Alico Inc., one of Floridas biggest growers, announced this year that it plans to wind down its citrus operations on more than 53,000 acres, saying its production has declined by almost three-quarters in a decade. That decision hurts processors, including Tropicana, which rely on Alicos fruit to produce orange juice and must now operate at reduced capacity. Orange juice consumption in the U.S. has been declining for the past two decades, despite a small bump during the COVID-19 pandemic. A prominent growers group, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association, closed its doors last year. Location, location, location Pressure on citrus farming is also growing from one of the states other biggest industries: real estate. Florida expanded by more than 467,000 people last year to 23 million people, making it the third largest state in the nation. And more homes must be built to house that ever-growing population. Some prominent, multigenerational citrus families each have been putting hundreds of acres of groves up for sale for millions of dollars, or as much as $25,000 an acre. Murphy owns several hundred acres of groves and says he has no plans to abandon the industry, though last year he closed a citrus grove caretaking business that managed thousands of acres for other owners. However, he also has a real estate license, which is useful given the amount of land that is changing hands. He recently sold off acres in Polk County to a home developer, and has used that money to pay off debt and develop plans to replant thousands of trees in more productive groves. I would like to think that were at the bottom, and were starting to climb back up that hill, Murphy says. A bug-free tree A whole ecosystem of businesses dependent on Florida citrus is at risk if the crops fail, including 33,000 full-time and part-time jobs and an economic impact of $6.8 billion in Florida alone. Besides growers, there are juice processors, grove caretakers, fertilizer sellers, packing houses, nurseries and candy manufacturers, all hoping for a fix for citrus greening disease. Tom Davidson, whose parents founded Davidson of Dundee Citrus Candy and Jelly Factory in Lake Wales in 1966, says the drop in citrus production has impacted what flavor jellies the business is able to produce and the prices it charges to customers. An orange tree infected with Asian citrus psyllids is seen in a large grove, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Sebring, Fla. The insect causes citrus greening, a bacterial infection, which over time affects the production of fruit. There is no known cure. AP Photo/Marta Lavandier Were really hoping that the scientists can get this figured out so we can we can get back to what we did, Davidson says. Researchers have been working for eight years on a genetically modified tree that can kill the tiny insects responsible for citrus greening. The process involves inserting a gene into a citrus tree that produces a protein that can kill baby Asian citrus psyllids by making holes in their guts, according to Lukasz Stelinski, an entomology professor at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences' Citrus Research and Education Center. It could be at least three years before bug-resistant trees can be planted, leaving Florida growers looking for help from other technologies. They include planting trees inside protective screens and covering young trees with white bags to keep out the bugs, injecting trees with an antibiotic, and finding trees that have become resistant to greening through natural mutation and distributing them to other groves. Its kind of like being a Lions fan before the Detroit Lions started to win games, Stelinski says. Im hoping that we are making that turnaround. -- Mike Schneider, The Associated Press Letters I read about Senate Bill 1003, which would remove some of the hurdles that terminally ill patients face under Oregons 1997 Death With Dignity Act, (Oregon bill that would remove hurdles to medically assisted suicide runs into wall of opposition, March 4). People who oppose the bill because they fear a culture of suicide or because their dying relative had a husband who cared for her until she died, should understand a few things. First, anyone can commit suicide at any time and many people do, so there is no danger of creating such a culture. Second, not everyone has the privilege of having a dedicated caretaker. We all should be able to make the choice to end things if we are terminally ill, and especially if were in horrible pain. Every extra day can be excruciating. Allowing assisted suicide simply gives people a choice. Its not a mandate. Our medical system can keep people alive for a longer time now, and many people find themselves in compromised situations because of that. So, if they are not getting better and they want to leave, they should have that option. Its cruel to make them suffer and wait for over two weeks under the current law, rather than two days, as this amendment proposes. Also, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are more than qualified to make the call over whether a patient meets the laws requirements. One of the draws of Oregon is the respect for individuals here. Its no ones death but the individual going through it. Please take the grip of government out of it. Phyllis Nasta, Sherwood To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. The pejorative first came into politics as "Bush derangement syndrome" under President George W. Bush. Mark Graves/The Oregonian Five Minnesota Senate Republicans are seeking to dub Trump derangement syndrome, a term coined to describe a form of criticism of President Donald Trump, as an official mental illness recognized under state statute. If passed, a section of a statute that includes definitions for terms including diagnostic assessment and outpatient services would be appended to add one for Trump derangement syndrome. The authors describe the syndrome as the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons in reaction to Trumps policies. Trump-induced general hysteria which according to the bill causes people to conflate policy differences with the president with signs of psychic pathology in Trumps behavior is the politicized phrases primary symptom, the bill states. Eric Lucero, R-St. Michael; Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa; Nathan Wesenberg, R-Little Falls; Justin D. Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids; and Glenn H. Gruenhagen, R-Glencoe, are the five politicians who drafted the bill that would add the so-called syndrome to a lengthy list of definitions related to mental health care in Minnesota. Its authors go on to write that such hysteria typically manifests as intense verbal hostility toward the president and violence or aggression aimed at Trump supporters. Political commentators critical of Trump regard Trump derangement syndrome, or TDS, as a pejorative buzzword his supporters have embraced to cast the presidents liberal detractors as histrionic and stubbornly critical of Trumps positions. Its origin traces back to 2003, when a conservative opinion writer described liberals reaction to President George W. Bush as Bush derangement syndrome. Trump derangement syndrome made the rounds during Trumps first term, with conservative personalities from Sean Hannity to Jeanine Pirro invoking the so-called syndrome to criticize The Washington Post and Whoopi Goldberg. News of the Minnesota bill prompted a fiery response from state Democrats. This is why Minnesota Republicans have lost every statewide election in recent memory every time they get an opportunity to try to improve Minnesotans' lives, they instead double down on an agenda that caters to their partys most extreme right-wing activists, a DFL spokesperson said. The bill was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee and is scheduled for a first reading on Monday. _____ 2025 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter's first solo town hall, inside the gymnasium of Centennial High School in Gresham, drew approximately 1,200 people. Oregon's Congressional delegation has encountered high turnout at the forums since President Donald Trump took office. Destiny Johnson Town halls held by Oregons congressional delegation have been packed in the weeks since President Donald Trump took office, with laid off federal workers and other Oregonians seeking outlets to voice their fears that Trumps cuts and policies will upend their lives. Gone are the large-scale, recurring public protests from Trumps first term, such as the Womens March that drew 70,000 to 100,000 to Portland and hundreds of thousands to Washington, D.C., the day after his inauguration. Town halls in gymnasiums and community centers have taken their place as an opportunity to register political objections, with participants occasionally carrying signs and often pressing for action. Right now, they have nowhere to turn so the town hall gives them a way to turn to their elected official, said Liz Kaufman, a retired political consultant who directed Portland mayoral and state Democratic campaigns. Turnout at Sen. Ron Wydens town halls is the highest its been since the first year of Trumps first term eight years ago, said Hank Stern, a spokesperson for Oregons senior senator. Other Oregon lawmakers saw similar turnout in 2017, with around 3,000 people showing up to a Bend town hall for then-Rep. Greg Walden, a Republican. Town halls are a staple of congressional representation and have long served to provide a forum for constituents to press their priorities and for lawmakers to deliver progress reports. But Democrats have seemingly expanded their use of town halls in recent weeks, with Attorney General Dan Rayfield and three other Democratic attorneys general holding a forum in Arizona. Wyden conducted an online town hall during Trumps address to Congress and his Oregon counterpart, Sen. Jeff Merkley, held one immediately afterward. The question now is, how long will the big turnouts at town halls continue and will it make a difference? Six of Oregons eight federal politicians told The Oregonian/OregonLive that theyre eager to hear from constituents at upcoming town halls during their March recesses. Constituents feedback already pushed two Democratic representatives to take public stands against Trump, they said, and it will inform their future decisions on legislation. These direct community conversations also provide respectful, safe spaces for people to express their unique points of view and open folks up to new perspectives essential to healing divisions and moving our state forward together, Merkley said in a statement. But with Democrats in the minority in Congress and initially struggling to identify a response to Trumps efforts to expand presidential power and rapidly slash the federal government, Oregons Democratic representatives have limited options. Rather, its been federal lawsuits and judges in locales throughout the country that have proven most effective at halting some of Trumps plans. Even so, politicians are able to score points with their local electorate by showing up at town halls, empathizing with concerns and promising to keep the rhetorical heat on Trump. Town halls have been a terrific venue for the community to hear their representatives, actually raise their individual concerns, said Jeff Kidder, chair of the steering committee for the progressive group Indivisible Oregon. He said its encouraging to see Democrats resist Trumps agenda, even if their actions are symbolic such as skipping the presidents address to Congress. If youre at home scrolling through social media, its easy to feel isolated and alone and unable to make a difference, he said. But collectively, we can take action and use our voices and be heard. Some Oregonians, however, expect more than symbolic resistance from Democratic leaders. Are the Democrats really this out of touch? one woman wondered after Wydens packed February town hall in Hillsboro, where she said he appeared to trot out well-worn campaign speeches instead of addressing what she considers threats to U.S. democracy. When Sen. Ron Wyden held a town hall in Washington County in February, approximately 1,200 people packed into a gymnasium. Staffers had to start turning people away because the venue was at capacity. Tatum Todd The places where town halls could make the biggest difference are in swing districts or states, where objections from community members could sway Republican lawmakers to pull back support for some Trump initiatives. But politicians from those areas may also be poised to halt town halls to avoid the backlash. Earlier this month the head of House Republicans campaign arm told members to stop holding in-person town halls because confrontations at the events could hurt them in midterm elections, according to the New York Times. U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, Oregons only congressional Republican whose geographically huge district spans most of the eastern, central and southern parts of the state, appears to be following the GOP campaign committees instructions. He has no town halls scheduled during the March House recess, after he faced jeers and yelling at his four in-person town halls in February. Through a spokesperson, Bentz declined to say whether he will schedule any more town halls soon. Sixteen years ago, Democrats faced similar pushback at their town halls from the tea party and other conservative activists and some stopped holding the forums. With nearly two years until midterm elections, its unclear how long people will sustain their interest in turning out at town halls. Kaufman said that the rise in interest can boost political engagement, as people observe their neighbors going to meetings and get off the sidelines. Paige Richardson, a longtime community activist and campaign consultant for Democrats and local measure campaigns, agreed. If all the people showing up at town hall meetings were then grabbing 10 friends and doing something positive in the community, thats a huge difference, Richardson said. Even though people are showing up because were angry and afraid, showing up is an important and healthy sign for democracy and the community. But even if turnout for congressional forums remains high, it could have little effect on how most people feel about the president and members of Congress. John Horvick, vice president of polling firm DHM Research, said that turnout at the town halls does not reflect broad shifts in voter sentiment. Showing strength by filling up rooms and making loud voices heard is an important part of how we do democracy, but it can mislead where the typical voter is at, Horvick said. Its not clear whether town hall activism will change voters minds broadly, Horvick said. Changes in voter sentiment and support for Trump would more likely result from developments that impact a broad swath of Americans, such as cost increases connected to Trumps trade policies or potential Republican cuts to health care. That doesnt deter grassroots activists from Oregon chapters of the progressive group Indivisible, who are helping drive some of the organizing around town halls in the state, particularly in Bentzs 2nd Congressional District. Terrie Martin, a leader with ORD2 Indivisible from Jackson County near Medford, said the group already has contingency plans in place. If Bentz wont schedule town halls, her group is planning to have a member don a chicken suit and act the part of their congressman in a Q and A during a meeting Sunday. When they dont acknowledge that there are people in their district that are upset with them, thats not good, Martin said. Martin is encouraged that in the last month, 200 people asked her how they can get involved. One of Oregons Democratic representatives, first term U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, said the input from constituents at a town hall in Gresham earlier this month already had an impact, inspiring her to walk out of Trumps address to Congress. I really felt not afraid to show Donald Trump that message would not resonate in my district, Dexter said in an interview. And being at that town hall in Gresham and hearing the desire for me to use my voice really compelled me to do that. Dexters colleague Rep. Andrea Salinas said in a statement that People are rightfully angry about the direction our country is taking under Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and I am right there with them. Democratic Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said constituents outrage aired at her town halls prompted her to participate in rallies against Trumps cuts. Ive never rallied at agencies before, but its what my constituents asked me to do and these are not normal times, Bonamici said in a statement. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are a threat to Oregonians, Americans, and the economy, and I expect town hall meetings will continue to be packed as long as they continue their reckless agenda to dismantle vital programs and agencies. Democratic Rep. Janelle Bynum said shes also heard from constituents that someone is listening to them and fighting for them. She said shes excited for her two town halls Sunday with Wyden in Linn and Clackamas counties. Its a great opportunity to talk through the issues were facing and the road ahead. Hillary Borrud is an investigative reporter. Reach her at 503-294-4034 or hborrud@oregonian.com. KIEV, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday ruled out any territorial concessions to Russia as a potential step towards a ceasefire, the UNIAN news agency reported. "Our position is that we do not recognize the occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian under any circumstances," Zelensky told reporters. He confirmed that potential territorial concessions were discussed during a March 11 meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Saudi Arabia. Zelensky noted that Washington took into account Kiev's stance on the issue. He stressed that the territorial issues are "complex" and should be addressed later at the negotiating table. OTTAWA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked for a review of Canada's plan to purchase a fleet of F-35 fighter jets from the United States, local media reported Saturday. The deal with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. government is for 88 planes at a cost of about 85 million U.S. dollars each. According to the CTV News report, a spokesperson for Defense Minister Bill Blair said Carney has asked Blair to look into whether the F-35 contract is the best investment for Canada, or if there are better options. "We need to do our homework given the changing environment, and make sure that the contract in its current form is in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces," the spokesperson was quoted as saying. Amid a trade war with the United States and threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Canada, Carney was sworn in as the 24th Canadian prime minister and appointed a new cabinet on Friday. Were drawing ever nearer to Easter season or, as Claudia Bushman prefers to call the holiday itself, to Resurrection Day. I have long wished that Americans and/or Latter-day Saints paid more serious and sustained attention to this holiday. So I may make some efforts here, in my inescapably limited way, toward encouraging such attention. I was pleased, recently, to see this article: See which new hymns to use for Easter worship: Find out more about 3 new Easter-specific hymns and several other new releases On a loosely related note: About four months ago, McKay Starr, who sometimes comments on this blog, shared a quotation from President Gordon B. Hinckley that he really likes and that I also like very much. I came across his quotation from President Hinckley again today while looking for something else, and I thought it appropriate, as we draw near to the Easter season, to include it here: Those of us who live in comfort and security seldom give any thought to death. Our minds are on other things. Yet there is nothing more certain, nothing more universal, nothing more final than the closure of mortal life. No one can escape it, not one. I have stood at the tomb of Napoleon in Paris, at the tomb of Lenin in Moscow, and before the burial places of many others of the great leaders of the earth. In their time they commanded armies, they ruled with almost omnipotent power, their very words brought terror into the hearts of people. I have reverently walked through some of the great cemeteries of the world. I have reflected quietly and thoughtfully as I have stood in the military cemetery in Manila in the Philippines where are buried some 17,000 Americans who gave their lives in the Second World War and where are remembered another 35,000 who died in the terrible battles of the Pacific and whose remains were never found. I have walked with reverence through the British cemetery on the outskirts of Rangoon, Burma, and noted the names of hundreds of young men who came from the villages, towns, and great cities of the British Isles and gave their lives in hot and distant places. I have strolled through old cemeteries in Asia and Europe and yet other places and reflected on the lives of those who were once buoyant and happy, who were creative and distinguished, who gave much to the world in which they lived. They have all passed into the oblivion of the grave. All who have lived upon the earth before us are now gone. They have left all behind as they have stepped over the threshold of silent death. None has escaped. All have walked their way to the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns (Hamlet, act 3, scene 1, lines 7980). Shakespeare so described it. But Jesus the Christ changed all that. Only a God could do what He did. He broke the bonds of death. He too had to die, but on the third day, following His burial, He rose from the grave, the firstfruits of them that slept (1 Cor. 15:20), and in so doing brought the blessing of the Resurrection to every one of us. (See He is Not Here, But is Risen, from April conference, 1999.) Tonight, in company with our granddaughter, we watched Julie Andrews as Cinderella in a 1957 black-and-white made-for-television movie version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein written-for-television musical . . . Cinderella. I had never before even suspected that such a thing existed, but my son found a DVD of it in the Orem public library. The songs are good. Theyre by Rodgers and Hammerstein, after all. (Our granddaughter stood up and danced through most of them.) They were familiar to me because we recently saw a somewhat different version of the musical onstage at The Ruth at doTERRA., the still-new Utah Valley Hale theater (where, by the way, it will be playing into May). I may have seen it elsewhere, but this Julie Andrews version was entirely new to me. While I was serving my mission in Switzerland, two of our sister missionaries ran into Ms. Andrews in (I think) either Bern or Luzern/Lucerne I cant now remember which it was and they said that she was exceptionally kind and pleasant. In fact, unless Im misremembering, she even treated them to lunch, or something like that. Which suggests to me that her public image as a good person is deserved. Perhaps not coincidentally, she has often portrayed good people. Goodness shines through. Personally, I think that the best response to these pathetic and utterly classless idiots would be to ignore them. (What if they staged a sacrilegious spectacle and nobody paid any attention? Is planned and deliberate blasphemy really any fun if nobody cares?) I think, if I were a Catholic, I would attend a real mass at exactly that time. Perhaps second best would be to laugh at them and to mock them: Groups Plans for Black Mass at Kansas Statehouse Prompt Widespread Outcry. What do you think? If I were a wealthy Catholic, I might announce that I would make a ten thousand dollar donation to the Catholic Church, or to some Catholic charity, for every actual Satanist who showed up for this silliness. It takes energy and real dedication to remain perpetually indignant at theism and theists. Happily, though, for those who have chosen to invest the effort to do so, Im here to help. The link immediately following, for example, will tell you of an abomination, retrieved from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File, that I fear that many might otherwise have missed: How the Church is working to reduce water usage by millions of gallons in 2025: Current efforts in the western United States estimate saving 500 million gallons of water. This March 2025 image from the website of artificial intelligence company Xoltar, shows two of of their demonstration avatars for conducting video calls with patients. (Xoltar via AP) AP By Matthew Perrone, The Associated Press The next time youre due for a medical exam you may get a call from someone like Ana: a friendly voice that can help you prepare for your appointment and answer any pressing questions you might have. With her calm, warm demeanor, Ana has been trained to put patients at ease like many nurses across the U.S. But unlike them, she is also available to chat 24-7, in multiple languages, from Hindi to Haitian Creole. Thats because Ana isnt human, but an artificial intelligence program created by Hippocratic AI, one of a number of new companies offering ways to automate time-consuming tasks usually performed by nurses and medical assistants. Its the most visible sign of AIs inroads into health care, where hundreds of hospitals are using increasingly sophisticated computer programs to monitor patients' vital signs, flag emergency situations and trigger step-by-step action plans for care jobs that were all previously handled by nurses and other health professionals. Hospitals say AI is helping their nurses work more efficiently while addressing burnout and understaffing. But nursing unions argue that this poorly understood technology is overriding nurses' expertise and degrading the quality of care patients receive. Hospitals have been waiting for the moment when they have something that appears to have enough legitimacy to replace nurses, said Michelle Mahon of National Nurses United. The entire ecosystem is designed to automate, de-skill and ultimately replace caregivers. Mahons group, the largest nursing union in the U.S., has helped organize more than 20 demonstrations at hospitals across the country, pushing for the right to have say in how AI can be used and protection from discipline if they decide to disregard automated advice. The group raised new alarms in January when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the incoming health secretary, suggested AI nurses as good as any doctor could help deliver care in rural areas. On Friday, Dr. Mehmet Oz, whos been nominated to oversee Medicare and Medicaid, said he believes AI can liberate doctors and nurses from all the paperwork. Hippocratic AI initially promoted a rate of $9 an hour for its AI assistants, compared with about $40 an hour for a registered nurse. It has since dropped that language, instead touting its services and seeking to assure customers that they have been carefully tested. The company did not grant requests for an interview. AI in the hospital can generate false alarms and dangerous advice Hospitals have been experimenting for years with technology designed to improve care and streamline costs, including sensors, microphones and motion-sensing cameras. Now that data is being linked with electronic medical records and analyzed in an effort to predict medical problems and direct nurses' care sometimes before theyve evaluated the patient themselves. In this photo provided by National Nurses United, nurses hold a rally in San Francisco on April 22, 2024, to highlight safety concerns about using artificial intelligence in health care. (National Nurses United via AP) AP Adam Hart was working in the emergency room at Dignity Health in Henderson, Nevada, when the hospitals computer system flagged a newly arrived patient for sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection. Under the hospitals protocol, he was supposed to immediately administer a large dose of IV fluids. But after further examination, Hart determined that he was treating a dialysis patient, or someone with kidney failure. Such patients have to be carefully managed to avoid overloading their kidneys with fluid. Hart raised his concern with the supervising nurse but was told to just follow the standard protocol. Only after a nearby physician intervened did the patient instead begin to receive a slow infusion of IV fluids. You need to keep your thinking cap on thats why youre being paid as a nurse, Hart said. Turning over our thought processes to these devices is reckless and dangerous. Hart and other nurses say they understand the goal of AI: to make it easier for nurses to monitor multiple patients and quickly respond to problems. But the reality is often a barrage of false alarms, sometimes erroneously flagging basic bodily functions such as a patient having a bowel movement as an emergency. Youre trying to focus on your work but then youre getting all these distracting alerts that may or may not mean something, said Melissa Beebe, a cancer nurse at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. Its hard to even tell when its accurate and when its not because there are so many false alarms. Can AI help in the hospital? Even the most sophisticated technology will miss signs that nurses routinely pick up on, such as facial expressions and odors, notes Michelle Collins, dean of Loyola Universitys College of Nursing. But people arent perfect either. It would be foolish to turn our back on this completely, Collins said. We should embrace what it can do to augment our care, but we should also be careful it doesnt replace the human element. More than 100,000 nurses left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to one estimate, the biggest staffing drop in 40 years. As the U.S. population ages and nurses retire, the U.S. government estimates there will be more than 190,000 new openings for nurses every year through 2032. Faced with this trend, hospital administrators see AI filling a vital role: not taking over care, but helping nurses and doctors gather information and communicate with patients. Sometimes they are talking to a human and sometimes theyre not At the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock, staffers need to make hundreds of calls every week to prepare patients for surgery. Nurses confirm information about prescriptions, heart conditions and other issues like sleep apnea that must be carefully reviewed before anesthesia. This March 2025 image from the website of artificial intelligence company Xoltar shows a demonstration of one of their avatars for conducting video calls with a patients. (Xoltar via AP) AP The problem: Many patients only answer their phones in the evening, usually between dinner and their childrens bedtime. So what we need to do is find a way to call several hundred people in a 120-minute window -- but I really dont want to pay my staff overtime to do so, said Dr. Joseph Sanford, who oversees the centers health IT. Since January, the hospital has used an AI assistant from Qventus to contact patients and health providers, send and receive medical records and summarize their contents for human staffers. Qventus says 115 hospitals are using its technology, which aims to boost hospital earnings through quicker surgical turnarounds, fewer cancellations and reduced burnout. Each call begins with the program identifying itself as an AI assistant. We always want to be fully transparent with our patients that sometimes they are talking to a human and sometimes theyre not, Sanford said. While companies like Qventus are providing an administrative service, other AI developers see a bigger role for their technology. Israeli startup Xoltar specializes in humanlike avatars that conduct video calls with patients. The company is working with the Mayo Clinic on an AI assistant that teaches patients cognitive techniques for managing chronic pain. The company is also developing an avatar to help smokers quit. In early testing, patients have spent about 14 minutes talking to the program, which can pickup on facial expressions, body language and other cues, according to Xoltar. Nursing experts who study AI say such programs may work for people who are relatively healthy and proactive about their care. But thats not most people in the health system. Its the very sick who are taking up the bulk of health care in the U.S. and whether or not chatbots are positioned for those folks is something we really have to consider, said Roschelle Fritz of the University of California Davis School of Nursing. 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. Ai Saotome, left, a video archivist, works with her husband, Shinji Teruya, to digitize old manuscripts of her father, Honorary Director Katsumoto Saotome, at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage on Feb. 4, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) AP By Mari Yamaguchi and Mayuko One, The Associated Press TOKYO More than 100,000 people were killed in a single night 80 years ago Monday in the U.S. firebombing of Tokyo, the Japanese capital. The attack, made with conventional bombs, destroyed downtown Tokyo and filled the streets with heaps of charred bodies. The damage was comparable to the atomic bombings a few months later in August 1945, but unlike those attacks, the Japanese government has not provided aid to victims and the events of that day have largely been ignored or forgotten. Elderly survivors are making a last-ditch effort to tell their stories and push for financial assistance and recognition. Some are speaking out for the first time, trying to tell a younger generation about their lessons. Shizuyo Takeuchi, 94, says her mission is to keep telling the history she witnessed at 14, speaking out on behalf of those who died. Red skies, charred bodies On the night of March 10, 1945, hundreds of B-29s raided Tokyo, dumping cluster bombs with napalm specially designed with sticky oil to destroy traditional Japanese-style wood and paper homes in the crowded shitamachi downtown neighborhoods. Takeuchi and her parents had lost their own home in an earlier firebombing in February and were taking shelter at a relatives riverside home. Her father insisted on crossing the river in the opposite direction from where the crowds were headed, a decision that saved the family. Takeuchi remembers walking through the night beneath a red sky. Orange sunsets and sirens still make her uncomfortable. By the next morning, everything had burned. Two blackened figures caught her eyes. Taking a closer look, she realized one was a woman and what looked like a lump of coal at her side was her baby. I was terribly shocked. ... I felt sorry for them, she said. But after seeing so many others I was emotionless in the end. Many of those who didnt burn to death quickly jumped into the Sumida River and were crushed or drowned. In this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, plumes of smoke, rising 15,000 feet in the air several hours after Tokyo was hit by a force of more than 300 Marianas-based Superfortresses of the 21st Bomber Command, March 10, 1945, show the effect of the heavy bombing which burned out huge areas near the Imperial Palace (right, center). (AP Photo/U.S. Air Force) AP More than 105,000 people were estimated to have died that night. A million others became homeless. The death toll exceeds those killed in the Aug. 9, 1945, atomic bombing of Nagasaki. But the Tokyo firebombing has been largely eclipsed by the two atomic bombings. And firebombings on dozens of other Japanese cities have received even less attention. The bombing came after the collapse of Japanese air and naval defenses following the U.S. capture of a string of former Japanese strongholds in the Pacific that allowed B-29 Superfortress bombers to easily hit Japans main islands. There was growing frustration in the United States at the length of the war and past Japanese military atrocities, such as the Bataan Death March. Recording survivors' voices Ai Saotome has a house full of notes, photos and other material her father left behind when he died at age 90 in 2022. Her father, Katsumoto Saotome, was an award-winning writer and a Tokyo firebombing survivor. He gathered accounts of his peers to raise awareness of the civilian deaths and the importance of peace. Saotome says the sense of urgency that her father and other survivors felt is not shared among younger generations. Though her father published books on the Tokyo firebombing and its victims, going through his raw material gave her new perspectives and an awareness of Japans aggression during the war. She is digitalizing the material at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage, a museum her father opened in 2002 after collecting records and artifacts about the attack. Our generation doesnt know much about (the survivors') experience, but at least we can hear their stories and record their voices, she said. Thats the responsibility of our generation. In about 10 years, when we have a world where nobody remembers anything (about this), I hope these documents and records can help, Saotome says. Shizuyo Takeuchi, 94-year-old Tokyo raid survivor, shares her experience in front of a map of the areas damaged during the 1945 Tokyo Firebombing at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage on Feb. 24, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) AP Demands for financial help Postwar governments have provided 60 trillion yen ($405 billion) in welfare support for military veterans and bereaved families, and medical support for survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Civilian victims of the U.S. firebombings received nothing. A group of survivors who want government recognition of their suffering and financial help met earlier this month, renewing their demands. No government agency handles civilian survivors or keeps their records. Japanese courts rejected their compensation demands of 11 million yen ($74,300) each, saying citizens were supposed to endure suffering in emergencies like war. A group of lawmakers in 2020 compiled a draft proposal of a half million-yen ($3,380 ) one-time payment, but the plan has stalled due to opposition from some ruling party members. This year will be our last chance, Yumi Yoshida, who lost her parents and sister in the bombing, said at a meeting, referring to the 80th anniversary of Japans WWII defeat. Burnt skin and screams On March 10, 1945, Reiko Muto, a former nurse, was on her bed still wearing her uniform and shoes. Muto leapt up when she heard air raid sirens and rushed to the pediatric department where she was a student nurse. With elevators stopped because of the raid, she went up and down a dimly lit stairwell carrying infants to a basement gym for shelter. Soon, truckloads of people started to arrive. They were taken to the basement and lined up like tuna fish at a market. Many had serious burns and were crying and begging for water. The screaming and the smell of burned skin stayed with her for a long time. Middle school students from Niigata on a school trip visit the exhibits at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage, on Feb. 24, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) AP Comforting them was the best she could do because of a shortage of medical supplies. When the war ended five months later, on Aug. 15, she immediately thought: No more firebombing meant that she could leave the lights on. She finished her studies and worked as a nurse to help children and teenagers. What we went through should never be repeated, she says. FILE - Henry Carmona, 48, right, who fled Venezuela after receiving death threats for refusing to participate in demonstrations in support of the government, stands with friends and a reporter following a press conference by Venezuelan community leaders to denounce changes to the protections that shielded hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, including Carmona, from deportation, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) AP Update: US deports hundreds of immigrants despite judges order: Oopsie too late' By Nicholas Riccardi and Will Weissret, The Associated Press WASHINGTON A federal judge barred the Trump administration on Saturday from carrying out deportations under a sweeping 18th century law that the president invoked hours earlier to speed removal of Venezuelan gang members from the United States. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg said he needed to issue his order immediately because the government already was flying migrants it claimed were newly deportable under President Donald Trumps proclamation to be incarcerated in El Salvador and Honduras. El Salvador already agreed this week to take up to 300 migrants that the Trump administration designated as gang members. I do not believe I can wait any longer and am required to act, Boasberg said during a Saturday evening hearing in a lawsuit brought by the ACLU and Democracy Forward. A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm, he added, noting they remain in government custody but ordering that any planes in the air be turned around. The ruling came hours after Trump claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was invading the United States and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime authority that allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action to speed up mass deportations. The act has only ever been used three times before, all during wars. Its most recent application was during World War II, when it was used to incarcerate Germans and Italians as well as for the mass internment of Japanese-American civilians. In a proclamation released just over an hour before Boasbergs hearing, Trump contended that Tren de Aragua was effectively at war with the United States. Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA, Trumps statement reads. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. The order could let the administration deport any migrant it identifies as a member of the gang without going through regular immigration proceedings, and also could remove other protections under criminal law for people the government targeted. In a statement Saturday night, Attorney General Pam Bondi slammed Boasbergs stay on deportations. This order disregards well-established authority regarding President Trumps power, and it puts the public and law enforcement at risk, Bondi said. The Tren de Aragua gang originated in a prison in the South American country and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade. Trump and his allies have turned the gang into the face of the alleged threat posed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and formally designated it a foreign terrorist organization last month. Authorities in several countries have reported arrests of Tren de Aragua members, even as Venezuelas government claims to have eliminated the criminal organization. The government said Trump actually signed the proclamation on Friday night. Immigration lawyers noticed the federal government suddenly moving to deport Venezuelans who they would not otherwise have the legal right to expel from the country, and scrambled to file lawsuits to block what they believed was a pending proclamation. Boasberg issued an initial order at 9:20 a.m. Saturday blocking the Trump administration from deporting five Venezuelans named as plaintiffs in the ACLU suit who were being detained by the government and believed they were about to be deported. The Trump administration appealed that order, contending that halting a presidential act before it has been announced would cripple the executive branch. If the order were allowed to stand, district courts would have license to enjoin virtually any urgent national-security action just upon receipt of a complaint, the Justice Department wrote in its appeal. Boasberg then scheduled the afternoon hearing on whether to expand his order to all people who could be targeted under Trumps declaration. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign contended that the president had broad latitude to identify threats to the country and act under the 1798 law. He noted the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Harry Truman to continue to hold a German citizen in 1948, three years after World War II ended, under the measure. FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks along the southern border with Mexico, on Aug. 22, 2024, in Sierra Vista, Ariz. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP This would cut very deeply into the prerogatives of the president, Ensign said of an injunction. But Lee Gelernt of the ACLU contended that Trump didnt have the authority to use the law against a criminal gang rather than a recognized state. Boasberg said precedent on that question seemed tricky but that the ACLU had a reasonable chance of success on those arguments, and so the order was merited. Boasberg halted deportations for those in custody for up to 14 days, and scheduled a Friday hearing in the case. The flurry of litigation shows the significance of Trumps declaration, the latest step by the administration to expand presidential power. Ensign argued that, as part of its reaction to the Sept. 11, 2001 attack, Congress had given the president power to delegate transnational organizations threats on the level of recognized states. And Gelernt warned that the Trump administration could simply issue a new proclamation to use the Alien Enemies Act against another migrant gang, like MS-13, which has long been one of Trumps favorite targets. Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report. Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon. The main threat with any storms will be damaging winds, though an isolated tornado can't be ruled out. #PAwx pic.twitter.com/qwZUiDZs4J NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) March 16, 2025 Severe thunderstorms might hit the Harrisburg area Sunday evening, according to the National Weather Service, leading into a week of erratic springtime weather. The NWS issued a hazardous weather outlook on Sunday for Dauphin, Lebanon, York, and Lancaster counties, warning of widespread showers with embedded thunderstorms as a cold front moves through Pennsylvania. Claiming the United States was being invaded by a Venezuelan gang, President Donald Trump on Saturday invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a sweeping wartime authority that allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action to speed up mass deportations of people potentially pushing his promised crackdown on immigration into higher gear. Trumps declaration targets Tren de Aragua, contending it is a hostile force acting at the behest of Venezuelas government. The declaration comes the same day that a federal judge in Washington barred the administration from deporting five Venezuelans under the expected order, a hint at the legal battle brewing over Trumps move. The judge was scheduled to consider expanding the prohibition on deportation just minutes after Trumps afternoon announcement. Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA, Trumps statement reads. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. The act was last used as part of the internment of Japanese-American civilians during World War II and has only been used two other times in American history, during World War I and the War of 1812. Trump argued in his declaration that it is justified because he contends the Tren de Aragua gang, a common talking point on the campaign trail, has ties to the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Tren de Aragua gang originated in a prison in the South American country and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade. Trump and his allies have turned the gang into the face of the alleged threat posed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and formally designated it a foreign terrorist organization last month. Authorities in several countries have reported arrests of Tren de Aragua members, even as Venezuelas government claims to have eliminated the criminal organization. Trump pledged to use the Alien Enemies Act during his presidential campaign, and immigration groups were braced for it. That led to Saturdays unusual lawsuit, filed before Trumps declaration even became public. The suit by the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward on behalf of five Venezuelans whose cases suddenly moved towards deportation in recent hours. James E. Boasberg, chief judge of the D.C. Circuit, agreed to implement a temporary restraining order preventing the deportation for 14 days under the act of the five Venezuelans who are already in immigration custody and believed they were being about to be deported. Boasberg said his order was to preserve the status quo. Boasberg scheduled a hearing for later in the afternoon to see if his order should be expanded to protect all Venezuelans in the United States. Hours later, the Trump administration appealed the initial restraining order, contending that halting a presidential act before it has been announced would cripple the executive branch. If the order were allowed to stand, district courts would have license to enjoin virtually any urgent national-security action just upon receipt of a complaint, the Justice Department wrote in its appeal. It said district courts might then issue temporary restraining orders on actions such as drone strikes, sensitive intelligence operations, or terrorist captures or extraditions. The court should halt that path in its tracks, the department argued. The unusual flurry of litigation highlights the controversial act, which could give Trump vast power to deport people in the country illegally. It could let him bypass some protections of normal criminal and immigration law to swiftly deport those his administration contends are members of the gang. The White House is preparing to move about 300 people it identifies as members of the gang to detention in El Salvador. File - A food shopper pushes a cart of groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. The Trump Administration is trying to cut funding for programs that help hungry Americans afford food. It is doing the same with USAID, which helps provide food and medical aid to people in war and famine areas overseas. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner, File) AP At 2:12 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service released an updated tornado watch in effect until 4 p.m. for Armstrong, Clarion, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson and Venango counties. Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here's a breakdown: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation. It's your signal to review your emergency plans, ensure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe room. While it doesn't mean a tornado is imminent, it's a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often encompass a broad area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate threat to life and property. Your response should be swift: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms. Prepare for a tornado Be weather-ready: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings Sign up for notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes. Establish a communication plan: Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative's house, that you can reach quickly. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Practice your plan: Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits. Secure your home: Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Help your neighbor: Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries. Tornado safety: What to do when the twister hits When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: Stay vigilant and stay informed by tuning in to local news broadcasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings. At home: If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits. At work or school: If you are at your workplace or school, adhere to tornado drill procedures. Move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and steer clear of windows. Outdoors: If you're outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there's time, make your way to a secure structure. In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best option is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. On Sunday at 2:48 p.m. the National Weather Service released an updated tornado warning in effect until 3 p.m. for Cameron, Centre and Clinton counties. Quarter-sized hail (1 inch) is foreseen with the incoming storm. "At 2:47 p.m., a severe squall line capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage was located along a line extending from near Hicks Run to near Kettle Creek State Park to Keating, moving northeast at 65 mph," says the weather service. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely." The tornado is projected to affect the following locations: Kettle Creek State Park, Westport, and Stevenson Dam around 2:50 p.m. Tamarack around 3 p.m. Other locations impacted by these tornadic storms include Driftwood. The weather service comments, "Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. This line of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building." Tornado watches and warnings: What you need to know When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here's a breakdown: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation. It's your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room. While it doesn't mean a tornado is imminent, it's a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate danger to life and property. Your response should be swift: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or by trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms. Prepare for a tornado Be weather-ready: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings Sign up for notifications: Familiarize yourself with your community's warning systems. Some places have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone alerts for severe storm notifications. Establish a communication plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Establish a communication plan: Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits. Secure your home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Help your neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt. What to do when a tornado strikes When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: To ensure your safety during a tornado, remember that acting promptly is crucial, according to the weather service. Stay informed about tornado watches and warnings through regular updates on local news or a NOAA Weather Radio. At home: If you are at home and a tornado warning is issued, make your way to the basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Don't forget to ensure the safety of your pets if time allows. At work or school: In the workplace or at school, adhere to tornado drill procedures and proceed promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and stay away from windows. Outdoors: When you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate refuge inside a sturdy building. Remember that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe options. If there is sufficient time, make your way to a secure structure. In a vehicle: Being inside a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best course of action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car while covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek safety in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, who was appointed as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia in late November, will shift his focus to Ukraine. "General Kellogg, a Highly Respected Military Expert, will deal directly with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and Ukrainian leadership," Trump posted on social media Truth Social, adding: "He knows them well, and they have a very good working relationship together." Kellogg did not appear in recent peace talks held in Saudi Arabia -- neither with the Russian delegation in the capital of Riyadh in February and nor with the Ukrainian delegation in the port city of Jeddah earlier this month. The 80-year-old retired general once served as the national security advisor to then Vice President Mike Pence, and as the executive secretary and chief of staff of the National Security Council in the first Trump administration. Destruction from a severe storm is seen Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP By Jeff Roberson, Rebecca Raynolds and Julie Walker, The Associated Press PIEDMONT, Mo. Violent tornadoes and high winds decimated homes, wiped out schools and toppled semitractor-trailers as a monster storm that also produced dust storms and icy conditions killed at least 33 people across the central and southern U.S. Missouri resident Dakota Henderson said he and others rescuing trapped neighbors found five bodies scattered in the debris Friday night outside what remained of his aunts house in hard-hit Wayne County. Scattered twisters killed at least a dozen people in the state, authorities said. It was a very rough deal last night, Henderson said Saturday not far from the splintered home from which he said they rescued his aunt through a window of the only room left standing. Its really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night. The dynamic storm, earning an unusual high risk designation from weather forecasters, was blamed for deadly dust storms in the nations midsection, icy winter weather in northern parts of the country and severe thunderstorms on Sunday, including on the West Coast. As of Sunday morning, the storms were approaching the East Coast, including Pennsylvania. storms in the Harriburg area were forecast after 2 p.m., the National Weather Service said. Authorities were still sifting through massive tornado damage. Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County in Missouri described the unrecognizable home where one man was killed as just a debris field. The floor was upside down, he said. We were walking on walls. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced six people died in three counties and three more people were missing late Saturday as storms moved further east into Alabama, where damaged homes and impassable roads were reported. Officials confirmed three deaths in Arkansas, where Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency. In Alabama, Dallas County Sheriff Michael L. Granthum said there was one storm-related fatality in that county. Tim Scott, right, gets a hug from friend Jorden Harris outside Scott's home he was inside when it was destroyed during a severe storm the evening before Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also declared an emergency in anticipation of the storms shift eastward. Early Sunday morning, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency used its social media accounts to repost a National Weather Service tornado watch for parts of southeast Georgia. In response to the watch, which warns of isolated tornadoes and hail and gusts of 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 kph), Kemp posted a note saying his family was praying for all those impacted by this storm system and those still in its path. We will continue to work closely with state and local officials to respond to damage and assess any needs following this weather event, Kemp wrote. Dust storms spurred by the systems early high winds claimed almost a dozen lives on Friday. Eight people died in a Kansas highway pileup involving at least 50 vehicles, according to the state highway patrol. Authorities said three people also were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle. Extreme weather encompasses a zone of 100 million people The extreme weather conditions were forecast to impact an area that is home to more than 100 million people, with winds threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and fanning the wildfire risk in warmer, drier places to the south. Evacuations were ordered in some Oklahoma communities as more than 130 fires were reported across the state and nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a Saturday news conference that some 266 square miles (689 square kilometers) had burned, sharing that he lost a home of his own on a ranch northeast of Oklahoma City. To the north, the National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of far western Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota starting early Saturday. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters) were expected, with up to a foot (30 centimeters) possible. Winds were expected to cause whiteout conditions. Still, experts said its not unusual to see such weather extremes in March. Tornadoes have been widespread Significant tornadoes continued late Saturday, with the region at highest risk stretching from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi through Alabama, western Georgia and the Florida panhandle, the Storm Prediction Center said. Bailey Dillon, 24, and her fiance, Caleb Barnes, watched from their front porch in Tylertown, Mississippi, as a massive twister struck an area about half a mile (0.8 kilometer) away near Paradise Ranch RV Park. They drove over afterward to see if anyone needed help and recorded video of snapped trees, leveled buildings and overturned vehicles. The amount of damage was catastrophic, Dillon said. It was a large amount of cabins, RVs, campers that were just flipped over. Everything was destroyed. Paradise Ranch said via Facebook that all staff and guests were safe and accounted for, but Dillon said the damage extended beyond the RV park itself. Homes and everything were destroyed all around it, she said. Schools and buildings are just completely gone. Some images from the extreme weather went viral online. Tad Peters and his father, Richard Peters, had pulled over to fuel up their pickup truck in Rolla, Missouri, on Friday night when they heard tornado sirens and saw other motorists fleeing the interstate to park. Whoa, is this coming? Oh, its here. Its here, Tad Peters can be heard saying on a video. Look at all that debris. Ohhh. My God, we are in a torn ... A home is destroyed after a severe storm, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP His father then rolled up the window. The two were headed to Indiana for a weightlifting competition but decided to return home to Norman, Oklahoma, about six hours away, where they then encountered wildfire. Walker reported from New York and Reynolds reported from Louisville, Kentucky. Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River, New Jersey, Jeff Roberson in Wayne County, Missouri, Gene Johnson in Seattle and Janie Har in San Francisco contributed. You are here: World Flash Myanmar authorities have seized 30.8 kg of heroin and 154,000 stimulant tablets in central Myanmar's Mandalay region, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said on Saturday. Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Pyigyitagon township of Mandalay region on March 9 and confiscated the narcotics, and arrested three suspects. Three other suspects in connection with the case were later arrested. The seized narcotics are approximately worth over 1 billion kyats (about 476,190 U.S. dollars). The suspects have been charged under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were ongoing. WASHINGTON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. airstrikes on Yemen targeted and "took out" multiple Houthis leaders on Saturday, White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said Sunday. "This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out," Waltz said on ABC's "This Week." The Trump administration has designated Houthis a foreign terrorist organization, he added, accusing Iran of helping the Houthis attack U.S. warships and global commerce. At least 31 people have been killed and 101 injured following the airstrikes, NBC reported on Sunday, citing the Houthi health authority. The $2,200 Warm Up at the 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series is heading into its most pivotal stage as 105 players return for Day 3. With the money bubble looming and the pressure mounting, the stakes have never been higher as the remaining contenders battle for a share of the $1,188,640 prize pool and the $210,000 top prize. Leading the charge is Kirill Burtin, who bagged 1,825,000 chips after a dominant showing on Day 2. Right behind him is Danielle Noja (1,530,000), followed by Kirill Shcherbakov (1,420,000), both looking to challenge for the top spot. With deep stacks, short stacks fighting for survival, and the tension of the approaching bubble, today's action promises to be fast-paced and filled with high-stakes drama. Top Ten Chip Counts Place Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Kirill Burtin Russia 1,825,000 91 2 Danielle Noja Australia 1,530,000 77 3 Kirill Shcherbakov Russia 1,420,000 71 4 Razvan Nicolae Sabau Romania 1,350,000 68 5 Erdal Gulseven Turkey 1,325,000 66 6 Radoslav Stoyanov Bulgaria 1,240,000 62 7 Yilu Yuan China 1,170,000 59 8 Bassel Moussa Lebanon 1,165,000 58 9 Baltazar Five Lebanon 1,165,000 58 10 Berik Mussin Kazakhstan 1,160,000 58 Day 3 kicks off at noon local time with blinds of 10,000/20,000 and a big blind ante of 20,000. The remaining players will fight for a spot in Mondays finale, where one will claim the first major title of the series. The first hurdle of Day 3 will be the money bubble, as only 87 players will walk away with a piece of the seven-figure prize pool. With 18 eliminations still needed before the payouts begin, the short stacks will be feeling the pressure, while the big stacks look to capitalize on their advantage. A min-cash is worth $3,015, but every pay jump will be critical as the field battles toward the final table, where the top prize of $210,000 awaits. Payouts Place Prize 1 $210,000 2 $142,100 3 $98,575 4 $71,030 5 $52,530 6 $42,020 7 $35,015 8 $28,015 9 $21,010 10-12 $16,330 13-15 $13,120 16-18 $11,455 19-21 $10,145 22-24 $9,075 25-26 $8,005 27-35 $7,055 36-44 $6,110 45-53 $5,275 54-63 $4,440 64-72 $3,845 73-81 $3,370 82-87 $3,015 Stay locked in with PokerNews for all the updates as the Warm Up field narrows and the race to the final table begins! North Augusta reporter Elizabeth Hustad is a reporter with The Post and Courier North Augusta. She covers government, growth and development, and business. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and previously worked with a Twin Cities weekly. Her work has appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and MinnPost. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Growth & Development Reporter Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain diminishing to a few showers this afternoon. High near 85F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. 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 50%. Oracle opened its 101st data center cloud region during its fiscal 2025 third quarter (ended on Feb. 28), but demand continued to significantly outstrip supply. In fact, chairman Larry Ellison said GPU usage for AI training purposes alone has soared by a staggering 244% over the last 12 months, and the company is also seeing "enormous" demand for inference workloads. When developers have access to more chips, they can process more data, more quickly, and thus deploy much "smarter" AI models. But scale isn't Oracle's only advantage, because its proprietary random direct memory access (RDMA) networking technology allows data to move from one point to another much faster than traditional Ethernet networks. Since developers typically pay for computing capacity by the minute, this can result in significant cost savings. Oracle operates some of the best AI data centers in the world. They are fitted with state-of-the-art graphics processing units (GPUs) from leading suppliers like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices , which are chips specifically designed to handle AI workloads. In fact, Oracle is currently building a cluster of 64,000 Nvidia Blackwell GB200 GPUs -- not only is that the most powerful chip in the industry right now, but this will also be one of the largest clusters on offer by any data center operator. There are two key phases involved in developing an AI model: The training phase is when a developer feeds the model mountains of data for it to learn from, and the inference phase is when the model accepts inputs from users and generates responses (like when you interact with a chatbot). Both require a substantial amount of computing power, and most developers source it from companies like Oracle. Oracle is valued at $403 billion as of this writing, so investors who buy the stock today could earn a whopping 148% gain if it does join the $1 trillion club. I think one more company has the potential to cross the $1 trillion milestone in the coming years. Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) operates some of the best data center infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) development, and management's guidance suggests this part of its business could grow tenfold over the long term. Apple remains the world's largest company with a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. But since 2018, several other American organizations have joined it in the trillion-dollar club, including Microsoft , Nvidia , Amazon , Alphabet , Meta Platforms , and Berkshire Hathaway . Tesla and Broadcom were also members until they recently suffered sharp declines in their stock prices. The U.S. economy has produced the world's most valuable companies for more than a century. United States Steel became the first $1 billion company in 1901, and 117 years later in 2018, Apple became the first enterprise to achieve a valuation of $1 trillion. Story Continues Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang thinks next-generation AI reasoning models, which spend more time "thinking" before rendering responses, will consume 100 times more computing power than their predecessors. As a result, demand for data center capacity for inference workloads is only just heating up, so it's no surprise Oracle wants to grow its footprint to between 1,000 and 2,000 cloud regions over the long term. In other words, Oracle could eventually have over 10 times more data centers in operation than it does today. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure revenue is soaring Oracle generated $14.1 billion in total revenue during the fiscal 2025 third quarter, but the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) segment (which is where the company accounts for its AI data centers) represented just $2.7 billion of that figure. However, while Oracle's total revenue increased by just 6% year over year, OCI revenue soared by 49%, making it the fastest-growing part of the entire organization by a wide margin. The OCI business would be growing even faster if it had enough data centers to meet demand, which is why the company expects revenue growth to significantly accelerate as more capacity comes online. Oracle CEO Safra Catz expects OCI revenue to increase by more than 50% for the fiscal 2025 full year (ending May 31), with an even faster growth rate in the cards for fiscal 2026. To put a fine point on Oracle's future potential, the company's remaining performance obligations (RPOs) soared by 63% to a record high of $130 billion (across all business segments) during the third quarter. RPOs are like an order backlog that is expected to convert into revenue in the future, and Larry Ellison said demand for capacity for AI training and inference workloads were big drivers of the Q3 surge. Oracle's path to the $1 trillion club Oracle generated $4.26 in earnings per share (EPS) over the last four quarters, which places its stock at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 33.8. That is roughly on par with the valuations of other AI cloud companies like Microsoft and Amazon, so the stock isn't necessarily cheap, nor is it expensive: However, Wall Street's consensus estimate (provided by Yahoo!) suggests Oracle could deliver $6.78 in EPS during fiscal 2026 (which begins in June 2025). That places its stock at a forward P/E ratio of just 21.1, implying it would have to rise by 59% over the next year or so just to maintain its current P/E ratio of 33.8. If that scenario plays out, it would lift Oracle's valuation to $640 billion. From there, the company could reach the $1 trillion club within five years if it grows its EPS by just 9.3% annually. I think that is very achievable for two reasons: First, the company's estimated EPS for fiscal 2026 represents growth of 13%, and second, management is forecasting accelerating revenue growth, led by the OCI business. Oracle's data centers rely heavily on automation, which reduces labor and other operating costs. As a result, the company anticipates rising profit margins as the OCI business continues to scale up, which will boost its EPS overall. Remember, Oracle plans to grow its data center footprint more than tenfold from here, which could drive explosive earnings growth over the long term. Therefore, I think Oracle has a clear path to joining the $1 trillion club in the coming years, and its stock could be a great addition to any diversified portfolio. 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: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, youd have $315,521 !* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, youd have $40,476 !* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, youd have $495,070!* Right now, were issuing Double Down alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. Continue *Stock Advisor returns as of March 14, 2025 Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Anthony Di Pizio has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 1 Super Stock That Could Join Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta in the $1 Trillion Club was originally published by The Motley Fool PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-16 17:04:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 639 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 16, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Edison International (NYSE: EIX) between February 25, 2021 and February 6, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 21, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.SO WHAT: If you purchased Edison 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 Edison class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=33590or 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 21, 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, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Edison's claim that Southern California Edison Company ("SCE") used its Public Safety Power Shutoffs ("PSPS") program to "proactively de-energize power lines to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires during extreme weather events", was false; (2) this resulted in heightened fire risk in California and heightened legal exposure to Edison; and (3) as a result, defendants' statements about Edison's business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Edison class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=33590call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An 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 or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th 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: 2025-03-16 13:46:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 966 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HONG KONG, HK / ACCESS Newswire / March 16, 2025 / SINOPEC Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd. ("SEG" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries collectively known as the "Group") (stock code: 2386) today announced its annual results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2024 (the "Reporting Period").Over the past year, in the face of rapidly evolving industrial transformation, the complex and severe external situation and the fiercely competitive market environment, the Board and the management of the Company actively promoted market development, spared no effort in optimizing production and operation and accelerated the forging of new quality productive forces. We presented new vitality because of the high-quality development, delivering a satisfactory report to our shareholders: the Company achieved an annual operating revenue of RMB64.198 billion, a year-on-year increase of 13.9%; a net profit of RMB2.474 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%; and a newly signed contract value of RMB100.613 billion, a year-on-year increase of 25.4%, the Company accomplished various production and operation tasks and QHSE targets. With an overall consideration of the profitability of the Company and the needs for sustainable development in the future, the Board proposed a final dividend of RMB0.208 per share, taking into account of the interim dividend already distributed, the total dividend for the full year was RMB0.358 per share with a dividend payout ratio of 65%, reaching a new high in the total annual dividend amount since the Company's listing.The Group kept enhancing our value creation capability through engineering services, technological innovation, capital operations to seize the positions as a "Leader in the Engineering Industry" and a "Top Performer in the Capital Market".Firstly, we aligned our efforts for high quality development and value creation of the Company. We paid great attention to the capital market's expectations for the Company's development and the concern for value enhancement. Through more transparent information disclosure and more proactive capital market communication, the high-quality development achievements have become more prominent. The Company attaches great importance to shareholder returns. The Company has maintained a dividend yield of 65% for four years in a row, achieved continuous growth in the amount of dividends paid out. The Company has actively safeguarded its value by conducting share repurchases for two consecutive years. The Company is committed to building itself into an enterprise with leading ESG performance. The MSCI ESG rating has been upgraded to BB level, making it the highest and the only company in the Chinese engineering industry to receive this rating.The recognition from the capital market continues increasing, and the goal of returning to "Southbound Trading" was successfully achieved. Secondly, we built its overall market competitiveness through comprehensive service capabilities. The Company made another historical breakthrough in market development. The total number of new orders maintained double-digit growth for three consecutive years and reached RMB100.613 billion, which signified our business successfully entering into the RMB100 billion club. New orders signed overseas made new highs in new markets, new varieties and new fields, and recorded USD5.349 billion, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 79.6%. The portfolio of our orders was further optimized. New orders signed in design consulting category exceeded RMB4.8 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.1%. New orders signed in EPC category accounted for more than 70% of the total, laying a solid foundation for the Company to enhance its source competitiveness. Thirdly, we strengthened lean management to improve operational efficiency in all fronts. We strictly performed contracts and put greater emphasis on multi-objective comprehensive management and control of project quality, safety, progress and efficiency. The revenue scale from EPC and front-end business grew steadily and their weighting on out turnover continued to increase and stabilized overall project profitability amid the fierce market competition. Because of high standards, high quality and high efficiency of the construction and provision of a number of industry benchmark projects, we earned acclamation from the industry, including 9 provincial and ministerial quality awards, 9 provincial and ministerial design awards, and 9 first prizes of National Excellent Welding Projects. Fourthly, we continued promoting technological innovation to create high-quality technological supply. The amount of contracts related to technology development, technology licensing and technology transformation throughout the year reached RMB1.1 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of over 30%. Our ability to create profits in scientific research significantly improved. Relying on the gradual improvement of the technology matrix and synergetic efforts, we achieved major breakthroughs in exporting patented technologies such as polyolefins and aromatics, and entered the innovation and competition arena of core technologies in the global energy and chemical industry chain.The Group takes the internationalization of corporate operations as the core development goal, promotes the internal capability building towards the high-end, and creates an integrated and co-produce industrial ecosystem with our industry chain partners. Firstly, we make every effort in constructing an overseas operation model of "international rules + Chinese efficiency". After more than 70 years of development and accumulation, the Company has nurtured a high-performance team with rich experience, complete professional skills and sufficient personnel, and has engineering service capabilities covering the whole industrial chain and life cycle of the energy and chemical industry. In the nearly three decades of internationalization efforts, the Company has learned from others with an open mind, while constantly adapting to "international rules", it has promoted the alignment of domestic and international standards, promoted the deep integration of "international rules" and "Chinese efficiency", and served global owners with high-quality engineering capabilities. Secondly, we will actively leverage on the two capabilities of "technology + engineering front-end" and "low-cost operation of projects". By relying on the advantages of integrated collaborative innovation in technology research and development, engineering transformation and engineering design, the Company will continue to build high-level front-end engineering capabilities and accelerated its expansion into the global high-end business tra PR-Inside.com: 2025-03-16 01:39:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 462 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 15, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG) investment and want to learn about a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, follow the link below for more information:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or call (212) 363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.THE LAWSUIT: This lawsuit is on behalf of all shareholders that purchased stock pursuant and/or traceable to Venture's registration statement for the initial public offering held on or about January 24, 2025.CASE DETAILS: According to the complaint, Venture completed its initial public offering on January 27, 2025, selling 70 million shares at $24.00 per share. On February 5, 2025, TotalEnergies, an energy company that was a target customer of Venture, rejected opportunities to become a long-term customer of Venture, citing lack of trust. In particular, TotalEnergies CEO, stated that he was approached by Venture to see if the company would be interested in a long-term supply contract for liquefied natural gas from the Calcasieu Pass terminal in Louisiana, but he rejected the offer "because of what they are doing."Venture is currently facing legal challenges from existing large clients, such as BP and Shell, due to delays in supply contracts as Venture commissions its projects. Given the fact that defendants ability to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the world and to continue development of Venture's five natural gas liquefication and export projects depends on customer contracts, defendants' failure to account for and address these issues caused statements in Venture's registration statement to be false and/or materially misleading at the time of the initial public offering.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Venture stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/venture-global-inc-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=136270&wire=1 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP The Nigerian power sector is grappling with a crippling crisis as rampant electricity theft and infrastructure vandalism continue to threaten power supply. Although Nigeria is not able to generate enough electricity to power the country, the thefts and vandalism worsen the situation. Due to these concerns, millions of homes and businesses have struggled without reliable access to electricity for decades. In recent years, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported several incidents of vandalism, resulting in significant disruptions to power supply. In June 2020, Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) said they lost over N30 billion of their monthly revenues to energy theft, meter bypass, vandalism and unpaid electricity bills by consumers. In September 2021, the TCN said it lost N1.7 billion in nine months to vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Maiduguri and its environs. 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 January 2025, the minister of power said over N9 billion was spent to restore vandalised power infrastructure in the northern part of Nigeria in 2024. Vandalism Earlier in February 2024, the TCN said its tower number 388 along the Jos-Bauchi 132kV single circuit transmission line was vandalised. The company said the incident suspected to have occurred on the 1st of February, at about 10 p.m., led to a power outage in Yobe and Borno states. Again in February 2024, the TCN said tower 70 along its 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line was vandalised on 26 February, at about 11.32 p.m., reducing bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW. In March 2024, the TCN said one of its critical infrastructures, the Shiroro-Katampe 330 Kilo Volt (kV) transmission line, was vandalised, the fifth such incident between February and March. Reacting to the frequent vandalism of power infrastructure across Nigeria at the time, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recommended the death penalty for persons who steal power infrastructure. The activities of vandals in 2024 threw the entire Bayelsa State into darkness for months. At the time, the Bayelsa State Government described the vandalisation of the electricity power towers, as a sabotage of the states economy. In June 2024, the TCN said two of its towers, T193 and T194, along the DamaturuMaiduguri 330 Kilo Volt (KV Single Circuit) transmission line that was vandalised on 28 December 2023 were again destroyed by vandals. In August 2024, the TCN said two transmission towers, T98 and T99, along the Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kV line in the Igbooghene community of Bayelsa, were destroyed by vandals. At the time, the TCN said the incident caused the collapse of both towers, cutting off power supply to Bayelsa, including its Yenagoa Substation and the Gbarain Power Station. In September 2024, TCN said its tower T372, along the Gombe -Damaturu-Maiduguri 330 Kilovolt (kV) transmission line, was brought down by vandals. At the time, the TCN said the development disrupted power supply to Damaturu in Yobe and Maiduguri in Borno. Again in October 2024, the TCN said its Shiroro-Mando transmission line was damaged due to sabotage, causing a power outage in many northern states. Expressing deep concern over the rising number of cases of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers at the time, the TCN warned that this trend was severely disrupting the nations power grid and infrastructure. In November 2024, the Nigerian government said it had spent about N8.8 billion to repair transmission towers vandalised across the country. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Suleiman Abdulaziz, who disclosed this at the quarterly power sector working group meeting at the time, explained that between 13 January and 27 November, 128 transmission towers were destroyed by vandals or bandits across the country. On 18 December 2024, the TCN said its 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line had been vandalised again. On 17 January, the TCN said its 132kV transmission line and underground cables taking power to the central area of Abuja and its environs were vandalised, causing a power outage to the seat of the Nigerian president. On 19 January, the TCN said over 18 transmission towers were vandalised between 9 and 14 January across Rivers, Abia, and Kano states. Again in the month, the TCN said its Tower T195 along the UgwuajiMakurdi 330kV transmission line was vandalised on 25 January, at Watuolo village, Utonkon, in the Ado local government area of Benue State. Efforts TCN continues to face significant challenges in protecting its infrastructure. To address this, the Ministry of Power allocated N8 billion in its 2025 budget specifically for advocacy, education, enlightenment, and provision of technology to protect power infrastructure. According to Mr Adelabu, the fund will be used to enlighten Nigerians on the importance of protecting and taking ownership of power infrastructure and other national assets. We have suffered sustained and more violent attacks on our infrastructure. If you recall, for over two weeks last year, almost the entire northern part of the country was thrown into darkness, as bandits and terrorists, not just vandals, attacked our transmission lines and towers on the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna transmission lines. Dynamites were used to bring down the towers and the lines. This is just one of many such attacks across the nation. We have received support from the nations security agencies to address these attacks, but it has not abated, Mr Adelabu said in January. Industry experts warn that the continuous theft of electricity and vandalism of infrastructure pose a significant threat to the countrys power sector and economic growth. The power sector is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. The pervasive theft of electricity and deliberate destruction of power infrastructure in Nigeria have reached crisis levels, posing a significant threat to the countrys power sector and economic growth and development, Ogunrinde Adeola, an energy expert, said. He said if urgent action was not taken to address this problem, the consequences would be devastating. Also speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Dan Kunle, an energy expert, said the power industry woes are compounded by the daily vandalism of transmission lines, which has become a norm in the country. He said this has resulted in significant financial losses, further exacerbating the sectors precarious financial situation. The Nigerian electricity industry is bankrupt, is financially bankrupt, is technically bankrupt and without huge investment over the next three to four years, the industry will continue to be under the water. So with the vandalism of transmission lines happening every day, what do you expect? Its part of the bankruptcy now. If an industry is technically bankrupt and financially bankrupt, what do you expect? If there is no safety and security of the human resources of the country, the land, agricultural land, physical infrastructure like rail line, electricity line, pipeline, so what are you expecting? There is no solution in sight because the investment and the capacity to babysit this industry to the level that can be self-sustained is not yet there, he said. To address the crisis, he recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the industry, including increased investment, improved security measures, and a clear policy framework to address electricity theft and vandalism. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In early 1995, Bisi Abidoye attended the Sunday service of a church in Abuja for the first time. The officiating minister asked the first-timers to stand up for recognition and then ushered them to new seats at the front. Alas! When he returned to his original seat at the end of the service, he discovered that his bag was missing. I think the thief was attracted to the bag itself. It was a beautiful bag I bought during a trip to South Africa, Mr Abidoye recounted the event more than 30 years later. While members of the church were stunned by the audacity of the theft in the house of God, Mr Abidoye had something different to worry about. Inside the stolen bag was a 840,000 bank draft drawn in the name of an estate agent for a property his company had agreed to lease. Mr Abidoye, a senior journalist, had travelled to the companys headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, to collect the bank draft and was scheduled to conclude the transaction with the agent the following Monday. After all efforts at the church to trace the bag failed, Mr Abidoye rushed off to his office to call his headquarters so they could alert the issuing banks branch in Ibadan the next day to flag the draft and prevent it from being cashed at any of its branches. The bank took three months to reissue the draft, during which it held on to the 840,000. When you compare the banking system now, you marvel at the progress that has been made. No one needs to travel to cash a cheque or a bank draft anymore. You can transfer millions on your phone from your bedroom, and the beneficiary receives it instantly. That would have sounded like fiction to anyone in 1995, Mr Abidoye said during an interview in his office. 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 journalists experience highlights what people endured in the past. Money transfers used to be a Herculean task, and there are countless stories similar to his. The journey so far Have you ever wondered how you can send money from one account to another in a separate bank within seconds? In 2024 alone, over 12 billion instant money transfers were completed in Nigeriathe highest volume on the African continent. To put this in context, banks, fintech companies, mobile money operators, and others process over 12 billion instant transfers, with most transactions completed in seconds. But it was not always this way. Years ago in Nigeria, such transactions would have taken days for the recipient to receive the money. How did Nigerias banking system move from a two-to-three-day transfer process to the current system of instant transfers within seconds? The answer lies in the NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) system, a payment service used by banks and other financial institutions. What is NIBSS? The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) was incorporated in 1993, and owned by all licensed banks, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It commenced operations in June 1994. The Bankers Committee needed a settlement house to centralise payment and settlement activities among banks and other financial institutions. When NIBSS started, it managed cheque payments and bank settlements manually. In 2011, NIBSS launched the NIBSS Instant Payments (NIP), a digital clearing system that operates in real time. NIP is an account-based, online, real-time Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) platform that enables financial institutions to provide instant fund transfer services to their customers through electronic channels. Before then, several events in the banking sector facilitated the creation and adoption of NIP. After the 2005 bank recapitalisation, the CBN appointed NIBSS as the National Central Switch (NCS), with the mandate to link all CBN-licensed banks, switches, and mobile money operators in Nigeria. A major event also occurred in the banking sector in 2010 when the CBN made it mandatory for banks to use a uniform account number system. In August 2010, the CBN introduced the Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number (NUBAN) scheme, a 10-digit account numbering system. Many of these reforms laid the foundation for introducing the NIP system. To understand NIP, it is important to examine how money transfers worked before its introduction. Money transfers before NIP In the past, to transfer money from Bank A to Bank B, a customer had to physically visit a bank to fill out forms. When the transfer was executed, the money did not move automatically. To reconcile the transaction, the sending and receiving banks had to physically go to the NIBSS, which served as the clearing house. Clearing is the process of sending, reconciling, and confirming payment requests, while settlement is the process of making the funds available to the recipient. Essentially, banks had to settle payments manually on their ledgers. That process used to take a day or two. When you initiated a transfer, the senders account would be debited, but the beneficiary wouldnt get the money immediately. The transaction would only be completed once the banks had settled at the NIBSS, said Hakeem Abdulkareem, a tech expert who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES. At a point, the NIBSS had to create two settlement sessionsmorning and afternoon. So customers had to time their transfers carefully to ensure they were processed within the designated session. Over time, efforts were made to digitise the process. The CBN introduced the Central Inter-Bank Funds Transfer Service (CIFTS) and the Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS). However, these platforms were expensive and catered to only a select few. The NIBSS Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) was introduced in 2004, but a transaction took about 24 hours to complete. Everything changed with the introduction of NIP in 2011. This platform serves as a digital clearinghouse that enables banks to transfer money across institutions in real time, completing transactions in less than a minute. The platform is not just a digital clearing house but a technology platform on which most banks now build their mobile apps. When a bank transfer is initiated through NIP, the request is sent instantly to the recipients bank, and funds become available almost immediately. It performs the traditional clearing and settlement functions within seconds. Heres how it works: When a transfer of 1,000 is initiated from Bank A, the bank sends a signal to the NIP platform, providing details such as the amount, the beneficiarys account, and the receiving bank. The NIP platform, which hosts a digital ledger for all banks, records the transaction as a debit for Bank A and a credit for Bank B. Once this is noted, Bank B receives the notification and instantly credits the beneficiarys account. The process typically takes less than a minute, with clearing and settlement completed later. It is not as if money is physically transported between banks in bullion vans. This transaction is similar to the old method, except that it is conducted in real-time at a much faster pace. It also serves as a trusted platform. According to a report by AfricaNenda in 2022, NIBSS operates a central processing hubthe Nigerian Central Switchwhich connects directly to all commercial banks, microfinance banks, and mobile money operators (MMOs) in Nigeria. Direct participants consist of banks, while indirect participants include microfinance banks (MFBs), mobile network operators (MNOs), and super agents. Transactions are settled in batches on a deferred net basis four times per day via the NIBSS platform. Here comes the Moniepoint, OPay, and Others While commercial banks have significantly improved the instant payment system, fintech companies have also developed solutions that have made transfers even faster. On many fintech platforms, beneficiaries receive transfers within seconds, even when transactions involve multiple parties. Across Nigeria, even market traders now accept transfers, a trend that gained momentum during the Naira scarcity of 2022/2023, when businesses needed instant payment solutions without delays. Several fintech firms provided alternatives faster than most commercial banks. As stated earlier, fintech companies operating as Payment Service Banks (PSBs) also have access to NIP but often prefer to use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)software that enables seamless real-time transactions between financial institutions. The API used by PSB also belongs to the NIBSS. Here is how it works: most PSBs have accounts in all commercial banks and other PSBs. When a customer transfers money from Bank A to Bank B, the funds do not physically move between banks. Instead, Payment Service Banks (PSBs) are crucial in the process. READ ALSO: Allegations of fraud unfounded and false Since PSBs already hold accounts in all commercial banks, the transaction is handled internally through an API. When the transfer is initiated, the senders account in Bank A is debited, and the corresponding amount is credited to the PSBs account within the same bank. The API then instructs Bank B to credit the beneficiary from the PSBs account in that bank. This process occurs within seconds. Because the funds remain within the same banking system rather than moving between banks, there is no need for traditional clearing and settlement. The PSBs are registered with the CBN, and section 6.6 of the PSB guidelines mandates a 5 billion minimum deposit to guarantee operations. With these innovations, money transfers in Nigeria have been transformed. Had Mr Abidoyes incident occurred in 2025, multiple trips to the bank would have been unnecessaryone instant transfer would have solved the problem. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria has recorded 23 new suspected cases of Diphtheria in the 10th epidemiological week of 2025, with Lagos State being the most affected state in the reporting week. According to the latest situation report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Lagos State accounted for 20 cases, followed by Katsina State with three cases. The increase in Lagos cases follows the recent outbreak at Kings College Lagos, where 14 students were infected, and one fatality was recorded. Kings College Outbreak Following the outbreak, the Lagos State Government initiated an emergency vaccination campaign for students and staff. Most of the infected students are receiving treatment at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and are showing signs of recovery. The school principal, Mogaji Zakaria, outlined measures taken to contain the outbreak, including improved hygiene protocols and mask mandates. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later However, some parents have criticised the schools sanitary conditions, calling for better infrastructure. The Lagos States Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, assured the public that the situation is under control, with 12 students responding well to treatment. The affected students are expected to be discharged soon. National Situation Report According to NCDC, between May 2022 and March 2025, Nigeria recorded 1,319 deaths from diphtheria. Cumulatively, from Epi-Week 19, 2022, to Epi-Week 10, 2025, a total of 42,642 suspected cases were reported across 37 states and 350 local government areas (LGAs). Kano (24,239), Yobe (5,330), Katsina (4,237), Bauchi (3,066), Borno (3,058), Kaduna (777), and Jigawa (364) accounted for 96.3 per cent of the suspected cases reported. Of the suspected cases, 25,812 (60.5 per cent) were confirmed, including 396 laboratory-confirmed cases, 216 epidemiologically linked cases, and 25,200 clinically compatible cases. The confirmed cases were spread across 184 LGAs in 26 states. Kano recorded the highest number of confirmed cases (18,108), followed by Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408), Katsina (1,501), Borno (1,161), Jigawa (53), Plateau (119), and Kaduna (44). These states accounted for 99.7 per cent of confirmed cases. Children aged one14 years made up 62.9 per cent (16,234) of confirmed cases, but only 19.3 per cent (4,981) of them were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. The case fatality rate (CFR) among confirmed cases stands at 5.1 per cent, with a total of 1,319 deaths recorded. About Diphtheria Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affecting the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and occasionally the skin. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected individual, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen neck glands. A thick gray membrane may form over the throat and tonsils, obstructing the airway. If untreated, diphtheria can lead to severe complications such as myocarditis, nerve damage, kidney failure, or breathing problems. Diagnosis involves a clinical examination and swab culture, especially when the characteristic gray membrane is present. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has provided a detailed account of how she successfully attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, despite not being officially nominated by the Nigerian government. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she registered for the meeting online as a senator and secured her accreditation because she was already on IPUs mailing list as a past attendee. The senator noted that she personally funded her trip to the global parliamentary gathering after receiving approval to attend. I registered online as a senator. The suspension does not remove my legitimacy as a senator. I registered online and got a pass. I attended the same programme last year and was already on the mailing list. After I got a pass, I bought my own ticket and funded my trip and participation at the event, she told PREMIUM TIMES. This is not her first attendance at an IPU event. She accompanied the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to the 148th IPU General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in March, 2024 as part of Nigerias official delegation. Cross-River South Senator, Ekpenyong Asuquo, and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, were also part of the delegation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later During the assembly, Mr Akpabio, called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages. He also called for access to humanitarian aid for victims of the war conflict zone. Clarifying her mode of access, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she attended the recent IPU event through her past participation in a meeting organised by the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Her presence at an IPU event in Geneva in 2024 as part of Nigerias delegation also helped, she said. She added that the IPU event is not exclusive to government officials but also open to individuals and civil society organisations as well. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that she travelled to New York with a visa on her ordinary Nigerian passport and not with an official passport. Legitimacy of her attendance despite suspension Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension from the Senate as illegal, saying that did not, however, take away her legitimacy as an elected senator. However, her six-month suspension explicitly prohibits her from identifying herself as a senator, both locally and internationally, during the suspension period. Despite this restriction, she insisted that she attended the IPU meeting in her official capacity and spoke as a legitimate representative of her people. Alleged plans to arrest her During the interview, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that plans are underway to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria. Im aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja, she said. The Senate President Akpabio sent three staff headed by the Charge DAffairs of the Nigerian embassy in New York to evacuate me from the United Nations premises right after my speech. I was rescued by parliamentarians from other countries and the security. The senate president could not be reached for comment. His spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, has yet to respond to multiple telephone calls made to him by this reporter. His response to a text message sent to him is still being awaited. Meanwhile, the telephone number of the Senates spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, was not reachable Sunday morning. Nigeria launches probe into her participation at the IPU meeting Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans attendance at the IPU meeting has triggered a government investigation. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that Nigerias internal and external intelligence agencies have launched a probe into how she gained access to the meeting without official nomination. A high-ranking administration official and two top security officials involved in the inquiry confided in PREMIUM TIMES that the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), are working to determine how Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the international meeting without approval, who facilitated her trip and accreditation, and whether her participation was orchestrated by interest groups to embarrass Nigeria, its government and its people. Nigeria believes Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan did not follow the required diplomatic protocols before gaining access to the IPU meeting on 11 March, where she addressed her suspension from the Nigerian Senate, alleging that it was politically motivated to silence her for speaking out against misconduct in the legislative chamber. Additionally, she raised allegations of sexual harassment against the senate president. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print China Vanke has sold nearly three quarters of the more than 200 units on offer at its Le Mont project on the first day of sales, despite earlier reports indicating that some Hong Kong banks were refusing to extend mortgages to prospective buyers. By 5pm on Saturday, 162 of the 228 available flats at the new Tai Po residential project developed by Vanke Hong Kong, wholly owned by China Vanke, had been sold, said Sammy Po Siu-ming, CEO of Midland Realty's residential division. The flats - ranging from 214 sq ft to 873 sq ft - include 28 studios, 67 one-bedroom units, 93 two-bedroom units, 24 three-bedroom units, nine four-bedroom units and seven special units. They are part of a six-tower residential complex, projected to be completed by July 2026. 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. Prices for the units range from HK$2.38 million to HK$11.41 million (US$306,000 to US$1.47 million), while the price per square foot is between HK$9,185 and HK$14,392. That is over 30 per cent lower than prices of comparable properties in the neighbourhood two years ago, according to property agents. The Le Mont project is located in Tai Po. Photo: Handout alt=The Le Mont project is located in Tai Po. Photo: Handout> Le Mont closed its ballot registration at 8pm on Thursday, attracting a total of 7,418 applications - an oversubscription of more than 31 times. China Vanke, once the largest real estate developer on the mainland but now battling a liquidity crisis, faced renewed challenges after several banks in Hong Kong rejected mortgage applications from potential buyers of the project. Standard Chartered and Chong Hing Bank were not accepting applications for the project, agents said earlier this week. The banks were assessing the risk of a Vanke default and its capacity to complete the project, according to a lawyer. As of Friday, Hang Seng Bank, HSBC and Bank of East Asia confirmed they would provide mortgage financing for buyers, joining OCBC Hong Kong and Bank of Communications, according to a Vanke spokesman. Bank of China (Hong Kong) and ICBC (Asia) also indicated they would extend mortgages for the project. Some banks in Hong Kong have rejected mortgage applications for the Le Mont project. Photo: Nora Tam alt=Some banks in Hong Kong have rejected mortgage applications for the Le Mont project. Photo: Nora Tam> China Vanke is grappling with nearly US$5 billion in debt maturities this year and is expected to report a record net loss of 45 billion yuan (US$6.2 billion) for 2024. Once regarded as a financially stable developer with state backing, Vanke's struggles underscore the ongoing impact of China's prolonged property downturn. Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. She disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday. Im aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is still in the US after the IPU meeting, said. The senator did not, however, say which of the security agencies was plotting her arrest. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that Nigerias internal and external intelligence agencies have launched a probe into how she gained access to the meeting without an official nomination. 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 A high-ranking administration official and two top security officials involved in the inquiry confided in PREMIUM TIMES that the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are working to determine how Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the international meeting without approval, who facilitated her trip and accreditation, and whether interest groups orchestrated her participation to embarrass Nigeria, its government and its people. The IPU meeting On 11 March, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the IPU meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where she narrated the circumstances surrounding her suspension from the Senate. She alleged that the suspension was politically motivated to silence her for speaking out against misconduct in the legislative chamber and thereafter sought international intervention. In response, IPU President ,Tulia Ackson, said the parliamentary body would investigate the matter but would also allow the Nigerian Senate to present its side of the story. However, a Nigerian delegate to the IPU meeting, Kafilat Ogbara, countered Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans claims when she (Ogbara) addressed journalists at the UN secretariat a day after the former s attendance at the IPU meeting. Mrs Ogbara, the chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, read a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, stating that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension was due to violations of Senate Standing Rules during plenary sessions and not because of her allegations against Mr Akpabio. Alleged attempt to remove her from the UN premises Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that shortly after her speech at the IPU meeting, the senate president sent three officials led by the Charge daffairs of the Nigerian Embassy in New York to forcibly remove her from the United Nations premises during the IPU meeting. The Senate President Akpabio sent three staff headed by the Charge DAffairs of the Nigerian embassy in New York to evacuate me from the United Nations premises right after my speech. I was rescued by parliamentarians from other countries and the security, she alleged. The senate president could not be reached for comment. His spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, did not pick up PREMIUM TIMES calls to his mobile telephone or respond to a text message. Similarly, the Senates Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, could not be reached as his mobile telephone did not connect.. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has denied allegations by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that the Niger Delta organisation visited President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday to seek favour from him. Last Tuesday, the PANDEF delegation visited Mr Tinubu, during which they asked for his help in addressing issues in the region, including the feud between Mr Wike and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The president told the delegation that there is a need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity. On Wednesday, during a media chat, Mr Wike accused the Niger Delta group of visiting Mr Tinubu to seek favour from the president. Its false But during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Chairperson of PANDEF, Godknows Igali, described the allegation as false. A text of the press briefing was forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday. 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 briefing, Mr Igali, a former Nigerian ambassador to Sweden, said eminent South-South leaders, including the regions most senior traditional rulers, former governors, senators and ministers, were part of the delegation. He said it was highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that Mr Wike would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. The PANDEF chairperson said, contrary to the FCT ministers accusation, the visit was held at the invitation of Mr Tinubu, adding that the meeting offered a platform for discussion of pressing issues of national and regional importance. He said apart from the political crisis in Rivers, the meeting deliberated on other issues, including the need for presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission Bill and urgent infrastructure development in the region. PANDEF and the people of the South-South expect that these issues, which Mr President acknowledged with assurances of follow-up action, will be diligently pursued, leading to tangible progress in the near future, Mr Igali said. It is, therefore, both shocking and unfortunate that, barely 24 hours after this significant engagement with Mr President an engagement that rekindled hope for peace and stability the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a media chat in which he launched an unwarranted and deeply inappropriate attack on PANDEF and its leadership. In his remarks, the honourable minister characterised PANDEF as the worst organisation ever and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favours, he said. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature. Rebuffing peace committee on Rivers crisis Mr Igali said Mr Wikes recent attitude has explained his continued refusal to engage the Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by the PANDEF since October 2024 to address the Rivers crisis. While the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated a willingness to engage with this committee, the Honourable Minister has consistently rebuffed all attempts to reach him by opening up at dialogue. Given his open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organisation can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on a peace mission to such levels of disregard and disrespect, he said. Appeal to Tinubu over Wike Mr Igali appealed to Mr Tinubu to prevail upon Mr Wike to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to the eminent individuals who visited the president. It is apt to remind that the minister does not own the Niger Delta, and his errant conduct should not be condoned, he said, assuring that the group will continue efforts to ensure lasting harmony in Rivers State and the region. Background on Rivers crisis Messrs Wike and Fubara have been in a protracted face-off over the control of the political structures in Rivers. The crisis has continued despite the initial interventions of Mr Tinubu and other South-South leaders. The crisis later split the Rivers House of Assembly into two factions 27 lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike and three to Mr Fubara. Martin Amaewhule led the 27 lawmakers, while the three lawmakers were led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. However, the Supreme Court restored Mr Amaewhules position as the speaker, reinstated the others as legitimate members of the assembly, and nullified the local election organised by Mr Fubaras administration. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on Saturday, clarified that he never said former President Olusegun Obasanjo should not use the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway when completed. Mr Umahi made the clarification during an inspection tour of the highway project in Lagos. He reacted to some comments to the effect that he said Mr Obasanjo should not use the road for describing the highway project as wasteful. The point is that the former president is not only my former president, he is also my father and he is my in-law. So, I have my respect for him. I never said the former president should not use the road. He is not the only one among the few criticising the road project. 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 said, If you say the road is not good, you have a choice to use it or not to use it. That is what I said. I didnt say the former president should not use the road, Mr Umahi told journalists during the inspection tour. The minister said that the 700km road project was not wasteful but a vital investment with huge socio-economic benefits. If you say the project is wasteful, it is an ambiguous statement. Is it wasteful in the sense that it shouldnt have been? Is it wasteful in the sense that we are going to be earning carbon credit from the concrete pavement and from solar light? Is it wasteful in the sense that along this corridor, we are going to have windmill energy connecting all the communities we are going through? Is it wasteful that it is from Lagos to Calabar? Well, we have the Sokoto-Badagry Highway project, which is 1,068km, he asked. The minister added that the federal government was executing a 462km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi- Gombe Road project, among other projects. Why then single out this one to say that it is wasteful? He said that travelling from Lagos to Calabar through the highway would take only five hours, reducing travel time. It is an evacuation corridor. So, the amount that the federal government spends in doing transhipment will be saved. Mr Umahi said that in the next six months, section one of the highway project would be completed. Is it wasteful in the sense that this road is going to be passing a number of existing roads? Is it wasteful in the sense that the Bua Refinery, this is passing through it? Is it wasteful that it is going to be an evacuation corridor for Dangote Refinery? I cannot see the sense in saying that it is wasteful, he added. Mr Umahi also said that the project had nothing to do with corruption. He said that Mr Obasanjo praised his administrations transparency and achievements when he was the Governor of Ebonyi. He is my father. If a father suddenly says that his son is corrupt, it is up to the son to say he is not corrupt. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a 74-year-old man for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The commands spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this while briefing journalists in Lagos on Saturday. Mr Hundeyin said that the incident happened on 12 March in the Iju area of the state. He said that the girls father reported the case to the Iju Police Division on Thursday, 13 March at about 5.00 p.m. The suspect allegedly defiled his neighbours daughter in his room. Based on the report, a team of detectives visited the scene. 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 girl was taken to the hospital for examination and treatment, while the suspect was immediately detained, Mr Hundeyin said. He said the investigation was ongoing, saying that the suspect would be arraigned at the end of the investigation. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the failure to reverse the patently unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the purported suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression. Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of the Senate. The Senate recently suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly spoke without permission and refused her new seat in the Senate chamber. Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges. SERAP is seeking: an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights. SERAP is also seeking a declaration that the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules, the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), to suspend Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation. 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 suit, SERAP is arguing that: Granting this application would serve the public interest and promote respect for the rights of everyone in the National Assembly. SERAP is arguing that, No one should ever be punished for speaking without permission. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out. SERAP is also arguing that, Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to freely express themselves and exercise their human rights. According to SERAP, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. All the other grounds cited by the Senate for her suspension seem to be a pretext to further restrict her fundamental human rights. SERAP is also arguing that, Suspending Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression has made her opinion in the Senate ineffective. The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Adelanke Aremo, read in part: No member of the Senate should suffer any consequences for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression. Any application of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 by the Senate must conform with constitutional and international human rights norms and standards relating to freedom of expression and should not jeopardise the right itself. A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate. The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation. Given the impracticality of direct participation of all citizens, article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights provides that a citizen shall exercise political power either directly or through freely chosen representatives. The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government. The Senate has the obligations to uphold the rule of law and the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigerias obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that, (1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. Under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights: 1. Every individual shall have the right to receive information. 2. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law. Article 9 (1) and (2) are substantively similar because the right to receive information is derived from the right to express and disseminate ones opinions. The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, in Principle II (2) provides that any restrictions on freedom of expression shall be provided for by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary and in a democratic society. Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights provides that, Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. The right to express ones opinion is of paramount importance, not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment. The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental individual human right which is also a cornerstone of democracy and a means of ensuring the respect for all human rights and freedoms. The Human Rights Council, the body charged with monitoring implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has stressed that any limitations or restrictions to freedom of expression should be applied strictly so that they do not put in jeopardy the right itself. Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes the Senates obligations to respect and ensure the right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally or in writing. The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans right to express herself and disseminate her opinions which is clearly guaranteed in section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print 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 immediate past Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has denied media reports claiming he plans to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Mr Lawan, who led the Senate from 2019 to 2023 and currently represents Yobe North Senatorial District, denied the reports in a statement issued by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, on Sunday. The senator said he is committed to the APC and proud of his role as a founding member and key stakeholder in the party. The attention of the Office of Senator Ahmad Lawan, the President of the 9th Senate and Distinguished Senator representing Yobe North Senatorial District, has been drawn to misleading reports and posters circulating in some quarters, insinuating that he is set to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). We wish to categorically state that these reports are entirely false, baseless, and without any merit. Senator Ahmad Lawan remains a steadfast and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he has proudly associated with and contributed to since its formation. He remains a key stakeholder in the APC and will continue to work with the party and the government to ensure the success of their collective goals, the statement said. The former senate president described the rumours of his planned defection as the work of mischief-makers attempting to create distractions. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We urge the general public, party members, and supporters to disregard these unfounded rumours and posters, as they are nothing but the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to create unnecessary distractions and buzz for a mapped-out political agenda, the statement said. 25 years of legislative experience Mr Lawan is one of Nigerias longest-serving lawmakers, having been elected to the National Assembly for the first time in 1999. His political career began in the House of Representatives before transitioning to the Senate in 2007. In the statement, the former senate president maintained that he firmly believed in the APC and would continue to work with the party leaders. For the record, throughout his illustrious political career spanning twenty-five years as a member of the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Lawan is one of Nigerias few politicians with no defection record since inception. In 1999, he was elected into the House of Representatives and transitioned to the Senate in 2007 on the All Peoples Party (APP) platform, later renamed All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). The ANPP was among the three minority parties that merged to birth the All Progressives Congress on 6th February 2013. Senator Lawan is a firm believer in the vision and principles of the APC, and he continues to work tirelessly with other party leaders and members to strengthen the party and advance its agenda for the betterment of our nation, the statement said. Support for Yobe government and Tinubu administration Mr Lawan commended Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State for his leadership and the development his administration has recorded in improving governance and the livelihood of the people. He pledged his continued support for the governors policies aimed at fostering development in Yobe State. He also expressed confidence in the policies and reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu, stating that he firmly believes in the administrations commitment to transforming Nigeria and addressing the challenges facing the nation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Abayomi Fasina has emerged winner of Independent Newspaper Awards 2024 for the Best Vice Chancellor of the Year. The award was conferred on Mr Fasina, a distinguished professor of soil science, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, transformative vision, and innovative steps, which in the last four years of his administration of FUOYEs affairs have taken the university to enviable heights. The presentation of the award to FUOYE vice chancellor took place on Saturday at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where many other prominent Nigerians and great achievers were equally honoured for their immense contributions to humanity, national development and socio-economic progress. The event was chaired by former Chairperson of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and ex-Military Administrator of Ondo State, Bode George. Some of the other awardees, most of whom were represented, included Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State named Man of the Year; Governor Bassey Otu, who won Governor of the Year in economic transformation and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo who emerged Governor of the Year (Agriculture). Former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odilli, erstwhile Governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande and Michael Adenuga were conferred with Life Time Achievement Award. 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 Fasina, a fellow of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (FSSSN) and Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON), expressing profound gratitude and appreciation to Independent Newspaper for considering him fit for the honour, said, the award would certainly serve as an impetus and encouragement for us to do more. He expressed gratitude to God for making his tenure impactful in the structural development of FUOYE, as well as transforming the university to become the fastest growing the country. I give God the glory for granting us the enablement, strength and wisdom with which we worked to record the achievements that attracted this prestigious award from a highly esteemed and reputable media organisation, the Independent Newspaper. It was God that made it possible. So, I dedicate this award to God Almighty first, and then to the entire university community the students, staff, management team and governing council for their support, Mr Fasina noted. The FUOYE Pro-Chancellor/Chairperson Governing Council, Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), speaking on the Best Vice Chancellor Award bestowed on Mr Fasina by Independent Newspaper, remarked that, it is most reassuring. If you read the Visitation Report of the university up to the year 2020 then you will appreciate the enormous achievements of Professor Fasina in the last four years. He has given the university a definition and I have no doubt that his legacy will endure. I congratulate him on this award which is not just well earned but also well deserved, Ndoma-Egba said. A prolific researcher and scholar of note with over 140 publications to his credit, and revered winner of several research grants, Mr Fasina, had previously won several awards for his tireless efforts at transforming and repositioning the 14-year-old university in rapid development and academic excellence. Some of the awards include the Integrity Icon of Nigeria Award by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) in 2022, Best Vice Chancellor Award 2023 by Digital Stardom Global Communications, Southwest Nigeria Education Award, Outstanding Administrator Award and NANS Best Performing Vice-Chancellor in South-West Award. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias internal and external intelligence agencies are probing how Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, secured access to the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without being nominated by her country to attend, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report. A high-ranking administration official and two top security officials involved in the inquiry said the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), are working to determine how Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the international meeting without approval, who facilitated her trip and accreditation, and whether her participation was orchestrated by interest groups to embarrass Nigeria, its government and its people. The officials asked not to be named because they were not yet authorised to discuss the matter with the media. Did Akpoti-Uduagan breach the official procedure? The IPU, a global parliamentary organisation, has strict rules governing representations and operations. Participation at the global gathering of lawmakers is restricted to official delegates from member parliaments, according to IPU rules. Delegates are typically nominated by their countries and their details officially submitted to the IPU Secretariat before meetings. Delegates will thereafter receive accreditation based on their parliamentary status and are then issued access credentials. For Nigeria, which operates a bicameral legislature, the delegation specifically consists of selected senators, House of Representatives members, and parliamentary officials. Only accredited delegates can occupy official seats and speak on behalf of their respective countries. In rare instances, individuals may attend as observers, but such attendance requires explicit approval from both the IPU and the attendees home countries delegation. 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 Nigeria believes Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan did not follow the required protocols before gaining access to the IPU meeting on 11 March, where she addressed her suspension from the Nigerian Senate, alleging that it was politically motivated to silence her for speaking out against misconduct in the legislative chamber. At the meeting, she also raised allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. In response, IPU President ,Tulia Ackson, said the parliamentary body would investigate the matter, but would also allow the Nigerian Senate to present its side of the story. However, a Nigerian delegate to the IPU meeting, Kafilat Ogbara, countered Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans claims when she (Ogbara) addressed journalists at the UN secretariat a day after the former s attendance at the IPU meeting. Mrs Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, read a letter from Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, stating that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension was due to violations of Senate Standing Rules during plenary sessions, rather than retaliation for her allegations against Mr Akpabio. Questioning Akpoti-Uduagans attendance Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans presence at the IPU meeting without official authorisation from her home country is raising concerns among political actors and security agencies. Some analysts have questioned how she secured invitation for such an international engagement without the necessary nomination and approval by Nigeria. During last Thursdays plenary, Mr Bamidele questioned the legitimacy of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans presence at the IPU meeting on the grounds that she was not part of Nigerias official delegation. He emphasised that the IPU, like other international parliamentary organisations, operates based on established rules and protocols which suggested that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan should not have been allowed into the meeting. Outside of Nigeria, or outside of this Senate, when it comes to our inter-parliamentary engagements, every one of those organisations, from Inter-Parliamentary Union, to Commonwealth Parliament, to African Union Parliament, to ECOWAS Parliament, everyone is run on the basis of rules and regulations, drawn from the protocols establishing those organisations. And thats why the Inter-Parliamentary Union president, two days ago, after listening to our colleague, Distinguished Senator Natasha, had to also go by their rule. One, that the issue that she raised was outside of the agenda of the meeting. Number two, having heard her, it would also be important to listen to the other side because they are all guided by rules. And also, let me emphasise that section 1 (1) of the law establishing the Inter-Parliamentary Union itself makes it clear that membership of IPU shall be on the basis of national parliamentary organisation. In other words, there are no individual members. It is the parliament of sovereign nations that are members of IPU, and those who attend those meetings on behalf of their parliaments are designated delegates. So, if for any reason one of our colleagues, who was not even supposed to be there, if she were to have gone by the rule of this Senate and the decision of this Senate, found her way to the place, sat on the seat meant for Nigeria, and spoke for herself rather than for Nigeria, you know, thats another issue altogether, he said. Similarly, Jimoh Ibrahim, chair of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Activities, in a statement on Friday, said Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan had no official authorisation to represent Nigeria at the IPU meeting and that her attendance was not approved by the Nigerian Senate or its Inter-Parliamentary Committee. READ ALSO: Nigerian senator barred from practising law in US yet to speak on scandal Key focus of the inquiry by SSS and NIA The SSS-NIA collaborative investigation is believed to have been triggered by complaints by the Nigerian senate. Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the intelligence agencies are interested in identifying whether Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan obtained unauthorised credentials or if external facilitators aided her participation at the meeting. The officials also said the investigation would review whether her participation at the meeting breached any IPU regulations or the Nigerian National Assembly protocols. The inquiry will also determine if Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans statements at the event misrepresented Nigerias official stance and whether individuals or organisations helped her secure attendance without the governments knowledge or approval. It is unclear how the security agencies will proceed with their findings upon the conclusion of their investigation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has lamented the lack of funding for establishing more correctional centres to address overcrowding of inmates. In a presentation on the state of infrastructure of custodial centres, the Head of Works of the NCoS, Abuja, Prince Imoke, said, Correctional service requires a lot of funds here in Nigeria and elsewhere. So, if these funds are not provided, it will be impossible for the Nigerian Correctional Service to actually cater for the infrastructural facility required for the correctional service. Mr Imoke said this during the second public hearing of the independent investigative panel on the alleged corruption and abuse of power, torture, cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment against the NCoS. He made the presentation on Thursday in Abuja ahead of the close of the panels hearing on Friday. He lamented that despite getting approval to construct correctional facilities in the six geopolitical zones in 2019, no funds have been provided to date. If the Nigerian government can provide the necessary funds needed for the construction of these custodial centres, we will see the major improvements, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Overcrowding is a perennial problem in the Nigerian prisons. In all, the Nigerian prisons have combined carrying capacity of 58,278, but as of 10 March, they were housing 79,782 inmates across the country. Of these inmates, only about 34 per cent are convicted, while the overwhelming majority of 66 per cent of them are awaiting trial a reflection of the inefficiency of the countrys criminal justice system. The independent investigative panel on the alleged corruption and abuse of power, torture, cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment against the NCoS was set up by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in September 2024, following allegations of corruption and gross misconduct against cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. The members of the panel include the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior who serves as the chairperson of the panel Magdalene Ajani, secretary Uju Agomoh, Iyke Ezeugo, Eva Omotose, Nasir Usman and Modupe Onyalechi. As part of its mandate, the panel undertook field visits to different correctional centres across the country to ascertain their state. The panel noted poor infrastructures, and a lack of maintenance culture at correctional facilities they visited. They highlighted that this challenge would pose a detriment to the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reformation. The panels secretary, Ms Agomoh, said, Correctional centres in the rural areas have been dilapidated buildings. For example, in the Ubiaja custodial centre, Oba and Ozalla custodial centre. Instead of solely relying on funds, the Panel recommended recruiting inmates with repair skills to maintain infrastructure. Other responsibilities of the Panel include public hearings which concluded on Friday, conducting interviews with inmates and staff of the NCoS, analysing data on reported cases and complaints, recommending solutions and submission of findings to the Minister of Interior. The hearing was attended by NCoS officers, with Assistant Controller General I.N. Idris representing the acting Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche. Issues in correctional Centres Some of the challenges the panel witnessed in the correctional facilities include overcrowding, detention of minors, inadequate healthcare facilities, poor nutrition and inadequate logistics. According to an assessment between 2018 and 2022, 133,906 children and young adults were in custody. These minors were mostly detained for theft and 74 per cent were awaiting trial while 26 percent were convicted. There are centres where minors were admitted as adults in the custodial centre, the secretary of the panel, Ms Agomoh, said. An instance of minor detention occurred in the aftermath of the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, with 52 minors detained. The appearance of the minors in court ignited an outrage from the public and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who condemned the act. To curb this menace, the panel recommended an establishment of appropriate correctional centres for children and the proper classification of children and young adults according to age and offences. Recommendations by the panel As part of its recommendation to decongest the centres, the panel proposed the expansion of correctional centres and alternative sentences such as community service or probation. Regarding the issue of poor nutrition, Ms Agomoh said, We observed huge numbers of malnourished inmates. The panel suggested increasing budgetary allocation, elimination of corruption in the food supply chain, agricultural programmes in custodial centres and regular evaluation and monitoring. More Pictures: Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print China's 12 trillion yuan (US$1.6 trillion) brokerage sector will continue to remain fragmented and competitive, despite the ongoing consolidation mandated by Beijing to create world-class entities, according to S&P Global Ratings. "Over the next two years, the landscape will not likely change considerably," the rating agency said in a report on Friday. "The top players will grab a bit more market share, but the sector will likely remain fragmented and competitive." China's securities sector, with more than 140 firms, faced intense competition in pricing, services and underwriting standards, prompting repeated regulatory warnings, the firm said. "Aggressive underwriting practice could increase securities firms' risks." 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. Recently, some Chinese investment banks offered fees as low as 0.01 per cent in a bid to sponsor and underwrite the Hong Kong share offering of Contemporary Amperex Technology, or CATL, the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) battery maker, the state-owned newspaper Securities Times reported. CATL is said to be seeking at least US$5 billion from the secondary listing. China Securities Regulatory Commission penalised Zheshang Securities in November for several shortcomings. Photo: Reuters alt=China Securities Regulatory Commission penalised Zheshang Securities in November for several shortcomings. Photo: Reuters> The China Securities Regulatory Commission's supervision bureau in eastern Zhejiang province penalised Zheshang Securities in November for lacking sufficient independence in certain sponsorship work and charging fees significantly below industry standards. In March 2024, CSRC issued guidelines to restructure the industry to sharpen its competitiveness and to build world-class investment banks by 2035. At least six merger plans have been rolled out since then. Late last year, Guotai Junan Securities and Haitong Securities announced a 103 billion yuan merger to create China's biggest brokerage. On Friday, Chinese media reported the new entity would be named Guotai Haitong. Last month, Reuters reported that state-owned China International Capital Corp would merge with China Galaxy Securities, which was denied by both firms. Deals announced since late 2023 accounted for about 20 per cent of the sector's total assets as of the end of June 2024, according to S&P's estimates. I decided to confront the Director-General with the news that my God would remove him from office through a television announcement. In 1986, I was appointed Special Adviser to Nigerias Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi. When I was offered the job, my boss at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Gabriel Olusanya, advised me to reject the offer. When I decided nevertheless to accept it, he gave me a bad security clearance. He said I was too close to my West Indian wife and would not be able to keep national secrets away from her. As a result, my appointment could not be confirmed. Paradoxically, Professor Olusanyas wife was also a West Indian. Moreover, the wife of Professor Akinyemi, the Foreign minister I would be working with, was also not a Nigerian. She was British. It took the intervention of President Babangida to break the logjam. In his no-nonsense manner, the president gave the State Security Service an ultimatum to give me a security clearance within 48 hours. Warfare I was at the Ministry of External Affairs for a little less than two years. Then I took a decision that some insist was unwise: I decided to go back to the Institute. On return there, I faced a lot of petty persecutions from the director-general, who now saw me as an adversary. This was worsened by a curious development. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi invited Crispin Ogunseye and I to lunch. He then informed me that President Babangida had decided to make me the new director-general of the Institute, as replacement for Professor Olusanya. Even though I told no one at the Institute about this while still considering the offer, one of the staff, a gentleman called Saleh, somehow got wind of it and broadcast the matter to everyone. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later After much rumination, I decided to decline the appointment. The crisis in my life at the time was not amenable to a highfalutin secular appointment. What I needed was Christ. When President Babangida stepped aside and Sani Abacha seized power as Head-of-State, the appointment of director-general of the NIIA was then offered to a then junior colleague of mine at the Institute: Dr George Obiozor. I thought this would give me the respite I needed only to discover that George Obiozor too was not comfortable with me being in the Institute with him as director-general. He made a foolish attempt to orchestrate my dismissal by accusing me of gross incompetence before the Appointments and Promotions Committee of the Institute. When that failed, he wrote me a letter stating that, as a result of some bogus reorganisation process, I had been prematurely retired at the tender age of forty-two. Defended I took the matter to God in prayer and presented the letter to him. I told him the director-general could only have had the audacity to take such action out of confidence that, with President Babangida now out of power, I have no friends in the new Abacha administration. But I did not need to know any man. All I needed was to know God. Therefore, I asked the Lord to answer the letter, so that my enemies in the Institute would know that I know God. The Lord answered me with a scripture which I now regard as a covenant. Whenever you see it in the bible, dont read it, because it now belongs exclusively to me. It says: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). Guess what happened? The very next day Lateef Aminu, a colleague of mine, told me he had reported my case to someone in the presidency. He put me on the phone to an official in Aso Rock who asked me to come to Abuja the next day. Suddenly, I discovered that knowing God was enough to get me invited to the office of the Head of State. So, I bought a ticket and flew from Lagos to Abuja. When I arrived there, I saw the aide-de-camp of one high-ranking naval officer who then took me to see his boss. After I gave him the details of my premature retirement, he said to me: This is what we are going to do. By tomorrow, a circular will be sent from the Chief of General Staff to your Director-General, asking him to write you officially within twenty-four hours withdrawing your letter of retirement and reinstating you to your former position. Thereafter, we shall decide what to do with your boss. Let me make a confession here. I was not humble in victory. I went back to the Institute and reported the incident to everyone who would listen. You people need to know you dont mess around with a child of God, I boasted foolishly. The letter from the Presidency came as promised and the director-general wrote me immediately reinstating me. But I was not satisfied. I reminded the Lord that the naval officer who spoke on his behalf said: Thereafter, we shall decide what to do with your boss. I wanted to know exactly what would happen to the director-general. Then the Lord told me he would be unceremoniously dismissed from office on Tuesday through an announcement on the nine oclock news of the Nigerian Television Authority. Humbled I became foolishly bullish again. I told everyone at work that the director-general would be removed the next Tuesday. This advance notice is not coming through Aso Rock (the Presidency), I declared. It is coming directly from the Lord God Almighty. Then I decided to go a step further and confront the director-general in person with the news that my God would remove him from office through a television announcement on Tuesday night. My colleagues tried to dissuade me from doing this, but I refused to listen. Then some people I held in great respect came to see me. One of them was Yetunde Ogunseye, formerly managing-director, Associated Discount House, Lagos. She advised me that under no circumstances should I confront the director-general with the prophecy since the Lord did not tell me to do so. Therefore, I decided to say nothing but to wait for the Tuesday night announcement. That Tuesday night, I watched the news from beginning to end. There was no announcement whatsoever about the director-general. The next morning, a colleague of mine, Margaret Vogt, came to see me at home before going to the office. She said: I have just come to pray with you. I understood her. Something had gone disastrously wrong. I had gone out on a limb with a prophecy and been put to shame. I swallowed my pride and spoke no more about it. Vindicated Some three years later, Yetunde Ogunseye came to see me. I was no longer working at the Institute then but had become a full-time preacher of the gospel. Did you watch the nine oclock network news on Tuesday night? she asked. I did not and wondered why she asked. Then she said: George Obiozor, the director-general of your former office, was dismissed through a television announcement. Has (God) said, and shall he not do it? Or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19). [email protected]; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Cortes told me that as at today, his country is neither a state nor allowed independence. In the latest situation,... Details Governor Uba Sani has said that his preoccupation is to serve the people of Kaduna State who elected him rather than engage in baseless and idle talks which will add no value to governance. The Governor said that in the last 22 months, his administration has intervened in the agricultural sector, enhanced education and brought security in areas that were most affected by insecurity in the past. Governor Sani who spoke after the Iftar dinner with Kaduna Social Media Influencers at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday, said that he is focused on governance and will not be distracted by quarrelling with anyone. He disclosed that the scarcity of pipe-borne water supply which has been plaguing Kaduna State in the past, will soon be addressed, promising that water will be available in all the 23 local government areas by the end of the year. The Governor recalled he declared a state of emergency in the water sector when he assumed office because the capacity utilisation of the water supply scheme was less than 5%. He disclosed that the capacity has now risen to 30% and by the end of the year, it will reach 100%. 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 that his administration has cleared the salary backlog of Kaduna State Water Corporation staff amounting to N800 million, adding that we have settled electricity debts worth N1.3 billion. We are also retrofitting all small water supply schemes in all the 23 local governments. The Governor also reiterated that peace has returned to Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas which were threatened by insecurity during the last administration. According to him, the Birnin Gwari cattle market which had been closed for over 10 years due to security challenges, was opened last November and business is now booming there. He added that on a daily basis, over 30 trailers load cattle from there to the southern part of the country. Mr Sani commended the social media influencers for highlighting the activities of Kaduna State Government, promising to support them in their efforts to promote the administration. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Kaduna Social Media Influencers, Adam Garba, thanked the Governor for hosting them for Iftar, adding that this was the first time that any Governor has done so. The Chairman equally commended Governor Sani for the support that he has been giving to them, pointing out that the State Government had earlier given them Ramadan palliatives. Mr Adam however pleaded with the Governor to provide employment to some of their members who have requisite qualifications, when job opportunities are available. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Africas global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc on Friday, hosted the 60th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Davidson C S Alaribe, FCA, in a meeting aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation between both institutions. The meeting signalled a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two institutions, as they explored strategic partnerships aimed at driving mutual growth and development in the financial and accounting sectors. UBAs Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who welcomed the ICAN President and his high-profile delegation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and assured that the bank is ready and willing to support the institution in its drive for excellence. He said, UBA is proud to be home to a significant number of ICAN members, whose expertise has been instrumental to our success as Africas global bank. This visit reaffirms our shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Continuing, Mr Alawuba stated, We are particularly excited about potential collaboration in the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), training initiatives, and other business opportunities that will create a win-win for both organisations. 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 delegation had distinguished members of the institutes council and executive team, including Immediate Past President of ICAN; Mr OladeleNuraini Oladipo, FCA, ICAN Council Member; Dr Oluseyi Oladimeji Olanrewaju, FCA, ICANs Honorary Treasurer; Mr Biodun Adedeji, FCA, ICAN Council Member; and Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi, FCA, Registrar/Chief Executive of ICAN. Mr Alaribe who was visibly excited at the corroboration between both organisations, said, UBA is not just a financial powerhouse in Nigeria but a global leader with a strong presence across Africa and beyond. ICAN recognises the immense value UBA brings to the table, and we are excited to explore opportunities for collaboration in areas such as capacity building, professional development, and business expansion. This partnership will undoubtedly benefit our members and the broader financial ecosystem. The discussions also focused on several key areas of collaboration in capacity building, Joint training programmes to enhance the skills of accounting professionals and UBA staff, collaborating on initiatives to promote ethical standards, financial literacy, and best practices in accounting and finance and setting up a branch of ICAN at the UBA House. This historic meeting marks a significant milestone in the relationship between UBA and ICAN, two institutions committed to driving excellence and innovation in the financial and accounting professions. Both parties expressed optimism about the future and pledged to work closely to achieve their shared goals. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is the leading professional accounting body in Nigeria, established to regulate the practice of accountancy and promote excellence in the profession. With over 50,000 members, ICAN is dedicated to advancing the science of accountancy and fostering ethical standards in the industry. United Bank for Africa is Africas Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has wooed foreign investors and development finance Institutions to fund agriculture, energy, and technology initiatives in Katsina. The Governor took the bold step following productive engagements at the 2025 Oxford Africa Business Forum held at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. The Governor doubled as the guest speaker delivered his address before industry leaders and economic stakeholders on the theme, Africas Growth Trajectory: Globalization vs. Domestic Collaboration. In his address, Governor Radda emphasized the strategic advantages of partnering with Katsina State. We have implemented significant policy reviews to ensure our state has the required frameworks, regulations, and refined institutions to expedite development and ease of doing business, the Governor stated. Governor Radda created awareness on the states climate resilience initiatives, noting, Our Climate Smart Agriculture Policy and pilot program are designed to reduce the effect of climate change and climate-induced conflict on agriculture and food security. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later During a panel discussion titled Strength in Unity: The Power of African Domestic Collaboration, Mr Radda shared insights on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), regional security, cross-border trade, and sustainable development. Leveraging on the youthful population of the continent and technology is key towards unlocking Africas true potential to thrive in the 21st century, Governor Radda affirmed. The Governor advocated pan-African solutions, stating, Collaboration amongst nations is essential to addressing most of the problems plaguing our continent. Consequent upon the discourse, the outcomes of the Forum birthed discussions with investors and Development Finance Institutions to fund agricultural, energy, and technology initiatives in Katsina State. Similarly, theres hope on sight to collaborate with the Said Business School for executive programs and the Blavatnik School of Government for public and civil service training to enhance service delivery for citizens in Katsina State were explored. The Katsina delegation included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Economic Adviser to the Governor, Khalil Nur Khalil; Lead Consultant, Executive Secretary of Katsina State Development Management Board, Mustapha Shehu, and the Special Assistant on Power and Energy, Dr Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Abia have rescued four kidnap victims and killed six members of a kidnapping gang, says the state police commissioner (CP), Danladi Isa. Mr Isa disclosed this on Saturday at the Abia Government House, Umuahia, while presenting the rescued victims to Governor Alex Otti. He credited the success to the governors continuous support, stating that they came to show him the result of his investment in security agencies in Abia, including the police. He said the command received a report on 9 March about the kidnap of four young men at approximately 09:30 a.m. Mr Isa said the victims were driving their Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa, when the kidnappers intercepted them, forcing them to stop at gunpoint before abducting them. He said the commands tactical team, using credible intelligence and technology, located the kidnappers hideout in Osokwa, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, on 14 March. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He also said that upon arrival at the hideout, where the victims were held for five days in a three-bedroom bungalow, the kidnappers engaged the police in a gun battle. According to him, six criminals were killed due to the tactical teams superior firepower, and the four victims were rescued unharmed. The police chief said the team recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition from the criminals. He further said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other gang members, who fled during the operation. In his remark, the governor thanked government functionaries, who supported the operation and commended the police for their bravery, commitment, and use of technology to secure the state. He praised the CP and his team for rescuing the victims unharmed and promised a handsome reward for the tactical team. Mr Otti pledged to continue to upgrade security technology and do everything possible to ensure the state remains safe. I know that in the near future, we will have a command and control centre in the state capital. We have already made significant progress in its construction. I have also instructed that the bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma LGA, where the kidnappers operated and held their victims, should be completely demolished. We will locate the owner of the house and prosecute him, he said. He also said that the state would no longer tolerate landlords who rent out property for criminal activities, adding that such landlords are also criminals. Mr Otti assured residents that Abia would remain safe for everyone who wishes to live or do business in the state. One of the rescued victims told journalists that they were kidnapped after their friend had been abducted earlier that same day in front of his house. He said that from where they were held, they could hear children and construction work, indicating that people lived nearby. The victim, whose identity was not disclosed, also said that the kidnappers held them for five days without food until the police arrived and rescued them. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least six persons were killed in a fatal road accident in Onitsha, a community in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, south-east Nigeria. The incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Saturday in Upper Iweka Axis of Onitsha. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the accident happened when a truck suffered brake failure and consequently rammed into two tricycles and a commercial loaded with passengers in the area. Witnesses said the truck also rammed into pedestrians, including roadside beggars and hawkers, suggesting that more people may have died in the road crash. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said six people were killed in the crash. 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 police spokesperson said a few others sustained various degrees of injuries from the accident. Some of the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in the morgue and some relatives of the victims have been contacted and debriefed about the incident, he said. Mr Ikenga said the police in Anambra have taken over the scene of the accident. The aim of the take over is to ensure order in the area as well as to facilitate investigations into the incident, he explained. The police spokesperson condoled with the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims quick recovery. He advised drivers to always carry out necessary checks of their vehicles before hitting the road. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A featured presentation will be "Enhance Patient Safety With Privacy-Preserving AI: Multimodal DNN and VLM for Event Detection in Healthcare." SAN JOSE, Calif. and TAIPEI, March 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DeCloak Intelligences, a subsidiary of Etron Technology (TPEx: 5351), is set to showcase its groundbreaking 'AI-aided Privacy Agent (AipA) Healthcare System' at NVIDIA's GTC 2025 with the Hsin-Chu Branch of National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH), scheduled from March 1721, 2025, in San Jose, California. This innovative system leverages patented AI de-identification technology to enhance medical efficiency while ensuring patient privacy and safety. National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, utilizes DeCloak's "AI-aided Privacy Agent (AipA) Healthcare System" for de-identified image processing, reducing the risk of personal image data leakage. The 'AipA Healthcare System' performs real-time de-identification image processing, significantly reducing the risk of personal data leakage. It offers a suite of AI recognition functions, including patient identity verification, tracking within medical facilities, and detection of critical events such as falls or violent incidents. These capabilities aim to bolster the safety and efficiency of healthcare environments. Currently, this system has been implemented in the public areas and demonstration wards of the NTUH Hsin-Chu Branch Zhubei Campus. Using AI automatic recognition technology, it ensures the image privacy of patients and medical staff without affecting medical operations. Additionally, it reduces the risk of medical violence, further enhancing the safety within the hospital. At GTC 2025, Dr. Yao-Tung Tsou, President of DeCloak Intelligences, will present a session titled "Enhance Patient Safety With Privacy-Preserving AI: Multimodal DNN and VLM for Event Detection in Healthcare." This presentation will delve into the integration of privacy-enhancing technologies with multimodal deep neural networks (DNN) and vision-language models (VLM). This system integrates differentially private AI models with identity recognition and event detection to perform critical tasks such as fall detection, identifying dangerous activities, and recognizing elderly patients without exposing image data. This advancement builds upon DeCloak's award-winning privacy solutions, including the DeCloakVision surveillance system and DeCloakFace facial recognition technology, which have been deployed in smart healthcare and automotive environments. The integration of VLM represents a significant leap forward in balancing data utility with privacy preservation, addressing ethical concerns associated with AI in healthcare, all while adhering to stringent compliance standards, including GDPR, CCPA, and Taiwan's Personal Information Protection Act. DeCloak stated that the company had a brilliant showing at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States, successfully demonstrating a number of innovative technologies and solutions, including the CES Innovation Award-winning DeCloakVision surveillance system and DeCloakFace facial recognition technology, significantly enhancing the brand's international recognition. During the exhibition, DeCloak engaged in in-depth exchanges with industry representatives and investors from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, attracting the attention of many potential customers, which not only deepened relationships with existing partners but also successfully expanded new cooperation opportunities. Looking ahead, DeCloak will continue to expand its international presence and will soon travel to the United States to participate in NVIDIA GTC an important AI semiconductor exhibition. NVIDIA GTC is a premier event in the global AI and high-performance computing fields, attracting technical experts, academic institutions, and industry leaders worldwide. DeCloak Intelligences' participation underscores Taiwan's active engagement in smart healthcare innovation. The company aims to expand Taiwan's smart healthcare technology. National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, utilizes DeCloak's " AI-aided Privacy Agent (AipA) Healthcare System " for de-identified image processing, reducing the risk of personal image data leakage. About DeCloak DeCloak's privacy computing solutions can be deployed through either software or hardware. With DeCloak's patented corresponding AI prediction algorithm, all data processed can remain highly analyzable while preserving total privacy. The processed data is transmitted to the local server or cloud in a de-identified format, and enterprises can use the AI prediction model to run data analysis and architect big data trends. https://de-cloak.com/ About Etron Technology, Inc. Etron Technology, Inc. (TPEx: 5351. TW) is a world-class fabless and heterogeneous integration IC design company that specializes in the application-driven buffer memory, known-good die memory (KGDM), and long-retention time DRAM (RPC DRAM), and other artificial intelligence and machine learning-induced DRAM products. Etron also develops system-in-packages, including high-speed transfer interface chips of USB Type-C and 3D depth sensing computer vision and panoramic image capturing chips. www.etron.com/ Media Contact: Etron Tech - Ms. Justine Tsai, Tel: +886-3-578-2345 #8670, Email: [email protected] DeCloak - Ms. Vicki Chang, Tel:+886-2-8751-1691 #2204, Email: [email protected] SOURCE Etron Technology; DeCloak Intelligences Approximately 99% of customers experienced no outages during fire weather conditions HOUSTON, March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy is returning to normal operations as the National Weather Service's Red Flag Warning and risks of fire weather and strong wind end for the Greater Houston area. The company's system performed well, with less than one percent of customers experiencing an outage throughout today's high wind gusts. Over the last several days, CenterPoint actively prepared for potentially dangerous weather conditions by conducting pre-inspections of electric and natural gas equipment, adjusting power line safety settings in higher-risk areas, communicating with customers and working with local emergency agencies. Key Actions to Help Keep Customers Safe Leading up to today's Red Flag Warning, CenterPoint's safety preparations included the following key actions: Inspected and Hardened Key Power Lines: Inspected power lines in areas of heightened fire risk, cleared hazardous vegetation near power lines and conducted repairs where needed, ahead of potential extreme weather. Inspected power lines in areas of heightened fire risk, cleared hazardous vegetation near power lines and conducted repairs where needed, ahead of potential extreme weather. Inspected Natural Gas Facilities: Inspected gas facilities in areas of heightened fire risk and cleared hazardous vegetation near facilities ahead of potential extreme weather. Inspected gas facilities in areas of heightened fire risk and cleared hazardous vegetation near facilities ahead of potential extreme weather. Adjusted Safety Settings: Adjusted the settings on some power lines for safety between noon and 9 p.m. today. Adjusted the settings on some power lines for safety today. Brought on Additional Crews to Respond: Positioned CenterPoint crews and additional contractors to respond to any power outages or natural gas service interruptions that may occur. Positioned CenterPoint crews and additional contractors to respond to any power outages or natural gas service interruptions that may occur. Coordinated with Local Emergency Partners: Proactively shared information with state, county and local leaders. Proactively shared information with state, county and local leaders. Communicated with Customers: Proactively communicated with approximately 330,000 customers in the Cypress , Fort Bend and Katy areas by phone, text or email about the potential for temporary safety outages due to high fire danger. "We'd like to thank our customers for their patience as some might have experienced temporary outages today as we took the necessary precautions to protect the community and our electric system from the fire weather conditions," said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. "While today's weather risk has passed, we encourage customers to take this opportunity to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service and verify contact information so that when the next weather event might impact Greater Houston area, CenterPoint can contact you with important information regarding your electric service." CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service to receive outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email. Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas. For more information, contact: Communications [email protected] SOURCE CenterPoint Energy 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 Citigroup is looking to axe external IT contractors and hire thousands of full-time IT staff, reported Reuters. This move comes as the bank addresses regulatory penalties linked to data governance and inadequate controls. The bank head of technology Tim Ryan informed employees that the group intends to decrease its reliance on external IT contractors, reducing their share of the workforce from 50% to 20%. This decision was shared in a recent internal presentation, which did not provide a clear timeline for when these adjustments will take place. This move comes after Citigroup faced a $136m fine for insufficient progress on data management issues in June last year. Finance chief Mark Mason also acknowledged the need for increased investment to address these challenges, even as the bank reduced its profitability target for 2026 due to rising regulatory costs. A recent fraud event involving external contractors, which cost the bank $22.9m, was cited as a factor in the IT revamp, the presentation stated. In a statement to Reuters, the company stated: "Citi is growing our internal technology capabilities to support our strategy to improve safety and soundness, enable revenue growth and drive efficiencies." It added: "In the rare instances that we detect any fraudulent activity, whether internally or by a vendor, we take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable for their actions." In September 2024, the company has warned employees and is considering stricter oversight of contractors about fraud and unethical behaviour. The bank's strategy includes reducing the number of external suppliers and relocating IT operations to locations such as New Jersey, New York, and Irving, while maintaining low-cost centres in Chennai, Belfast, and Warsaw. Additionally, Citigroup plans to consolidate its IT team in Jersey City next year, moving away from Rutherford, New Jersey, where it will maintain other departments. For the full year of 2024, the companys net profit reached $12.7bn, marking a 37% surge from 2023. "Citigroup seeks to trim external IT contractors" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. United Nations, March 16 : Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that it was "important to engage" with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) to fully respect the rights of Rohingyas while finding a solution to the refugee crisis. United Nations, March 16 (IANS) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that it was "important to engage" with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) to fully respect the rights of Rohingyas while finding a solution to the refugee crisis. "The Arakan army is an entity with which, I believe, a necessary dialogue must take place", he said at a joint news conference with Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Saturday. ARSA carried out a massacre of Hindus in Rakhine State in Myanmar in August 2017 and abducted others -- incidents documented by Amnesty International. "We know that in the past, the relations between the Rakhine and the Rohingya communities were not easy, and so, I think it's important to engage the Arakan army for the full respect of the rights of the Rohingya population in Rakhine", Guterres said according to the UN transcript of the media encounter. ARSA is led by Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, a Pakistan-born ethnic Rohingya. Amnesty International has documented the massacre of about 100 Hindus by ARSA at Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik in Rakhine State in August 2017. It said that there were other killings of Hindus and abductions of Hindu women whose lives were spared when they agreed to convert to Islam. The massacre of Hindus took place on August 17 before ARSA launched a coordinated attack on several Myanmar security posts on August 25, setting off retaliatory attacks by Myanmar forces on Rohingya. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas fled Rakhine State and took refuge in Bangladesh as the Myanmar security forces carried out an indiscriminate massive attack on them. Amnesty International has also condemned the actions of the Myanmar security forces and called the response disproportionate, compounding the "dehumanising" conditions of Rohingya. There are now over 1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Guterres visited a refugee camp in Cox's Bazaar on Friday for an Iftar event with about 60,000 of them. At his news conference, Guterres praised Bangladesh's generosity in providing them refuge. "By offering Rohingya refugees sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost", he said. He said, "The United Nations is fully committed to working with Bangladesh and others in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis that enables their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar". Warning that the situation in the country continues to deteriorate, he called on "all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence". Bangladesh itself experienced a political crisis last year when mass protests forced out the elected prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. The country is now ruled by an interim group headed by Yunus. "I am particularly pleased to be in Bangladesh at this important moment in your national journey", Guterres said. At this "pivotal moment for Bangladesh", he said, "the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts towards a just, inclusive, and prosperous future". New Delhi, March 16 : New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is scheduled to arrive in India on Sunday, marking his first official visit since assuming office. The five-day visit, which will run until March 20, has been organised at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Luxonas visit aims to strengthen the long-standing relationship between India and New Zealand, reaffirming the two nations' shared commitment to expanding their bilateral ties across various sectors. Prime Minister Luxon will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior officials, ministers, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. His itinerary in India is filled with important diplomatic engagements aimed at deepening ties between the two countries. As per the schedule shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), upon his arrival, Luxon is scheduled to meet with External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, later in the day. On March 17, he will visit Rajghat to pay his respects at Mahatma Gandhias memorial, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are set to engage in discussions covering a wide range of topics, including trade, defence cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. PM Modi will also host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. Luxonas visit will include his participation as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on March 17, where he will deliver the Keynote Address. This platform will serve as an important opportunity for Luxon to contribute to discussions on regional and global security issues, while also strengthening ties between India and the Indo-Pacific region. On March 19-20, the New Zealand Prime Minister will travel to Mumbai, where he will engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors, fostering further economic cooperation between the two nations. The MEA emphasised that Luxonas visit underscores the enduring and multifaceted relationship between India and New Zealand. The visit reaffirms both countries' commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and cultural exchanges. "Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon's visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and New Zealand. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties," said the MEA. London, March 16 : British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to securing lasting peace in Ukraine as Britain hosted a virtual meeting with more than 25 political leaders. However, no detailed or updated defence measures were announced. At the press conference after the virtual meeting on Saturday, when asked whether any concrete commitments emerged from it, Starmer said the meeting had helped build political and military momentum, with participating countries agreeing to increase collective pressure on Russia. However, he stopped short of disclosing what specific measures would be taken at the "operational phase," Xinhua news agency reported. Joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from Canada, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, Starmer urged Russia to "come to the table to negotiate a deal." He also announced plans to host a military meeting next Thursday. The prime minister reiterated Britain's stance on securing US involvement in Ukraine's future defence, emphasising that discussions with the US are ongoing "on a daily basis." He also suggested that US President Donald Trump is committed to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, adding that the close relationship between Britain and the US is "the base on which we are planning." Starmer reaffirmed Britain's willingness to take a leading role in the "coalition of the willing," a post-conflict arrangement that he announced two weeks ago during a London Summit. He said Britain is willing to deploy troops on the ground and aircraft in the sky. However, he did not specify how other nations would contribute to the coalition. He also told reporters that leaders at the meeting had discussed tightening sanctions on Russia, including potential measures to freeze Russian assets in the future. Bengaluru, March 16 : The Congress government's decision to provide a four per cent quota to the Muslim community in tenders is likely to create a furore during the ongoing budget session in both Houses of the state legislature. The BJP's national leadership has stated that the decision will have national implications. Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday in a press meet reminded that such divisive measures in the past led to the partition of the country. The Congress government is all set to bring an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, 1999, to provide the quota for Muslims in the ongoing session, which will resume on Monday (March 17). The BJP is expected to strongly oppose the bill and is likely to disrupt proceedings in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. Reacting to the move by the ruling Congress party, state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said it is pushing the state towards violence. Amid the controversy, Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmad Khan's note to officials directing them to provide reservations for Muslims has further complicated the issue. The state BJP, taking to the social media platform X, slammed the move, stating, "Karnataka's Minority Welfare Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan is considering increasing Muslim reservation to 10 per cent -- a blatant violation of Supreme Court rulings, which have repeatedly stated that reservations cannot be based on religion!" The BJP further questioned, "Where is social justice now? Rahul Gandhi, will Congress snatch reservations meant for SCs and STs to fulfill its appeasement politics? Mr. Scam CM Siddaramaiah, is Congress' idea of social justice taking away opportunities from the most deprived to favor your vote bank?" Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced reservations for Muslims in government contracts in the state budget for the financial year 2025-26. Although CM Siddaramaiah did not explicitly mention any community in his speech, the budget included Category-IIB, which comprises Muslims exclusively. He further announced, "Under the provisions of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, the reservation provided to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-I, Category-IIA, and Category-IIB contractors in public works will be increased to Rs 2 crore." Additionally, under the provisions of the same Act, reservation will be provided in the procurement of goods and services across various government departments, corporations, and institutions to suppliers belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-I, Category-IIA, and Category-IIB, up to Rs 1 crore, CM Siddaramaiah stated. Amit Malviya, in charge of the BJP's National Information and Technology Department and co-incharge of West Bengal, stated, "While presenting the state budget, CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that 4 per cent 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 1 crore. Category-II B refers to Muslims," Amit Malviya underlined. Responding to the criticism, Deputy CM and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar said, "Who said that 4 per cent reservation is only for Muslims? The government has decided to provide it to minorities and backward communities. Minorities include Christians, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs, and others. Previously, we had amended the law to provide contract reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes," said Shivakumar. "Approval has been given only for contracts worth up to Rs 2 crore. No work exceeding this amount will be allocated under this quota. We are not taking away anyone's rights." However, he questioned, "Don't they also deserve a livelihood?" Meanwhile, state BJP leaders are preparing to launch an attack against the Congress-led government over the issue and oppose the bill that intends to provide a quota for Muslims in government tenders. Sanaa, March 16 : The death toll has reached 23 after the US attack on several Houthi positions in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, according to media reports. US warplanes targeted multiple Houthi sites in Yemenas capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada. The strikes were carried out in retaliation for the Houthi militiaas threats to resume attacks on Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea, following the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has now entered its third week. Initial reports indicated 13 fatalities, but the death toll has since increased to 23, with casualties expected to rise as more details emerge, Al Jazeera reported. The airstrikes come after US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, declaring that "hell will rain down" in response to Houthi aggression that jeopardises the safety of global shipping lanes. He warned Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks "starting today... Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before." The Houthis had threatened to target vessels in the Red Sea in retaliation for the blockade on Gaza, heightening tensions in an already volatile region. The Houthi TV reported four airstrikes in the Al-Jarraf residential neighbourhood in northern Sanaa and several other airstrikes on the Shoab residential neighbourhood in eastern Sanaa on Saturday night. Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province's namesake central city, Saada, the group's northern main stronghold. No further details were provided. Locals told Xinhua news agency that the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighbourhood. The white smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighbourhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses added. This is the first military operation conducted by the US military against the Houthi sites since US President Donald Trump assumed power in January and redesigned the group as a "foreign terrorist organisation." Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the "terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defences were to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom." New Delhi, March 16 : The conflict-ridden Middle East is affecting geopolitics, particularly because developments there suggest a convergence between political alignments and religious divides and a dangerous drift of the world towards faith-based confrontations. Perhaps the biggest evidence of this is the fact of a fundamentalist Iran taking the radicalised Hamas in its embrace because they both were driven by their political opposition to the US. Shia fundamentalism is ideologically against the US, for it rejects Capitalism and even glorifies poverty, while Sunni radicals carried the historical memory of the 19th century Wahhabi Jehad launched by the leading Ulema of the time, against the Western encroachment on 'Muslim lands'. Jehad is described as a fundamental duty of faithful Muslims to make the supreme sacrifice for the defence of Islam if it was 'in danger'. The continually disturbed Middle East is at the edge of catastrophe because the leading players there -- Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and even Israel -- seem to be keeping their respective faiths above the state policy. This evidently came at the cost of 'liberalism' and prevented a move of the region towards democracy. Democratisation was the key to a return to normalisation in the Middle East. Democracy mandates that the state would not carry a denominational stamp and would provide equality of political rights to all 'communities'. An 'Islamic Republic' may subscribe to the view that the 'Quran is the best Constitution' -- this was propounded by the Islamic thinker Hasan Al Banna, who founded the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria and Egypt in 1928 to oppose the nationalist pro-Soviet Arab leaders there, but it is the grant of equal political rights to the religious minorities that marked the essence of 'democracy' even where there was no express declaration of commitment of the state to 'secularism'. Banna made a political statement that an "Islamic State could live in competition, not conflict with the West" which kept the Muslim Brotherhood on the right side of the US. As late as 2011, when the Muslim Brotherhood led the Arab Spring movement in Egypt, it was quietly appreciated by the US. Currently, Abdel Fattah el Sisi of army background elected as President after an interim period, is ruling Egypt and the US is tolerating him. There is no denying the fact that the Middle East must make stable progress towards adopting the spirit of 'democracy' if a larger geopolitical disruption is to be averted. No significant diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the Middle East have apparently been made, possibly because the region was torn into conflicting alignments caused by the reappearance of a new Cold War between the US-led West, on one hand, and the Russia-China combine, on the other. Iran is now firmly with Russia and China in a strategic alliance, Saudis remain in the US camp, and Israel continues to have unflinching support of President Donald Trump against Hamas to a point where the new US President wants Israel to 'clean up' Gaza in quick time. Trump seemed to have a friendly disposition towards President Vladimir Putin but the relations of the US with China were already facing added tension and these would keep up the Cold War kind of divide between the two powers. While the UAE and Saudi Arabia were inclined to have the Abrahamic Accord with Israel under the influence of the US, the military conflict between Iran and its proxies with Israel had reached a new level of escalation. The Shia-Sunni discord always impacted Iran-Saudi relations, but the Iran-Hamas alliance could be interpreted as a mark of antipathy between Islam and Zionism at the level of faith. This happened in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attack of Hamas on Israel in 2023 and the subsequent move of Iran to bring the radicalised Hamas into its fold against the US-Israel combine. Hamas, it may be mentioned, had originally represented the Palestine branch of the Muslim Brotherhood -- a militant organisation known to be in the good books of the US during the Cold War and had turned radical in the course of the US-led 'war on terror' in reaction to the perceived high- handedness of Israel in Gaza and West Bank. Today, radical Sunnis and Shiites seem to be forging an axis against the 'Zionist power' that Israel represents. The conduct of the US-led 'war on terror' that was launched in the wake of 9/11 -- first in Afghanistan and then in Iraq -- strangely saw Islamic radical forces growing further in various parts of the Muslim world. While Al Qaeda sustained itself in Afghanistan, forming Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) arose as a competitive, not a contradicting, Islamic radical force in the second theatre of this 'war,' in 2004. A country like Pakistan, which had joined the 'war on terror' only under coercion from President George Bush, was always accommodative towards Islamic radical outfits. This was amply proved by the way Pakistan worked to install the Taliban Emirate in Kabul in 1996 and then helped to reestablish that Emirate in 2021. Taking advantage of the situation, Pakistan pretended to be a mediator in the Doha talks that were held to facilitate the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. President Joe Biden was desperate to pull out the US army from a messy territory, and Pakistan managed to retain the goodwill of America in the process. Pakistan, keen to maintain 'strategic depth' against India in Afghanistan, arranged a 'give and take' between the Taliban Emirate and China, benefiting in terms of the extension of its Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) to Afghanistan. The Sino-Pak strategic alliance is a major security threat to India, making this country even more vulnerable to cross-border terror attacks in J&K and elsewhere. The Biden Administration seemed to have some comfort of distance in relation to the Pak-Afghan belt, but President Trump hopefully will not tolerate Islamic terror of any kind and at any place -- judging from his pronouncements so far. This will be a major factor -- besides the shared concerns of the US and India against China, that would keep up the strategic friendship between the two countries. Syria is a case study of how a political objective and a religious motivation could combine to determine the course of events. The capture of Damascus by the radical Islamic forces, resulting in the flight of Bashar Al Assad to Moscow for political asylum on December 8, 2024, was the culmination of what had been happening there for some time. Bashar had inherited the legacy of his father Hafez Al Assad, whose regime was opposed by the Muslim Brotherhood much to the satisfaction of the US-led West. Bashar consequently found it easy to secure Russian support. Also, the fact of his being an Alawite -- which is a Shia sect -- got him the backing of Iran and its proxy the Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Iran-US antagonism had already existed on strong political grounds. The Bashar regime allowed Shiites to dominate the state and disregarded the Sunni majority, which was drawn towards radical forces of Al Qaeda and ISIS. These forces confronted the regime even as a pro-US Islamic stream separately took on the Syrian President independently in the ongoing civil war. Russians supporting the Bashar regime for political reasons made a missile attack on ISIS establishments in Syria and Iraq, which was the reason why ISIS-K -- a Tajik-dominated offspring of the main outfit -- carried out a daring attack on a concert hall at Moscow in March 2024, killing 145 people. The US, on its part, launched air strikes to prevent ISIS from expanding in north Iraq and to protect Christians and Yazidis there -- Yazids believe in both the Quran and the Bible. Meanwhile, Nusrat Front -- an Al Qaeda affiliate in Syria having links also with ISIS -- under the leadership of Abu Mohammad Al Mulani, renamed itself as Hayat Tahrir Al Sham and became the power centre in Damascus after the departure of Bashar Al Assad. Al Mulani changed his name to Al Sharaa and became the new President of Syria. The whole scene in the Syria-Iraq region is marked by violence along sectarian lines. Such conflicts tended to become indeterminate and unending. At present, the conflict between the US and Israel, on one hand, and Iran and its proxies, on the other, is the main reason why the Middle East remains in turmoil. Iran's terrorist proxies -- Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza -- have been militarily dented, and the Iranian ballistic missile fleet has proved to be ineffective against Israel's air defences that were backed by the US. Syria once an ally of Iran is now ruled by an anti-Iranian coalition. The US sanctions and low oil prices have weakened Iran economically. It is to be seen how President Trump deals with Iran and uses military pressure as well as the offer of a civil nuclear deal with the US, to get that country to move away from a dictatorial Ayatollah regime. The pull of Shia fundamentalism on Iranians may not be easy to scale down. Trump has threatened Hamas with "hell" if it did not hand over all hostages and fully backed Israel's plan to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. He has upheld the first arrest of a Palestinian Green Card holder who had led a pro-Hamas demonstration at Columbia University in New York and warned that all such pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic and anti-American elements, will be deported. The logic of a Palestinian homeland may not appeal to the Jewish state, however, and without a 2-state solution in Palestine, peace may continue to elude the Middle East. The role of Arab countries, friendly towards the US, has become crucially important at the moment for making a contribution to the possible return of peace in the region. Trump's Presidency does have an opportunity to reduce tensions in the Middle East with the help of these countries. It is significant that Jedda was the venue of talks between US and Ukrainian delegations, where an agreement was reached on March 11 that Ukraine would observe a ceasefire for 30 days to prepare the groundwork for Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Meanwhile, the flux in West Asia in general and in Iran, Syria and Gaza in particular, is a reminder for India that developments in the Islamic world would have to be closely watched for their impact on this country's internal security. (The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views are personal) Chennai, March 16 : The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of awareness programmes and initiatives to promote organic and natural farming across the state. These efforts will include the establishment of natural farming clusters, marketing support for organic products, and financial incentives for farmers transitioning to organic practices. State Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam stated that the government has allocated Rs 12 crore to implement various activities in 37 districts to encourage organic farming. As part of the National Mission on Natural Farming, a two-year programme will be launched to establish natural farming clusters, benefiting 7,500 farmers. Additionally, the agriculture department will organise exposure visits for 38,600 higher secondary school and college students to organic farms across Tamil Nadu, aiming to create awareness among the younger generation about sustainable agricultural practices. To encourage farmers who have achieved organic status, the state will provide financial incentives. Farmers seeking organic certification will be fully exempt from the certification fee, making it easier for them to comply with organic farming standards. The government has also announced the introduction of the aNammazhvar Awarda for the Best Organic Farmer, which will be awarded to three farmers in the 2025-26 financial year. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. To maintain the quality of organically cultivated products, including traditional rice varieties, vegetables, and spices, the government will establish four quality control laboratories at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). These laboratories, located in Chennai, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, and Madurai, will help farmers test their organic produce to meet premium market standards. The amount of Rs 6.16 crore has been allocated for this initiative. To further support organic farming, an additional Rs 3.5 crore will be invested in the production of organic manure. The government also announced a special package for the 29 non-delta districts of Tamil Nadu to increase paddy cultivation and food grain production. Currently, paddy is cultivated on 34 lakh acres in these districts. To boost production during the Kar, Kuruvai, and Sornavari seasons, farmers will receive subsidies for machine planting and access to quality-certified seeds. The amount of Rs 102 crore has been allocated for this initiative. Additionally, subsidies will be provided for pesticide residue testing, and organic farmers will receive support for certification fees. To ensure better market access for organic and natural farming products, the government will facilitate their sale in government buildings such as the Poomalai market complex. This will help farmers directly connect with consumers and promote organic produce in local markets. With these comprehensive initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government aims to enhance organic farming, improve food quality, and create sustainable agricultural practices across the state. Mumbai, March 16 : Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has promised to revive the magic of cinema with fresh, novel stories that captivate audiences. In his latest Instagram post, Ghai expressed his commitment to delivering unique and engaging narratives that will bring a new wave of excitement to the industry, aiming to redefine the cinematic experience for viewers. On Saturday, the filmmaker shared a candid photo of him alongside a note that read, "Mukta arts today is not looking for stars but only refined dedicated film directors n good deeper writers for big screen for pan cinema world wide." He added, "We will be Bringing back the magic of cinema in indian theatres once again with novel stories for everyone As our mukta arts have been traditionally attempting to achieve this since 1978 KARZ @muktaartsltd @muktaa2cinemas @whistling_woods @rahul77." In the image, Ghai could be seen sitting on a chair as he strikes a pose looking away from the camera. Yesterday, on the occasion of Holi, Subhash Ghai posted a photo of Shah Rukh Khan, drenched in colours, from one of his movies and captioned it, "When movie industry celebrates Holi it's just a symbol of unity of india irrespective of religions cast rich or poor. We just dance together on this day I remember those days when everyone danced at my place with full of genuine love." Meanwhile, the 'Taal' director recently joined trade analyst Komal Nahta on the popular podcast "Game Changers.". During the conversation, Ghai delved into the crucial role music has played in his films. Renowned for creating several musical blockbusters, the director shared his distinctive approach to integrating music into his storytelling, highlighting how he views it as a key element in enhancing the narrative of his movies. Subhash Ghai shared, "In our time, when we had even bigger musical hits, there was only one difference: I considered music as poetry. For me, Anand Bakshi was even greater than Laxmikant Pyarelal and Rahman. I used to write the spoken dialogue in the movie, and you [Anand Bakshi] were writing the singing dialogues. And when we wrote the 'antara' (stanza), it felt like he knew my story better than I did." Ghai's most notable films include "Kalicharan," "Vishwanath," "Karz," "Hero," "Meri Jung," "Karma," Ram Lakhan, "Khalnayak," "Pardes," and "Taal." Kabul, March 16 : As forced deportation and illegal detention of Afghan refugees continues, data reveals that Iran and Pakistan deported 674 Afghan migrant families between March 8 and March 14. Iran expelled 564 families through various border crossings, while Pakistan forcibly deported 110 families. The data indicates that 110 families entered Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak crossing, 150 through Pul-e-Abrisham in Nimroz, and 414 via Islam Qala in Heart, Afghan's Amu TV reported on Saturday, citing data compiled from the Afghan Taliban statements. Earlier this week, Nader Yarahmadi, Director General of the Bureau for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs at Iran's Ministry of Interior, announced that from March 21, 2025, undocumented Afghan migrants in Iran will be deprived of healthcare, education, and other services. "The situation of migrants in Iran is dire. Anti-migrant sentiment has increased, and police officers arrest people under various pretexts, even those with legal visas and valid documents, and deport them." TOLO news reported, quoting Marofeh Eshaqi, an Afghan migrant in Iran. The situation of Afghan migrants in Pakistan is equally challenging. "Pakistani police have recently been conducting brutal raids, even in the middle of the night, storming homes and arresting Afghan refugees."TOLO news reported. Most of those affected are in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where authorities have intensified pressure on Afghan nationals to leave. As Pakistan escalates efforts to expel Afghan migrants, many are being now forced to auction off their household belongings at deeply reduced prices. "I rented this shop a year ago for a huge sum about 1.8 million Pakistani rupees and invested in it. But now, because of the government's decision, I am being forced to move to another city. If I don't leave, they will arrest and deport us back to Afghanistan. I have put all my shop's goods up for auction at very low prices," said Shujauddin, an Afghan migrant living in Rawalpindi with his six-member family who faces deportation despite holding a valid visa. "We are all worried about what will happen to us. Even those with visas, POR (Proof of Registration) cards, or ACC (Afghan Citizen Card) are facing difficulties in Pakistan", said Reza Sakhi, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan. Last week the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Refugees in Pakistan, an advocacy group based in Karachi and Islamabad working for the rights of Afghan Refugees, released a press statement demanding an end to arrests, illegal detention, and harassment of Afghan refugees in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Earlier this month, a coalition of human rights organisations and refugee advocacy groups wrote an open letter to the Pakistani government asking it to immediately halt the forced deportation of Afghan migrants, local media reported. Afghan refugees are facing continuous harassment in Pakistan and Iran. They have called on the Afghan Government and Human Rights organisations to take action on their behalf. The refugees stated that despite holding valid legal documents, they face the threat of illegal detention, deportation and discrimination. Some Afghan refugees have also accused authorities in Iran and Pakistan of mistreatment, including beatings and humiliation. --int/scor/rs Chennai, March 16 : Tamil Nadu Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister Moorthy inaugurated the much-anticipated Alanganallur Jallikattu in Vadipatti, Madurai on Sunday. This year's competition features 1,000 bulls and 650 participants from the Madurai Melur constituency. Winners will be awarded cycles, mixies, silver coins, and other exciting prizes. To ensure a smooth and safe event, over 100 police personnel have been deployed for security. Veterinary doctors are conducting thorough checks on the bulls before granting approvals, while medical professionals are on standby to provide any necessary assistance. Several dignitaries, including District Collector Sangita, MP Su Venkatesan, and Melur Revenue Divisional Officer Sangita, are attending the event. The event is being held as part of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin's 72nd birthday celebrations. Minister Moorthy, who is overseeing various welfare programmes benefiting over 14,000 people, stated: "Various programmes have been organised since March 1 to mark the Chief Minister's birthday, and Jallikattu is a key part of these celebrations." The festival has drawn a large crowd, including DMK party members, district secretaries, local government representatives, and Jallikattu enthusiasts. Special seating arrangements have been made for the public to watch the event free of charge, and special bus services have been arranged from Madurai to the Jallikattu arena for visitors. Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, holds great cultural significance in Tamil Nadu, especially during the Pongal festival. The first Jallikattu event of the year was held on January 14 at Thachankurichi village in Pudukottai district as part of the Pongal festivities. However, Madurai's Jallikattu events - especially those in Alanganallur - are internationally renowned for their vibrant celebrations of Tamil heritage, culture, and rural valour. Pudukottai district is known for hosting the highest number of Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu. Over 120 Jallikattu events and more than 30 bullock cart races were held annually between January and May. Over 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) competitions are held annually in these areas. The Madurai district administration has introduced specific guidelines for the 2025 Jallikattu competitions: As per these guidelines, each bull can participate in only one of the three Jallikattu events in the district. Only the owner of a bull and one trainer familiar with the animal are allowed to accompany it. Bull tamers and owners must register through the official district administration website (madurai.nic.in). All submitted documents will be verified. Only eligible participants will get a downloadable token, which is mandatory for entry. Without this token, neither the bull nor the tamer will be allowed to participate. The event continues to uphold Tamil Nadu's age-old traditions, attracting thousands of spectators and reinforcing the region's deep-rooted cultural identity. Container terminal operator DP World saw record revenue in 2024, but overall profit weakened amid higher finance costs and a challenging global economic environment. Privately held DP World of Dubai in a release said revenue was $20 billion in 2024, up 9.7% from the previous year. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, pretax profit, was a record $5.5 billion, growing 6.7% year on year with a robust margin of 27.2%. Earnings before interest and taxes, or operating profit, was $3.36 billion, up 10.2% from $3.06 billion. Ports and terminals revenue per twenty-foot equivalent unit increased 13.9% on a like-for-like basis with strong growth from the Middle East and Americas. But headwinds hit the companys overall profit at $1.5 billion, which fell 2% y/y. The company said this was due primarily to higher finance costs, and supply chain issues that raked global trade. Profit directly attributable to owners experienced a substantial decline of over 27%, indicating increased financial and operational pressures on the company. The companys container handling capacity surpassed 100 million TEUs in 2024, supported by strategic capital expenditure of $2.2 billion focused on key growth markets such as the United Arab Emirates and India. Looking ahead, DP World has earmarked $2.5 billion for its 2025 budget, targeting further expansion into new regions and enhancements to existing infrastructure. In response to evolving market demands, DP World said it is also intensifying its focus on logistics and integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions. The company reporting improved cash flow from operating activities, which increased by 18.9% to $5.5 billion. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: Amid ocean container liner gains, Zim earnings shine OOCL sees strong 2024 results despite ocean shipping challenges Arrival of worlds largest car carrier marks Texas ports gateway strategy US opening investigation into container shipping choke points The post DP World sees record revenue, but profit slips appeared first on FreightWaves. Tokyo, March 16 : Japan is assessing the deployment of long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu aimed at bolstering the security of the country's southwestern Nansei island chain. This move is strategically important for the island chain's proximity to Taiwan, amid growing fears that the self-ruled democratic island may be invaded by China, local media reported. The deployment, which is expected to start at the end of the next financial year in March 2026, is part of the country's efforts to acquire "counterstrike capabilities" to hit enemy targets in the event of an emergency, Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported, quoting government sources. China claims Taiwan to be a part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary. Last week, China warned Japan not to interfere in Taiwan affairs. Addressing a news conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, stated that the one-China principle, which defines Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, and warned that there are people claiming that "a contingency in Taiwan would amount to a contingency for Japan," but "to provoke trouble in the name of Taiwan is to invite trouble for Japan." Wang also stressed that for more than a thousand years, China has meant opportunities, not threats, for Japan, and warned Tokyo concerning historical interpretations and Taiwan, reports NHK World Japan. Recently, in an interview in Taipei with Japan's leading newspaper, The Japan Times, Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Chih-chung Wu said that he hopes the island democracy can strengthen ties with Japan and other like-minded nations "at every level." As China's military becomes increasingly assertive in the Indo-Pacific, including the holding of larger and more frequent operations around Taiwan, Wu said that he welcomes Tokyo's decision to bolster its defence capabilities and take on a greater role in regional security. This large role has been highlighted by Japan's deepening network of regional partnerships and the unprecedented transit of Japanese warships through the Taiwan Strait in recent months. "We see an evolution. We see that Japan is becoming more and more involved in regional security issues, and strongly welcome this initiative," Japan Times quoted Wu as saying. Asserting that Beijing will be more hesitant to target Taiwan if it realises that other countries in the region and beyond are invested in its defence or at least maintaining a stable status quo, he stated the best thing Tokyo can do for Taiwan and regional stability at the moment is to continue defending its own national interests and opposing changes to the status quo by force. New Delhi, March 16 : New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to arrive in Delhi on Sunday for an official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will land in Delhi at around 2:30 pm later in the day. This marks the first visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister to India in nine years, the last being former PM John Key. Luxon, who will be in India until March 20, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. Ahead of his arrival, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared a video on X highlighting the wide-ranging relationship between India and New Zealand. "PM Christopher Luxon will be arriving shortly on an Official Visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media & members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand," the MEA stated. During his visit, Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, focusing on various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. Following their discussions, PM Modi will host a lunch in his honour. Luxon will also call on President Droupadi Murmu on the same day. Additionally, Luxon is set to attend the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 as the chief guest, where he will deliver the keynote address. On March 19-20, he will visit Mumbai to engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors. He is scheduled to depart for Wellington from Mumbai on March 20. "Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon's visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and New Zealand. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties," the MEA stated. In February, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan met Luxon to explore ways to enhance cooperation in multiple areas, reaffirming India's commitment to elevating the bilateral partnership. Luxon and PM Modi have previously engaged on the sidelines of several global events, including the East Asia Summit in Laos in October 2024. Prior to that, the two leaders had a telephone conversation in July 2024. India and New Zealand share historically close ties driven by strategic interests, trade, education, culture, research, and innovation. The two nations have overcome geographical barriers to build a prosperous partnership, bolstered by a large Indian diaspora in New Zealand that serves as a foundation for strong cultural cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand reached $1.80 billion in 2022, making New Zealand Indiaas 11th-largest two-way trading partner. The two leaders also recalled the successful visit of President Droupadi Murmu to New Zealand in August 2024. PM Modi welcomed New Zealand's decision to join the International Solar Alliance and had extended an invitation to Luxon to visit India. Following their meeting at the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos in October 2024, PM Modi posted on X: "Had an excellent meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Christopher Luxon. We value our friendship with New Zealand, bound together by a commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Our talks covered sectors such as economic cooperation, tourism, education, and innovation." Luxon's visit is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, paving the way for deeper cooperation across various sectors. Chennai, March 16 : Renowned music director and double Oscar award winner A.R. Rahman, who was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai on Sunday morning, was discharged after brief hospitalisation. A medical bulletin by Dr R.K. Venkatasalam, Director Medical Services, said, "A R Rahman, visited Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road this morning with dehydration symptoms and got discharged after routine check-up." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier said that A.R. Rahman was keeping well and would be discharged from the hospital soon. The Chief Minister, in a post on the social media platform 'X' said, "I heard about music maestro AR Rahman being admitted in hospital. I spoke to the doctors attending him and enquired about his health. They said he is doing well and will be returning home soon. I was happy to hear this." Deputy Chief Minister and son of CM Stalin, in a post on X, said, "I am wishing Music maestro A R Rahman a speedy recovery and hope he returns home soon." News of double Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman being admitted to a private hospital in Chennai spread like a wildfire a few minutes ago. Wishes poured in from all quarters for the musician's recovery. Earlier, AR Rahman's sister, Fathima Shekar, said, "He was exhausted after back-to-back travel and suffered a mild discomfort and dehydration. He has currently been given an IV and will be sent back home today." The renowned music composer's son, A.R. Ameen, also took to Instagram to assure fans that his father was doing well and expressed gratitude for their love, prayers, and support. He wrote, "To all our dear fans, family, and well-wishers, I sincerely thank you for your love, prayers, and support. My father felt a bit weak due to dehydration hence we went ahead and did some routine tests, but I'm happy to share that he is doing well now. Your kind words and blessings mean a lot to us. We truly appreciate your concern and continued support. Much love and gratitude to you all." The composer had recently returned to Chennai after a performance in the United Kingdom. Last month, Rahman shared the stage with international pop star Ed Sheeran at his concert in Chennai and later attended the music launch of the film 'Chaava'. His hospitalisation comes shortly after his ex-wife, Saira Banu, was admitted for a medical emergency and underwent surgery. The news was confirmed by her lawyer, Vandana Shah, through an official statement. A.R. Rahman, also known by his initials ARR, is one of India's most celebrated music composer, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his work in Tamil and Hindi cinema, with occasional projects in international films. Over his illustrious career, Rahman has received numerous accolades, including six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and 18 Filmfare Awards. In 2010, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award. Rahman's journey in film music began in the early 1990s with Mani Ratnam's 'Roja'. He quickly became a household name with iconic scores for films such as 'Bombay', 'Kadhalan', 'Thiruda Thiruda', and 'Gentleman'. His first Hollywood project 'Couples Retreat', won him the BMI Award for Best Music Score. However, his global breakthrough came with 'Slumdog Millionaire', which earned him two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Beyond his musical achievements, Rahman is also known for his humanitarian efforts, supporting various charitable causes. In 2006, Stanford University recognised his contributions to global music, and in 2008, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rotary Club. In 2009, he was featured in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Dhaka, March 16 : Amid raging protests in Bangladesh against the rising incidents of sexual violence against women and children, a madrasa teacher was detained on Sunday over the rape of two minor boys in Jamalpur's Sarishabari upazila, local media reported. The accused is Bojlur Rahman, 30, a senior teacher of the madrasa, according to a report by the leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star. One of the victim's mothers stated that her 10-year-old son had been raped by the accused for two months. However, the boy disclosed the matter recently. Another victim's mother said that her 9-year-old son had been raped for four months. After the incident came to light, the locals detained the accused for hours before the army intervened and took him into custody. The police are further investigating the case. The victims, however, have been admitted to a local hospital for examination. In a separate development, two children were raped and abused in Kahalu, Bogura district. "A case has been filed against Nur Islam for the rape and abuse of two children. The victims have been taken to the Victim Support Center at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura for a health test. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the accused." Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported on Sunday, quoting Abdul Hannan, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kahalu Police Station. Several cases of rape were reported in the last few days At least four people were sent to jail, one was arrested, and cases were filed against two others on rape and attempted rape charges in seven districts on Saturday. Earlier this week, another six children were raped in six districts in Bangladesh. At least seven people were arrested on charges of rape in six districts. The children who were sexually assaulted are all aged from six to fourteen. Among one of the incidents, a teenage girl who was a victim of sexual assault died by suicide after being falsely accused and vilified during a local arbitration meeting, reports The Daily Star. Several political parties and students are calling out the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus for failing to curb violence against women and children as the protest against the death of the Magura rape victim intensifies. Earlier this week, several student organisations staged a torch procession at Dhaka University demanding justice for the growing incidents of rape across the country, the removal of the Home Affairs Advisor, and justice for the rape and murder of the eight-year-old child in Magura. During the procession, protesters chanted slogans against the rising rape cases in the violence-hit nation. Rising incidents of crime against women and children after the Yunus-led interim government came to power exposed the degrading law and order situation in the country. People in Bangladesh have been continuously demanding the removal of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, citing his incompetence and failure to ensure security and safety. Moscow, March 16 : Russia calls the statement by the United Kingdom and the European Union countries about moving to the "operational phase" of sending troops of the "coalition of the willing" to Ukraine a bluff since it was conditioned on the provision of security guarantees by the United States, local media reported. "The statement about the operational details of introducing occupation troops into the post-Ukrainian space from the lips of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is essentially a bluff because he immediately stipulates that this is possible only with the support of the United States," said Chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber Vladimir Rogov. Rogov stated that the introduction of third-country contingents into Ukraine would be illegal and would be contrary to the interests of security and the establishment of long-term peace, state-run media agency TASS reported on Sunday. "I am convinced that the appearance of British, German, French and other foreign troops will make them a priority target for our army since they cannot have any legal mandate to operate in this territory," the official added. Meanwhile, the top US and Russian diplomats discussed on Saturday the "next steps" to end the war in Ukraine, hours after Ukraine's allies agreed to exert pressure on Moscow. "US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a call on Saturday. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Lavrov also discussed steps to follow up on recent meetings in Saudi Arabia and agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia," US Department of State spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. Britain hosted a virtual meeting with more than 25 political leaders on Saturday. At a press conference after the virtual meeting, when asked whether any concrete commitments emerged from it, British PM Keir Starmer said the meeting had helped build political and military momentum, with participating countries agreeing to increase collective pressure on Russia. However, he stopped short of disclosing what specific measures would be taken at the "operational phase." Starmer reaffirmed Britain's willingness to take a leading role in the "coalition of the willing," a post-conflict arrangement that he announced two weeks ago during a London Summit. He said Britain is willing to deploy troops on the ground and aircraft in the sky. However, he did not specify how other nations would contribute to the coalition. Joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from Canada, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, Starmer urged Russia to "come to the table to negotiate a deal." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier said that the presence of NATO troops under any flag and in any capacity on Ukrainian soil is a threat to Russia. Russia will not accept this under any circumstances. Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a press conference on March 13 following talks with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko that Moscow agrees with proposals to end hostilities in Ukraine, but they must lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of the crisis, TASS reported. Mumbai, March 16 : Bollywood actress Kiara Advani, who was last seen in 'Game Changer', is glowing up owing to her pregnancy. On Sunday, the actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and shared a video of herself which clearly shows the pregnancy glow on her face with her cheeks brimming with the shade of red because of the blood flow. The pregnancy glow refers to the radiant, luminous, and flushed appearance some women experience during pregnancy. It is often attributed to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. The actress wrote on the video, "Sunday Glow". Last month, Kiara and her actor husband Sidharth Malhotra took everyone by surprise as the stars announced that they are expecting their first child together after two years of marriage. Sharing a picture of their palms holding tiny knitted socks, they wrote, "The greatest gift of our lives...Coming soon (sic)". The couple tied the knot in a dreamy ceremony in February 2023 after dating for several years. While the two prefer to keep their personal lives lowkey, they make sure to surprise their fans with their occasional PDA on social media. Earlier, the actress had shared a heartwarming moment on social media as she played with adorable puppies, radiating joy and excitement. The 'Kabir Singh' actress, who recently announced her pregnancy, looked absolutely radiant while holding little puppies on her lap. In the image, the actress is seen sitting and holding two little puppies. Advani was clicked at her candid best as she looked away from the camera. On March 1, the actress made her first public appearance after she announced the good news on social media. She visited a film studio where she posed for the paparazzi in front of her vanity van. Mumbai, March 16 : A security guard in Mumbai's Goregaon was arrested for molesting a nine-year-old girl on a building's terrace where he took her on the pretext of showing pigeons, the police said on Sunday. Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) A security guard in Mumbai's Goregaon was arrested for molesting a nine-year-old girl on a buildingas terrace where he took her on the pretext of showing pigeons, the police said on Sunday. The girl, who used to come to the building to take private tuition, was befriended by the 51-year-old security guard over several weeks before executing his molestation plan, the police said. The incident, which took place on March 7, came to light a week later when the girl suddenly refused to go to the building for taking her tuition class, police said. On inquiry by her mother, the girl narrated the whole episode and expressed fears of a repeat of the incident, police said. The girlas mother came to know about the incident on March 12 and she immediately filed a police complaint, following which a medical test of the girl was conducted. Goregaon police registered a case against the guard under the molestation and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested him, said an official. His arrest followed the scanning of the CCTV footage of the building and an identification parade, during which care was taken to avoid any direct contact between the victim and the accused, said an official. Data shows that Mumbai Police register six cases of sexual abuse of children aged 4-16 daily. In 2023, the police in the countryas financial capital recorded 1,005 matters of molestation and abuse under the POCSO Act in the first 11 months of the calendar year. The Goregaon incident has revived memories of last yearas incident in Thane, where a schoolas contract employee sexually assaulted two minor girls. Akshay Shinde, 24, was accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur. A contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, Shinde was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet. He was killed near the Mumbra bypass in Thane when he allegedly snatched the gun of a policeman while being taken in a police vehicle as part of a probe into a case registered against him on the complaint of his former wife. New Delhi, March 16 : Delhi Police have apprehended a Bangladeshi national, Afazuddin Gazi alias Gazi, who was residing illegally in the capital. He was arrested from Mohammadpur, RK Puram, and the process for his deportation to Bangladesh has been initiated by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Afazuddin Gazi, 40, hails from Saigura village in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Acting on intelligence inputs, a dedicated team led by Inspector Ravinder Kumar Tyagi (SHO) and comprising SI Rakesh Kumar, HC Ramawtar, Ct. Rakesh and others were formed under the close supervision of ACP Dr Garima Tiwari from the Vasant Vihar Sub-Division. The police statement read that to prevent and detect various crimes and monitor illegal foreign residents in RK Puram, the team was assigned to conduct intensified patrolling, verification, and interrogation of suspects. During early morning patrols on March 13, 2025, specific information was received about a suspect who was roaming in Mohammadpur, RK Puram, to purchase scrap in the market. "Acting swiftly, the team apprehended the suspect, who initially claimed to be from Malda, West Bengal. However, after sustained interrogation and verification, his true identity was revealed as Afazuddin Gazi, son of Shadi Malik Gazi from Saigura village, Munsiganj, Dhaka," Delhi Police stated. During questioning, Gazi admitted that he had studied up to the second grade at a madarsa in his village and has two brothers and two sisters. In 2022, he illegally entered India through the Benapole-Petrapole border, facilitated by a tout named Rafiq for Rs 4,000. "Rafiq cut the barbed wire fencing at night, allowing Gazi and three others to cross into India. By early morning, they were transported to nearby bus terminals for onward travel. Gazi then took a train from Kolkata and reached Delhi, where he worked at various locations, primarily in Old Delhi, and was recently engaged as a ragpicker. He would travel across the city to purchase scrap from different markets and colonies," the police added. Following his arrest, Gazi was produced before the FRRO at RK Puram, which imposed restrictions on his movement under the Foreigners Act, of 1948. He has been ordered to remain at Sewa Sadan, Shahzada Bagh, Delhi until his deportation process is completed. New Delhi, March 16 : India is set to play a pivotal role in an upcoming international counter-terrorism meeting, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to combat terrorism globally. The meeting, which will take place from March 19-20 in New Delhi, is the 14th session of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Expert Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism. For the first time, India will co-chair the EWG alongside Malaysia. This is a momentous development as it highlights India's growing influence and leadership in global counter-terrorism initiatives. Delegates from the 10 ASEAN member nations, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand, will be attending the meeting. Additionally, eight dialogue partners a" Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, the United States, Russia, and Timor-Leste a" will also participate, along with members from the ASEAN Secretariat. The meeting will focus on the evolving threats posed by terrorism and extremism, with the primary goal being the formulation of a robust and comprehensive strategy to tackle these issues. India's Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on March 19. The discussions will centre on sharing experiences from ASEAN and its dialogue partners' defence forces to devise a strong counter-terrorism framework for the current cycle (2024-2027). This session marks the first of many during the current three-year cycle and will lay the foundation for planned activities, exercises, seminars, and workshops aimed at enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. As part of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus framework, the EWG acts as a platform for practical collaboration among defence institutions. The ADMM-Plus focuses on seven critical areas of cooperation: counter-terrorism, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and cyber security. Expert Working Groups are established for each of these areas, with co-chairs from both ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners working on strategic goals and guiding policies for each cycle. The groups convene regularly, holding at least two meetings annually, and also organise various practical exercises, such as tabletop drills and field training, to evaluate progress in fostering collaboration. The EWGs are each co-chaired by one ASEAN member state and one dialogue partner, following a three-year cycle. The task of the co-chairs is to lay down the objectives, policy guidelines and directions for the EWG for the three-year cycle at the commencement of the chairmanship, conduct of regular EWG meetings (minimum two in a year) and an exercise of any form for all member nations in the third year to test the progress made in practical cooperation during the three-year cycle. Patna, March 16 : RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav, son of former Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, was fined on Sunday for violating traffic rules during the Holi celebrations. Tej Pratap was spotted riding a scooty in Patna without wearing a helmet. Upon investigation, it was also found that the vehicle's insurance and pollution certificate had expired. He drove the scooty from Rabri Devi's place, and crossed CM Nitish Kumar's residence, to reach his destination. The Traffic Police issued a challan of Rs 4,000, including Rs 1,000 for not wearing a helmet, Rs 1,000 and Rs 2000 for pollution and insurance certificates expiry. Authorities said traffic rules apply to everyone, regardless of their political stature. The Patna Police have also taken strict action against a constable, Deepak Kumar, who was seen dancing in uniform during a Holi celebration at the instructions of Hasanpur MLA Tej Pratap Yadav. Constable Deepak Kumar, deployed as Tej Pratap Yadav's security guard, was seen dancing in uniform. Deepak Kumar has been sent to police lines. He was brought to the police centre for questioning. Another constable has been deployed in his place. This incident has further fuelled the political controversy, with the ruling JD(U) and BJP criticising the RJD leader, accusing them of disrespecting security personnel. As per the viral video, Tej Pratap, sitting on a stage during Holi celebrations, instructed a uniformed policeman to dance, saying: "Hey constable, hey Deepak, we will play a song, you have to dance. If you don't, you will be suspended. Don't mind, it's Holi." Tej Pratap Yadav celebrated the Holi in Patna on Saturday. He participated in the "Kurta faad" Holi, in which the person's upper garment is torn after smearing it with colours. Punjab, March 16 : Protest erupted in the Punjab province of Pakistan as health department employees, including doctors, paramedics, nurses, and clerical staff, took out rallies against the provincial government's decision to outsource basic health units (BHUs) and rural health centres (RHCs). A protest rally in Okara from City Hospital to the Press Club saw participants carrying banners and chanting slogans against the privatisation policy, terming it as economic exploitation of low-grade health employees, local media reported on Sunday. Protesters, including members of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) and the Punjab Rural Health Employees Association, claimed that seven BHUs in Sahiwal had already been outsourced, with plans to privatise 12 more. Organised by the Grand Health Alliance (GHA), the protest was part of a province-wide movement spanning 40 districts. In Okara, healthcare workers boycotted outpatient departments (OPDs) and indoor wards at DHQ City Hospital, DHQ South City, THQ Renala, and RHCs in Bama Bala and Dhars Dhuliana, Pakistan's leading newspaper, Dawn reported. The protest against the privatisation policy of the Punjab government also continues in the Chakwal and Talagang cities of Punjab province in Pakistan. On the first day of the protest, on Saturday, a large number of Basic Health Units (BHUs) employees gathered in front of the office of the Chakwal Health Department CEO and raised slogans. Later, in the second phase of the protest, the employees, demonstrating outside the office of the Chakwal Deputy Commissioner, claimed that they had worked in these centres for 30 years, places that were once shelters for drug addicts and stray animals. "While Punjab is facing privatisation and our jobs are being taken away, employees in the other three provinces are even receiving advance salaries for Eid," a protester told the leading Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune. During the protest, female workers were seen crying and pleading with the Chief Minister of Punjab to save them from unemployment. They emphasised that they were not demanding pensions, additional benefits, or salary increments but only wanted to keep their jobs, according to the local media reports. Mumbai, March 16 : As the Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer A. R. Rahman continues to recover after complaints of uneasiness, his wife Saira Rahman has requested for privacy, and has also urged to not call her his "ex-wife". Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) As the Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer A. R. Rahman continues to recover after complaints of uneasiness, his wife Saira Rahman has requested for privacy, and has also urged to not call her his "ex-wife". On Sunday, Saira shared a public sentiment through a voice-note. She started her statement with a 'Salam' during the Holy month of Ramza. She said, "Assalamualaikum. I wish him a speedy recovery and I got the news that he had chest pain and he had angiography, and by the grace of Allah he is fine now, he has nothing". The music composer was diagnosed with dehydration after he returned from London, and complained of discomfort. Saira further mentioned, "I want to tell all of you that we are not officially divorced, we are still husband and wife, it's just that we are separated because I was not feeling well for the last two years and I didn't want to stress him too much but please don't say 'ex-wife'. It's just that we are separated but my prayers are always with him and I want to say one thing to everyone, especially his family, that please don't stress him too much, and take care of him. Thank you, Allah Hafiz". Earlier, Rahman was admitted to a hospital in Chennai on Saturday night due to 'dehydration', doctors said on Sunday. The Oscar-winning music director returned from London last night when he felt unwell and went for a check-up. Rahman is one of India's most celebrated music composers, record producers, and multi-instrumentalists. He is best known for his work in Tamil and Hindi cinema, with occasional projects in international films. Over his illustrious career, the composer has received numerous accolades, which includes six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. New Delhi, March 16 : Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming markets and business operations, but it also poses risks, including the potential for enabling collusion and discrimination, Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), said on Sunday. Speaking at the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in the national capital, Kaur highlighted how AI, while driving efficiency, could also be misused in ways that harm fair competition. Kaur pointed out that AI is increasingly influencing pricing strategies, decision-making, and operational processes across various industries. However, this technological advancement could also lead to new forms of anti-competitive behaviour, including "cartels without human communication", "price coordination without explicit agreements", and "algorithmic discrimination" under the guise of dynamic pricing. These practices could harm consumers and disrupt fair market competition, she warned. "AI shapes pricing strategies, decision-making, and operational efficiencies across industries but also presents risks," Kaur continued. The CCI is already studying the impact of AI on competition as it aims to stay ahead of potential challenges in the evolving market landscape. Kaur stressed the importance of adopting a forward-looking approach to regulating AI, one that fosters trust and ensures fairness in the market. The CCI Chairperson also provided updates on the regulatory body's ongoing work. Since the enforcement of the Competition Act in 2002, the Commission has received more than 1,300 antitrust cases, of which 1,180 have been resolved. Last year, the CCI received 42 new antitrust cases, finding potential violations in eight, which are now under detailed investigation. The CCI also closed 19 cases at the prima facie stage due to no evidence of violations. "In 2024, the Commission received 128 combination notices related to mergers and acquisitions, of which 126 cases were disposed of," Kaur mentioned. She further added that in two cases, the CCI granted approvals with remedies to safeguard competition. New Delhi, March 16 : Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has praised India's significant role in global health and agriculture, highlighting the country's growing influence in these fields. Gates, who will be visiting India for the third time in three years, acknowledged the nation's advancements and its potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. In a LinkedIn post, Gates reflected on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's longstanding partnership with India. "Over the past two decades, the foundation has worked alongside the Indian government, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive progress in healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation," he said. He lauded India's success in public health, particularly in eradicating polio, recalling his visit in 2011 when India marked its last polio case. Gates also highlighted India's leadership in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), noting the country's investments in new diagnostic tools, AI-powered detection, and innovative treatment strategies. "A breakthrough saliva-based TB test, costing under $2, is one example of how India is advancing global health," he mentioned. In agriculture, Gates emphasised India's role in transforming farming through AI tools that help predict weather patterns, select crops, and reduce risks. He praised India's innovations, which not only benefit its citizens but also contribute to global progress. Additionally, Gates praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts during India's G20 Presidency to share the country's innovations with the world. Beyond healthcare and agriculture, Gates also highlighted India's success in digital technology, particularly the development of digital public infrastructure like Aadhaar and digital payments. "These innovations have improved access to essential services such as banking, healthcare, and government services," he continued. Microsoft co-founder added: "AI-powered tools now support rural health workers in disease detection, pregnancy care, and patient data management." Gates' visit also marks a historic milestone for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as its Board of Trustees will meet in the Global South for the first time, with India chosen as the location. "This visit will also be significant because -- as we mark our 25th anniversary -- the Gates Foundation's Board of Trustees is meeting in the Global South for the first time," Gates said. During his visit, Gates plans to meet with government officials, scientists, and philanthropists shaping the future of India and the world. "India is the right place for this milestone," he concluded. New Delhi, March 16 : India's defence industry is rapidly evolving into a global powerhouse as the country's defence exports surged to an all-time high of Rs 21,083 crore in FY24 -- a 32.5 per cent increase from the previous year's Rs 15,920 crore, as per a report. According to the Nuvama report, over the past decade, India's defence exports have grown 31 times, solidifying its presence in the global market and increasing international demand. The Indian government has set an ambitious target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by FY29, reflecting its commitment to strengthening the sector. In FY25 alone, exports are projected to reach Rs 20,300 crore, reinforcing India's position as a key player in the international defence supply chain. One of the biggest catalysts for this growth is the rising demand from Europe. With European nations facing manufacturing constraints and workforce shortages, India is emerging as a dependable supplier of defence equipment. The first wave of European defence orders is anticipated as early as the first half of FY26, opening new avenues for Indian defence manufacturers. Domestically, the Indian government is taking significant steps to accelerate growth in the sector, the report said. A large-scale defence procurement worth Rs 1.5 trillion is planned by March 2025, addressing concerns over slow order placements in FY25. This move is expected to boost Indian defence stocks and enhance the country's military capabilities, it added. Meanwhile, shifting global defence dynamics are creating additional opportunities for India. The United States' decision to cut military aid to Ukraine has highlighted NATO's heavy dependence on American defence funding. With the US contributing nearly 70 per cent of NATO's total defence expenditure over the past decade, European nations are now under pressure to bolster their defence systems. This transition is expected to drive further demand for Indian defence products, according to Nuvama. Seoul, March 16 : South Korea on Sunday confirmed an additional foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case at a local farm, raising the number of cases this year to five, the agriculture ministry said. The latest case was found at a beef cattle farm in the county of Muan, about 290 kilometers south of Seoul, where three cows were confirmed to have been infected, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, reports YOnhap news agency. The country on Friday reported the first FMD outbreak at a local farm since May 2023 and found three additional cases in the county of Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, the following day. All of the cattle at the affected farm were to be culled in a preventive step, the ministry said, adding it will take other necessary quarantine measures. The government raised the crisis level for Muan and several other adjacent regions to "serious," the highest level of its four-tier system, and has begun a nationwide FMD vaccination program, initially planned for next month. As a severe and highly transmissible viral disease, FMD causes illness in cows, pigs, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals. It does not affect humans. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has directed relevant ministries to implement thorough preventive measures to contain the outbreak at an early stage. "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs must closely cooperate with relevant agencies to swiftly carry out emergency actions, including rapid culling, entry controls, testing and disinfection, in accordance with the emergency response guidelines," Choi said. Earlier in January, South Korea placed an import ban on German pork following an outbreak of the highly contagious FMD disease in the European nation, Yonhap reported. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the decision was made after Germany reported its first FMD case since 1988. a"IANS na/ New Delhi, March 16 : From raising a point of order in Assembly to moving a private member's Bill and more would be on the agenda of a two-day orientation programme for Delhi's new legislators that will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on March 18, an official said on Sunday. The event aims to equip legislators with the knowledge of parliamentary procedures, code of conduct, and best governance practices. The event will be held in the Assembly Hall on March 18 and 19, said the official. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta will also address the new legislators during the inaugural session that will be attended by Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Leader of Opposition Atishi. Chief Minister Gupta and LoP Atishi will also address the legislators, highlighting the significance of legislative competence. Speaker Gupta said, "This orientation programme is a vital initiative to strengthen the legislative capabilities of our MLAs. It will help them understand parliamentary procedures, legislative drafting, and the significance of meaningful debates, enabling them to participate effectively in the Assembly." The Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) will conduct the training sessions, offering insights into parliamentary rules and legislative practices. PRIDE, under the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker, organises training sessions for MPs, legislative staff, and other stakeholders. The two-day programme will include expert-led lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on good governance, policy-making, and legislative frameworks. These sessions will take place in the Conference Hall near the Chief Minister's office, covering key topics such as constitutional responsibilities, ethical governance, and law-making procedures. The programme will conclude on March 19 with an address by Delhi Minister for Legislative Affairs Pravesh Sahib Singh, followed by the closing remarks of Speaker Gupta. This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening democratic governance, ensuring that elected representatives are well-equipped to serve the people of Delhi more effectively, said the Speaker. New Delhi, March 16 : Nine miniature satellites designed and developed by Israeli high school students were launched into space, according to the Israel Space Agency (ISA). Calling it "the largest Israeli satellite constellation built by students in nine municipalities," the ISA said on social media platform X that the satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. According to SpaceX, the satellites were launched at 8.43 a.m. local time, Xinhua news agency reported. The satellites, including the first-ever Druze satellite developed by students from the Druze community, were deployed into an orbit about 500 km above Earth, where they will remain for about three years with the mission of measuring cosmic radiation and its effects on electronic components, the ISA said in a separate statement on its website. The development of the satellites was part of the Tevel 2 national project led by the ISA and Tel Aviv University, at a cost of 10.5 million shekels (about 2.88 million dollars), the statement said. The project aims to connect different Israeli communities and promote equal opportunities in science and technology education, the statement mentioned. The Innovation, Science, and Technology Ministry, in partnership with Tel Aviv University and nine local authorities, has launched the Tevel 2 project with a budget of NIS 10.5 million. This initiative involves setting up satellite communication stations, allowing students to track mission data and manage operations. "We are witnessing a winning combination of scientific excellence, technological education, and societal integration," Uri Oron, director of ISA said. He added that the Tevel 2 project is a testament to the power of Israeli innovation. "These satellites will not only provide crucial scientific data but also serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Israeli space scientists," Oron stated. Designed to operate for about three years, the project aims to inspire Israel's next generation of space engineers and scientists. New Delhi, March 16 : New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon received a warm welcome from Union Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel as he arrived in Delhi for his first official visit to India. Luxon will also be the Chief Guest and keynote speaker in the Raisina Dialogue 2025. Welcoming the New Zealand PM, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "Warm welcome to PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit. Received by MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, at the airport." Taking to X, Luxon posted, "I've landed in India -- a country of huge importance to New Zealand's prosperity, security and society. India provides huge economic opportunity for Kiwis. That's why I'm here and that's why I've brought a senior delegation of business and community leaders with me." This marks the first visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister to India in nine years, the last being former PM John Key. Luxon, who will be in India until March 20, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. During his visit, Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, focusing on various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. Following their discussions, PM Modi will host a lunch in his honour. Luxon will also call on President Droupadi Murmu on the same day. Additionally, Luxon is set to attend the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 as the chief guest, where he will deliver the keynote address. On March 19-20, he will visit Mumbai to engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors. He is scheduled to depart for Wellington from Mumbai on March 20. "Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon's visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and New Zealand. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties," the MEA stated. In February, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan met Luxon to explore ways to enhance cooperation in multiple areas, reaffirming India's commitment to elevating the bilateral partnership. Luxon and PM Modi have previously engaged on the sidelines of several global events, including the East Asia Summit in Laos in October 2024. Prior to that, the two leaders had a telephone conversation in July 2024. India and New Zealand share historically close ties driven by strategic interests, trade, education, culture, research, and innovation. The two nations have overcome geographical barriers to build a prosperous partnership bolstered by a large Indian diaspora in New Zealand that serves as a foundation for strong cultural cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand reached $1.80 billion in 2022, making New Zealand India's 11th-largest two-way trading partner. The two leaders also recalled the successful visit of President Droupadi Murmu to New Zealand in August 2024. PM Modi welcomed New Zealand's decision to join the International Solar Alliance and extended an invitation to Luxon to visit India. Luxon's visit is expected to strengthen the bilateral relationship further, paving the way for deeper cooperation across various sectors. New Delhi, March 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for winning the 'Digital Transformation Award 2025' by Central Banking, London. PM Modi shared his appreciation on social media platform X, quoting RBI's post and calling it a remarkable achievement. He emphasised that digital innovation is strengthening India's digital ecosystem, empowering millions of people across the country. "A commendable accomplishment, reflecting an emphasis towards innovation and efficiency in governance," said PM Modi in the post. "Digital innovation continues to strengthen India's financial ecosystem, thus empowering countless lives," the Prime Minister added. The Central Bank received the prestigious award for its digital initiatives, 'Saarathi' and 'Pravaah', which were developed by its in-house tech team. The bank regulator took social media platform X to inform the same. "The Reserve Bank of India has been selected for the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, London, UK," the RBI announced. The award committee recognised how these initiatives have significantly reduced paper-based submissions and transformed RBI's internal and external processes. 'Saarathi,' launched in January 2023, has fully digitised RBI's internal workflow. Employees can now securely submit and share documents, improving record management and enabling data analysis through reports and dashboards. By automating processes, 'Saarathi' has enhanced operational efficiency, task tracking, collaboration, and integration with other RBI systems. Earlier, different departments used a mix of manual and digital processes, but now, 'Saarathi' serves as a unified digital repository for the central bank's information. 'Pravaah,' introduced in May 2024, provides external users with a digital platform to submit regulatory applications to RBI. The documents submitted through 'Pravaah' are automatically linked to the Saarathi database, where they can be processed digitally using centralised cybersecurity systems and digital tracking. So far, 'Pravaah' has digitised over 70 regulatory applications, benefiting nine departments of the RBI. IANS pk/na ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greeces center-right government on Saturday welcomed a credit rating upgrade by Moodys, the last major ratings agency to lift junk status on government bonds that began 15 years ago during a severe debt crisis. (This) upgrade marks the closing of a great cycle for the Greek economy and certifies the countrys return to European normality, Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said, describing the action as a success not only of the government, but of all Greeks. Moodys announced the upgrade to Baa3 from Ba1 late Friday. It cited public finances that have improved more quickly than we had expected as a key factor in its decision. The agency highlighted the governments policy stance, institutional improvements and stable political environment, saying it expects Greece to continue to run substantial primary surpluses which will steadily decrease its high debt burden." Although ratings agencies began returning Greece to investment grade in late 2023, the good news was met with relief by a government that has been hammered for weeks by strikes and protests over its handing of a deadly rail disaster two years ago. Hatzidakis made the remarks hours before handing over the portfolio to Cabinet colleague Kyriakos Pierrakakis at a swearing-in ceremony later Saturday, a day after the government announced a reshuffle. Moodys upgrade of Greece to Baa3 marks the final step in restoring our investment grade by all major rating agencies, highlighting Greeces significant progress, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in an online post Saturday. We remain fully committed to reforms that attract investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth, he said. Greece spiraled into crisis in 2010 and received three international bailouts to avoid bankruptcy and repair its public finances through successive and grueling austerity programs imposed by European Union lenders and the International Monetary Fund. National debt as a percentage of gross domestic product peaked in 2020, rising above 200%, but has been steadily falling since and is expected to drop below 150% this year, according to Greek central bank projections. Moodys praised the governments ongoing debt reduction efforts. Over a number of years, the Greek public finances have outperformed our baseline expectations, which increases our confidence that Greek debt will remain on a firm downward path, it said. These improvements are due to both ongoing expenditure restraint and tax revenues that are rising quickly in light of ongoing institutional improvements in tax compliance and collection. Mumbai, March 16 : Veteran actor Gajraj Rao's latest release "Dupahiya" is receiving praise from all sides. The 'Badhaai Ho' actor treated his InstaFam with some BTS photos from the web series. The first pic showed co-star Renuka Shahane posing in front of a scarecrow. The second click was a selfie of Gajraj and Renuka. This is followed by some more stills of the two actors. The post further included some images of Gajraj and Renuka with the 'Dupahiya' team. He ended the post with some posters from the highly acclaimed web show. Gajraj wrote in the caption, "The weather was hot and humid during the shoot, but Renuka ji, with her ever-present smile and cheerful presence, kept our spirits high and led us toward positivity. Have you started watching Dupahiya yet? It's now streaming on @primevideoin." Recently, director Farah Khan used social media to laud "Dupahiya". She revealed that the show enjoys a 'simple plot, pleasant characters, and great humor.' Farah took to her Instagram stories and shared the poster of the series. The filmmaker penned, "Have been watching Dupahiya since the morning. What a beautiful light-hearted show. Simple plot with pleasant characters and great humour best wishes to the cast and crew. " The core cast of "Dupahiya" includes Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Bhuvan Arora, Sparsh Shrivastava, Shivani Raghuvanshi, and Yashpal Sharma. The show has been created and executive produced by Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani under their banner, Bombay Film Cartel. Made under the direction of Sonam Nair, the series has been created and written by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg. It talks about a peaceful village that is thrown into chaos when a prized motorbike mysteriously disappears. With the jubilee trophy, an upcoming wedding, and the town's reputation at stake, the villagers embark on a frantic search to recover the stolen bike before it's too late. "Dupahiya" premiered on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video on March 7, 2025. New Delhi, March 16 : Bihar has been shaken by series of violent incidents of crime in the past four days. Two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) faced brutal attacks on duty, later succumbing to the injuries while incidents of assaults on police personnel have also been reported from other places during the Holi festival. This surge in violence has sparked outrage across the state, with RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari accusing the NDA government in Bihar of fostering a breeding ground where criminals are being let loose and running amok with impunity. Tiwari, while addressing the escalating lawlessness in the state told IANS, "Bihar under the NDA government has become a haven for criminals. In this so-called double-engine government, those entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring public safety, the police, are themselves not safe. The public is left to depend on God for their protection. What we are witnessing is a 'Gundaraj' (rule of thugs) and a 'Aparadhi Raj' (criminal rule)." "Bihar is in anarchy. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is in a state of unconsciousness. The best thing for Bihar is for this government to go. The people of Bihar have been suffering due to the terror of criminals, and now even the police are falling victim to their brutality," he added. The incident that triggered this outcry was the murder of ASI Santosh Kumar in Bihar's Munger district, the second police personnel to be killed in cold blood. ASI Kumar had gone with his team to mediate a dispute between two families in the Nandalalpura area but the situation turned violent and he was brutally beaten by the mob, leading to his death. The situation escalated when an unidentified assailant attacked ASI Kumar with a sharp weapon, striking him on the head. Despite being rushed to Patna for treatment, ASI Kumar succumbed to his injuries. The Mufassil police station head, Chandan Kumar, confirmed the tragic death of the officer. This murder follows a series of similar attacks on police officials across the state, raising serious concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel. Reports of police being targeted during the Holi festivities have further underscored the alarming breakdown of law and order. RJD leaders have voiced their anger, demanding immediate action from the state government to address the growing violence and protect the lives of both civilians and police officers. Mumbai, March 16 : Actor Sparsh Shrivastava likes to experiment with his looks and his work but sometimes that comes at a cost. On Sunday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a series of pictures of himself sporting 'didi braids'. He can be seen wearing a casual outfit rounded with a funky jacket. The actor also penned a note in the caption, as he spoke about his knack for experimentation. He wrote, "I love to experiment with my craft my attitude but majorly with my looks, hence this! It took almost 2 hours to do the hair. Slept twice while getting it done, but after completing, it was worth the time. Moral of the story: Its boring to be same. Keep experimenting embrace the change (sic)". Earlier, Sparsh, who was recently seen in 'Laapataa Ladies' co-starring Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta, had said that the democratisation of talent and adequate support to them can turn Indian cinema collectively as a formidable force on the international stage. The actor earlier spoke with IANS, and shared, "I think our stories will become better. With most of the industry understanding that it's the right talent and the right story and the right makers which can make a film work more than a big name. I think it will also empower the new makers out there". He further mentioned, "I interact with a lot of independent producers or the independent writers who are budding writers, and young, fresh students out of the schools, from the filmmaking schools, they are highly talented and I think it's time for them to bloom now. I really hope that big makers out there trust and believe in the new talent. I think a lot of other makers can also start doing that so that as an industry we can progress and make a mark". The actor feels that 'Laapataa Ladies' is one such film that is destined to age well, and attain a cult status in 10-15 years down the line. He listed some of his favourite titles like 'Tamasha' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur' and shared that 'Laapataa Ladies' has the potential to be like them over the years. New Delhi, March 16 : India and New Zealand on Sunday announced the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The announcement came as New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon received a warm welcome as he arrived in Delhi for his first official visit to the country. According to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the significant step was marked by a meeting between Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, laying the foundation for a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries. Both the nations "share a longstanding partnership founded on shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and economic complementarities", said the ministry. Both countries have continuously worked towards building their bilateral relationship encompassing trade and investment. The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity. Luxon, who will be in India until March 20, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. During his visit, Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, focusing on various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. Following their discussions, PM Modi will host a lunch in his honour. Luxon will also call on President Droupadi Murmu on the same day. Additionally, Luxon is set to attend the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 as the chief guest, where he will deliver the keynote address. On March 19-20, he will visit Mumbai to engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors. He is scheduled to depart for Wellington from Mumbai on March 20. In 2023-24, New Zealand exported $0.84 billion of total goods and services to India and imported $0.91 billion and a total trade value of $1.75 billion. New Delhi, March 16 : A country that has been the epicentre of global terrorism is now crying foul over a train hijacking incident. This is a classic case of karma coming back to haunt it after years of aiding, sponsoring, and backing terrorist activities in various parts of the world, particularly in its neighboring country, India, and even as far as the United States. The hijacking of its train by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group seeking Balochistan's secession from Pakistan, has exposed the deep-rooted issues that have existed since Pakistan's inception. From the very beginning, its leaders have harboured sinister intentions of gobbling up its surroundings. The first casualty of this expansionist mindset was Balochistan, which was an independent country in 1947 when Pakistan was created and India gained independence from British rule. After a brief period of independence of 227 days, Pakistan forcibly annexed the region. Many Baloch nationalists did not accept this decision and viewed the annexation as an infringement upon their cultural identity and autonomy. Soon, they rose in defiance, but the Pakistani Army crushed their resistance with brutal force. The region witnessed uprisings in 1958, 1962, and 1973-77, but each time, the Pakistani establishment managed to suppress the movement. In 2005, the movement for Baloch identity gained momentum again under the leadership of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, who was then Pakistan's Defence Minister and the Governor of Balochistan. He supported the armed struggle against the Pakistani state but was assassinated the following year. While his death momentarily subdued the movement, it did not end it. The region has been simmering with unrest in recent years. Multiple violent incidents have been reported. More than 70 people were killed by the BLA in August 2024. At least 23 civilians were also shot dead after gunmen blocked highways. In a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station last year, 25 people were killed. The latest attack -- the train hijacking or the ambushing of a bus carrying security forces -- is a manifestation of the crisis caused by Pakistan's policies. The Balochis fell victim to Pakistan's expansionist agenda in 1948, the same year it attempted to seize Jammu and Kashmir. While it succeeded in occupying Balochistan, its efforts to capture Jammu and Kashmir were thwarted by India's intervention. In October 1947, Pakistani invaders entered Jammu and Kashmir, which was then an independent region, and brutally massacred thousands, forcibly converting many Hindus and Christians. Even Muslims who resisted them were not spared. When the situation became dire, the then-King of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, which swiftly intervened and prevented Pakistan's annexation of the region. Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India, but Pakistan has continued to foment trouble there. Over the last four decades, it has sponsored terrorism under the guise of a separatist movement, fuelling Islamic radicalisation and attempting to revive the two-nation theory. While Pakistan has tried to portray the violence in Kashmir as a struggle for Kashmiri identity, it has simultaneously subjugated Balochistan, where people have been desperately fighting to protect their identity and resources. Unlike Kashmir, which has witnessed significant development in terms of land, air, and internet connectivity, Pakistan has turned Balochistan into one of its most disadvantaged and disconnected regions. Although Balochistan is Pakistan's richest province in terms of natural resources -- gas and minerals -- it remains the least developed. It lags in key indicators such as health, education, and human security. And has been facing discrimination and state repression over the decades -- forced disappearances, killings, torture and human rights abuses. To make matters worse for the people of Balochistan, China's growing influence in the region has further fuelled the insurgency. Balochistan is a crucial part of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Gwadar Port, a key component of CPEC, serves as a major trade and energy transit hub for China. However, the Baloch people have vehemently opposed Chinese projects, viewing them as exploitative. What happened to the hijacked Jaffar Express, which was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar with over 400 passengers on March 11, remains unclear. After a 30-hour siege, the Pakistani Army claimed to have successfully ended the operation, while the BLA stated that they had escaped with 214 hostages and executed them. The truth may never be fully known, but one fact remains clear - Balochistan is rising once again. This time, the uprising may be far more challenging for Pakistan to contain, given the multiple crises it is currently facing. It has failed to win the hearts of the people of Balochistan and is now resorting to blaming external forces. Instead of falsely accusing others, including India, of its failures, Pakistan must confront its internal problems. It oppressed the Bangladeshis until they broke free in 1971. It attempted to incite unrest in Punjab and Kashmir and has been behind almost every major terrorist attack in India. It nurtured terrorist networks to destabilise India and other nations. Now, the chaos it sowed is finally coming back to haunt Pakistan. The very terror network it created has turned against it, and it is now reaping the consequences of its actions. Balochistan serves as a mirror, exposing Pakistan's sinister designs. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in) Los Angeles, March 16 : Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon has shared a proud mom moment, and it is linked to her motherhood. She took to the Stories section of Instagram on Saturday, and shared a video narrating a story, reports 'People' magazine. The 'Legally Blonde' star told a sweet story about a recent night out with her kids that made her feel good about her parenting journey. As per 'People', Reese Witherspoon, 48, explained that she was out recently with a friend and her two "boys," 21-year-old Deacon Phillippe, whom she shares with ex Ryan Phillippe, and 12-year-old Tennessee, whom she shares with ex Jim Toth. The actor said that over dinner her friend asked her sons if there was one lesson that they will "always remember" that their mom taught them. The 'Big Little Lies' star said that one of them, she didn't specify who, replied that she would always tell him that if he was given "the choice to be normal or the choice to be weird", he should always choose weird. And that it's "okay to stand out and be different". With her hand on her chest, the actress gushed that it "filled my heart with the deepest joy that he learned that from me". She shared, "It just meant so much to me that my kids know it's okay to be different and that it can actually end up being their superpower". The producer said she was prompted to tell her followers the story after reposting a slideshow of quotes from 'White Lotus' star Aimee Lou Wood that her production company Hello Sunshine shared on its Instagram grid earlier in the week. The actress, who also shares her 25-year-old daughter Ava with Phillippe, added in her video that she thinks Wood is "amazing", along with the rest of the 'The White Lotus' cast. "I'm watching, I'm loving it, I'm quoting it", she said of the dark comedy series. Sindh, March 16 : In a growing political fissure and conflicting stances, the coalition partner of the ruling Pakistani government, the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Sindh Council, on Saturday rejected the Centre's plan to build six new canals on the Indus River. It warned that Sindh would not accept any new canal project in the Indus River system, local media reported. The Sindh chapter of the PPP demanded that the federal government withdraw the plan and convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address the province's concerns. At a meeting of its Sindh Council, the ruling party in the province warned that Sindh would not accept any new canal project under the Indus River System, the leading Pakistani newspaper, Dawn, reported. The PPP's Sindh Council meeting was held at the Chief Minister House and chaired by the party chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. At the meeting, Bilawal reiterated the PPP's stance against any new canal project on the Indus River. He expressed support for resolutions passed by the PPP's Sindh Council opposing the federal government's proposed canals, emphasising that the party had always raised its voice against the projects that threatened Sindh's water rights, local media reported. Earlier this week, rejecting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's speech in a joint session of parliament on the construction of six new canals, the Save Indus River Movement (SIRM) slammed Zardari for allegedly approving the canal projects. The SIRM leaders at a press conference later demanded that the PPP quit the federal government. Protests erupted in the Sindh province of Pakistan against the construction of canals on the River Indus, with echoing demands to "let the water flow." Protests and rallies taken out across the province saw an unusually wider participation of the people, who called for an end to the project of building six more canals on the river, reports the leading Pakistani newspaper, The Express Tribune. Pakistan has witnessed a series of protests in recent days, with citizens raising their voices against what they describe as "anti-people policies" and "violation" of Sindh's rights. Guwahati, March 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on Congress on Sunday, alleging that the opposition party made fun of the Bodo peace accord, which proved beneficial in bringing peace to the region. Addressing a gathering at Dotma, on the final day of the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), Home Minister Shah attacked Congress, saying that the party had ridiculed the administration at the time of the accord's signing but has been proven wrong by the peace and progress it brought to Bodoland. "When we signed the Bodo Accord, Congress made fun of us," he said, criticising the grand old party for having doubts about the deal. However, it has now guaranteed Bodoland's peace and progress," HM Shah added. The Union Home Minister emphasised that 82 per cent of the Bodo Accord's provisions have already been put into effect, with complete implementation anticipated in the upcoming two years. He advised Bodo youth to set lofty goals and begin training for the 2036 Olympics, which are expected to take place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Pramod Boro were also present at the event. The Bodo Accord was signed in 2020. Earlier in the day, an international drug racket was busted by the Narcotics Control Bureau in Guwahati and Imphal, said Union Home Minister Shah, saying that there was no mercy for drug cartels. In the operation, narcotics worth Rs 88 crore were seized, and four persons were arrested. HM Shah wrote on his X handle, "No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi govt's march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth 88 crore is seized, and 4 members of the international drug cartel are arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones." Hailing the efforts of the Narcotics Control Bureau, he also mentioned, "The drug haul is a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation. Our hunt for drugs continues. Heartfelt congratulations to team NCB." Tokyo, March 16 : Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed the importance of the United States' involvement in achieving peace in Ukraine. Following the "Coalition of willing" virtual meeting hosted by the United Kingdom, Ishiba stated that the diplomatic efforts by countries including Europe and the United States are tirelessly ongoing to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and Japan welcomes these efforts. According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ishiba issued a written message for the "Summit Meeting on Ukraine," which was hosted by the UK. He appreciated the efforts towards achieving peace. "We can never tolerate unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force like Russia's aggression against Ukraine anywhere in the world. With this in mind, Japan has worked closely together with Europe," PM Ishiba stated. "We need to bear in mind that the peace to be achieved in Ukraine can impact not only Europe but also global security, including the Indo-Pacific region. We must work together to ensure that the situation does not lead to the drawing of the wrong precedent. We continuously need the US involvement," the ministry statement added, quoting the PM. Ishiba stated that Japan is committed to work on strengthening Ukraine's economic and social resilience. He assured to continue assisting in the recovery and reconstruction through public-private partnership assistance from a medium to long-term perspective. He expressed hope that the "coalition of willing" virtual meeting will serve as a further step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the statement reads. Earlier this week, during Japan's participation in the Group of 7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Canada, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Iwaya Takeshi, welcomed the efforts for peace by the US and European countries. He pointed out that the way of peace in Ukraine affects not only Europe but the entire international order, including the Indo-Pacific region, and that they must not allow a situation to arise from which wrong precedents can be drawn, the ministry statement added. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also pointed out the achievement of a framework for lasting peace and the importance of the involvement of the United States and the united efforts of the G7, and stated that Japan is ready to make an affirmative contribution. He said that Japan would like to contribute to improving Ukraine's resilience, which is essential for a lasting peace, by assisting in the recovery and reconstruction through a public-private partnership, the statement added. New Delhi, March 16 : Indian politicians have strongly rebuked Pakistan for its allegations against India regarding the Jaffar Express train attack, accusing Islamabad of making baseless statements without any evidence. They asserted that Pakistan is now facing the consequences of its own actions in fostering terrorism. On Friday, the Pakistan military and Balochistan's provincial leadership accused India of orchestrating terrorism in the restive southwestern province, a day after the Shehbaz Sharif-led government levelled similar allegations. However, they failed to provide any concrete evidence, such as intercepted communications or captured operatives, to substantiate their claims. Blasting Pakistan for making unsubstantiated statements, Congress MP Tariq Anwar said that Islamabad is now "experiencing the same menace of terrorism that it once nurtured against India." "Pakistan always makes such baseless statements. Whenever an incident occurs there, they claim RAW is involved. The truth is that what goes around comes around," Anwar told IANS. "The situation Pakistan created by facilitating terrorism in India is now backfiring on them," he added. Congress leader Udit Raj also condemned Pakistan for harbouring terrorists and engaging in anti-India activities, which, he said, have led to its current crisis. Speaking to IANS, Raj said, "India has no role in this. You reap what you sow. ISI itself trains terrorists, and now everything is coming back to haunt them. Afghanistan is their neighbour, Afghan fighters are fighting against Pakistan, and they are also terrorists. Terrorist training camps exist in Pakistan, and often, these groups end up fighting among themselves, spilling blood on their own soil." "In Pakistan, ISI and terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba are often in conflict. Their malicious intentions have led them to carry out terrorist activities in India with ISI's support. But these actions have started to backfire. Look at what is happening in Balochistan -- frequent bomb blasts in mosques and other places. Pakistan will have to face the consequences of its own actions," he said. The strong rebuttal from Indian politicians comes amid Pakistan's continued attempts to shift blame for its internal instability, particularly in Balochistan, onto India, despite its long history of harbouring and sponsoring terrorist groups. picture alliance / Getty Images Key Takeaways Intel's stock was the S&P 500's top performer this week after the chipmaker named a new CEO. The company announced Wednesday that veteran semiconductor executive Lip-Bu Tan will be its new CEO, effective March 18. The appointment also follows speculation about deal talks, with Reuters reporting TSMC approached other chip firms about forming a joint venture to run Intel's foundry. Intel's (INTC) stock was the S&P 500's top performer this week after the chipmaker named a new CEO amid speculation about the future of its foundry business. The company announced Wednesday that Lip-Bu Tan, the former CEO of semiconductor software firm Cadence Design Systems (CDNS), will become its new CEO as of next Tuesday, sending shares soaring. They've added close to 17% this week, at $24.05 as of Friday's close. Deutsche Bank analysts called the move a "desirable outcome" for Intel, highlighting Tan's "extensive expertise in the semiconductor ecosystem." Bank of America analysts suggested Tan could usher in a strategic shift for the companys foundry business, which has been the subject of acquisition rumors for months. Earlier in the week, Reuters reported Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) approached other chip firms Nvidia (NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Broadcom (AVGO) about forming a joint venture to own and run the U.S. chipmaker's foundry division. The foundry has also been viewed as a potential beneficiary of the Trump administration's stated goal of ensuring artificial intelligence chips are designed and manufactured in the U.S. The Reuters report said Trump asked TSMC for help in turning around Intel. With this week's gains, Intel's stock is up 20% in 2025, making it the best-performing chip stock on the S&P 500 for the year so far. Thats a stark change from 2024, which saw the chipmaker's stock lose more than half of its value. Read the original article on Investopedia Sydney, March 16 : Thousands of people gathered in city's southwest on Saturday to celebrate the Fuldol Festival, a vibrant part of Holi celebrations, the Hindu festival of colours. The event, held at the newly opened BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct in Kemps Creek, attracted people from across Sydney and visitors from interstate and overseas, including the US, UK, New Zealand, and Japan. Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese attended the occasion, praising the meaningful message behind the festival. "Holi is a festival of colours that reminds us of the triumph of good over evil - a hope that continues to inspire us," he said. The newly opened cultural precinct, located near the soon-to-be-completed Western Sydney International Airport, provides the perfect backdrop for the festivities. Mr Albanese described the precinct as "a work in majestic progress". He said, "This mandir is not just a place of worship. It's a place of belonging, of tranquillity and peace. It's a place that makes everyone feel at home, regardless of their faith or background." The Fuldol Festival, a key highlight of the larger Holi celebrations, was a feast for the senses, with music, dance, traditional performances, and spectacular displays of colour. The festival, celebrated by thousands in NSW and worldwide, symbolises the victory of good over evil and the renewal of life. BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj led the celebrations with his blessings showering the crowd with sacred water. His presence added a deep spiritual layer to the event. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese concluded his visit by reflecting on the teachings of Mahant Swami Maharaj. "His Holiness has always taught that unity is strength. When hearts are united, nothing is impossible," he said. For many attendees, the Fuldol Festival was more than just a celebration of colours. It was an opportunity to share their traditions with the broader Australian community and reconnect with their spiritual roots. --IANS mr/ Ahmedabad, March 16 : Adani Green Energy, India's largest renewable energy firm, on Sunday said it is committed to achieving net water positivity by FY2025-26, reducing its freshwater consumption across all operations. The company has already achieved water positivity across operational locations with above 200 MW capacity in FY23 and aims to implement robotic cleaning to prevent using freshwater for solar module cleaning at all upcoming locations. The renewable energy sector needs significant water for tasks such as solar panel maintenance. Adani Green Energy, India's largest renewable energy company with over 12.5 GW operational assets, leads in water stewardship. The company's roadmap to realising the goal of achieving water sustainability encompasses several strategic initiatives, like rainwater harvesting, water conservation and community engagement. The company said it has notably decreased its water use intensity and contributed to replenishing water resources in regions facing water stress, such as Khavda, Jaisalmer and Kutch, among others. Last year, the company avoided 347,310 kilolitres of water through robotic cleaning, equivalent to the water consumption of 1.58 million households. About 43.5 per cent of Adani Green Energy's total operating capacity has successfully integrated robotic technology for cleaning photovoltaic (PV) modules. "With ISO 14001:2015 certification, Adani Green Energy has a robust system to monitor and manage its water consumption. This achievement lays a solid groundwork for its broader goal of reaching net water-positive status across all operational locations by FY2025-26," said the company. Adani Green Energy aims to reduce the need for water-cleaning solar PV modules by adopting waterless robotic cleaning methods. As of FY24, 4,760 MW of its solar power plants, accounting for 43.5 per cent of its total operating capacity, have successfully integrated robotic technology for cleaning photovoltaic (PV) modules. To eliminate the use of plastic bottled water to fulfil drinking water requirements, Adani Green has implemented a technology that harvests water from humidity in the air using green technology. This innovative solution provides fresh, hygienic, and clean drinking water that conforms to international water safety standards while eliminating the use of plastic and reducing carbon footprints. "A proof-of-concept (POC) was conducted at our Solar Plant in Andhra Pradesh with a water generation capacity of 100 LPD (litres per day) along with a water cooler, yielding significant savings and a payback period of five-six years. This technology may be replicated after analysing the success rate," the company informed. Pond rejuvenation and enhancing ponds' water holding capacity is a comprehensive project aimed at increasing the ground recharge capacity and enhancing the water level. As part of this initiative, Adani Green Energy de-silted and rejuvenated 35 in FY24 resulting in water level enhancement achieved benefiting 36,000+ people residing in villages. AGEL's operating portfolio is certified 'water positive for plants of more than 200 MW capacity', 'single-use plastic free' and 'zero waste-to-landfill', a testament to the company's commitment to powering sustainable growth. Amaravati, March 16 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced that a 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu will be installed in the state capital Amaravati, in honour of his 58-day-long hunger strike for the creation of Andhra State. The Chief Minister made the announcement on the birth anniversary of Potti Sriramulu CM Naidu declared that the statue will be completed before his next birth anniversary, along with a memorial in Amaravati. The Chief Minister also announced that Potti Sriramulu's native house in Padamatipalli will be converted into a museum. A modern health centre and a high school building will also be constructed in the village. The CM participated in Potti Sriramulu's birth anniversary celebrations at Undavalli, where he paid floral tributes to the leader's statue. The 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Potti Sriramulu began on Sunday. Over the next 12 months, one significant programme will be conducted each month, culminating in grand celebrations on March 16 next year. The Chief Minister said Potti Sriramulu lived for the people and the Telugu community. "Many are born on this earth, but only a few leave an indelible mark on history. As long as Telugu history exists, Potti Sriramuluas name will be remembered. His sacrifice paved the way for the formation of linguistic states in India," he said. CM Naidu mentioned that during British rule, governance was structured through presidencies, prioritising administrative convenience over linguistic or regional identities. However, after independence, the people's self-identity and cultural pride strengthened. Born on March 16, 1901, in Madras, Potti Sriramulu's family originally belonged to Nellore. He strongly believed that people should have the right to be governed in their language. His struggle for a separate Telugu-speaking state led to his ultimate sacrifice. Despite initial indifference from both the people and the central government, Potti Sriramulu undertook a 58-day-long hunger strike and passed away on December 15, 1952. His death sparked massive public outrage, forcing then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to announce a separate Andhra State on December 19, 1952. On March 25, 1953, Nehru officially declared that Andhra State would be formed on October 1, 1953. Andhra Pradesh later merged with Telangana but was bifurcated again in 2014 into two separate states. "We have honoured his sacrifice by grandly commemorating December 15 as his martyrdom day," the CM said. CM Naidu emphasised that Andhra Pradesh will be transformed into the number one state by 2047. He underlined the need for the establishment of a memorial trust in Potti Sriramulu's name and urged his followers and the public to come forward to preserve his legacy. "Remembering sacrifices for just a day or two is not enough. Future generations must be inspired by them for years to come. We must educate those unfamiliar with history about how Potti Sriramulu gave his life to the Telugu people. It was under our leadership that Nellore district was renamed after him," the CM added. Hyderabad, March 16 : YouTuber Harsha Sai Bandaram has been booked for promoting betting apps, Cyberabad Police said on Sunday. The Cyberabad Police registered a case against the YouTuber after a person complained that he lost over Rs 13 lakh in betting after being influenced by Harsha Sai's content. The victim, a helper in restaurants, said he started following Harsha Sai on Instagram and subscribed to a YouTube channel in 2022. A case of cheating has been booked against Harsha Sai under section 318 (4) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 66-D of the Information Technology Act. According to the complainant, Harsha Sai on his Instagram account shared links to the websites, claiming that depositing Rs 20,000 via these links would yield a bonus of 150 per cent. Trusting these claims and expecting profits, the victim deposited the money through links shared on Instagram and participated in an online game. The victim told police that Harsha Sai also invited him to join a Telegram group called Harsha Sai Tips, where betting advice was provided. The victim followed the tips to deposit a substantial amount of money. But, he lost Rs 13,67,300 over a year. He had funded these transactions through savings, loans from friends, online borrowing apps and even by selling gold assets. This is the latest in a series of cases booked against social media influencers in the Telugu states for promoting betting apps. Earlier, cases against YouTuber 'Local Boy Nani' of Visakhapatnam and Bayya Sunny Yadav of Hyderabad were registered for promoting betting apps. The cases followed Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) Managing Director V. C. Sajjanar's posts on 'X'. The Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who earlier served as Cyberabad Police Commissioner, has been highlighting how people following social media influencers promoting betting apps were losing huge money. The IPS officer called upon people to follow social media influencers promoting online betting apps and report to the police. "I'm not just up against selective individuals - we, as a society, are battling an entire ecosystem of social media influencers who thrive on promoting betting apps. Whether they have millions of followers or just a few thousand, anyone endorsing these destructive platforms is not just misleading people but actively ruining lives," posted Sajjanar. "The real danger goes beyond financial loss - it is the gradual erosion of our nation's future. While Indian talent is leading global corporations, many young lives are being trapped and derailed by their countrymen. These apps are not just a personal risk; they are a societal and economic menace, exploiting vulnerabilities and tearing families apart. Before it is too late, recognise the deeper damage they cause - not just to your finances, but to your future, your family's well-being, and the very fabric of our society," he added. Mumbai, March 16 : Actress Hina Khan performed another Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan. She took to her IG stories to announce the exciting news. She dropped a video of herself in Mecca and wrote, "Dil mai Aarzoo jagi, Allah ne qubool farmaayi Alhamdullilah..#RamadanUmrah2025." She time-stamped the post "6:03 AM". Hina posted another clip from the Holy City and penned, "Tahajjud and Farj in mataaf this morning..Alhamdullilah.", along with a "5: 13 AM" time stamp. She also shared that going to Umrah was a last-minute decision. Yesterday, Hina revealed the mystery behind her alleged colored nails. She took to her Insta stories and shared a close-up picture of her nails. The 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' actress disclosed that she has not painted her nails, but her nails have been discolored due to chemotherapy. Hina wrote on the photo-sharing app, "Ok a lot of you asking about my nails, including some people in my building..I am not wearing any nail polish hahahhaha..How can I pray with a nail paint on. Thoda Dimaag Lagaao mere pyaare saathiyon." She added, "Nail discolouration is one of the most common side effect of chemotherapy..My nails have become brittle, dry and, some times lift up from the nail bed..But But Buththth...You know what's the good part...All of this is temporary..And remember we are healing...Alhamdullilah." It is to be noted here that one is not allowed to pray with colored nails in Islam. Talking about her work, Hina recently appeared on an episode of the reality show, "Celebrity MasterChef India". During the episode, Hina talked about her supportive partner Rocky Jaiswal, who has been her rock during her battle with cancer. Hina shared, "I have scars. I have been treated surgically. He is the one who soothes those scars. He looks at them more closely than I do. He asks me, aHow is it today? Is it any better?a Itas hard for me to look at myself, but he doesa"instantly. He goes to the bathroom, cries, and comes back. He doesnat even cry in front of me. He has started loving me even more than he did before." New Delhi, March 16 : A recent study has made significant progress in uncovering the microscopic mechanism behind heavy-ion cancer therapy, which is expected to optimise cancer treatment strategies and promote the development of new radiotherapy technologies. The findings, led by researchers from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and their collaborators, were recently published as a highlighted paper in the journal Physical Review X, Xinhua news agency reported. Heavy-ion therapy, a cutting-edge radiotherapy technique, uses heavy-ion beams to destroy cancer cells. Since the concept was proposed in 1946, over 50,000 patients worldwide have undergone heavy-ion treatment. "Under the same radiation dose, heavy ions exhibit two to three times greater cancer-cell-killing efficiency than traditional X-ray radiotherapy," said Xu Shenyue, a researcher with the IMP. Heavy ions can more efficiently cause DNA double-strand breaks in tumour cells, resulting in stronger biological effects. But the specific microscopic mechanism underlying these effects had long been unclear, Shenyue added. Researchers conducted experiments at the heavy-ion research facilities in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, to address this question. For the first time, they observed an intermolecular energy and proton transfer cascade mechanism triggered by heavy-ion irradiation in biomolecular clusters. "The observed mechanism sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of radiation damage, and may play an essential role in optimising radiotherapy techniques in the future," said Ma Xinwen, another researcher with the IMP. The study was conducted by scientists from the IMP, in collaboration with researchers from Russia's Irkutsk State University, Germany's Heidelberg University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University and Lanzhou University. Meanwhile, a recent report said that the scientists are working on a new type of antibody that could help fight treatment-resistant breast and ovarian cancers. The antibody, known as IgE, has shown the ability to stimulate the immune system and slow down tumour growth. Currently, IgG antibodies are commonly used in immunotherapy to activate the bodyas immune system against cancer. This treatment is often preferred over chemotherapy and radiation because it specifically targets cancer cells. New Delhi, March 16 : The Indian Army and Kyrgyzstan military are exchanging best practices in urban warfare scenarios, counter-terrorism tactics and precision sniping as part of an ongoing joint exercise, the Army said on Sunday. The Indian Army contingent, comprising troops from the elite Parachute Regiment, left for Kyrgyzstan on March 9 to take part in the 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar. The joint exercise is taking place in the Central Asian nation from March 10 to March 23, said an official. "The Joint Military Exercise #Khanjar-XII, between special forces of #India and #Kyrgyzstan, is in full swing at #Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan," said a social media post by Indian Army spokesman. "The exercise will foster mutual cooperation, strengthen joint operational capabilities and enhance camaraderie between the #IndianArmy and the #KyrgyzArmy," said the post on Sunday. The exercise aims to provide an opportunity for both sides to fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism and reaffirms the commitment of both countries to fostering peace stability, and security in the region. Since its inception in 2011, Khanjar has evolved into an annual training event. The alternating venues between India and Kyrgyzstan reflect the thriving strategic relationship. The previous edition of the same exercise was conducted in India in January 2024, an official said. The Indian contingent is represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyzstan contingent is represented by its Scorpion Brigade, said a statement. The aim of the exercise is to exchange experiences and best practices in counter-terrorism and special forces operations in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain scenarios, it said. The exercise will also focus on developing advanced special forces skills in sniping, complex building intervention and mountain craft. Beyond rigorous training, the exercise will feature vibrant cultural exchanges, including the celebration of the Central Asian festival of Nowruz. This interaction will further cement the bond of friendship between the two nations, the statement said. Chennai, March 16 : Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government of failing to act against mineral smuggling in the state. His remarks come in the wake of the recent seizure of two trucks allegedly used for smuggling minerals into Kerala. In a post on social media platform X, Annamalai claimed, "Since the DMK came to power, Tamil Nadu has been looted for its mineral resources. This illegal operation is being carried out solely by DMK members, depriving the state of its valuable resources and causing a shortage of construction materials. As a result, people are forced to pay higher prices for these materials." The BJP leader further alleged that DMK members were exploiting the state's resources for financial gain while the government remained silent. Annamalai questioned the government's "inaction" regarding mineral smuggling from border districts such as Coimbatore, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Tenkasi. He demanded to know when the authorities would take action against those responsible, particularly the owners of the trucks used for smuggling. Previously, Annamalai had accused the DMK of depending on "illegal mineral theft gangs" to fund its campaign for the 2026 Assembly elections. He claimed that illegal mining and smuggling had escalated since the DMK assumed power. He specifically named two gangs operating in Pudukkottai and Karur, alleging they were heavily involved in illegal mining and cross-border smuggling to Kerala. Annamalai also linked the murder of anti-stone quarrying activist K. Jagaber Ali in Pudukkottai district to the government's alleged negligence. He stated that Ali's killing was a clear sign that the DMK was running a "disaster model" government. Jagaber Ali was run over by a tipper lorry on the Vengalur-K. Pallivasal Road on January 17, 2025. Five individuals have since been arrested, and the Crime Branch is currently investigating the case. Ali's death sent shockwaves through the environmental activist community, with many fearing for their safety due to alleged threats from illegal mining operators. In response to Ali's murder, activists have urged the Tamil Nadu government to take over all stone quarries in the state. They argue that such a move could generate at least Rs 1 lakh crore in revenue. Currently, the government earns only Rs 1,835 crore annually from mining operations. Reports estimate that Tamil Nadu has around 12,000 stone quarries, legally permitted to mine up to 60 feet deep. However, illegal operations are believed to extend far beyond this limit, leading to environmental damage and safety concerns. Following Ali's death, the Federation of Environmental Activists met with his family and demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for them. Activists have also pressed the Pudukkottai district administration to take strict action against illegal stone quarries in the region. N. Shanmugham, coordinator of the movement against illegal stone quarrying, criticised government authorities for failing to protect activists. "We put our lives at risk to protect the environment and alert officials about illegal mining. But the authorities often fail to take timely action, allowing illegal activities to continue unchecked," he told the media. With growing concerns over illegal mining, activists and opposition leaders continue to call for stronger government intervention to curb smuggling and ensure the safety of those who speak out against these activities. Islamabad, March 16 : The targeted killing of Faisal Nadeem a.k.a Abu Qatal in Pakistan's Jhelum area has raised many eyebrows over killing of Kashmiri militants in the country. While it is being claimed that Abu Qatal was not only a senior member of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), but was also the nephew of LeT and JuD (Jamat-ud-Dawa) founder and chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed; inside details reveal that Abu Qatal may not be the nephew of Hafiz Saeed, but he surely is a senior member of the LeT. As per insider details, the killed man in Jhelum by unidentified people is not the nephew of Hafiz Saeed, nor was Saeed present with him at the time of the incident. But the detailed established that Abu Qatal was part of LeT. "The person who was targeted and killed, does not hail from Punjab or Kashmir... he belongs to Sindh province and was in Azad Kashmir for his organisational responsibilities. He had been living in Azad Kashmir for some time now," insider details revealed. "The killed person was part of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He had also served jail term in Indian administered Kashmir also. His security guard was also killed in the attack while his driver was transferred to the hospital in critical condition", the details added. The killing of Abu Qatal is certainly a high-profile killing as he was one of the senior members of the LeT. Qatal was also among India's most wanted terrorists for his involvement in the 2023 Rajouri attack and the 2024 Raesi bus attack. "Abu Qatal was killed on Saturday night. One can imagine and sensitivity around the killing that after his killing, raids were done in at least two provinces throughout the night. "This is the third high profile killing in Sajid Jutt Network of LeT. Before this, Hanzallah Adnan killing in Karachi, and Qasim Kashmiri's killing in Rawalkot... all of these killings have been of members from the Sajid Jutt Network (SJN)" Reliable sources say that after the killing of Abu Qatal, who he said was on the list of most wanted terrorists of India, other operatives from the SJN have gone into hiding amid threats of attacks on them as well. Pakistan, in the past, has linked killings of Kashmiri militants in Pakistan to a targeted killing, accusing India for using local and Afghan mercenaries to take out people on its hit list. Coffs Harbour : , March 16 (IANS) Avani Prashanth shot a superb 5-under 65 in the final round of the Australian Women's Classic and registered a solid Top-15 finish in her maiden season on the Ladies European Tour. With an earlier 72-70 she totalled 3-under 207 and finished six shots behind the winner, Manon De Roey who birdied the final hole to pip Cara Gainer to the title. Coffs Harbour (Australia), March 16 (IANS) Avani Prashanth shot a superb 5-under 65 in the final round of the Australian Womenas Classic and registered a solid Top-15 finish in her maiden season on the Ladies European Tour. With an earlier 72-70 she totalled 3-under 207 and finished six shots behind the winner, Manon De Roey who birdied the final hole to pip Cara Gainer to the title. Pranavi Urs, who was the other Indian to make the cut, shot 72 and ended at T-65. Diksha Dagar had missed the cut. Avani started on the tenth and birdied the 10th, 12th, 14th, 17th and the 18th. She added a sixth on the second and was 6-under and looking at Top-10 finish. Thatas when she dropped shots on the third and the fifth but picked a last one at the seventh. Avani, a Top-10 finisher on her home event, the Indian Open, in the past while being an amateur, was pleased with the final day show and said, aIt was a good final day as I had been struggling with reading the greens the past two days. Finally fixed it out today so it was it was very good. Holed short one on the first, the tenth of the course. Then from there it was quite good like I made a lot of long putts. "I don't think I had too many approach close. Of the seven birdies I hit two approaches actually like within eight feet and everything else was like 15-20-25 feet putts. That's what you needed to shoot low here. Because of the greens being hard you weren't able to get close and because of the wind being up too. So, I so glad I got it together and am are looking forward to next week." For the winner, Manon it was the third Ladies European Tour (LET) win and jumped to second in the 2025 Order of Merit. De Roey made a clutch birdie at the 18th hole and became a three-time LET winner. On a nervy final day, the Belgian kept her cool late on dialling in an excellent approach to seven-feet at the par-4 18th before sealing the putt for LET victory number three. The victory is De Roeyas third on the LET after she won the 2022 Aramco Team Series a" Bangkok title and 2024 Investec SA Womenas Open. In solo second finished Gainer on eight-under par after her hot finish. The young star in the making, Wongras, finished the week in third on seven-under par. Swedenas Kajsa Arwefjall fired a 66 (-4) to share fourth alongside Kemp on six-under par. The home favourite returned to action this week for the first time since breaking her leg seven months ago. An incredible comeback story. Next up the LET continues its co-sanctioned Aussie swing with the WPGA Tour heading south to Wollongong for the Ford NSW Womenas Open. Outside the JPMorgan headquarters in Manhattan. Momo Takahashi / Business Insider Employees are waiting to hear how JPMorgan Chase will enforce its return-to-office mandate. They're searching for clues, in one instance sharing a leaked document in a group chat. Employees also shared info about location and productivity tracking tools. In a private group chat formed after JPMorgan's January announcement that all employees would be called back to the office full-time, a few hundred people have turned to the forum to air their concerns, vent about the changes, and share tidbits of intel from their respective corners of the bank in a bid to understand the bank's plans. The "extremely active" chat gets upward of 100 messages a day, according to one member, a JPMorgan employee of 8 years, who talked to Business Insider. It is one of many Signal chats and Reddit threads that JPMorgan employees are turning to as unofficial "support groups" for employees. "There's a depressingly small amount of official information within JPMC," they said, expressing their concern about the lack of emails about what's happening. "We have to go find the information, it is not being broadcast." Last week, a document with JPMorgan branding was shared with the group and caused an instant hubbub, a different member of the chat told BI, which viewed the contents. It appeared to be an outline of steps of escalation for employees who don't meet RTO mandates, including a lower number of non-attendance warnings before possible termination for some. BI was unable to verify the authenticity of the document or determine who dropped it in the encrypted chat. It is also unclear if it represents current or future bank policy. What is clear based on chat members' reactions to the 6-page outline is that JPMorgan Chase employees are hungry for any clues to how the bank will enforce its 5-days-in-office policy, which began rolling out March 3. A JPMorgan spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the document but said, "If employees are not meeting the expectations, there will be ramifications just like any other performance issue." Employees are also eager to understand how their attendance is monitored. Some worry that company tracking methods might not correctly record their hours or productivity putting them at risk of potential enforcement. Others feel the RTO mandates and attendance recording measures are overkill. The employees were granted anonymity by BI to discuss internal company information without professional repercussions. One JPMorgan tech VP told BI, sarcastically, that they thought the "babysitting was ending." Los Angeles, March 16 : American socialite and reality star Paris Hilton, believes in self-appreciation. The 44-year-old reality star, who has produced music, and released her hit single 'Stars Are Blind' back in 2006, has called it the best pop track. Paris still sings the song in the shower, as she called it her favourite song, reports 'Female First UK'. Paris told Us Weekly, "I was actually just singing it in the shower this morning because it's the most iconic pop song ever made. My favourite song". 'Stars Are Blind' was the lead single on Paris' eponymous debut album, and the blonde beauty has enjoyed success in various fields over the years, including modelling, music and reality TV. Despite this, Paris admits that she's "always thinking" of new ideas. As per 'Female First UK', the 'Simple Life' star, who is married to entrepreneur Carter Reum, shared, "I have ADHD so my brain does not stop moving, and I'm always thinking of ideas. I'm such a night owl even if I'm trying to go to bed. So it depends. If I have to wake up at like six in the morning for work the next day, I will force myself to go to sleep at 11 or 12. But some nights I just cannot sleep and I love watching TV (even though) my husband goes to bed early". Paris and Carter tied the knot in a three-day ceremony in November 2021, and the loved-up couple subsequently embarked on a lengthy honeymoon that saw them travel to various destinations around the world. Paris previously told 'People' magazine, "We had the most amazing honeymoon for seven weeks around the world, but I'm so glad to be able to be at home with my husband. It's the best feeling to get to build these new adventures in life with my person". Paris also shared that she was loving her experience of married life. She said, "Being married is such a great new chapter for both of us". Jammu, March 16 : Pilgrim donations at Jammu and Kashmir's Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine have increased to Rs 171.90 crore during the current financial year (2024-2025) from Rs 63.85 crore in 2020-21, according to shrine board officials. Gold offerings at the shrine have also increased from over nine kgs to 27.7 kgs and silver from over 753 kgs to over 3,424 kgs during last five years. In reply to an RTI application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Sharma, the shrine board said an amount of Rs 63.85 crore was received as donation or offering in the FY 2020-21 followed by Rs 166.68 crore in FY 2021-22, Rs 223.12 crore in FY 2022-23, Rs 231.50 crore in FY 2023-24 and Rs 171.90 crore in FY 2024-25 (upto January this year). Only 17.20 lakh pilgrims, the lowest in over three decades, visited the shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district in 2020 when the temple, for the first time in its history, remained closed for five months due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilgrimage at the deity's shrine reopened on August 16, 2020. From 13.95 lakh in 1986, when the shrine board took over the affairs of the shrine for better management, there has been a steady increase in pilgrim footfalls with each passing year, touching an all-time high of 1.04 crore in 2012 against 1.01 crore the previous year. Pilgrims' arrival at the shrine was 55.88 lakh in 2021, 91.25 lakh in 2022, 95.22 lakh in 2023 and 94.84 lakh in 2024. In response to the query about the total value of jewellery or ornaments like gold offered by the pilgrims at the shrine, the board said over 9.075 kgs gold was received in the FY 2020-21, 26.351 kgs in FY 2021-22, 33.258 kgs in FY 2022-23, 23.477 kgs in FY 2023-24 and 27.717 kgs in FY 2024-25 (up to January this year). Similarly, 753.630 kgs silver was received in FY 2020-21, 2400.705 kgs in FY 2021-22, 3756.582 kgs FY 2022-23, 4072.486 kgs in FY 2023-24 and 3424.538 kgs in FY 2024-25 up to January this year. The board said the metals are received in impure form and the value cannot be ascertained until refined. The yellow metal appearing like gold and the white metal appearing like silver after melting, assaying, refining and fabrication into coins of .995 and .999 purity and put for sale at the souvenir shops. It must be mentioned that there was a public outrage in the shrine's base town Katra over the proposed ropeway project from Katra to the shrine. The ropeway project, estimated to cost Rs 250 crore was to connect Tarakote Marg (near the Katra base camp) to Sanjichhat, a key point on the 12-kilometre trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine. The ropeway was expected to transport 1,000 passengers per hour and reduce travel time, making the journey more accessible for devotees. The project aimed to be operational by December 2026. Locals in Katra, including pithuwallas (porters), pony-wallas, palanquin owners, shopkeepers, and hoteliers, protested against the project fearing it would negatively impact their livelihoods. They argued the ropeway would displace traditional modes of transportation and reduce business opportunities for locals. Some estimates suggest the project could affect over 60,000 families. The Jammu and Kashmir administration held talks with the protesters, released arrested protesters and suspended work on the project. Mumbai, March 16 : Actress Bhagyashree recently offered prayers at the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' actress took to her IG and treated the netizens with some glimpses of her religious visit. Bhagyashree was seen looking as stunning as ever in an orange salwar kameez with golden embellish. The photos and clips posted by her show her standing outside the temple. "Jai Jagannath !! Feeling blessed. In Puri for darshan of the Lord God Jagannath!.... needed it. Peace and blessings envelope you if you go with belief and reverence. Had a wonderful darshan", Bhagyashree wrote in the caption. During her visit, she also got to relish "Chattu Besara". The famous dish from Puri is basically mustard-cooked flavourful wild mushrooms. She enjoyed it with ghee rice. Bhagyashree added, "Also tasted the famous "Chattu Besara" a mustard cooked flavourful wild mushroom dish with ghee rice. Thank you IG Himanshu ji and DSP Prasant ji for making it possible." Previously, Bhagyashree celebrated Maha Shivratri at the Brahmakumaris. Taking to her Instagram handle, she posted a video showcasing a magnificent 15ft shivling made from 4000 coconut shells, which was crafted by the Brahmakumaris in just one day. Dropping a heartfelt video from her visit, she penned, "Har har mahadev ! A beautiful Shivling of 15ft made with 4000 coconut shells, within 1 day by the brahmakumaris. Its serene, peaceful, and knowledge-invoking. The strengths that embody Shankara, the 9 devis that stand for 9 human virtues, to the sleeping kumbhakarn to a puppet show for water conservation... it is an interesting place for children. Not only is this a spiritual experience but also a huge contribution to easing the stress from today's lifestyle. They have included a free cancer detection camp, a rehabilitation and medication camp to overcone alcoholism, drug abuse n smoking. #mahashivratri #harharmahadev #brahmakumaris #spiritualawakening." Bhagyashree was seen dressed in an elegant white saree as she posed alongside the Brahmakumaris and also participated in the aarti with them. Meanwhile, Bhaghashree recently underwent surgery after sustaining a deep wound on her forehead while playing pickleball. New Delhi, March 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the ability to put a total stop to riots in a volatile state like Gujarat was the biggest lesson or takeaway for him from the 2002 communal flareup. Talking to AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman in a podcast, PM Modi expressed himself for the first time on the 2002 violence in Gujarat since he assumed the top office. Looking back at the communal flare-up, barely six months after he took charge as the Chief Minister, PM Modi said, "The most important thing is, in Gujarat, where riots used to happen some way or the other every year, but after 2002, in 22 years, there hasn't been a single major riot in Gujarat. Gujarat remains completely peaceful." The PM recalled the Kandahar hijacking, the attack on parliament, or even 9/11, and "then to have so many people killed and burned alive, you can imagine how tense and volatile the situation was". "The perception that these were the biggest riots ever is actually misinformation Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The riots in 1969 lasted nearly six months. So there was a long history, long before I was in the picture," he told Fridman on lessons drawn from that time. PM Modi also highlighted the rule of law that prevailed after the violence. "The judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally, they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts." PM Modi credited the long-lasting communal harmony in Gujarat since 2002 to the strategy to end the politics of appeasement and replacing it with politics of aspiration. "Because of this, anyone who wishes to contribute joins us willingly. We've continuously strived to turn Gujarat into a well-developed state. And today, Gujarat is actively contributing towards building a developed India as well," he said. Earlier, Fridman described the 2002 Gujarat riots as one of the most challenging periods of modern Indian history, when there was violence between Hindu and Muslim citizens that led to over 1,000 deaths. During the three-hour-long dialogue, the PM also showered praise on the AI researcher for the intensive ground work done before the programme. "I personally feel you've put in tremendous care. You've done extensive research and have dived deeply into every small detail. So I think you've done very well, and all the efforts you've put in during our conversation and in all your conversations are appreciated," said PM Modi. "I feel you're trying to deeply understand India. That's why I strongly feel there's genuine honesty in your sincere effort to uncover the truth. And for that sincere approach, I genuinely congratulate you," said PM Modi. New Delhi, March 16 : There is a need for real-time market monitoring and a collaborative approach to regulation while it is essential to enforce law beyond strict intervention by promoting self-regulation and compliance, Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), said on Sunday. Complimenting the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its impactful role in curbing abusive conduct of dominant enterprises, Malhotra underscored the importance of competition law in ensuring fair competition and a level-playing field in markets. The CCI organised the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in the national capital. The minister also emphasised the crucial role of the MSME sector, which contributes 80 per cent of manufacturing output, 45 per cent of exports, and 30 per cent of the India's GDP. "It is important to watch the interest of stakeholders, including MSMEs, to provide them with fair opportunities to compete and innovate," he said. The minister encouraged the Commission to actively engage with stakeholders, including industry associations, and consider their viewpoints. He stressed on the importance of including the younger generation in deliberations to bring fresh and new perspectives. The government has kept in mind the views of the stakeholders, be it policies, government schemes or regulations, the minister mentioned. Acknowledging the significance of the Conference, he said that such deliberations and brainstorming sessions would immensely contribute to India's economic growth in the future. The minister further stated that the MCA aims to foster an ecosystem where fair competition benefits both businesses and consumers, leading to dynamic and vibrant marketplaces. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI, said regulators are adopting a dynamic approach to address the issues emerging in increasingly complex markets and rapid innovation in technology. She said that the goal is to balance innovation with competition, ensuring fair and open markets, where competition and technological progress can coexist. Alluding to AI as a driving force in modern markets, Kaur stressed on the need for regulators to stay abreast and ahead in the AI era to deal with algorithmic collusion, uncover hidden anti-competitive behaviour, and protect consumers in markets increasingly shaped by AI. IANS na/ Seoul, March 16 : South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products reached the second-largest value for any February last month despite the fall in chip sales, government data showed on Sunday. Outbound shipments of ICT products came to US$16.71 billion last month, up 1.2 percent from a year earlier, according to the data from the Ministry of Science and ICT. The country's ICT imports climbed 5.6 percent on-year to stand at $10.9 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $5.81 billion, reports Yonhap news agency. By product, exports of semiconductors and display panels fell 3 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively. But global sales of South Korean mobile phones surged 33.3 percent on-year. Exports of computers and communications equipment also spiked 26.9 percent and 74.1 percent, respectively. By nation, shipments to the United States jumped 11.5 percent from a year earlier, and those to Vietnam went up 15.6 percent. Exports to Thailand and India soared 124.3 percent and 54.9 percent, respectively. But exports to China sank 19.6 percent due mainly to a marked decrease in semiconductor exports amid the U.S.' restriction on high bandwidth memory chip exports to China. Shipments to the European Union went down 7.6 percent and those to Japan lost 5.7 percent on-year in February, the data showed. Meanwhile, the science ministry here said recently it will begin a five-year joint project with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) worth $30 million this year to foster digital innovation in the ASEAN region. The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will discuss the details of the project at the two-day ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting. The project is aimed at applying South Korea's advanced digital technologies in ASEAN nations to facilitate their digital transformation and foster economic growth. a"IANS na/ Mumbai, March 16 : Sonakshi Sinha decided to bless our feed with another fun video with husband Zaheer Iqbal. She took to her Instagram handle and revealed the secret to her glowing skin. The clip opens with Sonakshi doing her skincare. Next, we see Zaheer coming from behind and leaving his wife scared. Sonakshi's epic reaction makes Zaheer laugh out loud. Dropping the post, Sonakshi wrote, "The secret to my glowing skin". Before this, Sonakshi celebrated Holi without hubby Zaheer this year. The stunner celebrated the festival on the set of her next, "Jatadhara". Dropping a sneak peek into the festivities, she shared a couple of fun photographs on IG. Posing in a white chicken salwar kameez, Sonakshi was seen flaunting her Holi colors. She wrote, "Holi haiiiiiiii!!! Rang barsao, khushiyaan manao!! Happy Holi mere doston, from the shoot of Jatadhara." Sonakshi further informed that she is spending Holi away from Zaheer due to her work commitment. (Comments mein thoda relax karo@iamzahero mumbai mein hai, aur mein shoot pe hu isiliye saath mein nahi haithanda paani dalo sar pe)", she added. The makers of "Jatadhara" dropped the first look poster of Sonakshi this Women's Day on March 8. The photo showed the 'Heeramandi' actress flaunting her elaborate traditional jewelry, including a golden headpiece, bangles, and rings in the pic. Sonakshi's bold makeup was completed with dark kohl-lined eyes, a red bindi, and a tilak on her forehead. Further intensifying her fierce look, Sonakshi covered part of her face with her hand, adorned with rings and long nails. The tagline on the poster read, "A Force of Strength and Power." Marking Sonakshi's Telugu debut, "Jatadhara" will feature Sudheer Babu as the lead. Helmed by Venkat Kalyan, the project will star Shilpa Shirodkar, Rain Anjali, and Divya Vij in key roles. Furthermore, Sonakshi will also be seen sharing screen space with Zaheer in the upcoming project "Tu Hai Meri Kiran." Directed by Karan Rawal and Sanjana Malhotra, the film marks their second on-screen pairing after the 2022 laughter ride "Double XXL." Her lineup also includes, "Nikita Roy and the Book of Darkness." Bhopal, March 16 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has declared that Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ramcharan Gautam, who lost his life in the line of duty in Gadra village under the Shahpur police station in Mauganj district, will be officially recognised as a martyr. As a gesture of gratitude for his supreme sacrifice, the government will provide a1 crore as ex-gratia compensation to his family and job to a family member, the chief minister said. The late ASI was given full state honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour at his native village of Pawaiya. Tragically, Ramcharan Gautam was killed during a violent confrontation in Gadra village on Saturday. The incident began when a tribal family took a young man hostage. Upon responding to the distress call, the police team faced a brutal attack from the villagers. Gautam succumbed to the assault, while several others, including Shahpur Police Station in-charge Sandeep Bharti, Jawahar Yadav and Ankit Shukla, head constables, Ramvachan Yadav, Ramnarayan Tiwari, Prem Singh Chouan, Ram Lakhan Mishra and Krishna Keshav Dwivedi -- all head constables, Brihaspati Patel, Anant Kumar Mishra both sub-inspectors, Deepti Singh and Preeti Yadav both constables and Tehsildar Kumare Lal Panika, sustained critical injuries. In total, 13 police personnel suffered injuries, with four admitted to Sanjay Gandhi Medical Hospital in Rewa and the rest receiving treatment in a private hospital in Mauganj. The tribal family not only attacked the police squad but also killed the young man Sunny Dwivedi they had held hostage. In response to the violence, the district administration imposed Section 163 in the village, and additional police forces were deployed to maintain order. The Chief Minister has also directed Minister-in-Charge Lakhan Patel to visit the village and oversee the situation. The violence stemmed from a complex dispute involving the Kol tribal community and the Dwivedi family. The conflict escalated due to allegations surrounding the death of Ashok Kol two months ago, which had been ruled an accident following a police investigation and autopsy. Dissatisfied with the findings and frustrated by perceived police inaction, the Kol community reportedly abducted Sunny Dwivedi, whom they accused of designing Ashok Kol's death. Approximately, 250 individuals from the Kol community reportedly held Sunny hostage in a grocery store. Efforts by the Dwivedi family to negotiate his release failed, forcing them to seek police intervention. When a team of police officers, accompanied by Tehsildar Kumre Lal Panika and other officials, arrived to address the situation, they were met with violent resistance. Villagers not only pelted stones at the team but also took some officers hostage, assaulting them severely. Sub-Divisional Officer Ankita Shulya and Sub-Inspector Arti Verma narrowly escaped by locking themselves in a room. Eventually, reinforcements arrived, and law enforcement personnel regained control of the situation. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences and pledged unwavering support to the family of Ramcharan Gautam. Agartala, March 16 : The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would contest upcoming crucial elections to the Village Committees in alliance with its allies -- the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) though the TMP fought the 2023 Assembly polls independently. As the crucial elections to the 587 Village Committees (VCs) under Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) are likely to be held within the next two to three months, all political parties in the state started their political activities in the tribal inhabited areas concentrating the polling in the VCs, equivalent to Gram Panchayats in the non-TTAADC areas. The politically important elections in VC are long overdue. Tripura BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee said that his party would contest the elections in alliance with IPFT and TMP. "The BJP believes in coalition Dharma as our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has formed NDA with 22 to 23 parties. Our present Prime Minister Narendra Modi also maintained the coalition system of governance. We would fight the elections to the VCs under the TTAADC collectively after consultation with our two allies TMP and IPFT," Bhattacharjee, also a Rajya Sabha member, told the media. He said that BJP's Janajati Morcha, the tribal wing of the ruling party, has already highlighted the good work of the BJP-led coalition government for the welfare of the tribals, who constitute one third of Tripura's little over four million population. On Sunday, the BJP organised a state-level programme 'Empowering Janajati, Empowering Tripura' and highlighted the good work done by both the state and Central governments. Announcing that such event would be held in district, sub-divisional and block levels as well, Bhattacharjee said that the BJP-led government has always giving priority for the development of the tribal inhabited areas and spending more funds in various developmental projects including construction of road, water supply, health, housing and livelihood in the tribal-dominated blocks. At the instance of the state BJP government, the union government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolved the 23-year-old Reng tribal issue permanently by rehabilitating the internally displaced families in the state, he said adding that as many as 18 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been sanctioned for providing proper education to tribal students. Around 37,584 displaced Reang tribals (locally called Bru) in different phases migrated from Mizoram in between 1997 and 2009 after ethnic troubles in the neighbouring state and following a quadripartite agreement, signed on January 16, 2020, settled in 12 locations in four districts of Tripura - North Tripura, Dhalai, Gomati, and South Tripura. The TTAADC, constituted under the Sixth Schedule for the socio economic development of the tribals, has 587 VCs, for which elections were supposed to take place in January or February 2021. Although the five-year tenure of the VC expired in February 2021, the elections could not be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic and court cases. The TMP, which has been governing the politically important TTAADC since April 2021, has also been demanding 'Greater Tipraland' (a separate state for the tribals) under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution. The ruling BJP, opposition CPI-M, and the Congress have been opposing the demand. After signing a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government on March 2 last year, the opposition TMP joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7 (2024) and two of its MLAs - Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma - became ministers. The BJP along with IPFT and the TMP together fought the recent Lok Sabha elections in Tripura though the TMP contested the assembly polls in 2023 separately. New Delhi, March 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said there's a deep connection between science and spirituality, as he fondly remembered Srinivasa Ramanujan, considered to be one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said thereas a deep connection between science and spirituality, as he fondly remembered Srinivasa Ramanujan, considered to be one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. When American podcaster Lex Fridman, an engineer who loves mathematics, asked the Prime Minister about Ramanujan and what is so inspiring about him, PM Modi said he "deeply respects him". "Everyone in my country respects him as well, because I strongly believe thereas a deep connection between science and spirituality. If you closely observe many scientifically advanced minds, youall find theyare often spiritually advanced too," said PM Modi. Theyare not disconnected from spirituality. Ramanujan once said that his mathematical ideas came from the goddess he worshipped, meaning ideas emerge from spiritual discipline, and discipline is more than just hard work. "It means fully devoting yourself to a task and completely immersing yourself into it so much that you become one with your work," said the Prime Minister. According to PM Modi, the more open we are to new and different sources of knowledge, the more new ideas weall have. "I think itas important for us to clearly understand the difference between information and knowledge. Some people mistakenly confuse information with knowledge, carrying around large amounts of information, but I donat believe information alone equals knowledge," the PM asserted. "Knowledge is something deeper. It gradually evolves through processing, reflection and understanding. Recognising this difference is important in how we handle both," he added. The National Mathematics Day is celebrated every year on December 22 to honour the memory of mathematical genius Ramanujan. Ramanujan was born in Tamil Naduas Erode district on December 22, 1887. He was one of the youngest members of Britain's Royal Society and the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge University. His contribution to mathematical analysis, infinite series, continued fractions and number theory was immense. Ramanujan is most popular for his contribution to the analytical theory of numbers, elliptic functions, continued fractions, and infinite series. Flash This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 15, 2025. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) The death toll from U.S. overnight airstrikes on Houthi sites across northern Yemen has risen to 31, with at least 101 others wounded, Al Jazeera reported Sunday. The death toll is expected to rise further as U.S. airstrikes continue across Yemen. The casualties were reported across multiple locations, including the capital Sanaa, the northern province of Saada, a Houthi stronghold, as well as other Houthi-controlled Yemeni provinces. The military campaign, which started Saturday evening, struck the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa, followed by several bombardments on the Shoab residential area in eastern Sanaa, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province's namesake central city Saada, the group's northern main stronghold. According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. A white smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses said. This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January and redesignated the group as a "foreign terrorist organization." Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the "terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom." He also warned the Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks "starting today ... hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before." In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it "initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation." Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying "this aggression will not pass without a response," and that the group is "fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation," the Houthis' political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV. On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the Gaza Strip's crossings are reopened and aid allowed in. From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. By Adwitiya Srivastava and Rishav Chatterjee (Reuters) -National Australia Bank Chief Financial Officer Nathan Goonan will leave the lender later this year to join rival Westpac, the Australian banks said in separate statements on Monday. NAB announced the exit of its finance chief along with a number of other senior executive changes, after which Westpac disclosed Goonan's appointment in the same role effective later this year. Goonan became the chief financial officer of National Australia Bank in July 2023 and previously served as executive general manager of group strategy and development. NAB's share price has jumped about 26% from July 1, 2023 through the stock's last close on Friday under Goonan's tenure as its finance chief. Westpac said its current chief financial officer, Michael Rowland, will remain in his role until Goonan joins the bank. Shares of Westpac were up 0.7%, while those of NAB fell about 0.4% as of 0005 GMT. The transition follows a series of management changes at the banks over the last year. In December, Roland announced plans to retire in 2025, while NAB last month named Andrew Irvine, the head of its business and private banking as its new CEO. Westpac in September promoted the head of its business and wealth unit, Anthony Miller, to CEO. Henry Jennings, a senior analyst and portfolio manager at Marcus Today said: "New (NAB) CEO Andrew Irvine was always likely to bring some changes." He added that because of a new CEO at Westpac as well, this was likely a shuffling of the decks. Shaun Dooley, who is currently NAB's group chief risk officer, will act as group chief financial officer while the lender recruits a replacement for Goonan, NAB said in its statement. (Reporting by Adwitiya Srivastava and Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Jamie Freed) Guwahati, March 16 : After conducting a series of questioning in Delhi and Punjab, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was established by the Assam Police to look into Gaurav Gogoi and his wife Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi's alleged links to Pakistan, has returned to the state. The probe team has questioned an environmental scientist and two employees of the British High Commission in the national capital recently and there have been speculation that Gaurav Gogoi will also receive summons from the SIT to come in for questioning. Reacting to the developments, Gogoi told reporters here: "I told many times that I am open to any kind of investigation. I will appear before the investigating team whenever SIT calls. They are not required to provide me with coffee or tea even." Earlier, the SIT questioned two staffers of the British High Commission in Delhi in connection with Congress MP's alleged Pakistan links. According to the police, the SIT team questioned two staffers in the British High Commission to retrieve information about their links with the Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh who has been named in an FIR by the Assam Police for his alleged role in destabilising communal harmony. Sheikh is under the lens for his purported role in seeking key information related to national security. The SIT team has also questioned an environmental scientist in this matter. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the Pak links of Gaurav Gogoi and his wife, has made progress in its initial investigation. He said: "The SIT has found significant evidence related to Pakistani national Ali Sheikh who has been in question for his multiple visits to India and his controversial social media posts expressing immense interest in the politics of Assam. Sheikh visited India with a big delegation from Pakistan including the attorney general of that country." According to CM Sarma, the Pakistani team including Sheikh frequently visited India till 2018 and stayed in small hotels to avoid public attention. "We have been probing the entire ecosystem related to this Pakistani national in question. If required, we will take the help of Interpol," Sarma stated, adding that he has briefed the Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the developments. A four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the alleged Pakistani links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife Elizabeth Gogoi. Sarma mentioned: "Pursuant to the registration of the case, the DGP, Assam Police, has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. Assam Police will conduct a professional and completely objective investigation. "The SIT would co-opt Inspectors, Sub Inspectors and needed personnel with the approval of the Assam Police Headquarters," he mentioned, adding that the SIT would from time to time report to the Assam Director General of Police. In response to a series of allegations by CM Sarma, Member of Parliament from Jorhat constituency, Gaurav Gogoi, asserted that he was open to an investigation regarding this. The Chief Minister earlier raised questions as to why Gaurav Gogoi went to meet the Pakistan High Commissioner and later asked questions regarding national security and Defence in Parliament. IANS tdr/pgh Chandigarh, March 16 : The Punjab Police is all set to bring back seven key aides of Amritpal Singh of 'Waris Punjab De' (WPD) from the Dibrugarh Jail in Assam to the state and formally arrest them in an attack case to face the law and consequences of their actions, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday. The DGP said that those who are being brought back to Punjab have been identified as Basant Singh, Bhagwant Singh, Gurmeet Singh Gill, Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, Gurinderpal Singh Aujla, Harjeet Singh, and Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal. Presently, all these individuals have been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in the Dibrugarh jail for the last two years. DGP Yadav said a high-level strong police party headed by Superintendent of Police Harinder Singh Gill is stationed at the Dibrugarh Jail to execute the arrest of the seven upon completion of their NSA detention period. The Punjab Police will subsequently produce them before a court in Dibrugarh to secure transit remand, ensuring their swift return to Punjab to face trial, he added. As per the information, on February 23, 2023, Amritpal Singh and his supporters took refuge under Sri Palki Sahib with the Guru Granth Sahib and attacked the Ajnala police station to free their associate identified as Lovepreet Singh, alias Toofan. In this regard, the Amritsar Rural Police had registered a case under Sections 307, 353, 186, 332, 333, 506, 120-B, 427, 148 and 149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the police station in Ajnala. Sharing more details, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Border Range, Satinder Singh accompanied by SSP Maninder Singh, said starting from Monday, seven of the 10 detainees will be brought back to Punjab to face trial in different cases registered across the state. "We will make their (seven individuals) formal arrest registered at the Ajnala police station to begin investigations in the case," he said. Chennai, March 16 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has defended his government's decision to replace the rupee symbol (a) with the Tamil letter 'Ru' (from 'Rubaai', meaning rupee) in the state budget logo. Chennai, March 16 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has defended his government's decision to replace the rupee symbol () with the Tamil letter 'Ru' (from 'Rubaai', meaning rupee) in the state budget logo. He argued that those opposed to the Tamil language had blown the issue out of proportion. Responding to media questions, Stalin asserted that the move was a reflection of Tamil Nadu's commitment to its language policy. He pointed out that even Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had previously used the Tamil letter 'Ru' in place of 'Re' in English. "Interestingly, Nirmala Sitharaman herself has used the Tamil letter instead of 'Re' in English," he remarked. The decision to remove the rupee symbol from the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 logo, presented on March 14, has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, including the BJP and AIADMK. Critics have accused the ruling DMK of engaging in regional politics at the cost of national unity. Taking to social media, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly condemned the decision, calling it "a completely avoidable example of language and regional chauvinism." She argued that removing the rupee symbol signalled "a dangerous mindset that weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the pretence of regional pride." Sitharaman also reminded elected representatives of their constitutional duty to uphold national sovereignty, adding that the DMK's move contradicted this commitment. She also highlighted the irony behind the decision, pointing out that the rupee symbol was designed by D. Udaya Kumar, the son of former DMK MLA N. Dharmalingam. "By erasing it now, the DMK is not only rejecting a national symbol but also utterly disregarding the creative contribution of a Tamil youth," Sitharaman said. BJP IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya criticised Stalin, emphasising that the rupee symbol was designed in Devanagari script by D. Udaya Kumar. Malviya echoed a similar sentiment, writing on X, "Chief Minister Stalin is insulting Tamilians by dropping the sign from the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 document." AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), also condemned the move, calling it a "publicity stunt" designed to divert attention from administrative failures. He accused Stalin of engaging in "empty advertisement campaigns" rather than addressing the real needs of the people. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai joined the criticism, questioning why Stalin replaced the rupee symbol with the Tamil letter 'Ru'. "The DMK government has replaced the rupee symbol, which was designed by a Tamilian and adopted by the entire nation. How foolish can you become, Thiru @mkstalin?" Annamalai posted on social media. Tamil Nadu government reiterated that the budget logo aims to reflect the state's linguistic identity. The logo also carries the caption "Everything for All," which the DMK claims embodies its inclusive governance model. Stalin also pointed out that many people still use 'Rs' instead of 'Re' in English documents without controversy. He criticised the Union government for responding only to the rupee symbol issue while ignoring Tamil Nadu's demands for disaster relief, education funds, and employment schemes. The controversy comes amid a long-standing conflict between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over language policies. The DMK has repeatedly accused the Union government of imposing Hindi, and the removal of the rupee symbol is seen as part of this broader resistance. This marks the first time a state has rejected the national currency symbol, escalating the debate over regional identity versus national unity. New Delhi, March 16 : In a heartfelt conversation with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened up about his life's journey and the profound impact Swami Vivekananda's teachings have had on him. PM Modi reflected on how Swami Vivekananda's philosophy of selfless service deeply shaped his values, leaving an enduring impression on his beliefs and leadership approach. The principles of selflessness and service, as espoused by Vivekananda, became cornerstones of PM Modi's outlook on life, governance and philosophy of leadership. As a young boy, PM Modi told the podcaster, he frequented his village library, where Vivekananda's philosophy of selfless service left an indelible mark on him. PM Modi recounted a story where Vivekananda sought divine help for his ailing mother, only to realise that serving humanity is the highest form of devotion. This lesson, PM Modi shared, continues to guide his approach to life and leadership. Lex Fridman, also known as Alexey Alexandrovich Fridman, is a renowned American computer scientist and podcaster. Since 2018, he has hosted the Lex Fridman Podcast, a platform where he engages in insightful conversations with prominent figures from various fields, including science, technology, sports, and politics. Another pivotal figure in PM Modi's life was Swami Atmasthananda, whom he met during his time at the Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Ashram. The saint's wisdom and affection profoundly influenced PM Modi, steering him toward a life dedicated to societal welfare. Atmasthananda's guidance reinforced PM Modi's belief that his true calling lay in serving the people. During the podcast, Fridman recited the Gayatri Mantra, seeking PM Modi's guidance on its pronunciation. PM Modi not only corrected him but also explained the mantra's deeper significance, emphasizing its roots in "Surya Upasana" and its blend of spiritual and scientific essence. The Prime Minister highlighted how ancient Indian traditions seamlessly integrate spirituality with science, offering timeless wisdom to humanity. PM Modi also spoke of Mahatma Gandhi's ability to transform India's freedom struggle into a mass movement through the power of collective strength, or Jan Shakti. Emulating this approach, PM Modi strives to turn every initiative into a people-driven movement. He reaffirmed his commitment to governance centered on inclusivity and service, emphasizing that his focus is on meaningful work rather than political power. On international relations, PM Modi addressed India's ties with China, likening their differences to those within a family. He stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes and highlighted India's role as a global advocate for peace. PM Modi reiterated that the 21st century belongs to Asia and that cooperation between India and China is vital for global stability. He also emphasised India's unwavering commitment to harmony, advocating for dialogue over conflict in global disputes. Throughout his conversation, PM Modi painted a vivid picture of a leader deeply rooted in humility, guided by spiritual teachings, and committed to the welfare of his people and the world. Reflecting on his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), PM Modi described it as a privilege to be part of an organisation with a rich legacy. He credited the RSS with shaping his values and commitment to the nation. Interestingly, Fridman, in a gesture of respect, undertook a 45-hour water-only fast ahead of the interview. PM Modi, reflecting on the practice of fasting, described it as a disciplined and scientific process deeply rooted in traditional and Ayurvedic principles. He explained that fasting sharpens the mind, enhances clarity, and energises the body, rather than causing fatigue. By hydrating well beforehand, PM Modi ensures the body detoxifies effectively, allowing him to work with renewed vigour. Bhubaneswar, March 16 : The Bhubaneswar Police on Sunday arrested six persons in two separate cases of murder that rocked the state capital city during the celebrations of Holi festival on March 15. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena while speaking to media persons here on Sunday, revealed that four persons including prime accused Tanmay Behera (28) a.k.a. Milu, were arrested in connection with a murder case that occurred in Mancheswar Police station area of the city on Saturday. The prime accused Tanmay's elder brothers Padmanav (35), Prashant (40) and their driver Samir Kumar Swain (25) have also been arrested on the charges of providing shelter to Tanmay and assisting him in escaping from arrest. On March 15, the deceased Ayushman Pati and accused Tanmay engaged in a minor altercation which soon turned violent as the deceased reportedly took out a sharp weapon and tried to attack Tanmay. However, accused Tanmay snatched away the same weapon and stabbed Ayushman to death near Mancheswar Industrial Estate. DCP Meena stated that the accused Tanmay was apprehended from Pipili Police station area of Puri district. "Before the arrest of Tanmay, police received intelligence that he has taken yellow oleander (natural poison) due to fear of arrest. The accused Tanmay was under tracking. Police team was about 10 km away from the accused. Immediately, Bhubaneswar police team with the staff from Pipili Police station rushed to the location and rescued Tanmay. Then, he was taken to Community Health Center, Mangalpur by police. He received treatment there and now, he has been discharged," said a senior police officer. Similarly, the Bhubaneswar Police also arrested two persons including the prime accused and one juvenile in connection with a murder took place during Holi celebrations at Shantipalli Basti under Saheed Nagar police area in Bhubaneswar on March 15. DCP Meena said that during the Holi celebrations at the slum, a scuffle broke out between deceased Gopi Guni and the prime accused Bana Guni, Pinku Guni and the 17-year-old minor accused. The altercation turned violent and Bana stabbed the victim Gopi to death with a sharp weapon. Denying any previous planning before the murder, DCP Meena asserted that prima facie the incident took place under the influence of alcohol on sudden provocation. The DCP Bhubaneswar also informed the media persons that search is on to arrest the absconding Pinku. As per reports, as many as six murders cases and many cases of group scuffle were reported in different parts of the state during the Holi celebrations in the state. Chandigarh, March 16 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday said Punjab has become completely a lawless state where the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government has given free hand to anti-national forces. He said neither temples nor gurdwaras seem to be safe places as the disruptive forces are having a free play in the state. Chugh said as the AAP government completes three years in power, Punjab has become a state of fear, insecurity, and economic bankruptcy. The BJP leader said under Bhagwant Mann, law and order have completely crumbled and the state is witnessing one of the worst security crises in its history. The recent grenade attack at the Thakurdwara temple in Amritsar is another horrifying example of the deteriorating law and order in Punjab. "This is not an isolated incident, Punjab has witnessed a series of attacks on religious places, business establishments, and law enforcement agencies, exposing the utter failure of the AAP government in maintaining peace and security." Chugh questioned: "What is Bhagwant Mann doing when Punjab is under attack? Why are criminals and anti-national forces getting a free hand?" He criticised the Mann government for reducing the police force to a political tool while common people live in fear. Once celebrated as 'Rangla Punjab' -- the land of joy and prosperity, Punjab has now become an epicenter of drug abuse, crime, and economic distress. The same Punjab that once fed the entire nation is now struggling to pay its own employees. Farmers, traders, and industries are all facing severe crises under the AAP regime, as Punjab's economy spirals downwards with no hope of recovery. Citing the latest financial health report, Chugh stated that Punjab is one of the worst-performing states in India in terms of fiscal management. The government has failed to generate revenue, increase employment, or promote industrial growth. Instead, AAP's focus has been on publicity gimmicks and hollow promises, while the people of Punjab suffer. "Where are the Rs 1,000 allowance for women? Where are the promised medical colleges? What happened to the job guarantees for youth?" Chugh asked, slamming AAP's complete failure in fulfilling its pre-election promises. He said the people of Punjab have now realized their mistake and are waiting eagerly for 2027 to show AAP the door and bring the BJP to power. --IANS vg/pgh Agartala/Shillong, March 16 : Seven Bangladeshi nationals and four Rohingyas were arrested in Meghalaya and Tripura border villages, along with four Indian touts who facilitated the foreign nationals' illegal entry into India from across the border, an official said on Sunday. The BSF also seized 187 second-hand mobile phones from Tripuraas Sepahijala district. A BSF spokesperson in Shillong said that acting on specific input, alert BSF troopers in Meghalaya apprehended seven Bangladesh nationals including a woman and two Indian nationals from different villages along the India-Bangladesh border. The Bangladeshis, with the help of two Indian touts, were attempting to engage in smuggling and illegal entry into India. A BSF spokesman in Agartala said that four Rohingyas, including two women, were arrested in northern Tripuraas Dharmanagar along with two Indian touts who facilitated their illegal entry into India from Bangladesh. A specific case has been registered against them. The arrested Rohingyas have been identified as Jahid Alam and Mantajul Haque (male), and Meen Tara and Putu Aktar (female), while the arrested touts are Munim and Iqbal. Jahid Alam, one of the arrested Rohingyas, revealed that he paid Rs 25,000 to the Indian touts to facilitate his crossing under the barbed-wire fencing at Kailashahar in Unakoti district. Originally from Myanmar, Jahid Alam told the police that his intended destination was Delhi. Authorities are investigating the network involved in infiltration of Rohingyas into India, as security agencies remain on high alert against illegal border crossings. The spokesman said that a BSF special ambush party observed suspicious movement of six smugglers on both sides of India-Bangladesh border in Matinagar area under Tripuraas Sepahijala district, trying to carry out smuggling activities. On being challenged by the BSF, the smugglers fled away towards their respective sides. Further, when the area was thoroughly searched, BSF recovered 187 used mobile phones of various makes worth Rs 42.10 lakh Seized mobile phones have been handed over to the Customs for further necessary legal action. Bhopal, March 16 : Ujjain-based Maharshi Panini Sanskrit and Vedic University (Formerly Maharshi Panini Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya) in Madhya Pradesh has decided to replace the word 'India' with 'Bharat' on all official documents of the university. Bhopal, March 16 (IANS) Ujjain-based Maharshi Panini Sanskrit and Vedic University (Formerly Maharshi Panini Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya) in Madhya Pradesh has decided to replace the word aIndiaa with aBharata on all official documents of the university. The resolution, passed in its recently concluded executive council meeting, aimed at embracing a term that reflects the nationas rich heritage. The decision was unanimously approved by all members of the council, Prof Vijayakumar CG, vice chancellor of the university told IANS over the phone. He had chaired the meeting. From now onwards, 'Bharat' will be prominently used across various platforms, including the university's website, student materials, and even the official calendar. The university will use the aBharata word as much as possible in its official documents. With this decision, the university has become a pioneer in the state, to adopt 'Bharat' in official documentation. During the discussions, Executive Council member Gaurav Dhakad proposed prioritising the word 'Bharat.' The executive council, a source said, supported that all university-related materials, including administrative documents and resources for students, should carry the name 'Bharat.' This move, the source said, is a tribute to the countryas identity and an effort to inspire greater cultural pride, the council observed. In another decision, the university will make efforts to connect people with the Sanskrit language starting from its base -- the temple town of Ujjain. Skilled university students will be promoters of the language who will teach individuals interested in learning Sanskrit. To facilitate this, the university has introduced a aResource Pool Systema on its website, where information about qualified instructors is readily available. Enthusiasts can even arrange for home tutoring or join community classes. This initiative aims to make Sanskrit accessible to all and foster a deeper connection to Indiaas cultural roots, the source said. The fifth convocation of the university is scheduled for March 31 at the Kalidas Sanskrit Academy. Scholars and researchers will be honoured for their achievements, and the financial accounts for the year will be presented at the next council meeting. The university, a public State university was set up under Madhya Pradesh Act 2008. The motto of the university is taken from Mahakavi Dandias Kavyadarsha which says aSanskrit is the language of Gods and inculcating it in daily life helps us to achieve divine qualities.a Bhopal, March 16 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Sunday that the state government is committed to fulfilling the basic needs of the general public and supporting their spiritual progress. He emphasised that India's global identity has been shaped by its spiritual values and the principle of "live and let live". Chief Minister Yadav made these remarks while virtually addressing the foundation-laying ceremony for the construction of the 414-foot-high Sumeru Mountain in Bhind. He further highlighted that alongside the spiritual brilliance of India's rich knowledge tradition, the country's reputation and influence on the world stage continues to grow. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is achieving global recognition across all spheres of life. "Our government has taken several initiatives to promote cow rearing in the state. Efforts are being made to encourage both milk production and its increased consumption. To support cow rearers, incentives have been introduced for milk production, and grants for cow shelters have also been increased," CM Yadav added. He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh currently ranks third in India in milk production, intending to make it the top state in the country. He announced that a Rs 5 per litre bonus would be provided on milk, which will help increase farmers' income and contribute to the overall prosperity of society. Recently, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's Cabinet has approved the formation of "Krishna Patheya Trust" for developing the palaces related with Lord Krishna as pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh. The state government has also allocated special fund of Rs 10 crore for this purpose, the Chief Minister said. Guwahati, March 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government is committed to providing the citizens with a speedy and transparent justice system. He emphasised that to strengthen law and order, it is essential to register crimes without any delay. Chairing a review meeting on the status of implementation of three new criminal laws in northeastern states in Guwahati, the Home Minister said that the northeastern states need to put in more efforts towards the implementation of the new criminal laws. He stated that once these laws are fully enforced, there would be a significant transformation in the region's law and order situation, ensuring that justice is delivered by the Supreme Court within three years of an FIR being registered in any case. Officials said that the meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in the north-eastern states. The meeting, held at a hotel in Guwahati, was attended by the Governor of Manipur and the Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of northeastern states, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state governments also attended the meeting. The Home Minister also unveiled a book titled aNew Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rulesa prepared by CID, Assam. HM Shah said that there should be no political interference in registering cases related to terrorism, mob lynching, and organised crime. He said that all northeastern states should ensure training of 100 per cent police personnel on the new criminal laws. The Home Minister requested the Chief Ministers of the northeastern states to hold a review meeting every month on the implementation of the laws and directed the Director Generals of Police and Chief Secretaries of the states to conduct a review meeting every 15 days. The Home Minister also said that the administration of the three new criminal laws must reach the grassroots level, and police stations should become places where people receive justice. He emphasised that this would only be possible with 100 per cent implementation of three new laws. Congratulating the Assam government for ensuring filing of charge sheet within the stipulated time frame of 60-90 days in 66 per cent cases he urged other states to follow this approach. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of progress in this regard. Emphasising the urgent need for the implementation of e-Sakshya, HM Shah stated that until there are sufficient scientific officers, it will not be possible to file fully satisfactory charge sheets from a forensic science perspective. HM Shah further urged use of "Trial in Absentia" provision, which will help bring fugitive criminals back to the country. Noting that for a long time, the police in the northeast were primarily focused on fighting insurgency, he suggested that if the stronger Directorate of Prosecution is constituted, it would be easier to ensure justice for the people. However, with insurgency now nearly eradicated in the region, the police should shift their focus toward protecting people's lives, property, and dignity, he said. HM Shah further stated that the Modi government introduced three new laws after an extensive and detailed deliberation process spanning nearly 45 months. The three new laws, Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), enacted last year, replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively, from July 1 this year. The Home Minister attended a series of programmes in Assam and Mizoram since Friday (March 14) and left Guwahati for New Delhi on Sunday night after holding the important meeting on three new criminal laws with the Chief Ministers of northeastern states. Many market strategists have predicted a revival in initial public offerings (IPO) after a sluggish market over the last few years. While it still could take some time for the IPO market to thaw and the floodgates open, especially after recent turbulence in the market, more private companies are starting to emerge. One recent company that announced plans to go public is the artificial intelligence infrastructure firm Coreweave (CRWV). Coreweave is reportedly seeking to raise $4 billion, which would value the company at $35 billion, making it one of the larger IPOs in recent years. Given how successful AI stocks have been, the company is likely to draw a lot of interest and is definitely one of the most eagerly anticipated IPOs in 2025. Here are three things you should know. 1. Data centers built for AI Interestingly, Coreweave started as an infrastructure play targeting crypto miners. The company previously used data centers in New Jersey to mine Ethereum when the world's second-largest cryptocurrency used the energy-intensive proof-of-work mining system that required lots of computing power to mint new blocks of Ethereum and collect the associated rewards. However, when crypto crashed in 2018, Coreweave pivoted and now provides data centers made for supporting generative AI workloads. Coreweave's data centers provide Nvidia's latest graphics processing units (GPU), liquid cooling capabilities, storage optimized for AI, and robust security. The company essentially provides infrastructure-as-a-service for companies looking to develop and roll out AI solutions and capabilities. Without Coreweave, many companies would be faced with building their own infrastructure, which is a significant undertaking and capital investment. At the end of 2024, Coreweave ran 32 data centers operating more than 250,000 GPUs. Image source: Getty Images. 2. Financials are impressive When popular tech and AI companies go public, you'll often notice that most are losing money and really don't have the best-looking set of financials, other than the promise of massive growth that will eventually turn into profits down the line. Coreweave is still not profitable and reported a loss of over $863 million in 2024. However, the company had roughly $863 million of depreciation and amortization during the year, which makes the financials look much better on an operating basis. Coreweave reported operating income of over $324 million in 2024, a tremendous improvement from a $14.5 million operating loss in 2023. Meanwhile, revenue exploded roughly 740% in 2024. New Delhi, March 17 : Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Sunday that national security is about wholesome capability to wage and deter war. He was speaking at the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture in New Delhi. On this occasion, the Army Chief presented his view on emerging technologies in national security. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said, "Technological prowess has become the new currency of deterrence and data has become the new capital of trade and security." "Security is about wholesome capability to wage war and deter war. Healthy military-civil fusion, Atmanirbhar defence industrial base, dual-use assets at the national level, well-informed and empowered decision-makers of time framework, and inclusive approach for citizen warriors play a pivotal role," he added. He said, "Anti-colonial allies champion multi-world order and that bandwagoning of nations helps prevent conflict." The Army Chief also said, "Lead peacekeeping operations, advocate nuclear weapons as a political asset only for deterrent purposes as long as possible, lead GWOT (Global War on Terrorism) by virtue of facing it first hand in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and against left-wing extremism; I would like to assure you that the Indian Army remains aligned and integrated with the nation." Beside this on Sunday, General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and all ranks of Indian armed forces remembered and paid tribute to India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat. General Bipin Rawat was a visionary leader, a fearless soldier and a strategic thinker who dedicated his life to strengthening India's defence capabilities, the Army Chief said. A man of unwavering resolve, foresight and exemplary leadership, General Bipin Rawat's indomitable spirit and commitment to the nation will continue to inspire generations of warriors. His legacy lives on in the hearts of every soldier and citizen, he added. Vadodara, March 17 : The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has reinstated Mahesh Parnami, a former land and property officer, who was suspended in 2019 after being found in possession of 79.51 per cent disproportionate assets, officials said. After four years of suspension, Parnami has been assigned the task of monitoring soil excavation under the Vishwamitri Project at Transport Nagar. The reinstatement of Parnami has sparked widespread discussions within the corporation, with many questioning the decision to reinstate an officer who was previously accused of corruption. The Vishwamitri Project aims to prevent future artificial flooding incidents in the Vishwamitri river by deepening the riverbed and nearby lakes. Parnami's role will be to supervise the excavation work and keep track of the soil being extracted from the river. In 2019, Parnami was suspended after the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested him for owning disproportionate assets compared to his legal income. Despite serving as a ward officer, he was assigned to the Land and Property Department, raising suspicions at the time. Now, his return to a lucrative position under the Vishwamitri Project has raised eyebrows, with many speculating that internal influences may have played a role in securing this position for him. In Gujarat, several government officials have been implicated in cases involving disproportionate assets, highlighting concerns about corruption within the state's administrative framework. In June 2020, the ACB uncovered assets worth Rs 68.24 lakh belonging to Girjashankar Sadhu, an environmental engineer with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). This amount was 53.51 per cent higher than his known sources of income. Sadhu had previously been arrested in 2017 for accepting a bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh from a company in Kalol during an inspection. Further investigations revealed that he owned properties, including a petrol pump and a farmhouse in Mandvi, Kutch; land in Kamrej, Surat; and additional plots in Halol-Kalol. In June 2024, the ACB filed a case against Bhikhabhai Theba, the deputy fire officer of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, for possessing assets valued at more than Rs 79.94 lakh, which was nearly 67.27 per cent more than his legitimate income. This action followed an investigation initiated after a fire incident at the TRP Game Zone that resulted in 27 fatalities. Searches at Theba's properties were conducted jointly by the ACB and the Rajkot Crime Branch. In September 2019, Jayanti Patel, a field assistant with the Gujarat Land Development Corporation (GLDC) in Chhota Udepur, was booked along with his wife for owning disproportionate assets totalling Rs 2.8 crore, amounting to 59 per cent of his total assets. The investigation revealed unaccounted cash, funds transfers, and properties, including land plots, houses, vehicles, and machinery. Notably, Patel had allegedly transferred Rs 1.5 crore to his son's account, who was listed as a contractor with GLDC. In December 2019, the ACB unearthed disproportionate assets worth nearly Rs 8.48 crore from three government officials in Surendranagar. Additional Collector Chandrakant Pandya possessed assets around Rs 6.74 crore, Deputy Collector V.Z. Chauhan had assets worth Rs 1.25 crore, and Deputy Mamlatdar J.L. Dhadvi owned assets totalling Rs 49.27 lakh. These officials were initially suspended following their involvement in a land fraud case where government land was illicitly returned to a private individual using forged documents. Patna March 17 : Violence broke out between two groups during a 'Matka Fod' (pot-breaking) event in the Naya Tola locality under the jurisdiction of the Town police station in Bihar's Jehanabad district on Sunday evening, police said. Six people, including two police personnel, were injured in this incident. One group broke the Matka using a baton, leading to a dispute. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rajeev Kumar Singh confirmed the incident. The argument quickly escalated into a violent clash and stone pelting. "Around half a dozen people, including two police personnel, suffered injuries in this clash," SDPO Singh told IANS. "A dispute over breaking the Matka with a baton led to a heated argument between two groups, which soon escalated into stone pelting between both sides. The incident occurred at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday," the police official said. The police team were present at the venue but struggled to control the situation initially. However, police immediately intervened and used a mild cane charge to disperse the crowd. "We have rescued the victims and admitted them to the Sadar Hospital for medical aid. The investigation is underway, and police are identifying those involved," SDPO Singh said. Following the incident, heavy police and Bihar Military Police personnel were deployed in the area to prevent further clashes. "We have controlled the situation, and additional forces have been deployed to prevent any escalation," he added. Authorities are working to restore peace in the area while ensuring strict action against those responsible for the violence. Earlier, a similar incident happened in Bihar's Siwan district on Sunday when a clash broke out between two groups in Izmali village under Badharia police station, leaving one person injured. The incident was triggered when a group from Gopalganj was travelling on bikes to collect donations for the construction of a temple in Badarjimi village, Gopalganj. Upon reaching a mosque in Izmali village under Badharia police station in adjoining Siwan district, they were attacked by some assailants standing near the mosque, leading to a fight. Stadler has signed an agreement with Austrias WESTbahn network to supply three SMILE high-speed trains. The new trains will have eleven carriages and will be built at Stadlers factory in Bussnang, Switzerland. They will be integrated into WESTbahns regular passenger service between Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt and Villach. Commissioning new trains normally takes four to five years, but the three SMILE trains will be introduced into service from March 2026 and will expand the existing KISS double-decker service. Concept image of the new SMILE trains. // Credit: Stadler The new SMILE high-speed trains will be suitable for cross-border rail routes with TSI authorisation for network access in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Austria. With a maximum speed of 250 km/h, they will be Stadlers first high-speed trains to operate in Austria and will contribute to expanding the WESTbahn network. Among the features of the new trains are a light, airy, and open design, step-free access, a low floor, an accessible toilet in each carriage, and full air conditioning, including in the drivers cab. All classes will have comfortable adjustable seats, free WiFi, USB ports and plug sockets at every seat, and dedicated areas for bicycles. First Class in the new SMILE trains. // Credit: Stadler In 2023, Stadler marked a step forward in developing emission-free trains with an order from Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) to supply up to 120 battery-powered trains to replace the current diesel fleet in Austrias eastern region. The clocks have jumped forward, giving us plenty of sunlight to reset, refocus and move with the new seasons energy. The shift in time and light might leave you feeling a little off balance, but its also the perfect opportunity to embrace change and set new intentions. See what the stars have planned for your week ahead. After several years of consolidation and price weakness, the cement industry may be moving towards a more stable phase. Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters Pan-Indian, average cement prices have risen through the past three months consecutively. In February, prices increased month-on-month (M-o-M) by Rs 3 per 50 kg bag (up 1 per cent M-o-M and 2 per cent year-on-year or Y-o-Y) to Rs 374/bag. Prices increased in all regions except the South, where it fell marginally. Average pan-Indian cement prices are about 2-2.5 per cent higher compared to the October-December quarter of 2024-25 (Q3FY25). The industry is likely to attempt another price hike of Rs 10-20/bag in March 2025 or at the start of the next financial year. Theres been some acceleration in government spending. Profitability should improve in Q4FY25 on the back of peak seasonal demand. Demand likely grew in mid-single digit Y-o-Y in February 2025 despite less days in the month and Maha Kumbh impacting despatches. Given the very high base of March 2024, demand may grow in mid-single digit Y-o-Y in Q4. Input costs are up. Petcoke prices are at 11-month high owing to supply shortages. US petcoke CIF/ landed cost at ports increased to an 11-month high of $115/ $131 per tonnes, respectively. Cement producers have started exploring US coal as an alternative (about 4-5 per cent cheaper than petcoke on a kcal basis). Assuming 70 per cent petcoke usage, industry cost per tonne is likely to increase by about Rs 100 (Rs 5/bag) from Q1FY26 owing to inventory lags. As the government accelerates spending to compensate for its underspending through H1FY25, volume will improve. This should aid sequential recovery in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and ammortisation (Ebitda) per tonne in Q4FY25. In March, dealers are optimistic saying that demand has been healthy in February. March is a crucial month to meet year-end targets. Just one among the past three March months had shown positive M-o-M price movement. As Kumbh logistics pressure eases, prices may correct in the central region where there were supply constraints. Prices in South India also continue to hover at January levels. Channel checks suggest that price hikes in the range of Rs 10-30/bag happened at various pockets in early February. However, part of these hikes was rolled back and only Rs 10-15/bag was absorbed. Sustained competitive intensity and year-end volume targets are likely to hamper hikes in March. Demand has been facing challenges due to labour shortages, transportation bottlenecks, and muted government spending. However, early signs of recovery were visible in December 2024. And, with an expected pickup in government capex in Q4FY25, demand is likely to gain momentum during the coming months. On a sequential basis, demand has strengthened significantly; however, it remains lower compared to Q4FY24, with a 7-8 per cent Y-o-Y volume growth expected in Q4FY25. Volume for FY25 is expected to grow by 4-5 per cent and gain by 6 -7 per cent in FY26. A gradual rise in energy cost may be a concern, hitting realisation. Cement players will need to either hike prices further or reduce cost structures. Coal prices (imported) have been increasing since December 2024 to $139/tonne in February 2025 (up 12 per cent Y-o-Y and 3 per cent M-o-M). Also, average imported pet-coke prices increased to $131/tonne in February 2025 (up 5 per cent Y-o-Y and up 1 per cent M-o-M). Domestic pet-coke prices (Chennai Petro Chemical) saw a sharp increase of Rs 630/tonne in February 2025 (up 5 per cent M-o-M and 7 per cent higher than Q3FY25 average prices). Domestic e-auction coal prices (Coal India) rose by about 8 per cent quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) in Q3FY25 and may rise further. Hence, players without sufficient captive coal sources may accumulate high-cost energy inventory. This raises concerns on profitability. Players with higher reliance on green energy are better placed to maintain margins. Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh was arrested on Saturday for a social media post enquiring about the status of cases registered against three senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including a former state chief and two serving MLAs. IMAGE: Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh. Photograph: Courtesy Reetam Singh on X He was arrested from his home in Guwahati by a team of Lakhimpur district police with assistance from the Guwahati Police. Lakhimpur superintendent of police Mihirjit Gayan told PTI that Singh was arrested after a complaint by the wife of BJP MLA Manab Deka for a post on X two days ago. "We have arrested him under relevant sections of law. He is being brought to Lakhimpur now," he added. Singh made a post on X on March 13 with a news report about three individuals being convicted by a court for a rape case in the Dhemaji district in 2021. "These culprits got the punishment they deserved. But what @BJP4Assam r@pe accused Ministers and MLAs like Manab Deka, Ex Party President Bhabesh Kalita, ex Minister Rajen Gohain? Is the law equal for all?" the Congress leader had asked in his post. Kalita, who was the BJP Assam president till January this year, is an MLA with Deka, while Gohain was the Union Minister of State for Railways during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term. During the arrest of the Congress leader, a lot of drama unfolded at the apartment of the accused in the Ulubari area, with Singh initially claiming that no warrant or notice was served on him. Hours later, deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi reached Singh's house and alleged that his colleague was dragged by police on a day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in the state. "A team of Lakhimpur police has come to Guwahati to take custody of Congress spokesperson @SinghReetam. When I went to his residence. I saw how he was brutally dragged away and was not allowed to speak to me," Gogoi said in a post on X. Referring to Shah's official visit to Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Golaghat district, the MP asked if the Union home minister was aware of the "misuse of police" under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Is Home Minister Amit Shah aware that BJP thugs have brutally beaten up two Assam constables in broad daylight a few days ago and yet they have not been arrested," he said. The chief minister is allegedly forcing the state police to adopt illegal activities, which conflict with the law and the High Court, Gogoi claimed. "The track record of police officers is being spoiled by the political motivations of Himanta Biswa Sarma. People are watching," he added. Earlier, Singh shared a few photographs, on X, of a strong posse of policemen outside his home and claimed that they came to arrest him without warrant and notice. "I showed them the recent Gauhati high court Judgment, making it compulsory for police to give a notice. I am an advocate and I will comply with any investigation. But I won't go with the police if they are here without arrest or warrant simply on instructions of @himantabiswa," he said. Singh also said that any arrest of him without warrant or notice would be contempt of Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita's Judgment on March 7 in Sakib Chowdhury vs State of Assam. "More police are here. No one is saying a word as to why I need to be taken away by the Lakhimpur Police. I am a lawyer. Where will I run away? Why such harassment and pressure on an officer of the court?" Singh said in a series of posts. "On repeated requests to produce a warrant or a notice, they said they won't. Is this law and order @DGPAssamPolice @HardiSpeaks," he asked in another post, tagging DGP Harmeet Singh. SmartAsset and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Section 1250 of the U.S. tax code applies to gains from the sale of depreciated business real estate. If a property was depreciated beyond the straight-line method, the extra depreciation is taxed at a higher rate, known as depreciation recapture. Because real estate taxes can be complex, a financial advisor can help investors plan tax-efficient property sales. What Is Section 1250? Section 1250 of the Internal Revenue Code governs the taxation of gains derived from the sale of depreciable real property used in business or investment activities. It applies specifically to real estate improvements, including buildings and structures, but not to land, which is a non-depreciable asset. When an investor buys a building for business or rental use, the IRS allows depreciation deductions over time to account for the property's gradual wear and tear. If the property is later sold, the investor may owe depreciation recapture tax on the portion of the gain that results from depreciation deductions. This means that any gain attributable to depreciation exceeding what would have been allowed under the straight-line depreciation method is recaptured and taxed at a higher rate. Depreciation Recapture Under Section 1250 Depreciation recapture happens when an investor uses accelerated depreciation instead of the straight-line method. Before the 1986 Tax Reform Act, investors could accelerate depreciation to lower taxable income faster. Section 1250 was created to limit excessive tax benefits by taxing extra depreciation deductions when the property was sold. For properties placed in service after 1986, only straight-line depreciation is allowed, making Section 1250 recapture less common today. However, any gains from depreciation are still taxed at a higher rate of up to 25%, instead of the lower long-term capital gains rate. How Section 1250 Applies to Real Estate Taxes A taxpayer reviews an example of Section 1250 depreciation recapture. Section 1250 applies to commercial and residential rental properties, office buildings and other depreciable real estate assets that have been depreciated over time. When a property owner sells one of these assets, any gain associated with previously claimed depreciation deductions is subject to recapture at a tax rate of up to 25% instead of the standard capital gains tax rate. Example of Section 1250 Depreciation Recapture Lets assume that an investor bought a commercial property 15 years ago for $500,000 and depreciated $150,000 of its value over that time using the straight-line method. The investor then sells the property for $700,000, resulting in a total gain of $350,000 ($700,000 $500,000 + $150,000 depreciation taken). China has delivered a second new submarine, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, to Pakistan as part of its efforts to beef up the navy of its all-weather ally to back its growing presence in the Arabian Sea and India's backyard -- the Indian Ocean. IMAGE: A nuclear-powered Type 094A Jin-class ballistic missile submarine of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Photograph: Reuters The Hangor-class submarine, which is part of the eight such submarines to Pakistan in a deal with around $5 billion, was launched in Wuhan, China's Hubei Province, official media in Beijing reported on Sunday. This is in addition to four modern naval frigates China supplied to Pakistan in the last few years as part of its efforts to boost the naval strength of Pakistan, amid the Chinese navy's steady expansion in the Arabian Sea, where it is developing the Gwadar port in Balochistan, and the Indian Ocean. A Chinese expert told the state-run Global Times that the new submarine has a strong comprehensive combat capability to become a mainstay for the Pakistan Navy. Under an agreement, Pakistan will acquire eight Hangor-class submarines from China. Four of them will be built in China, while the remaining will be constructed in Karachi under a transfer of technology programme, the Pakistan Navy said in a press release. The submarines will be fitted with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, enabling them to engage targets at standoff ranges. Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that Hangor-class submarines possess strong underwater combat capabilities and are equipped with an air-independent propulsion system that will give the boat strong, sustained stealth capability, manoeuvrability and endurance. Its firepower includes torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and mine-laying capabilities, along with advanced underwater detection systems, he said. According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has supplied 81 percent of Pakistan's advanced military systems in the past five years, making Pakistan its biggest arms importer. Pakistan's military acquisitions amounted to 63 percent of China's total arms exports, with a total value of USD 5.28 billion in the last five years. Pakistan bought more advanced and diverse systems from China from 2020 to 2024, such as long-range reconnaissance drones and Type 054A guided-missile frigates, the SIPRI report said. Some of Pakistan's key orders in the past five years include the country's first spy ship, the Rizwan, more than 600 VT-4 battle tanks, and 36 J-10CE 4.5-generation fighters, according to the SIPRI database. China supplied the first delivery of multirole J-10CE fighter jets to Pakistan Air Force in 2022, adding to its JF-17 fighters jointly manufactured by both countries. The fourth-generation JF-17 was jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, including the Block III version featuring an active electronically scanned array radar, which was inducted by the Pakistan Air Force in 2023. Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former instructor of the Chinese military, told the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post that China might also export its fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-35 the stealth multirole fighter, if Pakistan requests it. A group of tribals allegedly abducted and killed a man, and then attacked a police team that attempted to rescue him, resulting in the death of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in Madhya Pradesh's Mauganj district, an official said. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo The incident took place on Saturday in Gadra village, about 25 km from the district headquarters, and police have taken five persons into custody in connection with the violence, the official said. Two persons, including an ASI, have been killed and other policemen sustained minor injuries, Rewa Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Saket Pandey told PTI on Saturday. Police had to fire in the air after being surrounded by the mob to move to safety, sources said. Sources said a group of Kol tribe members on Saturday abducted a man, named Sunny Dwivedi, suspecting he had killed a tribal, Ashok Kumar, some months ago. As per police records, Kumar was killed in a road accident. After being alerted about Dwivedi's abduction, a team headed by Shahpur police station house officer Sandeep Bhartiya rushed to Gadra village to rescue him. But by that time, Dwivedi had died allegedly after being beaten up in a room, police said. When the police personnel opened the room, a group of tribals attacked them with sticks and stones, injuring some of them. The injured policemen and officers were rushed to hospitals. ASI Charan Gautam, of the Special Armed Force, succumbed to his injuries during treatment, an official said. Heavy police force was deployed to bring the situation under control, he said. Mauganj Collector Ajay Shrivastava and Superintendent of Police Rachna Thakur in a video message said section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which relates to maintaining public order and preventing disturbances, has been clamped in the area. The collector said the situation is fully under control. Both the officials appealed to the people to let police and authorities do their work and help them maintain peace in the area. A day after the death of an assistant sub-inspector when he went to rescue a man from an attack in Mauganj district, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday said strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unfortunate incident. IMAGE: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Photograph: ANI Photo The opposition Congress, however, targeted the government over the law and order situation in the state. A group of tribals on Saturday allegedly abducted and killed a man, and then attacked a police team that attempted to rescue him, resulting in the death of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in Mauganj, an official earlier said. A group of Kol tribe members on Saturday abducted a man, named Sunny Dwivedi, suspecting he had killed a tribal, Ashok Kumar, some months ago. As per police records, Kumar was killed in a road accident, according to sources. After being alerted, a police team rushed to Gadra village to rescue Dwivedi. But by that time, he had died allegedly after being beaten up in a room, police said. When the police personnel opened the room, a group of tribals attacked them with sticks and stones, injuring some of them. The injured policemen and officers were rushed to hospitals. ASI Ramcharan Gautam, of the Special Armed Force, succumbed to his injuries during treatment, an official earlier said. Talking to PTI, CM Yadav said, "What happened in Mauganj yesterday is saddening. An ASI lost his life, while several others were injured. The situation is under control, and I have directed the senior officials to reach the spot immediately. I hope the situation will normalise quickly." In a post X, Yadav, who also holds the home department portfolio, said he has given instructions to take strict action against all those accused of such inhuman and unfortunate incident. He said ASI Ramcharan Gautam died in retaliatory action in the unfortunate attack on the police team, SHO, tehsildar, who had reached Gadra village under Shahpur police station area in Mauganj district following the information of a dispute between two groups. "The other policemen injured in the incident have been sent to a hospital in Rewa for treatment," he said. Immediately after the incident, Section 163 (of the BNSS) was imposed in the area and DIG (deputy inspector general) Rewa, SP (superintendent of police) Mauganj and other police officers reached the spot and controlled the situation, the CM stated. "The ADG (additional director general) Rewa Zone is reaching the spot, I have also directed DG police (director general of police) to reach the spot and supervise (situation in the area)," Yadav added. Meanwhile, talking to PTI, state Congress president Jitu Patwari claimed the law and order has collapsed in the state. He pointed out that a man killed during a recent anti-Maoist operation in the state's Mandla district was an innocent tribal and not a Maoist. Patwari further said they also received information that police had beaten up some lawyers in Indore, and the very next day, the police personnel were beaten up by lawyers there. "The police committed atrocities on tribals in Mauganj, who retaliated and attacked the police," the Congress leader alleged. "Law and order has completely collapsed in Madhya Pradesh. The Home Minister has failed completely. The prime minister should see...if police are attacked at five places in (the last) one or two days, then where is the law and order?" Patwari said. Despite past tensions with China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has favoured dialogue over discord and said differences between India and China were natural but stronger cooperation was in the interests of the two neighbours and for global stability. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, in Kazan, Russia, October 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo In a podcast with Lex Fridman, Modi said India and China were working to restore the conditions along the borders as they were before the clashes along the Line of Actual Control in 2020, the first since 1975 that resulted in deaths of security personnel on both sides. "However, after my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020," Modi said referring to his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October last year. "Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy should return. But of course, it will take some time, as there has been a five-year gap," the prime minister said. Modi said cooperation between India and China isn't just beneficial for the two nations but also essential for global stability and prosperity. "Since the 21st century is Asia's century, we want India and China to compete in a healthy and natural way. Competition is not a bad thing, but it should never turn into conflict," he said. Modi said the relationship between India and China isn't something new as both nations have ancient cultures and civilizations. "Even in the modern world, they play a significant role. If you look at historical records, for centuries, India and China have learned from each other," he said. "Together, they have always contributed to the global good in some way. Old records suggest that at one point India and China alone accounted for more than 50 per cent of the world's GDP. That's how massive India's contribution was. And I believe our ties have been extremely strong, with deep cultural connections," Modi said. During his over three-hour interaction, the prime minister said there was no real history of conflict between India and China if one looked back over centuries. "It has always been about learning from each other and understanding one another. At one time, Buddhism had a profound influence in China, and that philosophy originated in India," Modi said. "In the future too our relationship should remain just as strong and continue to grow. Differences are natural. When two neighbouring countries exist, occasional disagreements are bound to happen," he said. Even within a family, not everything is always perfect, he said, adding "but our effort is to ensure that these differences don't turn into disputes". "That is why we actively work towards dialogue. Instead of discord, we stress on dialogue, because only through dialogue can we build a stable cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations," Modi said. Mangaluru Police seized over 37 kg of MDMA valued at Rs 75 crore, the biggest-ever drug haul in the state, a police official said on Sunday. Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Two South African nationals were arrested in Bengaluru in connection with this case, the official said. Addressing a press conference, Mangaluru police commissioner Anupam Agarwal stated that the operation stemmed from an earlier arrest six months ago. In September, the police apprehended one Haider Ali in Pumpwell, Mangaluru, and confiscated 15 grams of MDMA from him. Subsequent investigations led authorities to a Nigerian national named Peter, who was arrested in Bengaluru with MDMA worth Rs 6 crore. Further probes pointed to an international drug network with links to traffickers using air routes between Delhi and Bengaluru, he said. Acting on intelligence, the Mangaluru Central Crime Branch police arrested two South African nationals -- Bamba Fant (31) and Abigail Adonis (30) -- upon their arrival in Bengaluru on March 14. The suspects were taken into custody in Neeladri Nagar, Electronic City in Bengaluru, the senior police officer said. Authorities discovered MDMA concealed in their trolley bags, alongside four mobile phones, passports, and Rs 18,000 in cash. Police sources indicate that the arrested individuals were allegedly supplying drugs to Nigerian peddlers operating in Bengaluru and other regions. Additionally, they are suspected of using forged passports and visas for travel. The investigation is ongoing to trace the larger network behind the illicit drug trade, officials said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the operation of the Mangalore City Police in which the largest quantity of drugs was detected in the history of the state in which two accused have been arrested, was commendable. "By seizing 37 kg of MDMA worth over 75 crores, our police have averted a major danger that was about to face the lives of thousands of young people," he said in a post on 'X' in Kannada. "Since the first day we came to power, we have been committed to building a drug-free society and have waged a war against drug sales and consumption," he said. Recalling his visit to Mangaluru a few months ago, he said, "I had promised the people of the district that we would curb the drug menace and create a healthy environment in the district. As part of our efforts, a huge drug network has now been unearthed.Our government's goal is to eradicate the drug network that has spread across the state. Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorist Abu Qatal, chargesheeted by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the January 2023 Rajouri attacks, has been shot dead in Pakistan after an assailant opened fire on his vehicle on the Mangla-Jhelum Road, local media reported on Sunday. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Athar Hussain/Reuters An armed guard of Qatal was also killed in the attack that took place on Saturday night, according to a report in Islamabad-based outlet The News International. At the time of the attack, Abu Qatal, whose real name is Zia ur Rehman, was travelling in his black jeep, The News International reported. Both Qatal and his armed guard died on the spot. Following the attack, the suspected assailant was apprehended, The News International reported, citing sources. However, there has been no official confirmation of the arrest. The National Investigation Agency had charge-sheeted five accused, in the case of the January 2023 attacks in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The case RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU, relates to a heinous terror attack on civilians at village Dhangri, District Rajouri on January 1 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day, the NIA said. Seven people, including two children, were killed and several others severely injured in the attacks. The three charge-sheeted LeT handlers had been identified as Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi, Saifullah whose alias include Sajid Jutt, Ali, Habibullah, Nouman and Mohd Qasim. While Abu Qatal and Sajid Jutt had been Pakistani nationals, Qasim had crossed over to Pakistan around 2002 and had joined the LeT. Investigations had revealed that the trio had orchestrated the recruitment and deployment of LeT terrorists from Pakistan to target civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as security personnel. The attacks had been carried out under their directions. Abu Qatal had come to India in 2002-03 and was active in the Poonch-Rajouri range, along with other terrorists. It was found during investigations that they had provided logistical support to the terrorists on the directions of Abu Qatal. Union minister Ramdas Athawale has voiced his opposition to the demand for the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, saying its removal will not serve any purpose. IMAGE: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale (right) visits Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's statue after it was vandalised, in Amritsar. Photograph: ANI Photo Talking to reporters here on Saturday night, the Republican Party of India-Athawale leader also said the matter should not be politicised. Some right wing outfits have called for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave located at Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Organisations like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad plan to submit a memorandum to the state government on Monday, urging legal action to remove the grave and have warned of 'karseva' and statewide protests if the demand is not met. BJP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had sought the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Aurangzeb is remembered in Maharashtra for his battles with the Marathas, who resisted his expansionist ambitions. Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, was captured, tortured, and executed on his orders. Athawale said it is true that Aurangzeb was cruel and killed (Shivaji Maharaj's son) Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. But, he failed to conquer the (Maratha) kingdom and ultimately died in Maharashtra. "His tomb has existed for many years, and there is no need to reopen this issue. The tomb stands as a reminder of his misdeeds, and its removal will serve no purpose," said the leader, whose party is an ally of the ruling BJP. Asked about some BJP leaders raising the issue, Athawale said he does not believe that this matter should be politicised. "Neither the BJP nor any other party is involved in this controversy. It is inappropriate to describe Aurangzeb as an astute administrator or compare the BJP regime to his rule," the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment said. Athawale said that since Aurangzeb was buried there (in Khuldabad), his tomb should remain undisturbed. Notably, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday called the BJP rule in Maharashtra worse than that of Aurangzeb and claimed farmers were dying in the state because of the saffron party. Earlier this month, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asmi Azmi was suspended from the state assembly till the end of its budget session on March 26 following his remarks eulogising Aurangzeb. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar administration in an order on Saturday barred Hindutva leader Milind Ekbote from entering the district from March 16 to April 5 amid calls from some outfits to remove Aurangzeb's grave. The order said Ekbote's organisation Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Pratisthan pays homage to the warrior-king annually in Pune and intelligence inputs were received about him and his supporters possibly coming to Khuldabad to remove Aurangzeb's tomb. The district administration's order said the views of several people on Aurangzeb's grave has "gone extreme" after the release of the film "Chhaava" as can be seen from social media posts. It added that the VHP and Bajrang Dal have planned agitations from March 17 seeking removal of the tomb. Meanwhile, security has been heightened around the site and visitors are being checked thoroughly. The police arrested a student for allegedly offering namaaz in an open area of a private university in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, officials said on Sunday. Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Khalid Pradhan (Khalid Mewati) was arrested following protests by local Hindu groups over a purported video surfaced around Holi celebrations this week that showed a group of students offering namaz on the university campus. The university administration suspended Pradhan and three security personnel over the incident and called for police and administrative action against Khalid Pradhan, who allegedly uploaded the video. Circle Officer Sadar Dehat Shiv Pratap Singh on Sunday told PTI, "A video of offering namaz in the IIMT University campus was circulated on social media." Pradhan was arrested and sent to jail, he said. On Saturday, SHO of Ganga Nagar police station Anoop Singh said the case was lodged based on a complaint by one Kartik Hindu. A case has been filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008, he said. Earlier, IIMT University spokesperson Sunil Sharma said an internal investigation found that namaz was offered in an open area and its video was uploaded to "disrupt communal harmony". Local Hindu groups demanded the arrest of those involved, citing the large number of students in the gathering and the timing of the video's circulation during Holi. Holi celebrations this year coincided with the second Friday prayers of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan. Several controversial remarks by leaders had created a tense atmosphere in some places, with the UP administration tightening security measures, but the day went free of any untoward incident. In a suspected case of food poisoning, a 13-year-old boy died, and 28 other inmates of an unauthorised hostel run by a private school in Mandya were admitted to the hospital on Sunday after complaining of stomach pain following the consumption of food prepared for Holi celebrations, police said. Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The deceased, identified as Kerlong, hailed from Meghalaya, they added. The incident occurred at Gokula Vidya Samsthe in T Kagepura village in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, police said. Citing a preliminary investigation, Mallikarjun Baladandi, Superintendent of Police (Mandya), told PTI that the school, which has been operating since 1989, did not have a license to run a hostel. The management was illegally operating the hostel on the first floor of the school building without proper infrastructure, including toilets for children. A total of 202 students study at the school from LKG to Class 8, with about 30 students, most of them from Meghalaya, staying at the hostel. The school reportedly follows an arrangement where hostel students receive leftover food from nearby events, celebrations, or weddings, he said. On March 14, a group from Malavalli organised a feast as part of Holi celebrations, serving vegetable pulao and chutney for breakfast. The leftover food was later distributed to 30 students at the school hostel, police said. Of these 30 students, 24 are from Meghalaya, while the remaining are locals, he added. On March 14, none of the students reported uneasiness, pain, or illness. However, the next day, six students complained of stomach pain and were admitted to the hospital, he said. On Sunday, a 13-year-old boy collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Among the 28 hospitalised students, seven are in critical condition, and one is on a ventilator, he stated. "We have registered a case under Section 286 (Negligent conduct concerning a poisonous substance) and Section 106 (Causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and have arrested three people in connection with the incident," he added. Those arrested include the cook who prepared the food, the hostel warden for distributing leftover food without checking its quality, and the school owner for negligence, he said. Mandya deputy commissioner Dr Kumar told reporters that the health department was informed on March 15, and officials visited the school. In total, 30 children consumed the food and suffered food poisoning. "Unfortunately, a 13-year-old student has died, which is deeply saddening. We have informed his parents. The remaining 29 students are receiving treatment, with eight already shifted to Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS). Orders have been issued to transfer the other students as well, as MIMS has expert doctors," he said. "Our top priority is treating the affected students and ensuring their recovery. An investigation will be conducted into the school's facilities, permissions, and food suppliers, and appropriate legal action will be taken," he added. "Prima facie, the school's negligence is evident how did they allow an external party to supply food without permission? They had no authorisation to run a hostel," he stated. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to 'X' and expressed his grief over the incident, stating that it was heartbreaking to learn about the student's death and the hospitalisation of several others after consuming food at the private residential school in T Kagepura. "As soon as the incident came to my attention, I spoke to the deputy commissioner of Mandya and instructed him to ensure proper treatment for the children and take strict action against those responsible. The police have arrested three accused, and the investigation is ongoing," he said. Siddaramaiah also assured that the family of the deceased boy would receive appropriate compensation. "Everyone must be extra cautious before consuming food from external sources, especially when serving young children. Precious lives should not be lost due to carelessness," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on Sunday that he shares a bond of mutual trust with US President Donald Trump and they connect well because they believe in putting their respective national interests above everything else. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shake hands after their meeting at the White House, in Washington, DC. Photograph: Press Information Bureau In a podcast with Lex Fridman, Modi hailed Trump as a man of courage, who took his own decisions, was unwaveringly dedicated to the United States and the same spirit was on display when he was shot at by a gunman on the election campaign trail last year. The prime minister said President Trump appeared far more prepared than before in his second term. "He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals," Modi said on Trump's second term as President. The prime minister said he had the chance to meet members of Trump's team during his recent visit to the US. "I truly believe he has put together a strong, capable group. And with such a strong team, I feel they are fully capable of implementing President Trump's vision," Modi said. He recalled his meetings with Vice President JD Vance, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk. The prime minster recalled the 'Howdy Modi' community event at the packed NRG Stadium in Houston in September 2019 and how Trump listened to his speech by sitting among the audience. "Now, that's his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage, that was a remarkable gesture on his part," Modi said. The prime minister also recalled how the US security detail went into a tizzy when he casually asked Trump to take a round of the packed stadium to greet the audience and he had agreed without hesitation. "His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but for me that moment was truly touching. It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but also he trusted me and my lead in that moment enough to have walked with me into the crowd," he said. "It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day. And the way I saw President Trump that day walking into a crowd of thousands without even asking security, it was truly amazing," the prime minister said. Modi said he saw the same resilient and determined Trump when he was shot at during the US election campaign. "Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life was for his nation. This showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first, India first," the prime minister said. "I stand for India first and that's why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate," Modi said. The prime minister said politicians across the world get so much media coverage that people mostly perceive them through its lens. "People rarely get the chance to truly meet or personally know one another and perhaps third-party intervention is the real cause of tensions," Modi said. Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images Semiconductor firm Semtech rose 13% in premarket trading on Friday. The semiconductor firm issued an earnings beat and strong first-quarter guidance. Data centers are expected to lead earnings strength, the firm said. The move: Semtech jumped 13.12% on Thursday, rising to $37 per share. The positive pre-market move will ease the stock's 47% year-to-date loss. Why: The semiconductor firm surprised investors with an upside earnings report, posting guidance that suggests strength in AI data center demand. The US chipmaker's fourth-quarter net sales reached $251 million, above $249 million consensus estimates and a 30% upshot from last year's figure. According to CEO Hong Hou data center net sales hit a record of $50 million, up 16% sequentially and 183% year-to-year. Current-quarter revenue is also expected to come in strong, reaching $250 million. "We expect net sales from the infrastructure end market to increase sequentially with data center applications leading to growth," executive vice president Mark Lin said in the earnings call. What it means: The firm's performance offers a silver lining for a sector plagued by uncertainty and growing bearishness. Chipmakers have logged some of the biggest losses during the recent stock rout as investors reassess their exposure to US tech companies. Competition from Chinese firms has fueled doubt over massive spending on AI infrastructure, including data centers. Nvidia, the dominant AI hardware company, is down 16% year-to-date. Semtech has also been among those crushed in 2025. While the firm traded as high as $77 per share this year, it fell dramatically last month after readjusting fiscal year 2026 guidance. That's after a server rack customer said to be Nvidia no longer demanded Semtech's CopperEdge products. Read the original article on Business Insider The whitewashing of the outer wall of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal began on Sunday morning under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India in line with a high court order, an advocate of the mosque committee said. IMAGE: People arrives at Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal to offer prayers on the occasion of second Jumma of Ramzan on March 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal has been at the centre of a major row after a petition claimed that it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple. The district has been tense since riots broke out on November 24 last year during protests against a court-ordered survey of the mosque. Four people were killed and several others, including police personnel, were injured in the clashes. The Allahabad high court had on March 12 directed the ASI to undertake and complete the whitewashing at the mosque's outer wall within one week while hearing the objections against the ASI survey report by the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee which had also sought permission for whitewashing, additional lighting and installation of decorative lights outside the disputed structure. Following the high court order, an ASI team carried out measurements and assessments on March 13. "The whitewashing of the outer wall of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal began on Sunday," Shakeel Warsi, an advocate representing the mosque committee in the Sambhal district court, told PTI. Shahi Jama Masjid's president Zafar Ali said the work started at around 9 am and 9-10 labourers are engaged."If the work has to be completed in four days, then around 20 labourers would be needed," he said. Amid reported objection by the Hindu side over the use of green colour to paint the outer wall of the mosque, Ali said, "We are using the colours which have been used for hundreds of years. We are using white, green and light golden colours," he said. Ali noted that the high court has ordered that the ASI and the Muslim side will jointly get the painting done. "All the labourers of ASI are engaged, the work is being done under their direction and supervision. The ASI and we will complete this work together," he said. On the Hindu side's reported demand that white colour be used to paint the wall or else they will seek the use of saffron colour, Ali said, "This demand is unreasonable, It is a wrong and an illegitimate demand. For hundreds of years, green, white and light golden colours have been used here and they are still there." Meanwhile, Arman Ali, the labour contractor, told reporters that their target is to complete the work in a week. Asked about the lighting of the mosque's exterior, Zafar Ali said, "This is in the ASI's hand. If it wants, it can install lights. There is no interference from our side. Whatever lighting has to be done, the ASI has to do it." Security has been stepped up in the area since the violence in November. Bhutan The red list has a few surprising names. The most startling is the peaceful Buddhist country of Bhutan. This has come as a shock to its citizens. The only reason that could be ascribed for Bhutan citizens' ban, according to The Bhutanese, is because of a 2023 immigration scam that involved Nepalese citizens attempting to migrate to the US by calling themselves Bhutanese refugees. More than 250 Hinsdale residents turned out at this September 2024 meeting to discuss the purchase of a former church on Plain Road, to be converted into a new fire station. The purchase was approved Saturday at the Hinsdale Town Meeting. BRATTLEBORO State Treasurer Mike Pieciak assembled a task force to respond to what he called "the changing landscape at the federal level." Local community members were invited to the group's first town hall meeting, which occurred Saturday morning at Brattleboro Area Middle School. They have concerns with federal layoffs, tariffs, funding freezes and immigration action. "I think it's important to acknowledge the emotion of the moment we're living in," Pieciak said. "I grew up here in Brattleboro. I've been hearing from my family and friends about how people are feeling fear and anger and anxiety. And I went to this middle school so that anxiety was bubbling up this morning." Such emotions "can really make us stand back in a moment when we all need to really stand up both for each other and our communities," Pieciak said. He called community "the antidote" to the negative emotions. Task force in response to federal changes to visit Brattleboro BRATTLEBORO A task force assembled by State Treasure Mike Pieciak to address changes coming from the Trump Administration will be at Brattleboro Area Middle School this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. With Vermont's budget made up of about 36 percent of federal money, Pieciak said freezing or cutting those funds will have "a big impact." About 76 percent of the state's imports come from Canada. Tariffs announced by President Trump are damaging business relationships and tourism, Pieciak said. Nonprofits losing funding is of "critical concern" to Pieciak, he said, as organizations provide important services in communities. Vermont is ranked fifth per-capita in the country for receiving Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements or support "so we depend heavily on the federal government to be there when a natural disaster strikes," Pieciak said. A special reserve fund to deal with natural disasters in the state is being contemplated. Pieciak called for having "a proactive mindset throughout this entire period of great upheaval." "When I was at the Department of Financial Regulation during the first Trump administration," he said, having previously served as commissioner of that department, "we found that when we were proactive and we were coordinated that we were able to get ahead of some of the worst outcomes, some of the worst impacts. And when we weren't coordinated and we weren't proactive, when things happened in a fast moving federal policy space, we were left on our back heels." Pieciak estimated about 1,000 people attended a recent webinar from his task force on how to respond to visits from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, then another 1,000 to 2,000 watched it later. A subsequent webinar about dealing with uncertainty in the federal government had a few hundred business owners in attendance, he said. His group also is hosting town hall style meetings, such as the one at BAMS, to hear concerns in local communities. That information will be used in a report to state lawmakers and Vermont's congressional delegation, Pieciak said. A data scientist described being distressed by seeing colleagues being laid off and worrying about inaction on climate change. A mental health worker is troubled by the nonrenewal of important grant funding. A nonprofit director has concerns about food insecurity worsening and farms not getting support. A grant writer at a local hospital worries about the future of health care, Medicaid and Medicare. A parent doesn't want to see progress stall on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at local schools. Cuts to funding for organizations supporting local refugee resettlement, individuals with disabilities and housing were another concern. Community members called for developing more interstate relationships, taxing more heavily the wealthier property owners in Vermont, reexamining purchases to bring more economic power in state, rallying for postal workers and withholding federal taxes. "The lack of the rule of law," said Vermont Sen. Nader Hashim, D-Windham County, "is something that has kept me up at night as well." Hashim said he agrees with attendees who spoke in support of efforts to explore "greater self reliance." A new bill increases protections for migrants in Vermont, he added. Vermont already has protections in place related to reproductive health, said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Windham-7. "As we lose federal funds," she said, "it's hard to map it all out right now. We're making sure, as it happens, we're hearing about it at the legislative level so that we can make strategic decisions about whether or not we might be able to backfill those funds." Sen. Wendy Harrison, D-Windham County, said a new joint resolution by the House and Senate that passed unanimously voices support for transgender and non-binary Vermonters. "We just need to be ready for change and ready to realize what we can do for each other together," she said. "And that's how we're going to get through this." Rep. Mike Mrowicki, D-Windham-4, noted the Vermont Legislature is no longer veto proof. "So we're going to have to try and fight and get the best deal that we can," he said. "And we will try and get the best deal we can but we're up against the tough reality right now." Mrowicki criticized Republican Gov. Phil Scott's latest plans for education and climate, comparing them to ideas out of the White House rather than Montpelier. The video from the task force's meeting can be viewed on Brattleboro Community Television. Baluch militants attacked a Pakistani security convoy, killing at least five people, officials said, the latest in a series of attacks in troubled regions bordering Afghanistan. The March 16 attack came days after another group of Baluch militants hijacked a train and held hostages for 36 hours, a major escalation in its fight against national authorities in Islamabad. Officials told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that a convoy of Pakistani paramilitary troops was passing through the Noshki district in the province of Balochistan when it was attacked. Three security soldiers were killed, along with two civilians. Reuters cited unnamed officials as saying the attack involved a suicide truck bomb. The Baloch Liberation Army -- which has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and others -- claimed more than 90 soldiers were killed in the attack. A vast and resource-rich province, Balochistan has been plagued by insurgency for over two decades, led mainly by the Baloch Liberation Army, and allied separatist groups seeking independence from Islamabad. The incident came five days after militants seized a passenger train in a remote mountain pass, killing 31 soldiers and civilians, the military said. It was first time the group had hijacked a train, which experts said was a sign of escalation of its fight with Islamabad. Pakistani authorities have struggled to crack down on growing violence in the border regions, which they say stems in part from militants taking shelter across the border in Afghanistan. Baluch nationalists blame Pakistan for committing grave rights abuses while trying to suppress the insurgency. They also accused Islamabad of exploiting natural resources without benefiting local communities. Massive crowds of protesters in Belgrade observed 15 minutes of silence to honor the 15 people who were killed after a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad in November. The demonstration was the largest in a wave of student-led protests demanding the government be held accountable for the tragedy. BELGRADE -- President Aleksandar Vucic acknowledged the "enormous negative energy and anger" directed at authorities as the Serbian capital witnessed its biggest public protest in decades. With public ire fueled by allegations that official corruption played a role in a deadly train station accident in November, Vucic tried to position himself as responsive to public demands. "We will have to change ourselves," Vucic told a news conference late on March 15. "All people in the government have to understand the message when this many people gather. We will have to change ourselves," he said. Authorities had estimated the crowd size at between 88,000 and 107,000. However, the Archive of Public Gatherings, an informal organization, put the number of people participating at between 275,000 and 325,000. The outpouring of crowds was one of the largest Serbia has witnessed in decades. Protesters skirmished with riot police at several locations in Belgrade, throwing fireworks and bottles. Minor incidents were reported around 7 p.m. near Pioneer Park, where students had set up a camp, after which participants announced an end to the protest for the night. A group of people later continued to light torches at the Serbian parliament building as police stood nearby. Most protesters left the area by 11 p.m. The demonstration was the largest in a wave of student-led protests demanding Vucic's government be held accountable for a deadly cement canopy collapse at a railway station in November. Vucic also insisted the majority of citizens do not want a "color revolution." That's a term referring to public uprisings in places like Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan that have led to the ouster of governments. The popular protests that paved the way for the ouster of Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic in 2000 are also sometimes classified as a "color revolution" as well. Earlier in the day on March 15, flag-waving demonstrators gathered at several locations and converged outside the parliament, in what appeared to be one of the country's biggest protests in decades. "Look how many of us there are," one student told protesters. "Let your voice wake up Serbia." Participants had streamed into the capital from across the country on foot, bicycles, and motorcycles ahead of the demonstration. Supporters and fellow protesters, including students from Belgrade, laid out a red carpet and cheered as people entered the city center. Vucic also said 56 people were injured during the protest but none with life-threatening injuries. He said 22 protesters had been arrested for crimes against property and for assaulting police officers and other people. The number could not immediately be confirmed. The November 1 collapse of the cement canopy at the railway station in the northern town of Novi Sad has led to what may be the biggest challenge yet to Vucic's political power. Fifteen people were killed in that incident. Student protests over the accident have evolved into a broader movement opposing what demonstrators say is the crumbling rule of law and systemic corruption under Vucic, the president since 2017 and prime minister for three years before that. Student protesters have been demonstrating and blocking their university departments for over three months. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to demonstrate in over 200 cities and towns. Ljiljana Kovacevic, a teacher from the northern town of Vrbas, told RFE/RL that she came to Belgrade to support the students, her former pupils. "We hope everything will go smoothly and the students will achieve their goals -- along with us," she said. The parliament speaker announced a day before the protest that the parliament building would remain closed until March 17 for security reasons. Government officials accused the protest organizers of planning violence and announced arrests. Students denied the authorities' claims and called for a peaceful gathering. After unmarried Turkmen women learned they needed to wear yellow head scarves to work in Ashgabat, their bosses shrugged when queried. The order came "from above," the women were told. The directive for young women came in early March, along with a requirement for married women to attend work in yellow dresses. Those who fail to comply with the latest color condition have been warned they can be fired. The aesthetic rules are the latest in a growing list of requirements in Turkmenistan that have no legal codification but can have heavy consequences if ignored. Cars in Turkmenistan, especially in the capital, Ashgabat, are required to be white or pale, air-conditioning condensers have been removed from buildings, and women are required to wear traditional dresses. Young men must also be clean-shaven in a de facto ban on beards, which has also been seen elsewhere in Central Asia. "These 'regulations' are not based on legal documents," Slavomir Horak, an expert on Central Asia at Charles University in Prague, told RFE/RL. "Often it's based on some notice, remark, or 'recommendation' of the president or somebody from the presidential family." Turkmenistan has been ruled by President Serdar Berdymukhammedov since March 2022. On voting day, the young politician arrived at a polling station in a car bearing the plate 72 97. He was later declared the winner of the presidential election with 72.97 percent of the vote. The 43-year-old is the son of ex-President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who was in office from 2006 to 2022 but is widely believed to remain the primary decision-maker in the country. Horak told RFE/RL that, in the case of a de facto ban on satellite dishes, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov publicly declared that the dishes "destroyed the face of the city." For police on the ground, the statement was enough that "officers understood it as an order," Horak said. The headscarf ruling, which comes on the back of several previous directives on women's appearance, has received a strong reaction privately. "When will this end? When will the humiliation of women's dignity end?" one Turkmen woman told RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, speaking anonymously for safety reasons. Female state employees have previously been forbidden from using makeup, wearing tight dresses, or dyeing their hair blonde, among other requirements. The Women's Union of Turkmenistan did not respond to queries from RFE/RL's Turkmen Service about the latest clothing stipulation. Horak says the aesthetic rules in Turkmenistan are partly a legacy of the country's Soviet era and the whims of the country's first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who died in 2006. "But it reached its peak during Berdymukhammedov's dynasty," the academic adds. So far, there is only speculation over why certain colors have been chosen for Turkmen women's clothing. Some believe it is due to the preference for yellow by the wife and sisters of Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov. U.S. officials vowed to continue hitting Huthi targets in Yemen after launching air strikes aimed at curbing the groups attacks on maritime shipping and naval vessels in the Gulf region. Speaking on CBS News on March 16, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also signaled that there were no imminent plans to send US troops to directly engage the Huthis, which Washington has designated a terrorist group. "I don't think there's a necessity for it right now, he said. "This was [also] a message to Iran don't keep supporting [the Huthis] because you will also be responsible for what they are doing in attacking Navy ships and attacking global shipping," he said. The March 15 overnight attack which included fighter jets launched from a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea and missile barrages killed at least 12 civilians, Huthi authorities said, though the toll could not be independently confirmed. "Huthi attacks on American ships & aircraft (and our troops!) will not be tolerated; and Iran, their benefactor, is on notice, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X: The barrage followed warnings from President Donald Trump that "hell will rain down upon" the Huthis if they continue firing missiles on ships in the Gulf region, and at Israel. "They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones," he wrote. The strikes in Yemen appeared to be the largest US military operation in the Middle East since Trump took office on January 20. Media outlets quoted US officials as saying the strike is not a one-day event -- this is the first of many days if not weeks of strikes." Huthi rebels have launched dozens of attacks on shipping over the past 18 months, claiming they are intended to support Palestinians over Israel's war in Gaza. Many shipping firms have been forced to change their courses to longer and more expensive routes to avoid the Gulf region. Hossein Salami, the commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, denied Tehran's involvement in Huthi operations. "Iran will never start a war... but if anyone threatens us," he was quoted as telling state media. Iran "will give appropriate, decisive and final responses." "I warn all enemies that we will respond to any threat, if it takes on a practical aspect, with a stubborn, decisive, and destructive response," he said. The US president has ratcheted up pressure on Tehran since taking office in January, seeking to bring it back to negotiations aimed at curtailing its nuclear ambitions. The White House last week sent Tehran a new proposal regarding its nuclear program but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has so far rejected the proposal. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda and Reuters David Sacks and his investment firm Craft Ventures have divested more than $200 million in crypto holdings since President Donald Trump named Sacks as the White House's AI and crypto czar, according to a Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, according to the memo. Sacks also held stock in the online brokerage Robinhood and the crypto exchange Coinbase. And he was a limited partner in the marquee crypto venture capital funds Multicoin Capital and Blockchain Capital, along with 90 other VCs. While Sacks has divested most of his crypto holdings, he and Craft Ventures still hold equity in a suite of companies. His shares of the crypto custody firm BitGo and the Bitcoin protocol developer Lightning Labs are worth about 2.5% and 1.1% of his total assets, respectively, according to the memo. The government, however, has agreed to waive any conflicts of interest regarding Sacks and Craft Ventures ongoing stakes in crypto companies. I sold all my cryptocurrency (including BTC, ETH, and SOL) prior to the start of the administration, Sacks said in a post on X earlier in March. He and his firm Craft Ventures did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Dated March 5, the memo on Sacks interests in the crypto industry follows social media rumblings that the AI and crypto czar risked mixing his own business with the governments crypto dealings. After Trump posted in early March that certain cryptocurrencies, including Solana, would be included in a national crypto reserve, critics said that Sacks was boosting his own portfolio. And more naysayers came out against Sacks once Trump officially authorized the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve and a digital assets stockpile later that week. This is a direct transfer of wealth from the U.S. treasury to David Sacks and other crypto barons, said Ryan Grim, who runs a popular account on X and a politics newsletter. Sacks countered that he had divested much of his cryptocurrency holdings, and crypto executives came to his defense. He is doing tremendous work and will not be sharing in any of the economic upside to avoid even the slightest appearance of a conflict, Cameron Winklevoss, cofounder of the crypto exchange Gemini, posted on X. Trump named Sacks as his AI and crypto czar in December. The then incoming president said Sacks, who is a former executive at PayPal, would guide policy on the regulation of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A major rally opposing the council's public realm works in Ballaghaderreen takes place today, Sunday, at 3.30 p.m. in The Square. The public rally organised by the local business community is intensifying the opposition to the regeneration works which are proving highly controversial. Local retailers are fiercely opposing the public realm works, claiming up to 70 street parking spaces will be lost around the town. Negative impact on trade, on the ability for residents and shoppers to park conveniently, and on delivery and other vehicles trying to negotiate the new layouts are among the fears being expressed locally. Business people are also raising safety issues, claiming the new footpaths and kerbing are coming out too far, leading to carriageways being too narrow for some vehicles. There is a further concern about a plan under the scheme to permanently close the road in The Square running alongside the bank and other businesses. There is a widely held belief in the town that there wasn't sufficient consultation in advance of this multi-million euro Part 8 project getting the go-ahead. The depth of feeling towards elements of the plan has been evident for some time, with more than 500 local objections submitted when the original planning application was lodged by Roscommon County Council. Council officials have recently met traders, who still want a significant revision of the scheme, which was approved by the local authority. While the public realm works have yet to be fully completed, local retailers say they are feeling the effects, claiming there is already a loss of footfall coming into Ballaghaderreen. In a recent statement, the council said the 4.5m project aims to provide a coherent, attractive town centre and approach roads to make the town attractive to live, work, visit and do business in. The council said the current town centre was vehicle dominated with limited provision for people to enjoy the town centre while going about their business. The local authority outlined that the plans would result in the loss of approximately 47 parking spaces in the town centre including about 24 from the town square. There is off street parking in Ballaghaderreen including in the currently underused Plots carpark off Barrack Street (current capacity 72 spaces). The project was informed by public consultation that culminated in the statutory planning consent process known as the Part 8 planning process, it said. Local retailers and residents have been staging daily early morning protests this week in a peaceful show of opposition to the public realm works. A.R. Rahman Hospitalized Following Chest Pain, Undergoing Tests His health condition is closely watched by doctors, and additional tests will decide the course of treatment. A.R. Rahman Hospitalized Following Chest Pain, Undergoing Tests latest news: A.R. Rahman, the Oscar-winning music composer, was taken to the hospital on Sunday morning following severe chest pain. The world-renowned musician was rushed to a private hospital on Greames Road in Chennai at around 7:30 AM, where doctors carried out a series of tests, including an ECG and an echocardiogram. Advertisement As per close sources, it is feared that Rahman could have to go through an angiogram. The composer is being treated by a team of specialist doctors. Rahman had just returned from overseas and had been complaining of intense pain in his neck, followed by the chest pain that hospitalized him. His health condition is closely watched by doctors, and additional tests will decide the course of treatment. (For More News Apart A.R. Rahman Hospitalized Following Chest Pain, Undergoing Tests stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) BLA Takes Responsibility for Suicide Blast on Pakistani Military Convoy in Noshki Ninezero reported, citing BLA, that the attack resulted in the deaths of 90 Pakistani soldiers when their eight-bus convoy was ambushed. BLA Takes Responsibility for Suicide Blast on Pakistani Military Convoy in Noshki latest news: In a deadly attack, a suicide bombing hit a Pakistani military convoy in the Noshki district of Balochistan on Sunday, with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) taking responsibility for the attack. The rebel group's Majeed Brigade and Fateh Squad were said to have conducted the attack, which included a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) that rammed into the convoy and exploded in a huge blast. Ninezero reported, citing BLA, that the attack resulted in the deaths of 90 Pakistani soldiers when their eight-bus convoy was ambushed. Pakistani military sources, however, officially reported the death of seven soldiers, though local police official Zafarullah Sulemani said the death toll could increase since some others are critically injured. Sulemani further confirmed that evidence found at the scene indicates a suicide bombing. Advertisement The BLA statement went on to state that all eight buses transporting troops were destroyed during the blast and that the insurgents killed the soldiers who survived after the explosion. Although the Pakistani military has made efforts to discredit the extent of the casualties, the attack emphasizes the growing insurgency in Balochistan, with BLA constantly advocating for independence and autonomy. The attack has created shockwaves across the region, highlighting the ongoing violence and unrest in Balochistan, a province wracked by insurgency and calls for political and economic autonomy. The atmosphere is tense, with authorities waiting to see what happens next. (For More News Apart BLA Takes Responsibility for Suicide Blast on Pakistani Military Convoy in Noshki stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Offers Condolences to Bhupender Yadav on Father's Demise Saini visited the mourning family, empathizing with them and offering his sympathies. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Offers Condolences to Bhupender Yadav on Father's Demise latest news: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday went to Jamalpur village in Gurugram to pay his condolences to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, whose father Kadam Singh died on Saturday at the age of 92. The last rites of Kadam Singh were conducted in his native village Jamalpur. In a highly emotive gesture, the Chief Minister paid respects to the deceased Kadam Singh by placing flowers on his picture and seeking blessings for the repose of his soul. Advertisement Saini visited the mourning family, empathizing with them and offering his sympathies. He expressed his sincerest condolences to Bhupender Yadav and his family, being with them in this time of hardship. The death has created a deep gap, and people have gathered to provide support as the family undergoes this trying moment. (For More News Apart Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Offers Condolences to Bhupender Yadav on Father's Demise stay tuned to Rozana Spokesmana) Canada to Cancel F-35 Purchase, a Shock to US Defense Industry Canada has already purchased 16 of the 88 F-35s, and they are scheduled to start arriving next year. Canada to Cancel F-35 Purchase, a Shock to US Defense Industry latest news: In a sudden change of plans, Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney is said to be considering scrapping the country's F-35 fighter jet purchase from the US, inflicting a significant blow on US-Canada relations and the US defense industry. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reports that Canada is considering alternative options, and Sweden's Saab Gripen jet is now a leading choice. Canada has already purchased 16 of the 88 F-35s, and they are scheduled to start arriving next year. Yet Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair has commented that although the F-35 would still be able to serve the air force's purposes, Canada is considering whether it needs all 88 or whether other aircraft might better fit its defense policy. Advertisement The choice, if made final, would affect not just Canada's defense capability but also the US defense industry, which sees the F-35 contract as a flagship export. Saab's Gripen presents a less expensive alternative with the potential for building aircraft in Canada, potentially helping the country's defense industry. This possible cancellation is occurring as Canada rethinks its defense strategy and looks for more self-reliant options. The US government would be disappointed, as the agreement was a key component of President Trump's defense export aspirations. The ultimate choice will have serious implications on both nations' defense partnerships as well as the overall defense industry. (For More News Apart Canada to Cancel F-35 Purchase, a Shock to US Defense Industry stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) The reel-to-reel tape recorder at Radio Romania Broadcasting owes an important part of its functioning over time to the reel-to-reel tape recorder Foto: StockSnap / pixabay.com Steliu Lambru, 16.03.2025, 13:20 Broadcasting owes an important part of its functioning over time to the reel-to-reel tape recorder. Numerous archives in the world are still on analog media, and the reel-to-reel tape recorder is the equipment to which this huge and invaluable legacy is due. An invention of the first decades of the 20th century, the steel-wire reel tape recorder is the first in the history of broadcasting used to record voices. But the first magnetic tape recorder, produced by the German corporation AEG and first used in 1935, would be the starting point for several generations of magnetic tape equipment that will dominate the audio market in the second half of the 20th century. Radio Romania kept up with the times, and equipping technicians and journalists with tape recorders to do their job was a priority. A technical history of the Romanian Radio includes in its pages tape recorders of the highest performance. And many stories still unwritten have the tape recorder as a hero. Engineer Ilie Dragan, who held the position of technical director, was interviewed in 2000 by the Oral History Center of Romanian Broadcasting. He joined Radio Romania in 1958, and was head of the Transmissions department, which operated the technical equipment. I remember that we were making transmissions with some equipment on electronic tubes, we called them CN, and in order to have a backup power supply, we used some 110 Volt batteries, so-called bricks. They were, in volume, the size of two bricks placed one on top of the other. And when we went on trips, the equipment with special cars was not at the level that exists today, we put these bricks, which were two in number, in a bag. We also took a tape recorder that often weighed over 35 kilograms, which ran on paper tape, and we would leave by train somewhere in the province to make recordings. In the conditions in which recordings were made in the agricultural field, the editors and technicians had to go to the field, to the place where the agricultural products were made, there was no electricity on site and the Transmission service was equipped with two or three generator sets that we put in the car. We would arrive at the recording site, fill them with gasoline, start them, power the tape recorders and thats how the recordings were made in those days. In its equipment with tape recorders, there were four periods in the history of Radio Romania. The first was that of the war and the 1950s when tape recorders with steel wire reels were still used. From the beginning of the 1950s, the generation of magnetic tape recorders would replace tape recorders with steel wire reels. The second period was the 1960s and the first half of the 1970s when tape recorders had to be purchased from CAER, the economic association of the socialist states. In the CAER convention, Hungary was designated to produce equipment of this kind. The third period was the opening towards the West, between 1975 and 1985. Western tape recorders were clearly superior in quality and price, and Radio Romania purchased technology from Western manufacturers. The fourth period was the return to purchases from the socialist bloc, after 1985. Here is Ilie Dragan: Hungary was the one recorded in the CAER treaties to produce, only the Hungarians had the right to produce tape recorders and desks. After that, the Germans also proposed a version of tape recorders, and in Czechoslovakia they produced reporting cars. We also purchased some reporting cars on Skoda buses, but they were equipped with Hungarian mixing desks and Hungarian tape recorders. Later, the Czechs managed in Bratislava to replace the Hungarian desks with desks made by Tesla Bratislava. So, in 1989, when Radio Romania bought a reporting truck that is currently in operation, they had Czech mixing desks, but Hungarian tape recorders. Ilie Dragan remembered the evolution of tape recorders at Radio Romania as he encountered them in a long career of 42 years as an electronics engineer: from tape recorders that used paper tape to portable shoulder-mounted recorders. They were very heavy tape recorders. They were taken out of service, they weighed about 35 kilograms, two people had to carry a tape recorder to go somewhere to record. It was a pain. When you think that now an editor takes something that he holds in half a palm and makes quality recordings. After these tape recorders, some Philips Juniors appeared that were the size of a slightly larger diplomats bag, they also weighed about 16 kilograms. In any case, it was incomparable with the 35-kilogram one. And all the recordings were made in conditions in which the editor could not move alone and always had to take a technician with him. The Uher portable tape recorders appeared later. Tape recorders are now museum pieces and still arouse curiosity and attraction among those passionate about the history of science and technology. At Radio Romania, the tape recorder is still present, and coexists with the new generations of digital equipment. CFOTO / Future Publishing / Getty Images Key Takeaways Tesla shares rose close to 4% Friday amid a broader market rebound, but posted losses for the eighth week in a row, with some Wall Street analysts expecting further declines. Wells Fargo and JPMorgan analysts said they expect the stock could lose roughly half its value again, as it has since a December peak. The targets from Wells Fargo and JPMorgan are particularly bearish, well below the average of analysts tracked by Visible Alpha. Tesla (TSLA) shares rose close to 4% Friday amid a broader market rebound, but still posted losses for the eighth week in a row, with some analysts expecting the stock to fall further. The stock has given up roughly all its gains since the Nov. 5 election, and has lost nearly half its value from a Dec. 17 closing peak of $479.86. This week, analysts from Wells Fargo and JPMorgan lowered their price targets to $130 and $120, respectively, suggesting the stock could lose nearly half its value from Friday's close at $249.98. The new price targets from Wells Fargo and JPMorgan are particularly bearish, well below the average of analysts tracked by Visible Alpha at $366, which would imply a premium of almost 50% from Friday's level. Wells Fargo analysts said they "initially dismissed" worries political backlash to CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration would hurt the EV maker, but recent protests and reports of vandalism against Tesla vehicles have challenged that, as they "raise the stakes for potential buyers." The analysts highlighted declining sales in the U.S., China, and in Europe. On Friday, reports also emerged that Tesla was one of several automakers that raised concerns with the U.S. Trade Representative's office about the Trump administration's actions on tariffs. Letters from Tesla and other car companies reportedly said that the tariffs could lead to retaliation from other countries, which could hurt the U.S. auto industry. Read the original article on Investopedia March 16, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 16.03.2025, 20:00 A roundup of local and international news. SOLIDARITY Romanias interim president Ilie Bolojan conveyed, in a message on Sunday, Romanias solidarity with the people of North Macedonia, following the fire in a city in the east of the country, which left dozens dead and over 150 injured. In turn, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu sent his condolences and said that Romania is ready to offer its support. The fire broke out on the night of Saturday to Sunday, in a crowded club, where a famous hip-hop band was performing. Most people in the audience were young. The fire reportedly broke out as a result of the use of pyrotechnic devices. The tragedy in North Macedonia is reminiscent of the one that took place in Bucharest, on October 30, 2015, at the Colectiv club, when a fire also broke out as a result of fireworks that lit the ceiling. 64 young people died in the fire 27 that night, and the rest of them in hospital, in the weeks that followed. 150 people were injured. In 2017, almost 2 years after the Colectiv fire, one of the survivors committed suicide. PRESIDENCY- Romania will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to ensure a lasting and fair peace, the countrys interim President Ilie Bolojan said in a message posted on the Internet, after participating, on Saturday, in a videoconference on Ukraine, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Bolojan said that an unconditional ceasefire is a first step towards a lasting peace, and Russia must agree to this. Ilie Bolojan also advocated coordination between the states that participated in the discussions several European countries, as well as Canada, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. DECISION In Romania, the National Audiovisual Council has decided to require the TikTok platform to remove clips and audio-video material inciting violence against members of the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC). The BEC notified the CNA about this content, and the Council identified the profiles responsible for distributing the materials, even if some of them were no longer public. The respective accounts are to be analyzed and, if necessary, their closure may be ordered. The CNA specifies that it operates on a permanent basis and constantly maintains contact with the public and with the relevant authorities on this period preceding the presidential elections, namely the Central Electoral Bureau and the Permanent Electoral Authority. ELECTIONS The interim President of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, will held talks, on Monday with representatives of the authorities and public institutions responsible for organizing the presidential elections in May. The period for submitting candidacies for the presidential seat ended, and the final list of those who will enter the race will be made public on Thursday. The Central Electoral Bureau has received a total of 21 submissions, among which three of independents the current mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, the former social-democratic prime minister, Victor Ponta, and John-Ion Banu-Muscel. Another candidate is Crin Antonescu, running for the Romania Forward Alliance, formed by the current ruling parties PSD, PNL and UDMR,, as well as representatives of the opposition, such as the USR president Elena Lasconi, the head of AUR, George Simion, Lavinia Sandru representing PUSL, and Cristian Terhes with the Romanian National Conservative Party. Among the rejected candidates is that of the independent sovereignist Calin Georgescu. The first round will take place on May 4, and the second on May 18. WEATHER After several days of extremely high temperatures for this time of year, the weather in Romania is changing significantly. On Monday, temperatures will continue to drop in most of the country. The sky will be overcast and precipitation will be present in most areas, especially in the form of snow in the mountainous areas, mixed in the west, center and east of Romania and predominantly showers in the rest. The wind will intensify in almost the entire country, and in the mountains, at high altitudes, the gusts will be 75 to 90 km/h and there will also be blizzard. The minimum temperatures will range from minus 11 to plus 3 degrees Celsius, and the maximum between 3 and 15 degrees. (EE) March 16, 2025 A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 16.03.2025, 14:00 A roundup of local and international news. PRESIDENCY- Romania will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to ensure a lasting and fair peace, the countrys interim President Ilie Bolojan said in a message posted on the Internet, after participating, on Saturday, in a videoconference on Ukraine, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Bolojan said that an unconditional ceasefire is a first step towards a lasting peace, and Russia must agree to this. Ilie Bolojan also advocated coordination between the states that participated in the discussions several European countries, as well as Canada, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. BELGRADE Tens of thousands of demonstrators descended on Serbias capital Belgrade on Saturday to express their discontent after years of dictatorship and corruption in a student-led rally, one of the largest in Serbias recent history, France Presse reports. Many of the protesters wore a badge with a bloody hand the symbol of the movement, which adopted the slogan corruption kills. Groups of motorcyclists, veterans and the student police, which has provided security for the movement since its inception, formed a security ring around the procession to prevent unrest, especially in front of parliament and the presidency. Dozens of farmers driving their tractors also arrived in support of the students. Since the Novi Sad train station accident on November 1, which killed 15 people when the concrete roof of a recently renovated building collapsed, demonstrations have taken place across the country. Demonstrators see the accident as evidence of corruption that they say taints public institutions. DECISION In Romania, the National Audiovisual Council has decided to require the TikTok platform to remove clips and audio-video material inciting violence against members of the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC). The BEC notified the CNA about this content, and the Council identified the profiles responsible for distributing the materials, even if some of them were no longer public. The respective accounts are to be analyzed and, if necessary, their closure may be ordered. The CNA specifies that it operates on a permanent basis and constantly maintains contact with the public and with the relevant authorities on this period preceding the presidential elections, namely the Central Electoral Bureau and the Permanent Electoral Authority. ELECTIONS The period for submitting candidacies to the Central Electoral Bureau for the May presidential elections in Romania ended at midnight on Saturday. The Central Electoral Bureau registered eight candidacies, three of independents the current mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, the former social-democratic prime minister, Victor Ponta, and John-Ion Banu-Muscel. Another candidate is Crin Antonescu, running for the Romania Forward Alliance, formed by the current ruling parties PSD, PNL and UDMR,, as well as representatives of the opposition, such as the USR president Elena Lasconi, the head of AUR, George Simion, Lavinia Sandru representing PUSL, and Cristian Terhes with the Romanian National Conservative Party. Among the rejected candidates is that of the independent sovereignist Calin Georgescu, who had ranked first in Romanians voting options in last winters presidential elections, annulled by the Constitutional Court, which invoked foreign interference. The Courts judges considered that the irregularities attributed to Calin Georgescu in the 2024 election had implicitly affected his right to run in the new election in May. The electoral campaign for the presidential elections begins on April 4 and ends on the morning of May 3. The first round will take place on May 4, and the second if necessary on May 18. FIRE Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has conveyed his condolences for the victims of the fire in the city of Kocani, North Macedonia, which killed dozens of people, and said that Romania is ready to offer its support. At least 50 people died and over 100 were injured in a fire that broke out in a nightclub in the city of Kocani on Saturday night, France Presse reports. The fire broke out in a crowded nightclub, where a famous hip-hop band was performing. The fire was allegedly caused by the use of pyrotechnic devices, according to media reports. EUROPE A pro-European rally took place on Saturday afternoon in the center of Bucharest. Approximately 10,000 people of all ages from the capital and other cities answered the call of civic organizations. With flags of Romania and the European Union, people demonstrated peacefully and formed a heart out of sheets of paper and lights to convey that their hearts beat for Europe and European values. Any desire to distance Romania from the European Union would coincide with turning directly towards the Russian Federation, and this would cancel decades of efforts made by millions of Romanians for democracy and prosperity, for freedom and equal opportunities, the organizers of the event said. According to them, Romanians have adhered, over time, not only formally, but also morally to the pillars of the European Union: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, peace, respect for human rights. Similar actions took place in several other European capitals. (EE) China is scheduled to release a raft of data on Monday, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. On tap are February figures for industrial production, retail sales, fixed asset investment, house prices and unemployment. Industrial production is expected to rise 5.4 percent on year, down from 6.2 percent in January. Retail sales are seen higher by an annual 4.0 percent, up from 3.7 percent in the previous month. Fixed asset investment is tipped to climb 3.8 percent on year, up from 3.2 percent a month earlier. House prices fell an annual 5.0 percent in January, while the jobless rate was 5.1 percent. Indonesia will provide February data for imports, exports and trade balance. In January, imports were down 2.67 percent on year and exports rose an annual 4.68 percent for a trade surplus of $3.45 billion. Singapore will see February numbers for non-oil domestic exports; in January, NODX were down 3.3 percent on month and 2.1 percent on year. New Zealand will see February results for the Performance of Services Index from BusinessNZ; in January, the index score was 50.4. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. After taking a look at the sub 4m SUV and Compact SUV (4.2-4.4m) segment, let us now take a look at sales in the mid-size SUV segment (4.4m to 4.7m). This segment recorded total sales of 28,204 units in February 2025, marking a 7.18% decline compared to 30,386 units sold in February 2024. Mahindra continues to dominate the segment, while Tata and MG saw steep declines. Mid Size SUV Sales Feb 2025 YoY Comparison Mahindra Scorpio and Scorpio N retained the top spot with 13,618 units, though sales dropped 9.52% YoY from 15,051 units last year. The XUV700, on the other hand, saw a positive growth of 14.08%, selling 7,468 units compared to 6,546 units in Feb 2024. A significant addition was Mahindras all-electric XEV 9e, with 2,205 units sold. Customer deliveries of the new XEV 9e will start this week. Tata Motors faced a sharp decline, with the Safari dropping 41.01% YoY to 1,562 units, down from 2,648 units last year. The Harrier saw an even steeper drop of 46.29%, selling 1,376 units compared to 2,562 units in Feb 2024. Hyundais Alcazar remained relatively stable, declining only 2.02% YoY, with 1,264 units sold. MG Hector and Hector Plus experienced the most drastic fall, plummeting 71.80% YoY to 515 units, compared to 1,826 units last year. The Jeep Compass also declined by 41.18%, selling just 120 units. Hyundais premium Tucson dropped 53.50%, while Volkswagen Tiguan sales fell sharply by 98.04%. Citroens C5 Aircross recorded just one unit sold in Feb 2025. Mid Size SUV Sales Feb 2025 MoM Comparison The segment saw a 6.02% month-on-month (MoM) decline in February 2025, with total sales dropping from 30,011 units in January to 28,204 units in February. While Mahindra remained the segment leader, its key models saw declines, while MG and Hyundai posted slight gains. Mahindra Scorpio and Scorpio N saw an 11.81% MoM drop from 15,442 units in January. XUV700 also fell by 11.08%, with 7,468 units sold compared to 8,399 units in January. However, Mahindras electric entry, the XEV 9e, nearly doubled its sales with a 93.93% MoM surge, increasing from 1,137 units to 2,205 units. Among Tata models, the Safari remained steady, growing marginally by 0.90%, with 1,562 units sold compared to 1,548 units in January. The Harrier saw a 7.53% decline, dropping from 1,488 units to 1,376 units. Hyundais Alcazar slipped by 3.51%, while the Tucson recorded a 14.06% increase, albeit with low volumes (73 units in February vs. 64 in January). MGs Hector and Hector Plus posted a 14.70% MoM growth, with 515 units sold in February compared to 449 in January. Jeep Compass dropped significantly by 30.64%, selling only 120 units compared to 173 units the previous month. Volkswagen Tiguan doubled its sales, albeit from 1 to 2 units, while Citroens C5 Aircross saw its first unit dispatched in February. Immigration by the numbers 11 million: Estimated number of undocumented residents living in the U.S. 980,080: Number of green cards issued in fiscal year 2024 3.7 million: Total backlog in immigration court cases in January 2025 1.9 million: Estimated number of defensive asylum applications in immigration courts in January 2025, creating wait times of two to six years. 1.14 million: Backlog of affirmative asylum cases in fiscal year 2024, creating a typical wait of four or more years for review by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 8.3 million: Backlog in family pathway green card requests in November 2022; wait times vary from six to 10 years or more: High immigration countries like Mexico merit an average 232.7-year wait for the lowest family preference green card pathway for siblings of adult citizens. 1.8 million: Backlog in employment pathway green cards in March 2023; wait times vary widely and also hit hardest countries of high immigration: For the more than 1 million Indian nationals attempting to migrate with an EB-2, or advanced degree visa, the wait was 134 years in March 2023, while those from some other countries might see virtually no wait time. Sources: U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services, Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse and the Cato Institute New research shows that people with eating disorders are more harshly judged than those suffering from depression, making it much harder for them to seek treatment. That's the finding from a new University of South Australia study involving 235 people from the general population comparing attitudes towards binge eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression. The study, published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, demonstrates the social stigma surrounding eating disorders, particularly binge eating, which was perceived as the most trivial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups and asked to fill out a questionnaire that measured levels of stigma associated with their allocated psychological condition. Despite one million Australians experiencing an eating disorder, and binge eating accounting for almost half of this number, there is a strong social stigma attached to these conditions, according to lead author Carlye Aird, who was a UniSA Honours student at the time of the study "Our findings show that people with eating disorders face significant social stigma, which can make it even harder for them to seek help," Carlye says. "Misconceptions that these disorders are self-inflicted or not serious enough to warrant medical attention are incredibly harmful." While all three eating disorders were stigmatised more than depression, binge eating was linked to weight-related stereotypes and more harshly perceived. Eating disorders (ED) are growing at an alarming rate among young Australians especially, as demonstrated by a 62% increase in ED presentations among children and adolescents between 2018 and 2020. Anorexia nervosa (AN) has the highest mortality rate of all psychological disorders, affecting around 30,000 Australians, while approximately 120,000 Australians have bulimia nervosa (BM), according to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration. The researchers argue that increasing public education and awareness is crucial to reducing stigma and ensuring that individuals with eating disorders receive the support they need. "We need to shift the conversation around eating disorders and challenge the myths that they are simply a lifestyle choice or a sign of personal weakness," co-author Dr Stephanie Webb says. "By reducing the stigma, it will encourage people with eating disorders to seek professional help earlier and improve the outcomes, ultimately saving lives in some cases." A research team from the Medical University of Vienna has made further progress in the treatment of intestinal inflammation. A study shows that the semi-synthetic bile acid NorUDCA inhibits in the intestine the formation of pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells (TH17) and at the same time promotes the generation of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells. This could be a promising new therapeutic option for patients with TH17-mediated intestinal diseases. The results were recently published in the journal Gut. NorUDCA (24-nor-ursodeoxycholic acid) is a chemically modified bile acid that has already shown promising results in the treatment of liver diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and is being tested in clinical studies. As PSC is often associated and potentially causally linked with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, a MedUni Vienna research team, jointly led by Michael Trauner (Clinical Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and Wilfried Ellmeier (Institute of Immunology), has now investigated the effect of NorUDCA on the intestinal immune system. It was shown that NorUDCA not only inhibits pro-inflammatory TH17 cells, but also favors their conversion into regulatory T cells (Tregs). Various mouse models that mimic intestinal inflammation were used to investigate the effect of NorUDCA. These included a model in which certain immune cells (CD4+ T cells) were transferred into immunocompromised mice to analyze the role of TH17 cells. Another mouse model used human immune cells from PSC patients to transfer the results to humans. State-of-the-art analytical methods such as multicolour flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and metabolic analyses using mass spectrometry helped to uncover the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of NorUDCA. The results in the models show that NorUDCA also has an effect on human immune cells. Ci Ashley Zhu, senior postdoc and first author of the study: "We were able to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of NorUDCA not only in mouse models, but also in a humanised mouse model with cells from PSC patients, which indicates that this effect could also work in the human intestine." This study provided new mechanistic insights into the signaling action of bile acids in the gut-liver axis. Wilfried Ellmeier explains: "The results of our study provide new insights into the regulation and modulation of TH17 cells and show how metabolic processes in immune cells can be specifically influenced by NorUDCA in order to treat T-cell-mediated inflammatory diseases. The result of this research is the outcome of a successful collaboration between basic immunological research and clinical gastroenterology and hepatology at MedUni Vienna." Michael Trauner adds: "The fact that NorUDCA has a significant immunomodulatory effect not only in the liver, but also in the intestine, could lead to the development of new therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in the future, in addition to its importance for the treatment of PSC. The preclinical data also indicate that these immunomodulatory processes could even influence neuroinflammatory processes in the brain, i.e. outside the gut-liver axis." The research, which was initiated during a retreat of the Immunology Research Cluster of the Medical University of Vienna, was supported by funding from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). A research team led by Professor Kyu-Young Park from the Institute of Ferrous & Eco Materials Technology, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, POSTECH conducted joint research with Samsung SDI, Northwestern University, and Chung-Ang University research team to develop technology that will dramatically increase the lifespan and energy density of electric vehicle (EV) battery. This research was recently published in ACS Nano online, an international academic journal of materials. An electric-vehicle battery must maintain its performance while repeatedly being charged and discharged. However, the current technology has one big issue: the charging and discharging process causes the battery's positive active materials to expand and contract repeatedly, causing microscopic cracks within. As the time goes, the battery performance drastically decreases. To prevent this, researchers are increasing strength of the cathode active materials or by adding reinforcement dopant, but these could not become a fundamental solution. The key to this research is the 'nano-spring coating' technology that can design elastic structures. The research team im\plemented a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the surface of battery electrode materials. This absorbed strain energy generated from the charging and discharging process, preventing cracks, and minimizing thickness changes in electrodes to improve stability. The team successfully and effectively suppressed cracks within the battery and simultaneously improving its lifespan and performance. This technology allows you to minimize resistance caused by volume changes of the material with only a small amount (0.5wt%, weight percentage) of conductive material. It can realize a high energy density of 570 Wh/kg or above. Also, it shows excellent lifespan by maintaining 78% of the initial battery capacity after 1,000 charge and discharge cycles or above. In particular, this technology can be easily combined with the existing battery manufacturing processes, allowing easy mass production, and commercialization. This development is expected to overcome current limitations in battery technology, paving the way for more efficient and durable EV batteries. This can contribute to the development of electric vehicles that are superior to the existing ones. Professor Kyu-Young Park of POSTECH said, "With a different approach from existing ones, this research effectively controlled changes that could occur to a battery during the charging and discharging process. This technology can be widely used not only in the secondary battery industry but also in various industries where material durability is important." This research was supported by Samsung SDI, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and basic research fund from the Ministry of Science and ICT. Antibody treatment which activates the patient's own immune system against cancer, known as immunotherapy, is increasingly being investigated as an alternative for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This is because it specifically targets the cancer cells, which reduces the side effects seen with more conventional therapies. Tumours, such as some breast and ovarian cancers, can express the marker HER2. HER2 is responsible for cancer growth and is the target of existing therapies, such as the most commonly used type of antibodies, IgG. However, this treatment is not always effective in some patients. Now scientists have investigated a different antibody type, IgE, which activates the patient's immune system in different ways to IgG. As they act on different immune cells to IgG, IgE antibodies uniquely stimulate otherwise inactive immune cells in the 'microenvironment' surrounding the tumour to directly target the cancer cells. In the study, led by Dr Heather Bax at King's College London, the team engineered IgE versions of existing IgG therapies, and tested their ability to activate immune cells against HER2-expressing cancer cells. IgE was shown to direct immune cells against HER2-expressing cancer cells, and slowed tumour growth in mice. The tumours grown in mice are known to be resistant to conventional treatments, suggesting this new treatment could be an option for patients who don't respond to existing therapy. Further investigation revealed that IgE antibodies stimulated and reprogrammed the 'immune microenvironment' around the tumours themselves -- shifting from an immunosuppressive to an immunostimulatory response. This means the immune system was activated to target the cancer cells, and to overcome the actions of the tumour to suppress attack. The study, published in Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC), with funding from Breast Cancer Now, has shown the potential of IgE as a new therapy for HER2-expressing cancers, including those resistant to other treatments. The researchers believe that, with the right investment and development, this approach could be used in humans in as soon as 3-5 years. Senior Author Dr Heather Bax, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in St. John's Institute of Dermatology, at King's College London, said: "Around 20% of breast and ovarian cancers express the marker, HER2. By generating anti-HER2 IgE antibodies equivalent to the clinically used IgGs, for the first time we demonstrate that IgEs harness unique mechanisms to reprogramme the immune microenvironment, switching immune cells to effectively target HER2-expressing cancers, including those resistant to existing therapies. "Our findings indicate that IgE antibodies could offer a potential new therapy option for patients with HER2-expressing cancer." Co-Author Professor Sophia Karagiannis, Professor of Translational Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, in St. John's Institute of Dermatology, at King's College London, added: "By generating a panel of IgE antibodies and studying them in different tumour types, we consistently found that the human immune system reacts in the presence of IgE to restrict the growth of cancer. "The findings of our latest study speak to the potential of applying IgE to stimulate effective responses against hard-to-treat solid tumours. This new class of drugs holds promise to benefit different patient groups and opens a new frontier in the battle against cancer." Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, head of research communications and engagement at Breast Cancer Now, who provided funding for the study, said: "This exciting research could lead to much-needed new treatments for people with HER2 positive breast cancer whose cancers don't respond to existing therapies. Now we know that the treatment works in principle in mice, researchers can continue to develop this immunotherapy to make it suitable for people, as well as to understand the full effect it could have and who it may benefit the most." High-grade glioma, an aggressive form of pediatric and adult brain cancer, is challenging to treat given the tumor location, incidence of recurrence and difficulty for drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier. Researchers from the University of Michigan, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Medical University of Vienna established a collaborative team to uncover a potential new avenue to address this disease. A study, published in Cancer Cell, shows that high-grade glioma tumor cells harboring DNA alterations in the gene PDGFRA responded to the drug avapritinib, which is already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors with a PDGFRA exon 18 mutation as well advanced systemic mastocytosis and indolent systemic mastocytosis. "We were excited to see that avapritinib essentially shut off PDGFRA signaling in mouse brain tumors," said Carl Koschmann, M.D., ChadTough Defeat DIPG Research Professor and?clinical scientific director of the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Aside from surgery and radiation, there aren't effective drugs to treat high-grade gliomas, especially upon recurrence. Koschmann and his collaborators targeted PDGFRA, which is one of the most commonly mutated genes, as a potential inroad to discover new drug therapies. "We'd been doing screens with a lot of commercially available drugs that inhibit PDGFRA. We found avapritinib to be the strongest and most focused inhibitor that targets PDGFRA alterations," Koschmann said. Along with colleagues from the labs of Mariella Filbin MD, PhD (Dana Farber Cancer Institute) and Johannes Gojo (Medical University of Vienna) who were investigating the effectiveness of PDGFRA inhibitors, Koschmann and his team were excited to see that avapritinib crosses the blood brain barrier, a normally high hurdle for drugs. "When we gave mice the drug and showed that it reached the brain, we knew we were onto something," explained Kallen Schwark, a U-M M.D./Ph.D. student and one of the study's lead authors. The team was able to treat some patients with high-grade glioma through an expanded access program established by Blueprint, while a clinical trial was not yet available. "Across multiple international institutions, we treated the first eight patients with high-grade glioma with avapritinib," Koschmann explained. "The patients tolerated the drug well and in three of the eight patients, we were able to see their tumors shrink." This early data and preclinical data helped provide the basis to include pediatric high-grade glioma in a phase I pediatric solid tumor trial, which recently completed accrual, and for which analysis is underway. "We have very few examples of drugs entering brain tumors like this and shutting down key oncogenic pathways. These results support a lot of ongoing efforts to build on the success of avapritinib and other brain penetrant small molecule inhibitors," Koschmann continued. High-grade gliomas are very aggressive, with a prognosis of less than two years and limited treatment options. Though this work is preliminary, Koschmann is hopeful that avapritinib could be an additional tool to help patients. "We know a single drug is not going to be enough for this disease," he said. "The way to make true progress will be combining many different types of modalities, like combining drugs that are target pathways activated by the first drug. We already have a follow-up story on targeting avapritinib with MAP kinase inhibitors that we are just as excited about." Teeth recovered from a beloved zoo elephant that died in 2008 are helping University of Utah geologists develop a method for tracking the movements of large herbivores across landscapes, even for animals now extinct, such as mastodons and mammoths. Outlined in recently published findings, the technique analyzes isotope ratios of the element strontium (Sr), which accumulates in tooth enamel. For large plant-eating land mammals, the relative abundance of two strontium isotopes in teeth and tusks reflects where the creature may have roamed during its lifetime. "Our study not only adds to our understanding of how tooth enamel records an animal's Sr isotope exposure, but also helps to reconstruct animal migrations from Sr isotope analysis," lead author Deming Yang said in a posting about the research. "It can be applied to studies of paleobiology, to answer how megaherbivores migrated in the past. It can also be applied to studies of modern conservation and forensics, to trace the origins of illegal ivory trade and other forms of wildlife trafficking." The star of the study is Misha, a female elephant acquired by Salt Lake City's Hogle Zoo in 2005. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium from the environment accumulates in highly mineralized tissues, such as animals' bones and teeth. "As animals eat and drink, they pick up this environmental signature and store it in their teeth, preserving a series of environmental exposures like historic archives," Yang wrote. This is because the geology of different places presents different isotope signatures for 87-strontium/86-strontium [87Sr/86Sr] and those isotope ratios are reflected in plants and water. "We use other elements, but in this case, we're focusing on strontium, which has proven to be really useful because of its strong link to geology," coauthor Gabe Bowen said. "Ultimately it comes down to where that element comes from, how the animal gets it into their body and from what sources." The isotope 87Sr is radiogenic, meaning it is produced from the decay of another element, in this case rubidium, found next door to strontium on the Periodic Table, whose half-life exceeds 49 billion years, about 10 times the age of Earth. While 87Sr increases over time, the abundance of other strontium isotopes remains fixed. Accordingly, isotope ratios are a proxy for the age of rocks and typically differ from place to place. Coauthor Thure Cerling, a highly decorated distinguished U professor of both geology and biology, is a pioneer in the use of isotope analysis to shed light on ecological questions such as soil formation, animal physiology, wildlife ecology and climate change. Upon hearing of Misha's death in news reports in 2008, Cerling saw a rare chance to advance the science of isotope geology. He reached out to Hogle Zoo to get permission to extract the elephant's molars and a tusk before she could be buried. What made the teeth so useful to Cerling and his colleagues was the veterinary record of where Misha lived over the 27-year course of her life. As a postdoctoral researcher, Yang led the research to investigate how Misha's tusk and teeth recorded her strontium exposures years before her death, including her relocation history. The elephant arrived in Salt Lake City in 2005 from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California. "It's a very simple movement history. She lived in one location for a decade or more, and then moved here [to Salt Lake City], and we know the date of that move," Bowen said. "We don't have a lot of opportunities to see these kinds of natural experiments." The team used laser ablation to sample material from various growth lines along the elephant's tooth enamel and tusk, which was measured using a mass spectrometer capable of identifying amounts of strontium isotopes they contained. The researchers found that the innermost layer of enamel best preserves the isotope record and is the ideal place for sampling. "We determined the strontium isotopes from the top to the bottom of the tooth in different parallel lines and those represent different times in the growth of Misha," said geologist Diego Fernandez, who operates the U's mass spectrometry lab. "It captured the time where Misha was moved from California to Utah." Undergraduate Katya Podkovyroff helped Fernandez refine the lab procedures for taking samples of bioapatite, the calcium material that makes up bone and enamel. "It was in this lab where I got my first hands-on experience with scientific research, and I immediately fell in love. One of the most thrilling aspects of the job was learning that each sample carried a history, a mystery waiting to be unraveled through chemical signatures," said Podkovyroff, now a graduate student at the University of Oregon. "This research was both exciting and challenging: sampling ivory required extreme precision, as even minor contamination could alter results, and isotope purification is a meticulous and time-consuming process," she continued. "The most rewarding aspect of this project was its broader implications beyond a single case study: it has applications in modern conservation efforts, with the ability to trace the origins of illegal ivory trade." Hydrology experts at Flinders University are calling for urgent investigations into the operation of bore-fields that access fresh groundwater on Pacific islands, including Kiribati, where rising sea levels are already putting local water supplies at risk. "These atoll islands have the most threatened fresh groundwater on earth, and are relied upon by some of the most remote communities," says Flinders University's Professor Adrian Werner. Modelling of a specialised form of fresh groundwater extraction, featuring horizontal wells, has the potential to reduce the risk of aquifer reserves being overused, and to provide drinking water of lower salinity. Such wells, also known as infiltration galleries or skimming wells, play a crucial role in extracting fresh groundwater on atoll islands. They typically comprise horizontal or slightly inclined slotted pipes, surrounded by a gravel pack and connected to an extraction well or sump. These infiltration galleries skim fresh groundwater from shallow depths while minimising the risk of saltwater intrusion beneath thin subterranean freshwater lenses, which typically range 3 to 21 metres in thickness. The design, construction and operation of these galleries need to be precise to avoid drawing seawater into the island's water supply. Such galleries are currently in operation across several atoll islands, and Flinders researchers have focused on nine small islands in the Pacific Ocean, including Kiritimati Atoll and Bonriki Island in Kiribati, Lifuka Island in Tonga, and the Cocos Islands. While these systems provide crucial freshwater supplies, information is lacking about the optimal layout of infiltration galleries, pipe characteristics and pumping rates. There is also limited data on the performance of these galleries -- specifically pumping rates and salinity levels -- on small atoll islands. A research team from the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) at Flinders University, led by Professor Werner and Dr Amir Jazayeri, was commissioned by the Pacific Community (SPC), under the management of Mr Peter Sinclair, to address these research gaps and evaluate the performance of infiltration galleries across Pacific islands. They also performed modelling to assess how infiltration galleries on atolls will be affected by rising sea levels in the future. This comprehensive study involved collecting extensive data on the hydraulic properties of atoll island aquifers and analysing the design of infiltration galleries across the region. Valuable insights were gathered from infiltration gallery operators during Flinders University's participation in the Pacific Groundwater Gallery Knowledge Exchange (PGGKE) workshop, held on Kiritimati Atoll (Kiribati) in November 2023. The research also incorporated computer modelling simulations and physical laboratory experiments conducted at Flinders University's Sand Tank Laboratory, to gain a deeper understanding of infiltration gallery performance. The findings of this study have been published as a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) scientific technical report, providing critical guidance for sustainable groundwater management in the Pacific. "While many studies have examined horizontal wells in other contexts, the specific conditions of small islands, especially atolls, places unique demands on infiltration galleries," says Professor Werner. Dr Jazayeri says the research team continues to focus on solutions to protect freshwater resources and serve the demands of isolated communities across the Pacific, using a wide range of research techniques. "We believe that expanding the use of infiltration gallery systems in other coastal aquifers can significantly contribute to managing crucial coastal freshwater resources, both in Australia and globally," says Dr Jazayeri. The review article -- 'Construction and performance of infiltration galleries (skimming wells): A review of applications to Pacific atoll islands' (2025) by Amir Jazayeri and Adrian Werner -- has been published in the Journal of Hydrology. DOI:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.132581 Professor Werner is confident the findings will have wider applications across many countries. "The insights gained from applying infiltration galleries to Pacific atolls offers opportunities for more widespread applications within continental aquifers, especially to capture submarine fresh groundwater discharge that is otherwise lost through mixing with seawater and to mitigate seawater intrusion," he says. "This all contributes to global groundwater management strategies." Professor Werner says further research is now needed into optimal designs and wider application in continental aquifers. The smoke from fires that blaze through the wildland-urban interface (WUI) has far greater health impacts than smoke from wildfires in remote areas, new research finds. The study, published this week in Science Advances, estimates that emissions from WUI fires are proportionately about three times more likely to lead to annual premature deaths than emissions from wildfires in general. This is because the fires, and their associated emissions, are far closer to populated areas. The work was conducted by an international team of researchers, led by scientists at the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR). The study drew on a database of WUI fires and advanced computer modeling techniques. "Even though the emissions of WUI fires are relatively small globally, the health impacts are proportionately large because they're closer to human populations," said NSF NCAR scientist Wenfu Tang, the lead author. "Pollutants emitted by WUI fires such as particulate matter and the precursors to ozone are more harmful because they're not dispersing across hundreds or thousands of miles." The study was funded by NOAA and NSF. The spread of WUI fires The wildland-urban interface is the geographic area where wildland vegetation and developed land come together or intermingle. WUI areas have been expanding on all populated continents and now constitute about 5% of the world's land area, excluding Antarctica. With this expansion have come devastating fires. Some of the deadliest WUI blazes in recent years include the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Australia that directly killed 173 people, the 2018 Attica fires in Greece that killed 104, and the 2023 Lahaina Fire in Hawaii that killed 100. At the beginning of this year, a disastrous outbreak of fires in Southern California burned an estimated 16,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, with estimates of financial losses ranging up to $250 billion or higher. A previous study led by Tang used satellite observations and machine learning techniques to show that the fraction of global fires that occur in WUI areas has increased significantly this century. Building on that work, Tang and her colleagues wanted to estimate the health effects of the fire emissions beyond the immediate deaths. Certain pollutants associated with smoke, such as fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone, are especially harmful to cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The researchers turned to an advanced NSF NCAR-based computer model, the Multi-Scale Infrastructure for Chemistry and Aerosols (MUSICA), to simulate pollutants from fires. Their modeling included carbon monoxide chemical tracers, which enabled them to estimate the sources of emissions and differentiate between wildland and WUI fires. They also used a dataset of WUI fires in the recent two decades worldwide, which Tang and her colleagues developed last year. To compare emissions of WUI fires with those from wildland fires, the researchers simulated four scenarios. These consisted of: no fires, both WUI and wildland fires, WUI fires only, and wildland fires only. The difference between all fires and just wildland fires indicated the impacts of WUI fire emissions. The results showed that WUI fire emissions constituted 3.1% of all fire emissions across the six populated continents in 2020. However, the fractional contribution of WUI fire emissions to premature deaths was 8.8% of all fire emissions because of how many people were affected by smoke from WUI fires. The numbers varied by continent depending on the proximity of dense populations to WUI fires. In North America, for example, WUI fires represented 6% of all fires and 9.3 % of premature deaths from emissions. In Europe, however, those numbers were 11.4% and 13.7%, respectively. A critical factor that Tang wants to examine next is the difference in emissions from wildland fires that consume trees and other vegetation as opposed to WUI fires that burn down structures that often contain additional toxic substances. The smoke from different burned materials may have widely varying impacts on human health. "It is very important to have an emission inventory that explicitly accounts for the burning of structures," Tang said. "We need to know what is being burned in order to determine what is going up in smoke." Adding immunotherapy to a new type of inhibitor that targets multiple forms of the cancer-causing gene mutation KRAS kept pancreatic cancer at bay in preclinical models for significantly longer than the same targeted therapy by itself, according to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. The results, published in Cancer Discovery, prime the combination strategy for future clinical trials. Combatting the "undruggable" RAS genes Patients with pancreatic cancer have an overall poor prognosis: in most patients, the disease has already spread at the time of diagnosis, resulting in limited treatment options. Nearly 90 percent of pancreatic cancers are driven by KRAS mutations, the most common cancer-causing gene mutation across cancer types, which researchers long considered "undruggable." In 2021, the first KRAS inhibitor was approved to treat non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS G12C mutations, but with longer follow-up, it has become clear that KRAS-mutant cancers can quickly evolve to resist therapies targeted at one specific form of the gene mutation. "We've been excited by the prospect of RAS inhibition for pancreatic cancer, which remains one of the deadliest and most difficult forms of cancer to treat," said co-corresponding senior author Ben Stanger, MD, PhD, the Hanna Wise Professor in Cancer Research and director of the Penn Pancreatic Cancer Research Center. "While the first wave of KRAS inhibitors have had limited impact in cancer care, this research shows that newer RAS inhibition tools may have an immune stimulatory effect, making them ideal to pair with immunotherapy for longer and better treatment response." Previous research led by Stanger and Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center, who is also co-corresponding author on this study, showed that a small molecule inhibitor specifically targeting KRAS G12D, the form of the mutation more commonly found in pancreatic cancer, stimulated the immune system while shrinking tumors or stopping cancer growth in preclinical mouse models of pancreatic cancer. A new type of RAS inhibitor In this study, the researchers used RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitors, the investigational agent daraxonrasib (RMC-6236) and the preclinical tool compound RMC-7977 (both discovered by Revolution Medicines, whose scientists contributed to the study). These inhibitors use a different mechanism of action than most other KRAS inhibitors (including that in the previous study) to target the active or ON-state of multiple forms of RAS mutations. "The benefit of this 'multi-selective' approach is that the inhibitors are designed to inhibit multiple RAS mutations, so if the cancer mutates, and another type of RAS mutation emerges, the treatment may not necessarily stop working," Vonderheide explained. The research team found that not only was RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibition effective in preclinical pancreatic cancer models, but it was even more effective when combined with immunotherapy. Using the combination approach, all mouse models had tumor shrinkage and half had a complete response, meaning the tumor was eliminated. The research team used a Penn-developed immunocompetent model considered the gold standard worldwide for assessing potential therapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This model allows the tumor to spontaneously evolve after implantation, making it possible to discern the drug's impact on the surrounding tumor microenvironment. The research team found that RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibition reshaped the tumor microenvironment by bringing in more T cells and other immune cells, making the tumor particularly receptive to immunotherapy. Next steps and clinical trial information Daraxonrasib (RMC-6236) is already being tested in clinical trials across the United States. A clinical trial testing RAS(ON) inhibitors with other anticancer agents in certain patients with gastrointestinal solid tumors is now open at several sites across the country, including at Penn Medicine. Click here for more information about the study. "We're hopeful that we're starting to crack the code on immunotherapy and RAS therapy for pancreatic cancer," Vonderheide said. "After decades of limited progress, it's encouraging to see new treatment approaches making their way into the clinic for patients." The study was supported by Revolution Medicines, the National Institutes of Health (R01CA252225, R01CA276512, P30DK050306, P30CA016520) the Department of Defense (W81XWH2210730), the Molecular Pathology and Imaging Core, A Love for Life, the Basser Center for BRCA, and the Penn Pancreatic Cancer Research Center. Information for patients interested in joining a clinical trial: visit Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center Clinical Trial Information Service online or call 1-855-216-0098 to speak to a clinical trial navigator. Editor's note: Vonderheide is an inventor on patents relating to cancer cellular immunotherapy and KRAS immune epitopes. Downtown businesses came and went in 2024, with some shuttering their doors permanently due to factors like the rising cost of business and residual challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. But several others moved in and expanded their operations. Yvonne Woods, once CBI's most esteemed forensic scientist, is accused of more than 1,000 irregularities, including manipulating data, skipping steps, and failing to analyze evidence. The scandal at Colorado Bureau of Investigation's forensic lab is similar to cases of misconduct in Massachusetts and Oklahoma. These events led to the release of tens of thousands, including one man on death row. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scandal involving the state's most prolific and revered DNA analyst, Yvonne Woods, has led to the discovery of irregularities in procedures and manipulated or deleted data in over 1,000 past criminal cases. Despite the scandal breaking nearly 17 months ago, the true scope of the crisis remains mostly unknown, unclear or hidden. Critics allege it is intentional as those with potentially conflicting interests including the state's attorney general whose office represents CBI appear to be trying to limit the damage by finding ways to edit, delay, or outright block the release of needed information. ITV and All3Media's continue to forge ahead with their plans to create a 3bn British TV production giant. Ultimately, their idea is that the new venture will list on the London Stock Exchange. Although a deal remains far from certain, talks are understood to have reached a very detailed level. ITV's broadcast and streaming business would keep their own share quote, while ITV Studios was merged with All3. - The Financial Mail on Sunday One million more Britons may end up paying the higher 40% rate of tax, amid speculation that the Chancellor is preparing to raid middle class earners. Rachel Reeves is not expected to change her previously announced stance against extending the freeze on income tax thresholds until the end of the decade. But experts believe that sneaky tax increases are likely later in 2025 as economic growth halts and defence outlays rise in response to the US President Donald Trump's actions. - The Financial Mail on Sunday Former Morrisons chief executive officer, David Potts, is among the leading candidates to become B&M's next boss. Two sources near to the selection process have warned that no final decision has yet be taken and that an appointment was not likely for several weeks. The substantial amount of money that he still has invested in Morrisons may make any prospective move more difficult. - The Sunday Times Top economists are calling on Rachel Reeves to modify her fiscal rules or hike taxes in her spring statement, instead of axing welfare. But sources from within the Treasury say that the Chancellor is looking to move ahead with reductions on spending, opposition from within her party's own ranks notwithstanding. - Guardian Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Repubican, speaks at a bill signing ceremony on the steps of the State Capitol on May 3, 2023, in Helena, Montana, in this file photo. Alejandro Betancourt Lopez rejects traditional corporate social responsibility models that separate business operations from community impact. "Social responsibility is not only building a school or hospital, but ensuring people have jobssomething to wake up for every day," explains the multi-industry entrepreneur who has observed firsthand how strategic investments transform communities. During his leadership of private oil and gas ventures in South America, Betancourt Lopez witnessed entire regions revitalized through thoughtful business developmentcreating employment opportunities that tripled family incomes while simultaneously building educational infrastructure. This practical approach carries through his diverse portfolio, from implementing eyewear access programs through Hawkers to developing talent initiatives in emerging markets. By integrating social outcomes directly into business strategy rather than treating them as separate charitable endeavors, Betancourt Lopez demonstrates how profit-driven ventures can naturally generate meaningful community transformation. The Integrated Model of Social Responsibility For Betancourt Lopez, creating positive social impact begins with successful business operations rather than isolated charitable initiatives. This integrated approach views community development as both a natural outcome of and necessary condition for sustainable business growth. "Social responsibility is not only to build a school or build a hospital, but also to make sure that you have job creations, that all that people in that community has something to do and has an income, has something to go to and to wake up for every day," he explains, articulating a holistic view that connects economic opportunity with broader social wellbeing. This perspective recognizes the limitations of traditional philanthropic models that address symptoms rather than root causes of community challenges: "You build a hospital and you cure people from disease, but if you don't build a community that has the right amount of job creation that makes it sustainable... then that society or that community, suffers." By prioritizing economic opportunity alongside targeted community investments, Betancourt Lopez's approach creates more sustainable social impact than isolated charitable projects alone could achieve. Case Study: Energy Investment in South America The clearest illustration of Betancourt Lopez's impact-driven business model comes from his energy investments in South America, where his operations demonstrated how well-managed resource development can transform communities. "In South America, we run one of the largest oil and gas companies, privately-owned oil and gas companies, in South America. And the impact in the communities was so massive because of the wealth generated, a portion of that wealth went directly to the communities," he recounts. Rather than limiting community engagement to corporate social responsibility programs, his energy operations integrated community development into their core business model. This approach produced tangible improvements in local living standards: "I saw it firsthand when we were very active, schools were being built, a lot of jobs, people were thriving, and families, their life, their social life, their economic life, everything was triple what there used to be, with the wealth being injected into the community." This transformative impact extended beyond direct employment to create broader economic and social benefits. By directing a portion of operational profits toward community needs while simultaneously creating quality jobs, the company established a virtuous cycle of development that standard philanthropic models struggle to achieve. Importantly, Betancourt Lopez emphasizes that this approach requires responsible resource management: "Managed correctly and responsible, because there's also very bad examples where they extract all the wealth and nothing stays in the community. I'm talking about the good management of those resources." This acknowledgment demonstrates his nuanced understanding that business operations can either benefit or harm communities depending on how they're structured and managed. His commitment to responsible practices ensures that economic benefits reach local populations rather than being extracted without adequate compensation. Creating Educational Access Through Business Operations Education represents a key focus area within Betancourt Lopez's social impact framework. Rather than viewing educational support as charity, he integrates it with business operations to address specific community needs connected to his enterprises. "Basically we build schools," he notes when discussing philanthropic activities. However, these educational investments are strategically connected to areas where his businesses operate: "In South America, we built schools where there's... The communities have no schools... It's surrounding where we have made an impact or we're present." This geographic alignment allows educational programs to directly benefit communities engaged with his business operations, creating stronger connections between company success and community development. It also ensures that educational investments address genuine local needs rather than imposing external priorities. The educational focus extends to higher education as well, with scholarship support that helps promising students access advanced learning opportunities. This multi-level educational approach creates pathways from basic schooling through professional development, establishing a talent pipeline that benefits both communities and businesses operating within them. Industry-Specific Social Impact: The Hawkers Example Betancourt Lopez's approach to social responsibility adapts to each industry's specific characteristics and community impacts. With Hawkers sunglasses, the company has developed initiatives directly connected to its product category and expertise. "In Hawkers, for example, we do programs for eyewear and solutions for that access to eyewear for people that have no access to it and has no capacity to do that," he explains. This initiative leverages the company's core competenciesdesigning, manufacturing, and distributing eyewearto address vision challenges in underserved communities. By aligning social programs with business expertise, Hawkers creates more effective interventions than would be possible through general charitable contributions. The company's specialized knowledge of eyewear needs, distribution challenges, and product design enables more sophisticated solutions to vision accessibility issues. This industry-aligned approach demonstrates how businesses in any sector can develop social impact initiatives that leverage their specific capabilities rather than making generic charitable contributions disconnected from their operational expertise. Encouraging Employee Engagement in Community Development Beyond corporate-level initiatives, Betancourt Lopez encourages individual employees to engage with community development efforts. He recognizes that personal engagement creates more meaningful connections between businesses and communities than institutional programs alone can achieve. "The better they do, the better their environment should be, and the better they should give back to community," he notes when discussing employee involvement in social responsibility. This approach connects individual professional success with community contribution, creating a culture where social impact becomes part of professional identity rather than a separate charitable activity. He observes that many employees naturally embrace this connection: "Everybody that we work with are very... Or at least I feel, and I think are very sensitive to that, because a lot of people come from backgrounds where they have to fight hard to get where they are, so they're very sensitive to helping their surroundings and their most loved ones to be in a good place." By encouraging employee engagement in community development, Betancourt Lopez creates more authentic relationships between his businesses and their social environments. This employee involvement also provides valuable insight into community needs and opportunities that might not be visible through institutional analysis alone. Advice for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurs When asked what advice he would give entrepreneurs interested in creating socially responsible businesses, Betancourt Lopez offers encouragement rather than specific formulas: "Go for it. I don't know." This open-ended response reflects his recognition that social responsibility approaches must be tailored to specific business models, community contexts, and entrepreneurial strengths rather than following standardized templates. Rather than prescribing specific programs, he encourages entrepreneurial exploration of social impact opportunities. He does, however, emphasize the mindset necessary for socially responsible entrepreneurship: "An entrepreneur only needs motivation. But advice is don't be afraid of success. Don't be afraid of failure. You're going to fail for sure, but you're going to be successful at some point." This perspective suggests that creating meaningful social impact, like other aspects of entrepreneurship, requires persistence through inevitable challenges. By maintaining commitment to both business success and community development, entrepreneurs can eventually achieve the integrated impact model that characterizes Betancourt Lopez's approach. The Virtuous Cycle: Economic Success Funding Community Development At its core, Betancourt Lopez's perspective on social impact depends on a fundamental recognition: sustainable community development requires successful business operations that generate both employment opportunities and financial resources for broader social investments. "That's a social responsibility at the end of the day because you're helping your surroundings and you're helping the people that are around you and creating more value for them, more wealth for the community," he explains when discussing how business success creates social benefits. "Then you get people that are growing up to have better chances into even seeing that there is an opportunity for them to join those jobs that are being created in their community." This virtuous cyclewhere business success enables community development, which in turn creates conditions for further business growthrepresents the fundamental insight of Betancourt Lopez's approach to social impact. By recognizing and leveraging this mutually reinforcing relationship, he creates more sustainable improvements than either pure commercial operation or traditional philanthropy could achieve independently. The practical effectiveness of this approach is evident in communities where his businesses operate: "If it's managed well, I would imagine it would be a long-term sustainability for the community, that they're in a better place and they're set to succeed, which is great." Through this integrated model, Alejandro Betancourt Lopez demonstrates how thoughtful entrepreneurs can transcend the traditional dichotomy between profit-seeking and social responsibility, creating business models where commercial success and community development reinforce rather than contradict each other. Losing the 2024 election to Donald Trump may not be the only political loss for Kamala Harris. According to a new poll from a Democratic firm, the former vice president could face an uphill climb if she decides to run for governor of California. Per the poll, Only 35% of likely primary voters think it is a good idea for her to run for governor. Some poll numbers zipping around California from Democratic firm Impact Research showing that Kamala Harris for governor isnt a sure thing at all, veteran reporter Peter Hamby posted to X. Some poll numbers zipping around California from Democratic firm Impact Research showing that Kamala Harris for governor isnt a sure thing at all pic.twitter.com/Rxy9q9vMoE Peter Hamby (@PeterHamby) March 12, 2025 Former Democratic U.S. House member Katie Porter announced Tuesday that she is entering the 2026 contest for California governor, joining a crowded field of candidates that could be upended if Harris joins the race. Porter, who became a social media celebrity by brandishing a white board at congressional hearings while grilling CEOs, promised in a campaign launch video to be an aggressive counterweight to Trumps administration at a time when the heavily Democratic state has clashed with the White House over issues from water management to immigrant rights. The contest to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom already has lured a large scrum of announced and likely candidates that would be reshuffled if Harris decides to seek the states top office. Harris, a former state attorney general and U.S. senator, has not ruled out seeking the governorship since she left Washington in January after a failed presidential bid. Porter is friendly with the former vice president and has indicated she would step aside if Harris joins the race. In 2012, Harris, then Californias attorney general, appointed Porter to be the states independent bank monitor in a multibillion-dollar nationwide mortgage settlement. If Harris gets in the race there are very few politicians who would want to take her on, Claremont McKenna College political scientist Jack Pitney told The Associated Press. Shed be likely to win the Democratic nomination, and Democrats are likely to win the governorship. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In this file photo, a sign on a fence warns of radioactive materials at a containment building housing a nuclear reactor at the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, N.Y., on April 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Could a nuclear power plant open on Staten Island after President Donald Trumps freeze on new permits and leases for offshore wind projects? In her Jan. 14 State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke to the need for a new nuclear energy blueprint to move the state forward, voicing support for Constellation Energy to explore adding one or more new advanced nuclear reactors at its Nine Mile Point site in Oswego County. New York is actively working to reach 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035, as a part of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The goal of the act, per the New York State Senate, is to adopt measures to put the state on a path to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 and net zero emissions in all sectors of the economy. However, with Trumps executive order potentially strangling the states offshore wind plans, the governor is now looking towards energy produced by nuclear power. If the governor is interested in decarbonizing the economy and offshore wind is being discouraged at the federal level, the state has to look at other alternatives. Nuclear could be that alternative, Paul DeCotis, senior partner at the West Monroe Partners consulting firm and a former deputy energy secretary for New York State, told Newsday. Luckily for Staten Island, New York City appears to be off the list of prospective areas to house new plants. In November, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge communities' interest in housing nuclear power facilities. The RFI focuses exclusively on communities within the New York Independent System Operator Control Area Load Zones A-F, which cover the area of New York State north and west of the Lower Hudson Valley, ruling out New York City and Long Island, at least for the time being. How to reach out "As a born-and-raised Staten Islander, I know the issues that plague borough residents, whether it be torn-up sidewalks or unplowed streets," said Reporter Jillian Delaney. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE I want to hear from all of you about the things that dont make national headlines, but are of utmost importance to Staten Islanders. If youd like to reach out, please email me at jdelaney@siadvance. Put #fyiSI in the email subject line and include your name, neighborhood and contact phone number. Want to tag us on social media? Use #fyiSI on all your quality of life posts. In this file photo, people stand in line waiting to enter Trader Joe's to buy groceries in Pembroke Pines, Fla., on March 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File) AP A popular water sold at Trader Joes is being recalled due to the possibility of the glass bottle cracking and inflicting serious lacerations. Gerolsteiner sparkling water is the subject of a United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall, which affects around 61,500 bottles. The sparkling water was sold between December 2024 and January 2025 at a price of around $3 a bottle. The 750 milliliter bottles have a red, white, and blue design on their labels, with the lot number printed on the lower part of the label, the CPSC written statement described. The following two lot numbers are those that are impacted by the cracking bottles, according to the CPSC: 11/28/2024 L and 11/27/2024 L. The Trader Joes website lists these as the two lots affected: 2024/28/11 24 2027/19/12 and 2024/271/11 24 2027/18/12. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Gerolsteiner sparkling water bottles, and return the bottles from the affected lots to the store where they were purchased for a full refund, the CPSC statement said. Consumers will not be asked for proof of purchase, but will need to return the recalled bottle to receive a refund (in the form of cash or credit). The affected water bottles, manufactured in Germany, have been sold in the following states at local Trader Joes according to the CPSC statement: Alabama Arkansas Colorado Florida Georgia Kansas Louisiana New Mexico Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Texas There have been no customer reports of injury or damaged bottles. The issue was identified by research related to bottle breakage during production and potentially affects 1% of bottles in the lot codes above, Trader Joes website detailed. Pro-congestion pricing zealots are doing some crowing these days. Among other indicators, they are pointing to the amount of traffic seen, and not seen, on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in the first two months of the congestion pricing toll. According to a report put out by Transportation Alternatives and based on MTA bridge and tunnel traffic data, 5,110 more cars crossed the bridge in January of 2025 compared to the same month last year. Congestion pricing went into effect on Jan. 5, 2025. In case youve forgotten, the program charges motorists $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. The congestion pricing toll, if you can hold these two disparate concepts in your mind at the same time, is supposed to generate billions of dollars for the MTA while at the same time decreasing the number of revenue-generating cars going into the zone. So, in the first month, more cars crossed the Verrazzano Bridge. Meaning, perhaps, that some motorists looking to avoid the toll drove through Staten Island when they ordinarily might not have. We were warned about this. The MTA itself cautioned that congestion pricing could lead to more traffic and more pollution on Staten Island and in the Bronx as a result of vehicles looking to dodge the toll. In any event, 5,110 more vehicles crossed the bridge in January of 2025 than in January of 2024. And that was during a month when people are still traditionally away on holiday vacation and not commuting. But hold on a minute before you draw conclusions, congestion pricing advocates said: a total of 2,625 fewer vehicles crossed the Verrazzano in February of 2025 as opposed to February of 2024. That could mean that, yes, drivers ditched their cars and used mass transit to get to work. Success, right? Well, sort of. According to the report, a total of 408,430 vehicles used the Verrazzano in the first two months of 2024. But 410,915 vehicles used the bridge in the first two months of 2025. Thats 2,485 more cars so far. The Advance/SILive.com reported that the numbers fall below an increase in outer-borough traffic predicted in the MTAs environmental assessment. Fair enough. But, for now at least, its still more vehicles on Staten Island roads and on the Verrazzano. Its still more pollution. Its still more traffic for a borough thats already bursting at the seams with cars and trucks. Either way, its not something to crow too loudly about. At least not yet. Its very early in the congestion pricing saga. Some Staten Islanders report faster commutes to work. But one commuter I spoke with anecdotally who takes the express bus into Lower Manhattan six days a week from Midland Beach said shes noticed no difference. Congestion pricing was instituted in London in 2003, so we can look to that city for some guidance. In the first year, the number of vehicles traveling into the London congestion zone dropped 18%, CBS-TV reported. Congestion inside the zone was reduced by 30%. But, two decades later, the traffic has returned, to the point that London last year was rated as the most congested city in the world by traffic information supplier Inrix. We dont know how congestion pricing in New York City is going to play out in the long term, if there even is a long term with President Donald Trump looking to kill congestion pricing outright. But the early numbers arent exactly great for Staten Islanders. President Donald Trump good-naturedly called out a female reporter after her boom microphone accidentally struck him in the face during a press conference. The New York Post reported that Trump was speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland when the mishap occurred. Trump was answering a reporters question when the fuzzy end of the extended microphone, known the news biz as a dead cat, inadvertently struck the president in the mouth and slid across his face. The president closed his eyes and leaned back to avoid further contact. President Donald Trump reacts after being accidentally hit in the face with a boom microphone while talking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on March 14, 2025. Video screen grab Im so sorry, the woman can be heard saying. Trump glared at the reporter and then raised his eyebrows in seeming amusement as the microphone was pulled away. She just made television tonight, Trump joked, referring to the reporter. She just became a big story tonight. A reporter had been asking a question about the situation in Gaza when the mishap occurred. Did you see that? Trump said to someone off-camera, laughing off the episode. Its unclear which news outlet the microphone operator works for. Video of the incident was captured by news.com.au. Trump answered several more questions from reporters before boarding Air Force One. People magazine reported that a photo of the press conference that was taken from another angle and was shared on X shows three crew members each holding a boom microphone in Trumps direction. Among them is the woman who is believed to have bumped Trump, standing directly opposite him, wearing a beige trench coat and headphones. Trump had earlier had a stumble when boarding the Marine One presidential helicopter on his way to the airbase. Trump was helping X, the 4-year-old son of top aide Elon Musk, onto the helicopter when the presidents right foot got snagged on a step. Trump recovered and quickly quickly walked up the rest of the steps. Pictured here is one of several bridges within High Rock Park, which is part of the Greenbelt. (Courtesy of Daniela Diaz) Daniela Diaz Editors Note: The author of this article is a Staten Island Technical High School student who participates in the Advance/SILive.com High School Journalism Immersion program. The initiative is designed to help young people explore the world of community journalism. Todays story is part of a photo series looking at some of the boroughs lesser-known natural areas. The first part of the series explored the Mount Loretto Unique Area, which overlooks Princes Bay. The second in the series focused on Blue Heron Park. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- High Rock Park, located inside the Greenbelt, has been referred to as one of the most tranquil places in New York City, according to the city Parks Department. The site contains many winding trails that lead through a captivating landscape. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the hike up Mount Moses is a rewarding experience, culminating in a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire park. High Rock Park contains five ponds and various wetlands, and there are six walking trails. Various animals make their home inside the park, including ducks, blue herons, woodpeckers, frogs and turtles, according to the Parks Department. The park is open and free for anyone to visit. Before it was considered part of the Greenbelt, various influential Staten Island families, such as the Vanderbilts and Flaggs, occupied parts of the area, according to the Parks Department. In the 1930s, the Boy Scouts owned the land, and it was sold to the Girl Scouts Council of Greater New York in 1951, the agency stated. The site was dedicated as a park in 1965. There are varying accounts as to why the land, located between Pouch Camp and the Moravian Cemetery at Rockland Avenue, was named High Rock, according to the Parks Department. One explanation is that the land is high and rocky just beneath the topsoil, the department stated. The photos below, taken this past fall, feature some of the parks best sights. High Rock Park is free for anyone to visit. (Courtesy of Daniela Diaz) Courtesy of Daniela Diaz A plant grows from a fallen tree within the park, where walking trails are lined with red maple trees and blueberry bushes. (Courtesy of Daniela Diaz) Daniela Diaz The view from an overlook near one of the five ponds within High Rock Park. (Courtesy of Daniela Diaz) Daniela Diaz AMP Bank is confident Australian small businesses can ride out the emerging turmoil in global markets as the local economy continues to hold up stronger than expected. There are growing fears the US will drag the global economy into a recession after President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs, including on Australian aluminium and steel, and announced widespread cuts to the US public service. AMP Bank chief executive Sean OMalley is confident small businesses will survive the global turmoil. But AMP Bank, which is making a move into the small business lending sector, is optimistic that the fundamentals of the Australian economy are going to hold up. Weve seen the Australian economy being resilient; weve seen consumers continue to be really resilient, which is fantastic. Obviously unemployment rates are really holding up, which is fantastic, AMP Bank chief executive Sean OMalley told this masthead. 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 Lebanese chicken chain El Jannahs breathless national expansion and the ballooning reputation that seems to precede it may have never come to fruition, if not for a phone call on Christmas Eve in 2019. [Founder and owner] Andre [Estephan] reached out, said Brett Houldin, who has been chief executive of El Jannah for the last five years. He said, Why dont we do this together? Lets grow the business and turn it into a household name. The essentials: whole charcoal chicken meal with Lebanese pickles, bread, tabouli, garlic dip, and fries. Credit: Wolter Peeters Earlier that month, Houldin had departed Craveable Brands, the parent company that operates Oporto, Red Rooster, Chargrill Charlie, after the franchise group was sold to private equity firm PAG Asia Capital. During his time heading Craveable, Houldin had gotten to know the husband-and-wife duo behind El Jannah to find out what had made their take on chicken roasted over charcoal such a hit with Sydneysiders, who were willing to drive across town for it. Theres a huge amount of disruption that can happen in the fast food industry for players that can centre on quality, freshness, dining experience, says Houldin. El Jannah had all that intrinsically, as part of the way that the Estephans had built it around their culture, their values and behaviours. Advertisement El Jannah was only five outlets back then, all clustered around its birthplace of western Sydney, which counts Arabic as the most spoken language at home other than English. The love for the brand and the product, and the opportunity for growth, was immense. You cant just create that, says Houldin. There was a time not too long ago that the idea of a nationally beloved Lebanese fast food chain with an Arabic name (el jannah means paradise or heaven) might have been harder to imagine. Their prized chicken is dressed, brined and then marinated for 24 hours in one of three production kitchens before it is cooked. A rich variety of cuisines have flourished in Australia over the decades thanks to the influx and integration of immigrants and their children. Food is often the first and most accessible touchpoint for interacting with new cultures. Part of El Jannahs success is that its basic elements are familiar. Chicken and salad has always been a deeply embedded Australian thing. You grab a roast chicken, you get a pot of coleslaw. Its been a classic family takeaway meal or picnic solution for a long, long time, says food consultant and Titanium Food director Suzee Brain. Advertisement A trend ... thats already in our DNA, thats when its going to explode. Its great to see a more diversified version of that coming out now. Loading Like clothing, food moves in and out of fashion. The likes of Oporto, Red Rooster and Nandos arent seen as inspiring brands to the newer generation. Theyre looking for the next wave, she says. El Jannahs found a nice moment to move on that. And the fact that its char grilled were having a wood fire moment as well. Houldin says his three young childrens most-requested cuisine is sushi, which continues to grow in popularity for its freshness and convenience, and points to recent ASX entrant Guzman y Gomez as driving national appetite for Mexican food. No ones doing charcoal. No ones really doing Middle Eastern [at] scale, he says. Being the first chain to do Lebanese chicken will only get you so far. You still got to do it better than the incumbents, says Houldin. Just being different isnt enough. El Jannah founders Carole and Andre Estephan. One thing El Jannah isnt is an overnight success. The Estephans opened the first El Jannah in Granville in 1998 after a small takeaway outlet, Awafi, with Andres sister Samira and her husband Simon went well. It was more than a decade before El Jannahs second store opened in Sydneys south-west suburb of Punchbowl. Advertisement There were five stores when Houldin joined in 2020. And he didnt waste any time; the first drive-through location in western Sydneys Smithfield opened shortly after. It was an old Red Rooster, so I was familiar with the site, he says. El Jannah has since grown to nearly 40 locations and has become something of a litmus test against which its rivals are compared. Their prized chicken is dressed, brined and then marinated for 24 hours in three production kitchens (two in Sydney and one in Melbourne), which centralises the preparation of salads like tabouli and fattoush, its popular garlic and chilli sauces, and a growing range of dips, all of which are made in-house. All of this is delivered six days a week across NSW, the ACT and Victoria. About 40 or 50 chickens at a time are cooked by charcoal masters who arent allowed to touch the charcoal until they have had six months of training. El Jannah CEO Brett Houldin and head of marketing Adam Issa. Credit: Wolter Peeters Weve never harped on about all this, says Adam Issa, head of marketing and Houldins offsider. Everyones come before us and said these things, were the freshest, were the healthiest. Weve allowed the food to speak for itself. He gestures to the tabouli. Thats better than Mums. Hand on heart. Ensuring the chains rapid roll-out doesnt compromise the quality of the food will be crucial. Sticking close to El Jannahs roots as a family restaurant run by the Estephans in a tight-knit community sums up the playbook, if there were one; staff are currently being retrained on the EJ Way, a reminder that selling chicken meals is more than just a transaction. Advertisement The whole experience of the way that its served, the way you ensure that the customer is treated like a guest, as if it was you welcoming them into your home, allowing them to enjoy, relax, bring friends; the service around the table is another layer to the business that is the authenticity of the Lebanese way, says Houldin. We dont want to dilute the experience, the product, the brand, by any new store, he adds. So what does Houldin say to criticisms usually from their earliest customers, western Sydney locals that the chicken is sometimes dry? Chicken, pickles and toum (garlic dip) in the original Granville store, May 2020. Credit: Marco Del Grande I think a lot of the dialogue is [from] those that arent familiar exactly with the way that charcoal chicken is cooked, he says. Oven-baked or deep-fried chicken will retain oil in its own way, he says. If you cook a chicken over a charcoal bed, a lot of that fat drips out, which actually, by nature, means it is a drier form at the end, which is our strength, but if youre new to the brand, you might say, thats not what Im used to. Advertisement The fallout from Gene Hackmans death is set to continue, following the release of the actors final will and testament, which leaves his entire estate to his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who died alongside him. Legal documents obtained by the BBC show Hackman, 95, named Arakawa as his sole beneficiary in 1995, with the last update to the will in 2005. The two-time Academy Award winner left a fortune of $US80 million ($126 million). Gene Hackman with wife Betsy Arakawa at the Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood in 2003. Credit: AP Arakawa, 65, was found dead alongside her husband in their New Mexico home last month, and there was no mention in the will of his three children with his late ex-wife Faye Maltese Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58. The bodies of the married couple and one of their dogs were found on February 26 in separate rooms of their Santa Fe home. Autopsy results revealed that Hackman was in an advanced state of Alzheimers and died of heart disease, probably days after Arakawa died of a rare syndrome spread by mice. Advertisement Review Eating outLidcombe This Korean restaurant only sells one type of soup, but the queue starts early Sydney has a new holder for the title of Koreatown. Honestly, I didnt expect it to be so popular, says the chef of Guks Eedaero Gamjatang, which has opened in a thriving new hub. Kevin Cheng March 17, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 / 7 Guks Eedaero Gamjatang owner Jongguk Lee. James Brickwood 2 / 7 The gamjatang soup is pretty much the only menu item at Guks Eedaero Gamjatang. James Brickwood 3 / 7 James Brickwood 4 / 7 James Brickwood 5 / 7 The unassuming exterior of Guks Eedaero Gamjatang. James Brickwood 6 / 7 James Brickwood 7 / 7 Guks Eedaero Gamjatang owner Jongguk Lee. James Brickwood Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Korean$$$$ Stroll through Lidcombe on any given night, and it quickly becomes clear that Sydney has a new holder for the title of Koreatown, taking over from previous champions Strathfield and Eastwood. A young cohort congregates outside CokCo for its late-night fried chicken, and theres always a queue at Yeodongsik for haejangguk soup and perilla buckwheat noodles. Groups slam down soju with hash browns and truffle mayo at modern Korean diner Tonight Lidcombe. Oyakos grouper sashimi tastes like a trip to Jejus Dongmun Fish Market. Guks Eedaero Gamjatang is in the new-school part of Lidcombe, on the south side of the train station as part of a development of more than 150 apartments. Sitting in a thriving Korean mini-piazza, owner-chef Jongguk Lee arrived in Sydney from Seoul in 2007, before training at Le Cordon Bleu and then cooking Japanese food for more than a decade. The gamjatang soup is pretty much the only menu item at Guks Eedaero Gamjatang. James Brickwood Advertisement My brother has been running a gamjatang restaurant in Korea for a long time and the taste is so good, I wanted to open a restaurant in Australia, he says. Youll often find gamjatang a spicy pork bone stew with potatoes and vegetables originally from Jeolla Province buried on the menus of Korean restaurants in Sydney, but its not often you see a restaurant offering it as the sole menu item. Lee calls gamjatang the soul food of Koreans. His restaurant goes through about 60 kilograms of pork bones each day just to make the broth, with a batch made in the morning and then again at lunchtime. For Lees restaurant manager Jiwon Yeo, gamjatangs rich and spicy broth makes it the perfect hangover cure. In Korea, you can find gamjatang restaurants open 24 hours a day and the price is cheap, which is why its so popular, she says. Guks isnt open around the clock but pretty close, serving from 7am to midnight daily. Yeo says there are often people already waiting in line when the doors open. Photo: James Brickwood Its a modestly decorated space geared for speed and efficiency rather than comfort. Gamjatang is the only item on the menu, served in a stone pot that comes in a small size serving two to three people for $40, large ($70 for groups of four or more), or a single version for solo diners. Similar to the gamjatang restaurants in Seoul, you choose your own adventure by adding carbs such as rice cakes, instant noodles or udon. Our table opts for the hand-torn sujebi noodles. Advertisement Each pot arrives at the table on its own portable gas cooker, piled high with bones and a rich, red broth dusted with perilla seeds. A staff member flicks on the flame and the cauldron begins to bubble as you stir pork bones, wombok, shallots, potatoes, enoki mushrooms and perilla leaves. The herbs and spices in Lees soup are a secret, but most gamjatang follow the same winning formula of gochugaru (chilli flakes), gochujang (chilli paste), garlic and doenjang (soybean paste). The result is a deep umami flavour, with the five-hour simmer of the pork neck and spine bones creating a milky broth to bolster the herbal notes. Korea does great fried chicken and barbecued meats, but its truly the master of soup. Meat can be pried from the bone with the softest chopstick touch, and as the broth continues to simmer, starches from the potatoes are slowly released for a thicker broth. Photo: James Brickwood For an extra $7, the bokkeumbap fried rice, prepared tableside by staff, is a riveting way to end the meal. Rice, fish roe, onion, carrot and seaweed flakes are added to the leftover broth (theyll add some extra soup if youve already slurped the entire lot) and left to cook in the same pot to create a crisp, scorched texture Koreas version of the socarrat rice layer that forms in a traditional paella. Arrive early or expect to queue, or maybe consider one of the other stores. Guks has expanded to a second location in Lidcombe, and now has stores in Ashfield and Eastwood, too. Advertisement Honestly, I didnt expect it to be so popular, says Lee. Im surprised that not only Koreans, but also people from other backgrounds, have liked our restaurant. Lidcombe might be gunning for the title of Sydneys Koreatown but honestly, it doesnt matter who takes the crown. Weve got the most exciting Korean food in Australia, and Ill say geonbae (cheers) to that. The low-down Atmosphere No-nonsense suburban Korean Go-to dish: Gamjatang spicy pork bone stew ($40) Drinks: Selection of Korean beers, soju and makgeolli Cost: About $50 for two, excluding drinks Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Tap the black stuff and break out the food dye. Saint Patricks Day is here again. Australian pubs will be serving more Guinness today than any other day of year, and this one is set to hit a little different. Guinness has never been so popular, with sales booming globally, Gen Z discovering its charms, and more pub taps than ever in the shape of the famous harp logo. It has something to do with the global social media-driven phenomenon that is splitting the G. Whether you choose to gulp, or sip slowly and savour it, here are a few facts, shared by former Guinness ambassador Domhnall Marnell, to consider while youre waiting for a pint to settle a pint that Marnell reckons should absolutely not have a four-leaf clover made with green food dye scribbled on its head. You dont doodle on the Mona Lisa, he says. Did they split the G? Almost. Richard I'Anson 1. Splitting the G Genius marketing idea by Guinness or old tradition given new life by TikTok and Instagram? No one can really confirm, but the trend of trying to take a first swig big enough to leave the top of the drink halfway down the Guinness logo on a pint glass is a global phenomenon. Everyone from Ed Sheeran to your cousin Bob is doing it. And developing a new-found appreciation for the 265-year-old stout in the meantime. Advertisement 2. Timing is everything The perfect Guinness pour takes 119.5 seconds. Not a nanosecond more or less. First pour the stout to the top of the golden harp on the Guinness glass, allowing it to settle for 90 seconds as the tiny nitrogen bubbles form a foam at the top of the beer. Then its a matter of topping the pint with a splash more beer so the head remains the same size but the foam is peaking just above the rim. Why 119.5 seconds? If you tell someone it takes two minutes to pour a beer, it sounds like too much effort, says Marnell. 119.5 seconds is much more scientific. 3. Keep the collar tight If a Guinness pint is poured all at once it will result in a beer with a head thats too thick. In Ireland this is called a bishops collar and you may have to leave the country if youre responsible for one. Serving Guinness in a pewter mug is also frowned upon as the gas doesnt react well with the metal alloy and will form a dodgy foam. Pint glasses only, please. Advertisement A classic Guinness advertisement from 1954. Getty Images 4. Actually not a meal in a glass Although Guinness is perceived as a heavy beer, a pint of the Irish champagne only contains around 879 kilojoules. A fair number if youre watching your energy intake, but a similar amount of kilojoules to most standard, full-strength Aussie beers. At 4.2 per cent alcohol youll be less shickered after a couple of Guinness rounds than you would if you were drinking VB, say, which weighs in at 4.9 per cent alcohol by volume. 5. Black Rose When a journalist in the 70s asked Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott what it was like to be black and Irish, the Dubliner brilliantly replied like a pint of Guinness. Although Lynott was a fan of the Guinness iconography, his favourite beer was reportedly Smithwicks an Irish red ale originally brewed by Kilkenny. Today, Guinness and Kilkenny are both owned by multinational beverages company, Diageo. Advertisement The Guinness Brewery at St Jamess Gate in Dublin. 6. Red velvet The official colour of the black stuff is actually ruby red. Hang on, what? Pubs tend not to have the best lighting in the world and if youre drinking a beer, at night, in a pub, then yes, its going to look black, says Marnell. If youre drinking it in daylight, youll see that the beer has a ruby red hue. It comes out red when it pours its only when theres a lot of it in the glass that it creates an illusion of darkness. 7. Guinness on the Gulf of Guinea African punters are big fans of the beer, and the most Guinness is sold in the USA, Ireland, Britain, Nigeria and Cameroon. Year on year, around 30 per cent of all Guinness is sold in Africa, says Marnell. It has been in Africa since the 1800s, however its also important to note that its not the same Guinness we drink in Ireland or Australia. Its only served in bottles and is higher in alcohol by volume to the tune of 7.5 per cent, creating a more bitter beer. Advertisement Its popular in Africa because before refrigeration and modern bottling techniques, a beer that strong and dark was impervious to the heat and sunlight it would encounter en route to the continent. It would still taste good after a long journey. Guinness has breweries in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Ghana, and Marnell says many African Guinness drinkers would be surprised to find the beer has its roots in Ireland. 8. Good for a few millennia The Guinness company was established in 1759 when Arthur Guinness signed a 9000-year lease on St Jamess Gate Brewery in Dublin. That physical lease still exists, however it only covered four acres (16,000 square metres) of land. St Jamess Gate has since expanded to 55 acres (222,500 square metres) of land that Guinness now owns and has a glitzy storehouse which is a top tourist attraction in itself. Bottoms up! Related Recipe collection 20 irresistible Irish-style recipes for St Patricks Day feasting The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size On the morning I spoke with Professor David Sinclair AO, Cyclone Alfred was moving with seeming inexorability towards me in Brisbane, while Sinclair, in the US, lamented that he was still cleaning up contamination in his Los Angeles house after the wildfires of January. Climate change, eh? But heres the good news: if humanity can survive its challenges, we can look forward to greatly increased lifespans, thanks to the research of Sinclair and others like him. A Harvard genetics professor and one of the hot-ticket speakers at the World Science Festival in Brisbane this month, Sinclair believes we are living at a turning point in medical history, analogous to the invention of antibiotics and vaccines. The first person to live to 150, he believes, has already been born. Its not a question of how long do you want to live. Its more about how healthy do you want to stay? Professor David Sinclair is professor of genetics and founder of Harvard Medical Schools Paul F Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research. Think of it this way, he says, in an Aussie accent gene-spliced with East Coast American. A person born 100 years ago had a 2 per cent chance of reaching 100. A child born today has a 50 per cent chance of reaching 100. Thats without any major advance in technology its just standard medicine. So if half of the people make it to 100, theres a reasonable chance that somebody could make it to 150 with technologies that are in the future. Advertisement Except, that technology might already be here. Boston-based Sinclair was the founding director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School for 18 years, and is one of the leading world authorities on the scientific causes of ageing. In 2020, his team used gene therapy to reverse age-related vision loss in mice. Were looking at human clinical trials beginning as early as next year, he says. Were not only interested in the eye, its just a good place to start with this technology. Eventually we want to advance it to the point where we can reset different tissues kidney, liver, and eventually the whole body of animals, and then people. I believe we now have a solid understanding of whats causing ageing, and even how to prevent and reverse the process. The problem, and Sinclairs widely believed hypothesis, is called the Information Theory of Ageing. It holds that with time, cells lose the ability to remember their identity and function, like the accumulation of scratches on a CD. The theory suggests that restoring lost information through epigenetic reprogramming could potentially reverse the ageing process, like a software reset. Restoring the coenzyme NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which declines in cells with time, can help cells recall their function, and protect the body from the diseases associated with getting old, such as Alzheimers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Advertisement Sinclairs lab has five trials in progress using NAD boosters; the ultimate aim is to create an anti-ageing drug. Another idea of his is adversity mimesis. Tricking the body into thinking its under various kinds of stress stimulates enzymes known as sirtuins to be more active, which is good for the epigenome. What doesnt kill us makes us stronger and more long-lived. Fasting is a way to simulate adversity. These days, very few of us will literally run out of food, but we can make the body think thats a possibility by eating less often, and that does raise NAD levels. Cold exposure, exercising with the right intensity, and eating less meat are other ways of putting the body into a defensive mode and preventing cell senescence. Sinclair is 55, but thats just his chronological age. His biological age is no more than 45. This is according to Inside Tracker, a biometric data company that analyses blood and DNA to give clients a personalised understanding of their own bodies Sinclair is the chair of their scientific advisory board. He also looks remarkably boyish for someone born before the first moon landing. You might expect that because thats what I do for a living. Small changes can make a big difference: dont eat too much, eat less often, make sure you exercise. Theres a couple of supplements that I continue to take, as does my father. Stayin alive: David Sinclair is speaking in Brisbane at the World Science Festival 2025. Credit: Louie Douvis Advertisement Sinclair got his PhD in molecular genetics from UNSW in 1995. That same year he became the first non-American to win a fellowship from the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation, which allowed him to do a post-doctorate with Dr Leonard Guarente at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, studying the genetic causes of ageing in yeast. Those four years were just incredibly exciting and productive. We were putting out papers in top journals every few months. The Garvan Institute in Sydney had a position waiting for him on his planned return. But when you get a job offer at Harvard, its really hard to say no. Sinclair has published more than 200 papers and been cited more than 85,000 times. He holds more than 60 patents, and has co-founded a dozen successful pharmaceutical companies, including MetroBiotech, EdenRoc Sciences, Tally Health, and Life Biosciences (which spearheads his cellular rejuvenation research). Lifespan: Why We Age And Why We Dont Have To, his 2019 book written with journalist Matthew LaPlante, is a New York Times bestseller, and its podcast version peaked at number one for Health & Fitness shows on Apple Podcasts. If you want to gauge the interest Sinclairs work has excited, you only have to look at the competition. Our competitors are Jeff Bezos and Yuri Milner with Altos Labs with, I think, $3 billion plus, the biggest series A investment in biotech ever. Sam Altman from OpenAI is also competing against us with his company, Retro Biosciences. Advertisement So its high-stakes. Its similar to the AI field. With longevity, its gone from the backwater of biology when I first started, to one of the most exciting areas of human endeavour. Jeff Bezos (Amazon) and Sam Altman (OpenAI) have both invested in research into life extension: Altman $US180m, Bezos in the order of $3b. Credit: AP/Bloomberg When I told my wife about Sinclairs work, her response was telling: Oh, is that so tech bros can live forever? Forever might not be the exaggeration it sounds like. As Sinclair says on his podcast, the longer you live, the longer you will live. Right now, if we live an extra year, we get an extra three months of life, because these technologies are going so fast. And soon well have another six months, another year. And thats when things get super interesting. And, in our emerging tech oligarchy, a tad disturbing. Antonio Regalado wrote in MIT Technology Review in 2023 that For age reversal, if it ever works, one often cited risk is public resentment, especially if its going to be made available to rich people like Altman first. Sinclair, however, insists hes about bringing actionable information to everyone, not just billionaires. He assures me he is not obsessed with his own mortality. Anyone whos seen me drive a car knows that Im not so interested in self-preservation. I like to be a role model, and thats why I live the way I do. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size One was bashed by a bikie-linked health and safety representative on his lunch break from a government-funded project in an attack caught on camera. Another was locked in a small room at a half-built state government hospital by a man previously jailed for violence against women, who smoked ice as he detained her. A third was bashed outside her work site, also taxpayer-funded, by a man with deep connections to senior CFMEU figures and a similarly frightening criminal past. The womens stories are each uniquely disturbing, but they also reveal a pattern of the troubled union pushing men with violent histories onto worksites and then punishing women who complain about their behaviour. This pattern draws in building companies, too, because even though these violent men are often shoehorned into their roles by their mates in the union, it is building companies, big and small, on government jobs that agreed to employ them in the pursuit of industrial peace and then chose to keep their crimes under wraps. Advertisement While the examples uncovered by this masthead and 60 Minutes involve Victorias huge Big Build infrastructure scheme, the issue doesnt stop at state borders, according to insiders from several building unions. Asked about the evidence of women being bashed and sexually harassed, CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith who has also taken charge of the Victorian branch as part of the administration of the union in the wake of the Building Bad scandal hit out at the perpetrators and admitted his union had failed to do enough. The men who have harassed or violently attacked women must be held responsible for their actions, but I believe the whole union has let these women down, he said. If we are serious about changing culture and supporting women, we, the male leaders of this union, must stand up and make it an issue for all of us. Leading domestic violence campaigner Jess Hill said the Victorian government must take ultimate responsibility for violence linked to its sites, adding that inaction on bikie infiltration was always going to lead to unsafe work environments and violence against women. We can get tangled up in legal questions about who is legally responsible for protecting these women. But ultimately this is taxpayer money. So I think Victoria has a unique responsibility to be fronting up and making sure women on these sites are protected, Hill said. Advertisement The revelations come as the investigator appointed to uncover crime and corruption in the union and wider building industry accused the Victorian government of covering up the extent of wrongdoing across the Big Build. The chief investigator for the CFMEU administration, Geoffrey Watson, SC, said the Big Build had become a place of resort for violent criminals. The Rebels bikie-linked CFMEU health and safety representative caught on video bashing his girlfriend was on his lunch break on a rail level-crossing removal project when the attack took place. Loading The video was anonymously sent to the union last year. Smith sacked the bikie as part of the post-Building Bad cleanout of bikie figures, but sources said others in the union had pushed to get the man a new Big Build role. The video captures the state government site employee kicking the woman as she lies on the ground while he screams at her that he will cave her head in and calls her a f---ing dog. Advertisement Hill said the footage made her feel utterly sick to my stomach. In the second case involving a violent union-backed figure on a state government site, the CFMEU ordered the employment at the Footscray Hospital project of an ice addict after he was released from jail for viciously stalking and threatening to kill a woman. The man, Nick Bouras, is accused of subsequently locking female worker Lilly Munro in a small room on the site where he then smoked drugs. The Footscray hospital project. Credit: Joe Armao [He was smoking] a crack pipe with ice in it and blowing it in my face and locking the door of the store room, said Munro, who worked in traffic management. He was off his head. He was off his face. When Bouras was sentenced to jail for stalking a woman he had only recently met in 2018, a judge described the man as a drug user with an extensive criminal record with convictions on drug and firearms offences, as well as a separate stalking offence years earlier against another woman who was his former partner. Bouras continues to work on construction sites across the state. Advertisement In an interview with this masthead and 60 Minutes, Munro said sexual harassment was normalised and endemic as the men who meted out shocking treatment to women appeared to have protection from the CFMEU or state government contractors. Its nothing short of putrid. I hate to say it, but we just dont belong there, she said. Munro said women were often hired on the Big Build because of the way you look, what use you can be to the men. When Munro reported the terrifying ice smoking incident to the CFMEU and Footscray Hospital subcontractors, she said, she was attacked for making the lead contractor, Multiplex look like theyve got a drug problem. Lilly Munro had to deal with aggressive and offensive behaviour at work and then repercussions for reporting it. Credit: Alex Coppel She said she was then black-banned from work on government sites. Black bans are informal and unlawful boycotts of employees or companies that prevent them from working. Munros black-ban claim is corroborated in text messages sent by a union delegate, who told her she had been flagged by the CFMEU and as a result would not find work on the Big Build. I cant work on any site. I cant provide for my family and I have to look over my shoulder all the time and my childrens shoulders. I cant even let my little boys play in the street, Munro said. Theyre not allowed to ride their bikes and hang out with other kids just because Im just too afraid that Im going to get a retribution for speaking up about whats actually right and whats wrong. Advertisement Blustery gusts kicked up Thursday about the same time as some residents of El Paso County's portion of the Eastern Plains learned about a new proposed wind farm in their neck of the fields. A sizable crowd trickled into the county fairgrounds in Calhan for an open house featuring NextEra Energy Resources plans to erect nearly 50 more wind turbines in the area. There have been hints that another project was afoot since last summer, when some property owners received notes on their doors and phone calls from sales representatives, but details have been scant. A decade has passed, along with lawsuits, health studies and heated debates, since the last NextEra Energy Resources project called the Golden West Wind Energy Center came to town. In 2015, the subsidiary activated 145 wind turbines that began sharing the rural landscape with ranchers, farmers, livestock and wildlife. Ten years later, the Blue Grama Wind Project, also owned and operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, a Florida-based wholesale generator of electric power, is on the horizon. Company representatives spoke one on one with residents at Thursdays event, the first public informational meeting about the project. Pending county permitting and state approvals, between 47 and 49 additional wind turbines generating 130 megawatts will rise north of Harrisville Road, east of Ramah Highway and south of Alford Road. The expansion is projected to cover 14,520 acres of private and state land in El Paso County and include an 11.5-mile transmission line that will tie into the substation associated with the existing Golden West Wind project, according to county documents. While the new development wont be as big as the existing wind farm, the units will be bigger, officials said. Technology has changed, they explained, so the incoming towers will be 500 feet tall but theyll be less dense and spaced farther apart. If the plan holds, construction will begin in May or June 2026, with turbines being activated by the end of next year, representatives said. NextEra has not yet formally submitted the Blue Grama project to El Paso County administration, said Amy Jo Fields, marketing communications manager. The countys Department of Planning and Community Development requested that the company host Thursdays initial meeting, she said. For this type of development application, El Paso County would need to establish a wind/solar energy generation plan overlay on the designated property, Fields said. The proposed zoning overlay would need to be presented to and reviewed by the El Paso County Planning Commission, which would make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for final decision-making, she said. One or two additional public meetings will be announced as part of the permitting process. There also will be opportunities for public comment at planning commission hearings and county board meetings. Landowners are paid to lease their land to operating companies. Representatives at Thursdays meeting would not provide a range of how much money participants would receive but called the prices consistent within each project and fair. About 30 property owners have signed up already, one NextEra representative said. And theyre looking for more, along with general buy-in from the community. Featured Local Savings Residents who attended the presentation were divided on the impending expansion. Its fine with me, said Garrett Balsick, whose family homesteaded B/K Ranch in 1891 and continues to own the property and raise cattle and grow wheat. The family also has leased their land for wind towers. Were happy with how the first one turned out, and we have no complaints, he said. Im not into wind turbines, and I dont necessarily think theyre a good investment. But theyre coming, and we cant stop them. The construction generated jobs that Balsick said he thought was a boon to the area, and in his neighborhood, improvements to roads also turned out to be positive for residents. The presence of more of the behemoth towers with giant blades that turn and whir as they harness wind is concerning to some who live in the area. Though the companys promotional materials say its wind energy centers are compatible with agricultural use, including livestock, some residents disagree. Nancy McJunkin, who has lived on the Eastern Plains for 18 years, said many of her sheep died in 2015 simultaneously with the first wind farm going online. Its more of the same crap on a different day, she said. I lost a lot of sheep with the first round, and I expect the second round to be the same. McJunkin said a veterinarian told her the infrasound messed with their brains, and they basically dropped dead. Infrasound is inaudible to humans because of its low-frequency transmission, but some studies attribute sleep disturbances, dizziness and other health problems to the turbines emitting infrasound. Some people blame other medical issues such as headaches, nausea and body pains on wind turbines. Others complain that the weather seems different, particularly with more turbulent wind. I cant agree definitively, but its definitely changed the wind patterns, McJunkin said. She said she's also upset that broken turbines dont seem to get fixed or hauled away. The companys literature says it will remove the units when they are decommissioned, after a life span of 25 to 30 years. McJunkin said she feels like plains' residents are being used, since locals wont be the primary beneficiaries of the power thats generated. Colorado Springs Utilities spokesman Steve Berry said its too early in the process to comment on the Blue Grama Wind Project and whether the municipally owned Utilities will buy the power generated from the site. But it seems unlikely. Utilities issued proposals in October 2023, seeking to buy an additional 1,500 megawatts of new electric generation and up to 200 megawatts of battery energy storage, and is still evaluating some of the more than 200 bids it received, Berry said. But in late February, Utilities announced a shift in its energy-transition strategy. Since many of the prices in the power purchase agreement bids were at least 60% higher than expected for wind and 50% higher for solar, Utilities' officials said they are looking at alternative ways to meet renewable energy directives. Set by Gov. Jared Polis and state lawmakers in 2021, the goals call for an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power by 2030 and seek 100% renewable energy power by 2050. Another new wind farm east of Limon is set to begin construction next month, according to NextEra Energy Resources representatives. NextEra Energy Resources runs more than 11,000 wind turbines across the United States from 170 wind centers, including 11 in Colorado. Its the worlds largest generator of renewable energy from wind and solar power. The parent company is NextEra Energy, a publicly traded Fortune 200 firm. People with severe body image distress also struggle with decision-making, planning and short-term memory, new research has shown, in revelations expected to shake up how the disorder will come to be treated. Researchers at Swinburne Universitys Centre for Mental Health recently sought to establish the depth of processing difficulties experienced by people living with body dysmorphia. To do so, they analysed 54 previous studies that referenced neurocognitive vulnerabilities. Eman Allouche battled severe body image issues as a teenager and similar thoughts returned after she had a baby. Credit: Justin McManus Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, occurs when a person becomes preoccupied with and distressed by perceived flaws in their physical appearance that are either not visible or appear slight to others. Individuals will frequently engage in repetitive mirror checking or avoidance, excessive grooming and constantly compare themselves with others. About 80 per cent of people with BDD will have suicidal thoughts, and its estimated that one in four have tried to take their own lives. When St Josephs College Hunters Hill headmaster Michael Blake interviews prospective year 7 scholarship students, he asks their parents one question: where do you want your child to be in six years time? I would hope that at the crux of this is a deep desire that their son is happy, has good friends he can rely on and is a good friend to others, says Blake. If that is the case, then I think we can serve them well. St Josephs College headmaster Michael Blake. Credit: Oscar Coleman Scholarship and general enrolment applications at St Josephs have increased in recent years a trend mirrored across other private schools. The number of students sitting the Australian Council for Educational Research scholarship test, used by 35 NSW private schools, increased by 33 per cent between 2021 and 2024 to almost 2000 aspiring students. Discovering how Fanny Finch, a publican and a woman of colour, used a legal loophole to vote decades before women were enfranchised changed Sita Sargeants life. I started asking: Where are the women in history? Finding the story of Fanny Finch was one of the first moments when I felt very seen as a woman of colour, said Sargeant, whose mother is from South India. Why did no one tell me Australian history was actually interesting? Sita Sargeant will soon be running walking tours in Sydney and Melbourne that highlight womens place in history. Credit: Wolter Peeters Stuck in Canberra during COVID, Sargeant discovered diverse stories - including the first female architect and the Sydney woman who turned the meat pie into an icon - and then drove across Australia with her old dog looking for more. Thoughts of becoming a diplomat flew out the window. At 23, she started a Canberra walking tour business, She Shapes History. Now 27, her first book of the same name will be published by Hardie Grant Books in mid-April, with vignettes and walking maps. Theres nothing that I can say thats going to justify why I didnt, the mother said, adding that not reporting the matter was one of the biggest regrets of her life. I think I was naive; I didnt fully understand what had happened to [my son] and the repercussions of that on his life, the woman said. I felt that we could protect him within our own family. She said there was talk in the playground among parents and teachers and a lot of tension at school. The womans son, now aged in his 40s, has alleged Lunn put his hands down his pants and molested him on the school grounds. It made me feel a bit gross, like something was wrong, he said. The man was asked about bad memories of Lunn, and recalled his teacher once putting a bedsheet on the ground and playing Lionel Richies Dancing on the Ceiling. Every time I heard Lionel Richie, it reminded me of him, he said. In response to Lunns barrister Pierre de Dassel suggesting the song was released after the alleged abuse, the man said he thought Lunn obtained it before it got released, somehow, I remember him saying that. He disagreed that he was making the accusations against Lunn so he could get compensation for the matter. The Crown alleges Lunn had a sexual interest in children and a tendency to indecently touch or commit sexual acts towards students at the school. Much of the classroom offending allegedly occurred when the accused had the student sitting on his lap, Crown prosecutor Sara Gul said in her opening address. Michael Anthony Lunn has pleaded not guilty to charges against eight students. Credit: James Brickwood She alleged this included while reading at his desk or during show-and-tell as he sat at the back of the room. A second complainant, who alleges three incidents of abuse, said he felt really embarrassed and ashamed and pretty scared after he claimed Lunn kissed him on the lips. That man alleged on an overnight school camp, under a sleeping bag, Mr Lunn pushed my pants down with his right hand while reading or telling a story as the children went to sleep. At times, I tried to pull them back up, and he pushed down my pants again, he said. Under cross-examination, he denied making the events up and said he had had no contact with anyone from his class in the decades since leaving the school. A third complainant said Lunn had been a playful teacher who made everybody laugh, and he remembered seeing him walking around the school with lots of kids around him like a Pied Piper. He alleged Lunn put his hands down his school shorts as he sat on his lap, which he believes was after he was appointed child of the week. He had this scheme, I suppose, the man said. I think thats how I got on his lap. Its so long ago. The complainant said he had been scared and froze. He could not recall telling anybody about it between when it happened, in the 1980s, and when he spoke to police in 2021. But my mother later told me that I told her, he said. I thought that Mr Lunn had been charged and dealt with previously I can recall everybody talking about it. Another complainant alleged Lunn would put her between his legs as he marked her work and run his hands over her body underneath her uniform. She said she was terrified and confused and had an impending sense of doom when called to his desk. The woman said she told her mother but was briefly sent back to school. This led to a difficult and tense relationship between them in the decades that followed, she said. Prosecutors allege Lunn also digitally penetrated some students, who are yet to give evidence. Lunns case is being decided by a judge, instead of a jury, for reasons including potential prejudice from evidence about his previous trials. The prosecutor said Lunn started working at the Department of Education in 1979. She said the initial allegations triggered Lunn to leave the Vaucluse school in 1985, but he ultimately resumed his employment with the department as a teacher elsewhere around 1989 until he medically retired in 1999. Gul claimed that Lunn filled out a workers compensation medical certificate in October 1998, citing the date of his injury as 1985 and the cause as being more than a decade of false accusations. Lunn was arrested over the present allegations in August 2022, although some complainants came forward after that. The prosecutor said Lunn told police he had been a hands-on teacher, that he wasnt sexual, did not do anything wrong, and his acts have been interpreted incorrectly. Lunns trial continues before Judge Paul McGuire. Police and emergency services have resumed the search for a young man who slipped and fell into the Brisbane River at the Jindalee boat ramp early on Sunday and failed to resurface. Acting Inspector Shane Thow said the 23-year-old from a southern suburb of Brisbane disappeared about 5.30am during a social engagement of some form on the pontoon. We do know that he was down on the pontoon with family and friends and that hes slipped off that pontoon, Thow said. Initial reports suggested the man fell into the water and was quickly swept into the middle of the river by the strong current. Residents in Melbournes outer east are reflecting on what has to change, after a bushfire destroyed one home and damaged two others early on Sunday. The Montrose bushfire began on land near Dr Ken Leversha Reserve on Saturday afternoon, before a wind change doubled it in size late that evening. One home was lost and two others were damaged in the blaze. Credit: Nine News Rain helped about 160 firefighters control the 40-hectare blaze on Sunday morning, and residents were able to return home in the afternoon. As of Sunday afternoon, the cause of the blaze was not known. However, at a public meeting police said they were investigating four youths seen in the area where the fire started. Trade Minister Don Farrell has flagged a fresh offer to US President Donald Trump that he cant refuse as he launches new round of talks to reverse last weeks tariff hit and warns Americans about more expensive hamburgers if duties were placed on Australian beef. The 25 per cent US charge on Australian metals has turned the US-Australia relationship into a key focus for the election to be held in May. The opposition on Sunday said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was inept for failing to secure a call with Trump leading up to the tariff call. Can Australia do a deal to avoid Trumps tariffs? Credit: Aresna Villanueva Government ministers are bracing for possible tariffs on products such as beef or wine, and Farrell on Sunday said he would speak to US trade ambassador Jamieson Greer on Monday after talking to commerce secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday. What we need to do is find out what it is that the Americans want in terms of this relationship between Australia and the United States and then make President Trump an offer he cant refuse, Farrell said. An offer to provide greater access to Australian critical minerals had been rejected by the US, he said, casting doubt over the prospects of any future deal. Cyclone Alfred will punch a $1.2 billion hole in the federal budget while posing a threat to inflation, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is warning as he and the Coalition come under pressure to boost the economys speed limit by embracing politically contentious reforms from tax to home construction. Amid new forecasts suggesting a fall in revenue will contribute to larger budget deficits and more debt, Chalmers will use a speech on Tuesday to reveal Alfred which hit south-east Queensland and northern NSW a week ago will also slow an economy that is already struggling to grow. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers during a visit to the Logan disaster management centre during Alfred. Credit: Getty Images Chalmers, who will release the earliest budget in Commonwealth history on March 25, had forecast a deficit of $26.9 billion for this financial year, slipping to $46.9 billion in 2025-26. But in his speech he will reveal early Treasury estimates the cyclone will cut a quarter percentage point from overall economic growth and increase inflation pressures. Donald Trump is destroying the system. Which system? The system of US government, developed over centuries, with its conventions and delivery mechanisms. The system of global relations based around a (relatively) stable hegemonic power which backs its allies. The economic web that maintains global commerce. Our independents and minor parties are like Donald Trump, allowing voters a way to genuinely challenge the status quo. Credit: Joe Benke Every few days, another shock to another system. Last weekend, Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian protest leader, was detained by immigration authorities despite being a permanent resident married to an American citizen for protesting, it seems. Last week, we learned that the Environmental Protection Agency may change its 2009 determination that greenhouse gases are dangerous and therefore can be regulated. That decision was hugely consequential, permitting rules about cars and power plants. Without it, Americas domestic approach to climate change will drastically shift. And already, the New York Times told us on Saturday, children have begun dying as a result of cuts to US aid. As a whole, this is disastrous, and most people in Australia according to polls seem to see it as disastrous. At its broadest level, though, this is what many voters wanted: the destruction of a system they felt was not serving them. Is this the destruction they were hoping for? Large chunks of the system which were serving them well are being torn down, while bits that were serving them poorly are being left in place. How quickly that becomes apparent to most voters, and how much they are willing to put up with for how long and how much that matters in the face of Trumps determination we cant know. The Greek Orthodox community has launched court action against the state government to have a payout more than doubled to $27.91 million for land compulsorily acquired to make way for the North East Link. Victorias Department of Transport and Planning took over the 61,080-square-metre site, where the former Hoyts Bulleen Drive-In once sat, in 2021 as part of the over-budget $26 billion toll road project that is due to open in 2028. An aerial view of construction for the North East Link at the land once owned by the Greek Orthodox Community. Credit: Joe Armao The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria had planned to build a community centre on the Greenaway Street land in Bulleen more than 30 years after buying it, and hoped to sell one-sixth of the site to developers for as much as $11 million. Under that proposal, the rest of the land would have become aged care, education, gallery and function spaces, as well as sporting fields where the plot is at risk of flooding. The El Paso County Sheriffs Office is recruiting residents for participation in a program designed to assist law enforcement officers with public safety services that do not require a deputy, according to a recent news release. The Sheriffs Posse, officials said, will be a citizen-based initiative that trains and utilizes volunteers for a host of duties, including (but not limited to): accident and traffic control; security at crime scenes; animal complaints; lost and found property reports; and various roles at the communications center, courthouse and the Sheriffs Office front desk. El Paso County continues to grow in population; therefore, the need for dedicated volunteers to assist with essential public safety services also continues to grow, the release stated. The Sheriffs Posse will play a vital role in helping deputies respond to the increasing demands of law enforcement. Applications will be accepted through March 24. The inaugural Posse Academy, where volunteers will receive specialized training, is scheduled for April 15 May 3. Featured Local Savings All first-year volunteers will receive a special commemorative patch, according to the release. To apply, visit www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/employment-opportunities. Its 7am in southern Vietnam, the air cool and crisp as Ho Chi Minh City awakes and thinks about what to eat. And it thinks about pho. It just doesnt get any more satisfying than this, sitting at a rickety table amid early-morning Ho Chi Minh City crowds, the smell of scooter exhaust almost entirely masked by the scent of ripped basil leaves and the deeply complex beef broth right before you. When Ho Chi Minh Citys people awake, their thoughts turn to pho. Credit: Alamy Ive eaten a lot of pho. This Vietnamese noodle soup, named for its thick rice noodles, banh pho, is so perfectly balanced, its broth flavoured with herbs and aromatics, its noodles slippery and chewy, with just-cooked beef, crunchy bean sprouts, thin-sliced onion, fresh basil and saw-tooth coriander. I know pho. I love pho. And this pho is the best Ive ever had. Can you trust the free travel insurance that comes with your credit card? Its a question that pops up from time to time in my mailbox, and a recent experience in Morocco put our own credit card insurance to the test. In October last year my wife and I landed in Marrakesh at the start of a three-week trip. My bag arrived, hers didnt. Its the second time thats happened on that exact same route. Some credit cards will offer you complimentary travel insurance, provided you pay for a minimum amount of your travel on the card. Credit: Adobe There followed a long and complicated saga, but with no prospect of a speedy reunion with her luggage, a shopping trip was essential. After an expedition to the local Marrakesh Zara and H&M stores she returned with clothes, toiletries, cosmetics and the worlds cheapest suitcase to get her through the trip. Total cost a little over $1200. Two weeks later, after an adventurous journey from Rome to Singapore and back to Marrakesh, her suitcase was returned, but who was going to reimburse us for the cost of the clothing purchased in Marrakesh? ITA Airways, with whom we made the original booking, said Not our problem, which is ITAs standard response to everything, and fobbed us off to Air France, which was the actual carrier. In honour of St Patrick, heres a word from the Irish language that has wheeled itself into English as spoken in Ireland: plamas (pronounced plaugh mause). There is no exact equivalent in English, but it means strategic flattery, buffering someones ego with ones own interest firmly in mind. With a super ego back in charge of the worlds superpower, plamas has become an international diplomatic default. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers recent visit to the US was a highlight of his so far chequered leadership. A golden, Charlie Bucket envelope for Trump from King Charles, inviting him back for an unprecedented second state visit, did the trick. Safely back in London, Starmer could give warm consolatory hugs to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a few days later. Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday. Credit: AP Politically, St Patricks Day affords the Irish government an opportunity to exert its soft power around the globe, a chance to connect with the 70 million strong Irish diaspora. Senior government ministers hightail it around the world, including to Australia. The highlight is in Washington where, in long-established custom, the taoiseach [prime minister], currently Micheal Martin, presents a bowl of shamrock to the US president. The March visit affords access to the White House unmatched by any other country Irelands size. This year, however, there was much trepidation and nervousness in Ireland before the visit, even speculation that the White House invitation would not be forthcoming. Ireland, for all its historical and cultural links to the US, embodies many of the foreign failings that Trump most excoriates. Ireland is an enthusiastic member (the only English-speaking one left) of the reviled European Union set up to take advantage of the United States, according to Trump. More than 200 alleged members of a Venezuelan gang have been deported by the US and sent to El Salvador after President Donald Trump invoked a law last used during World War II. Trump issued an order to rapidly deport accused members of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organisation, arguing he had a right to declare them alien enemies under a wartime act. A day later, the move was blocked by a federal judge, saying that the 1798 Alien Enemies Act refers to hostile acts perpetrated by another country that are commensurate to war. Flights were in the air at the time of the ruling. Alleged Venezuelan gang members deported from the US arrive at El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Centre on Sunday. Credit: El Salvador presidential press office via AP El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced that 238 alleged members of the drug gang had arrived early on Sunday and had been transferred to his countrys infamous CECOT mega-prison. Macron says will announce plans to 'mobilise civilians' Paris, March 15 (AFP) Mar 15, 2025 French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday ruled out bringing back mandatory military service but said he wanted to mobilise society in the face of Russian aggression and would make an announcement in the coming weeks. Speaking to regional newspapers in comments recorded Friday and published Saturday, Macron said the return of compulsory military service was "not a realistic option." He said France no longer had the "logistics" to reintroduce conscription, which ended in 2001. "We are going to look at ways to mobilise civilians," Macron told the regional press, adding that he wanted to consolidate the "mobilisation of society in the face of crises." European countries including France have been debating reinstating compulsory military service to boost their defences in the face of Russian aggression. Fears about the strength of NATO have surged further after US President Donald Trump said Europe must take care of its own security. According to a recent poll, 61 percent of French people are in favour of re-establishing some form of compulsory military service. During his presidential campaign in 2017, Macron had promised to introduce a month-long compulsory service, but the idea received a cool response from the army. Macron has been looking for ways to encourage young French people to serve. In January, he asked the government and the army to submit proposals by May on how to mobilise more young volunteers to "back up the armed forces" in case of need. Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, speaking to Le Figaro, proposed creating "a voluntary military service", which would enable at least 50,000 men and women to be trained each year. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has suggested strengthening a reserve force to 100,000 people. Spurred by Trump turnabout, European nations debate conscription Paris, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Frightened by the prospect of US security disengagement and three years of Moscow's war against Ukraine, European countries are debating reinstating compulsory military service to boost their defences in the face of Russian aggression. Russian leader Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 caught Europe off guard, and fears about the strength of NATO surged further after US President Donald Trump upended the transatlantic alliance, saying Europe must take care of its own security. Both military analysts and European governments acknowledge that the threat of Russian aggression is real, today even more so than three years ago. "The Russian military today is larger and better than on February 24, 2022. The Russians have hostile intent against the Baltic states and the EU's eastern flank," said Alexandr Burilkov, a researcher at the Institute of Political Science (IPW) at Heidelberg University. According to a study Burilkov co-authored for think tank Bruegel and the Kiel Institute, Europe could need 300,000 more troops to deter Russian aggression, in addition to 1.47 million active-duty military personnel. "Conscription would have to play a role in any such large numbers of new troops," he said. From Paris to Warsaw, leaders have been looking to boost defence spending in the face of US threats to withdraw its European security guarantees. But many countries, including France and Britain, have struggled with recruiting and retaining troops. Reintroducing some form of national service -- compulsory or voluntary -- might be even more difficult. According to a YouGov poll, most people in France (68 percent) and Germany (58 percent) support mandatory military service for young people. Italian and British people are divided, while a majority of Spaniards (53 percent) are against it. But studies also show that many Europeans are not prepared to defend their countries on the battlefield. "In a liberal society, the imposition of military constraints has become nearly impossible to implement," said Benedicte Cheron, a French expert who studies links between society and the armed forces. "As long as there is no invasion of the territory, accepting the political costs of imposing sanctions on those who do not comply with the call-up seems unthinkable." - 'Incentives' - After the Cold War, most European countries ended compulsory conscription. Just nine countries -- Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway and Turkey -- never suspended it. Lithuania reintroduced conscription in 2015, a year after Russia annexed Crimea. Sweden followed suit in 2017 and Latvia in 2023. But mindful of political and economic costs, most of NATO's five biggest European spenders -- France, Germany, the UK, Italy and Poland -- are not planning to make participation in armed forces mandatory. But Poland, which ended conscription in 2008, recently announced plans to offer military training to 100,000 civilians a year, starting in 2027. The scheme will be voluntary but the authorities are planning a system of "motivations and incentives", said Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Germany's likely future chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has said he favours the reintroduction of a compulsory year in which young people could perform either military or community service. In Britain, the last national servicemen were demobilised in 1963 and the government does not plan to reverse course. "We're not considering conscription, but, of course, we've announced a major increase in defence expenditure," said Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden. In France, where compulsory military service ended in 2001, President Emmanuel Macron has been looking for ways to encourage young people to serve. In comments to reporters published Saturday, he said France no longer had the "logistics" to re-introduce compulsory service, but he wanted to "look at ways to mobilise civilians" and would be making an announcement in the coming weeks. Reintroducing national service "would mean transforming a large part of the army into training centres", said French military historian Michel Goya. In Italy, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has ruled out reintroducing national service but spoken in favour of a reserve force. - 'East-wide divide' - Researchers say Western European politicians should learn from Nordic and Baltic countries, particularly Finland and Sweden. Finland, which shares a long border with Russia and was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939, has one of the largest reserve forces in Europe. "The east-west divide is still a problem. Few people in western Europe are willing to fight," said Burilkov. Convincing Europeans to volunteer would require advocacy campaigns, he said. "There is also a relationship between whether people see the war as winnable and whether they want to serve, so dramatically improving European military capabilities will make people more confident in them." Goya said Europeans had been suddenly struck by their vulnerability. "It's only when the tide goes out that you learn who's been swimming naked," he said. "The American sea is receding, and many European countries are saying to themselves that yes, in the end, they are a little bit exposed." burs-dla-as/sjw/yad-jj/sco Iran Guards vow to retaliate against any attack after Trump warning Tehran, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Sunday threatened a "decisive" response to any attack, after US President Donald Trump ordered a wave of air strikes against Yemen's Huthi rebels and warned Tehran to stop backing the group. On Saturday, Trump said the United States had launched "decisive and powerful military action" to end the Huthi threat to Red Sea shipping, and warned Iran's support for the rebels "must end immediately". A Huthi health official said the strikes had killed 31 people. Iranian Guards chief Hossein Salami denounced Trump's threats in a televised speech on Sunday, adding that "Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses". The commander called the Huthis "the representative of the Yemenis", adding the group made its "strategic and operational decisions" independently. In January 2020, during Trump's first term, the US killed the commander of the Guards' foreign operations arms, Qassem Soleimani, in a drone strike in Baghdad. Days later, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at bases in Iraq housing American and other coalition troops. No US personnel were killed but Washington said dozens suffered traumatic brain injuries. Earlier Sunday Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei "strongly condemned the brutal air strikes by the US" in a statement, denouncing them a "gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter". Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said afterwards that Washington had "no authority" to dictate the Islamic republic's foreign policy. "The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy," the foreign minister said on X, while urging the United States to stop the "killing of Yemeni people". Araghchi said the time when Washington could dictate Tehran's foreign policy ended in 1979, when the Islamic revolution ousted the Western-backed shah. The Huthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for more than a decade, are part of the "axis of resistance" of pro-Iran groups staunchly opposed to Israel and the United States. The Yemeni rebels have attacked Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians. The US strikes on the Huthis are the first since Trump's return to the White House in January. rkh/smw Huthis vow 'escalation' after US strikes on Yemen kill 31 Sanaa, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Yemen's Iran-backed Huthis vowed to meet "escalation with escalation" after a wave of deadly US air strikes, with witnesses to the bombing saying Sunday they were taken aback by its intensity, even after years of war. US President Donald Trump said he had ordered the strikes and threatened more were to come if the rebels kept up their repeated attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Attacks on the rebel-held capital Sanaa, as well as on areas in Saada, Al-Bayda and Radaa, killed at least 31 people and wounded 101, "most of whom were children and women", Huthi health ministry spokesperson Anis Al-Asbahi said. An AFP photographer in Sanaa heard explosions and saw plumes of smoke rising Saturday night. Footage on Huthi media showed children and a woman among those being treated in a hospital emergency room, including a dazed girl with blackened legs wrapped in bandages. One father of two, who gave his name as Ahmed, told AFP his "house shook, the windows shattered, and my family and I were terrified". "I've been living in Sanaa for 10 years, hearing shelling throughout the war. By God, I've never experienced anything like this before," he said. Trump, in a post on social media, vowed to "use overwhelming lethal force" to end the Huthi attacks, which the rebels say are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza war. "To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!" he said. Trump also issued a stern warning to the group's main backer. "To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY!" he said, adding it would be held "fully accountable" for any continued threats. The Huthis vowed the strikes "will not pass without response", while Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi condemned the deaths and said Washington had "no authority" to dictate Tehran's foreign policy. The Huthi Ansarullah website slammed what it called Washington's "criminal brutality". US Central Command, which posted videos of fighter jets taking off and a bomb demolishing a compound, said "precision strikes" were launched to "defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation". - 'Fully prepared' - "Yesterday's shelling in Al-Jiraf (northern Sanaa) was absolutely terrifying: six strikes in a row," 43-year-old father of three Malik told AFP. "My children were screaming and crying in my arms. It's the first time I've ever said the Shahada," he added, referring to the prayer that is recited before death. The Huthis' political bureau said its "forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation". The rebels, who have controlled much of Yemen for more than a decade, are part of the "axis of resistance" of pro-Iran groups staunchly opposed to Israel and the United States. They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Huthis had "attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023". The campaign put a major strain on the vital route, which normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies to take a costly detour around southern Africa. The Palestinian group Hamas, which has praised the Huthi support, lashed out at the US strikes, branding them "a stark violation of international law and an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability". Iran "strongly condemned the brutal air strikes" in a statement, denouncing them as a "gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter". The head of the country's Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, said: "Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses." - 'Political dialogue' - The United States has launched several rounds of strikes on Huthi targets. After halting their attacks when a ceasefire took effect in Gaza in January, the Huthis announced on Tuesday that they would resume them until Israel lifted its blockade of aid to the devastated Palestinian territory. Trump's statement did not reference the dispute over Israel, but focused on previous Huthi attacks on merchant shipping. Earlier this month, the Trump administration reclassified the Huthis as a "foreign terrorist organisation", banning any US interaction with it. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Moscow is close to Tehran. "Continued Huthi attacks on US military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated," Rubio told Lavrov, according to the State Department. Russia's foreign ministry said that "Lavrov stressed the need for an immediate cessation of the use of force and the importance for all sides to engage in political dialogue... (to) prevent further bloodshed". The Huthis captured Sanaa in 2014 and were poised to overrun most of the rest of the country before a Saudi-led coalition intervened. The war devastated the already impoverished nation. Fighting has largely been on hold since a 2022 ceasefire, but the promised peace process has stalled in the face of Huthi attacks on Israel and Israel-linked shipping. burs-smw/ US says 'multiple' leaders of Iran-backed rebels dead in Yemen strikes Sanaa, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 A White House official on Sunday said a wave of United States air strikes on Yemen killed senior Huthi rebel leaders and sent a message to their Iranian backers. Attacks on the rebel-held capital Sanaa as well as Saada, Al-Bayda and Radaa killed at least 31 people and wounded 101, "most of whom were children and women", Huthi health ministry spokesperson Anis al-Asbahi said. US President Donald Trump said he had ordered Saturday night's strikes and threatened more if the rebels kept up their attacks on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping. The rebels have carried out no attacks in the waterways since January 19, when a ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip, but on Tuesday said they would resume attacks on Israeli shipping. US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz told ABC News the strikes "targeted multiple Huthi leaders and took them out." He told Fox News: "We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough." The Huthis, who have fought for years in their country, vowed a response. Witnesses to the bombing said on Sunday they were taken aback by its intensity. Footage on Huthi media showed children, including a dazed girl with blackened legs wrapped in bandages, and a woman being treated in hospital. - 'Terrified' - One father of two, who gave his name as Ahmed, told AFP his "house shook, the windows shattered, and my family and I were terrified". "I've been living in Sanaa for 10 years, hearing shelling throughout the war. By God, I've never experienced anything like this before," he said. Trump, posting on social media, vowed to "use overwhelming lethal force" to end the Huthi attacks, which the rebels say are in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war. "To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!" he said. Trump also issued a stern warning to Tehran. "To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY!" he said. The Huthis, who had long complained of marginalisation, seized Sanaa in September 2014, forcing the government to flee south and leaving the rebels controlling large parts of the country. A Saudi-led coalition in March 2015 began a military campaign against the Huthis that the Yemen Data Project, an independent tracker, said involved more than 25,000 air raids. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the deaths in the US strikes and said Washington had "no authority" to dictate Tehran's foreign policy. US Central Command, which posted videos of warplanes taking off and a bomb demolishing a compound, said "precision strikes" were launched to "defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation". - 'Fully prepared' - The Huthis' political bureau said its "forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation". They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks on ships in the two key waterways. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Huthis had "attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023". The Yemen Conflict Observatory database set up by ACLED, a non-profit monitor, shows 136 Huthi attacks against warships, commercial vessels, Israeli and other targets since October 19, 2023. The campaign put a major strain on the vital trade route, which normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies to take a costly detour around southern Africa. The Palestinian group Hamas, which has praised Huthi support, branded the US strikes "a stark violation of international law and an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability". Iran denounced them as a "gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter". The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, said: "Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses." - 'Political dialogue' - The United States had already launched several rounds of strikes on Huthi targets. Israel has also struck Yemen, most recently in December, after Huthi missile fire towards Israeli territory. Trump's administration this month reclassified the Huthis as a "foreign terrorist organisation", banning any US interaction with the group. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Moscow is close to Tehran. "Continued Huthi attacks on US military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated," Rubio told Lavrov, according to the State Department. Russia's foreign ministry said "Lavrov stressed the need for an immediate cessation of the use of force and the importance for all sides to engage in political dialogue... (to) prevent further bloodshed". Fighting in Yemen's own war has largely been on hold since a 2022 ceasefire, but the promised peace process has stalled in the face of the Huthi attacks on Israel and Israel-linked shipping. The war killed hundreds of thousands either directly or indirectly through causes such as disease. The country plunged into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. burs-smw/srm/it Iraq says seized one tonne of captagon from Syria via Turkey Baghdad, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Iraqi security forces have seized more than a tonne of captagon, an illegal stimulant, smuggled from Syria via Turkey, the interior ministry said on Sunday. Ministry spokesman General Moqdad Miri said the Narcotics Directorate "seized a truck from Syria, bound for Iraq, via Turkey, transporting 1.1 tonnes" of the synthetic drug in tablet form. The seizure was one of the largest in Iraq in recent years and consisted of seven million pills, a security official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. It was also the first such seizure announced since the toppling in December of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, whose government was at the heart of the trade in areas he controlled, experts have said. The drugs were transferred from a Turkish truck to an Iraqi truck near a border crossing between the two countries, according to video footage released by the interior ministry which showed the pills hidden in a shipment of ironing boards. Miri said there had been arrests, but did not elaborate on the number or nationality of those detained. He said the seizure operation was mounted with the cooperation of security forces in the autonomous region of Kurdistan, which borders Turkey. It also took place thanks to "very important information" provided by Saudi security forces, Miri added. Captagon became Syria's largest export during the country's civil war that began in 2011. In recent years Iraq and its neighbours, in particular the transit countries Jordan and Saudi Arabia to boost cooperation in a bid to combat trafficking. Saudi Arabia is a major market for addictive captagon. Iraq in 2022 announced it had seized six million pills, and in 2024 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) said the country had experienced a "dramatic increase" in both the trafficking and use of captagon in the previous five years. "In 2023 alone, authorities (in Iraq) seized a record-high 24 million captagon tablets -- the equivalent of over 4.1 tonnes, with an estimated retail value of between $84 million and $144 million," a UNDOC report said. It said that between 2019 and 2023, about 82 percent of the captagon seized in the Middle East originated from Syria, followed by Lebanon at 17 percent. The new authorities in Damascus have announced the destruction of around 100 million captagon pills but the trade persists, a diplomatic source who follows the issue said. "Lower-ranking operators are showing resilience, adapting, and remaining in place despite political or security changes," the source said. "It is therefore not surprising to see trafficking continue, whether through the sale of existing stockpiles or the establishment of new production". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that trafficking from Syria was ongoing and that there were still captagon factories operating in the country. Invoking the Aliens Enemies Act, the Trump administration on Saturday ordered the arrest of members of Tren de Aragua, declaring that the gang which took over at least two apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado is perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States. Hours later, a federal judge barred the administration from deportations under the 18th century law, arguing his order was necessary because the government was already flying immigrants it deemed deportable, under Trumps proclamation, to El Salvador and Honduras to be imprisoned there. Trumps declaration and the courts order are the latest in what has become a protracted back-and-forth between the administration, which seeks to advance the presidents agenda, and several federal courts, which have blocked or suspended the administrations executive actions. The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 is a sweeping wartime authority that allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action this time invoked to speed up mass deportations. In his order, Trump said TdA, the transnational gang from Venezuela, is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the U.S. The Trump administration also claimed that the gang is acting both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela. Trump argued that the 18th century law allows him to proclaim that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years who are TdA members but who are not naturalized citizens or lawful permanent residents are liable for arrest and removal. He also declared the TdA members to be chargeable with actual hostility against the U.S. All such members of TdA are a danger to the public peace or safety of the United States, he said. Originally, a prison gang that started in Tocoron Penitentiary Center in Aragua, a state in north-central Venezuela, TdA has expanded the footprint of its criminal enterprises into at least eight Latin American countries, including Brazil, Colombia and Chile. The organization has an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 members, according to Ronna Risquez, a Venezuelan investigative journalist. Its unclear when TdA was first discovered in the United States, but it is believed that gang members embedded themselves with immigrants fleeing the political and economic collapse in Venezuela. Nearly eight million Venezuelans have already fled their country under President Nicolas Maduros oppressive regime, with more than 500,000 estimated to be living in the U.S. Since 2023, some 43,000 immigrants who illegally crossed the southern border with Mexico have arrived in Denver. Early in the humanitarian crisis, Denver officials decided to assume the responsibility for the response, which has cost more than $80 million. Train, bus and plane tickets for immigrants to travel elsewhere suggest that about half have stayed, which is the equivalent of a city about the size of Golden being added to the Denver metro area in two years. Through violence and intimidation, the gang ran off an apartment management in a complex and demanded half of the rent from leaseholders and moved vulnerable immigrant families into vacant units. Police have arrested several members on a variety of charges, including an armed home invasion, in which a Venezuelan couple was bound, pistol-whipped, and tortured. Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky, an Aurora councilmember, said the suspects ripped out the womans fingernails. Last year, the Biden administration issued sanctions against the gang, offering a $12 million reward for three leaders of TdA, which joined other transnational criminal organizations like MS-13 and The Camorra from Italy that are banned from doing business in the U.S. Featured Local Savings The gang has a diverse portfolio of criminal activities that include drug trafficking; human trafficking, particularly immigrant women and girls; kidnapping; extortion; and, money laundering. Trump earlier issued an executive order designating the Venezuelan prison gang a terrorist organization. Former Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen, who praised the White Houses move, said that designation will aid law enforcement in several critical ways. Chief among the designations advantages is the difference between a state and a federal sentence, he said. When its a federal crime, an individual is facing what they call straight time, Pazen said. By that, Pazen means that a 10-year federal sentence requires a felon to serve 10 years because there is no federal parole system. During a campaign stop in Aurora last fall, Trump swore to crack down on gang members illegally living in the U.S. in what he dubbed as Operation Aurora. Trump has also called for the death penalty for those who kill American citizens. Passed in 1798 as part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Aliens Enemies Act was last used as part of the internment of Japanese-American civilians during World War II and has only been used two other times in American history, during World War I and the War of 1812. Trump argued in his declaration that it is justified because he contends the Tren de Aragua gang, a common talking point on the campaign trail, has ties to the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump talked about using the act during his presidential campaign. That led to Saturdays unusual lawsuit filed before Trumps declaration even became public. The American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed the lawsuit on behalf of five Venezuelans whose cases suddenly moved toward deportation in recent hours. James E. Boasberg, chief judge of the D.C. Circuit, agreed to implement a temporary restraining order preventing the deportation for 14 days under. Boasberg said his order was to preserve the status quo. He scheduled a hearing for later in the afternoon to see if his order should be expanded to protect all Venezuelans in the U.S. Hours later, the Trump administration appealed the initial restraining order, contending that halting a presidential act before it has been announced would cripple the executive branch. If the order were allowed to stand, district courts would have license to enjoin virtually any urgent national-security action just upon receipt of a complaint, the Justice Department wrote in its appeal. Denver Gazette reporters Alexander Edwards and Nicole C. Brambila and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Zelensky replaces his army chief of general staff Kyiv, Ukraine, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced the chief of general staff of the armed forces, according to a decree issued Sunday, as Kyiv's frontline troops continue to struggle. According to a communique, Anatoliy Bargylevych has been replaced by Andriy Gnatov, who "has been tasked with increasing the efficiency of the management." The Ukrainian military, which has grown since mobilising to repel Russia's February 2022 invasion, is in the process of reorganising its army corps to improve coordination. "We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness. This involves restructuring the command system and implementing clear standards," defence minister Rustem Umerov said on his Facebook page. He said Gnatov has "more than 27 years of military experience", adding that Bargylevych has been appointed as the chief inspector of the defence ministry. In the eastern region of Donetsk, which remains the epicentre of the fighting, the larger and better equipped Russian army has been advancing slowly for more than a year, despite heavy losses. Zelensky replaces his army chief of general staff Kyiv, Ukraine, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced the chief of general staff of the armed forces, according to a decree issued Sunday, as Kyiv's frontline troops continue to struggle. According to a communique, Anatoliy Bargylevych has been replaced by Andriy Gnatov, who "has been tasked with increasing the efficiency of the management." "He is a combat guy," Zelensky said of Gnatov. "His task is to bring more combat experience, the experience of our brigades in planning operations, defensive and offensive, as well as more active development of the corps system," he added. "Everything that our brigades have learned from the war should be implemented one hundred percent at the planning level." The Ukrainian military, which has grown since mobilising to repel Russia's February 2022 invasion, is in the process of reorganising its army corps to improve coordination. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said on his Facebook page: "We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness. "This involves restructuring the command system and implementing clear standards." Gnatov, he said, had "more than 27 years of military experience". Bargylevych has been appointed as the chief inspector of the defence ministry, he added. In the eastern region of Donetsk, the epicentre of the fighting, the larger and better equipped Russian army has been advancing slowly for more than a year, despite heavy losses. Lebanon reports deadly strikes as Israel says responded to gunfire Beirut, Lebanon, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Israel's defence minister said the military responded to stray gunfire from Lebanon Sunday, after Lebanese state media and the health ministry reported four deaths in Israeli strikes on the south. "The Israeli enemy strike this evening on the town of Ainata led to the death of two people," Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) said, citing the health ministry's emergency service. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz later said the military had targeted Ainata after "a stray bullet from a Hezbollah operative's funeral" hit the windshield of a vehicle in the northern Israeli community of Avivim. "We will not allow shooting from Lebanese territory toward northern communities -- we will respond strongly to any violation of the ceasefire," Katz said. Israel's military, meanwhile, said "a gunshot hit a parked vehicle in the area of Avivim. No injuries were reported. The shot most likely originated from Lebanese territory." Earlier, Lebanon's health ministry confirmed one person was killed in an Israeli strike on Mais al-Jabal and the NNA reported one other fatality in Bint Jbeil. The agency reported that an Israeli drone carried out "a strike on a vehicle in the town of Mais al-Jabal, resulting in one fatality". The NNA said it was the third Israeli strike on southern Lebanon in 24 hours. Earlier on Sunday, the health ministry said an Israeli drone strike killed one person and wounded another when it targeted a four-wheel-drive vehicle near Yater in Bint Jbeil district at around 2:00 am, the NNA reported. "The Israeli enemy's air strike on a vehicle in the town of Yater resulted in the martyrdom of a citizen and the injury of another," the ministry said in a statement carried by the agency. - Detainees released - Israel's military said it killed two Hezbollah militants Sunday in two separate strikes on Lebanon. "Earlier today, the IDF struck and eliminated two Hezbollah terrorists who were surveillance operatives and took part in directing terror attacks in the area of Yatar and Meiss El Jabal in southern Lebanon," a statement said. It comes a day after Lebanon's health ministry said one person was killed in an Israeli strike on a vehicle in the southern border town of Burj al-Muluk. After that raid, the Israeli military said it "struck a Hezbollah terrorist who took part in terrorist activity in the area of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon". And on Tuesday, the Israeli military said it carried out a strike in southern Lebanon that killed a senior Hezbollah militant. That came as Lebanon received four detainees who had been taken to Israel during fighting with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group, with a fifth detainee, a soldier, released on Thursday after he was taken earlier this month. A November 27 truce largely halted more than a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, including two months of full-blown war in which Israel sent in ground troops. Israel has continued to carry out periodic strikes on Lebanese territory since the agreement took effect. Israel had been due to withdraw from Lebanon by February 18 after missing a January deadline, but has kept troops at five locations it deems "strategic". The ceasefire also required Hezbollah to pull back north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and to dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. Iran-backed Yemen rebels say attacked US carrier after air strikes Sanaa, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen said Sunday they had attacked a US aircraft carrier group in the Red Sea and would target American commercial vessels, a day after US airstrikes the White House said killed senior rebel leaders. The Huthi health ministry said women and children were among those killed in the US strike on Saturday. "In response to this aggression, the armed forces conducted a military operation targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships", the group said in a statement. The Huthis said they had launched 18 missiles and a drone at the American ships. There was no immediate comment from the United States about the claim. Saturday's American attacks on the rebel-held capital Sanaa as well as Saada, Al-Bayda and Radaa killed 53 people and wounded 98, Huthi health ministry spokesperson Anis al-Asbahi said Sunday, updating an earlier toll. "Final toll from the massacres perpetrated by the American enemy on March 15: 53 martyrs, including five children and two women, as well as 98 wounded, including nine children and nine women," Asbahi posted on X. US officials on Sunday vowed further strikes until the Huthis stop attacking Red Sea shipping. The United Nations urged both sides to cease "all military activity". Before their claimed attack on the carrier, the rebels had carried out no attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since January 19, when a ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip. On Tuesday, however, the Huthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli shipping over Israel's halting of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In a televised address late Sunday, rebel leader Abdulmalik al-Huthi added US cargo ships to its targets "as long as it continues its aggression". He called for a million Yemenis to march on Monday in defiance. "If the American aggression against our country continues, we will move to additional escalatory options," he said. - 'Overwhelming force' - US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz told ABC News that Saturday's strikes "targeted multiple Huthi leaders and took them out". He told Fox News: "We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough." Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth vowed an "unrelenting" missile campaign until the Huthi attacks stop. "I want to be very clear, this campaign is about freedom of navigation and restoring deterrence," Hegseth said in a televised Fox Business interview. "The minute the Huthis say, 'We'll stop shooting at your ships, we'll stop shooting at your drones,' this campaign will end. But until then, it will be unrelenting." CENTCOM, the US Central Command, said it had carried out a "large scale operation" against the Huthis. Witnesses in Yemen, a country that has endured years of war, said Sunday they were taken aback by the attack's intensity. Footage on Huthi media showed children, including a dazed girl with blackened legs wrapped in bandages, and a woman being treated in hospital. One father of two, who gave his name as Ahmed, told AFP: "I've been living in Sanaa for 10 years, hearing shelling throughout the war. By God, I've never experienced anything like this before," he said. Trump, posting on social media, vowed to "use overwhelming lethal force" to end the Huthi attacks, which the rebels say are in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war. "To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!" he said. "To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY!" Trump added. The Huthis, who had long complained of marginalisation, seized Sanaa in September 2014, forcing the government to flee south and leaving the rebels controlling large parts of Yemen. A Saudi-led coalition in March 2015 began a military campaign against the Huthis that the Yemen Data Project, an independent tracker, said involved more than 25,000 air raids. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the deaths in Saturday's US strikes and said Washington had "no authority" to dictate Tehran's foreign policy. - 'Fully prepared' - The Huthis' political bureau said its "forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation". They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks on ships in the two key waterways, and have previously targeted US warships. The Yemen Conflict Observatory database set up by ACLED, a non-profit monitor, shows 136 Huthi attacks against warships, commercial vessels, Israeli and other targets since October 19, 2023. The vital trade route normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, but the Huthi attacks forced many companies into costly detours around southern Africa. The Palestinian group Hamas, which has praised Huthi support, branded the US strikes "a stark violation of international law and an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability". The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, said: "Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses." The United States had already launched several rounds of strikes on Huthi targets. Israel has also struck Yemen, most recently in December, after Huthi missile fire towards Israeli territory. Fighting in Yemen's own war has largely been on hold since a 2022 ceasefire, but the promised peace process has stalled in the face of the Huthi attacks on shipping. The war killed hundreds of thousands either directly or indirectly through causes such as disease, plunging Yemen into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. burs-jj/gv Colombia defense minister vows 'full force' against guerrillas Bogota, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Colombia's defense minister on Sunday told AFP that the military would meet a leftist insurgency near the Venezuelan border with "full force," vowing to reassert territorial control as soon as possible. Newly appointed minister Pedro Sanchez said in an interview that the threat from the ELN guerrilla group "will be met with the legitimate full force of the state, to defend Colombians." ELN guerrillas currently control a swathe of land near the Venezuelan border, where fighting has displaced about 56,000 people. In a recent interview with AFP, ELN commanders vowed to repel a government counteroffensive and said years of "total peace" risk turning into "total war." Sanchez dismissed the ELN as a "narco-criminal group" and vowed they would be met with "full force." He also pledged to retake a major coca-growing region in the south of the country, a virtual microstate run by the Estado Mayor Central (Central General Staff). Sanchez admitted retaking territory was a "wicked problem," but said it would be achieved. "We're going to have to make a lot of sacrifice, we're even going to have tears, but in the end, we're going to achieve it." Colombia defense minister warns US against drug blacklisting Bogota, March 16 (AFP) Mar 16, 2025 Colombia's defense minister on Sunday warned Donald Trump's administration against blacklisting his country for failing to curb drug exports, saying the decision would bring yet more cocaine to the United States. Washington is currently weighing whether to "decertify" Colombia as a partner in the battle against drugs, a move that could restrict millions in US military aid and be a hammer blow to Colombia's reputation. In an interview with AFP, recently appointed defense minister Pedro Sanchez said decertification would mean "we simply lose the ability to contain the threat." "Not being able to contain it would go against the interests of the United States. Because more cocaine would arrive and the United States would not be stronger, more prosperous, or safer." "Fracturing relations and cooperation between our states is an opportunity for drug trafficking," Sanchez insisted. Colombia has launched a diplomatic offensive to avoid blacklisting ahead of a September US review. But many officials are privately pessimistic that blacklisting can be avoided, putting at risk nearly half a billion dollars in annual US funding. 100 opens with Special Agent Hana Gibson (Keisha Castle-Hughes) checking her ex, Ethan McPherson (Michael Raymond-James) into a VA-sponsored drug rehab program. A disturbance erupts when two army vets, Dani Harrigan (Ashley Crowe) and Carver Fleck (Tobias Forrest), begin arguing with the clerk named Stuart (Eric Elizaga). The issueFleck, a wheelchair-bound vet, needed to get his disability rating updated from 50% to 100%. Flecks paperwork is missing. It almost takes an act of Congress to get this rating changed. Frustrated, Flecks literal ride or die Dani escalates the situation. Dani, also likely suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), pulled her gun, shot the guard (Bob Roseman), and took everyone in the waiting room captive, including Hana and Ethan. "100% FBI: MOST WANTED, Pictured (L-R): Nakia Dillard as Janitor Wally, Keisha Castle-Hughes as Special Agent Hana Gibson, and Michael Raymond-James as Ethan McPherson. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Unaware shes taken an FBI agent and a US Marshall captive, Dani gets Hana to collect all the cell phones, but not before she sent a text to the Fugitive Task Force as the onsite police presence swells. Protocols are followed. The negotiator, Rick Deschain (Josh Marcantel), makes mistakes that put Hanas life in danger. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Hugh Puglia (Ben Cain), thinks a woman might better get through to Dani. Special Agent Sheryll Barnes (Roxy Sternberg) takes over negotiations. She successfully gets Dani to release the injured guard and one hostage in exchange for chewing tobacco. Special Agent Ray Cannon (Edwin Hodge) volunteers to be part of the EMT Team that evacuates the guard out so he could smuggle a phone to Hana and deliver Danis dip. "100% FBI: Most Wanted, Pictured (L-R): Ben Cain as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Hugh Puglia and Roxy Sternberg as Special Agent Sheryll Barnes. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The janitor Wally (Nakia Dillard) was released because he thanked Dani for her service. Unfortunately, media coverage alerted Dani that she had an FBI agent in her midst. Dani mistakenly assumed it was a tall, white guy (Josh Wingate). She knew it wasnt Stuart because he worked at the VA. She ruled out Ethan because he was actively dope sick. She dismissed Hana well because she was a middle-aged woman. Through process of elimination, it had to be tall, white guy who swore he was a schoolteacher. Dani was prepared to shoot him, until Hana confessed to being the FBI. Dani focused her rage on Hana. She called Sheryll to let her know that Hana was her new bargaining chip. Sheryll Counters, by convincing Dani to talk to her ex-husband (William Nicol). The two talked about her kids reading progress, which was deeply moving to SA Barnes who herself is a mother of two. The Agent in Charge Hugh Puglia disregarded Sherylls pleas not to breach the facility. A swat team was dispatched. Dani wired a door with explosives. Hana sent a text warning them not to enter, but it was too late, and several officers were injured. "100% FBI: Most Wanted, Pictured (L-R): William Nicol as Keith, Ben Cain as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Hugh Puglia, and Roxy Sternberg as Special Agent Sheryll Barnes. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. After the explosion even Sheryll planned to eliminate Dani and Carver. The swat team lined up their kill shot. Carver is killed, but Dani bent to pick up the tobacco she dropped. Panicked she moves the hostages to the chapel. During the transfer, Ethan takes the phone from Hana to keep Dani from finding it in her possession. Suffering from the effects of opioid withdrawal, Ethan cant control his tremors enough to send a text to Hanas team. Ethan calls the team instead and declares hes the FBI agent, not Hana. His gambit works. Dani places Ethan on his knees-- execution style. Service member to service member, Ethan delivers a great speech. He appeals to Danis sense of duty letting her know that killing him wont achieve anything but intensify her feelings of self-loathing because she blames herself for the injuries Carver sustained rescuing her in combat, and for getting him killed earlier that day. Dani tells Ethan that shes not going to shoot him. As she prepares to shoot herself, Hana prevents her from pulling the trigger. You matter, Hana says. She continues, Dont abandon your kids. Your kids cant grow up without a mom. And the coup de grace--Hana says, There are other Carvers out there that you can use your voice to help. By then, the SWAT team was through the doors and the site secured. Dani was arrested. Ethan and Hana embrace as he declares, I love you! Hana ambiguously responds, I know. "100% FBI: Most Wanted, Pictured (L-R): Edwin Hodge as Special Agent Ray Cannon, Roxy Sternberg as Special Agent Sheryll Barnes, Shantel VanSanten as Special Agent Nina Chase and Ben Cain as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Hugh Puglia. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 100% had an ambitious thematic throughline, Broken systems. Broken people, that was meant to unveil the brutal fallout of bureaucratic ineptitude and institutional neglect. The episodes most intriguing (and divisive) feature is its gender-inflected storytelling. The central antagonist, a divorced mother of two and a former soldier, brings an unexpected layer of complexity to the narrative. Danis descent into violence feels raw and inevitable, a harrowing reflection of a system that fails even the most determined individuals. Her characterization, while chilling, forces the audience to confront how gender might reshape our perceptions of rage and desperation. This narrative choice, whether intentionally profound or coincidentally provocative, succeeds in making the antagonist more than a trope of a TBI damaged soldiershe becomes a lens through which we examine the cost of neglect, challenging the traditional male-dominated narrative about veterans. 100% dared to show women not just as caretakers or victims but as participants in high-stakes conflict. 100% earns points for ambition. Despite the execution faltering in some places, the episode remains a thought-provoking, if uneven, piece of social commentary reflecting the cracks in systems and the human spirit. In the end, I was left with some unsettling questions: How many lives will be lost or shattered before broken systems are repaired? And in presenting women at the heart of its story, does it empower or merely exploit? What question did this episode raise for you? Let me know in the comments. Overall Rating: 7:10 Lynette Jones The FBI's Most Wanted s newest episode, 100%, shows the devastating effects of a dysfunctional systemthe Veterans Administration (VA)and its inability to honor individuals who sacrificed so much for this nation. The episode subtly challenges gender norms by mixing systemic critique with personal tragedy. The episode doesnt fully deliver on its theme, Broken systems. Broken people, because of faulty pacing and inconsistencies in the character-driven conflict that sometimes feels forced. Lets review. The Kids Gonna Be Alright WILL TRENT, Pictured Deion Smith as Jeremy Mitchell. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney 2025 Disney. All rights reserved. The brilliant recurring guest star, Antwayn Hopper, like Rafael Wexford, vividly brings these threats to life. The intricately crafted episode builds toward an epic confrontation that has been steadily brewing all seasonanother great reason to keep watching Will Trent. However, the secondary crime-solving plots fell short compared to the compelling entanglements developing among the main cast. The episode alternates between cases from the Atlanta Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, as usual. At the APD, Detectives Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen) and Michael Ormewood (Jake McLauglin) must solve the asphyxiation death of a woman named Lilith at a swingers club. Pete Chin (Kurt Yue), the coroner, claims that Lilith had practiced rough sex play due to the evidence of repetitive trauma. Was her death an unfortunate accident? Was it murder? The APD didnt know, but they interviewed a series of suspects, including Liliths partner and submissive, Albert. Albert initially told detectives Polaski and Ormewood that he didnt enjoy choking Lilith, especially when she demanded that he apply maximum pressure. He only liked to watch. Albert lied, but eventually, he admitted the truth: Lilith had loved him, especially during their intimate moments. Their relationship was consensual, built on mutual affection, and Albert never intended to harm her. Aware that he is not a cold-blooded killer, Angie begins to explore alternative explanations for Lilith's death. Her investigation also provides a convenient excuse to reconnect with Dr. Seth McDale (Scott Foley), her new romantic interest. Earlier in the episode, Dr. Seth tried to charm Angie into opening up by prattling on how close he is with his mom. Having grown up in foster care without a mother, Angie struggles with self-disclosure. When Seth steps away to the restroom, asking her to reveal something personal by the time he returns, Angie invades his privacy instead. She notices his wedding ring and photos of him with his wife, misinterpreting the situation and making unwarranted assumptions. Angie leaves before Seth returns. The Kids Gonna Be Alright WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Kevin Daniels as Franklin and Jake McLauglin as Michael Ormewood. Photo: Zak Popik/Disney 2025 Disney. All rights reserved. Dr. Seth confronted Angie at the precinct in front of Franklin (Kevin Daniels) and Michael, who are hilariously meddlesome when it comes to Angies love life. When Angie accused Seth of having a wife, he revealed that she had died. Seth put their relationship on pause. Angie immediately realized she had made a mistake. Franklin agreed, calling out how unfair it was for her to reduce Seth to his best moments while letting him see only her worst. Angie knew she had work to do to reconcile with Seth. Under the guise of investigating Liliths murder, she invades his workplace, like he had hers. Dr. Seth and his interns played a key role in solving Liliths murder. They collaborated to provide the police with a comprehensive list of party drugs the police used to expand toxicology testing. The results revealed that Lilith had died from cardiac arrest caused by mixing alcohol with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Angie apologized to Seth, explaining the reasons behind her incorrect assumptions about his personal life. Seth forgave her immediately, commending her sincere apology and accountability. Their reconciliation culminated in a passionate kiss. The Kids Gonna Be Alright WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski and Scott Foley as Seth McDale. Photo: Daniel Delgado Jr./Disney 2025 Disney. All rights reserved. An ambush leaves H. Beltline (LaRonn Marzett), a member of a rap duo, dead, while his partner, New Milli (Marcus Gladney Jr.), is wounded. When Will Trent arrives at the scene, he quickly determines that Beltline's death was a targeted hit. The case takes a dramatic turn when a rival rapper, Slo Blizzy (Cris Ruiz), posts a video flaunting the murder weapon. However, Slo Blizzy also ends up dead. With New Milli as the last man standing, he ultimately confesses to killing both Beltline and Slo Blizzy. The motive behind the double murder proves to be disappointingly trivial, and Will manages to extract the confession with remarkable ease. "The Kids Gonna Be Alright WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Ira D. Carmichael as Producer, Deion Smith as Jeremy Mitchell, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Antwayn Hopper as Rafael Wexford, Ramon Rodriquez as Will Trent. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney 2025 Disney. All rights reserved. The more intriguing part of the story involves Special Agents Faith Mitchell and Will Trent uncovering a startling connection: the recording studio is owned by a notorious drug dealer, Rafael Wexford. Adding to the tension, Faith discovers that her son, Jeremy, works at the studioeffectively making him an employee of Rafael Wexford. Faith warns her son, Jeremy, about the dangerous company he's keeping, but he dismisses her concerns, insisting he wants her supportnot her interference. Echoing the lines of the Pearl Jam classic, "Jeremy spoke in class today," he finds himself "schooled" when his defiance of his mothers advice backfires. Jeremy is fired, and his desperation to succeed drives him down a perilous path. Faced with moral dilemmas, he makes a fateful promise to Rafael: I will do anything. The Kids Gonna Be Alright WILL TRENT, Pictured: Alex Bernadotte as Narcotics Officer. Photo: Zac Popik/Disney 2025 Disney. All rights reserved. The episode doesn't explain why, but the arresting officers allow Jeremy to call Will Trent. Jeremy pleads with Will not to tell his mom, admitting, I made a mistake. Will firmly replies, Im not breaking the law for you. When Jeremy claims he had no choice, Will counters that he should have thought twice about getting involved with Rafael, pointing out that he now has no good choices. Under pressure from the arresting officer, who threatens an ethics complaint for interfering with the bust, Will designates Jeremy as a confidential informant (CI). He gives Jeremy an ultimatum: Its either becoming a CI or prison. Jeremy agrees and asks whats required of him. Will instructs him to deliver the drugs as planned, observe, listen, and report back. The two agree to keep the arrangement private. "The Kid's Gonna be Alright" masterfully explores the delicate balance between aspirations and despair, weaving a compelling narrative where every choice has a consequence. As Will and Jeremy work to conceal their secret from Faith, tensions are bound to escalate in future episodes. This sets the stage for a riveting clash of personal and professional worlds, firmly establishing Will Trent as must-watch television in ABCs Tuesday primetime lineup. Do you think Will is making a mistake with Jeremy? Has he gone too far in terms of his ambition, justice, and Faiths family? Please let me know in the comments. Overall Rating: 9:10 Lynette Jones I am a self-identified 'woke boomer' who hails from an era bathed in the comforting glow of a TV, not a computer screen. Navigating the digital world can sometimes leave me feeling a bit unsure, but I approach it with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Patience and kindness in this new landscape are truly valued. Let's embrace the journey together with appreciation and a touch of humor! This weeks episode of Will Trent, Kids Gonna Be Alright, delivered a raw, emotionally charged story that delved into the world of swingers, drug crime, and betrayal. The focus was on Special Agent Faith Mitchells (Iantha Richardson) son, Jeremy (Deion Smith), whose dream of becoming a music producer blinds him to the hidden dangers. Our Habitas Ras Abrouq was created in partnership with Qatar Airways, the countrys national airline, and is the first hotel to open its doors on Qatars west coast a strange place where the desert meets the sea. It is the second property from the group in the Middle East (the first is in UlUla in Saudi Arabia) and the collaboration, says Our Habitas, will form part of a new multi-destination hotel circuit in the region, with further openings planned, to offer guests a deeper understanding of local nature, culture and history. The opening is in step with Our Habitass tendency to launch hotels, which it calls homes, in emerging destinations. 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 The Taoiseach said he did not discuss the appointment of a US envoy to Northern Ireland during his meeting with Mr Trump, but said he wanted to work with the US administration over the potential appointment of an economic envoy. Here are this weeks local business awardees, appointments, promotions and hires: ACQUISITIONS Dillon Business Advisors, Katy, Texas, acquired St. Louis-based accounting firm Cole & Company. DBA serves the veterinary, dental and healthcare industries. EXPANDING Spirit Lexus moved to a 48,000-square-foot dealership at 10176 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, Missouri. The dealership also acquired the adjacent property to redevelop as additional parking and display. Spirit is part of The Gurley Leep Automotive Family based in Mishawaka, Indiana. HELPING OUT Cornerstone Center for Early Learning, St. Louis, Missouri, received a $25,000 grant from The Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S. Funds will provide protein-rich food and support health and wellness projects for St. Louis area families. MILESTONES Child Care Aware of Missouri marked its 25th anniversary of serving Missouri families. The statewide nonprofit focuses on comprehensive early childhood education for educators, communities and employers. Two Ladies & A Bucket based in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing residential cleaning services. PROJECTS St. Clair County Illinois Transit District opened the Tecklenburg Trail in Belleville, Illinois, to integrate biking, walking and public transportation through the transit districts MetroBikeLink System. HANKs Excavating & Landscaping, TWM, Southwestern Illinois Building and Trades Council members completed the 1.1 mile path. The district added more than $650,000 in communications, safety and wayfinding enhancements along the 39-plus mile system. Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch 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 Jessica Noel got home from prison two weeks ago crushed by the load of tasks she faced as she tried to rebuild her life. She needed to re-engage with her three children. Take her 12-year-old daughter to school. Deal with insurance claims after the death of her mother. Figure out what sort of job she could get as a felon with multiple drug charges on her record. Oh, and money that could help her get back on her feet $18,000 she received (while in the Chillicothe Correctional Center) from her mothers life insurance policy? She cant access it. Thats because last year, under the Missouri Incarceration Reimbursement Act, Attorney General Andrew Baileys office sued Noel to seize the money. The cruel law, on the books since the late 1980s, lets the state recoup a pittance of the cost of incarceration but leaves inmates broke after they leave prison and try to reenter society. Noel lives in Iron County, about 90 minutes south of St. Louis, on the farm where she grew up. Her mom, Cheryl Jones, left her the farm after she lost a battle with cancer at age 66. Noel couldnt attend the funeral. She was in rehab in state prison. Im trying to figure out what to do about everything, she told me this week. I just got out and I dont know where to start. On Wednesday, I texted her with good news: the Missouri Legislature voted to repeal the MIRA law. It happened with little fanfare, as the repeal was attached to the 111-page crime bill that included a state takeover of St. Louis police, the controversial topic that drew the most attention. The repeal was sponsored by state Rep. Tara Peters, R-Rolla. If the repeal goes into effect in August, as expected, no more Missouri inmates will have to face the travesty that Noel did while behind bars getting a letter from the state telling her the little money she had was about to vanish. Because Noel was in rehab at the time, doing all the things a judge asked her to do to overcome addiction, she had little communication with the outside world. Its not like general population. We dont get to use the phone regularly. There are lots of restrictions, Noel says. We have programming from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. I was in a fog, losing my mom and trying to focus on treatment. I was dealing with grief and shame and guilt, and having to deal with it behind bars. It was very heavy. The weight of that burden was reduced only by the knowledge that when she got out, she had a bit of savings to help her and her three kids. For being in prison and knowing I was going home to my moms house, knowing that it was there, that little nest egg, made the burden a little lighter, Noel says. Then she got the paperwork that the state was taking the money away. She had no lawyer. Normally she would have called her mom for advice. That was no longer possible. It gave me doubt where I had so much confidence, Noel says. Its scary to come home and try to be a good mother and live sober recovery, and then they kick your feet out from under you. On Tuesday, shell drive to Jefferson City and sit in a courtroom, waiting for her name to be called. Bevis Schock will be there. Hes the Clayton attorney who started taking MIRA cases last year after reading about them in my columns. Among his other clients are Tonya Honkomp, who is still in the prison Noel just left. Honkomp had a baby there last fall and is hoping to regain money Bailey seized from her. The money was supposed to help set up her life when she is released later this spring. Shes training to be a certified nurses aide. But shes worried about an apartment, transportation and the expenses that come with raising a newborn. Schock, who testified before the legislature in favor of the MIRA repeal, plans to ask Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh to put all active MIRA cases on hold. He had planned to ask the Missouri Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional. That wont be necessary anymore. The cause of protecting these vulnerable people is one that has political appeal, Schock says. Indeed, it does. This is the second time in six years that Missouri lawmakers have passed a bill that reduces the criminalization of poverty. In 2019, they made it illegal to put Missourians back in jail if they couldnt afford to pay a board bill, a daily fee many county jails charge inmates. Now, Missouri lawmakers have declared again that pay-to-stay laws, which overwhelmingly affect poor people, have no place in the state. Illinois and New Hampshire have also repealed, or substantially repealed, laws similar to MIRA. The laws were passed during the tough-on-crime era in the 1980s, without regard for the consequences on people who would return to their communities after serving their time. Missouri joins a growing list of states that have taken steps to end fees and onerous collections practices across the criminal legal system, said Priya Sarathy Jones, co-executive director of Fines and Fees Justice Center, a nonprofit that fights against the criminalization of poverty. This momentum is a testament to the bipartisan appeal of fee-repeal reforms, the growing recognition of the harms of these policies, and the incredible strength that the fines and fees reform movement has built in the past decade. For Noel, the legislatures action leaves her hopeful, even as she wonders what comes next. I had to finally grow up at 40 years old, and I feel so green at it, she says. Until this court case is over, Im kind of at a standstill. ST. LOUIS An electrical fire Friday night at a Salvation Army rehabilitation center in St. Louis resulted in the evacuation of 15 patients receiving substance abuse treatment and shuttered the treatment facility. The fire broke out around 7:30 p.m. between the second and third floors of the 22,500 square-foot Midtown Service and Treatment Center, located at 2900 Washington Avenue, just before severe storms moved through the area. The center suffered extensive fire and water damage from the activation of the fire sprinklers, according to Monica Kriegel, communications director for The Salvation Army Midland Division. The building has not yet reopened, Kriegel shared Sunday in an email. Damage is extensive and will likely require several months of cleanup and reconstruction. Patients will be temporarily housed at The Salvation Armys Family Shelter, she said. The midtown center opened in the fall of 2016 and recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. The center provides a range of services including inpatient and outpatient withdrawal management, substance abuse treatment, relapse prevention, family education and therapy, spiritual support for adults ages 18 and over. Donations can be made at salarmy.us/helpmidtown. This will always be the month that President Donald Trump broke my heart. There have been many blows before then Jan. 6, 2021, among them. But coming to the realization that an American president has aligned our national interests and foreign policy with Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, over our own allies was just too much to take. While I am framing this about me and my neocon Reaganite soul, this is not about me at all. Rather, it is this 180-degree turn on American values of democracy, freedom, sovereignty and respect for alliances. If the events surrounding the Ukraine-Russian War had not unfolded in real time, it would be downright unbelievable. On Feb. 28, Trump and Vice President JD Vance welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Oval Office. The televised meeting became highly contentious and confrontational. Trump called Zelenskyy a dictator a word he has refused to apply to Putin. Trump falsely stated that Ukraine started the war, instead of correctly admitting that it was Russias invasion into Ukraines sovereign borders that began the deadly conflict. The U.S. then voted with Russia and 16 other mostly authoritarian countries to oppose a United Nations resolution that condemned Russias aggression in Ukraine. Seemingly going along with one of Putins original objectives for invading Ukraine regime change Trump called for elections in Ukraine. But according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, Zelenskyys approval rating has surged by 10 percent points following the verbal assault from Trump, with 67% of Ukrainians now trusting Zelenskyy. Then, on March 3, Trump ordered the suspension of all U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine. U.S. Cyber Command suspended offensive cyber and information operations against Russia and also banned Britain from sharing intelligence from Washington with Ukraine. The U.S. also temporarily suspended satellite imagery services to Ukraine. This unprecedented betrayal of an ally was apparently a pressure tactic. The administration finally restored Ukraines access to arms last week, after Kyiv agreed to support a U.S. temporary ceasefire plan. Its a plan that, at this writing, Russia the original invader, remember still hasnt accepted. Current and former political leaders across the globe have been stunned by the actions and rhetoric of the U.S. president. Ukraines ambassador to the United Kingdom accused the United States under Trump of destroying the world order. Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and the first democratically elected leader of Poland after the fall of communism, joined with former Polish political prisoners in a stirring letter to Trump expressing horror and disgust at his scolding of Zelenskyy, saying it reminded them of their encounters with bullying Communist-era officials. Gratitude is due to the heroic Ukrainian soldiers who shed their blood in defense of the values of the free world, the statement said, adding We do not understand how the leader of a country that is a symbol of the free world cannot see this. In response to the tariffs imposed on Canada, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, Today the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they are talking about working positively with Russia. Appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense. Trudeau is right: None of this makes sense to many Americans right now. Walesa is correct: We dont understand it, either. Several weeks ago, I wrote about why it is in the United States economic, strategic and moral interest to continue to support Ukraine. It is one thing to withhold support to Ukraine, but it is something altogether dare I say un-American to side with Russia. The U.S. has not issued a blank check to Ukraine as some critics claim, including Missouris junior senator, Sen. Eric Schmitt, and there are no American boots on the ground. According to the Institute for the Study of War: The equipment the U.S. has been giving Ukraine is mostly old and sometimes inoperable. The U.S. is purchasing new systems to replace what it gives Ukraine, modernizing the American military in the process. The town of Scranton, Pennsylvania, home of the Scranton Army Artillery Plant, has been watching the presidents actions closely. Owned by the U.S. government and operated by defense contractor General Dynamics, the plant is the only one in the U.S. that produces the 155mm artillery rounds used by the Ukrainian army. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti told the BBC: To see U.S. policy shift and potentially to have the U.S. really turn its back on Ukraine is really appalling. Of course, elections have consequences, as do the sequelae from campaigns and candidate selection. But this shift in Americas ideals goes beyond comprehension. Its downright sad. Back in September, the Post-Dispatch reported some rare good news regarding St. Louis population trends: Our region was leading the nation in the growth rate of its immigrant population, up by 30,000 from 2022 through 2023. It was the biggest such increase on record here, one so dramatic that it almost offset St. Louis broader continuing population loss during that period. Whats even better about that good news is that its no accident or coincidence, we editorialized at the time. Rather, its the result of deliberate efforts by civic and business leaders here to invite citizens of the world to help fill the population vacuum St. Louis has experienced in recent decades. We called those efforts a fundamentally decent, fundamentally American ethos that stands in proud contrast to the virulent xenophobia that has poisoned too much of the nations political conversation lately. Now that poison is the official policy of the second Trump administration which in the few short weeks of its existence has managed to undermine a St. Louis success story that is (was?) the regions best hope for stanching its disastrous population loss. The New York Times, in a major piece reported from St. Louis and published last weekend, laid out how the administrations relentless attacks on legal immigrants here have already started reversing what was the regions remarkable immigration growth. The report outlines how the administration has revoked recent immigrants temporary legal status, nixed funding for refugee resettlement and threatened employment-based visas. The International Institute of St. Louis, which coordinates immigration services here, has seen its refugee flights halted and most of its federal funding (meaning, most of its funding, period) frozen. Its had to furlough more than half its staff. We knew it would not be good, from everything we saw on the campaign trail, Blake Hamilton, the institutes interim director, told the Times. But we really couldnt have predicted what occurred since Inauguration Day. The Post-Dispatch reported Thursday that new figures show population stability for the region in 2024 was once again propped up by immigrants. But given the Trump administrations moves to restrict even legal immigration, no one should expect that trend to continue. Theres not a path to growing the [St. Louis regions] population without immigration, Hamilton told the Post-Dispatchs Jacob Barker. We wont attempt to summarize the entire Times piece here, but we encourage our readers to seek it out. The story it tells is fundamental to the story of St. Louis today. In the middle of the last century, St. Louis was one of the biggest cities in America, a Midwestern beacon of some 850,000 residents. Today, the citys population has dipped below 300,000. We are defined to most of the country by empty buildings entire empty neighborhoods, really as well as worker shortages, business decampment and population flight year after year. To a city and region desperately seeking a comeback, the imperative of reversing the flow of those warm bodies is everything. Theres no serious strategy on that front that involves luring significant numbers of Americans from Texas, Florida or other high-growth U.S. regions to a city that is just trying to stop the bleeding. Immigrants, on the other hand, have long demonstrated how much they appreciate a city with a low cost of living, plenty of available housing (heaven knows) and a history of welcoming immigrants that is as old or older than that of any metropolis on this side of the Mississippi. In bringing to America the story of how this administration has kneecapped St. Louis current immigration efforts, the Times charted numerous human immigration stories here of people from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Venezuela and elsewhere. They are inspiring echoes of how earlier waves of those proverbial huddled masses yearning to breathe free Italians, Germans, Irish and, more recently, Bosnians arrived, thrived and transformed St. Louis. In some cases, those human stories make painfully clear that its not just Donald Trumps malicious policy instincts that have so darkened what was a potentially bright immigration future for St. Louis. Its also the political tone he has long set regarding immigration how he has made it fashionable again to express xenophobia and ethnic hate in ways that were at least socially frowned upon just a few years ago. Brazilian immigrant Susan Gobbo, a long-time resident of our region who started a program to help bring foreign professionals here, told the newspaper of a recent incident in which a friend was speaking on the phone in Portuguese in a Walmart. As a result, she was confronted by a uniformed man demanding her immigration documents. A woman passing by loudly demanded that she be deported. I have been working for 10 years to make people feel welcome, Gobbo told the Times. Suddenly, someone like that ruins everything. She wasnt referring to Americas current president, but she might as well have been. As Missouris farmers, factory workers and consumers suffer Trumps erratic tariff fits; as WashU scientists watch their urgent research hobbled for no good reason; as anyone here who relies on government services holds their breath in the spastic shadow of DOGE dont lose sight of the larger outrage from this outrageous president: his disdain for the proudly American principle of welcoming new Americans. Here in St. Louis, the damage Trump is doing isnt just to that principle. Its to our very future as a city and a metropolitan region. (Jim Clare/Stars and Stripes) Go Noi Island, Vietnam, June 12, 1969: The 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division moves to take up a position on the south side of Go Noi Island supported by Marine tanks and Landing Vehicles Tanks (LVTs). The 1st Division, ARVNs, and Korean Marines are taking part in Operation Pipestone Canyon, aimed at clearing the Communists off of the island, located 10 miles south of Da Nang and five miles inland from Hoi An. Looking for Stars and Stripes coverage of the Vietnam War? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/ President Donald Trump on Saturday, March 15, 2025, said he was naming Keith Kellogg shown here in 2020 his special envoy for Ukraine, narrowing the retired generals portfolio after reports he was sidelined during recent U.S.- Russia talks at the Kremlins request. (Drew Angerer, Getty Images/TNS) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) President Donald Trump on Saturday said he was naming Keith Kellogg his special envoy for Ukraine, narrowing the retired generals portfolio after reports he was sidelined during recent U.S.- Russia talks at the Kremlins request. Trump characterized the shift as a positive development in a social media post announcing the new role for Kellogg, who was previously the presidents special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. General Kellogg, a Highly Respected Military Expert, will deal directly with President Zelenskyy, and Ukrainian leadership, Trump said on Truth Social. He knows them well, and they have a very good working relationship together. Congratulations to General Kellogg! Kellogg had initially been tapped to lead negotiations and help bring an end to Russias three-year war on Ukraine. When Trump announced Kelloggs first post in November, he proclaimed that the two men would together secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. In February, Kellogg consulted with European leaders while honing a blueprint for resolving the conflict. Yet in recent days, Kelloggs role and very presence at talks had reportedly diminished, even as other top Trump officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff huddled in high-level negotiations. Kellogg was excluded from talks in Riyadh at the request of the Kremlin that perceived him as being too close to Ukraine, NBC News reported Thursday. White House spokespeople didnt immediately comment further on the change. At least informally, its expected to further elevate the role of Witkoff. The real estate developer, who has already helped secure the release of U.S. teacher Marc Fogel after years of detention in Russia, has been seeking to free hostages held by Hamas while also engaging in the talks with Russia. Kellogg, a fierce critic of former President Joe Bidens foreign policy and approach to the Ukraine war, served in a variety of roles during Trumps first term in the White House, including as chief of staff and executive secretary for the National Security Council. A retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, he previously advocated bolstering Ukraines defenses to discourage Russian attacks on the Eastern European country. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Lee Nolan (28) of Dublin 13, agreed to act as a drug dealer and to store over 80,000 worth of cannabis in his home Lee Nolan , 28yrs, of Beechbrook Lawn, The Donahies, Dublin 13, pictured leaving the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin for his sentence hearing. pic: IrishPhotoDesk.ie A man misdiagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, who took cannabis instead of the expensive treatment, leading to a drug debt and his subsequent drug dealing, has been jailed for three years. Lee Nolan (28) of Beechbrook Lawn, The Donaghies, Dublin 13, agreed to act as a drug dealer and to store over 80,000 worth of cannabis in his home. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having the drug for sale or supply, driving a car while intoxicated with drugs and driving a car with no insurance in the Lucan area on April 25, 2023. He has one previous conviction for driving under the influence, but has not come to garda attention since. Nolan told gardai that he had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and was taking cannabis, as the treatment was very expensive. He said he agreed to drop cannabis to people and collect money from customers. He said he was paid 1,000 to store the drugs in his home. Imposing sentence, Judge Orla Crowe said Nolan was actively involved in the distribution of drugs, which have a deleterious impact on society at large. She said Nolan played a crucial role and was trusted. She noted he had a fraught medical history but said his offending had to be marked with a custodial term and handed him a sentence of three years and nine months, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions. She also imposed a driving disqualification for four years on Nolan, from the date of his release from custody. Garda Ross Murphy told Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, that he was on mobile patrol at 10.50pm when he spotted Nolan driving a car with no valid tax disc. He signalled for him to pull over and Nolan did so without causing any trouble. He produced a provisional driving licence when asked but Gda Murphy said he got a strong smell of cannabis both from Nolan and the car. He had no insurance. Nolan handed over a small amount of cannabis which he claimed was his own personal stuff. The vehicle was searched but no further drugs were found. A sum of 1,940 in cash was found in the car and Nolan admitted this was from selling cannabis. The cannabis was later valued at 5,000. Gda Murphy said he performed a roadside test for drugs on Nolan and it tested positive for cannabis. Nolan was arrested and taken in for questioning. He co-operated fully and said he had been approached to the take the drugs and he stupidly agreed to. Nolan told gardai he had Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the treatment was expensive. He was using cannabis to help with his treatment. He said he had been involved for four or five months and was doing drops all over Dublin. He was delivering a quantity of cannabis and collecting money from customers. Gda Murphy said a follow-up search of Nolans home revealed a large quantity of cannabis and other paraphernalia. The drugs were found in a large duffel bag under the stairs and Nolan said he had been paid 1,000 for keeping it and he had it for about two weeks. He said it was the first time he had ever stored drugs. Gda Murphy said the drugs found in the car were valued at 5,000 while the drugs found in Nolans home were valued at 80,990. Gda Murphy agreed with Gerardine Small SC, defending, that Nolan could not have been more helpful in his interview with gardai and was fully upfront. He accepted that Nolan had accrued debts and had no propriety interest in the drugs. Ms Small handed the court a large amount of medical documents, which showed that her client had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 21, but that this turned out to be a misdiagnosis. She said that he had several sessions of radiation and had quit his work as a result, which led to debts and an exacerbation of his fragile mental health. She explained that although his Wexford childhood had not included any behavioural or academic difficulties, he had suffered the loss of a friend in sad circumstances. He then started taking cannabis. She said that a senior project worker from Coolmine treatment centre was in court, and had completed a report to say that the defendant is now drug free. He described Nolan in his report as a young man with a potentially bright future, who has made a remarkable turnaround in his life. Ms Small said Nolan had a good, solid work record and hadnt come to garda attention since. He had the benefit of a very supportive family, who were in court with him. The judge noted that Nolan's misdiagnosis was undoubtedly a very difficult situation. I will carry the scars for the rest of my life Kerry teenager suffers after scalpel stabbing Thomas McDonagh who was handed down a six year jail sentence at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court A teenager who was stabbed by a man in his 50s has told of the lasting impact the incident is having on him. The young man, who cannot be named because of his age when he was attacked, suffered what he said was a life-changing assault that has left him with obvious scars all over his body as a constant reminder. He told Tralee Circuit Criminal Court he was robbed of the final year of his childhood and had to grow up quickly. The young man gave a moving victim impact statement at the sentencing of Thomas McDonagh (51) of Fertha Drive, Cahersiveen, who pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to the teenager. The court was told that Mr McDonagh and the young man had a few drinks together that night and returned to Mr McDonaghs flat. A row broke out and both men went outside. Mr McDonagh used a scalpel to attack the teenager outside the building causing serious wounds which included six lacerations to the neck and face. He also suffered a laceration to the scalp as well as to the ear along with defensive wounds to his hands which damaged tendons and have left a lasting impact as he cant make a fist properly and the injuries limit his ability to work. The court was told that this was a case about serious disfigurement with profound scarring. Thomas McDonagh outside the Killarney Court House The victim told the court he suffered permanent injuries and had to miss out a year of a sport he loved, and may never be able to take part at the level he used to. He said the incident affected his sleep and caused stress and anxiety and he thinks about what happened a lot and wonders could he have defended himself better. I will carry the scars for the rest of my life, he said, adding that he also worries how he is perceived because of those scars. "People stare at me and that bothers me.. I feel I am being judged, he said. However, he said he was looking forward to putting the incident behind him and moving on with his life. He also thanked all those who had helped him during the traumatic time including his mother. Garda Kevin Tarrant, led in evidence by prosecuting barrister Tom Rice, said when gardai arrived at the scene in Cahersiveen, Mr McDonagh had knives in his hands but they were not the weapon he had used in the attack. He admitted to using a scalpel which had broken. This was found and DNA testing was undertaken which matched the victims blood. Judge Munro said it appeared the attack had only ceased because the blade broke. He said it was an aggravating factor that he took this weapon to the fight. "Taking a scalpel to a fight could only have ended in death or disfigurement. He deliberately attacked the face of a child. Mr McDonagh told the gardai what had happened though his memory was clouded by drink. This version of events was corroborated by CCTV, Garda Tarrant said. The victim however could not recall the attack. The court heard that Mr McDonagh had previously served a sentence for manslaughter for the death of his father and also had a previous for assault. Other previous were for theft and deception. "He has an unfortunate criminal history, said Judge Munro. The court heard Mr McDonagh was from Listowel but had settled in Cahersiveen but he was not happy there. Judge Ronan Munro said there was an element of pre-meditation as he made a decision to do it and to get a weapon in his flat. Drink was also a factor in the incident said Judge Munro, adding that Mr McDonagh could get out of prison and start drinking and something like this could happen again. In sentencing Mr McDonagh, who was represented by SC Donal OSullivan instructed by solicitor Pat Mann, Judge Munro said there was a background of conflict to the incident but it was irrelevant as this was a man in his 50s and the victim was a child. He said despite the injuries suffered by the victim he showed no self-pity and should be proud of how he dealt with it. "His example should be an inspiration to others, he said He said that the headline sentence in this case should be nine years and he reduced that to seven-and-a-half with 18 months suspended, giving Mr McDonagh a six-year sentence. Judge Munro said he would suspend part of the sentence for seven years, not for leniency, but to ensure that Mr McDonagh get help for alcohol and drug addiction and to be of sober habits during this time. Under the terms of the suspension Mr McDonagh must also stay away from the victim and his family. Gerard Keogh (58), Newtown, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, was given the Probation Act A farmer who fired two shots from a double-barrel shotgun at a father of four as part of an ongoing neighbourly dispute has walked free from court. Gerard Keogh (58), Newtown, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, was given the Probation Act following an incident at his home on May 6, 2024 when he discharged two gunshots at his neighbour Stefan Coyne. Keogh was charged with the reckless discharge of a firearm after Mr Coyne had driven down in his van to confront the accused for telling his 10-year-old son to: Get the f*** off my property a matter of minutes earlier. Sheep farmer Gerard Keogh was handed the Probation Act after a court heard how he fired two shots from his licenced double barrel shotgun at his neighbour Stefan Coyne during an incident outside his home on May 6, 2024. The court was told of how there had been bad blood between the two men leading up to the shooting, differences which had centred on disputed claims of ongoing harassment made against Keogh and an incident in March 2020 when a dog belonging to Mr Coynes aunt was involved in a sheep attack on Keoghs farm. In a near two hour court hearing before Judge John Brennan at a sitting of Mullingar District Court, both men took to the stand to give their version of events as to what transpired shortly after 7pm on the evening of the incident. Mr Coyne said he had been out helping his son in his attempts to repair a bike ahead of a trip to Center Parcs the following day. He explained how the youngster had set off down towards the end of the quiet country lane to test out the bike before returning a short time later physically shaking and crying at what Keogh had allegedly said to him. Mr Coyne, who revealed how he had been suffering from back problems at the time, opted to get into his van instead of walking down to challenge Keogh. I decided to go down and have a word with Gerry Keogh and tell him whatever issues he had with me, to not take anything out on my children, he told the court. I have four young children and I cant be putting up with somebody roaring and shouting. Mr Coyne said as he arrived into Keoghs yard, the accused suddenly appeared from a shed brandishing a 12-gauge shotgun and pointed the loaded firearm directly at him while at the wheel. I tried turning as quickly as possible and he discharged the gun in my direction, he said. As I got the van turned and I was getting ready to turn off he fired another shot in my direction. Mr Coyne returned up the laneway, contacting gardai in the process. Gerard Keogh said he fired at his former friend over fears he was "100pc sure" he was going to be shot. Mr Coyne said the incident and its ensuing fallout had brought with it deep and far-reaching psychological repercussions, anxieties which had caused him and his family to consider selling up and relocating elsewhere. I was very shaken and I am still very anxious since this happened, he contended. My nerves are shot. It is a quiet country lane but we cant live beside this. We are terrified of him and we are considering selling our house because you cant raise kids down there. Under cross-examination Mr Coyne agreed with Andrea Callan BL that there was bad blood between the pair but described as ridiculous claims made by Keogh that he was the holder of no fewer than 13 firearms. Ms Callan pressed Mr Coyne as to his knowledge about his neighbours decision to make two very detailed statements in January and May 2021 concerning claims of up to 20 separate incidents of ongoing harassment her client had allegedly been subjected to by him and a number of members of his immediate family. He made two allegations, but they werent upheld, he replied. Ms Callan added how her client had also alleged hearing Mr Coyne on four separate occasions discharging gunfire from his home between April and October 2020. I heard this allegation before and its ridiculous, replied Mr Coyne. I have four small children in the house. With three young children and a pregnant partner at the time, it would be madness for anybody to be discharging firearms around any property. Mr Coyne confirmed he had a subsequent encounter with Keogh in January 2021 when it was put to him that a number of sheep had wandered onto his late grandmothers yard. He alleged Keogh came onto the property while holding a bat at a time with little or no sign of any sheep being present. Ms Callan pressed Mr Coyne as to how her client had been left very concerned at fears he had during the course of that incident and worries that he was being videoed, unease which had been exacerbated by his knowledge that the former was the holder of two licenced shotguns. The last serious incident was him coming onto our property when he was asked not to, replied Mr Coyne. The court also heard details of how differences over a contested will concerning Mr Coynes late grandmother had only served to stoke further animosity between the pair. Mr Coyne insisted he only became aware his neighbour had made a statement in relation to those court proceedings when Keogh was being charged over the May 6 shooting. He similarly rubbished claims made by Ms Callan that he had resorted to driving his motorbike up and down towards his rivals house on a number of occasions to try and draw him out by way of further coercive tactics. I dont see how it would be intimidating (and) it was only done on two occasions, insisted Mr Coyne. The court also heard from Detective Garda Kevin Lennon. The Mullingar-based officer recalled arriving at the scene shortly after 7:30pm before speaking to both men. He said Keogh, after caution, admitted firing two shots into the air because of being in fear. Det Garda Lennon told of how his inquiries led to the voluntary handing over and seizure of Keoghs shotgun and the taking of a number of photographs of signage which were on view leading up to his farm. Judge Brennan was told those signs, which had been alluded to in Mr Coynes direct evidence, contained the slogans: Keotown policy, shoot first, questions later and Due to increase in ammo prices, dont expect warning shots. One of the signs Keogh erected on his land which he stressed was put up in the wake of a sheep attack on his farm and to let Stefan Coyne know he was not welcome on his property. Det Garda Lennon said a file was later sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), moves that coincided in Keogh being charged under section 8 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. During a memo of interview conducted over the course of two hours at Mullingar Garda Station just over a week after the incident, Keogh admitted swearing at Mr Coynes 10-year-old son, conduct which he believed had only arisen because of the actions of his father. I asked him what the f*** are you doing on my property? I am pretty sure I said: Get the f*** off my property, you are down here to cause trouble, he told the court. Keogh went on to tell detectives it was barely five minutes later that Mr Coyne arrived down driving like a lunatic to confront him. I was 100pc sure he had a firearm with him, he told gardai. I believed that I would have been faced with either being shot myself or having to shoot him and I am of the firm belief my actions diffused the situation from escalating to something much worse. When the nature of the alleged offence and its reckless nature was put to him, Keogh retorted by maintaining his response was an act of mere self-preservation. CCTV of the incident was similarly played in court and captured the two sounds of gunfire as Mr Coynes van turned in his former friends yard and made its way back up the laneway. Those images also appeared to show Mr Coynes horn sounding just as the second shot was being discharged. Taking the stand himself, Keogh insisted it was only after the dog attack on his sheep that Mr Coynes mindset took a more negative turn towards him. He said those feelings and fears of a major backlash coming his way had been illustrated in how Mr Coyne and certain members of his family would routinely walk out onto his land and take photographs of his signage, causing him to stay indoors and watch on from inside his own house. A second sign Keogh installed and which gardai photographed in the aftermath of the incident in May 2024. When pressed by Sgt Sheila Kenny as to the rationale behind erecting his signage, Keogh said the shoot first, questions later reference had come on foot of advice from a local dog warden in the wake of the sheep attack with its Keotown equivalent being little more than a local joke. Keogh said the signage was equally levelled at Mr Coyne to let him know that he wasnt permitted to enter his property on his motorbike. That ethos, he said, was one which threatened to end in the most disastrous consequences when Mr Coyne showed up in his van on the evening of May 6. He wasnt coming down to have a cup of coffee or to have a pint with me, he told Sgt Kenny, adding that he believed Mr Coyne had also got wind of his statement concerning the contested will. He was coming down to threaten me. At the time I was 100pc sure Mr Coyne had come down with a weapon to shoot me. I was terrified and when I heard the van roaring, I said: Now this is it. Mr Coyne was coming down to do harm to me and there was going to be disastrous consequences because I was 100pc sure there was a firearm in that van. Sgt Kenny put it to Keogh, his actions to discharge two shots from a double-barrel shotgun at his neighbour on the evening in question was tantamount to reckless behaviour, a claim Keogh flatly denied. No, I was totally controlled, he maintained. I know the firearm, I know how to handle the firearm. All I was doing was to scare him away so that he wouldnt shoot me. That was what was on my mind at the time. In delivering his verdict, Judge Brennan dismissed claims made by Keogh that Mr Coyne had driven down the lane at speed, stressing the young father had not been stationary at any point in the incident. He said from CCTV footage shown in court, it was apparent Keogh had pointed the gun at Mr Coynes van and, indeed, was retreating when the first shot was discharged followed by a second just moments later. The van continued to retreat and a second shot was discharged up in the air, he said, saying such conduct had adequately met the threshold of recklessness. Judge Brennan said a more reasonable reaction would have been for Keogh to bring the shotgun out with him but to have stopped short of discharging any gunfire. Despite those comments, Ms Callan appealed to the court to hold its hand in exacting a conviction against her client. Judge Brennan said in light of the very unfortunate circumstances surrounding what was, in effect, a neighbourly dispute, the court was minded to hand down section 1 (1) of the Probation Act, thereby effectively absolving Keogh from any criminal conviction. Kidnap and torture accused Devon Hennessy refuses food after complaining about conditions in Portlaoise A son of steakhouse murder victim Jason Hennessy Snr has gone on hunger strike in Portlaoise Prison, the Sunday World can reveal. Devon Hennessy is one of five people on remand in jail after being charged with falsely imprisoning a man at a property in west Dublin. They are accused of the planned and organised torture of the man where he was allegedly branded with an iron, beaten, stapled and waterboarded. Last week, Devon along with his brother Jason Jnr, their co-accused Dean and Kenneth Fitzsimons were all refused bail at a hearing in the High Court. Portlaoise Prison Judge Caroline Biggs made the ruling after hearing Garda evidence of their objections to bail being granted and of the case against the men. The judge said that it seems there is extremely strong and probative evidence to support the assault charge against the men. However, the Sunday World can reveal that Devon has now told staff in the prison that he is on hunger strike over conditions in the prison. Devon is a son of Jason Hennessy Snr, who was executed by gunman Tristan Sherry in Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown in front of family and friends on Christmas Eve 2023. Sherry was subsequently killed at the scene. He is said to be unhappy at restrictions placed upon him while he is on remand in the high-security facility. A source said prison staff were informed about Devons hunger strike when he was brought to a district court hearing earlier this week. Jason Hennessy Jnr is on remand Brandon Hennessy is on remand Hennessy was in court after admitting to dangerously driving a scrambler bike in west Dublin. The 29-year-old drove at high speed along footpaths in the busy Blanchardstown area, causing pedestrians to jump out of his way, and across a green area where young children were playing. Judge David McHugh fined Hennessy 500, imposed a two-year driving ban and jailed him for four months. The defendant, of Edgeworth Lawns in Blanchardstown, admitted five counts of dangerous driving and uninsured driving on April 14, 2024. Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Blanchardstown District Court that gardai had been called to a serious incident at Hartstown Park. As they headed towards the scene, they came across two scrambler motorbikes driven by unknown riders, who drove head on towards them. One of them, a red Honda, was blocked by gardai, and Hennessy picked up this bike and drove away. Jason Hennessy shot dead Hennessy was in an all grey tracksuit and not wearing a helmet, Sgt Callaghan said. He mounted the path and drove at speed towards Mountview Road. Sgt Callaghan said Hennessy drove towards Blanchardstown Road North on the path. He undercut traffic on Blanchardstown Road North, doing speeds in excess of the speed limit of 60kph. Hennessy drove across oncoming traffic at one roundabout, and through another roundabout at high speed, before braking suddenly. The bike went through two red traffic lights, and mounted the footpath again at Blackcourt Road. The defendant went across the green area at Corduff Park and onto Corduff Grove, where he drove into a house. Defence solicitor Simon Fleming said Hennessy was a father of three children and actively involved in their lives. Gardai outside Brownes Steakhouse In relation to Hennessys dangerous driving, Mr Fleming said his client was trying not to lose control of the bike, and his manner of driving was the stupidest thing he could have done. Devon is one of five men facing charges in relation to a the alleged abduction of a man. It is alleged he was branded nine times with the word rat by a custom-made cattle iron, waterboarded, beaten with a metal pole and an axe, run over with a motorbike, and told he would be raped with a stick. The accused are brothers Jason Hennessy (27), Devon Hennessy (28) and Brandon Hennessy (21), of Sheephill Avenue in Corduff, and Dean Fitzsimons (24) and his father Kenneth (44), of Castlecurragh Vale in Dublin 15. Each defendant is charged with causing serious harm to the alleged victim and falsely imprisoning him on February 12 as well as producing an article during a dispute. Devon Hennessy on hunger strike During a previous court hearing last month, gardai outlined their case claiming that the alleged victim went to the Hennessy family home, where he met the three men including Devon and Jason Hennessy and later Kenneth Fitzsimons. The men went to an outhouse at the rear of the property and during a conversation the alleged victim had his phone snatched from his hand and was punched in the face by Jason Hennessy. Its alleged the victim was told to tell the men the truth before Kenneth Fitzsimons grabbed a 5ft steel bar and beat him across the legs seven to eight times. Its then alleged that the complainant was asked about giving information to certain people and lying to his attackers. Tristan Sherry The detective sergeant later gave evidence that Jason Hennessy then took a cattle marker branding device with the word rat on it and said, Hell talk after this. He ignited a camping stove, the court was told, which was used to heat the customised poker iron. Its alleged that Dean Fitzsimons arrived at the property and proceeded to drive over the alleged victims leg with a Surron motorbike as he lay on the ground. He is further accused of saying to the complainant, Ive been waiting for you and attacking him with the steel bar, before picking up an axe and beating him over the back. Dean Fitzsimons further threatened to get a Stanley knife and cut off the alleged victims ears, it is claimed. Despite now reaching adulthood, he will not face a mandatory life sentence because he was a child when he committed the offence A 19-year-old has pleaded guilty to murdering a man on a Dublin street, following a Supreme Court ruling last year that, despite now reaching adulthood, he will not face a mandatory life sentence because he was a child when he committed the offence. The teenager can now no longer be named due to another important Supreme Court decision, released on Thursday, overturning a landmark Court of Appeal judgement that a child before the courts can be identified if they turn 18 during the course of proceedings. Locals place flowers in Ongar Village at a vigil in memory of Aaron Keating. Photo: Colin Keegan The defendant on Friday pleaded guilty to the murder of Aaron Keating on June 13, 2023 at Main Street, Ongar, Dublin 15. The teen previously sought to halt the proceedings against him because, having aged out while awaiting trial, he faced a mandatory life sentence if convicted of murder. However, following a recent Supreme Court ruling, judges now have discretion when sentencing a person who committed murder while a child, regardless of what age they are when they come before the courts. Floral tributes on Main Street, Ongar, where Aaron Keating was fatally stabbed. Photo: Colin Keegan Following the guilty plea, prosecution senior counsel James Dwyer said the mandatory sentencing regime does not apply and a full sentencing hearing would be required. Seamus Clarke SC, for the defendant, said his client had no previous convictions at the time of the murder. Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded the defendant in custody until a sentencing hearing on June 30. Aaron Keating, who was in his 40s and from Blanchardstown, suffered serious wounds following an assault at about 7pm on June 13 two years ago. He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown where he was pronounced dead. Pensioner conwoman gets early release after serving less than two months of sentence due to prison overcrowding An OAP conwoman whose son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons have now also been convicted of fraud served less than 60 days in prison of her two-year-jail sentence for compo claim scams. Winnie Lawrence is the mother of 53-year-old Patrick Lawrence, who alongside his wife Eileen involved their children in a series of frauds against insurance companies over a six-year period. Winnie (74) was convicted and jailed for two years in May of last year after a court heard how the pensioner swindled thousands in compensation after making false personal injury claims over a decade ago. Winnies bogus claim pay-outs included: 10k for a slip and fall in Tesco, 8k for a slip and fall in a Book Value bookshop and 5k for burning herself on a heater on a Dublin Bus vehicle. Patrick Lawrence Eileen Lawrence John Lawrence Thomas Lawrence Other bogus claims that werent successful included a claim against CIE for tripping while getting off a bus and separate claims for trips and falls in Lucan and Leixlip. Sentencing Lawrence, who made the personal injury claims using the false name Margaret Mongan, Judge Pauline Codd said there had to be general deterrence to this type of offence as it was a fraud on ordinary people who have to take out insurance and protect themselves against risk. She imposed a sentence of three-and-a-half years with the final 18 months suspended. This meant Winnies stay behind bars shouldnt have expired until November of this year after 25 per cent remission was applied. Instead, Winnie was back on the streets less than two months later as she was released from the Dochas prison due to overcrowding, her advanced age and the likelihood she would not re-offend. On Friday, Dublin Circuit Court was told Winnies son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons had followed in the footsteps of the deceitful family matriarch. The home in Clondalkin of Winnie Lawrence Son Patrick and his wife Eileen, from Moy Glas Glade in Lucan, and their two sons, Thomas and John, all admitted claiming and trying to claim money from insurance companies in false names for road accidents and trips and falls. Patrick (53) was jailed for two years, while Thomas and John, who were both children at the time, were given suspended sentences of one year. The judge said he wanted to reflect on the case of Eileen Lawrence and will sentence her next Tuesday. Winnie Lawrence When the Sunday World called to the familys home in Lucan yesterday, a family member shut the front door in our reporters face when we tried to quiz her about their activities. At their sentencing, the family admitted making a series of claims against insurance companies between 2010 and 2016. Patrick Lawrence used a false name and claimed he had been injured five times to claim compensation for traffic accidents on the Quays in Dublin and a fall in Celbridge in Co Kildare. Gardai at the home of Winnie Lawrence He instructed solicitors, visited doctors and swore affidavits in false names. He succeeded in one claim and received 9,730. In his defence, he claimed he has medical and psychiatric issues and regretted the offending. He has six previous convictions. Thomas Lawrence, who is now 26, and his younger brother John, who is 24, were both children at the time they were involved. Thomas tried to claim compensation for a trip and fall in Lucan, which was rejected, but John succeeded in one of four claims and was paid 6,155 for a traffic accident. Claims for compensation for another traffic accident and two falls, including one in Tesco in Lucan, were rejected. Our reporter Pat OConnell calls to the Lawrence family home in Lucan John Lawrence admitted trying to claim money from insurance companies in false names for road accidents and trips and falls. Both Thomas and John were given one-year suspended sentences. Eileen Lawrence made five false claims in false names, and instructed solicitors, attended doctors and swore affidavits using the fake identities for road accidents and trips and falls in Lucan and Ballyfermot. She succeeded in one and was paid 15,000 for a road traffic accident on the Coldcut Road. Eileen Lawrence was described in court as the glue that keeps the family together and is caring for children, a child with difficulties and her grandchildren. She has no previous convictions. Patricks mother, Winnie was described in court as a more serious and serial offender and defence counsel said that it was possible that Eileen saw the profit in what she was doing. Judge Martin Nolan said he would need to reflect on her case and will sentence her on Tuesday. Doak fatally injured father-of-one at end of three-day bender This is Marc Doak sitting bloodied and bowed moments after he killed Ryan McNab in a Co Antrim flat following a three-day cocaine and booze bender. The 27-year-old had just fatally injured Mr McNab in a fight at the apartment in Barna Square on the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey on the night of October 21, 2022. Neither man had met each other until the 31-year-old Bangor man arrived at Doaks former home that evening. In footage recorded by a member of the public just after police arrived, Doak can be seen sitting on a step with blood stains on his back and a plaster cast on his left hand. His right appears to be dripping with blood. Ryan McNab A PSNI officer monitoring him can be heard saying stay where you are at the minute, with what looks like heavy blood splattering on the floor between them. Although other voices can be heard, Doak mostly sits still with his elbows on his knees and his head bowed. The video, taken from the landing of the floor above, ends abruptly. Doak was initially charged with murdering the father-of-one, which he denied and for which a trial date had been set. But last week, the north Belfast man was rearraigned at Belfast Crown Court following an application by his KC, with the charge put to him once again. He replied: Not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A prosecution barrister told Mr Justice OHara: I have taken instructions and that is acceptable to the Crown. Mr Justice OHara said he would review the case on May 2 and it was intended the plea hearing would take place before the end of June. Doak is on remand in prison and no application for bail was made following his plea. When he first appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Mr McNab, a detective told the court Doak said he had been attacked with a glass by his victim. Doak's bloodied hands He said Doak and Mr McNab had been fighting, during which Doak choked Mr McNab in what he claimed was an act of self-defence. The two men ended up scuffling on the floor. During the scuffle, Mr Doak had put Mr McNab in a wrestling hold in order to incapacitate him, said the officer. He did this for a period of time until Mr McNab stopped moving. He then let go. A short time later, Mr Doak realised Mr McNab was not breathing and raised the alarm. He said he had not attempted to kill him, that it had been an accident and he performed a hold to stop him being attacked. The defendant told police that he had been on a three-day drink and cocaine bender from Wednesday until Friday, when he was arrested, and had not slept during this time. Doak is on remand in prison Doaks solicitor claimed the mood in the flat deteriorated after Mr McNab said he was going to go to the home of Doaks ex-girlfriend and attack her. The solicitor continued: He did not intend to kill the gentleman. This man is distraught. It is a life-changing incident, not only for the victims family who are in court, for which the defendant sympathises with, but for this man as well. He did not leave the scene and performed CPR until ambulance and police arrived. In a statement released by Mr McNabs family following his death, they described him as a loving son, brother and daddy and a Glentoran and Liverpool fanatic. They continued: We will miss him so much, especially his beautiful little girl Ryleigh. Mum who dodged jail for glass assault is sister of thug who tried to murder Catholic A pint-sized thug who dodged prison this week for glassing a woman at her home is the sister of a violent loyalist who once tried to murder a GAA player. Elaine Wilson a 37-year-old mother-of-four with a clear criminal record until now attacked the woman in Wilsons home last September after a falling out. Luckily, and despite several attempts, the glass she used to attack her victim did not break. However, Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, heard she assaulted the woman and told her she had three seconds to get out of her home. But before hitting her with the pint glass, Wilson had flown into a rage and had pulled the victims hair, tried to kick her and throw her down the stairs the victim was left with a nasty cut which could have been caused by the glass. Elaine Wilson This week, Wilson was handed a suspended six-month jail sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and behaving in a threatening and abusive manner. Sources who know the Antrim woman say it was completely out of character. Elaines not like that, said a source. She flipped because of what happened in the house with that woman. She believed the woman had done something she shouldnt have but theres no excuse for trying to smash a pint glass over someones head. Shes a good mum and shes been through a lot with her brother going to jail for years for an attack that was all over the news. The Sunday World can today reveal Elaine is the sister of notorious Antrim thug Nathan Wilson, who was jailed for his part in a cowardly, sectarian attack. Elaine Wilson with brother Nathan who was jailed for his part in a vicious sectarian attack on a teen Nathan Wilson was sentenced to 15 years behind bars in 2013 for trying to kick teenager Jordan Duffy to death just because he was Catholic. Jordan Duffy was just 17 at the time when he almost died of his injuries after being repeatedly kicked and stamped on while heading home after a night out in August 2011. So horrific were Jordans injuries that his septum was completely detached from his face and protruded down through his nostril. The court heard he arrived in casualty deeply and dangerously unconscious with an oxygen level so low he was barely alive. Innocent victim: Jordan Duffy Just before unleashing his hate-filled attack on Jordan, Nathan Wilson had lambasted the teen for being a Catholic in the wrong area, shouting, You shouldnt be here. Fenians shouldnt be here. Nathan Wilson, who was 22 at the time, was jailed for 15 years, while his sectarian pal Colin Kingsbury was jailed for 13-and-a-half years. In 2022, the pair of evil thugs showed they were still good mates as they were pictured together at an event. At the time of the savage and cowardly attack on Jordan Duffy, Kingsbury was a member of the Orange Order. Nathan Wilson After he was convicted in 2013, the Sunday World revealed that street fighting was nothing new to Nathan Wilson, who boasted of his love of recreational violence on his social media page. At Antrim Crown Court during their sentencing, the judge told Wilson and Kinsgbury that they had subjected their victim to a sustained and merciless attack that was completely unprovoked. The judge added that both showed a chilling indifference to any injuries they had inflicted on the young man, who was three to five years their junior. He said Wilson was the main instigator and his aggression was fuelled by alcohol and was motivated by sectarianism. Earlier a jury had taken less than three hours to convict them on counts of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. Nathan Wilson was back in court in 2022 after he almost killed a woman who was a passenger in his car while he went on a drink-drive bender. He smashed a car into a tree while off his face with a young woman in the passenger seat alongside him and was convicted of driving while drunk, driving without insurance and being unaccompanied by a qualified driver. The judge in the drink-drive case told Wilson he was lucky he didnt kill himself and his passenger. Once a car hits a tree then there is usually only one outcome. Elaine Wilson His sister Elaine found herself in the same court this week to face the glassing case. Court News NI reported how a prosecutor said a woman had been at Wilsons home when the she appeared behind the victim and pulled her to the ground before attempting to kick her and throw her down the stairs. The woman said Wilson then struck her on the forehead with a pint glass though the glass did not break. The woman said the defendant then struck her on the top of the head with the pint glass. The prosecutor said it was not clear if the glass had broken at that stage but it caused a cut. The prosecutor said the defendant had made an accusation towards the woman, used derogatory terms against her and told her to get out of the house. The defendant had thrown a bag at the woman whom she grabbed by the hair and pulled to the floor. The defendant told her she had three seconds to get out of the house. Elaine Wilson tried to glass another woman At Antrim Area Hospital the woman received three staples to the top of her head. She had bruising to her forehead and a black eye. A defence barrister said there was a context to the case and said the incident was out of character. District Judge Nigel Broderick told the defendant: This is a very serious offence. You have given an account to the Probation Officer as to why you did this but that is no justification whatsoever. It appears the pint glass did not smash. To hit anyone on the head with a pint glass is a very dangerous thing to do and had the victim sustained more significant injuries then you could easily have been appearing in the Crown Court. The judge said the only things saving the defendant from immediate custody were her clear record and guilty plea. She was given a six-month prison term, suspended for three years, and was also made the subject of a three-year restraining order. Its understood a disgruntled ex worker had planned to mount a blockade involving trucks at the state broadcaster just hours before the flagship show was due to air on March 7 RTE was told the former worker was planning to park trucks outside the studios ENGINE TROUBLE: RTE was told the former worker was planning to park trucks outside the studios RTE management were forced to warn staff after receiving information about a security threat at their headquarters which aimed to derail the Late Late Show. Its understood a disgruntled ex worker had planned to mount a blockade involving trucks at the state broadcaster just hours before the flagship show was due to air on March 7. Gardai have not received a criminal complaint from the State broadcaster but are aware of the threats being made to carry out a blockade at its campus in Donnybrook. Local gardai were informed about the threats because the threatened truck blockade had the potential to cause serious traffic disturbances in the locality on the night. Paul Stokes On the night of the threat some staff were advised to move where their cars were parked at the campus. The Sunday World understands that this was the second time in the space of just over a week that the male individual had threatened to mount a blockade involving trucks at RTE. Sources say that some staff at RTE were informed of a security threat on Friday of last weekend and given detailed security advice about a potential protest. It is believed that RTE put in place a pre-planned security operation for the expected blockade which then did not take place. A financial dispute may be at the centre of the truck blockade threat according to sources. It is understood that a person known to the disgruntled man is involved with a haulage firm. The Sunday World understands that a separate St Patricks Day protest is planned by a group at the Dublin 4 campus tomorrow. Gardai are aware of this matter and some RTE staff have been given additional security advice in relation to tomorrows potential protest. An RTE spokesman told us: RTE takes the issues of safety and security very seriously. RTE is committed to ensuring the safety of its staff in and visitors to its offices and sites in Dublin and throughout the country. However, RTE does not comment on security matters. When contacted by the Sunday World about the blockade threat, a garda spokesman said: An Garda Siochana does not comment on named entities. Gardai in Dublin have received no complaint on such a matter. It is understood that the potential blockade threat has caused concern among some RTE staff members. In a completely separate case a south Dublin man was jailed for a year in May, 2007, after he drove a car into the front doors of RTEs television studios the previous December. Inventor Paul Stokes gained entry to the RTE grounds by crashing a car through security barriers at the front entrance. Damage totalling 14,340 had been done to the doors. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that security men had restrained the man until gardai arrived and he was taken to Donnybrook Garda Station. He told gardai he was angry about a Sunday Independent article based on his high profile interruption of the Late Late Show the previous week. The self-proclaimed road safety campaigner had earlier stormed onto the stage of the Late Late Show as then host Pat Kenny interviewed Road Safety Authority chairman the late Gay Byrne. Charles Dooher, (26), a farmer from Lifford in Co. Donegal, was beaten to the brink of death, his skull shattered into tiny fragments The family of a man left with a shattered skull after a masked gang beat him with iron bars have said the horror of what happened has been wiped away after they were told he will have a titanium plate installed in his skull. Charles Dooher, (26), a farmer from Lifford in Co. Donegal, was beaten to the brink of death, his skull shattered into tiny fragments in one of the worst head injuries doctors at Belfasts Royal Victoria Hospital had ever seen. A five-man gang broke into his home on January and left him for dead in a horror attack which his family was told he likely wouldnt survive or would be left with serious brain damage, However, Charles made a miracle recovery and is now walking and talking and the family got great news this week that he will have a titanium plate put in his head over the next two weeks to protect his brain. Charles Dooher His sister Deborah said the hospital had initially told them there would be a delay getting the plate due to funding issues. However, the hospital told them this week it was now going ahead. Hes very, very happy now and is very looking forward to the future and already thinking about what hes going to work at. Hes looking forward to getting the plate in. Its just such a relief for everyone. Deborah said the aftermath of the attack devastated them but Charles is now on a long road to recovery. This was the most horrific, terrible, awful time...What has happened over the past week and a half has wiped away every bit of horror for me. Once we got the plate, I thought this is amazing. His family have been at his bedside doing 12 hour shifts since the attack and are amazed by the recovery he has made. Deborah said he hasnt discussed the attack yet as the focus is currently on his recovery,. My gut tells me he definitely remembers but hes just not quite ready to talk about it yet. Obviously its traumatic and hes not at that stage yet. Hes been through a lot and he needs time to heal. He is nowhere near ready to have a conversation about that at all. . The family believe they know who is behind the attack and suspect they hired a criminal gang who have dissident republican links to carry out the attack. Deborah said graffiti in Northern Ireland claimed the gang were paid 10,000 to carry out the attack by a so-called paymaster who ordered it as part of a long-running grudge over land against the Dooher family. Gardai, who are treating the attack as attempted murder, have yet to make any arrests but the PSNI arrested two men in Northern Ireland about the incident. They are currently out on bail while investigations continue. Deborah said her family had been targeted for more than a decade and had been subject to threats, intimidation and assault but said no one was ever brought to justice for those incidents. This has been going on since 2014. Thats when we got the first visit to our front door from these people shouting at us. She said it is likely they will have to leave their home to get away from the violence. If these people are still at large we are going to leave. We want to stay in our country. Its well sad because I love Donegal and Ireland, we all love it. We love our work and everything about it. Charles loves farming. Were going to have to let that go and start again and rebuild our lives somewhere else. She said she believed one of the five-man gang who came into the house is one of those personally involved in the dispute. S he believed he intended to kill Charles while the hired men were distracted looking for a safe in the house. She said when Charles gets the plate in and is well enough to leave hospital the family will go to a secret location for his recovery. We wont even release that location to close family or friends. Were going to be staying there. Our family will be there with Charles 24 hours until he is strong again. After that were going to look at where were going to go. Katie hails Beaumont Hospital medics as heroes as she looks forward to a very different life with her new fiance A young woman who was suffering up to 30 terrifying epileptic fits a day has not had a single episode for four months after groundbreaking brain surgery. Katie Cooke (27) was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of nine, having had her first seizure a year earlier. I was in a brand new school, only a few weeks, recalls Katie, who is from Killiney in south Co Dublin and now lives in nearby Leopardstown. It just happened. I started banging on tables. I didnt know why. I was very aware I was doing it, but I couldnt stop it. It took a whole year to be diagnosed because it wasnt presenting any way like a seizure and everyone thought it was just panic attacks, but it eventually turned into bad seizures. At the point I was diagnosed I was probably having 12 or 15 a day. When I was diagnosed it was weird. I had actually never heard of epilepsy, which is bizarre because its so common now. I adapted fast and within a year I was relatively controlled [with medication]. It usually takes a year or two years to find the right balance and thats kind of what happened me. But for Katie, her condition worsened. I became a teenager and it got a thousand times worse, she says, revealing that she had around 30 seizures a day. Some of them were quite crazy, she recalls. I had mad seizures in every place you can imagine. On escalators, in the middle of the road. Everywhere. I was very stubborn from the get go. I was going to do it my way ... I will go horse riding, I will go snorkelling, I will do what I want, and if something bad happens it happens. I would wake up in an ambulance and say no, I dont need to be here, Ive just bad epilepsy. Ive been in thousands of ambulances. Ive had so many statuses and seizures. It was OK because they were complex particle seizures, so I resolved quite quickly and I got back on with my day. They last about a minute, sometimes longer. Katie with her fiance Cillian Katie spent a lot of time getting treatment in hospital. My big thing was I was always sensitive to the medication, so every and any side effect I had, she explains. But many of the seizures became longer and more severe. I was in trances for weeks sometimes. I was conscious, but I dont remember those weeks, she says. I spent the guts of a year in Crumlin when I was 13. Then it was just adjusting to life, I suppose. It never really went away or got better. I was just making my life a certain way. You become numb to it used to at the same time. Tonic-clonic is a very severe form of seizure where you lose full consciousness, and they last about five minutes and you usually stop breathing. Ive had hundreds of them. They started in my teens mainly, but I had a few when I was younger, When I was 19, I was in a coma because I was having so many seizures. I ended up in St Jamess hospital, where I was very sick. I was having what people call status epilepticus. Katie shows off her engagement ring Its a seizure lasting longer than 15 minutes. Sometimes even three hours. That was happening every night and it was life threatening. Katies mum Nicola had given up her job to become her full time carer, while her partner Cillian also tried as best he could to deal with the situation. There was a year where we went to hospital every single night, and we just kept going. The man is a saint, she reflects. In these sort of seizures, your whole body is convulsing, youre blue, your breathing stops. I had so many different types of them. We werent coping at home, and it was getting so dangerous. I was on very high levels of medicine, of benzos. I went into hospital and they just kept me there because I was having really bad seizures. Medical experts believed brain surgery at the Neurological Unit in Dublins Beaumont Hospital was her only option. It came up Id have to have brain surgery because there was no other option, she says. Triggering Up until that point I was at a much higher risk of dying than I was to have brain surgery. Katies surgeon was Professor Donnacha OBrien. Hes a great man. He was as cool as a cucumber, she beams. The top of her skull was opened up and more than 30 electrodes were attached to various parts of her brain to try to identify the source triggering the seizures. They had it on my brain for two weeks and a day, she remembers. It was basically monitoring where the defective piece of brain was. They needed a good few days to figure it out. It was so painful, it was horrific, you could feel it on the brain. Last May she was then operated on for a second time. I had a blood clot, but that was formed because of the grid that was in place. Then they took out a piece of brain that had built up tissue that was causing the problem, she says. Katie returned to the hospital last September, and she and her mum and partner were thrilled she was only suffering around one seizure a day. Since last November she has now not had a single seizure. I have warning times all the time, but no actual seizures, she says. It is completely life changing for me. I am so thankful to Beaumont. If people can help Beaumont fundraise for their neurological unit, its so important. They are absolute heroes. Katie reveals she watched the three episodes she features in, including her own brain surgery moments. I watched them back and my first thought was Im a really ugly sleeper, she giggles. Im a weirdo so I love those sort of things, Im not squeamish. She and Cillian, who turns 27 in a few weeks, have been together nearly six years. Just before Christmas the couple went to Lapland and the KPMG risk care consultant got down on bended knee and proposed. He proposed to me in a glass igloo in the middle of a forest with a fire, it was very romantic, she smiles. Katie has a background as a healthcare assistant but is currently looking for a job, having been out of the loop for so long due to her medical condition. When Ireland decides to become cheap wed love to buy our own house, which is proving very difficult at the moment. But life is a lot different for me right now and Im enjoying every minute of it. It comes ahead of a number of anti-racism and anti-immigration rallies all taking place in Derry and Belfast on Sunday Death threats against West Belfast MLA Gerry Carroll on a wall in Andersonstown have now been painted over People Before Profit leader Gerry Carroll has said that racist death threats from a fringe fascist group scrawled on a wall in west Belfast targeting the MLA are a sign of desperation. It comes ahead of a number of anti-racism and anti-immigration rallies all taking place in Derry and Belfast on Sunday. Mr Carroll said this is the first time he has been victim to this sort of threat but has received a number of threats online previously from far-right activists. Graffiti scrawled on a wall in Andersonstown included a target symbol and the initials of a fringe fascist group. Of course, this is all about an attempt to instil the fear factor but we wont be deterred by it. This is a fascist fringe group who are trying to make myself, my party and other activists in the community frightened and were not, Mr Carroll told Belfast Telegraph. They have no support and they are doing these sorts of things in the dead of night when no one can see them. Thousands of people have joined actions against racism in West Belfast in recent months, and we will do so again. I will not be deterred nor bullied by a pathetic minority who skulk around under cover of darkness. These kind of far-right sentiments have been elevated by the likes of Trump and Elon Musk The response to this graffiti has been overwhelming from different political parties and groups sharing their support to us and we have to remember these people are isolated. "We just need to double down our efforts to show how marginalised in west Belfast and elsewhere these people are. He said there had been a number of racist incidents in west Belfast in recent months. The PSNI received reports of 1,777 racist incidents in 2024, and 1,150 racist attacks the highest figures to date. These kind of far-right sentiments have been elevated by the likes of Trump and Elon Musk and some people on this island are taking this on board, which is quite concerning, he said. But it is not the true majority of opinions of most people in my community and across the island. Death threats against West Belfast MLA Gerry Carroll on a wall in Andersonstown have now been painted over He added that it is important to show migrants and minority communities within Northern Ireland that they are supported and welcome here. These people were targeted last summer and there is unfortunately an increase in racist incidents, but that needs to be challenged, the MLA said. Its worth emphasising that in most cases there has been an anti-racist response to those attacks on migrants and minorities; the majority of the people here are welcoming and supportive. "I call on all progressive forces in this city to unite against racism and fascism. In particular, the Trade Union movement must urgently respond and mobilise its resources against the far-right threat. The far-right offer working class people nothing. Their racism has only divided communities and is no different than the sectarianism and discrimination that was meted out to working people here in the North. People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin has said the far-right has stepped up their activity since Trump's inauguration as US President. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll They have been emboldened by Trumps reactionary policies targeting immigrants, women, the LGBTQ community and trade unions, he said. And they've been emboldened by billionaire Elon Musk's support for far-right personalities and groupings in Ireland and Europe. They're targeting Gerry because he has challenged the agenda of Trump, his billionaires and far-right opportunists who are attempting to blame migrants for housing scarcity, violence against women, crime and NHS waiting lists. But Gerry is not alone, the vast majority of people are opposed to the fascists and hatemongers. Police have been made aware of the threatening graffiti daubed on a wall in the west Belfast area. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101. Western Bay community boards have hit back at a proposal to merge, with one saying it would be eroding a democracy. At an appeal hearing on Thursday , four of the regions five community boards spoke against the proposed changes because it would diminish their local voice. Yet Western Bay of Plenty District Council said it would create fairer representation for everyone. Western Bay currently has five community boards, each with four members and two councillors, representing Waihi Beach, Katikati, Omokoroa, Te Puke and Maketu. A community board is a group of elected members who represent the interests of their area and act as a link between the community and the council. Council is proposing to scrap the five boards and have three that follow the ward boundaries of Maketu-Te Puke, Kaimai and Katikati-Waihi Beach. The boards would have six elected members, and two councillors appointed from the respective wards. Western Bay of Plenty District Council will have elections in October. Photo / Alex Cairns Nearly everywhere in the district, would be covered by a community board under the proposal. That means areas like Whakamarama, Pukehina, Pongakawa and Paengaroa - which currently have no board - would be better represented. Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands would not be part of a board. The proposal is part of the councils representation review that seeks to best represent the regions 62,000 residents. Representation reviews set the number of councillors, the number of wards and their boundaries, and the make-up of community boards for an area. They must be carried out every six years. The proposal was adopted at a council meeting in November. People could appeal this to the Local Government Commission which led to Thursdays hearing. Commissioners Brendan Duffy, Bonita Bigham, Gwen Bull heard from 10 submitters about the proposal and all but one were opposed to changing the number of community boards. Mayor James Denyer said the proposal provided effective representation for everyone. Photo / Brydie Thompson. Western Bay mayor James Denyer and deputy mayor John Scrimgeour explained councils reasons for the proposal then responded to issues raised by submitters during the four-hour hearing. Denyer said the current community board arrangement did not work well and about 40% of the district was not represented by a board. He said the Matakana and Rangiwaea Island communities desire was direct engagement with council for their population of around 250 people. The final proposal provides an equitable outcome that improves fair and effective representation. Scrimgeour said three boards would also reduce the rates people paid to $17.25 per property in the district. Currently properties in a community board area paid a targeted rate which varied from $23.41 to $184.64. Waihi Beach Community Board chair Dani Simpson said community boards were the pulse of our place. We believe that when you diminish our voice, youre not just redrawing boundaries on a map, thats severing decades of trust with the council, with our identity, and the wisdom that comes from knowing a community like the back of your hand. Its a decision that isnt about efficiency, but it is eroding a democracy. The coastal town of Waihi Beach had different challenges to its inland neighbour Katikati. Photo / NZME The proposal treated Waihi Beach and Katikati as interchangeable cells, but the areas had different challenges and infrastructure needs. We are looking to merge a coastal haven with an inland horticulture hub. Several submitters said the bigger boards could mean the different communities would compete for funding. Te Puke Community Board deputy chair Dale Snell said the board was approachable and trusted and the small area they covered led to its success. We are a passionate community board, and this is how we achieve the big and the small things. The new proposal would see them competing for resources and water down the passion and the drive that enabled the community and the board to thrive. The Maketu and Katikati Community Board chairs shared similar concerns. Michael Jones was a Western Bay councillor from 1998-2010. Photo / Stuart Whitaker Former Western Bay councillor Michael Jones said small communities depended on each other and would have a larger influence if they combined. Im personally for uniting people, bringing them together, not dividing us up into small little groups. The proposed three boards would create an opportunity for a more united voice for each area, he said. The proposal would also reduce the number of councillors at the table from 11 plus the mayor to nine plus the mayor. It would also establish a Maori ward that covered the entire district, called Waka Kai Uru ward. Local Government Commission will release its decision by April 10. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. On the rooftop of a cafeteria, people enjoy views of the White Dagoba under beautiful clouds. LI DELIN/FOR CHINA DAILY Today, the neighborhood has become a blend of old and new, where ancient hutong (alleyways) meet trendy cafes, creating a cultural hub that attracts local residents and visitors. To document the area's down-to-earth life and changes over the years, seven retired photojournalists in Beijing have spent the last few decades shooting local scenes. Standing for more than 700 years, the ancient building is testament to Beijing's history. Surrounding it, the labyrinth of alleyways preserve their traditional layout, and provide a glimpse into the lives of those who have called this area home for generations. Clay firefighters put out basement fire inside of a two-story home at 7002 Lehman St. on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Timia Cobb Syracuse, N.Y. Firefighters quickly put out a basement fire in a Clay home Saturday afternoon. Firefighters responded to 7002 Lehman St. after the owner of the home called around 4:43 p.m. and reported that smoke was coming from the basement, according to Clay Fire Chief Richard Rioux. When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy smoke coming from the house and determined the fire was inside the two-story homes basement The family of four were upstairs and left the home after seeing the smoke, he said. Firefighters were able to extinguish and contain the fire to the basement, Rioux said. There is smoke damage throughout the home, he said. There were no injuries. The American Red Cross was on scene assisting the residents. Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. Destruction from a severe storm is seen Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP PIEDMONT, Mo. Violent tornadoes and high winds decimated homes, wiped out schools and toppled semitractor-trailers as a monster storm that also produced dust storms and icy conditions killed at least 33 people across the central and southern U.S. Missouri resident Dakota Henderson said he and others rescuing trapped neighbors found five bodies scattered in the debris Friday night outside what remained of his aunts house in hard-hit Wayne County. Scattered twisters killed at least a dozen people in the state, authorities said. It was a very rough deal last night, Henderson said Saturday not far from the splintered home from which he said they rescued his aunt through a window of the only room left standing. Its really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night. The dynamic storm, earning an unusual high risk designation from weather forecasters, was blamed for deadly dust storms in the nations midsection, icy winter weather in northern parts of the country and severe thunderstorms on Sunday, including on the West Coast. As of Sunday morning, the storms were approaching the East Coast, including Pennsylvania. storms in the Harriburg area were forecast after 2 p.m., the National Weather Service said. Authorities were still sifting through massive tornado damage. Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County in Missouri described the unrecognizable home where one man was killed as just a debris field. The floor was upside down, he said. We were walking on walls. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced six people died in three counties and three more people were missing late Saturday as storms moved further east into Alabama, where damaged homes and impassable roads were reported. Officials confirmed three deaths in Arkansas, where Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency. In Alabama, Dallas County Sheriff Michael L. Granthum said there was one storm-related fatality in that county. Tim Scott, right, gets a hug from friend Jorden Harris outside Scott's home he was inside when it was destroyed during a severe storm the evening before Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also declared an emergency in anticipation of the storms shift eastward. Early Sunday morning, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency used its social media accounts to repost a National Weather Service tornado watch for parts of southeast Georgia. In response to the watch, which warns of isolated tornadoes and hail and gusts of 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 kph), Kemp posted a note saying his family was praying for all those impacted by this storm system and those still in its path. We will continue to work closely with state and local officials to respond to damage and assess any needs following this weather event, Kemp wrote. Dust storms spurred by the systems early high winds claimed almost a dozen lives on Friday. Eight people died in a Kansas highway pileup involving at least 50 vehicles, according to the state highway patrol. Authorities said three people also were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle. Extreme weather encompasses a zone of 100 million people The extreme weather conditions were forecast to impact an area that is home to more than 100 million people, with winds threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and fanning the wildfire risk in warmer, drier places to the south. Evacuations were ordered in some Oklahoma communities as more than 130 fires were reported across the state and nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a Saturday news conference that some 266 square miles (689 square kilometers) had burned, sharing that he lost a home of his own on a ranch northeast of Oklahoma City. To the north, the National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of far western Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota starting early Saturday. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters) were expected, with up to a foot (30 centimeters) possible. Winds were expected to cause whiteout conditions. Still, experts said its not unusual to see such weather extremes in March. Tornadoes have been widespread Significant tornadoes continued late Saturday, with the region at highest risk stretching from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi through Alabama, western Georgia and the Florida panhandle, the Storm Prediction Center said. Bailey Dillon, 24, and her fiance, Caleb Barnes, watched from their front porch in Tylertown, Mississippi, as a massive twister struck an area about half a mile (0.8 kilometer) away near Paradise Ranch RV Park. They drove over afterward to see if anyone needed help and recorded video of snapped trees, leveled buildings and overturned vehicles. The amount of damage was catastrophic, Dillon said. It was a large amount of cabins, RVs, campers that were just flipped over. Everything was destroyed. Paradise Ranch said via Facebook that all staff and guests were safe and accounted for, but Dillon said the damage extended beyond the RV park itself. Homes and everything were destroyed all around it, she said. Schools and buildings are just completely gone. Some images from the extreme weather went viral online. Tad Peters and his father, Richard Peters, had pulled over to fuel up their pickup truck in Rolla, Missouri, on Friday night when they heard tornado sirens and saw other motorists fleeing the interstate to park. Whoa, is this coming? Oh, its here. Its here, Tad Peters can be heard saying on a video. Look at all that debris. Ohhh. My God, we are in a torn ... A home is destroyed after a severe storm, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP His father then rolled up the window. The two were headed to Indiana for a weightlifting competition but decided to return home to Norman, Oklahoma, about six hours away, where they then encountered wildfire. ----- By Jeff Roberson, Rebecca Raynolds and Julie Walker, The Associated Press Walker reported from New York and Reynolds reported from Louisville, Kentucky. Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River, New Jersey, Jeff Roberson in Wayne County, Missouri, Gene Johnson in Seattle and Janie Har in San Francisco contributed. A participant holds an "Elbows Up Canada" sign during rally in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to Canadian sovereignty on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The combative phrase comes from hockey, Canada's national game. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) AP President Donald Trumps nonsensical trade war with our neighbor and ally Canada will cause nothing but pain for not only Canadians but for Americans and New Yorkers, in particular. On Wednesday, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada. He delayed imposing tariffs on other goods until April 2 unless he decides to delay them again. The guessing game continues. Even Trumps hapless Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick cant keep up with the waffling president and his make-it-up-as-we-go reasoning. The threat of tariffs already is affecting New York companies that trade with Canada, including an Auburn microbrewery, an Oswego aluminum processor, homebuilders and farmers. For example, the port of Oswego is storing 50 metric tons of aluminum ingots, some imported in anticipation of Trumps tariffs. As staff writer Glenn Coin reports, Canada is New Yorks No. 1 export market. More than half of the states farm produce is sold in Canada. In the opposite direction, New York imports more goods from Canada than it does from China. Cross-border trade amounts to $42 billion a year and supports 600,000 jobs in both countries. Trump and his economic team have persuaded themselves, but no one else of sound mind, that tariffs are the magic bullet that will return manufacturing jobs to the United States and create a pot of money that can be used to pay for tax cuts. Except thats not how tariffs work. Tariffs are a tax on imported goods that are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. And while tariffs create a price advantage for U.S. producers over their foreign competitors, they often use that breathing room to raise prices and pocket the difference as profit. Dont take our word for it. The first Trump administrations tariffs on imported washing machines provided a natural experiment. While tariffs were in effect from February 2018 to February 2023, the cost of laundry equipment (washers and dryers, often priced and bought in a pair) went up 34%. That was 11% more than the price increase of other appliances without tariffs. After the tariffs expired, laundry equipment prices dropped by you guessed it 11%. Imports bounced back higher than before the tariffs. U.S. appliance manufacturers did hire about 2,000 more workers, but each job cost consumers $815,000 in higher costs. Here are some more inconvenient facts. Trumps tariffs are unconstitutional. Article I clearly vests Congress with the power to impose tariffs. Only by fabricating a phony emergency about fentanyl coming from Canada does Trump claim this authority. Except most fentanyl is produced domestically or comes into the country via U.S. mail from China. In fiscal 2024, 43 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the northern border, said U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, compared to 21,000 pounds seized at the southern border. Fentanyl deaths in the United States are down 24% since 2023, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trump has said plainly the reason hes imposing tariffs on Canada is to force it to become our 51st state . Congress has the power to cancel the fake emergency. Except it just abdicated it. Trump appears determined to stick it to the Canadian auto industry. Except there is no Canadian auto industry. Its a North American industry. Parts move from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico a half a dozen times or more before a vehicle is ready for sale. Tariffs on each of those cross-border trips would add thousands to the already high cost of cars and trucks. Reordering those supply chains is not going to happen overnight, if ever. Punishing Canada with tariffs also will hurt an industry that accounts for 11.2% of U.S. manufacturing output and supports 9.7 million U.S. jobs. Trump constantly whines about the unfair U.S-Canada-Mexico trade deal. Except he negotiated that deal in his first term. If he wants to renegotiate it, fine. Just dont subject us to the whims of on-again, off-again tariffs. The uncertainty is a drag on the stock market and the economy. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this embarrassing tantrum is Trumps mean-spirited attack on our friend, Canada. The president denigrates the Canadian people on an almost daily basis with his taunts about the sovereign nation becoming the 51st state, which only creates ill will toward the United States. Trumps zero-sum world view is one in which there can be no allies, no friends, only servants and enemies that must be scorned. Those of us who live near our Canadian friends do not share this presidents animosity. And it is no wonder that Canadians have taken to booing our national anthem and pulling American products from the shelves. Even the formerly conservative now largely Trump mouthpiece Wall Street Journal editorial board calls Trumps tariffs on Canada and Mexico the dumbest trade war in history. Congress should take up this debate as demanded by the Constitution. The cowering Upstate New York Republicans should stand up for New York and demand respect for our Canadian friends. The feckless Supreme Court should not allow the president to fabricate emergencies. Trump should end this trade war now, before it does any more damage. About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com A people gathered in Foley Square, outside the Manhattan federal court, in support of Mahmoud Khalil, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) AP NEW YORK (AP) The U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether Columbia University concealed illegal aliens on its campus, one of its top officials said Friday, as the Trump administration intensified its campaign to deport foreigners who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the New York college last year. Agents with the Department of Homeland Security searched two university residences with a warrant Thursday evening. No one was arrested, and it was unclear whom the authorities were searching for. But by Friday afternoon, U.S. officials had announced developments related to two people they had pursued in connection with the demonstrations. A Columbia doctoral student from India whose visa was revoked by the Trump administration fled the U.S. on an airliner. And a Palestinian woman who had been arrested during the protests at the university last April was arrested by federal immigration authorities in Newark, New Jersey, on charges that she overstayed an expired visa. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, speaking at the Justice Department, said it was all part of the presidents mission to end antisemitism in this country. Just last night, we worked with the Department of Homeland Security to execute search warrants from an investigation into Columbia University for harboring and concealing illegal aliens on its campus, Blanche said. That investigation is ongoing, and we are also looking at whether Columbias handling of earlier incidents violated civil rights laws and included terrorism crimes. Blanche didnt say what evidence agents had of wrongdoing by the university. It was unclear whether he was accusing the school itself of terrorism crimes or saying that people involved in the protests had committed such crimes. The Associated Press left messages seeking comment from the university about Blanches accusations Friday. In a note to the school community following the searches Thursday night, interim university president Katrina Armstrong said Columbia was committed to upholding the law. She described herself as heartbroken that federal agents had been on campus searching student rooms. I understand the immense stress our community is under, Armstrong wrote. Despite the unprecedented challenges, Columbia University will remain a place where the pursuit of knowledge is cherished and fiercely protected, where the rule of law and due process is respected and never taken for granted, and where all members of our community are valued and able to thrive. Columbia has come under immense pressure from the Trump administration in recent weeks, with the U.S. government canceling $400 million in federal grants and contracts to the school, much of it for medical research, as punishment for not cracking down harder on students and faculty who criticized Israels military action in Gaza during large protests last spring. President Donald Trump and other officials have accused the protesters as being pro-Hamas, referring to the militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The administration threatened to permanently end federal funding to the Ivy League school unless it took a variety of steps, including changing its admissions process and ceding faculty control of its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department to a receiver for five years. It also demanded that the school ban people from wearing masks on campus, change how it recruits international students, adopt a new definition of antisemitism, and abolish its student disciplinary process. Students and faculty who participated in last years protests at Columbia have insisted that criticizing Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights isnt antisemitic. Some Jewish students and faculty, though, complained that the anti-Israel rhetoric made them feel unsafe. Columbia Universitys campus has been in crisis since the arrest Saturday of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist who helped lead last springs protests. The Trump administration said Friday it had revoked the visa of Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen and doctoral student at Columbia, for advocating for violence and terrorism. Srinivasan opted to self-deport Tuesday, the department said. Officials didnt say what evidence they had that Srinivasan had advocated violence. Her lawyers denied the accusations, and she told The New York Times that she wasnt involved in organizing any Columbia protests. According to the newspaper, the Department of Homeland Security said Srinivasan didnt disclose two protest-related summonses on her visa renewal application last year. Srinivasan told the newspaper she had received the summonses for allegedly refusing to disperse and obstructing foot or vehicle traffic after simply getting caught up in a crowd of protesters while trying to return to her apartment from a picnic last year. She said she left the summonses off her renewal form because her case had been dismissed. The woman who was arrested in Newark, Leqaa Kordia, was charged with failing to leave the U.S. after her visa expired. Columbia said it had no record of Kordia ever being a student there or being arrested on the campus. However, there were numerous protests and arrests in the streets outside of the university at the same time. Kordia had previously received a student visa, but it was terminated in 2022 for lack of attendance, the department said. She is being held in an immigration detention center in Alvarado, Texas, according to a government database. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Friday the Trump administration is expecting to revoke more student visas in the coming days. 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. Facepalm: Apple's struggles with artificial intelligence are evident when you look at the challenges Siri is facing. The company's original plans and promised upgrades for current iPhone users didn't pan out. While Apple still aims to implement the Siri overhaul in iOS 19 this fall, other commitments could push it into 2026. Apple's much-delayed AI Siri features are still in limbo. In a candid address to the Siri team, Robby Walker, a senior director at Apple, acknowledged that delays to key features have been both "ugly" and "embarrassing." The decision to publicly showcase these features before they were ready exacerbated the situation, anonymous sources revealed to Bloomberg. "This was not one of these situations where we get to show people our plan after it's done," Walker told the team at a private gathering. "We showed people before." The features in question, unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last June, are designed to enhance Siri's capabilities by leveraging user data and improving app control. However, when Apple demonstrated these features using a video mock-up, it only had a barely working prototype. The goal was to make Siri respond to queries and analyze content more effectively, but it currently functions correctly about 60 to 80 percent of the time. Walker praised the team for developing "incredibly impressive" features but admitted that the current state of the technology is not ready for public release. "These are not quite ready to go to the general public, even though our competitors might have launched them in this state or worse," he said. The decision to delay was driven by quality concerns, with software chief Craig Federighi expressing similar reservations about the technology's readiness. Federighi had voiced concerns to other senior executives that the features weren't working as advertised, ultimately prompting the decision to delay. The delay significantly impacts Apple's broader AI strategy, Apple Intelligence. The company initially planned to include these features in iOS 18.5 but now aims to roll them out with iOS 19. Walker noted that while Apple intends to implement them in iOS 19, expected to launch this fall, shifting priorities could push the release further. As Apple balances multiple commitments, it may need to reassess trade-offs. Despite the challenges, Walker expressed optimism about the future of Siri, comparing the effort to a long-distance swim. "We swam hundreds of miles we set a Guinness Book for World Records for swimming distance but we still didn't swim to Hawaii," he said, referring to the team's progress and the distance it still has to cover to meet their goal. Apple is not planning immediate executive changes over the AI crisis. However, it is considering "management adjustments." The company has already brought in Kim Vorrath, a veteran executive known for fixing projects, to assist the team. "Intense personal accountability" is shared among top executives, including John Giannandrea, the head of AI at Apple, and Craig Federighi. In the meantime, Apple continues enhancing Siri's capabilities, including a Type-to-Siri interface and improved product knowledge. The company is also planning to expand Apple Intelligence into several new languages and is working with partners like Alibaba and Baidu to enable features for China. However, the road ahead remains challenging, with significant technical hurdles to bring Siri to what Apple considers a competitive level. The company's upgrade roadmap extends into 2027, focusing on making Siri more conversational, allowing it to better compete with other AI chatbots. Walker noted that this path will require a new infrastructure. Oil spill in Ecuador river brings emergency declaration Quininde, Ecuador, March 15 (AFP) Mar 15, 2025 An oil spill in northwestern Ecuador has turned a river black, prompting authorities to declare an environmental emergency and order residents to ration drinking water. The spill, believed to have been caused when a landslide ruptured a major oil pipeline, has contaminated a section of the Esmeraldas River in the province of the same name. Residents in the town of Cube, where the water had changed color, were trying to stop the flow by building dikes, an AFP journalist saw. "The mud formed by the oil has penetrated all the hillsides," said farmer Fernando Gandara. The Emergency Operations Committee in the provincial capital, also called Esmeraldas, declared an environmental emergency over concerns about water quality. Vilko Villacis, mayor of the city of more than 200,000, said the leak had caused "unprecedented" damages. His office halted the diversion of river water to an aqueduct supplying the city and urged people to ration water. On Friday, state-owned Petroecuador said it was working to address the emergency at the pipeline, part of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE) which transports crude oil from the Amazon. The company has not estimated the volume of oil spilled. Ecuador last year produced 475,000 barrels of crude a day, exporting 72 percent of the total. The SOTE is the most used pipeline system in the country, with the capacity to transport 360,000 barrels per day on the 500-kilometer (310-mile) journey from the Amazon to the Pacific coast. 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 Ben Cohens ex wife, Abby, has shared her brutally honest thoughts amid rumours he has split with his partner and former Strictly Come Dancing co-star, Kristina Rihanoff. Abby fell victim to what was been dubbed the Strictly curse, as the show has become notorious for appearing to lead to breakups for even the most seemingly strong relationships. The rugby player first appeared on the show in 2013 and was partnered with the Siberian professional dancer, while he was married to Abby and shared twin daughters with her. The couple were childhood sweethearts, having first got together aged 17. He eventually entered a relationship with Kristina but denied anything happened while they were on the show together. They went on to get engaged in 2022, and share one child together. However, their relationship is on the rocks following financial and personal troubles, according to the Daily Mail. Abby, who has said she has never ever seen her [Kristina] since the show, hopes that the split will lead to the end of a saga, which she says has left her with PTSD. I'm sick of being talked about every time Ben and Kristina are mentioned, she told the Daily Mail. open image in gallery What goes around comes around said Abby Cohen ( Talk TV/Getty ) Unfortunately, I'm always brought into their story because I was the victim, if you like, at the time. Their love story involves me because I was the third person. But I just want it to go away. I want this to be closure on it. Reflecting on the situation, she admitted she does feel sorry for her estranged ex-husband. I'm sad for Ben. I do feel sorry for him, she continued. Our marriage broke down and it's happening all over again to him, and he's got another child. open image in gallery Couple met on 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2013 ( Getty Images ) He's got to start again from nothing, in his late forties. He's going from being so successful as a rugby player to [people] now reading of his business failures. However, she added: I don't want to make him look more stupid than he already does. It's come full circle now that they have split. It reminds me of all the hurt I went through. Was it really worth it? I don't know.' I have read people commenting on this, saying: 'The wife will be happy about that, it's karma.' I think that what goes around, comes around, doesn't it? open image in gallery Couple had been childhood sweethearts before 'Strictly curse' hit ( Getty Images ) She went on to disparage the foundations of the couples relationship as she said it was all about lust. To be successful and have longevity, relationships have to be built on strong foundations, said Abby, who is in a happy relationship with her new partner, David. How they met is not, in my opinion, a solid enough foundation because it is all about lust. It's a physical thing. I don't know, but it doesn't seem to me like an organic thing. She admitted the situation was difficult as the couple were best friends, but he did not get in touch at all following her colon cancer diagnosis. Abby compared herself to Kristina who she said doesnt have any wellies, put it that way, adding: She doesnt pick dog mess off the floor like I have to do every day. 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 Kim Kardashian has received criticism over one of her most recent posts on Instagram. On Friday, the Skims co-owner shared a series of photos from a shoot she did with Perfect Magazine, including one which shows her posing on a Tesla Cybertruck, while others show her embracing the companys robot. Many fans were quick to turn to the comments section, highlighting how people are currently boycotting Tesla due to their opinions of the companys CEO, Elon Musk, who is currently assisting President Donald Trumps dismantling of the federal government. She definitely picked a side, one person wrote in the comments with a red flag emoji. Another commenter agreed, writing, Iconic! (If that truck was on fire!) Well that's a very clear side just picked, the same one that sides with Russia. Not great, a third person wrote in the comments. However, some of her fans were focused less on the Cybertruck and more on the reality stars physical appearance as they called her beautiful or stunning. open image in gallery Kardashian shared photos from a photo shoot with Perfect Magazine ( Getty ) Kardashian does not appear to have been using the shoot to make a political statement, telling Perfect: I think the big joke of me even doing the shoot with the robot is that I feel like Im so robotic. Although The Kardashians star did not publicly endorse a candidate during the presidential election, she sparked backlash in January after she appeared to show support for Melania Trump. At the time, Kardashian shared a photo on Instagram from Donald Trumps inauguration. In the snap, Melania could be seen getting out of a car to attend the event wearing an overcoat and wide-brimmed hat. Although Kardashian didnt include any caption when sharing the picture, fans on X quickly took it as an endorsement for the Republicans. Successful billionaire, Kim Kardashian, has posted Melanie Trump on her Instagram story, one person wrote. We know who she voted for. She definitely voted for her husband, another agreed.Kim Kardashian is really not hiding that she voted for Trump, a third wrote. In May 2018, Kardashian spoke to Trump in the Oval Office to specifically advocate for him to commute Alice Marie Johnsons sentence. However, Donald has previously criticized Kardashian. In a rambling Truth Social rant, shared in November 2023, he called reality TV star-turned-social justice campaigner the worlds most overrated celebrity. He also acknowledged that he helped with prisoner commutation, but only if deserving, and much more so for Kanye West, Kims ex-husband, than for Kim, who probably voted for Crooked Joe Biden. open image in gallery The controversy around Teslas continued this week as Donald Trump turned the White House into a showroom for the electric vehicles. ( AP ) Earlier this week, Trump turned the White House into a Tesla showroom in support of Musk, who he branded a truly great American. Teslas shares have plummeted by about 43 percent since Trump took office, while Tesla owners have been targeted and had their cars vandalized. To help arrest the slide, the president announced he would purchase a red Tesla Model S. 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 16-year-old will spend more than four decades in prison for murdering a 20-year-old last year. Jeremy Briscoe of Hendricks County, Indiana was sentenced to 45 years in prison Friday for the fatal shooting of Carlos Jair Neri-Guzman when he was just 15 years old. The judge also handed him 496 days of jail credit, reducing his sentence by just over a year. Neri-Guzman was found dead from a gunshot wound inside a 2008 Honda Civic that crashed into a Brownsburg, Indiana home on March 5, 2024, local outlet Fox59 reports. The family living in that home called 911 after finding Neri-Guzman inside the car. No one else was injured. Neighbor Taylor Clark described the street as filled with fire trucks, ambulances, cops when Neri-Guzman crashed. "I thought it was an accident, maybe somebody pressed on the gas instead of the breaks on accident, Clark told local outlet WTHR. "I was surprised because the neighborhood is typically safe. "Shocking and surprising, given the circumstance, Clark added. "I didn't feel skittish or afraid or anything. It seems like it's kind of a freak accident, a onetime thing" Investigators went on to discover Neri-Guzman was shot while in a community pool parking lot after planning on meeting two people there including Briscoe. The then-15-year-old was later identified as the shooter. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Briscoes home. There, they arrested him and found two guns: a Ruger LCP .380 caliber and a semi-automatic 9mm handgun, Fox59 reports. Police found that the semi-automatic handgun did not have a serial number on it, making it a ghost gun. These guns are typically homemade, constructed from pieces sold together in a kit or separately. Briscoe didnt talk to police after they arrested him, Fox59 reports. He was then charged as an adult with murder, aggravated battery when the assault poses a substantial risk of death and dangerous possession of a firearm. A jury found Briscoe guilty after a two-day trial in February. 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 Kansas babysitter escaped from a drug treatment facility while facing charges over the death of a four-month-old baby found with meth and amphetamines in its body. Amanda Vinardi, 42, disappeared from the Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita after she was arrested and a judge ordered her to complete drug treatment in February, according to local outlets KAKE and the Salina Post. Officials discovered she was missing after she failed to attend a class on March 4, the Salina Post reports. The facility said Vinardi had walked away the afternoon of March 4, 12News reports. Officials issued a warrant for her arrest on Tuesday. Vinardi now faces an escape charge, along with aggravated child endangerment and other drug-related charges. Randi Freeman told KAKE that Vinardi was babysitting her son Elijah Wedel in April 2024 when a neighbor called 911. Responders found the infant face-down in his crib. Elijah was transported to the hospital, where he ultimately died. An autopsy report later revealed that meth and amphetamines were in his system, KAKE reports. "He didn't even look like him, Freeman told KAKE. All the machines hooked up to him. His eyes were practically glued shut. "I always dreamed of watching him take his first steps or what it would feel like to be called 'mom,' and I never got to experience it," she added. Vinardi was arrested in January and transported to Saline County Jail before arriving at Miracles Inc. for her court-ordered drug treatment. The Saline County Sheriffs Office is now searching for the 42-year-old. Officials have also alerted Wichita Police Officers and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office to her escape. Now shes out there and I have no clue where shes at, no clue who else shes manipulating, no clue who else shes hurting, Freeman told KWCH. Im terrified. The Independent has contacted the Saline County Sheriffs Office for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In November 1994, Stephan Smerk fled his Virginia Army barracks with one intent - to kill. Something came over me, Smerk once told cops. I just had to kill somebody. I cant explain it to you. He made his way to the home of Robin Lawrence and her two-year-old daughter. He didnt know her. She didnt know him. But their fates crossed that night as Smerk looked to fill his desire to murder. He broke into the home and found the 37-year-old, who quickly sank to her knees. Smerk drove the knife into her 49 times, killing the mom as her daughter was in the next room. The soldier fled into the night, leaving the daughter with her dead mom - and it took at least two days for authorities to learn of the murder. They didnt link Smerk to the crime in the days that followed. The case went cold, and for decades Lawrences murder was unsolved. That was until DNA breakthroughs in 2003 allowed cops to link Smerk to his murder. When officers spoke to Lawrence, he gave a chilling description of who he was. He, in his own words, was a serial killer whos only killed once. open image in gallery Photos of Smerk from 1988 (middle) and 1998 (right) were used in his arrest after they were compared to a digital composite created from DNA by Parabon NanoLabs (left) ( Fairfax County Police ) For almost three decades, the 53-year-old Niskayuna, New York, native had evaded the law until advances in genetic genealogy linked the ex-soldier by DNA to the crime. In a Fairfax County court earlier this month, Smerk was sentenced to nearly 70 years in prison for the Virginia mothers murder. He was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, with Circuit Judge David Oblon calling the murder among the worst in the countys history. In the courtroom, Smerk turned to almost a dozen of Lawrences family members including her now fully-grown daughter, Nicole. All these years I have been a coward living with guilt, shame and self-hatred, he said. It is my sincere hope that my arrest and subsequent incarceration bring some closure. The father-of-two stated that if it wasnt for his own wife and children now aged 17 and 20 there may have been more victims. The crime Smerk said he drank two beers and took a dose of the stimulant ephedrine before he left his barracks at Fort Worth now known as Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. The then-22-year-old said he drove his white Chevrolet pickup to West Springfield where he had recently partied and parked at an acquaintances house. There he broke into a neighbor's home by prying open a sliding glass door with a branch, he told detectives. After walking through to the main bedroom he found Lawrence who had sunk to her knees and pled for her life. He stabbed Lawrence a total of 49 times using what he described as his combat training. Lawrence tried to fight back, clawing at her killers face. Smerk also cut the phone cord as she tried to call for help, he confessed. I have a little bit of a scar here; I was worried she had some DNA under her finger, Smerk told detectives in October, according to NBC 4. When asked about the murder weapon, he said he used the knife to cut her up pretty good. open image in gallery Robin Lawrence, 37, was stabbed 49 times by Smerk before her body was found on November 20, 1994 ( Fairfax County Police ) Ollie Lawrence, the victims husband, was away on a work trip when the incident occurred. He grew worried after not being about to reach his wife for days, according to a 1994 report from the Post-Standard. A neighbor testified she noticed the Lawrence households back door open on November 20, 1994, and walked into the home. She found Lawrence's daughter, Nicole, dehydrated but uninjured. Inching closer to the bedroom, the neighbor saw blood had been smeared across the wall and later said she could not face entering the room. The victims body was found at about 12:30 p.m. that day. The aftermath Smerk later told detectives that he tossed the knife into Chesapeake Bay from a bridge before returning to the barracks. He then said he took a shower and threw his clothes in a dumpster. Investigators gleaned blood samples at Lawrences but couldnt initially tie Smerk to the murder. The case went unsolved for nearly three decades. Smerk went on to build a picturesque life while Lawrences family was left mourning. Attorneys said in court Friday that he received accolades for his military service, got marriedand later divorcedhad two children, returned to school, purchased a home and switched career paths to become a senior software engineer earning $120,000 per year. After destroying the Lawrence family, he went on to build his own family, Oblon said before announcing his decision, the Washington Post reported. It is beyond callous to know that Mr. Smerk left a two-year-old child alone with her freshly dead, bleeding mother. open image in gallery Smerk first confessed in September 2023 after turning himself in and gave a full video confession to detectives in September 2024 ( Fairfax County Police ) As police looked at the cold-case murder, they worked with an outside company, Parabon NanoLabs, which used DNA evidence to identify the suspects biological relativeseventually narrowing their search to Smerk. Two detectives from the Fairfax Police Department took a trip to Niskayuna, New York, on September 7, 2023, to further their investigation police said. Smerk was putting out the trash outside his home. Police took a DNA swab from the inside of his cheek and left their business card. Later that evening Smerk called the detectives and turned himself in to the local police station in Niskayuna. He delivered a full confession in Lawrences killing, Police Chief Kevin Davis told CNN at the time. Commonwealths Attorney Steve Descano said in a statement Friday that Lawrences murder scarred Fairfax County for more than 30 years. The pain left by Robin Lawrences murder can never fully heal, he added. "But I hope that todays sentence will help her loved ones finally close this difficult chapter." It happened more than 15 years ago, but former Gov. Bobby Jindals response to then-President Barack Obamas address to Congress remains the benchmark by which all such speeches are measured for pure, unadulterated awfulness. But it wasnt just the failed stagecraft and Jindals weird delivery that missed the mark. Lost in the lore is that Jindals content was problematic as well. Boycott words Your correspondent (Letters, 16/3) provides a brief list of words boycotted in his household and invites readers to add to his tally. A few of the words boycotted in my home include Amazon, McDonalds, Skynews, Foxtel, News Corp, Costco, Kraft Heinz, Kayo, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Binge, among others. Two words which are encouraged? Buy Australian. Helen Moss, Croydon Aspiration, desperation Two reports on two contrasting but related matters concerning home ownership and bail laws. The link is striking and shows the impact entrenched disadvantage can have on young people. First, it is unsurprising that a young man from Brighton with a private school education has strong aspirations and confidence for home ownership. (This teen believes he will buy a home in Brighton soon, 16/3). Its not his fault, but his experience of privilege shows how easier his pathway could be when compared with the other young people around the table. Second, it will be unsurprising too when we find that new bail laws will apply more to young people growing up with disadvantaged backgrounds as they navigate life in a country once described as lucky (Why Jacinta Allan is pushing for more laws that will lock up more kids, 16/3). Its lucky for some but not all and thats why we need government that is focused on more than money. This kind of government has a vision to genuinely help young people and not further entrench their life experience through policies that advantage more wealth creation for those who already have it. I wonder how often unwarranted searches happened in Brighton compared to Dandenong. Michael Cormick, Carnegie Price of crime It costs over $300 a day to keep someone in prison, so we are paying twice for the cost of crime. Surely, it would make more sense to spend this money on crime prevention, which means ensuring all kids have access to quality education, economic stability and social services. Our current economic system appears to entrench inequality, with inadequate funds for public education and housing, so the wealthy benefit, and we end up paying for the cost of crime instead. Jennie Epstein, Little River Kicking the can As Premier Jacinta Allan accepts that the changes to Victorian bail laws will lock up more children, I guess we all should likewise accept that we will be dealing with more life-long offenders in years to come. Evidence shows, repeatedly, that the earlier a child is incarcerated via the criminal justice system, the more likely is a lifetime of crime and dysfunction for the adult that child will become. The traditional political art-form of kicking the can down the road continues under the Allan government. Michelle Goldsmith, Eaglehawk Grand prix despair For some reason, the grand prix in Melbourne makes me feel completely powerless. The state government proceeds with it despite much angst towards it and the cost to taxpayers of $100 million for the 2024 race. For many years, we have been told by various governments that the event is wonderful for our economy, but this is always wrapped in vague notions unsupported by evidence. Has tourism increased because of it? Now, we are told we would be furious if the race went to Sydney. That is just another generality. I feel powerless because events like this need to be reined in because of climate disruption, but those in power are not listening. Please let us be heard. Phil Labrum, Trentham Prefab homes The need for a more productive government program to supply affordable public housing is focused on by your correspondent, (Letters, Housing tragedy, 16/3) he referred to the government re-gifting land to developers when older public housing sites are demolished. Perhaps it is time to bring back an iteration of the former Housing Commission with a return to prefabricated homes assembled in factories. There have been innovations in Europe to make assembly more efficient, leading to rapid construction. The state could utilise land available after demolition of existing public housing sites and land held by VicTrack and similar government bodies. It would be a far better use than the current arrangement of letting private developers build on such land and only 10 per cent being required for affordable public housing. The government could ensure that housing built via this method incorporates specifications regarding room sizes, available light, proper kitchens and energy efficient features. Surely, this process would ensure rapid progress through any local government requirements. Bill Pimm, Mentone Swimming pool benefit If ever there was a compelling argument for a national program for a swimming pool in every town with a significant Indigenous population, it was the article about Bidyadanga, 190 kilometres south-west of Broome (Disease rates halved, kids in school: Inside the towns where a local pool has changed lives, 15/3). Many people would be unaware that Bidyadanga holds the dubious record for the highest rate of renal dialysis in Australia due to many of its chronic renal failure patients. The improved school attendance via the No School, No Pool rule is just one of the social benefits. The community strengthening that results, has the capacity to positively impact many of the Closing the Gap targets, including incarceration and domestic violence. The health benefits of a vibrant pool program are not just related to ear disease and improved hearing. The reduction in epidemic scabies and impetigo (streptococcal school sores) can result in fewer episodes of streptococcal kidney and heart damage, which in turn can result in reduced cases of chronic renal failure and rheumatic heart disease. The article shows the crucial role that engaged personnel play in the maintenance of the health-giving pool program. A bipartisan approach to put the pedal to the metal to support and fund both the pools and their personnel has the promise to really make a positive difference, in a space where the negative differences are all too obvious. Dr Greg Malcher, Hepburn Springs Benefits of shared space Broadmeadows in the 1980s was a dream childhood, partly because of a fully funded local outdoor swimming pool from November to March. Four pools, lush green grass, great facilities, Four n Twenty pies and Big Ms in the tuck shop. The poolies looked more like bikies than lifeguards, closely watching the ability of swimmers, along with the slightest hint of teenage aggression. A melting pot of cultures with the rare explosion, but mostly a shared space where you learnt how to live peacefully alongside, and look out for, your community, albeit with fewer clothes than normal. A great education. Simon Williamson, West Footscray Close to home Thank you for Richard Castles beautiful article (A death, a dream: what my wife said, 16/3). I lost my husband over seven years ago, and since then, I dont want to travel or go far from home as he is not there to come back to, but his spirit is still near home. Katriona Fahey, Alphington Forward thinking Interesting reading in Saturdays Age about design week and beyond the grave (Designer deaths: From ocean paddles to sneakily scattered ashes, were doing things differently, 15/3). It is always a delicate conversation talking about death and, in the case of cremation, where the ashes might be kept. My husband and I have made the necessary arrangements and chosen the spot where they will be laid. It was a difficult conversation for both of us, but once out in the open the decision was easy. Our main objective was to save our children any trouble, while also controlling the final outcome. Now we can get on with living in the present, hoping death is far away. However, the most important thing for me is not really about my death, but how I have lived my life, hopefully leaving the world a slightly better place because I have lived. Julie Ottobre, Brunswick East AND ANOTHER THING Trump world What does Peter Dutton think hes got that King Charles hasnt? The UK copped tariffs even after Keir Starmer offered Trump an invitation to the palace. Polly Mish, Hawthorn Donald Trump has a record of six business bankruptcies behind him. It looks like he may be heading for his seventh, unfortunately taking America with him. Ken Finley, Mount Martha Why hasnt Trump issued an executive order banning all tornadoes on US soil? Graham Fetherstonhaugh, Carlton North The hackneyed phrase carve-out is being used repeatedly in relation to tariffs on Australian steel being exported to the US. What is wrong with the more concise word exemptions? John Guy, Elsternwick High time for a wombat-touching tariff. Thatll show Donald whos boss. Andy Worland, Ballarat If we buy Australian goods made in Australia of Australian manufactured parts we will be moving away from US junk, so give it a go. Bruce Dudon, Woodend Furthermore Russia has made the point that foreign military presence in Ukraine would be totally unacceptable to them. However, it seems a North Korean military presence is acceptable. This is like Ukraine playing cricket without protective gloves but the Russians can bring in whatever they think will help them win. Peter Walker, Glenroy The myth that the Liberal Party is a superior economic manager has been comprehensively debunked by its outrageous GST deal struck with Western Australia. Peter Bennett, Clifton Hill Finally Like father, like son. Elon Musks boy (one of many) just a few steps behind Trump (17/3). And both may overtake him while hes not looking. Myra Fisher, Brighton East Belgrade: Serbian officials have denied security forces used an illegal military-grade sonic weapon to disperse and scare peaceful protesters at an anti-government rally in the capital that has been described as the biggest ever in the country. At least 100,000 people descended on Belgrade on Saturday for a mass rally seen as a culmination of months-long protests against Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, with some estimates putting the crowd at more than 300,000. Opposition officials and Serbian rights groups claimed that a widely banned acoustic weapon which emits a targeted beam to temporarily incapacitate people was used during the protest. They say they will file charges against those who ordered the attack with the European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts. Kocani, North Macedonia: The moment a firework ignited the ceiling of a crowded nightclub in North Macedonia, triggering a horrific blaze that killed 59 people, has been caught on camera, showing the fire take hold as musicians on stage play on, oblivious to what is happening above them. Local pop group DNK was performing to a packed crowd of mostly young people in the eastern town of Kocani when the fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, sparking a panicked rush for the clubs single exit. Some of the musicians were among those killed, the BBC reported. Parents scoured hospitals for their children in the aftermath of the blaze as devastated locals came to realise they knew many of the victims. Three of those killed were under 18, officials said, with the youngest only 16. Victims suffered burns, smoke inhalation and fatal injuries in the crowd crush, with 155 injured, including 20 critically. A police officer who was checking for drugs and underage guests in the club when the blaze broke out was also among the dead, The New York Times reported. Every Sunday Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy and Auto Channel Executive Producer, with able assistance from senior Detroit editor Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compile The Auto Channel's "take" on this past week's automotive news, condensed into easy to digest news Nuggets.Complete versions of today's news nuggets, along with hundreds of thousands of pages of relevant news, information and opinions are stored in a million-page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 30 years. Complete information can be found by copying a headline and inserting it into any Site Search Box. Here are Larry's top story picks from this past week's important to you, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions and insider back stories presented as expertly crafted easy-to-understand automotive news nuggets. Nutson's Auto News Wrapup, Week Of March 9-15, 2025 Did not want PM Modi, other world leaders to see tents,graffiti, potholes in Washington DC: US President Trump NEW YORK/WASHINGTON : US PRESIDENT Donald Trump said he did not want Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders who visited him to see the tents and graffiti near federal buildings in Washington DC and has ordered the cleaning up of the American capital. Were cleaning up our city. Were cleaning up this great capital, and were not going to have crime, and were not going to stand for crime, and were going to take the graffiti down, and were already taking the tents down, and were working with the administration, Trump said Friday in remarks at the Department of Justice. He said so far the Mayor of Washington DC Muriel Bowser has been doing a good job cleaning up the capital. We said there are tents galore right opposite the State Department. They have to come down. And they took them down right away. And so so far, so good. We want to have a capital that can be the talk of the world, Trump said. When Prime Minister Modi of India, the President of France, and all of these people Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, they all came to see me over the last week and a half. And when they come inI had the route run. I didnt want to have them see tents. I didnt want to have them see graffiti. I didnt want to have them see broken barriers and potholes in the roads. And we had it looking beautiful, Trump said. And were going to do that for the city, and were going to have a crime-free capital. When people come here, theyre not going to be mugged or shot or raped. Theyre going to have a crime-free capital, again, its going to be cleaner and better and safer than it ever was and its not going to take us too long. Modi visited the White House for a bilateral meeting with Trump on February 13, the fourth foreign leader hosted by Trump in just weeks after his inauguration in January. Within less than a month of the start of Trumps second term in the White House, he had hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Jordans King Abdullah II. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are among the other foreign leaders Trump has hosted in his second term so far. Of tenacious grit & strategic diplomacy By Aasawari Shenolikar : TUM ghabrana bilkul nahin. Tum Bharat ki beti ho,saradesh tumhare peeche khada hai, when the then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (played by Revathy) assured Uzma Sheikh (Sadia Khateeb) over the phone assuring her of a safe return, you could see the dread in Uzmas eyes being replaced by a quiet determination and hope that she will finally be rescued from the jaws of death in Pakistan that she had found herself in, and would find a safe passage back home. But the rescue mission, at a time when Indo-Pak relations were extremely tense because of not only geopolitical conflict, but the shadow of Kulbhushan Jadhav and Indias requestforhis case to be reviewed looming large, wouldnt have beenpossible forthe exemplary grit and diplomacy thatJPSingh (JohnAbraham),the Deputy High Commissioner at Indian High Commission, demonstrated under these fragile times. This, then is the crux of The Diplomat, helmed by Shivam Nair and penned by Ritesh Shah, who take us back to May 2017,and bring us another cinematic nugget based on a real story that had the authorities involved on tenter hooks for more than twenty days. Clearly a great deal of research and effort has gone into shaping of the narrative that is more real than reel. Meticulous and well crafted, The Diplomat starts on a slow note, and as the story unfolds, it becomes gripping, eventually taking on the shape of a tense edge-of-the-seat thriller. The premise had all the ingredients of a typical Bollywood potboiler - the Indo-Pak setting, an innocent victim caught in a trap laid by a formidable adversary. But the writer keeps it real, and what the audience gets to see is the harrowing time and the personal struggle that Uzma undergoes because she blindly believed in Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu), who tricked her into coming to Pakistan and then forced herinto marriage, holding her captive inBemur, a remote hamlet in Khyber Pashtun region, known for its lawlessness. Uzma, beaten but not broken, tricks Tahir into taking her to the Indian High Commission and grabs the window of opportunity, pleading for the Embassy to give her shelter and rescue her from the evil clutches of Tahir. But naturally, Tahir and his cronies, with ISI also lending a hand to their devious plans, will not take it lying down. As they plan a siege, JP Sir withaquietgumption is working relentlessly to help Uzmascase.Because of the many angles involved in the case, including police verification and immigration formalities, the situation is complicated. And here is where the writer/director score - by painting a nuanced picture. While the system ic issues dogging the neighbouring nations are highlighted, there is no chest-thumping jingoism, no sub-plots taking away the spotlight from the real issue at hand, and as the case progresses we are introducedtoajoviallawyer(KumudMishra), who lends a helping hand; the Judge deciding the case doesnt bow down to any pressure created by the rowdy Tahir and his gang and the dreadful ISI guys. He doles out justice, putting a stamp on the fact that not everyone on the other side of the border is a foe. Even though the film is titled The Diplomat, the diplomat doesn't hog all the limelight.Each and every character has a significant role.And for once youdonot see John Abraham, the action hero. What you see onthe screen is the suave diplomat, who spearheads the high stake mission with kids gloves,whouses intellect and shrewd diplomacy in Uzmas repatriation. He gets into the skin of the character and scores high for the perspective that he brings to the role. JA, with this you have proven that you dont need to be in high-action mode all the time to make an impact.Hisquite determination,his wry humour and his savoir faire make The Diplomat a compelling watch. John Abraham, of course, had the help of supporting cast to lift his own performance. Sadia Khateeb has enough footage to showcase her talent as the terrified yet resilient Uzma, who is ready to die but not return to a life of dread that she had experienced with Tahir. Revathy, as (now late) Sushma Swaraj adds weight to the narrative. Sharib Hashmi, Kumud Mishra,Tahir all leave an impact with their powerful performances. Music and cinematography are the other stars of the film that raise the level of the film a notch. Rootedinrealism,thisgrippingpoliticaldrama, with a house-full first day first show-is a rarity these days. Should be on every film buffs must watch list. Religious discrimination affects followers of all faiths: India By Yoshita Singh : UNITeD NATIONS INDIA has said it stands united with the UN members in condemning incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims, as it underlined the need to recognise that religious discrimination is a broader challenge affecting followers of all faiths. India is a land of diversity and pluralism. We are home to followers of virtually every major religion in the world and India has been the birthplace of four world religions namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. With over 200 million of its citizens practising Islam, India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador P Harish said on Friday. Addressing the informal meeting of the plenary in the UN General Assembly to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Harish said that fostering a world free from religious discrimination, hatred and violence has been a way of life for India since time immemorial. We stand united with the UN membership in condemning incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims. However, it is also imperative to recognize that religious discrimination is a broader challenge that affects followers of all faiths, the Indian envoy said. We strongly believe that the path to meaningful progress lies in acknowledging that religiophobia in its various forms threatens the fabric of our diverse, global society, he added. Harish began his statement Friday by conveying greetings on the holy month of Ramzan as well as Holi wishes as the festival of colours was celebrated across India and around the world. India voiced concern over the disturbing rise in violence targeting places of worship and religious communities. Harish said this can only be countered by sustained commitment and concrete action from all Member States to the principle of equal respect for all faiths. All countries must commit to equal treatment of all their citizens and not practice policies that promote religious discrimination.We must also ensure that the education system does not perpetuate stereotypes or encourage bigotry, Harish said. Harish said that as the international community observes the day, it is important to remember that the fight against Islamophobia is inseparable from the broader struggle against religious discrimination in all its forms and urged nations to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their faith, can live with dignity, security, and respect. The UN General Assembly had adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 member-states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The document stressed that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation, or ethnic group. Russia, Ukraine launch AERIAL ATTACKS amid proposed ceasefire talks KYIV : RUSSIA and Ukraine traded heavy aerial blows overnight Saturday, with both sides reporting more than 100 enemy drones over their respective territories. The attack comes less than 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss details of the American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine.Volgograd regional Gov Andrei Bocharov confirmed that falling drone debris had sparked a fire in the Krasnoarmeysky district of the city close to a Lukoil oil refinery, but provided no further details. Nearby airports temporarily halted flights, local media outlets reported. No casualties were reported. The Volgograd refinery has been targeted by Kyivs forces on several occasions since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, most recently in a drone attack on February 15. Russias Defence Ministry said that it had shot down 126 Ukrainian drones, 64 of which were destroyed over the Volgograd region. Drones were also shot down over the Voronezh, Belgorod, Bryansk, Rostov and Kursk regions, officials said. Meanwhile, Ukraines air forcesaidSaturdaythatRussia had launched a barrage of 178 drones and two ballistic missiles over the country overnight. The barrage was a mixtureofShahed-typeattack drones and imitation drones designed to confuse air defences. Some 130 drones wereshotdown,while38more were lost en route to their targets. Russiaattackedenergyfacilities, causing significantdamage, said Ukraines private energy company DTEK. Russia struck energy infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions, DTEK said in a statement on Saturday. Some residents were left without electricity. The damage is significant. Energy workers are already workingontheground.Weare doing everything possible to restore power to homes as soon as possible, the energy firm said. Tiger poached in Khapa Forest range; paws, whiskers, teeth missing Staff Reporter & Khapa Correspondent : In the wake of rising man-animal conflict in Nagpur district in recent time, a case of tiger poaching came to light on Friday when some locals found a carcass of a male tiger lying near Bhangala Nala of Sironji area, under the Khapa Forest Range. After getting the information, a team of Forest Department rushed to the spot and conducted panchnama. The foresters found tigers all four paws, whiskers and teeth missing, indicating a case of poaching. According to the Forest Department, the tiger was 3 to 3.5 years old. Prima facie, it said, the poachers had set up an electric trap using an 11kv power line, iron wires and bamboo stakes to kill the big cat. Nagpur Forest Division included the dog squad of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) to assist in the probe. After proper investigation, the post-mortem of the carcass took place under the protocol of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) by veterinarians and the viscera samples were collected and sent to Regional Forensic Lab, Nagpur for forensic analysis. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to identify the poachers, examining past wildlife crime records and evidence found at the scene. The case is being probed under the supervision of senior Forest officials, including Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr Bharat Singh Hada. Local police are also assisting in the investigation, with officers from Khapa Police Station and Nagpur Rural Division present at the site. The autopsy was carried out by Dr Rajesh Fulsunge, Veterinary Officer, Transit Treatment Centre, Seminary Hills; Dr Mayur Pawse, Veterinarian, Gorewada Rescue Centre; and Dr Mayank Barde, Veterinarian, PTR. During the process, Dr Bharat Singh Hada, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Nagpur; V C Gangawane, Assistant Conservator of Forest; S G Athawale, RFO; Pravin Lele, RFO; Kundan Hate, representative of PCCF (Wildlife); Mandar Pingle, representative of NTCA; and Shrikant Dhoble were present. V C Gangawane, S G Athawale and their team are investigating the case to trace the poachers and prevent further wildlife crimes in the region. An act of MP-based poachers The Forest Department intensified the investigation as it contacted the Madhya Pradesh (MP) Forest Department on the basis of some inputs. As per the sources, the crime was committed by some known poaching gangs active in Nagalwadi and Khapa range for a long time. Nagalwadi area is situated close to MP border and through forest area, one can cross the border within 15 minutes. The poachers frequently use these routes for poaching of wild boars and Chitals, Dr Bharat Singh Hada, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Nagpur told The Hitavada. In Madhya Pradesh, Holi festival is celebrated for 2-3 days and during this period, the poachers set up electric wire trap to electrocute animals like wild boar and Chital but this time they a tiger got trapped, added Dr Hada. The senior officer informed that, two months ago, the Foresters had arrested some poachers red-handed when they were setting up a trap at the same Nagalwadi area. Last year also, the Forest Department apprehended some poachers while orchestrating the crime, but later, they got bail from the court. bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. Taking a leaf out of the chief minister and the Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjees book, her nephew and partys national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee today held a virtual meet with party leaders on Saturday. He is supposed to have firmed up strategies to go whole hog to cleanse voters list of alleged fake voters by restructuring committees in the districts and block level. Mr Banerjees virtual meeting had over 4,500 Trinamul leaders in attendance, where he asked party leaders to remain circumspect while accomplishing the mission of cleansing voters list. Advertisement In Delhi, where the Assembly polls took place after seven months of the Lok Sabha polls, about 4.12 lakh new voters were added by manipulation in the voters list. In Maharashtra, 39 lakh voters were added in four months, of which maximum were fake voters to win polls. There are 78 such Assembly constituencies in Maharashtra, where about 18 lakh alleged new voters had been added and of which in 68 Assembly constituencies the BJP came up triumphs. This could not be a coincidence, Mr Banerjee is believed to have told the party leaders. Advertisement Trinamul national general secretary further said that but their manipulations notwithstanding, We have seen through their tricks of manipulations and wont let them succeed by repeating the show here. In the next 5 days a zila committee will be formed. From 21-27 March, block committees were to be formed, whereas from 28 March-3 April, anchal & ward committees will be formed, he is believed to have said. Elaborating further, the source further claimed that I-Pac would work in close coordination with the district leaders. We have noticed many people are trying to extort money in the name of I-Pac or my office. We filed a police complaint against those, he is supposed to have said. A phone number (8142681426) has been shared to report if anyone tried to claim that he is from I-Pac and dupe or extort money. He also said that only people from his office can give any instructions. Should such a situation arise, leaders should contact his office first to verify things. He also cautioned leaders to refrain from indulging any internal bickering that would cost the party dear. Citing some examples, he told them to behave responsibly for sake of the partys success and refrain from any work that would endanger the partys prospects in the upcoming Assembly polls. A 10-min video was played to train the party leaders, today. He said that training camps in every Assembly Constituencies will be organised so that ground leaders can carry out verification accordingly. He is supposed to have said: We are giving Lakshmir Bhandar. There is no Central assistance. See what they did in Maharashtra. Before the polls they made a promise they would give money and later held the funds and cut the budget. Indal Yadav, an accused in a shootout incident in Belgharia has been arrested from Asansol on Friday afternoon. He has been forwarded to Barrackpore Court and then taken on ten days police custody. Presently, Belgharia police officers have been grilling him in their custody. Advertisement After the firing incident he had fled to Bihar and Jharkhand, but due to continuous search operations by the police there he had slipped into Asansol and was staying in a hideout. Advertisement Barrackpore Police Commissionerate after getting some specific inputs raided his hideout in Asansol and nabbed him with the help of Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate. Recently, near No. 4 railway gate in Belgharia, INTTUC leader Bikash Singh and a local passerby, Santu Das had suffered bullet injuries. After investigations the name of Indal Yadav had surfaced. Police suspect that he tried to kill the INTTUC leader due to an old rivalry. Both Bikash Singh and Santu Das were admitted at a local hospital with bullet injuries and are reported to be safe. From the CCTV footage, the owner of the motorcycle in which he was riding, Vicky Yadav was arrested and after interrogations, police came to know about the prime suspect Indal Yadav. The Trinamul Congress MLA, Humayun Kabir on Saturday replied to the show-cause letter issued to him by his partys disciplinary committee in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and made it clear that he wont apologise for his remarks protesting against the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Suvendu Adhikaris diatribe allegedly against Muslims MLAs belonging to the ruling party. Today, the rebel MLA of Bharatpur in Murshidabad district, submitted a two-page reply to the committee chairman as well as parliamentary affairs minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay clarifying he wont apologise because he did not violate any discipline by making statements against Mr Adhikari. Advertisement With the directive of the Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Mr Chattopadhyay had issued Mr Kabir the show-cause on Thursday asking him to reply within 24 hours. Mr Kabir submitted the reply in a PDF format through WhatsApp today. Advertisement Mr Chatterjee had issued the Bharatpur MLA the show-cause through the WhatsApp number of the latter. I have submitted my two-page reply to the chairman of the disciplinary committee clarifying my stand on the issue. I wont make any apology and made it clear that my community is first and then the party. I still believe that I didnt violate my partys discipline, Mr Kabir said. Earlier, the committee had also issued me show-cause of one page and I had responded to it in three-pages. This time, my remarks didnt tarnish the image of my party, he added. Mr Chatterjee has asked him to also send a hardcopy of his reply to show-cause. The committee would sit in on a meeting on Monday after getting the hardcopy, its learnt. On Thursday, Mr Kabir stuck to his earlier stand demanding Mr Adhikari either to withdraw his diatribe against Muslims or apologise within 72 hours. The LoP will have to face the consequence anywhere if he does not withdraw his statements or make an apology by Monday when the session is scheduled to begin in the Assembly, Mr Kabir said. While protesting against Mr Adhikaris remarks over the Muslims on Wednesday, the Trinamul Congress MLA from Bharatpur had said, I dare the LoP to withdraw the statement in 72 hours or else Trinamul Congress 42 MLAs belonging to the Muslim community will make him understand the consequence in the Assembly. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had on Wednesday lashed out at the LoP over his controversial remark on Muslim MLAs, accusing the BJP of importing fake Hinduism to the state. Competition Commission of India (CCI) Chairperson Ravneet Kaur said that the Artificial intelligence (AI) is a driving force in modern markets that also has the potential to enable collusion, including algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing. Delivering the special address at the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law, Kaur emphasised the need to adopt a forward-looking approach as well as trust-based regulations. Advertisement AI shapes pricing strategies, decision-making, and operational efficiencies across industries but also presents risks, she noted. Advertisement She said that AI can enable new forms of collusion such as cartels without human communication, price coordination without explicit agreements, and algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing. At the same event, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, said that the Indian government is not in a hurry to bring the Digital Competition Bill and wants to follow due process with further deliberations on the proposed legislation before introducing it. He underlined the need for further studying the best practices on digital competition laws in other jurisdictions such as the European Union, Japan, and Australia to assess their relevance to the Indian market. There is a need being felt for a Digital Competition Bill. We are not in a big rush. After due process, the government wants to bring this Bill. Indian players in the digital market should not be dominated by global players, and they should not dominate the smaller players these discussions are on. Electronics ministry report on this has to come, the minister said. The MoS further said that while strict interventions were required to enforce the law, self-regulation and compliance should also be promoted. The wheat procurement by the Uttar Pradesh government for the Rabi marketing season 2025-26 will begin from tomorrow and continue until June 15 across 6,500 procurement centers. The Central government has set the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat at Rs 2,425 per quintal, an increase of Rs 150 from last years Rs 2,275 per quintal. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure payments to the farmers within 48 hours. Advertisement He emphasized adequate arrangements at procurement centers to ensure a hassle-free experience for farmers. Additionally, purchase will also be done by going to the villages of the farmers through mobile centers. Advertisement Following the registration for wheat sales that began on March 1 over 2.65 lakh farmers in Uttar Pradesh have already signed up as they need to register or renew their registration with the Department of Food and Civil Supplies portal (fcs.up.gov.in) or the UP Kisan Mitra mobile app before selling their wheat. The department has advised the farmers to thoroughly clean and dry their wheat, removing moisture, soil, stones, and dust before bringing it to the procurement centers. This year, tenant farmers can also register and sell their wheat. According to the Food and Civil Supplies Department, wheat procurement will take place daily from 8 am to 8 pm (except on Sundays and public holidays) until June 15. The Yogi government has instructed officials to ensure a smooth process for farmers, and all necessary preparations have been made. To address any issues, a toll-free helpline (18001800150) has been set up. Farmers can also contact the District Food Marketing Officer, Tehsil Regional Marketing Officer, or Block Marketing Officer for assistance. Notably, a total of 6,500 procurement centers have been established under the Food and Civil Supplies Department and eight other procurement agencies. The payment for wheat will be directly transferred to farmers Aadhaar-linked bank accounts within 48 hours through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). This year, wheat will be procured from farmers by going to villages through mobile centers. The wheat procurement process will officially begin on March 17, and all arrangements have been finalized. The Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to organise a two-day Orientation Programme for its newly elected members starting Tuesday, March 18, aimed to equip legislators with the knowledge of parliamentary procedures, code of conduct and best government practices. The programme will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and the event will be held in the legislative Assembly Hall. Advertisement Emphasising the events importance, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta stated that this orientation programme is a vital initiative to strengthen the legislative capabilities of the MLAs. Advertisement He said it will help the legislators understand parliamentary procedures, legislative drafting, and the significance of meaningful debates, enabling them to participate effectively in the house. The Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) will conduct the training sessions, offering insights into parliamentary rules and legislative practices. PRIDE, under the guidance of the Lok Sabha Speaker, organises training sessions for MPs, legislative staff, and other stakeholders. The inaugural session will witness the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Speaker Vijender Gupta, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bist, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Leader of Opposition Atishi. The two-day programme will include expert-led lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on good governance, policy-making, and legislative frameworks. These sessions will cover key topics such as constitutional responsibilities, ethical governance, and law-making procedures. The programme will conclude on March 19, with an address by the Minister for Legislative Affairs, followed by the closing remarks of the assembly speaker. Taking a dig at AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Sunday that it is gradually becoming clear that after being rejected in the national capital, Kejriwal is now afraid of being sidelined from Punjab politics where he was trying to re-establish himself. Sachdeva alleged despite being embroiled in numerous scams in Delhi, the AAP chief kept talking of his honesty until the last moment of the recently-concluded Delhi assembly polls. Advertisement The Delhi BJP chief further called it unfortunate that after the AAP chiefs honesty is exposed in Delhi, he is repeating the same story in Punjab. Advertisement Sachdeva said when Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann spoke to the media on Sunday about drugs and corruption, they were well aware that the audience did not take them seriously. Kejriwals new promise to eliminate corruption from Punjab has not only shocked the people in the state but also of Delhi and the entire country as for the last three years, he has been travelling around the nation claiming to have run honest governments. The BJP leader pointed out that when Kejriwal once again promised to eliminate drugs and corruption from Punjab, the people of the state were recalling his 2021 speeches with Mann, where they had vowed to make Punjab drug-free within six months of coming to power, while presently, three years later, they are asking for more time. Meanwhile, Kejriwal, who was in Punjab on Sunday, while speaking to reporters said that the biggest problems of the state are drugs and corruption, and the AAP government has launched a war against both. Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar is celebrating 30 remarkable years in the world of Indian classical music, and what better way to mark the milestone than with a brand-new album? Titled Chapter III: We Return To Light, the album is a collaboration with sarod player Alam Khan and British jazz drummer Sarathy Korwar. After kicking off her North American tour in Seattle, Anoushka Shankar dropped the album, which has already started resonating with audiences globally. This project holds special significance as it brings together two musical legacies Anoushka, daughter of legendary sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, and Alam Khan, son of the iconic sarod virtuoso Ali Akbar Khan. Advertisement With Sarathy Korwar adding his unique jazz influence, the album offers a rich and contemporary take on Indian classical music. Advertisement Anoushkas artistry has always been about pushing boundaries while staying true to her classical roots. Over the years, she has collaborated with diverse artists, blending genres and creating soulful music that transcends cultures. With Chapter III: We Return To Light, she delves deeper into her exploration of sound, drawing inspiration from Goas vibrant trance scene while infusing traditional Indian ragas with electronic and jazz elements. The albums first two singles, Hiraeth and We Burn So Brightly, have already set the tone for what promises to be an extraordinary musical journey. The project is part of Anoushkas ambitious trilogy, conceptualized in Goa, where she sought to merge her Indian heritage with global sounds. Anoushka Shankars collaboration with Alam Khan is particularly special as it unites two of the most influential musical families in Indian classical history. Their partnership, along with Sarathy Korwars experimental jazz touch, creates a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. For Anoushka, this album is not just about creating music but also about storytelling and emotional expression. It reflects her evolution as an artist and her commitment to keeping Indian classical music alive while adapting it to modern sounds. With her North American tour already underway, Anoushka Shankar is taking her music to audiences around the world. Her live performances are known for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, and fans are eager to experience the magic of Chapter III: We Return To Light in person. Terrance Carroll is the former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first African American ever to hold that office in Colorado. He is an attorney and a minister. Renowned music composer and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman has been admitted to a private hospital on Greams Road in Chennai after experiencing chest pain. Hospital authorities confirmed that Rahman received preliminary treatment before being moved for an angiogram. Advertisement Sources at Apollo Hospital informed IANS that his condition is stable, and an official medical bulletin is expected soon. Advertisement The composer had recently returned to Chennai after a performance in the United Kingdom. Last month, Rahman shared the stage with international pop star Ed Sheeran at his concert in Chennai. A week later, he attended the music launch of his upcoming film Chaava. His hospitalisation comes shortly after his ex-wife, Saira Banu, was admitted for a medical emergency and underwent surgery. The news was confirmed by her lawyer, Vandana Shah, through an official statement. A.R. Rahman, also known by his initials ARR, is one of Indias most celebrated music composer, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his work in Tamil and Hindi cinema, with occasional projects in international films. Over his illustrious career, Rahman has received numerous accolades, including six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and 18 Filmfare Awards. In 2010, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan, the countrys third-highest civilian award. Rahmans journey in film music began in the early 1990s with Mani Ratnams Roja. He quickly became a household name with iconic scores for films such as Bombay, Kadhalan, Thiruda Thiruda, and Gentleman. His first Hollywood project, Couples Retreat, won him the BMI Award for Best Music Score. However, his global breakthrough came with Slumdog Millionaire, which earned him two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Beyond his musical achievements, Rahman is also known for his humanitarian efforts, supporting various charitable causes. In 2006, Stanford University recognised his contributions to global music, and in 2008, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rotary Club. In 2009, he was featured in Time magazines list of the 100 most influential people in the world. With his influence spanning multiple industries and generations, Rahman continues to inspire millions with his music and philanthropic work. Sharmila Tagore speaks to Subhash K Jha on the return of her iconic film, Aradhana One of your most important films Aradhana is back in movie theatres? Advertisement Yeah, I was taken as a serious actor in Hindi cinema after that. Before that, I did a lot of glamorous roles like An Evening in Paris and Kashmir. I also did Devar and Anupama before Aradhana which were very performance-oriented characters. No, no, so it would be wrong to say that Aradhana was the first time when you were taken seriously by Hindi audiences?But the depth of the audiences appreciation.I remember when that scene was shown, you know, the first time the audience sees me as the old person in the jail and the entire hall started giggling. Yes, yes, that happened. My director Shakti Samanta left the hall saying that Sharmila Tagore has not been accepted. And then this scene between the jailer and myself. But at the end, you could hear people sniffling. So there was immediate acceptance after that two minute scene. So then Shaktiji came back into the theatre and then, of course, rest is history. That moment was very defining. So I managed to convince the audience. Advertisement Yes, you did. There were lots of tears. But I think at that time, people liked that, you know, this kind of emotion. I think people resonated with my character Vandanas grief and her loss. Right now, today, I dont think people like crying at all. I mean, they dont want their actors to cry too much. I think at the moment, people feel that we want to go to the movies to laugh, to have a good time, not to hear about other peoples grief. Anyway, lets not judge others. I mean, I dont know, there must be a lot of other films that also make you cry. Maidaan was very good. But Maidaan, it wasnt a tearjerker as such. But you empathize and you feel for the character. You feel a lump in your throat. Okay, so, Sharmila ji, when you were offered Aradhana, lets go back to that a bit. Was there any trepidation because you had to play an older woman? No, no, I wanted to act in that. Shaktiji wasnt very convinced. So, I sort of said, no, I want to do that role. I was very convinced that I wanted to do it. He got convinced when the film came out and people finally got around. But you must have been very scared that suppose people Everybody was, especially with Rajesh Khanna playing double role and playing my lover and my son. Quite a risky thing to do. Thats why they made me look so old. I mean, Shaktiji also took a risk. Lets say I was about 22 when I played Rajesh Khannas characters beloved. So, I must be in my 40s when I become a single mother. They made me look much older to convince audiences. Otherwise, imagine Rajesh Khanna and Im looking middle-aged. That wouldnt have worked. It would have looked too young. So, for convincing them, I had to look, you know, like grey-haired and like that. And what was Rajesh Khanna like at that point of time when he had just started? He was very good and I saw it recently. And hes acted so well. You know, that second character, that youthful energy. He just lifts the second-half totally. You know, because the way he talks and then. And its just wonderful energy. And I realized how good.Oh, and the music by Sachin Dev Burman is just evergreen. It also lifted the film to another level altogether. Every song will continue to have a shelf life. I mean, theyre evergreen. Shakti Samanthas rapport with Sachin Dev and his son RD was unbelievable. In fact Roop Tera Mastana in Aradhana was actually composed by R.D. Burman? Because Sachindev Burman was not well at that time. And Mere Sapnon Ki Rani. Theres a story behind that? Yeah, that was cheating. We had to shoot me and Rajesh Khanna separately. That was cheating. That was really not nice. I mean, if I had been there, it would have been that much better. Because it looked a little artificial, you know. Yeah, it did look like a studio thing. It did look like a studio, yeah. If you had to change anything in Aradhana, would you do Mere sapnon ki rani in an actual train rather than in a studio?? Yeah, perhaps I would. But, you know, that time it was Either Rays Aranyar Din Ratri or that song in Aradhana. The dates were clashing. Manikda (Ray) s film was start to finish. And this was just part of the film. So I think.Yeah, it was naughty of me. It wasnt your fault. It wasnt as if you were playing truant or anything? No, no, no. I mean, Shaktiji understood that. Because he knew that I couldnt say no to Manikda (Ray). And Aradhana was released when the war with Pakistan had just started, right? No, that was Amar Prem. The army had a premiere. And they must have known about the war during the premiere of Amar Prem. And the next day war was declared. And the chief of army Sam Manekshaw was there. He must have known about it. But he just wanted to cheer the army up. So, between Aradhana and Amar Prem, you know my choice. But which one do you think is a better film? I think Amar Prem. In Aradhana, the overriding emotion actually carries the film. The interviewer is a veteran film journalist and columnis An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Madhya Pradesh Police was killed and some other cops were injured in an attack by tribals, who were accused of abducting and killing a man, when a team of police and district administration officials had gone to a village to rescue the abducted man in Mauganj district late evening on Saturday. Following the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav instructed MP DGP Kailash Makwana and district in-charge minister Lakhan Patel to reach the spot immediately and handle the situation. Advertisement Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress raised questions on the law-and-order situation in the state. Advertisement A group of tribals belonging to the Kol community had allegedly abducted and killed a man, identified as Sunny Dwivedi, in Gadra village under the jurisdiction of Shahpur police station on Saturday. The tribals suspected that Sunny Dwivedi had deliberately run over a tribal, Ashok Kumar, but made it appear as an accident, some months ago. When a police team went to Gadra village on getting information about Saturdays incident, the Kol tribals attacked the cops, resulting in the death of ASI Ramcharan Gautam of the Special Armed Force (SAF) of MP Police. Besides, Hanumana area Tehsildar Kumare Lal Panka sustained fractures in his hand and leg, Shahpur police station SHO Sandeep Bharti sustained serious head injuries, and eight other policemen were injured in the attack. Reacting to the incident, CM Dr Yadav said today that such incidents would not be tolerated at all. The CM, who is also the Home Minister, said that he has instructed senior officials to reach the spot and take strict action against all those responsible. The CM said that what happened in Mauganj on Saturday is unfortunate, inhuman, and saddening, as an ASI lost his life, while several others were injured. In a post on X, Yadav said that ASI Ramcharan Gautam died in retaliatory action in an unfortunate attack on the police team including Tehsildar and SHO, who had reached Gardra village of Shahpur police station area in Mauganj district on the information of a dispute between two groups. The CM said that the other injured policemen in the incident were sent to a hospital in Rewa for treatment. The CM informed that immediately after the incident, Section 163 of the BNS was imposed in the area and DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Rewa, SP (Superintendent of Police) Mauganj and other police officers reached the spot and controlled the situation. I have directed DG Police (Director General of Police) to reach the spot and supervise the situation, the CM stated. He said that the situation is now under control, and expressed hope that things would be normal very soon. On the other hand, Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwari alleged that the situation of law-and-order in the state has collapsed. Patwari charged that the police committed atrocities on tribals in Mauganj, who retaliated and attacked the police. The Home Minister (CM) has failed completely, Patwari averred. He said the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) should take note that there is no law and order in Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, Rewa Range DIG Saket Pandey said the police have arrested five persons in connection with Saturdays incident Amid reports that mule owners and workers hailing from Nepal consume meat and other non-vegetarian food items on the route to the Kedarnath shrine, local BJP legislator and tirth purohits have urged the Uttarakhand government to ban the entry of non-Hindus into the shrine area. BJP MLA from Kedarnath Asha Nautiyal, along with local priests and purohits, has alleged that they have been receiving complaints about meat, other non-vegetarian food items, and liquor being supplied and served on the route to the Kedarnath shrine. This was disclosed by local businessmen at a recent meeting with the minister in-charge of the Kedarnath assembly seat, Saurabh Bahuguna. They have urged the Pushkar Singh Dhami government to ban the entry of such people, especially non-Hindus, as the annual Chardham pilgrimage 2025 is scheduled to begin in early May. Advertisement The entry of non-Hindus should be banned in Kedarnath Dham, one of the four dhams in Uttarakhand. Non-Hindus working in the area are trying to bring disrepute to the Kedarnath shrine. They must be banned from coming to the Kedarnath area, said Nautiyal. Advertisement The BJP MLA further said, A few days ago, the minister in-charge of Rudraprayag district, Saurabh Bahuguna, chaired a meeting with local businessmen, hotel-dhaba owners, and horse-mule operators to take stock of the Kedarnath Yatra preparations for the coming season. Local people complained to the minister that some individuals are supplying meat, liquor, and other non-vegetarian food items in the Kedarnath area. The local public and businessmen want the government to impose a ban on the entry of these people into the Kedarnath area. Most of the mule operators offering their services in Kedarnath during winters, when the pilgrimage remains closed due to extreme cold, are non-Hindus. Mules are primarily used to transport construction materials to the Kedarnath temple area during this period, ensuring a steady stock for the ongoing reconstruction work in the Kedarnath temple areaa dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mule and horse operators during this period are predominantly non-Hindus, while construction workers commuting on the Kedarnath track are migrants from Nepal. According to local priests, these construction workers and non-Hindu mule operators carry meat and liquor to the shrine area. Asha Nautiyal further alleged that, as the state assembly representative of the Kedarnath constituency, she has been consistently receiving complaints about the consumption of animal flesh and liquor near the Kedarnath shrine area. The supply of liquor and meat by non-Hindus here is a deliberate attempt and conspiracy to defame and denigrate the sanctity of the Kedarnath pilgrimage, said the BJP MLA, demanding that the Dhami government formulate a strict action plan to curb such anti-religious practices. The demand to ban non-Hindus from entering Kedarnath has not only come from the BJP legislator but also from local tirth purohits. The consumption of liquor and meat in the Kedarnath area, one of the most revered seats of Lord Shiva, cannot be tolerated. Everyone here, including the local administration, is aware of this malpractice by people from another community. However, no action has been taken. The Chardham Yatra will commence in the next one and a half months, and we demand that the government immediately put an end to this practice by anti-Hindu elements. Otherwise, we will be forced to take alternative measures, said Vinod Shukla, a priest and an official of the Kedarnath Mahasabha, an association of local tirth purohits. The 2025 annual Chardham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand will commence with the opening of portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 30, followed by Kedarnath temple on May 2 and Badrinath shrine on May 4. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday held a crucial meeting with her cabinet colleagues and party legislators to discuss the upcoming budget extensively. Taking to social media platform X, the CM shared that suggestions of all respected members were heard attentively, and the proposals that would accelerate Delhis development were noted to be incorporated into the budget. Advertisement She said the upcoming budget would give a new dimension to the overall development of the national capital and fulfil the aspirations of every section of the society. Advertisement She asserted that it is the governments resolve to make the budget an important milestone in taking Delhi to new heights of progress and prosperity. Meanwhile, the CM and her cabinet colleagues have been meeting people from different sections of the society and making note of their suggestions so that the foundation of the upcoming budget is formed based on the public opinion. For several days, the CM, ministers, and the MLAs have met students, women representatives and people coming from different walks of life so that expectations of different sections of people are fulfilled. The upcoming budget is set to be presented by the new government of BJP in the national capital on March 25, during the eighth Delhi assemblys second session which is scheduled for five days starting March 24. CM Gupta will present the budget, as she is the one who also has the finance portfolio with her. Voices for the streamlining of cadre and stepping up the partys actions in a cohesive manner seemed to have gained momentum at the meeting of the extended state committee of the Congress here on Sunday afternoon. Several delegates at the meeting echoed the views of speakers who stressed the need for due cognizance of roles, efficiencies and solidarity (to the cause of the party) , at the meeting that was presided over by state president Govind Singh Dotasara in the presence of the partys state in-charge and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. Advertisement Talking to the media ahead of the crucial meeting, Dotasara said, What I gained from my present position (status) is not important What I occupy (post) was occupied by someone else earlier (the gone phase) will be occupied by someone else the other upcoming days! So, my gain of the day does not matter, what matters is whether I have achieved (for the party) the thing I was supposed to achieve. I want to raise a strong proactive organisation, I will work for it. Advertisement Dotasara, who is upset by a remark made by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani against him, earlier this month, has not attended the House sittings for the past almost 10 days. Dotasara said, Right now, I do not intend to go to attend the House sittings, whenever I plan for, I shall share my plans with the media. His stance won endorsement from the partys state in-charge Randhawa, who held that Dotasara has decided not to attend the assembly for the time being for (personal) comment by the Speaker, me, myself, and the entire party standing by him in respect to his decision. Randhawa also sought to convey a strong message to the party rank and file, saying neither laxity inaction is acceptable nor rebellion will be tolerated One who is found indulged in hobnobbing or colluding with other parties will be dealt with sternly, irrespective of (high) rank or status. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Tika Ram Jully said, We, the organization, are working proactively and expect everyone to work for the cause of the party. So, those who are active would get their due opportunity and those who are sitting silent (in posts) would be shown the door. The extended partys state committee also contemplated appointment of district presidents in eight newly carved out districts. Modalities for raising funds for construction of the new building for the Congress state headquarters. Former Assembly Speaker Dr CP Joshi and former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot also advocated strict discipline and proactive role for party cadres. There was a suggestion that the elected peoples representatives and/or party functionaries, who abstained from three party meetings or programmes in a row, would face disciplinary action. The Karnataka government has sent gold smuggling accused Kannada actress Ranya Raos stepfather Dr K Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave. K V Sharath Chandra, who is currently serving as Additional Director General of Police, Recruitment, has been placed in Concurrent Charge of Raos duties as Chairman & Director, Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. Advertisement Sri K V Sharath Chandra, IPS (KN-1997) Additional Director General of Police, Recruitment is placed in Concurrent Charge of the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Bengaluru with immediate effect and until further orders, Dr K Ramachandra Rao, IPS sent on compulsory leave, a Karnataka Government order issued on Saturday said. Advertisement This comes days after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a probe into alleged protocol violations at Bengaluru airport. He appointed Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka, as the investigating officer in the case. He will probe the protocol violations as well as the role of the senior IPS officer and submit a report within a week. Earlier on Friday, a Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru rejected the bail plea of jailed actress Ranya Rao in connection with the gold smuggling case. The Kannada actress was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) from Bengaluru airport for alleged gold smuggling. The DRI reportedly seized 14.8 KG of gold from her possession. Three central agencies, including the DRI, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are currently investigating the syndicate in gold smuggling and international connections. Himachal Pradesh Congress President and former MP Pratibha Singh will soon embark on a tour of the state to boost the morale of party workers and counter any misinformation spread by the opposition. A Congress spokesperson said here on Sunday that she will directly interact with party workers to infuse new energy and provide a befitting reply to the oppositions propaganda. Advertisement As part of this effort, she will visit all districts in the state and hold meetings with block-level leaders and workers, he said. Advertisement In the first phase, Pratibha Singh will visit Mandi district from March 19 to 22. During her visit, she will meet with party leaders and workers to discuss organizational issues, he said. He further stated that Pratibha Singh emphasized that party workers are the backbone of any organization, and it is her responsibility as state president to strengthen them, listen to their problems, and resolve them. Detailing about her itinerary the spokesperson said that on March 19, Pratibha Singh will attend a private program in Sundernagar and the next day she will meet the party leaders and workers from Mandi Sadar, Drang, Jogindernagar, Seraj, and Balh assembly constituencies in Mandi. On March 21, she will meet with party leaders and workers from Sundernagar, Nachan, Sarkaghat, Dharampur, and Karasog assembly constituencies in Sundernaga, he said. Pratibha Singh will also attend the annual award ceremony of Dreams Group of Institutions in Nachan as the chief guest, before returning to Shimla. The RK Puram Police in South West Delhi have traced a Bangladeshi national residing illegally in the national capital. His deportation process has been initiated by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), a senior official said on Sunday. The individual has been identified as 40-year-old Afazuddin Gazi, alias Gazi, a resident of village Saigura, Munshiganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Advertisement A special team, tasked with preventing crime and monitoring illegal foreign residents in the RK Puram area, received specific intelligence on March 13 about a suspect roaming in village Mohammadpur during early morning patrolling duty. Advertisement Acting on the input, the team swiftly apprehended the suspect, who initially identified himself falsely as a resident of Malda, West Bengal. However, sustained interrogation and verification revealed his true identity. He later confessed that in 2022, he had illegally entered India via Benapole-Petrapole border with the help of a tout named Rafiq, paying 4,000 for the passage. According to Gazi, Rafiq allegedly cut the barbed wire fencing at night, enabling him and three others to cross the border. They were then transported to nearby bus terminals for onward journeys. Gazi traveled to Delhi by train from Kolkata and took up various jobs, primarily in Old Delhi. Most recently, he had been working as a ragpicker, roaming across different areas to collect scrap from various markets and colonies. The Deputy Director of FRRO has restricted his movement under the Foreigners Act, 1948. He has been ordered to be kept at Sewa Sadan, Shahzada Bagh, Delhi, until the completion of his deportation process to Bangladesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged educational institutions to set a benchmark at the state and national levels by fully implementing the National Education Policy( NEP). Presiding over the annual review meeting of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad institutions and discussing the action plan for the upcoming academic session in the meeting here in Gorakhpur on Saturday evening, the Chief Minister remarked that these institutions have consistently demonstrated their value to society and the nation through their exceptional work in various fields. Advertisement He urged all institutions to continue this legacy of excellence by fostering healthy competition among themselves, enriching campus culture, and focusing on continuous innovation. Highlighting the importance of keeping pace with advancements, the CM called upon institutions to embrace modern technology and integrate it into their educational practices. Advertisement The Chief Minister further noted that social participation has been a fundamental aspect of these institutions objectives, and there is a need to expand this commitment in the future. He acknowledged Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishads pioneering role in adopting the National Education Policy and encouraged its institutions to set an example by fully implementing its provisions. During the meeting, CM Adityanath reviewed the achievements and activities of each institution over the past year and provided insights and suggestions on their plans for the upcoming academic session. Appreciating their efforts, he extended his best wishes for their future endeavors. He also emphasised that Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad is more than just an organisation for running schools and collegesit is dedicated to contributing to societal and national development through education, healthcare, and other essential services. The Chief Minister stated that the foundation of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad was laid with the vision of fostering nationalism and preparing capable citizens in service of the nation. Regardless of whether circumstances were favorable or challenging, the council has never strayed from this fundamental objective. Highlighting the emphasis on disciplined campus culture in the institutions of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad, the CM remarked, The councils institutions have set an exemplary standard in this regard. It is the responsibility of all institutional heads to regularly oversee the campus, ensuring discipline, cleanliness, greenery, and mutual goodwill. He further directed that no compromise should be made on the quality of teaching, learning, and the facilities available in educational institutions. Stressing the importance of research and innovation in keeping pace with the evolving times, the Chief Minister acknowledged the commendable efforts of the councils institutions in this domain and urged them to maintain a consistent focus on research. He instructed all institutions to enhance their laboratories and libraries while advancing towards the establishment of e-libraries. Additionally, he encouraged teachers to stay updated through continuous training programmes. During the meeting, the CM also reviewed the social engagement efforts of the councils institutions, assessing how each had contributed to societal welfare over the past year. He emphasised that every institution has a responsibility to expand its outreach for the betterment of society and to help people become self-reliant. Expressing satisfaction, he noted that the institutions under the council have actively engaged in various sectors, including healthcare, education, vocational training, and skill development, ensuring a sustained impact on social progress and self-sufficiency. The Congress launched its state-wide Palaayan Roko, Naukari Do (Stop Migration, Give Job) padyatra on Sunday from the Gandhi Ashram in Bhitiharwa in West Champaran district of Bihar, which is considered a major outreach initiative aimed at addressing unemployment and migration issues before the state elections. Senior party leader Kanhaiya Kumar leads the yatra organised by the Youth Congress and the NSUI, which is also considered the firebrand student leaders launch vehicle in Bihar politics. Advertisement Bihar Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru and Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh were present at the launch of the yatra. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is expected to join the yatra before it culminates in Patna. Advertisement Kanhaiya Kumar, NSUI National in-charge, said that the BJP-Nitish government has not taken any concrete steps to stop the migration of the youth of Bihar. Despite 20 years of its continued rule, the government has also failed in creating employment opportunities for the youth. Why Bihar has no city like Hyderabad or Bengaluru? Even for Honeymoon people go to other states, he said. He asserted that migration is the biggest economic, social and political issue today in Bihar. He alleged that the political parties have never allowed this to become an issue in the elections. But the youth of Bihar have now decided that they will set the agenda. They will raise the issue of migration and unemployment now. He said, We have started this journey to make sure that our youths issues should top the agenda of every political debate on the TV channels as well as on every political partys election manifesto. He said that the purpose of this yatra is to provide jobs to the youth of Bihar. The government will have to provide employment with full benefits, he pointed out. Raising the issue of unemployment, Kanhaiya Kumar said that the Bihar government has been running in ad-hoc mode, as most of its employees are contractual workers. They are not permanent government employees. They do not enjoy pension and other facilities, which is a major cause for concern. All MLAs, MPs, ministers and chief ministers are entitled to get pension and all other post-retirement benefits. Why this injustice with government employees. The government must agree to give similar benefits to every employee and fill all the vacancies as soon as possible, he said. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for his first official visit to India and said that India provides a huge economic opportunity for Kiwis. Minister of State (MoS) for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying SP Singh Baghel received the New Zealand prime minister at the airport here. Advertisement Luxon will be the chief guest and keynote speaker in the Raisina Dialogue 2025 to be held here from March 17-19. The Raisina Dialogue is Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the international community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Dialogue on March 17. The theme of the 2025 edition is Kalachakra People, Peace and Planet. Advertisement Sharing a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, Warm welcome to PM @chrisluxonmp of New Zealand as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit. Received by MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, at the airport. PM Luxon will also be the Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker in the @raisinadialogue 2025. This marks the first visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister to India in nine years, the last being former PM John Key. Luxon, who will be in India till March 20, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. In a post on X, the New Zealand prime minister said, Ive landed in India a country of huge importance to New Zealands prosperity, security and society. India provides a huge economic opportunity for Kiwis. Thats why Im here and thats why Ive brought a senior delegation of business and community leaders with me. During his visit, Luxon will hold talks with PM Modi on March 17, focusing on various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. Following their discussions, PM Modi will host a lunch in his honour. Luxon will also call on President Droupadi Murmu on the same day. Additionally, Luxon is set to attend the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 as the chief guest, where he will deliver the keynote address. In March 19-20, he will visit Mumbai to engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors. He is scheduled to depart for Wellington from Mumbai on March 20. Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxons visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and New Zealand. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties, the MEA stated. In February, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan met Luxon to explore ways to enhance cooperation in multiple areas, reaffirming Indias commitment to elevating the bilateral partnership. Luxon and PM Modi have previously engaged on the sidelines of several global events, including the East Asia Summit in Laos in October 2024. Prior to that, the two leaders had a telephone conversation in July 2024. India and New Zealand share close ties historically driven by strategic interests, trade, education, culture, research, and innovation. The two nations have overcome geographical barriers to build a prosperous partnership bolstered by a large Indian diaspora in New Zealand that serves as a foundation for strong cultural cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand reached $1.80 billion in 2022, making New Zealand Indias 11th-largest two-way trading partner. The two leaders also recalled the successful visit of President Droupadi Murmu to New Zealand in August 2024. PM Modi welcomed New Zealands decision to join the International Solar Alliance and extended an invitation to Luxon to visit India. Luxons visit is expected to strengthen the bilateral relationship further, paving the way for deeper cooperation across various sectors. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday warned that the drug mafia is tightening its grip on society, causing widespread destruction. Speaking at the passing-out parade of sub-inspector cadets, he highlighted the devastating impact of synthetic drugs, stating that they strip people of their humanity. Advertisement The drug mafia, which has been spreading uncontrollably in recent times, is destroying society regardless of age or gender, Vijayan said. Advertisement He stressed that the primary goal should be to help those trapped in addiction return to a normal life. He also acknowledged the commendable efforts of both the Excise and Police departments in combating drug-related crimes. Amid recent seizures of large quantities of drugs from various parts of the state, including college campuses, the Chief Minister has called a high-level meeting to assess the measures taken so far and strategize future actions. The meeting, scheduled for March 24, will be attended by ministers and senior officials from the police and excise departments. Discussions will focus on joint operations against the drug mafia. In a related development, a high-level joint meeting of the Police and Excise Departments has decided to launch a comprehensive statewide crackdown on drug networks. ADGP Manoj Abraham has been appointed as the coordinator, while the Excise Commissioner will serve as the nodal officer for the operation. As part of this initiative, the departments will collaboratively build an extensive database of drug mafias and syndicates. Joint inspections will be conducted on interstate buses and other vehicles, and the police will provide cyber support to the Excise Department to strengthen enforcement efforts. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will participate in a conference being organised by his Tamil Nadu counterpart and DMK supremo M K Stalin in Chennai against the proposed delimitation of parliamentary constituencies. It has been reported that the CPI-Ms Central leadership had given permission to the chief minister to take part in the conference to be held on March 22. The party is of the opinion that Stalins demand to address the concerns of the south Indian states in the Lok Sabha constituency delimitation move is just. Advertisement Earlier on Friday, Vijayan accepted the Tamil Nadu chief ministers invitation to the meeting and extended support to the conference. Tamil Nadu IT Minister P Thiaga Rajan and South Chennai MP Dr. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, on Friday, personally met him at his official residence here and handed him Stalins invitation. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Congress is viewing Stalins intervention as a move focused on South India. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who too were invited to the conference, are awaiting the Congress high commands decision. With the Bihar elections fast approaching, the party will take a decision on this considering all aspects, including DMKs stance against Hindi. The party may take into account the situation in which the BJP has exhilarated its campaign against the grand old party in North India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the majority provisions of the Bodo accord has been implemented by the Centre after it was signed pacing the way for a lasting peace Addressing the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), Shah said that there has been transformative impact of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement. Shah said that the agreement, signed on January 27, 2020, has significantly contributed to lasting peace in the region. Advertisement Taking potshots at the opposition, Shah said, When the BTR Peace Agreement was signed, the Congress party, dismissed it as ineffective. However, today, 82 per cent of its provisions have already been implemented by both the Assam and Union governments. Advertisement He promised that the Centre is fully committed to fully implementing the accord. Delving on the security issue in the region, Shah pointed out that on April 1, 2022, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was revoked from the entire BTR area, which resulted in cementing the lasting peace. Patting the back of BJP led autonomous council in the BTR, Shah highlighted the development which has taken place in the BTR region including Kokrajhar. He appealed to the youth of Bodoland to strive for success in the field of sports. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasised that the media has long been recognised as the fourth pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role as its vigilant watchdog. Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected executive of the Gorakhpur Journalists Press Club here on Sunday, he said, By highlighting pressing issues and holding the other three pillars accountable, the media ensures that overlooked matters are brought to the forefront with accurate facts and linked to public concerns. Advertisement He added, Throughout history, the medias role has evolved worldwide, adapting to changing times and societal needs. Gorakhpur serves as the focal point of eastern Uttar Pradesh, making the role of the Gorakhpur Journalists Press Club even more significant. The decisions of its newly elected executive will influence the city and the surrounding districts and institutions. In light of this, the new leadership must remain sensitive to public concerns to ensure their work remains meaningful and impactful. Advertisement Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers during the event. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also presented election certificates to the newly elected members and extended his congratulations. Yogi Adityanath highlighted the medias significant role in shaping the careers of many freedom fighters who contributed as journalists and played a pivotal role in Indias independence movement. He said, Among them, Mahatma Gandhi was a key figure who inspired newspapers through his influential writings. Similarly, Lokmanya Tilak mobilised public consciousness by organising the Ganpati festival, while Lala Lajpat Rai and Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi used their sharp pen to bring about societal change. He further stated that when Indias democracy was threatened, the press fought with all its might to safeguard democratic values. Even in a rapidly evolving world, the role and relevance of media remain irreplaceable. With the fast-paced advancements in technology, the media landscape is also transforming to ensure the accurate dissemination of information. Today, the younger generation relies heavily on social media due to time constraints. He said, However, the misuse of these platforms by certain individuals to spread negativity has increased the responsibility of media institutions. The media must uphold its core values and focus on delivering positive and factual content. This is not just crucial for democracy but also for the security and sovereignty of the nation. Emphasising that dialogue is the foundation of good governance and democracy, the CM said, Problems cannot be resolved by forcefully imposing ones viewpoint, but meaningful discussions can lead to solutions. Conflicts arise whenever we step away from constructive dialogue; preventing such discord is essential. In this regard, the media is crucial in promoting healthy discourse, he remarked. The CM asserted that effective communication does not require gathering large crowdsjust a few voices can be enough to amplify a message to millions. The media must foster informed discussions and ensure that the right message reaches society. The scion of erstwhile Mewar royal family, Arvind Singh Mewar, passed away at the City Palace here early Sunday morning. The 80-year-old royal was not keeping well for quite some time and was under treatment at his residence in the City Palace. His last rites will be performed at the royal Mahasatia cremation ground here on Monday. Advertisement A few months ago on November 10, 2024, his elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, also passed away. Advertisement The younger son of erstwhile Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Maharani Sushila Kumari Mewar, Arvind Singh was born on December 13, 1944. He completed his schooling from prestigious Mayo College Ajmer and higher education in Udaipur and the United Kingdom (UK). He worked in the US for some time before serving as chairman-cum-managing director of HRH Group of Hotels. He also headed some trusts/foundations including the renowned Maharana Mewar Foundation Trust. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed shock over Singhs demise and recalled his contributions in carrying forward the legacy of Mewar. In his condolence message to the bereaved family, Sharma prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief and sorrow over Singhs death and prayed for peace to his soul. A team of four astronauts aboard NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 mission reached the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, paving the way for the long-awaited return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded there for over nine months. Williams and Wilmore, who arrived at the ISS as part of an experimental spacecraft mission, had initially been scheduled for a brief eight-day stay. However, technical glitches in their spacecraft left them stranded at the ISS for more than nine months. Advertisement According to the American space agency, the SpaceX Crew-10 mission, carrying NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, successfully docked at the ISS at 12:04 a.m. EDT on Sunday. Advertisement After the hatches between the SpaceX spacecraft and the space station were opened, the four crew members joined the existing Expedition 72 team. McClain, Ayers, Onishi, and Peskov were welcomed by the Expedition 72 crew, including NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Don Petitt, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, as well as Roscosmos cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Alexey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner. The number of crew aboard the space station will increase to 11 people before Crew-9 members Hague, Williams, Wilmore, and Gorbunov return to Earth following the crew handover period, said NASA. NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which is part of the agencys plan to bring back Williams and Wilmore, had lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the agencys Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated the governments tough stance against the narcotic drugs stating that there would be No mercy for drug cartels. Taking to social media platform X, Shah said accelerating the Prime Minister Narendra Modi governments march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 crore has been seized, with the arrest of four members of the international drug cartel in Imphal and Guwahati zones. Advertisement Lauding the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Shah said that the drug haul is a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation. Advertisement Shah said, Our hunt for drugs continues. Heartfelt congratulations to team NCB. The NCB have seized a consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 crore rupees and arrested four members of an international drug cartel in the Imphal and Guwahati zones. According to the MHA, during the first operation in this regard on March 13, the officers of NCB Imphal Zone intercepted a truck near Lilong area and after thorough reconnaissance of the vehicle, recovered 102.39 kg of Methamphetamine tablets from tool box in the rear section of the truck, and two occupants of the truck were also apprehended. The team immediately conducted a follow-up operation and apprehended the suspected receiver of the contraband from the Lilong area. A four wheeler, used for drug trafficking was also recovered from him which was used for drug trafficking, and all three were arrested later. The suspected source of the contraband is Moreh. In another operation on the same day, NCB Guwahati Zone intercepted a SUV on the Assam Mizoram border near Silchar and on thorough inspection of the same, recovered 7.48 Kgs of Methamphetamine Tablets concealed inside the spare tire of the vehicle and also apprehended the occupant of the vehicle, who was later arrested. The source of the contraband was Moreh, Manipur and the suspected destination was Karimganj. Further investigation to nab others involved in the case is going on, the MHA statement added. In another development, the NCB is also taking over the investigation of a case from Mizoram State Excise Department wherein about 46 kgs of crystal Meth at Brigade Bawngkawn Aizawl on March 6 was seized, and in this case four persons involved in the drug syndicate have been arrested. Investigation of the case is being taken over by NCB to probe the international and inter-state linkages of the drug trafficking network. Osmania University, once the hotbed of student politics and agitations in Telangana, prohibited protests and sit-in demonstrations on the campus and its constituent colleges and administrative buildings, leading to a massive uproar. Union Minister for Mines and BJP state president G Kishan Reddy and BRS working president KT Rama Rao slammed the Congress government over the move. The university authorities climbed down following the outrage and issued a statement clarifying that it was not a blanket ban and that the university fully supports students right to peaceful protest. Advertisement A circular issued on 13 March stated, Osmania University is a highly reputed educational institution meant to facilitate learning in a conducive and peaceful environment. In recent times, it was observed that there were several incidents of students/student groups entering the departments/colleges/centres/administrative building of Osmania University and staging demonstrations and dharnas, resulting in the disruption of the administrative work and giving a wrong perception of the university to society. It further stated that these incidents came in the way of the smooth functioning of the university, leading to delay in administrative and academic progress as well as security concerns. The circular prohibited trespassing, staging dharnas and agitations, raising slogans, preventing administrative staff from discharging their duty, and using unparliamentary and filthy language against university staff and authorities. Advertisement The various student unions at the university predictably opposed the circular and demanded its immediate withdrawal while tagging it as undemocratic. The students gathered in front of the iconic Arts College and raised slogans against the Vice-Chancellor. BRS working president KT Rama Rao was also quick to call out the Congress government in the state saying, Suppressing student voices is a clear symbol of dictatorship. The Congress government in Telangana is now revealing its true colours by curbing students fundamental right to protest. Osmania University, which played a crucial role in the Telangana movement, is now being turned into a prison under this oppressive rule. He was, however, reminded that the BRS had attempted something similar in Osmania University during its rule. Recalling Osmania Universitys rich history as the epicentre of agitations and movements during the Nizams rule and the struggle for statehood, Union Minister and state BJP president G Kishan Reddy said, This had happened during KCRs regime as well when they prohibited agitations and processions. It happened earlier under the Congress, then TRS (now BRS) did the same, and now Revanth Reddy has come with another circular banning processions, slogans, demonstrations, and protests If Telangana decides to protest, no government can stop it. After the massive outrage, the university clarified that the circular had been misinterpreted and misunderstood. It stated that the directive does not impose a blanket ban on student protests or agitations in open spaces within the university and that the restrictions applied only to the academic and administrative spaces within the college departments and administrative premises. After Araria, Munger, and Madhubani, anti-social elements have now fearlessly attacked police officers in Bhagalpur district of Bihar. The recent spate of attacks on police officers has resulted in the death of two police officers and caused severe injuries to several other police personnel in the past few days. The latest case is from Bhagalpur. Late on Saturday, a police team was attacked by a mob in Bhagalpurs Antichak police station area while investigating a fight, resulting in injuries to five officers, including a sub-inspector. Advertisement On Saturday, there was a violent clash in Madhubani over a land dispute. When the police arrived to control the situation on Sunday, the policemen were pelted with stones and chased away. People also attacked the police with bricks and sticks, due to which many policemen got injured. Advertisement On Friday (March 14), Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Santosh Kumar Singh was tragically killed in Munger district. While investigating a disturbance caused by intoxicated individuals in Nandlalpur village, Singh was attacked by a mob. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with his murder, and authorities continue to search for additional suspects. On Wednesday (March 12), ASI Rajiv Ranjan Mall was fatally injured while attempting to arrest a suspect, facing violent resistance from villagers in Araria district. The district police have arrested five individuals so far, while efforts are on to apprehend the remaining culprits. During Holi festivities, ASI Vivek Kumar Yadav and other constables were attacked by miscreants in Patna while on duty. During the attack, the miscreants got their companion freed from police custody and fled from the spot. The recent series of attacks on police officers, coupled with an alarming rise in the number of crimes in Bihar, has shocked everyone and put a question mark on the BJP-Nitish governments claim of good governance. Veteran JD(U) leader Vijay Chaudhary said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is fully aware of these incidents and has made it clear that strict action will be taken against the criminals. Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav said, It is futile to expect the senseless and corrupt government to punish the criminals. The conviction rate of Bihar Police in criminal cases is lowest because corrupt, useless, and incompetent officers have been posted in the state. Expressing concern over the decline of constructive criticism in public discourse, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that meaningful debate is being replaced by baseless allegations made without research or facts. In a podcast with renowned AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman released on Sunday, PM Modi emphasised that criticism, when backed by logic and evidence, plays a crucial role in shaping policies and strengthening democracy. Advertisement However, the Prime Minister noted that instead of engaging in thoughtful analysis, many resort to shortcuts by making random accusations without any effort to verify the truth with hidden propagandas. Advertisement PM Modi emphasised that well-directed and specific criticism plays a crucial role in effective policy making. However, the Prime Minister pointed out that some individuals operate with specific agendas and wrongful intent,using misinformation as a tool to mislead people. PM Modi also talked about 2002 Godhra riots in the podcast. A fake narrative was spread regarding the Godhra case, the Prime Minister said. Before 2002, Gujarat had witnessed over 250 riots, and communal violence was frequent, he said. Also, PM Modi narrated how the world was witnessing a surge in terrorist activities and violence during those times. However, since 2002, not a single such riot has occurred in the state of Gujarat, he said. PM Modi emphasised that his government does not engage in vote-bank politics but follows the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. PM Modi also highlighted the fact that how people tried to malign his image after the riots but ultimately justice prevailed and courts cleared his name. In the podcast, the Prime Minister also highlighted key governance reforms. PM Modi said after taking office, his government identified and removed 10 crore fake beneficiaries from welfare schemes, ensuring benefits reached the right people through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), saving Rs 3 lakh crore. Additionally, his administration scrapped 1,500 obsolete laws and more than 45000 compliances to streamline governance. When asked about being lonely, PM Modi said, I never feel alone. I believe in the 1+1 theoryone is Modi, and the other is the divine. I am never truly alone because God is always with me. The PM added that for him, Jan Seva Hi Prabhu Seva. He has the support of the divine and 140 crore Indians. PM Modi also talked about Indias civilisational identity, how we are diverse and yet united in civilisational ethos. PM Modi further said he does not run election centric governance rather he runs people centric governance. He added that his government follows a policy of saturationwhere benefits reach everyone without bias. Highlighting the success of BJP, he thanked the millions of workers of the party who work tirelessly and selflessly, truly devoted for the nations development. PM Modi said he feels proud of being the member of the worlds largest political party which propagates the value of giving to others. The Prime Minister also advised students that exams do not define their true potential. Modi emphasised that exams should not be seen as the ultimate test of a students potential. The Prime Minister pointed out that through Pariksha Pe Charcha, he has had the privilege of directly interacting with students, listening to their concerns, and understanding their perspectives on education. Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day visit to Mauritius was far more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a strategic reaffirmation of Indias enduring interests in the Western Indian Ocean. As geopolitical currents shift and major powers like China deepen their presence in this critical region, Indias outreach to Mauritius highlights its intent to remain an anchor of stability, security, and partnership in its maritime neighbourhood. The Western Indian Ocean holds immense significance for India. It forms the backbone of the countrys trade routes and energy corridors, with over 80 per cent of Indias seaborne trade passing through these waters. In recent years, this region has also become a theatre of growing competition, with China seeking to entrench itself through economic diplomacy and infrastructure development. Against this backdrop, Indias close and historical ties with Mauritius offer a unique advantage ~ one that New Delhi appears determined to nurture. As global power dynamics shift, smaller nations like Mauritius are leveraging strategic partnerships to safeguard their sovereignty while balancing competing interests in an increasingly contested Indian Ocean region. Advertisement Mr Modis participation as Chief Guest at Mauritius National Day celebrations underscores Indias soft power appeal, but the deeper story lies in the expanding strategic cooperation between the two nations. Indias support in developing maritime infrastructure on Agalega Island, as well as the forthcoming agreement on sharing white shipping information, demonstrates a clear alignment of interests in ensuring regional maritime security. These initiatives are not mere token gestures; they reflect Indias commitment to being a net security provider in the region. Equally significant is Indias role in capacity building. The planned training of Mauritian civil servants and cooperation in ocean management underline New Delhis broader approach ~ one that combines security with development. Health diplomacy, too, plays an important role. Advertisement From Indias timely support to Mauritius during the pandemic to the joint inauguration of a new health facility, New Delhi is reinforcing its credentials as a partner that delivers both in times of crisis and in long-term nation-building. The geopoli tical implications are hard to miss. While Mauritius maintains economic relations with China, including a free trade agreement and a currency settlement system, its strategic calculus appears weighted towards India. The newly elected Mauritian governments decisive man date gives it the space to navigate this balance, but the invitation to Mr Modi signals a recognition that India remains the primary strategic partner. Furthermore, Indias vocal support for Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago adds another layer to this partnership. As negotiations around Diego Garcia and regional security evolve, Indias presence offers reassurance to Mauritius and demonstrates New Delhis nuanced diplomacy. In sum, Mr Modis visit is a reaffirmation of Indias proactive maritime strategy. It underscores the importance of trusted partnerships in an era of uncertainty and competition. As India sharpens its focus on the Indo-Pacific, its bond with Mauritius will remain a vital cornerstone in securing its western maritime horizon. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday reiterated strong and steadfast support for Ukraine, stating that the country will stand for Ukraine as long as it takes as it is in their national interest. Albanese joined a Coalition of Willing virtual meeting hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from Europe, Canada, and New Zealand. Following the meeting, Albanese issued an official statement, asserting that the leaders agreed to continue working on delivering concrete actions to support Ukraine, now and into the future. He stated that Australia stands with Ukraine because what happens in the Euro-Atlantic has serious implications for the Indo-Pacific and vice versa. He referred to this as a struggle not just for Ukraine and its national sovereignty but for the international rule of law. Advertisement Australia further extended support towards all meaningful progress for a just and enduring peace in Ukraine and broader security in Europe. Albanese stated that pressure will need to be applied on Russia to engage in good faith. Australia is always open to considering any new proposals to support Ukraine based on Australias capacity and comparative strengths, he said. Advertisement Australia has committed 1.5 billion dollars to help Ukraine defend itself, including 1.3 billion dollars in military support and through vital equipment and training of Ukrainian forces. Australia is open to considering any requests to contribute to a future peacekeeping effort in support of just and lasting peace we all want for Ukraine. We have a proud tradition of supporting peace through eighty years of contribution to international peacekeeping missions. Of course, peacekeeping missions by definition require a precondition of peace, Albanese stated. Albaneses signal of openness to support Ukraine has created a bipartisan fissure in the country. Addressing reporters on Friday, Opposition leader and Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections in Australia, Peter Dutton said that Australia should not be involved, accusing PM Albanese of shooting from the hip. It just doesnt make any sense. Our job is to take care of our country and make sure we are safe in our region. We have supported Ukraine from day one. But not with troops on the ground. This was a thought bubble by the Prime Minister, Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported Dutton as saying. Recently, the Russian Embassy in Canberra had also warned of grave consequences if Australia joined a coalition of the willing proposed by the United Kingdom and France to guarantee Ukraines security in the event of a peace deal. Once again, Western boots on the ground are unacceptable for Russia, and we will not remain passive observers. To those inclined to construe the above as a threat: it is not; it is a warning. Russia has no intention to harm Australians, and Canberra can easily avoid trouble by simply refraining from irresponsible adventurism in the zone of the special military operation, the Russian Embassy in Canberra stated. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to securing lasting peace in Ukraine as Britain hosted a virtual meeting with more than 25 political leaders on Saturday. However, no detailed or updated defence measures were announced. At the press conference after the virtual meeting, when asked whether any concrete commitments emerged from it, Starmer said the meeting had helped build political and military momentum, with participating countries agreeing to increase collective pressure on Russia. However, he stopped short of disclosing what specific measures would be taken at the operational phase. Advertisement Joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from Canada, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, Starmer urged Russia to come to the table to negotiate a deal, Xinhua news reported. He also announced plans to host a military meeting next Thursday. Advertisement The British Prime Minister reiterated his countrys stance on securing US involvement in Ukraines future defense, emphasising that discussions with the United States are ongoing on a daily basis. He also suggested that US President Donald Trump is committed to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, adding that the close relationship between Britain and the US is the base on which we are planning. Starmer reaffirmed Britains willingness to take a leading role in the coalition of the willing, a post-conflict arrangement that he announced two weeks ago during a London Summit. He said Britain is willing to deploy troops on the ground and aircraft in the sky. However, he did not specify how other nations would contribute to the coalition. He also told reporters that leaders at the meeting had discussed tightening sanctions on Russia, including potential measures to freeze Russian assets in the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a sneak peek on Saturday into the areas of discussion he held with world-renowned scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman. Lex Fridman is a research scientist who also hosts his own podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast. In his podcasts, several personalities from various walks of life have discussed issues ranging from complex niches to other areas of mass understanding. Notable figures include political leaders like US President Donald Trump, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Argentinian Prime Minister Javier Milei, as well as leading personalities in their fields, such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, Magnus Carlson, and Yuval Noah Harari. Fridman wrote on X, I had an epic 3-hour podcast conversation with @narendramodi, Prime Minister of India. It was one of the most powerful conversations of my life. Itll be out tomorrow. Advertisement Responding to Fridman, Prime Minister Modi called it a fascinating conversation and shared that he discussed various time periods of his life, such as his childhood days, to the years spent in the Himalayas and eventually his way into public life. It was indeed a fascinating conversation with @lexfridman, covering diverse topics including reminiscing about my childhood, the years in the Himalayas and the journey in public life. Do tune in and be a part of this dialogue! PM Modi wrote on X. Advertisement Fridman had announced on January 19 that he would conduct a podcast with PM Modi. In a post on X, he said, I will be doing a podcast with Narendra Modi (@narendramodi), Prime Minister of India, at the end of February. Ive never been to India, so Im excited to finally visit and experience many facets of its vibrant, historic culture and its amazing people as fully as I can. Earlier in February, Fridman called PM Modi one of the most fascinating human beings I have ever studied. He wrote on X, Narendra Modi is one of the most fascinating human beings I have ever studied. I cant wait to talk to him on the podcast for several hours in a few weeks. On top of the complex, deep history of India and his role in it, just the human side of Modi is really interesting. For example, he has often done multi-day fasts (9+ days) for spiritual reasons. I fast often as well. So Ill do a 48-72 hour fast once I arrive in India before talking to him. Its a good opportunity to meditate and to reflect on how incredibly lucky I am to be alive, to have the weird brain that sees so much beauty in the world even though Ive increasingly seen a lot of the darker sides of human nature. And most of all To reflect on how lucky I am to have so much love in my life. Sharing the details, Fridman said that the podcast conversation with the Prime Minister would be released at 5:30PM IST. Podcast should be published tomorrow (Sunday) around 8am EST / 5:30pm IST, he wrote on X. As per his official website, Lex Fridman has been a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 2015. His podcasts cover several themes, such as artificial intelligence, global politics, cryptocurrency, productivity, global geopolitics, and technology. His YouTube page has 4.8 million subscribers with over 82,00,00,000 views. The 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism will be held in New Delhi on March 19-20. India and Malaysia will co-chair the meeting. Delegations from 10 ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand) and eight dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, USA and Russia) along with Timor Leste and ASEAN Secretariat will be participating in the meeting. Advertisement India will co-chair the EWG on Counter-Terrorism for the first time. On March 19, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony. Advertisement This will be the first meeting for activities planned for EWG on Counter-Terrorism for the ongoing cycle from 2024-2027. Discussions will focus on evolving a robust and comprehensive strategy designed to tackle the evolving threat of terrorism and extremism. The meeting aims to share the on-ground experience of the Defence Forces of ASEAN and its dialogue partners. It will lay the foundation for the activities/exercises/seminars/workshop planned for the cycle 2024-2027. The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for practical cooperation amongst the participating countries defence establishments. It currently focuses on seven areas of practical cooperation Counter-Terrorism, Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management, Peacekeeping Operations, Military Medicine, Humanitarian Mine Action and Cyber Security. EWGs have been established to facilitate cooperation in these areas. The EWGs are each co-chaired by one ASEAN member state and one dialogue partner following a three-year cycle. The task of the co-chairs is to lay down the objectives, policy guidelines and directions for the EWG for the three-year cycle at the commencement of the chairmanship, conduct of regular EWG meetings (minimum two in a year) and an exercise of any form (Table-Top/Field Training/Staff/Communication etc.) for all member nations in the third year to test the progress made in practical cooperation during the three-year cycle. Pledging to work towards upholding the free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday welcomed and appreciated the Group of 7 (G7) Foreign Ministers communique that reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan sincerely appreciates the G7 Foreign Ministers for reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and supporting Taiwans meaningful participation in international organisations. We stand ready to work with G7 and like-minded partners to uphold a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Taiwans Foreign Affairs minister posted on X. Advertisement Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix, Quebec, from March 12 to 14. Advertisement The Joint Statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Charlevoix emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwans meaningful participation in appropriate international organisations, read the statement. The Foreign Ministers of G7 reiterated their commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights. They also condemned Chinas militarisation and coercion and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. Commenting on the joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting and the G7 Foreign Ministers declaration on maritime security and prosperity, the Chinese Embassy in Canada also issued a statement on Friday. The spokesperson of the embassy stated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory and the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference. The key to upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits lies in abiding by the one-China principle, and firmly opposing Taiwan independence. The Taiwan regions participation in the activities of international organisations must and can only be handled in line with the one-China principle, the spokesperson said. Earlier this week, Taiwans President William Lai had labelled China a foreign hostile force and ramped up national security measures in the face of growing threats and a string of spying cases. In recent years, Beijing has increased military exercises in the Taiwan Strait to intensify pressure on Taiwan. Beijing opposes any kind of patrolling in the Taiwan Strait and perceives it as a security threat. Meanwhile, the US and its allies consider the Taiwan Strait as an international waterway and routinely send warships through the strait, asserting their influence in the Indo-Pacific region and countering the growing influence of China. Danville firefighters and members of the community grabbed the sides of a new fire engine Saturday morning to push it into the stations bay, completing a time-honored tradition that dates back to the 1700s. Under a backdrop of a surprise blanket of sprinkles, the ceremony officially placed the new $1.6 million apparatus known simply as Tower 1 into service for the Danville Fire Department. Part of the funding $111,700 came from Caesars Virginia as part of an agreement, according to a new website that shows where money from casino revenue is flowing. The agency has had it for about six weeks, Danville Fire Department Chief Dave Coffey told the Register & Bee prior to the push-in service. During that time, weve made sure we were proficient in our training, he said. The department was eager to get the truck that has an aerial ladder to reach high areas after the previous vehicle was decommissioned. It was delayed a few months from its expected delivery. It kind of left us in a lurch, Coffey explained. Saturdays tradition dates back to the 1700s when fire equipment was hand-drawn. In the 1800s, horses were used. Obviously, they didnt have reverse, so theyd come up and unhitch the horse, the chief explained before the ceremony. Then theyd have to back the apparatus back into a bay when they received a call. It became kind of a ceremony when theyd get a new apparatus, because back then they didnt have taxes to fund the apparatus, so it was a big fundraising effort, when new equipment was added. Theyd give it its first bath. That bath tradition also continued Saturday morning with firefighters wetting down the tires before the unit was pushed into place. Its just a tradition that weve continued to honor those that have come before us and the sacrifices they have made, Coffey said. During his speech, Coffey said the core values of fire service have stayed steady through the years. Those include duty, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protect communities. This new truck, Tower 1, would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of our city officials, he said, specifically thanking Danville City Council for its support of the department. This investment is not just in equipment; it is an investment in the men and women who put their lives on the line every day, he said. Let us remember the generations of firefighters who came before us. Danville Fire Department Chaplain Bob Yeaman, in a prayer, hoped that the new unit would serve the city for years to come. We pray that you will help us to remember that our most valuable assets in this department are, Lord, not the equipment but the people that serve, he said. Following the prayer and wetting down of the tires, firefighters and those assembled from the community were invited to grab part of the truck and push it back into the station. Using his radio, a firefighter officially told the 911 center Tower 1 was in service. Afterward, the department hosted a reception, complete with a cake, and answered questions from the public. Children watched in awe as crew members stocked the truck with equipment and firefighting gear. In recent weeks, the department has launched a new effort, especially on social media, to connect with the community. Were trying to get our name out there, Coffey said when asked about the new push. The only time they saw us was on their worst day, he said. So we wanted to let people know the good stuff we are doing. The new tower unit isnt the only upgrade recently. Overseeing the 911 communication center, the fire department recently upgraded its computer-aid dispatch system. Thats a huge deal, the fire chief said about the system overhaul that took about nine months to complete. The software is whats used to make sure that fire, emergency medical services and police get out the door to where they need to go. In place for two weeks, theres still a learning process going on with it. About five years ago, the previous vendor notified the department it would no longer be supported. We knew what we had had an end of life, Coffey said. So it is new, entirely new, he continued. But I think it will be better in the long run once we get used to it. Later in the afternoon, members of the American Red Cross joined firefighters to help install smoke alarms at homes in the Kemper Road and Locket Drive areas. Its part of a national effort, Michelle Dowdy, the executive director of the Blue Ridge chapter of the American Red Cross, told the newspaper. The Red Cross picks a day for whats called Sounding the Alarm, where they conduct a large-scale smoke alarm install in one day. Seeing the push-in event Saturday morning was a first for Dowdy, who called it pretty incredible. What a cool way to honor the vehicle thats going to take people to save a life or be on scene, she said. Coffey recently marked his five-year anniversary with the department. He started on Jan. 6, 2020. Its been a great place to be, he told the Register & Bee. This is an exciting time to be in Danville. He likened his start back then to being on a roller coaster when it reaches the top. Thats the feeling you get, he said. Now we are on that downhill and the things that are happening, he explained of the changes and growth in the city while clicking his fingers. This is an exciting time to be in Danville. IIT Roorkee, which started as Roorkee College in 1847, was the first engineering college in Asia. After about a century, the college was elevated to the University of Roorkee, the first engineering university of independent India, on November 25, 1949, and to an IIT on September 21, 2001 FOR A GENERATION ACCUSED of shunning traditional values and having its nose buried in devices, our youth often surprise us and how. Only last week, we read about how a 26-year-old Odiya youth rushed to help two womenan Indian and an Israeliwho were being abused by three men in Koppal district, Karnataka. The attackers pushed Bibhas Nayak into a nearby canal, where he drowned to death. Police reports say that the women were then gangraped. Bibhas was one of three men who rushed to the defence of the women. The other two managed to swim to safety. Hailing from Kandhamal, Bibhas is the son of Mrunalini Nayak, a schoolteacher, and Bishop B.K. Nayak, moderator of the Church of North India. Life is all about choices. And even in this moment of deep sorrow, we can only laud Bibhass courageous choice to step in when two women were distressed. May his tribe increase. But where does the courage to make that choice come from? Senior Assistant Editor K. Sunil Thomas chose the S word over the R word for the strapline of this cover story. Spirituality over religion. He looks at how young India is growing more spiritual in this post-secular era. He sounds a warning for conventional religion, toothe youth may be religious, but they are not blind followers. The gem in the cover story is writer Devdutt Pattanaiks take on the four things that fuelled the bhakti boom. He also looks at the relationship between the state and this boom. He leaves us with a question about maya, like the current nosedive that the stock market has taken. Are spirituality and religion just bubbles treasured by the only animal who seeks God? Sunil rounds off the cover with an article on how technology is aiding seekers of spirituality and an interview with Kumar Taurani, managing director of Tips Industries, which dominates the devotional music space. In regional politics, Chief of Bureau (Mumbai) Dnyanesh Jathar writes about how the Santosh Deshmukh murder scandal has taken the wind out of the sails of the Devendra Fadnavis government. The chief minister has trimmed the sails and jettisoned minister Dhananjay Munde to regain control and instil confidence, but it seems another storm is in the offing. Senior Special Correspondent Lakshmi Subramanian has interviewed Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on the standoff with the Union government. For @leisure, Lifestyle Editor Namrata Zakaria interviewed designer Manish Malhotra at his 40,000sqft Mumbai headquarters. From working out of actor Moushumi Chatterjees garage, he says, he is not too far from a business that is worth Rs1,000 crore. What was more interesting for me is the fact that he still lives with his 94-year-old mother in Pali Hill. I am also happy to announce THE WEEKs upcoming defence conclave which will be held in New Delhi on April 17. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has graciously agreed to deliver the keynote address. If defence is your cup of tea, please do register and come. Resident Editor R. Prasannans column reminded me of something I had completely forgottenthat the government used to give plastic buckets as a consolation prize for people who underwent vasectomies and tubectomies. Prasannan says that it was boom time for the plastic goods industry. But, how did a man ever buy a bucket in broad daylight in those days, I wonder. Getting a good night's sleep can be a persistent struggle for many individuals. Despite feeling exhausted, the mind can remain racing, making it difficult to wind down and relax. The constant ping of notifications, the glow of screens, and the pressures of daily life can all conspire against a restful night's sleep. Additionally, stress, anxiety, and discomfort can make it challenging to fall asleep as well. Studies have revealed that people often sleep better when they cuddle next to a partner, especially when they share an emotional connection. "Sleeping in pairs can enhance physical and emotional security," Dr Thomas Micheal Kilkenny, director of the Institute of Sleep Medicine at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital told the New York Post. The sleep becomes more synchronised if the couples are emotionally closer, he said. The benefits of sharing a bed with your partner help one sleep longer, and better and it also aligns the sleep cycles of both partners. Holding hands, cuddling and sex can trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the 'love hormone' that manages key aspects of the male and female reproductive systems. The release of oxytocin helps in relaxation, reduces stress and creates a sense of security. It also helps one sleep better. According to experts, synchronising sleep cycles helps one improve their sleep quality. Sleep synchrony relies on two main factors, mutual attention and the nature of the relationship. Therefore, it is not necessary that one get a good night's sleep if it is just a random hookup buddy or friend without any emotional connection. Emotional support, communication and relationship stability play a vital role in your sleep as well. Also, it is not just the sleep cycles that get aligned in co-sleeping, heartbeats too get synchronised. "Data shows that the heart rhythms of co-sleeping individuals gradually change over the night as a result of the interaction with each other, Kilkenny said. The Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday dismissed speculations of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party after AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwals recent meeting with BJP leader Laxmi Kanta Chawla in Amritsar. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal has never bowed down to the BJP, nor will he do so in future. BJP should clear its misunderstanding. Arvind Kejriwal will never bow down to BJP, nor will he be afraid of them, nor will he be subdued," he said. He asserted that Kejriwals meeting with Chawla was a courtesy call. "There is a very famous temple, the Durgiana Temple. She (Lakshmi Kanta Chawla) is its Pradhan. For the first time, a woman has become the Pradhan of a temple. People in Punjab respect her a lot. People hold meetings as a matter of courtesy, he said. Earlier in the day, the former Delhi chief minister had shared pictures of his meeting with Chawla at her residence. pic.twitter.com/c5gifdHOi7 Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 16, 2025 Kejriwal arrived in Amritsar on Saturday after completing a 10-day Vipassana meditation session in Hoshiarpur. He, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, visited the Golden Temple on the completion of three years of the party's government in the state. The AAP formed the government in Punjab in 2022 after winning 92 of the total 117 assembly seats. Talking to reporters in Amritsar, Kejriwal trashed the opposition leaders claim that the AAP would replace the chief minister in Punjab and said Mann would complete his five-year term. "Mann saab will complete five years, you do not need to worry... he will complete the next five years as well, he said. Holi revelry turned violent as three men got killed in a brawl over inappropriate comments against a woman in Bengaluru. Karnataka police have registered a case and a probe is underway. According to police, the deceased were identified as Ansu (22), Radhe Shyam (23) and Deepu. Six construction workers, all from the same village in Bihar got into a fight after one of them made an inappropriate comment against a woman, police said. "We received a call regarding the murder. We immediately rushed to the spot. Upon arrival, we gathered preliminary information that the victims were plumbing and construction workers," C.K. Baba, Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru Rural told PTI. The workers were residing at a 14-storey under-construction building in Anekal, Bengaluru. They had organised a party for Holi and invited a few other labourers for the celebration. The workers used wooden sticks and iron rods in the fight, police said. Police told NDTV that the deceased were found lying in a pool of blood when they arrived at the scene. The fight reportedly started after one of the victims received a phone call from the sister of an accused labourer. The victim was in touch with his sister for quite some time now and this led to a heated argument. The situation escalated into a violent altercation. They attacked each other using bottles and iron rods, the senior police officer told the publication. Police have arrested one of the workers, who suffered injuries in the brawl. Police are on the lookout for two more accused. Every attempt made by India to foster peace with Pakistan was met with hostility and betrayal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said. Speaking in a podcast with Lex Fridman, Modi expressed hope that wisdom would prevail on the leadership of the neighbouring country to improve bilateral ties. Modi recalled that he had invited then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sherif for his swearing-in ceremony in 2014 with the hope that both India and Pakistan could turn a new leaf in their relations. "Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace," he said. Modi said even the people of Pakistan long for peace as they must be tired of living in strife, unrest and relentless terror. The three-hour-long interaction with Fridman, a renowned MIT scientist and AI researcher, was released on Sunday. Modi admitted that his attempts at improving bilateral relations didn't yield the desired results. "This was a testament to how clear and confident India's foreign policy had become. This sent a clear message to the world about India's commitment to peace and harmony, but we didn't get the desired outcome," he said. 'Criticism is soul of democracy' In the podcast, the prime minister spoke over a range of issues including his early life, his journey in the Himalayas, the influence of the RSS and Hindu nationalism. Modi said he welcomes genuine criticism while terming it as the soul of democracy. "I have a strong belief that criticism is the soul of democracy. If democracy truly runs in your veins, you must embrace it," he said. "Always keep your critics close. Critics should be your nearest companions because through genuine criticism, you can improve quickly and work democratically with better insights," he added. Talking about his early childhood, Modi said, "My childhood was spent in extreme poverty, I collected used chalk in school to polish my white canvas shoes". "Now, when people talk about poverty, its natural to discuss it in the context of public life, and by those standards, my early life was spent in extreme poverty, but we never really felt the burden of poverty, said the prime minister. A 37-year-old man working with the Central governments PSU was found dead at his residence in Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. He allegedly drowned his two infant sons before hanging himself, police said. According to Andhra Pradesh police, the deceased was identified as V. Chandra Kishore (37) and he is working as an accountant with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited. On Friday, Chandra Kumar left for his home midway of the Holi celebrations at office. Kishore reportedly told his colleagues he had to leave early to get his childrens school uniforms fixed. Kishore got married to Tanuja in 2017 and the couple has two kids Joshith and Nikith, aged six and seven years, respectively. However, when Kishore did not return to the office, Kishores wife, along with a few colleagues went to their house to check on them. According to police, when they visited the house, they found Kishore hanging in the bedroom and the kids lying lifeless in a bucket in the bathroom. Both children were found with their hands and legs tied, blindfolded, and drowned in a bucket in the washroom. Chandra Kishore had died by suicide, a police officer told The News Minute. According to police, Kishore was reportedly worried about his kids academic performance and hence he took the drastic step. "Kishore killed his sons due to their poor academic performance, fearing they would struggle and suffer in a competitive world if they did not excel in their studies. Unable to bear this thought, he took the extreme step," police told PTI. Forensic experts also visited the house and collected evidence. A police probe is underway and cops are inquiring exact circumstances that led to this tragedy. Uma Shankar, Kishores brother-in-law, told presspersons that the couple had recently moved the children from a costly school to another with lower fees. He felt like he had downgraded their school, that he was unable to educate his kids properly, and that he wouldnt be able to help them grow in the future. He seems to have had that fear, but he didnt share it with anyone, the publication reported. Rakshit Chaurasia, the accused in a car crash in Vadodara that killed a woman and injured four others on March 13, had been picked up by the police last month following a complaint by a lawyer. He, however, was freed after he tendered an apology. According to reports, a group of youths created a commotion during a party in their apartment in Fatehgunj on February 19, prompting the lawyer and his family members to ask them to lower the sound. The youngsters, however, allegedly threatened and abused him. People living in the area gathered below the apartment and confronted the youths. Alerted by the lawyer, the police reached the spot and picked up the youths. Law student Rakshit Chaurasia handed over to the police. Thrashed by the crowd that stopped him from getting away after fatally mowing down a woman in Vadodara. pic.twitter.com/ACq3GR0PC4 THE SQUADRON (@THE_SQUADR0N) March 14, 2025 Reports said the youths were allowed to go after they gave a written apology and the lawyer and his family members agreed to settle the matter. Two of the youths involved in this incidentRakshit Chaurasia and Pranshu Chauhanwere also allegedly involved in the fatal car crash in Karelibaug on Thursday. Chaurasia was behind the wheel when their speeding car crashed into two two-wheelers, killing a woman and leaving four others injured. The accident occurred around 12.30 am near Muktanand cross roads. Eyewitnesses told police that Chaurasia apeared intoxicated and was screaming "another round, another round" after coming out of the car, the official said. The CCTV visuals showed the speeding car hitting two scooters, knocking down the riders and dragging them along before coming to a halt. #WATCH | Gujarat | Vadodara police bring the accused of the Vadodara accident, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, to the spot for the crime scene recreation One woman died, and seven others were injured after an overspeeding four-wheeler rammed into a two-wheeler yesterday early morning pic.twitter.com/XJYj8P3dpN ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2025 According to police, Chaurasiya, who hails from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is a law student and lives in a PG accommodation in Vadodara. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his podcast interview with Lex Fridman shared about his relationship with United States President Donald Trump. PM Modi said that he shared a bond of mutual trust with President Trump. "We connect well because we believe in putting our respective national interests above everything else," he said. Modi also talked about Trump's assassination bid. While appreciating Trump's "unwavering" dedication to America, Modi lauded the President's resilience and determination. "Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life was for his nation. This showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first '? India first," the prime minister said. Responding to Fridman's question about how he would describe Trump as a friend and as a leader, Modi recalled the 'Howdy Modi' event in 2019. Trump's gesture to sit in the audience was a "remarkable one", he said. "That's his humility," Modi added. "He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals," Modi said on Trump's second term as President. Modi also recalled his visit to the White House for the first time to meet Trump. He said Trump had broken all formal protocols as he stepped into the White House. "He personally took me on a tour of the White House," said Modi. Though Modi and Trump had not met in person for years, he said that communication, both direct and indirect--closeness and trust, "remained unshaken" between both leaders. While reacting to Fridman's question about the PM being called a better negotiator by Trump, Modi reacted by saying it was the President's "graciousness and humility" to say it. When it comes to negotiation, Modi said he always puts India's interests first. LeT operative Abu Qatal, a close aide of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead in Pakistan on Saturday. Qatal was said to be the mastermind behind the 2023 Rajouri attack and the massacre on a bus carrying pilgrims in Kashmir's Raesi. Abu Qatal, real name Faisal Nadeem, was a key Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and a high-priority target for Indian security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Indian Army. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) also named Abu Qatal in its chargesheet for his involvement in the 2023 Rajouri attack. Qatal is said to have masterminded the Rajouri attack that occurred on January 1st and January 2 2023 in the Dangri village of the Rajouri district. While four people died and nine others were injured in the first attack, an IED exploded near the same attack site on the second day, resulting in the death of two children and injury to five others. The LeT operative was also charge-sheeted by the NIA in the Raesi bus attack that shook the nation. According to probe officials, the brutal assault was carried out under his leadership just after the new government took over. After the Reasi attack, the terrorists were provided food, shelter and other types of logistical support for about three months by Qatal. The NIA details in its chargesheet that Qatal and his associates had planned and carried out operations to destabilize Kashmir. Not only did they train and aid in infiltrating terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, but they also organised targeted attacks on civilians. Who shot Abu Qatal? Abu Qatal was reportedly shot in Jhelum in Pakistan on Saturday evening by an unidentified person. As per reports, the incident happened near Dina Punjab University in Jhelum area. The convoy of terrorist gang was passing near Zeenat Hotel when unknown attackers sprayed 20 bullets at Abu Qatal. He was reportedly under tight security from both ununiformed Pakistani army personnel and Lashkar terrorists. But, none of them could do anything as an unidentified gunman went on a rampage. There are speculations that Hafiz Saeed was him but fled after the attack. Abu Qatal's death is the latest in the series of killings in Pakistan where terrorists are gunned down by unidentified men. Pakistan has repeatedly accused India, without evidence, of carrying out extrajudicial killings in the country, a charge denied by Indian officials. The United States airstrikes in Yemen came a few days after Houthis warned of resuming the attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off its coast in response to Israel's latest blockade on Gaza. The US launched a 'targeted' military operation on Saturday night in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthis. The death toll from the US strikes rose to 31. Ministry spokesperson Anees al-Asbahi stated on Sunday that over 100 people were injured in the overnight strikes. Why did the US target Houthis now? Over 100 merchant and military vessels were targeted by the Houthis in the Red Sea till January since the Gaza war began in October 2023. The attacks have sunk two ships and killed four sailors. Yemen Update The Americans have struck Yemen all night and destroyed Houthi targets. At least 31 Houthi terrorists and many Houthi leaders were killed. pic.twitter.com/3Gxun87UTj David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) March 16, 2025 Houthis claim to be acting in support of Palestinians, attacking vessels linked to Israel and its allies. However, some of these ships had no clear connection to the conflict. US President Donald Trump said that the strikes were necessary to "protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom." A message for Iran The attack also serves as a message for Iran, a key backer of the Houthis, and Hamas. Trump had warned that Iran would be "fully accountable" for Houthi actions. Meanwhile, Iran once again denied helping the Houthis. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the US to halt the strikes and said Washington cannot dictate Iran's foreign policy. Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Gen. Hossein Salami said that Yemen's Houthis take strategic and operational decisions on their own. Salami also threatened a "decisive and devastating" response to any attack after the US's Yemen strikes. "We are not a nation to live in hiding. We are a valid and legitimate system in the world," he said. Recently, the Trump administration reached out to Iran to resume the nuclear talks. Trump wrote a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seeking negotiations on the nuclear deal. However, Iran had rejected talks. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore can finally return to Earth later this week after the SpaceX capsule with Crew-10 docked at the International Space Station on Sunday. The four-person crew from the US, Japan, and Russia will replace the two NASA astronauts, who were stuck at the ISS after a routine short mission last year turned into an extended stay of over nine months. After transferring knowledge of the station to the newcomers, Williams, Wilmore, and two others will use the SpaceX capsule to return to Earth, splashing down off the coast of Florida in the US. If all goes well, they are expected to undock by coming Wednesday. Williams and Wilmore set off on a week-to-ten-day-long journey on June 5, 2024, aboard the maiden manned flight of Boeing Starliner. But when engineers discovered helium leaks and thruster issues in the Starliners propulsion system, it led to a delay in their return. Once NASA determined that Starliner could not be used for their journey back, they tried to bring them home using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsuleimpacting timelines of multiple missions, including Crew-9 and Crew-10. The Crew-9 mission under NASAs Commercial Crew Program was launched in late September 2024, carrying only two astronautsNASAs Nick Hague and Roscosmos Aleksandr Gorbunov. The other two seats were kept empty for Williams and Wilmores return. However, before they could leave, a replacement crew had to arrive at the ISS to take over their responsibilitiesthat was Crew-10. The ripple effect of the initial delay further pushed the Crew-10 launch. Finally, earlier on Sunday, the replacement crew finally arrived. And now, Williams and Wilmore can head back to Earth. At least 90 Pakistani security troops were killed on Sunday in an ambush on their convoy in Balochistan's Noshki district, according to reports. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. There were eight buses in the convoy and one of them was completely destroyed in the blasts. #BREAKING: Shocking footage: CCTV captures the Baloch Liberation Armys IED/suicide attack in Noshki, Balochistan. The BLA claims to have killed 90 Pakistani soldiers, while officially reports only 12 FC personnel killed and dozens injured.#PakistanArmy #Noshki #Balochistan pic.twitter.com/6490X1h8GD JUST IN | World (@justinbroadcast) March 16, 2025 Claiming responsibility, BLA said the Majeed Brigade, which is the Fidayee unit of the militant outfit, targeted the convoy near Rakshan Mill on the RCD Highway in Noshki. The attack on the buses carrying the security forces happened when a roadside bomb exploded. However, some reports suggested that the explosion was the result of a suicide attacker ramming a vehicle laden with explosives into the convoy. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday condemned the attack, saying those who disturb the peace in Balochistan would meet a tragic end. #Nushki suicide attack: 90 army personnel killed - BLA#PakistanArmy #Balochistan A few hours ago, Majeed Brigade, a suicide unit of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), targeted a convoy of the occupying Pakistani army near Rakhshan Mall on the RCD highway in Noshki with a pic.twitter.com/VDg3RwoOjh Sumit Chaudhary (@SumitDefence) March 16, 2025 Zafar Zamanani, the local police chief, said the explosion inflicted damage on nearby buses. The injured have been rushed to hospital for treatment. Later, the security forces cordoned off bombed area. Multiple agencies are carrying out investigations find the cause of the blast. Officials have not confirmed the number of death. They are yet to reveal whether BLA is actually behind the attack. This comes days after BLA hijacked Jaffar Express train and held around 440 passengers as hostages before letting go the elderly, women and children. According to the official version, 18 military and paramilitary personnel were killed along with three railway staff and five passengers in the initial attack. Later, five more security personnel were killed in the gunbattle. The authorities said all 33 attackers were killed. However, BLA had claimed that they killed 214 hostages after the military failed to release prisoners in exchange within the deadline. Manikarnika Dutta, an Indian historian based in UK, has been conducting research at the University of Oxford. But now she is at risk of being deported by the British authorities for staying abroad for too long, according to reports. The 37-year-old has been looking into historic archives stored in India as well as taking part in international conferences. Speaking to the Observer, Dutta said she never thought she would have to go through her current situation, adding, "I was shocked when I got an email saying I have to leave... A large part of my adult life has been lived in the UK since I came to the University of Oxford to do my masters." The UK Home Office rules stipulate that those who have been residents of the country for more than 10 years can stay overseas for as much as 548 days before they can apply for indefinite leave. However, Dutta was abroad for 691 days, according to The Guardian. The Home Office also cited that Dutta does not have a family life in the UK despite the fact that she has been living with her husband and fellow academic Dr Souvik Naha for 10 years in Welling, south London. Naha is a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow focusing on imperial and post-colonial history. Dutta, on the other hand, is an assistant professor in the school of history at the University College Dublin. She completed her masters in modern history from the University of Calcutta and MSc in the history of science, medicine, and technology funded by a Wellcome Trust Masters studentship from the University of Oxford. Her first visit to the UK was on student visa in September 2012. Later, she got a spouse visa after her husband received a 'global talent' visa. Dutta's October 2024 application for indefinite leave was rejected and her appeal for review also went in vain. The response for her administrative review warned her that if she fails to leave the UK voluntarily, she would be banned from coming back for 10 years and prosecuted for overstaying. Responding to the reports of possible deportation of Dutta, historian and author William Darlymple called the Home Office decision "appalling and clearly ridculous". Naga Kandiah, who is Dutta's lawyer, has filed a plea against the Home Office move to deport her, following which the authority said that it will rethink its decision in 90 days. Indian student Ranjani Srinivasan, 37, was excited to pursue her doctoral degree in urban planning from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). Her research, which explored the evolving nature of land-labour relations in peri-urban statutory towns in India, was backed by the Lakshmi Mittal South Asia Institute. However, her participation in pro-Palestinian protests has cost her the academic life she dreamt of, thanks to the crackdown by the Trump administration. Ranjani holds a bachelors from Ahmedabad's CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) University and masters from Harvard. She was also a recipient of Fulbright Nehru and Inlaks Scholarships. Ranjani Srinivasan-Black hoodie. Masters- Harvard PhD student- Columbia (both scholarships) USA has revoked her F-1 Visa for supporting Hamas, and she self deported herself to Canada!pic.twitter.com/sx8YiEWX8P An excerpt from an essay she wrote - Be careful of sending your pic.twitter.com/z1FYztwrmf VatsRohit (@KesariDhwaj) March 14, 2025 The woman learnt about her visa cancellation on March 5 after the US Consulate in Chennai sent her an email. She sought help from Columbia's international student office. Ranjani was accused of supporting Hamas. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said, "It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country." After cancellation of her visa, immigration agents started looking for her from March 7. Speaking to The New York Times, Ranjani said, "I'm just surprised that I'm a person of interest. I never thought something like this would happen to me." Ranjani had no choice but to abandon everything she had in the US, including her doctoral life, apartment and even her cat. She left the cat with her friend and booked the next available flight. She flew from LaGuardia Airport to Canada. "The atmosphere seemed so volatile and dangerous," she told NYT "Im fearful that even the smallest political speech or social media post can turn into a nightmare." The US Department of Homeland Security later announced that Ranjani had voluntarily self-deported. Amid uncertainty over whether or not Russia will sign the 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has said that the Kremlin was preparing to intensify a "false narrative" that Ukrainian forces engaged in war crimes in Kursk Oblast. This is aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian military, eroding Western support for Ukraine and disrupting or delaying the discussions on the 30-day ceasefire, according to the ISW report. Not just Russian President Vladimir Putin, other facets of the Russian government, Russian state media, and pro-Kremlin mouthpieces too are highlighting the claims that Ukraine engaged in war crimes in Kursk during the seven months they occupied the border oblast. A Ukrainian POW captured in Kursk admits that he received orders cleanse the village of Russkoe Porechnoe of civilians. Most civilians were shot, while others were blown up with hand grenades. pic.twitter.com/qdrlzRmRJt NewRulesGeopolitics (@NewRulesGeo) February 2, 2025 Russia's attempt to build a narrative is also reflected in the way Putin questioning in his March 13 speech whether Russia should allow Ukrainian troops to leave Kursk "after they committed a lot of crimes against civilians." He repeated his statement the next day, accusing Ukrainian forces of engaging in "terrorism" in the region. The Russian Investigative Committee too announced it was opening investigations into alleged Ukrainian war crimes in areas of Kursk Oblast. It said two Ukrainian soldiers were convicted for alleged "terrorism" and "war crimes" in Kursk Oblast. Russian ultranationalist voices, including Acting Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Khinshtein, have been repeating Putin's claim more frequently in recent days since February 2025. The ISW claims these reports are unsubstantiated. The report added that Putin "likely intends to use this narrative falsely portraying Ukrainian forces as brutal war criminals - as the Kremlin did in late 2021 and 2022 to justify Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine - to spoil or delay discussions about a 30-day ceasefire, especially when contrasted with Putin's efforts to portray himself as a merciful leader." Sumy after Kursk? There are reports that Russian forces are advancing into Sumy region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Russian military is accumulating forces along Ukraine's eastern border of Sumy to get within artillery range of Sumy City. Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation Head Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko stated that Russian forces are preparing for more "active actions" in the Sumy Oblast border area and to "strike" Sumy Oblast but not conduct an offensive operation against Sumy City. United States President Donald Trump is expected to speak with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on possible terms to end the Ukraine war. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that the Russian president "accepts the philosophy" of Trump's ceasefire and peace terms. Also read | Good chance of ending war, says Donald Trump after productive discussions with Putin After Witkoff's visit to Moscow, Trump had "productive" discussions with Putin. On Thursday, Putin said that he supported a truce but outlined numerous details that need to be negotiated before the deal can be completed. Also read | Whats next for Ukraine peace deal after US envoy meets Putin over Trumps ceasefire plan A 30-day ceasefire was proposed by the US, which was agreed by Putin, though reluctant initially. The Putin-Trump talks are likely to resolve the narrow differences in the deal. Witkoff said that the peace deal discussions included Ukraine, Russia and European stakeholders including the UK, France, Norway and Finland. "He (Trump) is involved with every important decision here and I expect there will be a call between the presidents this week," he said. Also read | What are Putin's demands for ceasefire? Russia sends list to Donald Trump for Ukraine truce Witkoff also stressed that the US is continuing to engage and have conversations with Ukraine. Trump after his talks with Putin last week said, "There is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." "I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all," he said. Ukraine's Zelenskyy slammed Russia by saying that they wanted to prolong the war. "This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible. We hope that US pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war," he said. Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney has included two ministers of Indian heritage in his newly formed cabinet. And both of them are women: Kamal Khera and Anita Anand. Carney took oath as Canadian PM on March 14 in a swearing-in ceremony presided over by Governor General Mary Simon Ottawa. Who is Kamal Khera? Kamal Khera was appointed the Minister of Health. Aged 36 now, Khera did her schooling in Delhi where she was born. She continued her schooling in Canada after her parents shifted there. As a nurse, my top priority is to always be there to support my patients and thats the same mentality Ill bring everyday to the role of Minister of Health. Extremely grateful for the confidence of PM @MarkJCarney Now, its time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. pic.twitter.com/aEdtq47XPs Kamal Khera (@KamalKheraLib) March 14, 2025 Khera completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from York University in Toronto, Ontario. She served as a registered nurse in the palliative and oncology units at St Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto. She won as a Liberal Party candidate in Brampton West in October 2015, becoming the youngest Liberal MP in Canada. She was also the second youngest MP overall. She got re-elected in the 2019 federal polls. From 2015 to 2021, she served as the parliament secretary positions in various ministries, including health, national revenue and international development. After getting re-elected as MP from Brampton West in 2021, Khera was appointed the Minister of Seniors, becoming one of the youngest people to become a member of the cabinet as well as the Privy Council of Canada. In 2023, Khera was given the portfolio of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities. Who is Anita Anand? Anita Indira Anand, 57, was sworn in as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, her parents were physicians from India. Her father S.V. Anand was a general surgeon from Tamil Nadu while her mother Saroj D. Ram was an anaesthesiologist from Punjab. As Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry, my priority is to support building the Canadian economy of the future to fuel greater Canadian economic growth. Thanks to my dear colleagues @FP_Champagne, @rechievaldez, @mary_ng, @PascaleStOnge_, @Gudie for their excellent work. pic.twitter.com/A95I0b93Jh Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) March 15, 2025 Anita moved to Ontario to pursue her bachelors in political studies at Queen's University. She then came back to Nova Scotia to get her Canadian law degree from Dalhousie University. She also holds a BA (Honours) in Jurisprudence from Wadham College, Oxford University and Masters in Law from the University of Toronto. Anita has served in academic positions at Yale, Queen's University and Western University. She was a law professor at the University of Toronto before entering politics. She won from Oakville in 2019 on Liberal Party ticket and became a member of the Privy Council. She was appointed the minister of public services and procurement. Anita got re-elected in 2021 and took oath as the Minister of National Defence, the second woman to hold this portfolio. Later, in a reshuffling, she was posted as the President of the Treasury Board. In September 2024, Trudeau appointed Anand as the Minister of Transport, in addition to her role as the President of the Treasury Board. In December 2024, she was made the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. US President Donald Trump appointed Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general, as Special Envoy to Ukraine on Saturday. Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said Kellogg has a great working releationship with Ukraine. "He knows them well," Trump said, adding that the "highly respected military expert will deal directly with" President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership. Who is Keith Kellogg? Kellogg, 80, was former national security advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence in the first Trump administration. Following his appointment, Kellogg posted on X, saying he is honoured by the president's decision. "I have been privileged to have known @realdonaldtrump since 2015, and he will END THIS WAR. It is an honor to serve our great nation and advance the vital interests of the United States. America First!" He was not included in the peace talks led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saudi Arabia. I am deeply honored and humbled by President Trumps confidence in appointing me as Special Envoy to Ukraine. I have been privileged to have known @realdonaldtrump since 2015, and he will END THIS WAR. It is an honor to serve our great nation and advance the vital interests of pic.twitter.com/35ECtacOr8 Keith Kellogg (@generalkellogg) March 15, 2025 This was mainly because he was seen as a supporter of Zelenskyy by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. A Russian official anonymously told NBC News that Kellogg is too close to Ukraine, saying, "Not our kind of person, not of the caliber we are looking for." Why did Donald Trump pick Keith Kellogg as Ukraine envoy? Kellogg being a Ukraine supporter, Trump seems to have made the right decision to pick him as special envoy. This is important considering recent Oval Office showdown between Trump and Zelenskyy, following which US ties with Ukraine hit a new low. Vice President JD Vance too slammed Zelenskyy for not offering the US anything in return for supply of funds and weapons. Earlier, there were reports that Kellogg was being sidelined. However, Kellogg's office had denied the rumours. Set in an alternate 1990s, with the story mostly happening post the robot uprising with cuts to before it all went to the robo-dogs, the premise of The Electric State is interesting to hear. Even exciting. And when you have familiar names like Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Chris Pratt and the impressive Millie Bobby Brown headlining a movie, you expect it to be great. So, imagine my utter disappointment when I cringed from the first minute to the last as I sat through this painful excuse of a movie. The latest Russo Brothers outing is painful. Im not even going to mince my words here. It flows like a badly made Instagram reel extending to upwards of two painful hours. Millie Bobby Brown channels Eleven from Stranger Things, Chris Pratt does his best Star Lord sans The Guardians of the Galaxy, Giancarlo Esposito does a generic, average portrayal of all of his excellent baddie roles put together, and Stanley Tucci gives us the most boring mashup of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs all rolled into one. But that is not even the worst thing about this film. Stanley Tucci as Ethan Skate in 'The Electric State' | Netflix The Electric State is a feat of bad filmmakingit manages to make the 90s steampunk-inspired sci-fi genre look, sound, and even feel boring. And yes, exposition. The protagonist Michelle, played by Brown, just says everything out loud to set the scene and context. The best example is how she figures out where to go to find her long-lost brother once thought to be dead. She discovers a courier label on a delivery box that happens to be the address of smuggler Keats, played by Pratt. As the audience wonders why that is even relevant, Michelle explains it to a robot (Cosmo, voiced by Alan Tudyk) she is harbouring, who also conveniently houses the conscience of her brother Christopher (Woody Norman). Some teeth-clenching moments later, we are hurriedly introduced to Giancarlo Esposito as Marshall Bradbury, a former war hero who is on their trail forI honestly have no idea why! Just because, Im guessing. Giancarlo Esposito as Marshall Bradbury in 'The Electric State' | Netflix Such is the empty hollow shell that this excuse for a film is. On one hand, we have sentient AI battling neural projection mechanical soldiers. On the other, we have computers still running Windows 95 with AOL delivering e-mail. It doesnt even make an honest attempt to redeem any robot characters to even sell merchandise. This movie is simply a spoof. A badly made one, but with the great Netflix bankrolling amazing VFX and CGI, no doubt. Futurism, check. Set in a desert inspired by Westerns, check. A callback to corporate America destroying civilisation by use of corruptible addictive tech, check. Favourite actors doing knockoff impressions of their own iconic characters, double-check. Of course, apart from the impressive VFX, there are some great redeeming portrayals. Brown in the second half makes up for her choppy character in the first half. Jenny Slate impresses as the US mail robot Penny Pal, and Anthony Mackie is wonderful as the voice of Herman, the construction bot. A production still from 'The Electric State' | Netflix Key Huy Quan does his earnest best as Dr. Amherst, but the shoddy script, the over-the-top dialogues, and the rusty screenplay do no justice to any of these positives. This movie is unwatchable, for it may even prompt you to wish that Kevin Feige is always there to keep Anthony and Joe Russo in check. Film: The Electric State Director: The Russo Brothers Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Key Huy Quan, Alan Tudyk, Jenny Slate Rating: 1/5 | The crowds that thronged the sangam waterfront in Prayagraj have thinned down, and the tents and pontoon bridges, the cameras and the barricades have all been taken down. But the Mahakumbh will live on in the crores of videos and photos posted on social media, capturing every aspectthe personal and the political, the sacred and the profane, and the agony and the ecstasyof an event billed as the biggest gathering of humans in history. Young Indians certainly seem to have a different take on religion than the ones who went before themboth in why they have taken to it and how they are taking to it. Modern life, with its emphasis on individual autonomy and the erosion of traditional social structures, can ironically create a space for the resurgence of faith. Anvi Gupta, dean, Sharda University The prosperity that liberalisation brought in has come with its own levels of insecurity, making an entire generation turn to faith to tide over the demands and stress of a western-style social and work culture. It was also undoubtedly the most youthful of all Kumbh Melas. By one estimate, more than half of the 66 crore or so who took a holy dip, as estimated by the Uttar Pradesh government, were below the age of 30. Another study, by the Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute, also took note of the changing participation patterns, with growing number of women and a notable presence of those in the 18-35 age group. Dheeraj Chauhan, 29, of Noida describes himself and his gang of friends as not particularly religious or anything like that. But that did not stop them from setting off on the long, crowded and chaotic train journey to Prayagraj, and taking a 4am snan at sangam ghat. We were a bunch of boys out on a trip, but the mood was certainly spiritual, he says. Nothing is possible without belief, says Akash Sharma, 22, a priest in Haridwar. More than my upbringing, it is when I studied the scriptures and mantras further that I became a staunch believer. Sharma comes from a family of priests, but his father had veered off the tradition by taking up a private sector job. But Sharma has decided to join the family profession. I feel more satisfied and have more peace of mind in this line of work, he says. For an increasingly large number of young Indians, faith is giving solutions and solace in a fast-changing world. And they are taking to it with open arms, cutting across the religious, caste, creed and urban-rural divide. Pursuit of happiness: Bikila Savanamei was lukewarm to religion. She was transformed after getting introduced to Family of Lord Jesus | Kritajna Naik A recent study by Pew Research Centre had noted that as much as 97 per cent of Indians were believers. Around 98 per cent of Hindus claimed they were pious. Another study, by a youth channel, found that 70 per cent of the Gen Z (the generation currently in their twenties and teens) felt more confident after praying. The number of believers is growing everywhere except western Europe and north America, and the two religions that make up about 94 per cent of Indias populationIslam and Hinduismhave a median age of 23 and 26, respectively. That is way lower than the median age of the global population, which is 28. Bipin Dada Kolhe, former chairman of Shirdi Sai Baba Paduka Committee, does not need any statistics to prove the point. We created a separate queue to help the elderly who we thought formed the majority of pilgrims, but then we realised that barely 5 per cent of the devotees were using it, he says. The number of young devotees has dramatically gone up in the last 10 to 12 years. And these young Indians certainly seem to have a different take on religion than the ones who went before themboth in why they have taken to it and how they are taking to it. But how come? For a better part of its post-independence era, India resolutely followed a mindset where religion was respected, but socialism and the state were considered the higher powers, and scientific temperament the lofty ideal to aspire to. Religion was mostly a private indulgence, and at best an electoral strategy, with institutions and intellectualsand by correlation academic syllabi and the popular thoughtall veering towards a society with its foundations rooted firmly in secularism, science and socialism. To put it simply, it wasnt cool to be religious. That has been completely upended. In fact, given a chance, the young could give the old a lesson or two on spirituality. My parents generation observe faith like brushing their teeth twice a day. They read the scriptures daily like a ritual because they have been doing it since childhood, says Anahat Singh, 23, a cabin crew with an international airline. How much of it is being absorbed by them is actually in question. THE ROAD TO SALVATION We are living in post-secular times, says poet and academic Rashmi Bajaj. This is the age of meta modernism, after modernism and postmodernism that was antithetical to religion. Now, there is a phenomenal shift in the psyche that is palpable and a lot of people are taking to religion and spirituality in a big way. The gap between science and spirituality is being bridged by anything from yoga and meditation becoming government tools to alternative schools of thought getting enshrined in the education policy and mainstream academics and research works. The present dispensation and the policies and they talking about going back to ones culture and roots, all these things matter as they bring such thoughts to centrestage, says Bajaj. Faith is no longer a dirty word, not in political circles, not in intellectual circles, not in academic circles. HASHTAG TO THE HEAVENS The crores of social media posts on the Mahakumbh were not by fervent believers from Bharat, or any concerted IT cell of any political party or fringe organisations. They came from young urban Indians who made it the biggest social media trending topic in India last month. The sudden rise of influencers in the spiritual and self-help space underlines the need of younger people to find meaning in this fast-paced world, says Sahil Chopra, chairman of the Indian Influencer Governor Council. The popularity of these influencers comes from their ability to offer complex spiritual concepts through bite-sized reels, which help people in everyday life. This has made spirituality more accessible, relatable and even aspirational. Anahat Singh would agree. He got curious about religion after attending evening sessions at a local gurdwara where they explained the meaning of the shlokas in the Guru Granth Sahib, but his interest in spirituality spiked after watching videos of Gaur Gopal Das, a monk and YouTube celebrity who does motivational talks straddling the transcendental and the transformational with ease. Peace for all: A devotee praying at the Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai | Amey Mansabdar Down the value chain, there are many others who could be billed faith influencers. Like Surya, a digital creator who goes by the Instagram id thesunshineladki, whose travel content has a vein of religion traversing through it. Her reel on the Mahakumbh had 1.8 crore views, while other related content ranges anywhere from a laser show that tells the story of the Kumbh to the best lassi in Prayagraj, as well as the must-visit temples in and around sangam. She has already moved on to the next big thing on the devotional influencer circuitHoli. Posting vibrant visuals of Holi in Vrindavan, she invokes FOMO when she asks, Who all are going this time? Harsh Mishra has already reached Vrindavan. The photographer from Lucknow has visited this bubbling under temple town earlier as well to catch its unique rituals related to Holi, one of which includes women beating up raucous men and the masses immersing themselves in colour. It is at the crossroads of devotion and celebration, of finding your identity and at the same time being part of a larger whole, he says. The internet and social media are a learning tool for the youth. Young people look for answers on social media about life and religion that they dont probably get from their parents or places of worship, says Faiz Bogani, a Mumbai-based PR professional. He got married a few years ago and the couples first trip was to do the umrah, the voluntary pilgrimage to Mecca. The Boganis want to make the trip again soon. If we go during this holy month of fasting, nothing like it! he says. NEW-AGE BELIEFS Of course, being religious is no mere viral trend. It is no anti-thesis to modernity, either. Modern life, with its emphasis on individual autonomy and the erosion of traditional social structures, can ironically create a space for the resurgence of faith, says Anvi Gupta, dean, Sharda University. Technological progress, while offering solutions and convenience, also brings about new ethical dilemmas, anxieties about job security, and a sense of disconnection from traditional ways of life. These uncertainties can drive individuals towards faith for solace, guidance and a sense of stability. The surge of faith among young Indians, even as many in the western world seem to be shunning religion, is no flash in the pan. In India, this resurgence is particularly pronounced because faith is deeply interwoven with the social fabric, cultural identity and historical narratives. The very process of modernisation can trigger a renewed interest in exploring and reaffirming ones cultural and religious roots and identity, says Gupta. It is not about rejecting modernity; rather, its about integrating it with existing belief systems, reinterpreting traditional doctrines in the light of modern challenges and finding new ways to express faith in a rapidly changing world. Though brought up as a Christian, Bikila Savanamei, a macrame artist and fashion designer from Manipur, was always lukewarm to religion. However, when a friend introduced her to Family of Lord Jesus (FOLJ), a new sect that is getting popular across north India, she was transformed. Here also they teach the Bible, but you dont get bored. The teaching is different, less preachy, she says. In this church, they dont judge; the pastor says things like even if you drink, God is not going to hate you. This way of life is practical and I have learned so many things. There is a warning here for conventional organised religionthe youth may be religious, but they are not blind followers. FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS The shift that is taking place is not into the traditional kind of orthodox religion, says Bajaj. Youngsters are relating to the core of the religion where you have life supporting philosophy and positive values that strike a chord. Sharing, caring, belongingall religions have that and these values are what young Indians are going for, selectively tweaking it to suit their needs. While India has always been religious, the current surge has more recent antecedents. The writer Meera Nanda in her book The God Market: How Globalisation is Making India More Hindu attributes this to the intense churn India went through in recent years. She does have a pointfrom the Mandal strife across urban northern India to the Ayodhya issue that spilled over into many communal riots, Indians have gone through a lot in and around the turn of the century. The prosperity that liberalisation brought in has come with its own levels of insecurity, making an entire generation turn to faith to tide over the demands and stress of a western-style social and work culture. The globalisation trend also led to an identity crisis among Indias upwardly mobile, who resorted to turning to their identity markers, which were mostly caste, religion and history. And what all these undercurrents could not do was sealed and stamped once Covid entered the picture. Covid made people realise that materialism is not all that there is, says Vibhas Prasad, director, Leisure Hotels. We started thinking about our lives, and that there could be more to it. That would be the cusp of moving away from materialism to experiences. The result? A new-age flurry into faith. The Vaishno Devi temple near Jammu, which used to get around 10,000 visitors a day before the pandemic, now gets up to 40,000 a day, while at the Guruvayur temple in Kerala, the numbers went up from 4,000 to 7,000. The Anjuman Committee at the Ajmer dargah in Rajasthan said that at the Urs in January, up to 30,000 chaadars (a piece of cloth that is offered as a sign of devotion and respect) were presented daily. A ROOM WITH A PEW Out of the window along with religious dogma has been the old fashioned approach to pilgrimagesarduous trekking, spartan food and staying in dharamshalas. The post-millennial believer is a bit more refined. Good roads and highways and top hotel chains have transformed the way pilgrimages are done. This went centrestage last year, when every hotel chain worth its salt announced projects in Ayodhya around the time of the Ram temple consecration. IHCL, which manages Taj hotels, has been actively opening premium hotels in or near pilgrim centres in the past few years. Rival ITCs next big property will be in Puri, known for the Jagannath temple and beaches that are popular for surfing. Mid-to-luxury chain Sarovar group has a pilgrimage hotels division of its own, which currently has nine properties in places like Tirupati, Haridwar, Badrinath and Vrindavan. The latest opening was in the Buddhist pilgrim centre of Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh last year. Lords Hotel & Resorts, another chain, specialises in opening hotels and resorts near pilgrim centres. KPMG estimates that religious tourism in India will be worth $59 billion in three years. THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFESTYLE For the new-age believer, it is all par for the course. Where else can you do your prayers and aarti in a private ghat along the Ganga? asks Vikas Nagar, general manager of Pilibhit House, a luxury property managed by Taj on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. The hotel even launched a flavours of the Kumbh thali, featuring specialities from each of the four Kumbh Mela destinations (Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik & Ujjain) when it realised that many pilgrims who could not make it to Prayagraj were landing up in Haridwar as an alternative. Todays pilgrim will mix his pilgrimage with pleasure, and it is no contradiction, says Nagar. Recently a couple came to celebrate their childs birthday at the property. After doing their prayers and rituals, they booked an entire section of the hotel to have a party on a terrace overlooking the holy river. Today, you can check-in to a luxury hotel and do the temple darshan, also do some sightseeing and come back and try the local specialities or even party, said Prasad of Leisure Hotels. Or go to the Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad and the next day go for a dip in Prayagraj. It is a blended experience. Youngsters in new India carry these contradictions very lightly. I may call it a contradiction, but for them, it is natural. It could also be pretty syncretic, since what most youngsters are looking for in faith is a sort of self-help guidance. The life of Jishnu, a fitness trainer in Kerala, revolves around pumping iron and attending parties, but come Friday, he goes to pray at Vettucaud church at a coastal hamlet in Thiruvananthapuram. It doesnt matter he was born and brought up a Hindu. The quest is to learn something so that we understand life better, says Anahat Singh, sounding older than the 23 year old he is. During his free time, Singh goes trekking in Uttarakhand, where his favourite pit stops include local temples with their own backstory. Singh said his doing so never came in the way of him being a Sikh. There are a lot of people who wont do that, but there are also a lot of people who would go to any place of worship if they think they can assimilate whats good in other streams of belief, he says. Not just lifes beliefs, but a lifestyle. This lifestyle takes on anything from devotional music (T-Seriess Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most watched videos on YouTube), hanging out with like-minded devotees, reading self-help books and taking an active interest in history and mythology. There is growing interest in genres like mythology and spirituality. We have seen both non-fiction and fiction perform well in these categories, says Melee Ashwarya, publisher and senior vice president (adult publishing group) with Penguin RandomHouse India. Whatever the trappings of this surge in faith may be, ultimately it is all about inner peace. Jatin Bhardwaj, actor-turned yoga guru, exemplifies it best. He led a glamorous life as a model and jet-setting flight crew before becoming a successful soap opera star. Then, he gave it all up. I was on sets 14-15 hours a day and attended parties where I saw stars doing drugs in front of their kids, he says. I saw so many successful people, big entrepreneurs, earning so much, yet they were not happy. That is because they were not grounded. And without faith, you cannot be grounded. Surrender yourself to the divine, do good karma and be grateful. That is what matters in life. Columbia University has expelled, suspended, or revoked degrees from students who occupied Hamilton Hall last spring during pro-Palestinian protests. The universitys Judicial Board announced the sanctions Thursday, marking the latest chapter in a controversy that gripped the Ivy League institution and sparked a nationwide movement. The outcomes issued by the UJB are based on its evaluation of the severity of behaviors at these events and prior disciplinary actions, Columbia said in a message to the school community, emphasizing that the decisions followed thorough and rigorous investigative processes. The university has not disclosed the number of students impacted by the penalties, but the move underscores Columbias newfound hardline approach to the high-profile demonstrations that unfolded on its campus after the Trump administration withdrew $400 million in funding for the university. The occupation of Hamilton Hall on April 30, 2024, came after protesters defied orders to disperse. Demonstrators barricaded the building, and by nightfall, the standoff escalated into a full-scale law enforcement intervention. The NYPD raided the hall, arresting dozens of protesters in an operation that reignited debates over antisemitism, free speech, civil disobedience, and the role of law enforcement on college campuses. According to Columbias authorization letter to the NYPD, at least one individual hid inside the building until it was closed, then allowed others to enter. University officials accused the group of trespassing, vandalizing property, and threatening campus security, though they suggested that non-students were among the organizers. Two security guards inside the hall during the takeover were later released, but the university maintained that the occupation posed an unacceptable risk. While the Manhattan District Attorneys office later dropped charges against most protesters due to extremely limited video or surveillance footage inside Hamilton Hall, Columbia took a separate path. The university continued its disciplinary proceedings, ultimately delivering one of the most severe responses to campus protests in recent memory. The crackdown is part of a broader response to the wave of student demonstrations that erupted across the country amid the Israel-Hamas war. At campuses nationwide, hundreds of protesters were arrested, encampments dismantled, and university policies on free speech tested like never before. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that South Africas ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in the country. Rubio, in a post on X, accused Ebrahim Rasool of being a race-baiting politician who hates President Donald Trump and declared him persona non grata. He didnt give further reasoning. The State Department did not have additional details, and it was unclear whether the ambassador was even in the U.S. at the time the decision was made. Rubio posted as he was flying back to Washington from a Group of 7 foreign ministers in Quebec. It is highly unusual for the U.S. to expel a foreign ambassador, although lower-ranking diplomats are more frequently targeted with persona non grata status. At the height of U.S.-Russia diplomatic expulsions during the Cold War and then again over Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea, allegations of interference in the 2016 election and the Skripal poisoning case in Britain, neither Washington nor Moscow saw fit to expel the respective ambassadors. It comes after Trump signed an executive order that cut aid and assistance to the Black-led South African government. In the order, Trump said South Africas Afrikaners, who are descendants of mainly Dutch colonial settlers, were being targeted by a new law that allows the government to expropriate private land. The South African government has denied its new law is tied to race and says Trumps claims over the country and the law have been full of misinformation and distortions. Phone calls to the South African Embassy seeking comment, made at the end of the work day, were not answered. Rasool previously served as his countrys ambassador to the U.S. from 2010 to 2015 before returning this year. As a child, he and his family were evicted from a Cape Town neighborhood designated for whites. Rasool became an active anti-apartheid campaigner, serving time in prison and proudly identifying as a comrade of the countrys first post-apartheid president, Nelson Mandela. He later became a politician in Mandelas African National Congress political party. Trump said land was being expropriated from Afrikaners which the order referred to as racially disfavored landowners when no land has been taken under the law. Trump also announced a plan to offer Afrikaners refugee status in the U.S. They are only one part of South Africas white minority. The Expropriation Act was signed into law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year and allows the government to take land in specific instances where it is not being used, or where it would be in the public interest if it is redistributed. It aims to address some of the wrongs of South Africas racist apartheid era, when Black people had land taken away from them and were forced to live in areas designated for non-whites. Elon Musk, a close Trump ally and head of Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, has highlighted that law in social media posts and cast it as a threat to South Africas white minority. Musk grew up in South Africa. (AP) A group of House Republicans on Friday put forward legislation seeking to prevent Chinese students from studying in American schools, as some U.S. lawmakers are targeting China over national security concerns. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., introduced the bill that could bar Chinese nationals from receiving visas that allow foreigners to travel to the U.S. to study or participate in exchange visitor programs. Five other Republicans co-sponsored the measure. By granting Chinese nationals such visas, the U.S. has invited the Chinese Communist Party to spy on our military, steal our intellectual property, and threaten national security, Moore said in a statement. Its time we turn off the spigot and immediately ban all student visas going to Chinese nationals. The measure is unlikely to pass, and it has drawn criticism from organizations and scholars over concerns that hostile policies and rhetoric toward Chinese students could hurt U.S. interests. No policy should target individuals solely on the basis of their national origin, Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators, said in a statement. Making international students the most vetted and tracked nonimmigrants in the United States a scapegoat for xenophobic and anti-Chinese sentiment is misguided and antithetical to our national interest, Aw said. The Chinese Embassy didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment about the legislation. The Asian American Scholars Forum said such legislation would harm the talent pipeline of Asian American scientists, scholars and researchers, undermining U.S. leadership in science and innovation. Despite the bills slim chance of getting approved, Yangyang Cheng, research scholar at Yale Law Schools Paul Tsai China Center, said the bill should be seen as part of a broader effort to restrict academic freedom and hurt higher education in this country, to control what can be taught, which research projects can be pursued, and who have access to the classrooms and laboratories. In the 2023-24 school year, more than 277,000 Chinese students were studying in U.S. universities, or a quarter of the total number of international students, according to an annual report on international students from the Institute of International Education. The number of Chinese students in the U.S., however, has been declining for years. Last year, China lost its status to India as the top feeder country of international students. In 2023, Florida passed a law prohibiting state universities from hiring students from China and six other countries for graduate assistant and postdoc positions., and its been challenged in court. Several U.S. universities have ended academic partnerships with Chinese schools amid mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers over national security concerns. Reactions on Chinas social media to the new legislation were varied. Some who said they had recently received offers from American schools expressed concerns, some dismissed it as a political show, and some called it another Chinese Exclusion Act. (AP) President Donald Trump pledged to expose his enemies during a norm-breaking political speech at the Justice Department in which he aired a litany of grievances against the criminal cases he faced and vowed retribution for what he described as the lies and abuses that have occurred within these walls. The speech was meant to rally support for Trump administration policies on violent crime, drugs and illegal immigration. But it also functioned as a triumphant forum for the president to boast about having emerged legally and politically unscathed from two federal prosecutions that one year ago had threatened to torpedo his presidential prospects but were dismissed after his election win last fall. Though other presidents have spoken from the Justice Departments ceremonial Great Hall, Trumps address amounted to an extraordinary display of partisan politics and personal grievance inside a Justice Department that is meant to be blind to both. He promised to target his perceived enemies even as he claimed to be ending what he called the weaponization of the department. The speech marked the latest manifestation of Trumps unparalleled takeover of the department and came amid a brazen campaign of retribution already undertaken under his watch, including the firing of prosecutors who investigated him and the scrutiny of agents who investigated supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Our predecessors turned this Department of Justice into the Department of Injustice. But I stand before you today to declare that those days are over, and they are never going to come back and never coming back, Trump said to cheers from a crowd that included political allies. So now, as the chief law enforcement officer in our country, I will insist upon and demand full and complete accountability for the wrongs and abuses that have occurred. The visit to the Justice Department, the first by Trump and the first by any president in a decade, brought him into the belly of an institution he has disparaged in searing terms for years but one that he has sought to reshape by installing loyalists and members of his personal defense team in top leadership positions. Trumps unique status as a onetime criminal defendant indicted by the department he was now addressing hung over the speech as he vented, in profane and personal terms, about investigations as far back as the Russian election interference investigation to the more recent inquiries into his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and the hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. We will expel the rogue actors and corrupt forces from our government. We will expose, very much expose their egregious crimes and severe misconduct, Trump said in a wide-ranging speech that touched on everything from Russias war against Ukraine to the price of eggs. Its going to be legendary. And going to also be legendary for the people that are able to seek it out and bring justice. We will restore the scales of justice in America, and we will ensure that such abuses never happen again in our country. Trumps visit also comes at a time when Attorney General Pam Bondi has asserted that the department needs to be depoliticized even as critics assert agency leadership is injecting politics into the decision-making process. The relationship between presidents and Justice Department leaders has waxed and waned over the decades depending on the personalities of the officeholders and the sensitivity of the investigations that have dominated the day. The dynamic between President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and his attorney general, Merrick Garland, was known to be fraught in part because of special counsel investigations that Garland oversaw into Bidens mishandling of classified information and into the firearms and tax affairs of his son Hunter. When it comes to setting its agenda, the Justice Department historically takes a cue from the White House but looks to maintain its independence on individual criminal investigations. Trump has upended such norms. He encouraged specific investigations during his first term and tried to engineer the firing of Robert Mueller, the special counsel assigned to investigate ties between Russia and Trumps 2016 campaign. He also endured difficult relationships with his first two handpicked attorneys general Jeff Sessions was fired immediately after the 2018 midterm election, and William Barr resigned weeks after publicly disputing Trumps bogus claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Arriving for a second term in January fresh off a landmark Supreme Court opinion that reaffirmed a presidents unshakable control of the Justice Department, Trump has appeared determined to clear from his path any potential obstacles, including by appointing Bondi a former Florida attorney general who was part of Trumps defense team at his first impeachment trial and Kash Patel, another close ally, to serve as his FBI director. At her January confirmation hearing, Bondi appeared to endorse Trumps false claims of mass voter fraud in 2020 by refusing to answer directly whether Trump had lost to Biden. She also echoed his position that he had been unfairly targeted by the Justice Department despite the wealth of evidence prosecutors say they amassed. She regularly praises him in Fox News Channel appearances and proudly noted that she had removed portraits of Biden, Garland and Vice President Kamala Harris from a Justice Department wall upon arriving. We all adore Donald Trump, and we want to protect him and fight for his agenda. And the people of America overwhelmingly elected him for his agenda, Bondi said in a recent Fox interview with Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump. Even before Bondi had been confirmed, the Justice Department fired department employees who served on special counsel Jack Smiths team, which charged Trump with plotting to overturn the 2020 election and with hoarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Both cases were dismissed last November in line with longstanding Justice Department policy against indicting sitting presidents. Officials also demanded from the FBI lists of thousands of employees who worked on investigations into the Jan 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, when a mob of Trumps supporters stormed the building in an effort to halt the certification of the electoral vote, and fired prosecutors who had participated in the cases. And theyve ordered the dismissal of a criminal case against New York Mayor Eric Adams by saying the charges had handicapped the Democrats ability to partner in the Republican administrations fight against illegal immigration. (AP) President Donald Trumps administration will pay El Salvador $6 million to imprison for one year about 300 alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, in one of the first instances of the Central American country taking migrants from the United States. The agreement follows discussions between El Salvadors President, Nayib Bukele, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio about housing migrants in El Salvadors notorious prison. Bukeles government has arrested more than 84,000 people, sometimes without due process, since 2022 as part of his crackdown on gang violence in the small country. Memos detailing the transfer did not disclose how the Trump administration identified the roughly 300 people as members of Tren de Aragua, a gang Trump repeatedly highlighted in the campaign and declared to be a terrorist organization. The Republic of El Salvador confirms it will house these individuals for one (1) year, pending the United States decision on their long term disposition, wrote El Salvadors ministry of foreign affairs in a memo obtained by the Associated Press. The Central American nation and Trump administration last month struck a deal to house migrants detained in the United States. The Trump administration contended that El Salvador could even house American citizens, though the U.S. cannot deport citizens to another country. Rubio and Bukele discussed the specifics of the new transfer, which include a cost of about $20,000 to house each prisoner for the year. A State Department document also suggests that it may set aside $15 million to send to El Salvador to house additional members of the gang. The Salvadoran memo also confirmed the country would take two men it said were members of the MS-13 gang, an organization that was initially comprised of Salvadoran migrants to the U.S. and had gained an increasing foothold in El Salvador prior to Bukeles crackdown. One man, Cesar Eliseo Sorto Amaya, was convicted of double homicide in El Salvador before he was caught illegally entering the United States, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The other was charged under President Joe Bidens administration with being a high-ranking leader of the MS-13 gang. Bukeles government did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. The Tren de Aragua gang originated in a prison in the South American country and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade. Trump and his allies have turned the gang into the face of the alleged threat posed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and formally designated it a foreign terrorist organization last month. Authorities in several countries have reported arrests of Tren de Aragua members, even as Venezuelas government claims to have eliminated the criminal organization. The government of President Nicolas Maduro has not taken back immigrants deported from the U.S., except on a few occasions. Over the past few weeks, about 350 people were deported to Venezuela, including some 180 who spent up to 16 days at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Trumps government has alleged Venezuelans sent to the naval base are Tren de Aragua members, but it has offered little evidence to back that up. On Saturday, the governments centralized press office in Caracas did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the agreement between the U.S. and Salvadoran governments. (AP) U.S. health officials are tracking a rise in injuries tied to the misuse of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, including some brands that are sold in small canisters containing flavors like blueberry, strawberry and watermelon. The Food and Drug Administration on Friday warned consumers that inhaling the gas for its euphoric effects can cause dangerously low blood pressure, leading to loss of consciousness and injuries. The agency flagged a number products sold in colorful packaging at gas stations, vape shops and online including Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas and MassGass. Nitrous gas is traditionally used as a sedative for patients in dental offices and hospitals. Its also found in pressurized cans of whipped cream. But teens and adults have long misused those products to get high. The gas can briefly disrupt oxygen flow to the brain. Companies selling the products cited by regulators advertise them for culinary use only and often include disclaimers on their websites warning against inhaling. But videos of young people using the products recreationally have circulated on social media platforms for years. The FDA said it has seen an increase in reports of adverse events with nitrous products. And poison control centers have also reported emergency calls from people who had to be rushed to the hospital after collapsing while misusing the products. There are no federal limits on who can purchase nitrous oxide, although some states have passed minimum age requirements. The FDA regulates the gas as a medical product when used by doctors and dentists, although its unclear how much oversight it would have of products marketed for culinary use. (AP) The fall of Syrian President Bashar Assads government has aggravated already tense relations between Turkey and Israel, with their conflicting interests in Syria pushing the relationship toward a possible collision course. Turkey, which long backed groups opposed to Assad, has emerged as a key player in Syria and is advocating for a stable and united Syria, in which a central government maintains authority over the whole country. It welcomed a breakthrough agreement that Syrias new interim government signed this week with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, to integrate with the Syrian government and army. Israel, on the other hand, remains deeply suspicious of Syrias interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, pointing to his roots in al-Qaida. Its also wary of Turkeys influence over Damascus and appears to want to see Syria remain fragmented after the country under Assad was turned into a staging ground for its archenemy, Iran, and Tehrans proxies. Syria has become a theater for proxy warfare between Turkey and Israel, which clearly see each other as regional competitors, said Asli Aydintasbas, of the Washington-based Brookings Institute. This is a very dangerous dynamic because in all different aspects of Syrias transition, there is a clash of Turkish and Israeli positions. Following Assads fall, Israel seized territory in southern Syria, which Israeli officials said was aimed at keeping hostile groups away from its border. The new Syrian government and the United Nations have said Israels incursions violate a 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two countries and have called for Israel to withdraw. Israel has also conducted airstrikes targeting military assets left behind by Assads forces and has expressed plans to maintain a long-term presence in the region. Analysts say Israel is concerned over the possibility of Turkey expanding its military presence inside Syria. Since 2016, Turkey has launched operations in northern Syria to push back Syrian Kurdish militias linked to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, and maintains influence in the north of the country through military bases and alliances with groups that opposed Assad. Turkish defense officials have said Turkey and Syria are now cooperating to strengthen the countrys defense and security, and that a military delegation will visit Syria next week. Nimrod Goren, president of the Mitvim Institute, an Israeli foreign policy think tank, said that unlike Turkey, which supports a strong, centralized and stable Syria, Israel at the moment appears to prefer Syria fragmented, with the belief that could better bolster Israels security. He said Israel is concerned about al-Sharaa and his Islamist ties, and fears that his consolidated strength could pose what Israel has called a jihadist threat along its northern border. Israeli officials say they will not tolerate a Syrian military presence south of Damascus and have threatened to invade a Damascus suburb in defense of members of the Druze minority sect, who live in both Israel and Syria, after short-lived clashes broke out between the new Syrian security forces and Druze armed factions. The distance from Damascus to the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights is about 60 kilometers (37 miles.) Turkey and Israel once were close allies, but the relationship has been marked by deep tensions under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans more than two-decade rule, despite brief periods of reconciliation. Erdogan is an outspoken critic of Israels policies toward the Palestinians, while Israel has been angered by Erdogans support for Hamas. Following the war in Gaza, Turkey strongly denounced Israels military actions, announced it was cutting trade ties with Israel, and joined a genocide case South Africa brought against Israel at the U.N. International Court of Justice. Aydintasbas said Turkish authorities are now increasingly concerned that Israel is supportive of autonomy demands from Kurds, the Druze and Alawites. Erdogan issued a thinly veiled threat against Israel last week, saying: Those who seek to provoke ethnic and religious (divisions) in Syria to exploit instability in the country should know that they will not be able to achieve their goals. Last week, factions allied with the new Syrian government allegedly including some backed by Turkey launched revenge attacks on members of Assads Alawite minority sect after pro-Assad groups attacked government security forces on Syrias coast. Monitoring groups said hundreds of civilians were killed. Erdogan strongly condemned the violence and suggested the attacks were aimed at Syrias territorial integrity and social stability. Israels deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, said the deadly sectarian violence amounted to ethnic cleansing by Islamist groups led by a jihadist Islamist terror group that took Damascus by force and was supported by Turkey. Israel, Haskel added, was working to prevent a threat along its border from Syrias new jihadist regime. Israels involvement in Syria is deepening, with the country pledging protection and economic aid to the Druze community in southern Syria at a time of heightened sectarian tensions. The Druze, a small religious sect, are caught between Syrias new Islamist-led government in Damascus and Israel, which many Syrians view as a hostile neighbor leveraging the Druzes plight to justify its intervention in the region. Israel says it sent food aid trucks to the Druze in southern Syria and is allowing some Syrian Druze to cross into the Israeli-controlled part of the Golan Heights to work. Al-Sharaa was somewhat conciliatory toward Israel in his early statements, saying that he didnt seek a conflict. But his language has become stronger. In a speech at a recent Arab League emergency meeting in Cairo, he said that Israels aggressive expansion is not only a violation of Syrian sovereignty, but a direct threat to security and peace in the entire region. The Brookings Institutes Aydintasbas said the escalating tensions are cause for serious concern. Before we used to have Israel and Turkey occasionally engage in spats, but be able to decouple their security relationship from everything else, Aydintasbas said. But right now, they are actively trying to undermine each other. The question is, do these countries know each others red lines? A report from the Institute for National Security Studies, a think tank led by a former Israeli military intelligence chief, suggested that Israel could benefit from engaging with Turkey, the one regional power with considerable influence over Syrias leadership, to reduce the risk of military conflict between Israel and Syria. (AP) The IDF on Sunday identified six Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives it eliminated in northern Gazas Beit Lahiya a day earlier, including a Hamas terrorist who participated in the October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel. According to the IDF, two of the operatives were using a drone for attacks on Israeli forces when they were targeted in an initial strike. When a second group arrived to recover the drone equipment, the IDF carried out another precision strike, eliminating additional operatives. In a statement, the IDF revealed that some of the killed terrorists were operating under the guise of journalists, exploiting humanitarian protections to shield their terror activities. The IDF named the six neutralized terrorists, confirming their direct ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Mustafa Mohammed Shaaban Hamed A Hamas terrorist who infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre. Mahmoud Yahya Rashdi as-Saraj A member of Hamass engineering forces involved in weapons manufacturing. Bilal Mahmood Fuad Abu Matar A Hamas operative who used the cover of a photographer to aid terror operations. Mahmoud Imad Hassan Isleem A Hamas Zeitoun Battalion member, masquerading as a journalist. Suheib Bassem Khaled Najar A Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative recently freed in the hostage-ceasefire deal. Mohammed Alaa Suhbi al-Jafir A Hamas operative involved in logistical operations. Palestinian sources claim that nine people were killed, including journalists and humanitarian workers. The Al-Khair Foundation, an organization with alleged ties to Hamas, reported that eight of its workers were killed, denying Israeli allegations of terror affiliations. The IDF, however, has identified Al-Khair as a front for Hamas, facilitating financial and logistical support to terror groups under the guise of humanitarian aid. Israeli intelligence has previously linked Al-Khair to a senior Hamas official operating within the organization. In a separate operation, Israel struck two Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon on Sunday. The IDF confirmed that the two terrorists were conducting surveillance on the border and had been involved in planning attacks on Israel from the Yater and Mays al-Jabal region. These terrorists actions violated the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF said, emphasizing that it remains committed to targeting terror operatives who threaten Israel, regardless of ceasefire agreements. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a high-stakes counterterror operation, Israeli security forces thwarted a planned shooting attack in Jerusalems Old City during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Shin Bet (Israels Security Agency) and Israel Police announced Sunday that they had arrested 24-year-old Uday Mobarsham, an Arab Israeli from the village of Makr, who had purchased a homemade rifle and begun training for an attack targeting Israeli police officers and Jewish civilians near the Damascus Gate. Mobarsham, who had been undergoing religious radicalization, was captured in February, just before planning to execute his deadly plan. According to an indictment filed by the Haifa District Attorneys Office, Mobarsham had undergone a religious revival in 2022, immersing himself in Salafist extremism and consuming Hamas and ISIS propaganda. Following Hamass October 7 massacre in Israel, he became increasingly determined to carry out his own terror attack, prosecutors revealed. In February 2024, just weeks before his arrest, Mobarsham chillingly wrote to a friend: Ramadan is coming, brother. The war is at the door. Mobarshams plan was as straightforward as it was deadly: launch a shooting attack near Shaar Shechem, a hotspot for Palestinian terror activity, during the sensitive month of Ramadana time when tensions in Jerusalem historically reach their peak. To prepare, he acquired a homemade rifle and began training, all while attempting to recruit accomplices for his attack. In a desperate effort to hide evidence, Mobarsham passed his rifle to his brother, Adham, instructing him to conceal it far from their home. But Israeli security forces were one step aheadtracking the handoff, locating the weapon, and arresting Adham as well. Prosecutors have since charged Adham with illegal weapons possession, while police are investigating other individuals Mobarsham attempted to recruit. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Despite Israels repeated endorsements of the Witkoff proposal for a potential hostage deal, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus aides remain skeptical that Hamas will ever agree to the terms, a senior Israeli official told The Times of Israel. Its not going to happen, the official stated bluntly. Everyone is well aware of this. The proposal, presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Doha last week, calls for Hamas to release half of the living hostages at the start of an extended ceasefire, which would last until mid-April, coinciding with the end of Passover. The remaining hostages would potentially be freed at the conclusion of this period. While Israel continues to press for Hamas to accept the deal, officials acknowledge that the insistence is largely a negotiating tactic. The goal is to get more than just American hostages out because thats not acceptable in Israel, the official explained, underscoring that Jerusalem is determined to secure the release of all hostages, not just those with US citizenship. On Friday, Hamas countered with an offer to release Edan Alexander, the last known Israeli-American hostage, while returning the bodies of four others with dual Israeli-US citizenshipItay Chen, Omer Neutra, Gadi Haggai, and Judy Weinsteinin exchange for extending the truce and freeing additional Palestinian prisoners. Both Israel and the United States swiftly rejected the Hamas proposal, with Witkoff suggesting it was not made in good faith. Israeli officials have made it clear that if Hamas refuses to release non-US hostages, the ceasefire will not hold indefinitely. There are war plans crafted, the Israeli official warned. There wont be an endless amount of timeseveral weeks at the very most. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) There are many criticisms you can level at the investment industry, keepers of our pension funds and stocks and shares Individual Savings Accounts. For starters, high charges and poor performance. Also, complex share classes that often make investing a nightmare and of course a lack of communication with investors, without whom they would have no business. Memo to investment bosses: a bit of TLC tender loving care given to customers goes a long way. But the one bit of mud you cannot fling at them is a lack of investor choice. There are funds galore literally, thousands of them meeting all investment tastes and coming in many forms. There are unit trusts and open-ended investment companies a 'modern' unit trust often referred to as an OEIC. Also, stock market listed investment trusts (many of which have been around since the year dot) and passive exchange-traded funds (also listed) which track the performance of specific stock market indices such as the FTSE 100 in the UK and the S&P 500 in President Trump's United States. Yet the investment industry believes we need more choice (really?). Enter a new investment vehicle, the active as opposed to the passive exchange-traded fund or to give it its sexier (shorter) label: the active ETF. A vehicle designed to add a little bit of extra return so called 'alpha' above that available from the market. Investment houses are falling over themselves to launch these new kids on the block in the UK. Companies such as BlackRock, Fidelity International, Invesco and JPMorgan (all US giants) have already launched a barrowful. Others such as Aberdeen (no, not abrdn), Jupiter and Schroders are tentatively dipping or about to dip their toes into the water. Already popular in the United States, active ETFs are gaining traction in Europe and the UK, especially among big institutional investors. Research conducted late last year by Fidelity showed nearly a third of professional investors in Europe are looking to increase their use of active ETFs this year and next more than any other type of investment vehicle. So will these new investment funds add fizz to your portfolio? Or is the flurry of new launches more about investment groups not wishing to miss out on a potential gravy train? ETF or an active ETF So what's the difference? AN ETF is an investment fund, typically comprising a portfolio of shares or bonds (sometimes both). In the UK, their shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Until recently, most ETFs focused on replicating the performance of a targeted stock market index. These 'passive' ETFs proved hugely popular with investors as a result of rock-bottom charges, investment predictability (they track a specific market, albeit slightly underperforming it after charges) and the ease with which they can be bought and sold. In essence, they are shares. To highlight this low-cost appeal, let's look at a Vanguard ETF FTSE Developed Europe ex-UK. As its name implies, it tracks the performance of the FTSE Developed Europe ex-UK Index. Interactive Investor includes it among its top 60 'super' funds. It says the combined impact of the fund's annual charges (0.12 per cent) and its own dealing fee (0.04 per cent) would shave 16.66 off a one-year investment gain of five per cent on an initial 10,000 investment. So, 10,483.34 instead of 10,500. By way of contrast, an identical investment in OEIC Janus Henderson European Selected Opportunities would be denuded by charges of 106.09. This is primarily a result of the fund's higher ongoing charges (1.03 per cent) owing to it being actively rather than passively managed. In other words, run by a living, breathing person rather than a computer. Yet while Vanguard's ETF is cheap as chips, it has actually underperformed the Janus fund over the past three and five years. In other words, Janus's active management has reaped better long-term rewards for investors. An active ETF is designed to offer investors the best of both worlds the low charges associated with ETFs and the added value that active management can (not will) bring to the party. So a potential win-win. Roxane Philibert, ETF associate director at Fidelity, says: 'Active ETFs can play a pivotal role in retail portfolios by combining the advantages of their structure easy to trade and cost efficient with the expertise of global research and top investment managers.' How active ETFs deliver added return varies. But, by way of example, Fidelity offers three versions of its active ETFs: 'enhanced core', which aim to provide investors with a return slightly higher than from a specific stock market index; 'directional active', which look to make money from identifying shifts in market trends; and 'high conviction', where the managers take big positions in stocks they like in the hope of generating that magical thing called 'alpha'. Financial advisers are waking up to the potential of active ETFs. Dan Caps, investment manager at wealth manager Evelyn Partners, says it has started to include the funds in clients' portfolios, particularly the 'enhanced' versions which the likes of Fidelity and JPMorgan are offering. He adds: 'They tend to be competitively priced with fees somewhere between a traditional actively managed fund and an index-tracking fund while offering the potential for a small amount of [market] outperformance.' Average annual fees are around the 0.4 per cent mark higher than most passive ETFs but lower than nearly all actively managed investment funds and trusts. Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at investing platform AJ Bell, is more sceptical. 'Yes, you don't get the same egregious drag on performance from charges that you do with an actively managed unit trust,' he says, 'but they are more expensive than index-tracking funds. So they will need to sing for their supper in terms of delivering outperformance.' It's a view shared by Kenneth Lamont, research analyst at fund scrutineer Morningstar. He describes active ETFs as 'old wine dressed in new bottles' in other words, they do what actively managed funds have always done, but in a different wrapper. He says: 'These funds have thrived in the US because they are treated kindly from a tax point of view. But here, the current push is more about UK investment companies the likes of Aberdeen, Jupiter and Schroders not wanting to miss out on the next big thing imported from the United States.' His conclusion: 'The advantages for investors are marginal lower cost than most existing active funds but still more expensive than passive ETFs.' Mine? In an industry where investors are relentlessly encouraged to diversify, they're worth looking at. All platforms allow you to buy active ETFs. A selection can be found at ajbell.co.uk/market-research/screener/etf On the surface, Law Debenture Corporation is one of the country's quirkiest investment trusts with a professional services business sitting alongside an equity portfolio run by asset manager Janus Henderson. Yet shareholders aren't complaining quirky is working for them. A few days ago, the 1.2 billion stock market-listed fund posted its results for the 2024 financial year, and at a time when global stock markets are adjusting to life under President Trump they made for rather pleasant reading. In the 12 months to the end of December, the trust registered total investor returns of 15.9 per cent well ahead of the 9.5 per cent returns from its benchmark, the FTSE All-Share Index. Indeed, it also reported that it had beaten the index over the past three, five and ten years in the case of the past decade, rather convincingly (147.5 per cent versus 81.9 per cent). The icing on the cake as far as shareholders are concerned is a proposed dividend increase for 2024 of 4.7 per cent, meaning a final quarterly dividend of 9.5p a share (payable next month) and an annual income payment totalling 33.5p a share. To put this into perspective, the shares currently trade at around 8.90, resulting in an annual dividend equivalent to about 3.8 per cent. It will be the 16th consecutive year that the trust has grown its dividend payments. If all goes to plan, the first three quarterly dividend payments for 2025 will be set at 8.375p. Although the equity portfolio, primarily invested in UK stocks, has provided a big chunk of this dividend stream, the trust's 100 per cent ownership of Independent Professional Services (IPS) has also chipped in, delivering a rich and dependable source of income. IPS is an unquoted business which offers a menu of company-focused services, ranging from corporate secretarial support to whistleblowing. Last year its revenues increased by six per cent, although pre-tax profits dipped slightly to 15 million. In terms of the trust's overall assets, it accounts for about 19 per cent with the rest managed by stock pickers Laura Foll and James Henderson. Denis Jackson, the trust's chief executive, says IPS is an important asset diversifier. 'Like Laura and James, who run a portfolio of equities for Law Debenture, IPS is a portfolio of businesses,' he adds. 'Each year some will do better than others, but overall IPS keeps revenues and profits ticking along.' Foll and Henderson run a portfolio of 150 stocks with the emphasis all the time on mitigating absolute risk (avoiding losses) rather than focusing on relative risk (how it compares against a benchmark index). 'We like to run long portfolio lists,' says Henderson. 'We often buy companies early and then build our position as we get more confident in their businesses. Over time, the portfolio's tail does add real shareholder value.' Given the current turmoil in global equity markets, especially in the United States, Henderson says the trust is 'an important diversifier that over time should provide shareholders with growth in both income and capital gain'. He adds: 'There was a time when I thought that Law Debenture was a one-stop shop for investors. But in a world where technology is all important, I'm not so sure. 'Investors should hold both technology funds the likes of Scottish Mortgage and steadier trusts such as Law Debenture, but then not flip-flop between the two.' The trust's overall charges are reasonable at 0.51 per cent. Its stock market ticker is LWDB and identification code 3142921. Bollywood film group Eros has reneged on a deal with UK investors. It failed to pay money owed when it fell due on Monday, as we warned in The Mail on Sunday last week. The cash up to 3.75 million was part of a complex plan to repay investors who bought a 50 million bond issued by Eros in 2014. The money has yet to appear, enraging bondholders and fuelling an angry letter from the bond trustee, Truva. Truva intends to call a meeting with Eros to determine next steps, adding Eros had issued significant announcements without informing the trustee, as it should have done. Thousands of UK savers bought bonds in 2014, drawing comfort from the London Stock Exchange listing and Eros's reputation as a Bollywood titan. But Eros has failed to make interest payments when they fell due and tried to restructure the bond issue so repayments could be reduced and delayed. Facing the music: A scene from Ram-Leela, one of Eros's releases Under the latest deal, agreed last summer, investors would receive an initial payment on Monday, with more cash coming from the sale of shares in video streaming group, Xfinite, controlled by Eros founder Kishore Lulla and his wife, Manjula. Eros said: 'We recognise the patience and trust bondholders and creditors have shown, and share their frustration at any delay.' Plans are advancing to form a new 3 billion British TV production powerhouse between ITV and All3Media. The hope is to create a new company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange. A deal is still far from certain, but if it did come off it would be a major boost for the UK stock market and for the creative industries in this country. Carolyn McCall, the chief executive of ITV, has been in discussions for some time with the owners of All3, the Emirati-backed fund RedBird IMI, led by former CNN boss Jeff Zucker. The UK broadcaster two years ago looked at buying All3, which is based in London and is the maker of hit series including Gogglebox, Call The Midwife and The Traitors, starring Claudia Winkleman. Those talks are understood to have progressed to a very detailed level. McCall saw All3 as a good fit with her ITV Studios business, but was outbid by RedBird IMI, which tabled an offer of 1.15 billion. Suspense: Hit series Traitors, starring Claudia Winkleman, Is produced by London-based All3Media If a deal goes through this time, the idea is to hive off ITV Studios, which produced hit real life drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. The division would be merged with All3 to create a new company whose shares would be listed in the City. The ITV broadcast and streaming business would retain its own separate share quote. Listing the new creative company on the stock exchange in London would be a huge fillip for the Square Mile, which in recent years has seen a number of companies defect to the US and elsewhere. McCall is passionate about the need for vibrant UK capital markets. It is understood she views a London listing as a top priority in any deal. ITV Studios produces hit shows such as Love Island and The Voice. Most of ITV's revenues now come from ITV Studios and from streaming. ITV Studios' profit rose 5 per cent to a record 299 million last year. But fans of McCall believe her successful pivot of the business is not reflected in its share price, which has been hit by a slowdown in linear advertising and weak confidence in the UK economy (see chart above). She has been under pressure for some time to unlock value by hiving off ITV Studios. If a deal does happen, it would create one of the largest production operations in Europe. All3 revenues were 995 million in 2023, on which it made a 107 million profit. RedBird Capital Partners, the private equity outfit that runs RedBird IMI, is best known in this country for its failed attempt to take over the Telegraph newspaper group. All3Media was set up in 2003 and was taken over by private equity group Permira in 2006. Eight years later, it was sold to Warner Bros Discovery and Liberty Global, the biggest shareholder in ITV, before being sold again to RedBird IMI. James Daunt, the boss of Waterstones, this weekend said the London stock exchange is an attractive market for retail businesses, raising hopes the bookseller will stage a float in the City. Daunt, who also runs US bookshop Barnes & Noble, told The Mail on Sunday that the Square Mile would be a good home for Waterstones, though he conceded the US market had the edge for tech firms. Daunt, who splits his time between London and New York, noted the resurgence of Marks & Spencer, and Next's consistent performance on London's stock exchange. He said: 'Waterstones is a solid, predictable retailer with steady growth and dividend payouts. Our business is like Next. We are moderate and predictable.' Staying afloat: Waterstones has been owned by private equity firm Elliott since 2018 The chain has been owned by private equity firm Elliott since 2018, but he said: 'At some point in the near future it will look to cash in its chips.' The London stock market has been hollowed out in recent years. Royal Mail is set to fall into the hands of Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, while private equity giant Bain Capital has been circling defence firm Chemring. Daunt's comments will come as a relief to London Stock Exchange boss Julia Hoggett, who has been driving changes in a bid to stop the exodus. Senior European politicians, military figures and financiers have signed a joint letter supporting the launch of a 100bn Defence Security & Resilience (DSR) bank for rearmament in the UK and the Continent. The European Parliament also endorsed a white paper last week which urged members to back such an institution. One proposal for a multi-lateral lender has been lodged by former Nato official and British Army officer Rob Murray. It has been backed in a letter signed by influential supporters led by Lord [Stuart] Peach, Air Chief Marshal, former Chief of Defence Staff and chairman of Nato's Military Committee. Statement of intent: A letter signed by influential supporters said Democratic allies faced their most acute security challenges since the end of the Cold War Other signatories include former US Republican Senator Richard Burr and General Rick Hillier, the former chief of the defence staff of Canada. The letter makes clear that 'democratic allies face their most acute security challenges since the end of the Cold War'. Murray's plans for the DSR include lending countries money for defence at low rates over extended periods. A drone delivering "a large quantity of contraband" was intercepted while making a delivery to an Irish prison on Saturday. In a post on social media, the Irish Prison Service shared photos of the bust with a drone and a haul of drugs and mobile phones pictured. Earlier today staff at Wheatfield Prison intercepted a drone delivery into the prison that resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of contraband," the post began. The Irish Prison Service continues to have high level engagement and the sharing of intelligence with An Garda Siochana on a regular basis which is resulting in the seizure of contraband, arrests and significant disruption to organised crime involved in smuggling contraband into Irish Prisons. An Garda Siochana continues to support the Irish Prison Service operationally with ongoing operations in each relevant Garda Division, including Operation Throwover which is supporting the Irish Prison Service at Prisons nationwide. Operations such as Operation Throwover are intended to disrupt, interdict and prosecute attempts to introduce contraband into prisons. Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our Canine Unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons." Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items into prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence to the confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) or text line (086 180 2449). READ MORE | UPDATE: Separate searches for missing teenage girls stood down as gardai issue updates A recent column from Kansas City, Kansas Archbishop Naumann answers longstanding questions about his leadership in a failed abortion vote. Our blog has long argued that the election blowout was the result of hubris, a failure to connect with voters at the grassroots level, a fundamental lack of coalition building between conservative factions and maybe even misunderstanding wishful thinking regarding the results of early polling numbers. However, in a written statement that's far more important . . . The Archbishop offers his perspective which lays responsibility at the hands of the NextGen . . . Or, more accurately, at evil forces influencing their voting decisions. Apropos for Sunday . . . Here's the word . . . "After the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade, which returned to state Legislatures the authority to determine public policy regarding abortion, the pro-life community was celebrative. We have experienced since that time, though, many disappointments with the outcome of state referendums, beginning with our state of Kansas. "Part of the reason that we lost in Kansas, and I think this is true in other places, is that there was a great outpouring of new young voters who voted for legal abortion. This amendment did not pass particularly because of the young people, and I can understand that in many ways. They have grown up in a culture where they have never known anything but legalized abortion, a culture of death. They have grown up in a culture where they have seen so much infidelity in love. They have grown up in a culture where my generation has failed to protect them from a pornography industry that targets children and young people to addict them to this phony and false kind of love." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . The Leaven: We transform the culture by being wounds of love for the world Welcome Guest! You are here: Home AISSEE 2025 Admit Card - When and How to Download The National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of Sainik School Society, is set to release on its website exams.nta.ac.in the Admit Card and Hall Ticket of the candidates who have registered for the All India Sainik School Entrance Exam 2025-26 (AISSEE 2025) Sunday March 16, 2025 6:20 PM , ummid.com News Network [Image for representation] Sainik School Entrance Examination 2025-26: The National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of Sainik School Society, is set to release on its website exams.nta.ac.in the Admit Card and Hall Ticket of the candidates who have registered for the All India Sainik School Entrance Exam 2025-26 (AISSEE 2025). As per the Sainik School entrance exam schedule, the AISSEE 2025 will be held on Sunday April 05, 2025 in pen and paper mode across India. The NTA has not confirmed any exact date to release the admit card. However, as per the AISSEE Information Bulletin, the NTA should release the admit card of the registered candidate 1-2 weeks before the exam. AISSEE 2025 Advance Intimation Slip The NTA has however released AISSEE 2025 advance intimation slip that gives information about the allotment of the exam city. Candidates should check the AISSEE website to know their exam city location by downloading advance intimation slip. They should also note that advance intimation slip is not admit card. After the release of advance intimation slip the next step is the publication of admit card. Accordingly, all registered candidates should note that the AISSEE 2025 Admit Cards can be released any moment. Once released and live on the official website, AISSEE admit card can be downloaded and printed through candidate login. Steps to download AISSEE Admit Card 2025 Click here to go to official website: exams.nta.ac.in/aissee. Click on the link marked as "Download Admit Card - AISSEE 2025" under Latest News Sectiom of the Home Page. Enter Application Form Number, Date of Birth and Security Pin. Click on Submit button to proceed and download your admit card (hall ticket). Candidates should note that Admit card is not transferable to any other person. "Impersonation is a legally punishable offence", the NTA said. "No candidate will be allowed to appear at the examination centre, on Date and Timing other than that allotted to him/her in his/her Admit card", the NTA said. Key Points to Remember The Admit Card is issued provisionally to the candidates, subject to the fulfilment of the eligibility conditions. Admit Card will not be sent by post. Candidate must not mutilate the Admit Card or change any entry madetherein. Issue of Admit Card, however, shall not necessarily mean acceptance of eligibility which shall be further scrutinized at subsequent stages of admission process. Candidates are advised to preserve a copy of their Admit Card in good condition for futurereference. AISEE 2025 Eligibility Eligibility for admission to Class 6: Candidate should be between 10 and 12 years as on 31.03.2025. Admission for Girls is open in Class 6 only in all Sainik Schools. Eligibility for admission to Class 9: Candidate should be between 13 and 15 years as on 31.03.2025 and should have passed Class 8, from a recognised school, at the time of admission. Exam fee: Rs 500/- for SC/ST and Rs 650/- for all others Scheme/duration/medium/syllabus of examination, list of Sainik Schools and their tentative intake, reservation of seats, exam cities, merit list and result declaration dates, passing requirements, important dates, etc., relating to the exam are contained in the Information Bulletin hosted on the official website. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Bihar 10th Result 2025: When and How to Check Wait for close to 16 lakh students, who appeared in the Bihar Board 10th Matric Exam 2025 and now waiting for their result, is nearing to end Sunday March 16, 2025 12:20 PM , ummid.com News Network BSEB Bihar Matric Result 2025: Wait for close to 16 lakh students, who appeared in the Bihar Board 10th Matric Exam 2025 and now waiting for their result, is nearing to end. The Matric or Class 10 Exam 2025 was conducted by the Bihar Board of Secondary Education (BSEB) from February 17 to 25, 2025. The board released the Answer Key of the 10th exam on March 06 and asked the candidates to raise objections, if any, till March 10, 2025. BSEB Bihar 10th Result 2025 Date Bihar board declares the Class 10 result after analyzing the objections raised by the candidates, if any, on the official answer key. As the last date to raise objections was March 10, 2025, the board will now analyze the objections raised by the candidate and prepare the final answer key. The Class Xth result will then be prepared based on the final answer keys. The board has not officially confirmed any exact date and time to declare the BSEB 10th result 2025. However, as the last date to raise objections was March 10, 2025, the result can now be declared any moment. Bihar 10th Toppers List 2025 After conducting the matric board exams, the Bihar board distributes answer sheets of the students with model answers to different school and college staff for assessment. After assessment of the answer sheets and rechecking, temporary merit list is prepared. The toppers are then called for personal interview. The interview of class 10 toppers is conducted by the Bihar board to reassess their academic excellence. Bihar board started conducting the interview of toppers few years back following the controversies and scams surrounding the Class 10 Merit List. The board conducts toppers interview 2-3 days before declaring the result. Accordingly, it should call the toppers for interview in the next few days. Bihar Board Result History The Bihar board has a history of declaring Classes 10 and 12 results in record time. Last year (2024), BSEB 10th Matric exam was held from Feb 15 to 23, 2024 and the result was announced on March 31, 2024 . The Matric or Class 10 Secondary Exam 2025 was conducted by the Bihar board from February 17 to 25, 2025. And, since the last date of raising objection was March 10, 2025, the board can declare the 10th Inter 2025 result any time. Media reports said that evaluation of answer sheets of 15,85,868 students - including 8,18,122 females and 7,67,746 males, who appeared for the 2025 Class 10 board exam in Bihar, have been completed and the board is now finalising the result and merit list. Multiple media reports citing unnamed board sources are claiming that the BSEB 10th Result 2025 can be declared any time March 31, 2025. Once declared, the result will be available on the official website "biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in". Steps to Check BSEB Class 10 Result 2025 Go to the result website: biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in . . Click on the link "BSEB Class 10th Result 2025" Enter your roll number Click on "Get Results" Take a printout Candidates should note that along with board official websites - onlinebseb.in, biharboardonline.com, biharboard.ac.in and bsebinteredu.in, the Bihar board exam results are also declared on bihar.indiaresults.com - board's partner website to host results. The BSEB Bihar Class 10 result can also be checked via SMS and using Mobile App. Meanwhile, the Bihar Board is also in the final stage of announcing the BSEB 12th Intermediate result held in February 2025. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home In Pictures: Ramadan Market in Madinah al Munawwarah Muslims in The Holy City get a chance to witness the glimpses of rich Islamic culture, crafts and local products when they visit the Madinah Ramadan Markets. Sunday March 16, 2025 11:35 PM , ummid.com News Network Madinah al Munawwarah: Spending Ramadan in Madinah al Munawwarah, The City of Prophet, and offering prayers at Masjid Nabawi, is a dream for every Muslim men, women and even children. The City of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) besides its religion significance is also a hub of ancient Islamic culture and heritage. While in the Holy City, Muslims make it a point to visit sites of religious significance Jannat al-Baqi, the oldest and first Islamic cemetery of Medina, Mount Uhud, Masjid Quba etc. Along with this, Muslims in The Holy City also get a chance to witness the glimpses of rich Islamic culture, crafts and local products when they visit the Madinah Ramadan Markets. Madinah Ramadan Market Ramadan markets in Madinah serve as a unique destination and an annual gathering that blends economic and social aspects, providing an economic outlet for families working in the cottage industry. Among them is Madinah's first-of-its-kind Ramadan Market, which is nestled along Al-Uyun Road with a breathtaking view of Mount Uhud. This market also offers a unique cultural and commercial experience, supporting local farmers, artisans, and families working in the cottage industry by showcasing their handicrafts, agricultural products, and traditional Ramadan goods. Supervised by the Madinah Municipality, the market provides everything needed for the holy month, from traditional Ramadan foods and drinks to Eid gifts and supplies. Visitors can immerse themselves in the distinctive Ramadan atmosphere while celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage. Al-Ahyaa Center Ramadan Night Markets The Ramadan Nights Markets, organized by the Al-Ahyaa Centers Association in partnership with the Madinah Municipality, aim to support local entrepreneurs and offer a suitable space to showcase their unique Ramadan-themed products. The markets support more than 35 families by providing 35 retail outlets. The showcased projects include traditional and Ramadan foods, handicrafts, cosmetics, perfumes, and incense, all in compliance with municipal and health regulations. The markets also feature live performances and various events designed to engage visitors and market-goers. (With inputs from Saudi Press Agency (SPA)] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Kiren Rijiju, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta spotted at two Iftar Parties In a move seen with surprise by many, Union Minority Minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other BJP leaders attended two consecutive Iftar Parties organized at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi Monday March 17, 2025 0:30 AM , ummid.com News Network New Delhi: In a move seen with surprise by many, Union Minority Minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other BJP leaders attended two consecutive Iftar Parties organized at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi. Kiren Rijiju and Rekha Gupta were spotted extending Ramadan Greetings at the two consecutive Dawat-e-Iftar parties organized on Saturday March 15 and Sunday March 16, 2025 along with other BJP leaders at the India Islamic Cultural Centre. Saturdays Dawat e Iftar was organized by Delhi Haj Committee Chairperson Kausar Jahan. Besides Kiren Rijiju and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta other BJP leaders who attended the Dawat e Iftar were Parvesh Verma, Shahnawaz Hussain, Zafar Islam and others. Dawat-e-Iftar, which was organised by Delhi Haj Committee Chairperson @Kausarjahan213, Kiren Rijiju wrote while sharing a video of the Iftar Party. On the other hand, while speaking to reports after attending the Iftar Party, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta talked about harmony and peace. India should move forward with social harmony... India is the largest democracy, and we all should move forward with peace and social harmony, she said. The second Dawat e Iftar was organized by Delhi BJP Minority Morcha President Anish Abbasi at the same venue on Sunday March 16, 2025. Kiren Rijiju shared the photos of the Iftar Party on his official X handle and wrote: An evening of togetherness in the spirit of Ramzan. Attended the Dawat-e-Iftar at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, on the invitation of Delhi BJP Minority Morcha President @AnishAbbasi ji. Joined by Hon'ble CM Smt @gupta_rekha ji, the gathering beautifully reflected the essence of this holy month. A truly special evening celebrating unity, generosity & shared blessings, he wrote. Neither Iftar parties nor the political leaders attending them are uncommon. What is uncommon is watching these BJP leaders, who every now and then spew venom against Muslims and Islamic culture, attending such an event and talking about Ramadan, peace and harmony. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Disney's live-action remakes of animated classics are usually safe bets. But a new version of the oldest of them all, "Snow White," has become mired in controversies, receiving an unusually low-key premiere in Hollywood on Saturday. The studio kept its outspoken stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot away from reporters at the afternoon event, with no red carpet interviews -- and has avoided questions about the film's divisive depictions of the Seven Dwarfs. It follows a similarly pared-down European premiere on Wednesday at a remote castle in Segovia, Spain, where few media outlets were invited. The negativity began way back in 2021, with the casting of Zegler, who is Latina, as Snow White -- a character from a German fairy tale who was famously "the fairest of them all." This was predictably slammed as "woke" by some fans and conservative commentators. "yes i am snow white no i am not bleaching my skin for the role" wrote Zegler, a US actress of Colombian and Polish descent, in a since-deleted tweet. But criticism spread more broadly across Disney's loyal fan base when Zegler appeared to repeatedly denigrate the 1937 "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Walt Disney's first feature-length animation. Zegler described the beloved original as "weird" because Snow White's love interest is "a guy who literally stalks her." This time "she's not going to be saved by the prince, and she's not going to be dreaming about true love," Zegler said in one interview that was blasted on Disney forums by fans longing for exactly those traditional tropes. Zegler is unusually outspoken by Hollywood standards. She publicly complained about not being invited to the 2022 Oscars gala, despite being the star of best picture nominee "West Side Story." She eventually bagged an invitation -- and some disapproving tuts. "Zegler isn't necessarily the most decorous celebrity when it comes to the media or the internet," Slate journalist Nadira Goffe wrote in a 2023 column. "She has a demeanor that can come across as charmingly awkward to some, and a tad glib and grating to others." Compounding Disney's headaches, Zegler has signed off social media posts with "Free Palestine," while Gadot -- who plays the Evil Queen -- has expressed public support for her native Israel. Disney did not respond to AFP request for comment. - 'Backward story' - And then there is the issue of the Seven Dwarfs, who have been conspicuously dropped from the new film's title, "Disney's Snow White." Peter Dinklage, perhaps Hollywood's most famous actor with dwarfism, slammed Disney's "hypocrisy" for making a new "Snow White" film at all. In a 2022 interview with podcaster Marc Maron, the "Game of Thrones" actor questioned how Disney could be "proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White," and yet think a remake of a "backward story of seven dwarfs living in a cave" made sense. Disney quickly issued a statement promising to take "a different approach" that would "avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film." In the new movie, the dwarfs are cartoonishly gnome-like magical creatures, created by computer-generated visual effects rather than human actors. This has itself provoked backlash. Some actors with dwarfism have blamed Dinklage. "There aren't many roles for dwarfs in Hollywood so him saying that cancelled these roles... it hurt the dwarf acting community," professional wrestler Dylan Mark Postl told the Guardian. - 'Passion' - Altogether, Disney's latest live-action film has proven vastly more contentious than billion-dollar-grossing remakes like "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast." Requiring extensive reshoots, and hit by delays from the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, "Disney's Snow White" cost well over $200 million to make, according to Forbes. Disney will be hoping that all publicity proves to be good publicity when it hits theaters next weekend. "I interpret people's feelings about this film as a passion for it," Zegler told Vogue Mexico. "What an honor to be part of something that people feel so passionate about." amz/hg/sst Israel said its negotiating team was discussing the hostage issue with Egyptian mediators Sunday, as deep divisions persist between Israel and Hamas over the terms of a fragile Gaza ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, sought to dismiss the head of internal security agency Shin Bet, amid a public spat over proposed reforms to the agency following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the initial phase of the ceasefire took effect on January 19, largely halting more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza triggered by the Hamas attack. That phase ended in early March, and though both sides have since refrained from all-out war, they have been unable to agree on the next stage of the ceasefire in the Palestinian territory. Netanyahu's office said in a statement an Israeli negotiating team was "currently meeting in Egypt with senior Egyptian officials to discuss the issue of hostages". Late on Saturday, Netanyahu had told Israeli negotiators to continue the indirect talks on the ceasefire. He directed them to base the negotiations on what his office said was a proposal by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff that calls for the "immediate release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased hostages". However, Witkoff told CNN on Sunday he had offered a "bridge proposal" that would see five living hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander, released in return for freeing a "substantial amount of Palestinian prisoners" from Israel jails. "I thought the proposal was compelling," Witkoff said. Hamas said Friday it was ready to free Alexander and the remains of four others, who an official of the movement described as Israeli-Americans. Witkoff said Hamas had provided "an unacceptable response" to the proposal and "the opportunity is closing fast". A Hamas official, however, said its delegation "held fruitful discussions with our Egyptian brothers, focusing on ways to advance the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in light of Hamas's acceptance of the updated American proposal". - Deadlock - During the truce's first phase, Hamas released 33 hostages, including eight deceased, and Israel freed around 1,800 Palestinian detainees. Since then, Hamas has consistently demanded negotiations for the second phase. Former US president Joe Biden had outlined a second phase involving the release of remaining living hostages, the withdrawal of all Israeli forces left in Gaza and establishment of a lasting ceasefire. Israel, however, wants to extend the first phase until mid-April, insisting that any transition to the second phase must include "the total demilitarisation" of Gaza and the removal of Hamas, which has controlled the territory since 2007. The talks are now at an impasse, with both sides sticking to their positions and accusing each other of obstructing progress. Israel has cut aid and electricity to the territory during the talks deadlock. "It's so hard for me to think about what they're (hostages) going through right now because I know that feeling," freed Israeli captive Omer Shem Tov said in a newly released video. "It's a terrible feeling and it has to stop as soon as possible." Gaza resident Mohammad Hallas, 41, said Hamas had no choice but to agree to release the hostages. "The fastest way for Hamas to reach a solution is to free the prisoners," Hallas told AFP. "The situation in Gaza is catastrophic and worsens every day. Everything is in Israel's hands, and Hamas only has the prisoners as a bargaining chip." The October 7 attack resulted in 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, while Israel's retaliatory response in Gaza has killed at least 48,572 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from both sides. - Air strikes - In a related development, Netanyahu said he wanted to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, accused of failing to prevent the Hamas attack. "I have had a persistent lack of confidence in the head of the Shin Bet, a distrust that has only grown over time," Netanyahu said in a statement. He said Bar's dismissal "is necessary to restore the organisation, achieve all our war objectives, and prevent the next disaster." Bar said his dismissal was "not related" to the Hamas attack, and in a statement said: "The prime minister's expectation of a personal loyalty that contradicts the public interest is an entirely improper expectation." Despite the fragile truce still holding, near-daily Israeli air strikes on Gaza continue. On Sunday, an Israeli air strike targeted a "terrorist who was operating near IDF troops and attempting to plant explosive devices" in central Gaza, the military said. It came a day after strikes in north Gaza's Beit Lahia killed nine people, including four Palestinian journalists, the territory's civil defence agency said of the deadliest attack on a single site since January 19. Hamas condemned the attack as "a horrible massacre" and "a blatant violation of the ceasefire". Israel's military said it hit "a terrorist cell". az-reg-jd/srm Journey the Rivers of Iron is an especially grisly episode of a series thats never easy on the squeamish. Alex, the most delicate Dutton, is the victim of an aggravated assault. Zane has his head strapped to a block so a jittery doctor can peel back his scalp and drill through his skull. When Lizzie eventually asks for a needle to self-administer her rabies vaccine, I hardly flinched. Id already seen too much, and yet I hadnt seen the worst of it. Back in Bozeman, Lindy, one of Donald Whitfields sex workersinresidence, strangles another sex worker that he was keeping as a pet. Even watching through my fingers, its obvious that Journey the Rivers of Iron is the best episode of 1923s second season so far. The Dutton family is diminished, but this week, on the eve of springtime, theyre finally recovering. Were encouraged to believe that, come thaw, they might even be in a position to throw some punches of their own. Zane is on the mend, and Spencer is only two or three states from the ranch. Lizzie is pregnant, and Alex is en route. If they can just survive whats left of this brutal winter, they might survive forever. Of course, the Duttons greatest enemy the world is mounting another attack, refilling its coffers and amassing troops. Whitfield has a three-step plan for remaking Montana into a winter wonderland for the rich men who live along Chicagos lakeshore and New Yorkers who mistake the Hudson Valleys hills for real mountains. Step one: Develop the modern airliner. Step two: Pave a freeway through Paradise Valley at the governments expense. Step three: Build a resort. Americans no longer rely upon their hands for money, Whitfield explains to a room of nodding investors who are eager to see their lives in Bozeman as covetable. They use their minds. This might be the exact moment when this country lost its way, at least according to the laws of Yellowstone. Hands arent mere metonyms for the men they belong to; hands are the man. Only Banner Creighton sees the teeny-weeny problem with Whitfields proposal, and its not the bit about inventing safe and speedy air travel. To build a resort in Paradise Valley, youll have to bulldoze Jacob Dutton to the ground to rip from his leathered hands not just his familys parcel but their whole way of life. Whitfield tells Banner to assemble an army of sheepherders who want the same land for grazing in summer, and Banner says hell ask the miners, too. On a map, Whitfield identifies an unincorporated part of the state where they can secretly dump the bodies of Dutton men who throw themselves between the ranch and the inevitable march of progress. But can it really be so simple? Im struggling to believe Montana will ignore the murder of the livestock commissioner and his entire family just because the killers dug the perfect ditch. Or that the Scots will be content to graze their sheep on a ski resort in the low season. Before he pledges his men to Whitfield, Banner talks it through with Ellie. His wife has remained impressively skeptical of the mining tycoon, but the promise of a future for her family is too much to resist. She wants her son to go to university; she wants her grandsons to inherit a good name. Ellie tells her husband that if hes going to steal another mans castle, he cant leave the prince in any condition to take that castle back. I agree with her cool assessment, and yet youd really have to squint to mistake Jake Dutton for a prince right now. Its Whitfield that Banner needs to outwit. If youre risking your life, do it to become king of the mountain, not prince of the valley. Because, from what weve seen in 1923, being prince of the valley is punishing. Take today as an example. Jake Dutton spends the morning assisting on meatball brain surgery so gruesome that his nephew Jack nearly hurls on several occasions. The patient on the table is the Yellowstone ranch foreman, who only finds himself in this vulnerable position in the first place because powerful men want his bosss land. Jake watches him wake up mid-surgery, in agony, with a shop-class hand drill burrowed into his head. Somehow, the surgery is successful, but thats only Jacob Duttons morning. One calamity down, he says wryly. In the afternoon, Jacob has to convince his nephews wife not to leave him, which is tricky to do because Jacks fealty to his uncles ranch is the main problem in the marriage. I actually thought Jake handled Lizzie well by establishing a third option between staying at the Yellowstone and leaving it forever; Lizzie can just visit home for a bit and return when the mercury rises. Well never know if Jakes plea would have been successful, though, because the doctor confirms that Lizzie is pregnant. Thats why shes having such an adverse reaction to the rabies vaccine. After that, Jacob heads to the porch to grab a few quiet minutes with his wife between debacles. They share cute, inexplicable banter about how he doesnt understand women at all and thats somehow the bedrock of their marriage. Aunt Cara was negging long before The Pick-Up Artist. Then, for dinner at the end of a long day, Jake probably has some broth or leftover gruel and thinks about how cold his bones are. Maybe he ruminates on the lien on his house as Cara lies next to him. Or maybe its guilt that chases his sleep away. Look what happened to Zane. He feared he would never walk again after the beating he took, and now hes itching to fight a land war for another mans family. Maybe it would be better for everyone if Jake just walked away from the Yellowstone. Better for Zane and Alice, who could move to California, where mixed-race marriage is legal. Better for Jack and Lizzie, who could raise their baby in the relative warmth of Boston. Better for doc, who hasnt been home since before the blizzard because the Duttons make so much trouble. And all of this? This happened on a relatively quiet day for the aging prince of Paradise Valley. Things didnt go nearly so well for the Dutton diaspora beyond Montana state lines. After being robbed and beaten in Grand Central Station, Alex flings herself onto a moving train. She walks down the aisles of the first-class cabins with a black eye while the types of people she used to be friends with gawk. She hasnt a penny left. The worse news is that shes sharing a bunk with other peoples children, at least until Boston. Spencer, meanwhile, continues his run of bad luck that momentarily disguises itself as good luck. For example, it almost seems like good luck when the Fort Worth sheriff offers him a ride to the train station, though its quickly revealed to be bad luck when hes told to sit in the back seat like a perp. (Personally, I was surprised to learn Luca is such a squawker. Wasnt he raised on omerta?) It also seems like good luck when the sheriff offers to set Spencer free in exchange for making the booze delivery he had already promised to make, though its bad luck when the sheriff later handcuffs him to the steering wheel. (Here, I was confused as to why the police didnt orchestrate a proper sting operation once Spencer gave them the delivery address. Why just bust down the door with no plan?) Still, its good luck that the sheriff leaves the key in the ignition and that Spencer is able to work himself free. And its good luck that the Temperance Society is forcing a tarred prostitute to parade down Main Street at the exact moment Spencer goes on the run because (1) it creates an obstacle for the pursuing sheriff, and (2) it lets Spencer free a prostitute on his way home. You can take a mans ranch, but not his savior complex. Its good luck to hop on a train headed west and bad luck to find the car already occupied by hobos that will require killing. Ultimately, Spencer ends the episode where he started it: walking north from Fort Worth headed home to a place that wont be home when he arrives. Because there arent roads in the Montana that Spencer is from. Theres no river of iron to drop his wife at a nearby station. Just wait until Spencer hears about the ski resort, and the freeway, and the airplanes. About the lien on the land thats belonged to his family since before Montana was a state. Teonna, Pete, and Runs His Horse are still in Texas, too. Theyre helping ranch hands drive cattle in the only 1923 story line that has any joy or vibrancy to it. Its not a coincidence that Gods golden light shines brightest on the land in which men are still making their money with their hands. Ive never seen Texas look prettier than it does when Taylor Sheridan shoots it. But soon, I worry, there wont be any Texas in Texas either. The fairgrounds where the cowboys stop for lunch are plastered with Wanted posters bearing a sketch of Teonna. America is coming for her, like it came for Paradise Valley. Its the cycles of feast and famine that make life on the range so hard and so fulfilling were told over and over again across Yellowstone and its spinoffs. In 1923, though, it seems like its always famine, and famines less fun to watch. This weeks episode offered us longer days and brighter evenings the promise of story lines reaching fruition. That Spencer will make it home again; that Teonna will cross over into Mexico and find freedom; that Jack and Lizzie will have a baby. Frustratingly, it also warns us against the same longing it conjures. Spring teases the senses with warm mornings and green buds of new grass and the hope of summers bounty, Elsa Dutton tells us from beyond time, where the Dutton family story is already over or maybe never-ending. Then blankets that hope in snow. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA A fire at a commercial premises in north Belfast was started deliberately, police have said. At one point 60 firefighters tackled the blaze on Limestone Road in the early hours of Saturday morning. A PSNI spokesperson said extensive damage had been caused to the building. The spokesperson said: Officers received a report at approximately 2.50am, on Saturday March 15, that a business premises in the Limestone Road area, had been set alight. Officers attended the scene, after the fire had been extinguished by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS). Extensive damage has been caused to the building, along with damage caused to machinery on the site and our inquiries are ongoing at this time. We are treating this report as deliberate arson and anyone that could help with ongoing inquiries is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 145 15/03/25. A NIFRS spokesperson said: At the height of the incident nine fire appliances from Whitla, Cadogan, Knock, Lisburn and Westland fire stations were attendance supported by an aerial ladder appliance, command support unit and a specialist rescue team. In total, 60 firefighters have been involved in controlling this fire utilising breathing apparatus, firefighting jets and foam jets. Our regional control centre assisted throughout whilst continuing to ensure supporting arrangements were in place for other calls in the Belfast area. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeills boycott of Washington DCs St Patricks events was a big mistake, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. The Taoiseach said the decision was not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, pointing out that huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein. While Ms ONeill travelled to Carolina last week for a business event, she returned home rather than attend the Washington DC events as part of Sinn Feins protest against US President Donald Trumps threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza. First Minister Michelle ONeill, along with other members of her party, did not attend St Patricks events in Washington (Liam McBurney/PA) Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP, did travel to Washington and spoke with Mr Trump during a lunch at Capitol Hill. The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House events in protest at actions by the US president. During an interview on the BBCs Sunday Politics programme, Mr Martin was asked if he thought Ms ONeills refusal to go to Washington was a missed opportunity. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly met with President Trump (DUP/PA) He said: I do, I think it was a big mistake. I met with the deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill, met with President Trump. I think it was a wrong decision because huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein at the time. A lot of people put a lot of effort into that. He added: I thought it was a bit opportunistic and I think not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or indeed the island of Ireland for Sinn Fein to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year. I think it was the very wrong thing to do and opportunistic and somewhat cynical. A Sinn Fein spokesperson responded: The decision not to travel to the White House was not taken lightly, but taken conscious of the responsibility each of us as individuals have to call out injustice. We are all heartbroken as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent comments of the US president around the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza, something we cannot ignore. The Taoiseach said he did not discuss the appointment of a US envoy to Northern Ireland during his meeting with Mr Trump, but said he wanted to work with the US administration over the potential appointment of an economic envoy. Joe Kennedy was US economic envoy to Northern Ireland during the Biden administration (Liam McBurney/PA) Joe Kennedy previously served as the US economic envoy to Northern Ireland under the Biden administration. Mr Martin said Mr Trump had shown an interest in Northern Ireland. He added: Certainly the envoy has played a very useful role over the years politically in terms of making the peace. Now the political institutions are up and running, and there is a case perhaps for an economic envoy because we do have to continue to work to enhance investment into Northern Ireland and enhance the economy there. There are opportunities as well in Northern Ireland for that investment. An economic envoy is certainly something we can work with the US administration on and the UK Government and the Northern Ireland parties. The Taoiseach said the relations between the US and EU are currently difficult on the economic side, but added that he hoped progress in other areas could lead to renewed engagement. He added: I think on Ukraine there are challenges, although I think the work of President Macron and others has been impactful, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. I think there has been a good co-ordinated approach now to trying to get peace in the Ukraine, which is positive. We welcome the momentum behind peace in both Ukraine and in the Middle East because too many people are suffering, and too many people are dying. I would hope that could lead to engagement on the trade side because it is not clear yet that there has been substantive engagement in terms of negotiations between the EU Commission and the US administration. I know that the EU wants to engage and understands that there is a two-way process here. Every generation has its James Bond, and Amazons purchase of creative control over the movie franchise has triggered a moral panic about a new 007 corrupting the children. Female! Gay! A person of colour! Non-binary! God forbid, all of the above! After five Bond movies, Daniel Craig, now 57, is succumbing to the rule that whatever else 007s can be, they cant be a senior citizen. Pierce Brosnan, distinguished member of the Old Bonds Association, lent his airy weight to the argument by saying the next Bond must be British. Its all as terrifying as a boys school going co-ed. Illustration: Dionne Gain Credit: But a DEI hire to say f--- you to Donald Trump is about as likely as reversing time and whiting out Jeff Bezos from Trumps inauguration its not going to happen. Amazon has not bought an actor or a character but a piece of intellectual property from which it can spin off a Bondiverse of prequels, sequels, animations, games, standalone movies and immersive VR experiences. Thats what Amazon partially bought in 2022 and completed last month, taking full creative control from the children of the late Bond producer Cubby Broccoli. Purchasing IP is anti-risk. The flap about casting overlooks past DEI Bonds. There have been a Scotsman (Sean Connery), an Irishman (Brosnan) and an Australian (George Lazenby). To encourage gender diversity, Bond has been played as a closeted queen (David Niven, Roger Moore). For affirmative action, Bond has given employment to actors who couldnt act (Lazenby, Timothy Dalton). Brosnan said Amazon should treat the character with dignity and imagination and respect. Unless he was joking, its hard to imagine what he could possibly mean other than a prolongation of the current IP: risk nothing. 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 A dripping tap in the city is an annoyance. Something too small to fix, often put on hold until something bigger goes bang. But in the dry season in the outback, a single leak from a bore can keep 1000 cane toads alive until the next big wet. Stop a drip from an irrigation pipe and cane toads will perish within three days in the dry, says Professor Ben Phillips, a specialist in population biology and invasive species at Curtin University who is leading an $18 million project to stop the spread of cane toads in Western Australia. Plug leaks in 150 agricultural water points down a long dry strip of land south of Broome bordered by the sea and the Great Sandy Desert, and the cane toad invasion will come to a stop 90 years and 200 million toads after it began. Ronald Yanawana leads a group of Karajarri and Nyangumarta rangers as they move through the tall grass, simulating how they would search for cane toads in the area. Credit: Tamati Smith Thats the promise of the Toad Containment Zone Investment Prospectus released this month by a group Phillips leads that is seeking government and industry support. Advertisement Im 99 per cent confident it will work, Phillips said. The solution comes down to plumbing, fences and understanding the amphibians Achilles heel water. Map of the Toad Containment Zone. Green dots shows waterpoints (natural and artificial) within the toads potential distribution in Australia. The red line shows the approximate current distribution. The cane toad containment zone is exploiting a naturally dry, arid area with far fewer water points than to the south in the Pilbara. Credit: Cane Toad Containment Zone The waterless barrier would stop the toads from descending on the Pilbara and invading 27 million hectares, threatening six species of national importance, including the northern quoll, and affecting Indigenous homelands. The toads could disrupt Australias $136 billion iron ore industry, which accounts for a third of WAs revenue. Phillips is racing to implement the program before the toads arrive at the beginning of the 2027-28 wet season. At 66 a hectare, Phillips says it is the best deal in conservation. It is backed by an alliance of Indigenous landowners: Karajarri, whose land is south of Broome, and Nyangumarta to the south, with six properties. They are working with scientific advisers, including Professor Tim Dempster from Deakin University and Rangelands NRM. Advertisement Its such a different conservation project, Phillips said. We are going to manage this piece of land to deliver a benefit elsewhere. Most agricultural infrastructure leaks. Until now, Phillips said, there has been little incentive to fix it. David Stoates family owns Anna Plains cattle station at the narrowest and driest part of the zone, where the sea and desert create a potential bottleneck. Despite their name, Bufo marinus, the toads cannot survive in seawater nor survive on land without water. Its a pretty unique place from that point of view, he said. There are no rivers; it is pancake flat, with no natural water sources, and those that here are more ephemeral. About 90 agricultural water-points across Stoates 300,000-hectare property will need to be made toad-proof, including sprinklers and air-conditioners. Where you have people, theres going to be toads, so you have to secure the homes, he said. Advertisement Whats been a challenge for Anna Plains its lack of natural water sources is the key to success. A tank overflowing to a soak is like an artificial lake we wouldnt worry about it now, but that will be cane toad paradise, he said. Dempster said landholders such as Stoate wont benefit much financially from the project because the upgrades wont increase the number of cattle they can run. Standing in the long grass near a dam in the Aboriginal community in Bidyadanga last month, Ronald Yanawana, a ranger from Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation, said the water attracted goannas and birds. Karajarri and Nyangumarta rangers had been meeting to discuss the programs implementation and will be employed to monitor the water-points. The rangers said they couldnt stop the toads from arriving in Bidyadanga, about two hours drive south of Broome, but they could stop them from destroying country and species further south. The unstoppable, undefeatable cane toad Advertisement Nearly a century ago, the entomologist Walter Froggett warned against introducing South American cane toads to eat the beetles eating Queenslands sugar cane. Dr Jodi Rowley, a lead scientist at the Australian Museum and a co-founder of FrogID, said Australians loved to hate cane toads, but the animals were objectively impressive creatures that had managed to survive in their new land, adapted to a huge range of terrain, and had been found in the most unlikely of spaces. This has had devastating consequences for native wildlife. It was not their fault that we moved them across the world, she said. There are an estimated 200 million in Australia, and females lay as many as 30,000 eggs a year. Front-line toads are bigger than others, have longer legs, carry more poison in the paratoid glands near their ears and are more determined. They have a behavioural tendency to go in a straight line, Phillips said. These are crazy toads. Advertisement Telkom Kenya has partnered with Japan-based technology services provider Rakuten Symphony and US-based Open RAN developer Airspan Networks, to develop and test Open RAN technology in the East African nation. The Japanese and United States governments have agreed to fund the project through a technology grant of US$4.4 million that will be administered by Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks. Under the agreement, the project partners will set up a testing facility and conduct field and network tests to advance 4G/5G, Open RAN, and AI innovation on the African continent. The three companies will also conduct field trials to ensure optimal performance and seamless integration into Telkoms network infrastructure. The partners say that a long-term objective of the project is knowledge transfer and training of local developers and engineers. Telkom is pleased to collaborate in this consortium of cutting-edge technology leaders in this field of open architecture telecommunications network and reap the benefits of modern, and ultimately, inevitable technological advances such as AI," Telkoms Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mugo Kibati says. "This is a significant milestone in positioning Kenya and Africa as a research, development, manufacturing, and testing hub of leading cutting-edge technology. Telkom says it is also investing in talent up-skilling, positively impacting its R&D and Innovation, which will in turn enhance its overall proposition to its customers. Unlike other operators in the region that purchase RAN technology, Telkom is intent on being involved in the entire process; the development, testing, and consequent deployment of the technology in an open environment," Telkom's Kibati says. "In addition, our teams will benefit greatly from knowledge transfer with global market leaders. President and CEO of Airspan, Glenn Laxdal says Telkoms collaboration with the consortium to explore the latest telecommunication advancements will place Kenya in a position of technological leadership within the African region. "Airspan is proud to support this vision with advanced 4G/5G solutions, alongside Rakuten Symphony, whose expertise as the one of worlds largest commercial Open RAN vendors ensures impactful results, Laxdal said. After 107 years of life, former Winston-Salem city Alderman Virginia Kimbrough Newell passed away Friday morning. Newell, who served the city with Vivian Burke as one of the first two Black women elected to city council, was a council member for 16 years in addition to a litany of other community roles such as teacher at Atkins High School, mathematics professor at Winston-Salem State University, president of the Phi Omega Inc., Realtor, mentor and mother. Dr. Newell was a dynamic and dedicated public leader, said Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. She pushed for economic development for East Winston and the city of Winston-Salem, including projects such as the East Winston-Shopping Center. She was also a strong champion of human rights. She has left a lasting legacy of bettering our community, especially the East Winston community she loved. I will personally miss her, Joines said. That Newell lived such an exceptionally long life was a testament to her upbringing in Davie County and her drive to get things done, said Mutter Evans, a close friend of Newells. Her upbringing was basic. Responsibility was expected, Evans said. How Newell lived so long was the million-dollar question, said Nigel Alston, a former columnist at the Winston-Salem Journal and friend. When you have purpose and youre living with purpose, that has something to do with longevity, Alston said. Newell grew up in Advance with a talent for mathematics. Over time, she honed her gift at Talladega College in Alabama, New York University and later at the University of Sarasota where she earned a doctorate in education. Dr. Newell, or V.K. as she was commonly known, was not content to just be on city committees or to simply hold titles, Evans said. She didnt just think, she rolled up her sleeves to make things happen, Evans said. Thats the greatest testament to who she was. After she taught at Atkins high school and later Shaw University, Newell settled at Winston-Salem State, where she taught for more than a decade as a mathematics professor. Newell founded the schools computer science program and also created several initiatives for middle school students in Winston-Salem, including a Math and Science Academy for Excellence. Sarah Alston, a public school teacher who helped with the academy and worked with Newell said she was brilliant and very driven. Many of the students in the program went on to become lawyers, a school superintendent, and a counselor in the mental health field. That was the influence she had, Alston said. In 1977, Newell was elected with fellow council members Larry Little and Vivian Burke. The trio fought for racial equality in Winston-Salem through the years and Newell, who represented the citys East Ward, worked for better housing and also advocated for children and families. Newell was the founder of the YWCA Best Choice Center, an academically focused program that provides after school care, enrichment activities and summer camp opportunities for children of low-income families. As a council member, Newell consistently advocated for the city to improve housing for Black residents, pointing out how banks and lenders would not give out loans to Black people. She was a force for the system to do right for Black people, said Nat Irvin II, a friend of Newells and a former vice chancellor at Winston-Salem State. She was representing them with a sense for justice and would not take no for an answer. Newell impressed others not only by being a brilliant mathematician, Irvin said, but also with her fashion sense and elegance. She would speak in complete sentences always, Irvin said. She had the quintessential elegance of a Black beauty. She was way, way ahead of her time, Irvin added. Alston said when he saw Newell, he was always impressed by her and called her Queen Nefertiti, a nickname that would always make her blush and smile. It was out of respect for her, Alston said. I dont know that she was ever in search of recognition, he said. One of the highlights in public service for Newell came in the late 1980s when her sorority, the Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, banded together to build the Ivy Arms apartment complex. Newell was the spark plug for the group of 50 women who needed to raise about $750,000 to create the apartments and community center, said Janet Wheeler, a close friend and a president of Phi Omega Inc. She was tenacious, knowledgeable, but humble, Wheeler said. That humility was a winning way for her. She had a way of connecting with people and developing relationships that were important and lasting. And even until her last days, Newell was a force to be reckoned with, Wheeler said. Lydia Stuckey, a close friend who also worked with Maya Angelou as a physicians assistant for many years, said Newell impressed everyone wherever she went even as she climbed past 100 years old. When I think about greatness, I think about Virginia Newell, Stuckey said. To lose Dr. Newell is another great tree falling. In her later years, Newell kept her focus on politics and helped organize in the East Ward for former U.S. President Barack Obamas presidential campaign and also cast her vote for Kamala Harris at 107 years old. She did it all with that beautiful smile, Wheeler said. If my father had a quiet Sunday in winter, he would take his gun and walk the land. This usually meant walking the boundary of our farm, taking in the places most likely to provide him with a shot. One such place, along the River Moy, was a location he called The Ash Bush. He always maintained it was a good spot to raise a mallard. This ash bush was a landmark on our farm; everyone knew where it was; the mention of it described a location as well as the tree itself. Every farm in and around the Ox Mountains has a similar ash bush or ash tree. A place where childhood swings were hung, where initials were carved and around which lambs found their favourite place to romp in spring. About the Ash The Tree Council of Ireland gives a short introduction to the ash, our most common tree. The ash, while ancient, has remained our forever friend; loyal and trusted. Ash is the commonest tree in Irish hedgerows and is also a traditional woodland species. The flowers are very dark, almost black, and may be seen before the leaves develop ash is one of the last trees to come into leaf and is one of the first to lose its leaves in autumn. The seeds are clumps of winged keys. The pale dense timber makes good firewood and is also used for hurley sticks, snooker cues and furniture. Mature ash trees were thought to be a symbol of the well-being of the land itself. Noted for their strong and flexible timber and the delicacy of their leaves, ash trees also had associations with healing and fertility through their symbolic link with water and wells. But this is not a happy story nor does it have a happy ending. Dieback All seemed to be well in the world of the ash, a tree that seemed supple and powerful in equal measure, until one day a plague arrived to threaten its very existence the plague of ash dieback. Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is the fungus that causes ash dieback, a chronic disease of ash trees characterised by leaf loss and crown dieback in infected trees. The fungus was first scientifically described in 2006. It is now believed that the trees reported to have died in Poland in 1992 were infected with ash dieback. The disease is now widespread in Europe, with up to 70% mortality rates recorded in woodlands. According to Teagasc, ash dieback was first detected in the Republic of Ireland in October 2012 on plants imported from continental Europe. The disease is now prevalent throughout most of the island and is likely to cause the death of most ash trees over the next two decades. Teagasc is currently conducting research to establish a gene bank composed of genotypes of ash tolerant to ash dieback with the aim of producing planting stock for forests and hedgerows in Ireland. Their efforts, however, are showing very little promise in the short term. Teagasc notes: The disease can affect ash trees of any age and in any setting. The disease can be fatal, particularly among younger trees. Ash dieback is more severe in wet sites, where it is more likely to cause collar infections in ash trees. In Ireland, the loss of the ash tree will have an economic cost of almost 2 billion. The Woodland Trust in the UK paints a bleak picture for the future of the ash tree and the losses associated with its disappearance. All in all, it is not a pretty picture. Ash dieback will kill up to 80% of ash trees across the UK and the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash. Ash dieback is predicted to cost British society 15 billion. The fungus then grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport systems and causing it to die. Picture: Pat McCarrick Effective strategy While younger trees succumb to the disease quicker, in general, all affected trees will have these symptoms: leaves develop dark patches in the summer and then wilt and discolour to black, leaves might shed early and lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. The fungus overwinters in leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks. It produces small white fruiting bodies between July and October which release spores into the surrounding atmosphere. These spores can travel on the wind for up to ten miles, sticking to and entering ash leaves. The fungus then grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport systems and causing it to die. The tree can fight back, but year-on-year, repeated infections will eventually kill it. Up to this point, there is no effective strategy for managing the disease, and most countries that have tried to control its spread have been unsuccessful. The removal of trees in infected areas has little effect as the fungus lives and grows on leaf litter on the forest floor. Research at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences suggests that the deliberate destruction of trees in an infected area can be counterproductive as it destroys the few resistant trees alongside the dying ones. One approach to managing the disease may be to take branches from resistant trees and graft them to rootstock to produce seeds of resistant trees in a controlled environment. A Lithuanian trial aimed at identifying disease-resistant trees has resulted in the selection of 50 such trees for the establishment of breeding populations of European ash in different provinces of Lithuania. A breeding programme for resistant trees is a viable strategy but the process of restoring the ash tree population across Europe with resistant trees is likely to take decades. By then, all our native ash trees will be dead and gone. Damage limitation Teagasc also has some information on an owner's responsibility for trees damaged because of ash dieback. One concern, as the disease spreads, is the risk of accidents occurring due to trees falling or branches dropping off. The danger will increase as older trees become infected. This will have serious implications for landowners, particularly if the trees are growing close to public roadways. If a tree or branch falls onto a road or onto adjoining land and as a consequence causes injury or damage to an individual or property, the general rule is that the owner of the tree will be liable only if it can be established that he/she has been negligent. If it can be shown that the owner of the tree knew or ought to have known that the tree was dangerous and that he/she took no action to deal with it, he/she will be guilty of negligence and therefore liable for the injury or damage that may result. It seems that our ever-faithful friend, the ash tree, is destined for a slow and painful death. It is the death of an ancient hero, a whole ecosystem, a national institution. In Scandinavian mythology, the ash tree was known as Yggdrasil - Tree of the World, the giant ash tree that linked and sheltered all worlds. It was also known as The Tree of Rebirth and Healing, and to encounter it meant regeneration and rebirth. How ironic that a tree with such hopeful and healing connotations should find itself in a desperate fight for survival. UNITED NATIONS, March 15 (Xinhua) The upcoming Global Summit of Women, set to take place in Beijing in the latter half of this year, holds great significance for advancing the spirit of the 1995 World Conference on Women, a Chinese official has said. Huang Xiaowei, deputy head of the National Working Committee on Children and Women of the State Council, made the remarks on Monday at the ongoing 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. Marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing, China will co-host the Global Summit of Women with UN Women later this year, Huang told the CSW69. "This is not only a tribute to and continuation of history, but also a commitment to and innovation for the future," she said, highlighting the summit's crucial role in fostering global solidarity, carrying forward the legacy of the 1995 conference, and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Huang noted that as the host country of the 1995 conference, China has consistently honored its commitments to promoting the synchronized development of women alongside economic and social progress. Huang underscored the historic achievements of Chinese women, sharing insights into the country's efforts to advance gender equality. She also outlined China's comprehensive policy framework and implementation strategies, which focus on strengthening institutional support, increasing investment and empowering women. Over the past 30 years, China has made remarkable strides in poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and other key areas concerning women's well-being, reflecting the rapid progress of women's development in the modern era. During discussions at the UN session, representatives from various countries expressed confidence that the upcoming Global Summit of Women will help forge consensus, accelerate tangible action, and inject fresh momentum into global efforts for women's advancement. They also voiced hope that China would continue to play a leadership role, particularly as the global push for gender equality faces mounting challenges. Beyond her participation in multilateral activities, including a general debate, a ministerial roundtable, thematic side events and a Chinese-hosted reception, Huang also held several meetings with Sima Bahous, UN under-secretary-general and executive director of UN Women, as well as senior officials from various countries. CSW69, the UN's largest annual event dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment, is expected to conclude on March 21. (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Ye Shan Can you lose your job for what you post on social media? Heres what the experts say Mourners react next to the bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike in the northern Gaza Strip on March 15. Momodou Taal A group of students and professors at Cornell University has filed for an emergency injunction against the Trump administration, seeking to block the enforcement of two sweeping executive orders that violate fundamental constitutional rights. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of New York on Saturday, is the first major legal challenge to Trumps executive orders on speech and dissent. It challenges Executive Order 14161, Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, and Executive Order 14188, Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism. The plaintiffsgraduate student Momodou Taal, Professor Mukoma Wa Ngugi, and student Sriram Parasuramaargue that these executive orders suppress speech, criminalize dissent, and are designed to silence critics of the US and Israeli governments. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Eric Lee and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), notes that these orders violate the First and Fifth amendments of the US Constitution by unlawfully restricting freedom of speech, imposing vague and overbroad regulations, and instilling fear of criminal prosecution or deportation among students and academics. Only in a dictatorship can the leader jail and banish political opponents for criticizing his administration, the filing explains. Lead attorney Eric Lee condemned the administrations actions in a statement posted on Saturday: If the people lack the right to criticize the U.S. government or listen to such criticisms, the First Amendment is a dead letter The claim that such restrictions are needed to fight terrorism is a lie aimed at chilling speech. The lawsuit highlights the unprecedented scope of the two executive orders, which the plaintiffs argue are explicitly aimed at suppressing pro-Palestinian activism and broader dissent against US government policies. Executive Order 14161 (EO 1) empowers the Trump administration to surveil, vet, and expel non-citizens who express hostile attitudes toward US institutions, culture or government. The order also mandates increased immigration enforcement against individuals deemed to be associated with foreign terrorist organizations, a term the plaintiffs argue is being weaponized to target peaceful protesters. Under this executive order, the lawsuit notes, a non-citizen may not express a hostile attitude to Congress, the Supreme Court, Defendant DHS, or Defendant Trump and his administrations policies. Nor does EO 1 define Defendant Trumps conception of American culture. For instance, the language of this Order would appear to proscribe scholarship or speech that draws attention to more iniquitous moments in American history, like the expulsion of Native Americans, Jim Crow and the lynching of Black Americans, Japanese Internment, or McCarthyism. Executive Order 14188 (EO 2) expands the definition of antisemitism and criminalizes speech deemed antisemitic, with the plaintiffs noting that this includes broad categories of criticism against the state of Israel. The order directs law enforcement agencies to monitor and prosecute individuals, including US citizens, who engage in protest activities deemed to fall under this classification. Both orders represent a direct assault on core democratic freedoms and are part of the Trump administrations broader campaign to intimidate and silence opposition. Their enforcement has already had a profound chilling effect on free speech, particularly on college campuses. Just days before the lawsuit was filed, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested Columbia University graduate student and lawful permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil, a vocal pro-Palestinian activist. DHS justified the arrest under EO 2, with Trump calling it the first arrest of many to come. The lawsuit argues that this repression has already led to widespread self-censorship. Plaintiff Momodou Taal, a Cornell graduate student on an F-1 visa, has ceased attending protests, restricted his social media activity, and avoided discussing politics in academic settings out of fear of surveillance and retaliation. Similarly, professors and students like Wa Ngugi and Parasurama argue that their right to engage in open discussions and hear diverse viewpoints has been directly curtailed. The emergency filing calls on the court to issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to immediately halt enforcement of the executive orders while litigation proceeds. They argue that without court intervention, irreparable harm will continue, with students, professors and activists facing arrest, deportation and the suppression of their fundamental rights. In a statement posted online, Taal explained that the lawsuit is necessary because What Trump is doing is a threat to millions in the US and worldwide. We have to challenge the constitutionality of these executive orders. This lawsuit is aimed at reversing the chill on speech and making people feel confident to stand up. I am fighting for our First Amendment rights and our ability to protest genocide, and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. When we are attacked for speech, we have to exercise even more of it. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down. This is a fight for a future free from oppression. A fight that refuses to normalise genocide and our ability to speak out against it. I expect this will be a long drawn out battle, but we will be victorious. Taal told the WSWS: The history of this country records a long tradition of struggle. By bringing this lawsuit, I am aligning myself with the best of those people. The dignity of the human must be upheld and this is what this action seeks. In his statement, Lee issued an urgent appeal to the public: This lawsuit aims to vindicate the rights of all non-citizens and citizens in the U.S., but the courthouse is only one arena in this fight. We appeal to the population: stand up and exercise your First Amendment rights by actively and vigorously opposing the danger of dictatorship. Lee also invoked the spirit of the American Revolution, noting that next year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: As we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution next year, recall the words from the Declaration of Independence: That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) issued a statement Saturday supporting the lawsuit and calling for the mobilization of the working class to demand the immediate withdrawal of these executive orders, an end to the persecution of Momodou Taal, and the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil. The Democratic Party has refused to oppose these attacks. As Trump tramples on the Constitution, the Democrats collaborate with him, passing his budgets and suppressing opposition. They fear the growth of a mass movement against dictatorship, war and capitalism. The statement called on workers and students to organize demonstrations, strikes, and workplace actions to demand an end to this political repression. For any other child, the brown tote bag Nhu-Y Ngo was given in her first days of day care in America might have been a lost piece of memorabilia, a simple gesture long forgotten. But for Ngo, it signified the world that had been opened up to her when her family immigrated from Vietnam to Lincoln. It was a symbol of the kindness and patience she was shown as she adjusted to life in a new country. While other children walked into the Lincoln Head Start child care center with colorful backpacks on their shoulders, blossoming friendships and a growing vocabulary, Ngo didnt speak any English, her family couldnt afford a backpack and in her first four years of life, she had rarely met anyone else her age. Head Start changed all of that for her. It just opened up a world to me that was before unknown, she said. About 35 years later, Ngo still remembers putting stacks of books inside her little bag to carry to and from school each day and the impact Head Start had on her life at an early age. She doesnt remember her teachers name, the exact year in the 1990s she was there or many of the children in her class, but that bag was something she cherished throughout her childhood. Ngo is just one of tens of thousands of children in Lincoln to feel the positive impacts of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties' Head Start, which offers quality child care for low-income families at no cost, in the 60 years since it opened. Today, Community Action operates three Head Start locations, including a child care center at 18th and K streets. Confident funding to continue But in January, after the Trump administration released a memo directing federal agencies to pause all federal grants, loans and other financial assistance, the future of Head Start, which is primarily funded by the federal government, suddenly felt uncertain. Not long after, however, a clarification was sent, and ultimately a complete rescission, stating that Head Start programs nationwide would not be affected by the funding freeze. But the fear and stress of potentially losing federal dollars had already set in. Now, two months later, Heather Loughman, the CEO of Head Start in Lincoln, is confident the organization will continue to receive its funding from the federal government and serve the Lincoln community fully funded for many years to come. Ultimately, Head Start is legislation that was enacted by Congress, and it's ultimately up to Congress to decide what Head Start will look like now and what it'll look like in the future, she said. Lincoln's Head Start program currently is awarded more than $10.4 million from the federal government each year to serve hundreds of children every day, which makes up about 80% of the organizations budget. The additional 20% comes from local and private donations. A loss in federal funding would be detrimental to the organization that serves more than 400 students each day, with waitlists ranging from 250 to more than 500 children, Loughman said. Without the crucial funding for Head Start, many children with some of the greatest risk factors to success would lose access to early childhood education and the services needed to prepare students for school academically and socially. Additionally, parents would lose access to affordable, quality child care, which would likely affect their ability to maintain employment and pursue other educational goals, Loughman said. The impacts would be far reaching and severe, she said. It would have impacts on everything. It would have impacts on not only children's development and their ability to enter school successfully, but really the local economy, the workforce. Even though Head Start did not have its funding stripped away as part of President Donald Trumps push to significantly cut back federal spending, the organization in Lincoln was able to glimpse what life without easy access to funding could look like in the weeks following Trumps funding freeze memo. Shortly after the memo was sent out and Head Start knew its funding was safe, the online system in which the organization accesses its funding faced lengthy delays as other organizations across the nation scrambled to pull money out in the wake of the uncertainty caused by the memo. Head Start operates through reimbursements, meaning the organization spends money as needed and then taps into its federal funding to replenish what was spent. For upward of two weeks, Head Start in Lincoln experienced delays in receiving its reimbursements. During this time, the team tried to proceed with business as usual, while taking steps to conserve available cash. For organizations like ours that really run on reimbursements, we have to have ready access to those systems. They have to be functioning properly, Loughman said. Still, even weeks later, staff frequently check the system to ensure its running smoothly and that Head Start has timely access to the necessary funding required to keep its three central Lincoln centers open for the hundreds of children and families they serve. Advocacy seen as important Trumps efforts to cut federal spending have affected a wide variety of organizations across the nation and in Nebraska beyond just Head Start. In the months since he took office, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut grant funding that helped nearly 200 Nebraska schools purchase produce and meat from local farmers; local USDA employees were fired; funding for a University of Nebraska-Lincoln program that provided scholarships to 16 aspiring teachers in low-income communities was stripped away; and Lutheran Family Services in Lincoln was forced to let more than a dozen people go in response to federal funding cuts. Loughman said advocacy for Head Start has never been more important amid questions about federal funding. Now is a really opportune time for anyone who cares about ensuring that all children, regardless of their economic background, are able to succeed, she said. If you care about that, contact your representatives and tell them about the importance of Head Start. Head Start has played a large role in thousands of children and families lives, according to Loughman. It has helped teach countless students English, provided children a safe place to go during the day and aided immigrant and refugee families in adjusting to life in Lincoln. And Ngo is just one example of how children from low-income families can reap the benefits of the organization, she said. Head Start helped Ngo learn English, develop a love for reading and navigate making friends, all of which she feels was just the first stepping stone leading her toward a life in New York City working as an immigration lawyer at a nonprofit. It was just that safe, consistent, structured environment that was very helpful, that provided this stability that allowed me to then really flourish later academically, the Columbia University graduate said. But, like many others who have attended Head Start, the impact of Head Start touched more than just her own life, it impacted her entire family. Having free child care allowed her parents to get jobs at a meatpacking plant and on a factory line with peace of mind knowing their oldest daughter was somewhere she was safe and cared for while they worked excruciatingly long hours. The family also was able to spend more time together as Ngos mom and dad no longer had to stagger their shifts, working at opposite times to ensure one of them was always home with Ngo. Since arriving in America, Ngo said her parents had been living in survival mode, causing her to do the same. As she learned English, Ngo became the interpreter for her family, going to doctors appointments and meetings with her parents to help them communicate. But at Head Start, she was just a 4-year-old girl. Head Start allowed me to just be a kid, she said. Overwhelming support For Rawa Al-Helfi, who immigrated to America from Iraq with her family 25 years ago, Head Start was the driving force in helping her dig herself out of a recent vicious cycle of financial hardship. Al-Helfi couldnt afford child care for her two young children so she had to stay home with them. But she needed a job to afford rent and other bills. And, without a job, she couldnt afford child care. I was going to be in debt all the time, she said. It was a problem that seemed to have no solution until a friend recommended she reach out to Head Start in 2022, which opened its doors to Al-Helfis family, provided her the free, quality child care she needed. Now, she even works at Head Start as a family engagement specialist, helping families reach their goals and access necessary services like medical, dental and mental health interventions. If I was still in that situation, I would have not been where I'm at today. And I've grown a lot since 2022 until now, she said. I mean, I can tell you so many things that have changed in my life since, and a big chunk of that is due to having my kids here and being able to work here. Since the January memo scare, Loughman said the outpouring of support from staff, families, past participants and community members has shown just how much Head Start means to the Lincoln community. The response has been heartwarming, emotional and powerful, she said. We've seen an overwhelming showing of support from our community, and as we kind of endure these uncertain times, I am just so thankful that even though the times are challenging and uncertain, that we get to do this work in Lincoln because we are surrounded by a community that truly cares, Loughman said, tears springing to her eyes. It means everything, and I don't know what we would do without it. For more than a half century, the student leaders representing each campus in the University of Nebraska system have had a seat on the Board of Regents. There, the four student regents can offer their perspective on how tuition and fee increases may affect their peers, or offer an opinion on various policy changes that come before the board. But their votes, while recorded alongside the eight elected members, are not official. The current class of student regents, who also serve as the student government president on their respective campuses, have launched a campaign to change the Nebraska State Constitution to have their collective voice count as one vote. The university was built to serve students, said Student Regent Elizabeth Herbin, who represents University of Nebraska-Lincoln on the board. So its important to have student input at all levels of decision-making at the university. This week, the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN) unanimously backed a resolution to put the question of whether or not the collective vote of student regents should be counted up to their peers. If the resolution is successful during student elections on April 1-2, Herbin said the student regents will ask the Board of Regents for their support in the form of a resolution in the coming months. Because the NU Board of Regents is a constitutional body, it would require voter approval for the change to be made official, however. Herbin said students plan to ask the Legislature to introduce a constitutional amendment next year. The change would require the support of 30 senators before it could be included on Novembers general election ballot. Herbin said the proposal has received overwhelming backing from students at NU and elsewhere. Roughly two-thirds of the 18 universities in the Big Ten Conference have a formal student vote on their governance boards, she said, and at an event in Washington, D.C., last week, several student regents or trustees from other schools expressed support. Perhaps more importantly, Herbin said the proposal has also been well-received by the current elected members of the Board of Regents. Ive been encouraged by the amount of positive feedback in trying to make our voices a little bit louder, she said. Under the plan envisioned by the current student regents, their collective vote would be cast for the majoritys position on an issue. If the votes were split 2-2, Herbin said the student regents would abstain from voting. The lone vote could be decisive. In recent years, regents have often found themselves split 4-4 on controversial issues, with the divide often coming among urban and rural members. Introducing a tiebreaking vote would be a positive thing for the board, Herbin said. Seats granted in 1974 While the University of Nebraska has existed for 166 years two years after Nebraska came into the Union as the 37th state students were not granted a seat on the board until 1974. The change to the state constitution was introduced in 1973 by former Sen. Richard Marvel of Hastings, a longtime state lawmaker and speaker of the Legislature who taught political science at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. The private liberal arts college allowed students and faculty members to cast votes on what was then known as the Board of Trustees, Marvel said, adding students are closer to the problems connected with the university than regular regents, and should have some input in the decisions made. Others in the Legislature disagreed, however. Omaha Sen. George Syas warned giving students a vote on the board would open a can of worms. If a student wants to serve on the Board of Regents, he should run and be elected. Why should students be a special class? Syas said at the time. The Legislatures Constitutional Revision Committee killed Marvels student regent bill (LB323) in 1973 on a 4-2 vote. Marvel, who served three decades in the body, including two terms as speaker, later revived the bill on a 28-10 vote. The next year, LB323 proposed constitutional amendments would later become known as legislative resolutions sailed through the Legislature, winning approval in the first round on a 34-0 vote before later being approved as Amendment 1 for the ballot. Members of the NU Board of Regents at the time opposed student membership, and voted unanimously in opposition of the ballot question. Several warned that making students a special class would lead to faculty and staff also demanding representation. Amendment 1 appeared headed for defeat on Election Day in November 1974. That night, election officials said the proposal appeared to be losing by about 3,000 votes. A count of absentee ballots in the days that followed put Amendment 1 ahead 198,737 in favor and 198,024 against. The 713-vote margin was enough to see student regents from UNL, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center seated at the December 1974 meeting. When Kearney State College joined the NU system as the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1991, its student body president was also granted a seat at the regents table. Herbin said the resolution to be considered by UNL students also calls for the UNK student regent to be officially recognized in the state constitution. Role taken seriously Former student regents said they believed allowing the student voice to carry a vote on the board would benefit the university as a whole. Omaid Zabih, who served as the UNL student regent in 2005-06, said student members take their roles seriously as representatives for thousands of their peers. "The level of seriousness and intent has not changed or wavered," Zabih said. "I would feel pretty confident whoever holds those roles would take it seriously and it would be a value-add for the regents, too." Herbin, the outgoing student regent, who will attend her last official meeting in April, said shes hopeful Nebraskans would see the benefits of supporting the change. I would hope citizens of Nebraska would understand how important it is that students are able to advocate for themselves, she said. A lot of people know students at the university or are alums and can imagine how that would be a positive impact for them. The New Year That Never Came, a drama about the Romanian revolution of 1989, written and directed by Bogdan Muresanu, won the Grand Prix, the top prize, at the 15th edition of the Luxembourg City Film Festival (LuxFilmFest) on Saturday. December 20, 1989. Romania is on the brink of revolution. The authorities are preparing New Years festivities as if nothing or almost nothing is happening, but the official facade begins to crack, reads a synopsis for the film, which world premiered at Venice 2024. Amid the fervor of the uprising, six lives will intersect over the course of an extraordinary day, which leads to the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu and his regime. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fest jury, led by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, also included Danish actress Trine Dyrholm (The Girl With the Needle, Poison), VFX expert Jeff Desom (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Austrian actress Valerie Pachner (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, A Hidden Life), Spanish director Albert Serra (Afternoons of Solitude), and screenwriter Paul Laverty. The festival has also featured masterclasses by British star Tim Roth and Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro Amenabar. The New Year That Never Came, although set in the recent past, can be seen as a reflection of the present and carries a warning for the future, the jury said. It is a film with beautiful images and fascinating performances. It is skillfully constructed and builds to a wonderful climax. Although the characters face terror and repression, the grand absurdity of the regime is exposed by intelligence and wit. It is a reminder that the powerful fear ridicule, often the first crack in their barbarism. The jury also mentioned The Village Next to Paradise, Mo Harawes feature debut that explores the socio-political situation in Somalia through a family. The movie also won the 2030 Award by Luxembourg Aid & Development on Saturday. The festivals documentary award went to The Landscape and the Fury by Nicole Vogele, a doc about the Bosnia-Croatia borderlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Went Up the Hill by Samuel Van Grinsven, starring Luxembourgs Vicky Krieps, won the audience award, while the International Critics (Fipresci) Award went to The New Year That Never Came. The Youth Jury Award was bestowed upon Home Game by Lidija Zelovic, the School Jury Award went to Sieger Sein by Soleen Yusef, with a special mention going to Young Hearts by Anthony Schatteman, and the Kids Jury Award winner was Grusse Vom Mars by Sarah Winkenstette. The LuxFilmFest also handed the Best Immersive Experience Award to Champ De Bataille (Battlefield) by Francois Vautier, with a special mention for Ito Meikyu by Boris Labbe. With an attendance of more than 21,000 people, the festival also wrapped up with a new record. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. St. Patrick's Day may commemorate the anniversary of the fifth century death of Ireland's patron saint, but many choose to celebrate with libations and spirits of a different sort. El Pasoans may take to their local pubs and bars on Monday, March 17, but here is some history, cultural gems, and some locales across the city that are making the most of the feast day. What are the roots of St. Patrick's Day and why green? Parishioners gather for a St. Patrick's Day celebration held by Detroit's Most Holy Trinity Parish. Christian Activities, a religious resource website, notes "St. Patricks Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Today it is often associated with parades, wearing green, and festive gatherings. However, the holiday has deep historical and religious roots that go back over a thousand years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The earliest recorded St. Patricks Day celebrations date back to the 9th and 10th centuries in Ireland, where the day was commemorated with church services and feasts. However, it wasnt until the 17th century that Pope Urban VIII officially placed St. Patricks Day on the Catholic Church calendar as a feast day. According to tradition, he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to the Irish. The shamrock, long linked to St. Patrick, became an important symbol of the day. By the 18th century, it became customary to wear shamrocks on ones clothing. Over time, this tradition evolved into the broader practice of wearing green to show Irish pride. Family fun, Irish food at Ardovino's Desert Crossing A pot of corned beef and cabbage cooked in a Dutch oven. Ardovino's Desert Crossing, located at 1 Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, New Mexico, has tickets already available for a celebration complete with Irish spirits, a full menu and live music from the traditional Celtic sounds of The San Patricios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage will be available. Doors for the family friendly event open at 4:30 p.m., and the music kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Enter world of international beers at The Hoppy Monk A pint of guiness at Dunn-Gaherin's Food and Spirits on Elliot Street in Newton, March 13, 2024. The West Side location of The Hoppy Monk will have a St. Patrick's Day celebration from Sunday, March 16 to Monday, March 17, which will boast its extensive lists of beer, ale, cider and even mead. Cocktails and wine are also available. The full menu has small bites to entree servings, should one want to accompany their beverage with an offering from the kitchen. It is located at 4141 N Mesa St. A 'pot of gold' at Anson 11 A Jameson Irish Whiskey neon sign inside the L Street Tavern in South Boston, June 12, 2024. Anson 11, the upscale eatery located at 303 N Oregon St. in Downtown El Paso, is shaking up a treasure of its own with its seasonal Pot of Gold cocktail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drink contains Irish whiskey, green chartreuse, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. The full menu includes dishes to pair with your cocktail or brew. Live music celebration at Border City Ale House A woman pours beer from a pitcher on the morning of St. Patrick's Day at McGillin's Olde Ale House on March 17, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The oldest continuously operating tavern in the city keeps its holiday tradition of dyeing beer green during the celebration, as restrictions ease during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Border City Ale House, the East El Paso staple located at 1506 N. Lee Trevino Drive, Suite G, will start at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17. Patrons can expect $2 Jello shots, $4.25 green beer, $5 Jameson, $6 green teas, 16oz Guiness, and $7 car bombs. Electric Dream, Avid, and Hot Sauce will provide live music starting at 1 p.m. The location includes large-screen televisions, billiards and shuffleboard, and video games. Traditional Irish dishes, desserts Shepherd's pie and other foods are part of the Erie Irish Festival tradition, shown here in Erie on Sept. 14, 2024. Nothing goes better with an Irish beverage than a filling meal, and the Emerald Isle has plenty in its culinary history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many may know corned beef and cabbage, Irish entrees include beer bread, Irish stew with hearty lamb, Shepherd's pie and broiled steak in whiskey sauce, noted Food.com. For a sweet tooth, an Irish Cream Bundt Cake would be just right. Perhaps a Chocolate Guinness Cake is more one's preference. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is St. Patrick's Day 2025? Date, history, celebrations in El Paso One person was hurt after a stabbing outside an Ohio bar early Sunday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The stabbing happened around 1:20 a.m. outside a bar in the 230 block of N. Main Street, a Bowling Green police sergeant told CBS affiliate WTOL. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bar is just minutes away from Bowling Green State University, according to Google Maps. The victim is still alive as of Sunday morning, but police did not share further details about their condition. There is no suspect in custody, according to police. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A lot of people are rightly upset and disgusted with the Trump Administration regarding all the firings of government employees at record speeds, the dismantling of the Department of Education and other institutions that keep us safe and wanting to annex Canada to be our 51st state. However, there is one thing that each of us can do to help alleviate some of the pressure and tension that people are feeling, and that is: Let's give each other hugs yes, that's right HUGS. Why hugs? For one thing, it relieves tension, improves blood flow, reduces stress, which also helps with self-esteem and generates good will. Hugs do not require batteries, and there is absolutely no cost involved. It is nontaxable and is fully returnable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe with an extra amount of kindness toward one another, we can get through this mess that we are currently experiencing. Give it a try, you just might start feeling better. Get one today, and the next day. Jim Jeziorowski Wayne Hugs are free, writes one Detroit Free Press reader. More from Freep Opinion: Claressa Shields shouldnt face marijuana penalty. Michigan must fix regulations. State should follow Detroit's lead on marijuana ad restrictions Detroit's new restrictions on marijuana ads are very important, for all the reasons Detroit Councilman Scott Benson stated. ("Detroit has new marijuana advertising restrictions: What to know about ordinance," Detroit Free Press, March 6.) Especially as to " it normalizes the use of marijuana and vaping products." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The article stated that Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti was concerned about the proliferation of marijuana in schools. He should also be concerned with vaping, as it is rampant among high school students. In addition to the addictive factor, the health dangers are enormous and proven. That goes for the second-hand smoke, or vapor, too. The manufacturers of vapes and the products to support it are definitely targeting children. We need restrictions, like the ones Detroit City Council passed, everywhere throughout the state, not just in Detroit. We need to protect our children from the bombardment of ads for these products. The letter written by the high school student in South Lyon made excellent points. ("Vaping and ice cream don't mix," Detroit Free Press, March 4.) It is refreshing that a high school student spoke out against vaping she observes in high school, and even middle schools. In Michigan, the use of marijuana and vaping are illegal for anyone under 21 years of age. We need better enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposal to tax vapes is a beginning to recognize that these companies are purposely targeting children. The State of Michigan should definitely tax any vaping products at a high rate. Barbara Trombly Grosse Pointe Farms Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: If you're stressed about Trump, try this | Letters On March 17, people around the world will celebrate St. Patricks Day by parading in green hats, sporting images of shamrocks and leprechauns tiny, grinning, fairy men pinned to their lapels. Patricks picture will adorn greeting cards: an aged, bearded bishop in flowing robes, grasping a bishops staff and glaring at a coil of snakes. The icon refers to one of Patricks legendary miracles in which he is said to have prayed to banish all snakes from Ireland. However, as a historian of medieval Ireland, I can assure you that the real St. Patrick, who lived and worked in the fifth century, never saw a snake or wore a shamrock. Patricks own writings and early accounts of the saints career reveal many interesting details about the life of this patron saint of Ireland. Here are 10 things you may not know about St. Patrick. 1. Patrick was not Irish Patrick was born around 450 A.D., just when Roman troops withdrew from Britain. His father was a gentleman and a Christian deacon who owned a small estate in a place called Bannavem Taburniae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholars arent sure where this place was it was probably on the west coast around Bristol, near the southern border of modern Wales and England. 2. Patrick was a slave Irish slave traders sailed the waters off that same coast, and one day they came ashore to capture the teenage Patrick and his neighbors, to sell back in Ireland. Patrick spent six years tending sheep in the west of Ireland. 3. Patrick heard voices While chasing sheep on the hills, Patrick prayed a hundred times a day, in all kinds of weather. It paid off. One night a mysterious voice called to him, saying, Look, your ship is ready! Patrick knew he wasnt hearing sheep. The time was right for his escape. 4. Patrick refused to suck a mans breasts Patrick made his way to Irelands east coast and sought passage on a ship bound for Britain. The captain, a pagan, didnt like the look of him and demanded that Patrick suck his breasts, a ritual gesture symbolizing acceptance of the captains authority. Patrick refused instead he tried to convert the crew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some reason, the captain still took him aboard. 5. Patrick had visions One night Patrick dreamed that Satan tested his faith by dropping an enormous rock on him. He lay crushed by its weight until dawn broke, when he called out, Helias! Helias! the name of the Greek sun god. The rock disappeared. Patrick took it as a kind of epiphany. He later wrote: I believe that I was helped by Christ the Lord. Patrick had other peculiar visions, too. Back home at Bannavem Taburniae, he was visited by an angel with a message from the Irish: We beg you, Holy Boy, to come and walk again among us. He trained as a bishop and went back to Ireland. 6. Patrick did something unmentionable Years into his mission, someone, it seems, told a dirty secret about Patrick to his fellow bishops. They brought up against me after thirty years something I had already confessed some things I had done one day - rather, in one hour, when I was young, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrick did not tell us what he did worship idols? Engage in a forbidden sexual practice? Take gifts from converts? Whatever it was, Patrick retrospectively understood his zealous Irish mission to be penance for his youthful sins. While he spread Christianity around Ireland, he was often beaten, put in chains or extorted. Every day there is the chance that I will be killed, or surrounded, or taken into slavery, he complained. 7. Patrick duelled with druids Two centuries after his death, Irish believers wanted more exciting stories of Patricks life than the saints own account. One legend (written 700 A.D.) described Patricks contest with native religious leaders, the druids. The druids insulted Patrick, tried to poison him and engaged him in magical duels much like students of Harry Potters Hogwarts in which they competed to manipulate the weather, destroy each others sacred books and survive raging fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When one druid dared to blaspheme the Christian God, however, Patrick sent the druid flying into air the man dropped to the ground and broke his skull. 8. Patrick made God promise Another legend from around the same time tells how Patrick fasted for 40 days atop a mountain, weeping, throwing things, and refusing to descend until an angel came on Gods behalf to grant the saints outrageous demands. These included the following: Patrick would redeem more souls from hell than any other saint; Patrick, rather than God, would judge Irish sinners at the end of time; and the English would never rule Ireland. We know how that last one worked out. Perhaps God will keep the other two promises. 9. Patrick never mentioned a shamrock None of the early Patrician stories featured the shamrock or Irish seamrog which is a word for common clover, a small plant with three leaves. Yet children in Catholic schools still learn that Patrick used a shamrock as a symbol of the Christian Trinity when he preached to the heathen Irish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shamrock connection was first mentioned in print by an English visitor to Ireland in 1684, who wrote that on Saint Patricks feast day, the vulgar superstitiously wear shamroges, 3 leavd grass, which they likewise eat (they say) to cause a sweet breath. The Englishman also noted that very few of the zealous are found sober at night. 10. Patrick did not drive the snakes out of Ireland As for the miraculous snake-charming attributed to Patrick, it could not have happened because there were no snakes in pre-modern Ireland. Reptiles never made it across the land bridge that prehistorically linked the island to the European continent. Most likely, the miracle was plagiarized from some other saints life and eventually added to Patricks repertoire. Party-goers on March 17 need not worry about ancient historical details, though. Whatever the truth of Patricks mission, he became one of the three patrons of Ireland, along with Sts. Brigit and Columba the latter two were born in Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wishing you La fheile Padraig sona dhaiobh Happy Saint Patricks Day. 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: Lisa Bitel, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Read more: Lisa Bitel 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. Jan. 7, 1994, started out like any other typical winter morning for Rebecca "Becky" Savarese of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. There was snow on the ground, and it was bitterly cold as the 12-year-old walked to school. Then, at around 7:10 a.m., at one of the busiest intersections in town, a man came up beside her. "He had a mustache, but he didn't shave. He seemed like a nerd to me," said Savarese. The stranger quickly pulled out a gun and held it up against her. Becky said the gunman threatened her: "Just do everything I say, everything will be perfectly OK." Then he steered her toward his truck and told her to get in. But Becky refused. "I didn't care if he shot me. I just knew I was not going to get into that truck," she told "48 Hours." in 1994, Becky Saverese shared the story of her attempted abduction and how she got away with Instead, that's when Becky said she came up with an idea that possibly saved her life. She faked an asthma attack. She explained, "I was like, 'Can I sit down? Can I just sit down a minute?' I was trying to take my backpack off and he tried to grab me, and he got my backpack and then I just started to run." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gunman jumped into his truck and sped off. Becky ran into a man clearing snow off a sidewalk who called police. At about the same time, a witness called in with three digits from the truck's license plate. Police learned that a 43-year-old handyman and former movie theater janitor named Lewis Lent had been driving that truck. He at first denied knowing about Becky Savarese, but he later confessed to trying to abduct her. When police searched Lent's truck they found disturbing evidence. New York State Police Detective Reece Treen said they found "Rebecca's backpack. They found a gun. They found what Lew called his 'snatch kit.' Duct tape and a clothesline rope. Basically, his kidnapping abducting kit he had with him." After Lent was arrested for the attempted abduction of Becky Savarese, authorities wondered if Lent could have abducted other children including a 12-year-old-girl who had disappeared five months earlier. Sara Anne Wood, from Sauquoit, New York 100 miles from Pittsfield was last seen on her bike, leaving church as she was headed home less than a mile down the street. Sara Anne Wood / Credit: Dusty Wood When authorities questioned Lent about Sara's disappearance, he eventually confessed, in horrific detail, that he abducted, sexually assaulted and killed Sara. He also admitted to kidnapping and murdering 12-year-old Jimmy Bernardo from Pittsfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunters had found Jimmy's body in a rural and isolated area 200 miles away from Pittsfield. But detectives had no idea where Sara was buried. When they asked Lent, authorities say he continuously lied as to where he buried her. The search for Sara and the cat-and-mouse game between authorities and her killer to get him to reveal where her remains are located is the focus of "The Unending Search for Sara Anne Wood." Correspondent Erin Moriarty's reportis now streaming on Paramount+. Authorities credit Becky for breaking Sara's abduction case wide open. New York State Police Detective Frank Lawrence said, "She's the key, she's the linchpin. She's what made it all happen She got away That's what put us on to Lewis Lent." Treen, who spent many long hours interviewing Lent in prison, said that Lent admitted he would often drive for many miles hunting for children to kidnap. "(Lent) had a large hunting area. He mentioned that if he had money and he had the gas, that's what he would do he would go out looking for vulnerable children." Convicted serial killer Lewis Lent. / Credit: New York State Police But Becky Savarese's bravery and quick thinking changed all of that. In 1995, Lent was convicted for her attempted kidnapping and was sentenced to 17 to 20 years in prison. In 1996, after taking a plea, he was given a life sentence for murdering Jimmy Bernardo. Then, later that year, Lent pleaded guilty to killing Sara Wood. In 1997, he was sentenced to 25 years to life for her murder. Lent will serve the rest of his life in prison. Sara's brother Dusty Wood said, "He (Lewis Lent) will never cause harm to anyone else." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter often wonders what would have happened if Becky had not been able to escape. "I think Becky Savarese not only saved herself, she saved countless children because this man (Lewis Lent) was developing his skills. He was getting better at it. She outsmarted him and brought an end to his reign of terror," he told "48 Hours." Back in 1994, Becky's mother, Chris, told "48 Hours" that she often lectured her daughter about the steps to take in case she was ever abducted: to "kick, punch, bite, spit and do anything to get away." Becky had also been warned about strangers from a policeman who came to her school the year before the incident. Dusty Wood says Becky's actions are an example as to why educating youth about abduction prevention is so important. "If no one had said anything to Rebecca she would have had a different outcome.". Every year, Dusty Wood and some family members participate in the "Ride for Missing Children," a 78-mile bike ride that was created in Sara's honor by their father Bob Wood. Riders stop at schools along the route to talk to children about how to stay safe. Riders also pay silent tribute to those children who are missing and never coming home and those that they hope may be found alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dusty Wood says he cannot do anything to bring his sister Sara back, but he can try and make positive change by educating the public about how to keep children safe. He told "48 Hours," "The most important thing for us as a family is to protect kids and make sure that if there's anything that can be done to protect them from monsters like Lewis Lent, that it be done." To learn more about how to educate children about abduction prevention, please visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website missingkids.org. Trump sends Iran a warning while ordering strikes against Houthis in Yemen Retail giants like Macy's, Walgreens face financial turmoil Senate passes short-term funding bill, averting a government shutdown 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: Leora Lee Sells. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember Leora Lee Sells, 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. HAMILTON COUNTY, Iowa Two people were arrested for scams enacted in Hamilton and Kossuth County while posed as public officials. According to the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, on February 24, 2025, dispatch was notified that a resident had been scammed out of $10,000 earlier that day. Authorities say the scam involved individuals posed as a lawyer and a judge, who then convinced the victim that their neighbor was arrested and needed bail money. The victim cooperated, believing their neighbor was in trouble. One of the scammers, posing as a public official, went to the victims home where the victim gave them the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later the same day, the Kossuth County Sheriffs Office received a report of a scam that was identical to the report in Hamilton County. Kossuth County deputies identified the vehicle used by the scammers and issued an attempt to locate and an arrest warrant for the person the vehicle was rented to. Welfare check leads to drug arrest in Kossuth County On February 27, the vehicle was found and the driver, Eddie Benitez Abreus of Florida, was arrested and charged with first-degree theft. Abreus had three cell phones in his possession, one of which still had the address of the Hamilton County victim saved in the maps app, according to authorities. Carlos Yadier Garrido Guzman, of Florida, was determined to be involved and Kossuth County issued an arrest warrant for first-degree theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abreus and Guzman are both charged with, Theft 1st Degree Impersonation of a Public Official The investigation was assisted by the Kossuth County Sheriffs Office, Hamilton County Office Staff, and Hamilton County Deputy Alex Sharp. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Investigators are trying to figure out how a 4-year-old Georgia girl died Friday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 7:46 p.m., Toombs County deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive child. The caller told dispatch they were on the way to the hospital from their home. Emergency responders met the caller at the Enmarket convenience store at West Liberty Street and South Victory Drive in Lyons. Paramedics immediately began life-saving measures while headed to Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the 4-year-old was pronounced dead. TRENDING STORIES: Toombs County Sheriff Jordan Kight requested assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of Seth Hunter Brown, 26, and Taylor Marie Hughes, 29, both of Lyons. The pair was charged with cruelty to children in the first degree, aggravated battery, felony murder, and malice murder. The duo was booked into the Toombs County Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The relationship between the victim and suspects was not released. The childs identity was not revealed. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families during this difficult time. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come, Kight said. The investigation is ongoing. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police are investigating after two men were shot in Parkway Village on Saturday evening. According to Memphis Police, at around 6:37 p.m., two men arrived at St. Francis Hospital on Park Avenue with gunshot wounds. Both men are listed in critical condition. Memphis Police say the shooting happened on Boxdale Street near Knight Arnold Road. Police say no suspect information is available at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH. 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. 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. By the time youre reading this, Im likely somewhere in the Senate basement, anxiously waiting to see if I need to cancel my weekend plans. The government is scheduled to shut down at midnight later tonight, and we are expecting a vote later today that would extend government funding through the end of September. Senate Democrats have been mulling this decision over the last week as theyve been faced with a lose-lose dilemma. I broke down that decision here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More on that later. But first, lets check in on how Democrats are doing and how the party is grasping for a reset after an election cycle that left them with no power in Washington. The big idea House Democrats push for reset in attempt to win back Congress House Democrats are gathering in Leesburg, Virginia, this week for their annual policy retreat where party members discuss messaging and strategy for the upcoming year. And this one comes at a critical time for the party: Democrats sit in the minority of both the House and Senate, giving them virtually no power in Washington. Now they must band together ahead of the 2026 midterm elections in an attempt to flip the House and gain some sense of leverage against Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckily for Democrats, history is on their side. Historical trends show that the party of the sitting president typically loses control of the House during the midterm elections, giving the minority party an edge. One of the exceptions to that came during George W. Bushs first term, when Republicans actually gained seats in the House after the 9/11 attacks. But with Republicans in control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are scrambling to regroup and pinpoint their messaging tactics before the 2026 cycle begins in earnest. Much of that message will focus on the Trump administrations efforts to slash government spending, particularly multibillionaire Elon Musks role in purging the federal workforce. Democrats have already started their attacks by accusing Republicans of seeking to dismantle Medicaid and other welfare programs and party leaders are hoping to make those concerns a top issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our job over the next 21 months is to make sure that voters are hearing this message loud and clear, and were going to keep repeating it over, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., chairwoman of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, said on Wednesday. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., reiterated those plans, telling reporters the party would focus their message on supporting the working class while accusing Republicans of working for the wealthy, with Musk as a prime example. (Expect Musk to appear in many campaign ads over the next year and a half.) House Democratic Caucus chair Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., speaks with reporters as vice chair Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., listens on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein Meanwhile, a few Democrats I spoke with said they want to hear more from party leaders about outreach tactics, noting thats become a major discussion point in the aftermath of the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a big reason we lost (in 2024) was around communications, and theyve already really been talking a lot about that (and) what we did wrong, Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., told me ahead of the retreat. Republicans really outflanked us on the podcasts and those networks. They had all these top podcasters Id never even heard of until the day after the election. But were trying to catch up, he added. Its going to take some time. So I think thats going to be a big piece. On the other hand, Republicans are confident they will not only defend their slim majority in the House but actually expand it next November. Were in a very strong position to defy what is the norm, Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. Its not traditionally expected for a new president to pick up seats in the first two years of his term for his party, but we are going to grow the majority next year and we have a great plan to do that. 3+ things to know How Trump did the impossible: Convincing Never CR Republicans to support his edition The Senate appears poised to avoid a shutdown after top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said he would vote to end the filibuster, paving the way for Republicans to pass their funding package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision comes after days of intense discussions between Democrats as they debated which was the lesser of two evils: Shut down the government or allow the Trump administration to continue passing policies they disagree with. But a big reason Senate Democrats got squeezed so hard was in no small part because of President Donald Trump. After a massive whip effort by Trump and other White House officials earlier this week, the president managed to get nearly every House Republican to vote for his yearlong CR. In doing so, Republicans were able to pass their own funding bill without any Democratic support something House GOP leaders have attempted (and failed to accomplish) over the last two years. And many of those GOP holdouts say it was all due to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no way the CR would have passed had it not been for Trump and his team, Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., a typical CR naysayer, told me. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., also credited Trump for the House passage of the CR, telling me in a phone call that the president did what everybody should do in the political arena. I dont like CRs. I dont vote for them, its no way to do business, Norman told me. I cant give (Trump) enough credit. He did one thing that politicians dont do. He listened. Him and JD Vance did a great job of walking us through why we need to do this. Because of Trumps efforts, House Republicans were able to send their CR over to the Senate and skip town by Wednesday, making it Senate Democrats problem to choose to avoid a government shutdown or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And some Senate Democrats acknowledged that move took away any leverage they had. The only time we had any leverage (was if) the Republican needed our votes in the House. The GOP delivered and that effectively iced us out, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said on Thursday. And that forces us to say, Are you gonna shut the government down? Or are you gonna vote for a flawed CR? And now for me, I refuse to shut the government down. Fetterman was the first Senate Democrat to say he would vote for the House GOP-led CR to avoid a shutdown. Whats next The Senate is set to vote on ending the filibuster on Friday morning, with a vote on the full package sometime later in the day. Were not yet sure when, as Senate procedural rules will force party leaders to come to some kind of time agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, the House and Senate are both scheduled to go on recess for the next week. So itll be quiet on Capitol Hill (for once!). In the meantime, reach me by email or follow me on X for more timely updates from the Hill. Nearly a month after a massive fire at an aerospace manufacturers facility just outside of Philadelphia, hundreds of workers are facing layoffs. NBC News affiliate WJAC reports that in a letter to Warren Buffett, Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija said around 250 of SPS Technologies employees face immediate layoffs. Thats about half of the companys workforce. In the letter asking for Buffett to step in, Makhija calls SPS a staple in the community and asks for the company to provide longer-term, temporary pay to these employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SPS factory caught fire on Feb. 17 while around 60 employees were inside. All of them evacuated and no injuries were reported. The blaze temporarily shuttered nearby schools. Some residents were asked to voluntarily evacuate and others were told to shelter in place. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Three people were arrested after a traffic stop in Canandaigua overnight Saturday and charged after deputies said they were found with illegal drugs. According to the Ontario County Sheriffs Office, Calvin White Jr., 63, Brittany L. Hollaert, 28, and Doreen La Toiea Hamilton, 44, were pulled over in a vehicle on State Route 332 around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. Inside the vehicle, deputies reportedly found illegal drugs throughout the vehicle, and placed all three people in custody. Deputies did not specify what controlled substance was reportedly in their possession. All three people, who are from Rochester, were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton and White Jr. were released on appearance tickets. Hollaert, however, was taken to jail due to a history of no-shows in court, deputies said. Adams Rascals Bar & Grill destroyed after large fire While in jail, deputies said Hollaert was again found with a controlled substance and was subsequently hit with an additional charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance and promoting prison contraband. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Three people were arrested after deputies said they attempted to use a drone to smuggle contraband into a Georgia prison. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On March 7, around 11:48 p.m., Washington County deputies were called to West Brown Drive in Davisoro regarding several suspicious people. The sheriffs office later learned the individuals were in Davisboro attempting a prison drop at Washington State Prison. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, deputies said they seized a drone, a drone controller connected to a cell phone, and drawstring bags containing marijuana, tobacco, and Promethazine. Deputies arrested the following: Emmarrion Murray, 20, of Jonesboro, Ga. Serpico Evans, 27, of East Point, Ga., Alfonso Horton, 23, of Forest Park, Ga. The trio is charged with trading with inmates, conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of Schedule V controlled substance with intent to distribute. Evans was also charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) Four people were sentenced in connection to a string of state park burglaries on Thursday. According to Floridas Attorney Generals Office, the investigation into the burglaries began in 2022 after ranger stations at numerous state parks in North Florida were burglarized for equipment, money, and merchandise. The parks also reported instances of vandalism and theft of money from honor boxes posted near park entrances, where visitors would deposit their daily fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney Generals Office arrested the four individuals, who pleaded guilty to racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and armed burglary. Their names and sentences are as follows: Chandler Parrish Ellison was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Alyssa Brewer was sentenced to eight years in prison. Kayly Burns was sentenced to seven years in prison. Aaron Higgins was sentenced to 11 years 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 WFLA. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) A total of six people were rescued from two flooded vehicles in Murfreesboro after Saturdays severe weather across Middle Tennessee. Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department reported crews were called to Shalom Street after a vehicle drove into a flooded waterway. PHOTOS: Storms roll through Middle Tennessee | March 15 No injuries were reported in the vehicle flooding or rescue attempt. However, fire officials emphasized how driving into high waters is extremely dangerous and offered several reasons why you should always TURN AROUND, DONT DROWN! you Cant See the Depth or Road Condition Just a few inches of water can hide washed-out pavement or strong currents. It Takes Less Water Than You Think As little as 6 inches of water can stall your vehicle, and 12 inches can sweep it away. Fast-Moving Water is Deadly Floodwaters can carry debris, create strong currents, and trap you inside your vehicle. Rescues Put Others at Risk Emergency crews have to put their lives on the line to save drivers who get stranded. Stay Safe: If you see water over the road, DO NOT RISK IT! Turn around and find an alternate route. Its not worth your life. Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (Courtesy: Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department) (Courtesy: Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department) (Courtesy: Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department) A few hours later, the department announced crews saved two more individuals from a stranded truck after they drove around two high water barriers and got stuck in rising floodwaters under the train tracks on West College Street. First responders had to use a boat to bring them back to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no word on the conditions of the two people rescued from the flooded vehicle. EF-1 tornado confirmed in Bedford County, Rutherford County Saturday High water warnings and barricades are there for a reason! fire officials posted on Facebook on Sunday, March 16. Ignoring them puts your life and emergency crews at risk. Just a few inches of water can sweep away a vehicle, and road conditions beneath the water can be unpredictable. (Courtesy: Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department) (Courtesy: Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department) (Courtesy: Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department) The department did not specify when either incident occurred in Murfreesboro. 2 rescued from flooding in Jackson County Multiple emergency response agencies across Middle Tennessee have posted about water rescue operations in the aftermath of the severe weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the Giles County Sheriffs Department said it conducted a swift water rescue on Saturday, March 15 when a couple motorists tried to cross a flooded road and their vehicle was disabled. Giles County Fire and Rescue posted a video Sunday afternoon of two people being saved from a car that was swept off the road the night before, adding in the caption that five people had been pulled from the water in the previous 24 hours. Meanwhile, the Chapel Hill Fire Department said it worked with state park rangers to rescue 10 people and one dog around the River Road RV Park who were trapped by floodwaters. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control officials said this week that more than 50 establishments were caught on various violations facing more than $62,000 in fines or suspensions. The violations are for businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol across North Carolina including bars, clubs, restaurants or stores. Each month, The North Carolina ABC Commission holds a meeting and lists various establishments that officials say violated rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The businesses then decide to either pay fines and/or accept having their licenses suspended for various days. Earlier this week, the ABC Commission made available the list of more than 50 new hearing cases. (pdf document) In the commissions Wednesday meeting, the group ratified the 52 hearing cases resulting in penalties over $62,400 and/or suspension of permits for at least three days. The actual list of violations for each business is not yet available. Meanwhile, the suspension date starts this weekend for various businesses facing fines or suspensions from the previous month. The list of violations from the previous month is now available from 45 hearing cases with penalties over $54,000 and/or at least three days of permit suspensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, businesses chose to pay a partial fine and have a few days of suspension. The suspensions were set to go into effect starting Friday. Nine businesses will undergo suspensions with an average of about 2 weeks each, the ABC Commission said. The ABC violations include: selling to or allowing consumption by an intoxicated person selling or giving alcoholic beverages to an underage person not purchasing only from wholesalers failing to deface a tax stamp once the liquor bottle was empty failing to post ABC permits failing to maintain invoices of alcoholic beverages purchases failing to clear tables and counters of all alcoholic beverages by 2:30 am failing to destroy unconsumed alcoholic beverages transferring spirituous liquor between commonly owned business locations failing to maintain the minimum food inventory required for off-premises fortified wine permits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the businesses in central North Carolina in the list of 45 include Dueling Piano Bar in downtown Raleigh, Walgreens and Aldi in Wake Forest, the Blue Horn Lounge in Chapel Hill and La Cacerola and Chili Bee Cafe and Grille in Durham. Others in North Carolina include Four Points by Sheraton Fayetteville Fort Bragg and the Commodore Club in Wrightsville Beach. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KOCANI, North Macedonia (AP) A massive fire tore through an overcrowded nightclub in North Macedonia on Sunday, killing 59 people and injuring 155 in a chaotic escape during a live concert. The tragedy focused national attention on corruption in the small Balkan country as authorities detained 15 people. The death toll may rise further, with 20 of the injured remain in critical condition, according to Health Minister Arben Taravari. The government has declared seven days of national mourning. The pre-dawn blaze in the eastern town of Kocani left mostly young people dead and injured due to burns, smoke inhalation and a stampede in the desperate effort to reach the building's single exit, officials said. People as young as 16 were among the casualties, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos showed sparkling pyrotechnics on the stage hitting the ceiling followed by scenes of chaos inside the club, with young people running through the smoke as the musicians urged them to escape as quickly as possible. We even tried to get out through the bathroom, only to find bars (on the windows), Marija Taseva, 19, told The Associated Press, describing the fire that erupted after watching a local pop group at Club Pulse. "I somehow managed to get out. I fell down the stairs and they ran over me, trampled me. ... I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe. She suffered an injury to her face. The fire caused the roof of the single-story building to partially collapse, revealing the charred remains of wooden beams and debris. Police cordoned off the site and sent in evidence gathering teams in an operation also involving state prosecutors. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said 15 people were detained for questioning after a preliminary inspection revealed the club was operating without a proper license. He said the number of people inside the club was at least double its official capacity of 250. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption in this case, he told reporters without elaborating. Neighbors offer condolences and assistance The fire is the worst tragedy in recent memory to befall the landlocked nation, whose population is less than 2 million, and the latest in a slew of deadly nightclub fires around the world. Condolences poured in from leaders around Europe as well as from the office of Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for a month for double pneumonia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also sent messages of support. I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our (North) Macedonian friends on this sad day, Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health Ministry officials said the government had accepted offers of assistance from several neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Turkey, where preparations were being made to receive patients with life-threatening injuries. In the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, three people with severe burns aged 25, 25 and 19 were being treated at a civilian hospital, with one undergoing surgery, health authorities said. Their conditions are critical. The most difficult day of my life - PM Throughout Sunday, relatives gathered in front of hospitals and city offices in Kocani, some 115 kilometers (72 miles) east of the capital, Skopje, begging authorities for more information. Resident Dragi Stojanov was informed that his 21-year-old son Tomce had died in the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was my only child. I dont need my life anymore. ... 150 families have been devastated," he said. Children burnt beyond recognition. There are corpses, just corpses inside (the club). ... And the bosses (of organized crime), just putting money into their pockets. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited burn victims at a hospital in Skopje and spoke to parents waiting outside. It's terrible ... hard to believe how this happened, she said, her voice halting with emotion. We must give these young people courage to continue. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said late Sunday it had been the most difficult day of my life, adding that the country must defeat corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I entered politics to change something. I encountered a deeply corrupt system that has been created and nurtured for decades, which includes people from all parties, from all profiles. If that system does not collapse, this country will never exist, he said in a statement. North Macedonias government ordered a sweeping inspection to be carried out at all nightclubs and cabarets across the country over the next three days. Pyrotechnics have often been the cause of deadly fires in nightclubs, including the one at the Colectiv club in Bucharest, Romania, in 2015 in which 64 people died. ___ Associated Press writers from across Europe contributed to this report. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Sunday marks 65 years since the first sit-in took place in Savannah on Broughton Street. It was the start of the fight for equality and an end to segregation in Savannah. Carolyn Quilloin, Joan Tyson and Ernest Robinson were greeted with comments like, Youre not supposed to be here and you know it. when they walked into Levys department store and sat at the lunch counter to order food. The three were the first to practice sit-ins, a form of protest against segregation. They were also the first to be arrested, which sparked the 16-month-long boycott of downtown shopping led by the NAACP. Vaughnette Goode-Walker is the museum director of the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum in Savannah. The law was not on their side at this point because the law said if people come in at that time here in Georgia and you didnt want to wait on them or you didnt want to serve them, you didnt have to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Mayor of Savannah Otis Johnson went to school with one of the women participating in the sit-in. He says if it wasnt for their bravery we wouldnt be where we are today. I directly benefited from the desegregation of this community. I could now sit at lunch counters and eat. I didnt have to stand at the end of the counter or take out of the schools. Became desegregated in 1963. I was the first to go to Armstrong. Nineteen others went to two schools in Savannah, Savannah High, which was on Washington Avenue and Groves High, which was on Highway 21. So, we benefited from the movement and it paved the way for my career. The movement was the start of eliminating Jim Crow and uniting the community. Something we all benefit from in todays society. Goode-Walker says, All these places were segregated and the law had to be upheld by those who were enforce of the law. Ill put it that way. But the protests actually helped change that law. They made a difference. They made a change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) According to the Limestone County Sheriffs Office, a missing out-of-state child has been rescued, which led to the arrest of nine men on 36 charges. According to LCSO, on March 6, Deputy Dylan Legg responded to a disturbance call and found a child who was reported missing in another state. Seeing the signs of human trafficking, Deputy Legg rescued the child, who had fallen victim to sex trafficking after being lured online. 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 Authorities said with coordination with juvenile probation, Limestone County DHR, and out-of-state agencies, the child was safely returned to their family. The investigation is ongoing, with potential local charges pending. Additionally, LCSO said an out-of-state agency has issued warrants for a person suspected of taking the child. LCSO said no more details will be released to protect the victims identity. Between March 9 and March 15, the Limestone County Criminal Investigation Division, with help from Patrol and Corrections staff, carried out a targeted operation resulting in nine arrests on charges related to human trafficking and child exploitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following men were arrested and charged: Macario Mina, 30, of Huntsville Robin Morneault, 40, of Athens Stephen Carmac, 53, of Cameron, NC Quan Zeng, 33, of Gadsden Kevin Brooks, 34, of Huntsville Lavoris Mitchell, 36, of Huntsville Each of the above men is facing charges of first-degree human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act. Additionally, the following men were arrested and are facing enhanced charges: Darris Moore II, 24, of Harvest Donald Devaney, 52, of Russellville Raul Alvarez-Lopez, 28, of Huntsville Each of these men is charged with two counts of first-degree human trafficking, two counts of electronic solicitation of a child and two counts of traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act. (Photo: Limestone County Jail) (Photo: Limestone County Jail) (Photo: Limestone County Jail) (Photo: Limestone County Jail) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Photo: Limestone County Jail) (Photo: Limestone County Jail) (Photo: Limestone County Jail) (Photo: Limestone County Jail) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Photo: Limestone County Jail) LCSO said bonds for the suspects will be determined later by a judge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A 9-year-old boy was shot in the leg late Saturday night after he had somehow gotten a hold of a gun, according to Chicago police, in the Kenwood neighborhood on the citys South Side. Family holds vigil for woman struck, killed by Cook County Sheriffs Deputy Police say the boy entered a room at a residence in the 5000 block of South East End Avenue around 11:30 p.m., where he obtained a gun. A man inside the residence then attempted to take the gun away from the boy, according to police, at which point the gun discharged and hit the boy in the leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Police say he was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital, where hes listed in good condition. Area One detectives are investigating the incident, police say. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gatesville, TX (FOX 44) Governor Greg Abbott was at the Coryell County Republican Party at their Lincoln Reagan Dinner in Gatesville Saturday night. He spoke to a crowd of over 200 republicans and supporters. During the governors speech he talked about topics that Texas residents found most crucial one of which was water. This session, we will make the largest investment in water in the history of our state by tapping into new water supplies and repairing pipes to save billions of gallons of water each year Abbott stated. Border security was another issue covered during the meeting. Abbott highlighted the critical work Texas has done and continues to do to secure the border such as build a border wall, deploy thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers, and install floating marine barriers in the Rio Grande River to deny illegal entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding school choice, the governor noted that the state plans to improve public education and deliver school choice to Texas families. He also pledged to pass a lasting property tax reform by removing loopholes that taxing authorities use to increase property taxes and implementing a two-thirds voter approval to raise any property taxes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. I dont know how Democratic Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly got my phone number, but a text from him landed the other day with a thud. Elon Musk came after me again, said the text. Sure, sure I knew it was a ploy for cash, but I was intrigued. Turns out the impetuous billionaire had gratuitously insulted Kelly after the senator had posted a long thread on X about his recent trip to Ukraine. What I saw proved to me we cant give up on the Ukrainian people, wrote Kelly. Everyone wants this war to end, but any agreement has to protect Ukraines security and cant be a giveaway to Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks reaction: You are a traitor. Let that sink in, to quote Musk himself. Read more: Abcarian: Trump wants to undo all kinds of race and gender progress. Here's what stands in his way Kelly is an American patriot. He flew 39 combat missions as a U.S. Navy pilot during Operation Desert Storm. Later, as a NASA astronaut, he twice commanded the space shuttle. Musk, by contrast, left South Africa at age 17 in part to avoid compulsory military service. His puerile insult brought to mind the infamous remark then-presidential candidate Donald Trump made in 2016 about Republican Sen. John McCain, also of Arizona, a Navy pilot who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes a war hero cause he was captured, said Trump, who ducked the Vietnam draft by claiming he had bone spurs. I like people who werent captured. I dont know which billionaire is less suited to wield power in a democracy, Musk or Trump. Neither has a lick of empathy, an indispensable trait in a great leader. The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, Musk told podcaster Joe Rogan last month. So weve got civilizational suicidal empathy going on. Read more: Abcarian: Trump's latest cruel attempt to ban transgender troops won't survive without a fight Musk recently reposted a meme denigrating Americans who receive federal benefits as the Parasite Class. This from someone whose empire, including Tesla and Space X, were built with billions of dollars in government funding, i.e. your tax dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks frosty attitude toward his fellow humans helps explain why he is able to sleep at night while denying lifesaving food and medicine to people in the many undeveloped countries that used to be helped by the U. S. Agency for International Development, the first of the programs he's been trying to chain-saw out of existence. Trump and Musk's slash-and-burn approach to government, to the economy, to relationships with traditional allies, and the way they have reduced the White House to a Tesla dealership amply demonstrate their lack of concern for the American people. (Have you checked your 401(k) balance lately?) Read more: Calmes: When it comes to Trump's economy, the adults have left the room But more important, their actions show they are not really interested in an efficient government, the putative reason Musk became, essentially, co-president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to keep track of all the lawsuits that have been filed accusing the pair of illegally slashing government agencies and programs. Their method is pure madness. Take their plan to cut by half the workforce of the Internal Revenue Service. According to Washington Post contributor Natasha Sarin, a Yale Law School professor who served as deputy assistant secretary for economic policy in the Biden administration, IRS layoffs at the scale promised would "very conservatively, lead to a $400-billion increase in uncollected taxes over the next decade. It could easily mean more than $2 trillion in losses." On Thursday, federal judges in California and Maryland ruled that thousands of federal workers across 19 agencies had indeed been fired illegally and ordered their reinstatement. Thanks to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, a name George Orwell would have been proud to dream up, the country now finds itself mired in a legal morass that could last years. Read more: Calmes: President Trump brags about American power and respect while he trades it away Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyway, the U.S. Constitution was never designed with efficiency in mind. The founders created a system of checks and balances specifically to prevent concentrating power in the hands of one person. Our supine Republican Congress, in fear of alienating Musk and Trump, has abdicated its role in this critical balance, handing over control of the purse strings to Trump and Musk. When you have an efficient government, President Truman once said, you have a dictatorship. In their fecklessness, Musk and Trump are perfect for each other. They are the political reincarnation of Tom and Daisy Buchanan, the tragically self-absorbed couple in F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby. They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, wrote Fitzgerald, and let other people clean up the mess they had made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And oh, what a mess Trump and Musk have made. The question now is whether Americans will stand up to this terrible twosome and wrench our democracy back from their grasping little hands. Bluesky: @rabcarian.bsky.social. Threads: @rabcarian 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. Michael Stewart, founder of the Satanic Grotto, has vowed to defy an order by Gov. Laura Kelly to move a "black mass" scheduled for March 28 to the Kansas Statehouse grounds. Stewart, shown here March 14 posing with a "Satanic Bible," said his group would attempt the blasphemous event inside the Capitol building as planned, even if it means arrest. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) Kansans love themselves some satanic panic. Take Gov. Laura Kelly, who recently declared a group of Sunflower satanists would not be allowed to hold a blasphemous black mass inside the Statehouse later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event, a mockery of the Catholic mass in which a Christian Bible and a cross will be destroyed, was scheduled to take place in the first floor rotunda, beneath the Capitol dome, beginning at 11 a.m. March 28, the last day of the Legislatures regular session. A cynic might say that its too late to dedicate the Capitol to Satan because the majority of lawmakers have already sold their souls to the devil. Or that only politicians are allowed to conjure evil in the Statehouse. But not me. I say give the devil his due and lets take the issue seriously, not because I necessarily believe in Old Scratch but because the controversy raises serious constitutional issues. In one corner you have Kelly, a Democrat in a red state where 70% of adults identify as Christians, according to a Pew Research Center study updated in 2024. During the past few years, her executive power has been eroded by a GOP-dominated Legislature. The pressure from the religious right to block the indoor ceremony apparently was too great for her to resist. Shes also Irish Catholic, as were governors Kathleen Sebelius and Joan Finney. In the other corner you have the Satanic Grotto, a group of Kansas religious anarchists who would like to express their views just as other groups have done at the Capitol at every session since forever. In 2013, for example, then-Gov. Sam Brownback opened the building to eight hours of continuous nondenominational prayer. Last year, on May 2, the National Day of Prayer, speakers inside the Capitol rotunda included Brownback and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The showdown between Kelly and the satanists is likely to be historic. While claiming to balance the free speech rights of the Satanic Grotto against the public interest in health and safety, she trampled on the former and was opaque about the latter. There are more constructive ways to protest and express disagreements without insulting or denigrating sacred religious objects, Kelly chided in a statement released March 12. However, as governor, I also have a duty to protect protesters constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression, regardless of how offensive or distasteful I might find the content to be. Kelly then went on to do exactly the opposite, by saying the event would not be allowed inside the Capitol, but moved to the grounds outside. No protests would be allowed inside the building that day. It is important to keep the Statehouse open and accessible to the public while ensuring all necessary health and safety regulations are enforced, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No indication was given, however, of exactly what safety or health regulations might be jeopardized by the event, or how keeping the building accessible to the public was consistent with barring a public protest for which all necessary permits had been acquired. Michael Stewart, founder and president of the Satanic Grotto, the group planning the event, has said he will defy Kelly and hold the black mass inside the Capitol building anyway. If Capitol Police want to stop them, he vowed, they will have to arrest them. Stewart, a 42-year-old rural Linwood resident, said the event would be a nonviolent protest of traditional Christian religion. He expected about three dozen members of the grotto to attend, he said. Ours is a direct reflection of our anger and hurt as it revolves around Christianity, Stewart told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first floor rotunda, with its cardinal points on the marble floor, is the perfect place for their event. We will mark the four stations of blasphemy and make sure the message we deliver is powerful and that it reminds not just Catholics, but all people, all Christians, all religious folk that were not the center of our universe, he said. The March 28 event would not be the full black mass the group normally observes, he said, because that would involve nudity, drinking and other activities discouraged at the Statehouse. There also wouldnt be fire or anything used in the ceremony that might pose a physical risk to the public. Communion wafers would be destroyed, he said, perhaps by grinding them under heel, but he declined to say whether the wafers would be consecrated. We get this question a lot, he said. The Catholics have made a big issue out of this. No one in my organization has stolen anything, or obtained it through false means or lies. The communion wafer will still represent the body of Christ, and there will be a desecration of it. We are using that to manifest Satan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An online petition to stop the event had gathered nearly 15,000 signatures as of March 15. The petition, hosted by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property a traditionalist Catholic advocacy group asked Kelly and Topeka Mayor Michael A. Padilla to intervene. TFPs national headquarters is Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. Every black mass is an act of hatred against God, said John Ritchie, director of TFP Student Action, in an email after I asked for comment. Just consider what satanists do during a black mass: They attack and desecrate a consecrated host, which is typically stolen from a Catholic Church. Theft is immoral and illegal. And sacrilege is worse. Its so bad that even people without any faith find it heinous. Satan has no rights, Ritchie contended. Satanism was not and never will be a religion, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It might be appropriate to note that in 2019, the Satanic Temple, headquartered in Salem, Massachusetts, was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a religion. The Satanic Grotto is not affiliated with the Satanic Temple or other groups, Stewart said, but it is registered in Kansas as a nonprofit. Prospective members must be at least 21 and have a sponsor in the grotto. I asked if Ritchie would debate Stewart, if given the chance. If a satanist expresses sorrow or compunction for his sins, I would be happy to speak with him and encourage his or her complete conversion because Gods grace can restore anyone, he said. But, sadly, those hardened in sin are not open to the truth. TFP, Ritchie said, is organizing a large rosary rally of reparation at the Capitol on March 28. The victorious Saint Michael the Archangel already defeated the powers of darkness. He can defeat Satan again at the Kansas Statehouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, I should say that some of what the Satanic Grotto is planning disturbs me as well. Having been nominally saved to impress a girl at the First Baptist Church at Baxter Springs when I was 14 or so, and being fully appreciative of Pascals Wager, I would not personally destroy a Bible. It gives me a queasy feeling just thinking about it, and not just because Im against burning or otherwise obliterating books in general. The thought of treating any sacred text badly, whether the King James or the Koran or the Vedas, gives me tremors. But that doesnt mean others should be forbidden from peacefully expressing themselves. The question is whether speech can be so offensive as to actually harm another. How tolerant a society is of unpopular speech is a litmus test for democracy. Consider the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, which became notorious for picketing the funerals of dead soldiers with hateful messages about homosexuality. Somehow, the congregation believed that dead service members were Gods punishment to the United States for tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that such picketing was protected under the First Amendment, even though it causes emotional distress, because it was on a matter of public concern. The Westboro case isnt an exact analogy, because the Satanic Grotto does not direct its protest at a specific family or individual, but there are parallels. Stewart, the grotto president, said the goal of the black mass is to grab attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This goes to wake people up, he said. To make them pay attention, that ultra-Christian nationalism can be stood against, that there are people who are brave enough to draw a line. Id rather stand and do something now, to make them come and take me away. This is just basic human rights. Stewart said he is an atheist and doesnt believe Satan is real. We dont believe in any punishment from God or retribution from Satan, he said. What we are doing is creating shared realities and manifesting ideas. Westboro did some messed-up stuff to harm people. Were not attacking Catholics. Were attacking the idea of God. Stewart described himself as a poor kid from south Kansas City with a high school education who pulled himself up through reading. Hes familiar with the works of Aleister Crowley, the English occultist who died in 1947, and Anton LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan in the 1960s. One of his mentors, he said, is Darrel Ray, a Kansas City, Kansas, psychologist and current high priest of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Stewart is attempting to make a point about tolerance, Ritchie is having none of it. Freedom of speech is not absolute, Ritchie said. It has limits. Engaging in slander and libel, for example, can be punishable in court. Since every person has a right to his or her good name, it makes sense that the sacred Person of Our Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, would also be granted the due respect and honor. Those who yell equal rights the loudest frequently want to erase the Christian faith from our land, rip moral values out of our institutions, and provoke chaos and anarchy. This reminds me of the paradox that goes, can God create a rock so heavy even He cannot lift? If God is all-powerful, can He be defamed? If so, what court would hear it? To enter into a debate about religion is to enter the invisible world of belief. As Elaine Pagels noted in The Origin of Satan: How Christians Demonized Jews, Pagans, and Heretics, conversion to Christianity requires renouncing the devil and all his works. Pagels traces how the concept of Satan evolved from an ancient Jewish religious conflict to become Christianitys primary adversary. What fascinates us about Satan, Pagels writes, is the way he expresses qualities that go beyond what we ordinarily recognize as human. Satan evokes more than the greed, envy, lust, and envy we identify with our own worst impulses, and more than what we call brutality, which imputes to human beings a resemblance to animals. Satan is also a snappy dresser, according to literature and folklore, rich and attractive and with the power to offer anything you desire, from Helen of Troy to the ability to play a mean blues guitar, just in exchange for your soul. Luckless New Hampshire farmer Jabez Stone sold his soul to Mr. Scratch for seven years of good luck, in the 1936 Stephen Vincent Benet story, but gets it back when famed New England lawyer Daniel Webster pleads his case before an otherworldly jury. Mark Twain had a different take on the devil, recognizing him in us. I have always felt friendly toward Satan, Twain observed in the first volume of his uncut posthumous autobiography, as published in 2010. Of course that is ancestral; it must be in the blood, for I could not have originated it. In the end, I suppose, ones faith or ones intellect is either strong enough to withstand challenges or it isnt. If it is, and your beliefs were sincere, wouldnt God want you to spend your time feeding the poor or providing some other tangible relief to your fellow human travelers? I will leave such questions to your own heart. Booting the grottos event from the Statehouse may have seemed like an easy win for Kelly, but I cant help but think the implications will come back to haunt her. There is, of course, the appearance of religious discrimination and the chilling effect it might have on the expression of unpopular beliefs. But there is another danger. It encourages deference to religion. When this happens, true believers are more likely to resort to violence to end perceived blasphemy. Salman Rushdie, among the worlds greatest contemporary novelists, was left blind in one eye after being stabbed repeatedly in 2022 during an assassination attempt in New York. Rushdie had been hunted and in hiding for years after publishing his novel The Satanic Verses in 1989, which some Muslims found blasphemous and for which the supreme leader of Iran called for his death. There are other examples closer to home. Eric Rudolph, the 1996 Olympic Park and abortion clinic bomber, was an adherent of Christian identity, and members of the white supremacist group The Order killed Jewish talk show host Allen Berg in 1984. I wrote about Christian Identity, Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and the road to Jan. 6 in a previous column. There is also the killing of George Tiller, a physician and abortion provider in Wichita. He was shot to death in 2009 by an anti-abortion extremist. Tiller was shot in the head at the Reformation Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher. While some of us speaking their minds may make most of us feel uncomfortable, that discomfort is the cost of admission to a democracy in which free speech is valued. Failing to protect unpopular opinions weakens our democracy and encourages the mob to shout down, or permanently extinguish, our most original voices. The government can regulate the time, place, and manner of free speech demonstrations, but these decisions must not be based on content. Kellys decision to move the satanic event outside the building appears to be largely based on content. By ordering the event outside, even if her desire were to protect the public, she effectively canceled the groups permit and muzzled their speech. She also set a precedent that looks dangerously close to a religious test for Capitol protests. Today its the irksome satanists. Tomorrow, if Christian nationalists have their way, it might be anybody who doesnt salute the flag and kiss the cross. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. The next time youre due for a medical exam you may get a call from someone like Ana: a friendly voice that can help you prepare for your appointment and answer any pressing questions you might have. With her calm, warm demeanor, Ana has been trained to put patients at ease like many nurses across the U.S. But unlike them, she is also available to chat 24-7, in multiple languages, from Hindi to Haitian Creole. Thats because Ana isnt human, but an artificial intelligence program created by Hippocratic AI, one of a number of new companies offering ways to automate time-consuming tasks usually performed by nurses and medical assistants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the most visible sign of AIs inroads into health care, where hundreds of hospitals are using increasingly sophisticated computer programs to monitor patients' vital signs, flag emergency situations and trigger step-by-step action plans for care jobs that were all previously handled by nurses and other health professionals. Hospitals say AI is helping their nurses work more efficiently while addressing burnout and understaffing. But nursing unions argue that this poorly understood technology is overriding nurses' expertise and degrading the quality of care patients receive. Hospitals have been waiting for the moment when they have something that appears to have enough legitimacy to replace nurses, said Michelle Mahon of National Nurses United. The entire ecosystem is designed to automate, de-skill and ultimately replace caregivers. Mahons group, the largest nursing union in the U.S., has helped organize more than 20 demonstrations at hospitals across the country, pushing for the right to have say in how AI can be used and protection from discipline if nurses decide to disregard automated advice. The group raised new alarms in January when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the incoming health secretary, suggested AI nurses as good as any doctor could help deliver care in rural areas. On Friday, Dr. Mehmet Oz, whos been nominated to oversee Medicare and Medicaid, said he believes AI can liberate doctors and nurses from all the paperwork. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hippocratic AI initially promoted a rate of $9 an hour for its AI assistants, compared with about $40 an hour for a registered nurse. It has since dropped that language, instead touting its services and seeking to assure customers that they have been carefully tested. The company did not grant requests for an interview. AI in the hospital can generate false alarms and dangerous advice Hospitals have been experimenting for years with technology designed to improve care and streamline costs, including sensors, microphones and motion-sensing cameras. Now that data is being linked with electronic medical records and analyzed in an effort to predict medical problems and direct nurses' care sometimes before they've evaluated the patient themselves. Adam Hart was working in the emergency room at Dignity Health in Henderson, Nevada, when the hospital's computer system flagged a newly arrived patient for sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection. Under the hospital's protocol, he was supposed to immediately administer a large dose of IV fluids. But after further examination, Hart determined that he was treating a dialysis patient, or someone with kidney failure. Such patients have to be carefully managed to avoid overloading their kidneys with fluid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hart raised his concern with the supervising nurse but was told to just follow the standard protocol. Only after a nearby physician intervened did the patient instead begin to receive a slow infusion of IV fluids. You need to keep your thinking cap on thats why youre being paid as a nurse, Hart said. Turning over our thought processes to these devices is reckless and dangerous. Hart and other nurses say they understand the goal of AI: to make it easier for nurses to monitor multiple patients and quickly respond to problems. But the reality is often a barrage of false alarms, sometimes erroneously flagging basic bodily functions such as a patient having a bowel movement as an emergency. Youre trying to focus on your work but then youre getting all these distracting alerts that may or may not mean something, said Melissa Beebe, a cancer nurse at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. Its hard to even tell when its accurate and when its not because there are so many false alarms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can AI help in the hospital? Even the most sophisticated technology will miss signs that nurses routinely pick up on, such as facial expressions and odors, notes Michelle Collins, dean of Loyola Universitys College of Nursing. But people aren't perfect either. It would be foolish to turn our back on this completely, Collins said. We should embrace what it can do to augment our care, but we should also be careful it doesnt replace the human element. More than 100,000 nurses left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to one estimate, the biggest staffing drop in 40 years. As the U.S. population ages and nurses retire, the U.S. government estimates there will be more than 190,000 new openings for nurses every year through 2032. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faced with this trend, hospital administrators see AI filling a vital role: not taking over care, but helping nurses and doctors gather information and communicate with patients. Sometimes they are talking to a human and sometimes theyre not At the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock, staffers need to make hundreds of calls every week to prepare patients for surgery. Nurses confirm information about prescriptions, heart conditions and other issues like sleep apnea that must be carefully reviewed before anesthesia. The problem: many patients only answer their phones in the evening, usually between dinner and their childrens bedtime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what we need to do is find a way to call several hundred people in a 120-minute window -- but I really dont want to pay my staff overtime to do so, said Dr. Joseph Sanford, who oversees the centers health IT. Since January, the hospital has used an AI assistant from Qventus to contact patients and health providers, send and receive medical records and summarize their contents for human staffers. Qventus says 115 hospitals are using its technology, which aims to boost hospital earnings through quicker surgical turnarounds, fewer cancellations and reduced burnout. Each call begins with the program identifying itself as an AI assistant. We always want to be fully transparent with our patients that sometimes they are talking to a human and sometimes theyre not, Sanford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While companies like Qventus are providing an administrative service, other AI developers see a bigger role for their technology. Israeli startup Xoltar specializes in humanlike avatars that conduct video calls with patients. The company is working with the Mayo Clinic on an AI assistant that teaches patients cognitive techniques for managing chronic pain. The company is also developing an avatar to help smokers quit. In early testing, patients spend about 14 minutes talking to the program, which can pickup on facial expressions, body language and other cues, according to Xoltar. Nursing experts who study AI say such programs may work for people who are relatively healthy and proactive about their care. But thats not most people in the health system. Its the very sick who are taking up the bulk of health care in the U.S. and whether or not chatbots are positioned for those folks is something we really have to consider, said Roschelle Fritz of the University of California Davis School of Nursing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ 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. Ukraine's Air Force reported on March 16 that it had shot down 47 Russian Shahed and other drones across the country overnight. Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 90 drones, targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Odesa oblasts, according to the Air Force's report. The Air Force added that it had lost track of 33 Russian decoy drones but said that they had caused no damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's aerial attack against Ukraine comes as the U.S. is negotiating with Russia on a potential 30-day ceasefire, which Kyiv agreed to earlier in March. Russian drone attacks have targeted Ukraine every day. Since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has regularly launched drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, including cities far from the front line. The attacks have often targeted civilian sites and critical infrastructure. Read also: Everyone is really shocked and upset Trump administration puts Voice of America journalists on leave, cuts funding to Radio Free Europe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An airline boss who helped rescue almost 1,000 people from Ukraine as Russian tanks crossed the border in 2022 said he is pessimistic about prospects for peace. Peter Foster, chief executive at Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, said progress towards a ceasefire in talks brokered by the US appears a distant prospect. Mr Foster said he is keen to restore flights to Ukraine should the conflict end, but regards the wildly changing views emanating from Washington, Moscow and Kyiv as a negative sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: I cant see it. If it happens it happens, but we are not counting on it. Just like everybody else, we wake up every morning and the news has changed overnight. Mr Foster found himself caught up in the 2022 invasion after joining an Air Astana flight to Kyiv to evacuate Kazakh expatriates. Russia mobilised just hours after he landed, however, forcing the plane to leave and scuppering plans for an airlift. The Briton instead helped organise a fleet of buses and cars which carried 896 evacuees on the slow journey to the Polish border as Moscows forces began pounding Ukraine. He said: We landed at 10 past midnight, that aircraft left an hour later, and the bombs and missiles started falling at about 4:50am. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we had to bus them out and fly them from Poland. I remember driving late at night after about an hour and a halfs sleep, trying to negotiate my way down the autoroute. Air Astana has not flown to Ukraine or Russia since, while its network of services to Europe, formerly the focus of operations, remains disrupted by the closure of Russian airspace. Mr Foster said the airline, which he has led for almost 20 years, is not currently planning for a lifting of the flight ban and the restoration of once lucrative routes that would permit. He said Fundamentally we dont see any immediate change to that Russian overflight situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant see any clarity of whats going to happen, so theres no point as a business planning for something. Everyone is entitled to a political view but we are business people. Mr Foster said that if the war was to end, however, there would be sufficient demand for flights to Ukraine even after the exodus of Kazakhs from the country. He said: There are tons and tons of Ukrainians here. If the war ended and things got back to some sort of normality wed fly to all of these places, thered be a market. There has always been a lot of movement between countries of the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States], for study or work or because of marriage. So we would like to fly there again one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air Astanas UK services remain popular despite disruption from airspace closures, with the airline having added an extra fuel tank to a long-range Airbus jet in order to carry on flying direct. London services previously had to refuel at an airport near the Caspian Sea. Air Astana also flies to Germany. Mr Foster said flights to France and Italy might be viable in future, though most growth now is coming from Asia and the Middle East, helping to increase earnings 16pc last year. The airlines London-listed stock remains down around a third following a float last year, however. Mr Foster said a lack of liquidity is holding it back a common complaint as the market falls far behind historic rival New York and announced a dividend he said was among the highest in the airline industry to help spur investor interest. 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. TIRANA, Albania (AP) Albanias Orthodox Church on Sunday elected Joan Pelushi as its new leader following the death in January of Archbishop Anastasios, who had revived the church after the fall of communism in 1990. After a 40-minute meeting, the bells rang to note that the seven-member Holy Synod elected Joan, the metropolitan of Korca, as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Two metropolitans among them were excluded due to their Greek citizenship, in line with the statute of the church. I humbly accept this high service and promise to faithfully carry out my duty, Joan said before signing the decision of the synod. He earlier led Mass at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Orthodox Church of Albania was declared autocephalous in September in 1922, after it had been subordinated to the archbishopric of Ohrid and the patriarchate of Constantinople. Joan Pelushi, 69, worked at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital until 1990, when the communist leadership collapsed. He studied in the United States at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. In 1994 he returned to Albania and became a priest and lectured at the churchs Theology University. Following more studies at the same university in Boston, in 1998 Joan became metropolitan of Korca, which also included the southeastern districts of Pogradec, Devoll and Kolonje, close to Greece. Joan has translated and published many religious books. He has represented the country in international religious activities and has lectured on theology, history and philosophy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His contribution is not valid only in cultural, scientific and humanitarian areas, but also in strengthening the coexistence, inter-religious dialogue and patriotic education, the church wrote. All forms of religion were banned in Albania for 23 years starting in 1967, when the country was completely isolated from the outside world and the communists seized the property of Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and other churches. Joan is the sixth head of the Albanian Orthodox Church. According to the 2023 census, Orthodox Christians in Albania make up about 7% of the countrys 2.4 million population, although the church says the actual number is higher. Half the population of the Western Balkan country identifies as Muslim, with Orthodox and Catholic Christians making up much of the remainder. Mar. 15The Albuquerque Police Department released the names of a shooting suspect and the man he killed early Tuesday. APD spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said Peter Garcia, 43, was fatally shot by a security guard at an apartment complex in Northeast Albuquerque. Prior to being killed, Garcia shot a woman and her son, 27-year-old Donald Slydell Jr., killing him, before taking the car they had been sleeping in, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this time, we do not anticipate charging the security guard," who killed Garcia at the end of his rampage, Gallegos said. Slydell's mother was shot in "the head/neck area" and she was able to speak with detectives at the hospital, he said. She has yet to be released. It had taken days to identify the deceased due to difficulty reaching relatives for notification, he said. At about 3:30 a.m., officers responded to a reported shooting in the area of Ponderosa NE, near Montgomery Park. Slydell, his mother and sister were sleeping in a vehicle when gunfire erupted. The shooter, identified as Garcia, then got into the vehicle and drove away as the sister ran , leaving Slydell and the mother in the car, police said. Minutes later, Garcia crashed into a Jeep near an apartment complex on Montgomery, near Louisiana. Police said Garcia and the driver of the Jeep got into a fight, which ended when a security guard working at the apartment complex intervened and fatally shot Garcia. The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to use a 1798 wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act, to deport Venezuelan migrants it accuses of being gang members, ending the temporary halt on deportations ordered by a federal district judge. But the court also ruled that the administration must give Venezuelans it claims are gang members the chance to legally fight any deportation orders. The ruling did not address the constitutionality of the act. The Monday ruling came after the wartime law was used last month to fly more than 130 men accused of being members of the gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador, where the U.S. has paid to have the men held in a notorious prison. The Trump administration argues that the gang has become an invading force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Venezuelans deported under the act did not get a chance to challenge the orders, and attorneys for many of the men say there's no evidence they are gang members. It remains unclear how the ruling will affect those men. American Civil Liberties Union attorney Lee Gelernt said it was an important victory that people must now be given the right to challenge their removal orders. The Trump administration welcomed the ruling, with Attorney General Pam Bondi saying an activist judge in Washington, DC does not have the jurisdiction to seize control of President Trumps authority to conduct foreign policy. Meanwhile, the administration is also looking to invoke the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of the Salvadoran gang MS-13, Todd Lyons, acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, told reporters Tuesday during Border Security Expo, a trade show in Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, federal judges in New York and Texas took legal action to block the government from deporting five Venezuelans under the act until they have the chance to challenge their removals. The government says the men are Tren de Aragua members. Their lawyers dispute that. What is the Alien Enemies Act? In 1798, with the U.S. preparing for what it believed would be a war with France, Congress passed a series of laws that increased the federal government's reach. The Alien Enemies Act was created to give the president wide powers to imprison and deport noncitizens in time of war. Since then, the act has been used just three times: during the War of 1812 and the two world wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was part of the World War II legal rationale for mass internments in the U.S. of people of German, Italian and especially Japanese ancestry. An estimated 120,000 people with Japanese heritage, including those with U.S. citizenship, were incarcerated. Can the U.S. use a wartime law when it's not at war? For years, Trump and his allies have argued that the U.S. is facing an invasion of people arriving in the country illegally. Arrests on the U.S. border with Mexico topped 2 million a year for two straight years for the first time under President Joe Biden, with many released into the U.S. to pursue asylum. After hitting an all-time monthly high of 250,000 in December 2023, they dropped sharply in 2024 and dramatically more after Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has increasingly described the migrant issue as a war, most notably by designating eight Latin American criminal groups, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations. Trump's invocation of the act, which was publicly announced March 15, the same day as the deportations, said Tren de Aragua was attempting an invasion or predatory incursion of the United States. Administration officials now regularly use military terminology to describe the situation, with Trump telling reporters last month that this is a time of war. Trumps critics insist he is wrongly invoking an act designed for use during declared wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps attempt to twist a centuries-old wartime law to sidestep immigration protections is an outrageous and unlawful power graband it threatens the core civil liberties of everyone, Scott Michelman, legal director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, said in a statement after the Monday ruling. How has the legal case proceeded? The ACLU and Democracy Forward preemptively sued Trump hours before the March 15 deportations began, saying five Venezuelan men held at a Texas immigration detention center were at imminent risk of removal under the Alien Enemies Act. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg blocked their deportation, prompting an immediate Justice Department appeal. Later that day, Boasberg issued a new order to stop the deportations being carried out under the centuries-old law, and said any planes in the air needed to turn around. By then, though, two ICE Air planes were heading across the Gulf of Mexico and toward Central America. Neither came back. _____ Elliot Spagat in Phoenix and Valerie Gonzalez in McAllen Texas contributed to this report. President Trump is invoking an 18th-century wartime law that will allow the federal government to detain or deport people who are natives and citizens of countries deemed foreign adversaries a move thats seen as part of his sweeping immigration crackdown effort. The Alien Enemies Act part of the Alien and Sedition Acts that Congress adopted in 1798 gives the federal government additional authority to regulate non-citizens in times of war. It has been used just three times in the past, during the War of 1812 and World Wars I and II, as the Congressional Research Service detailed in a February report. Largely intended to combat enemy espionage, it served as part of the legal justification for the creation of now-reviled World War II internment camps where more than 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals were incarcerated because of their ancestry in the 1940s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump frequently said on the campaign trail last year that he planned to invoke the 227-year-old law to root out migrants in the country illegally, including during an October rally in Albuquerque, N.M., where he said he would use it to target savage gangs. Thats an old one. You have to go back that far because, as weve grown and grown, our politics and politicians have become weaker and weaker, he said. Our laws dont mean anything. He reiterated that position during his inaugural address in January. By invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the law, it can be invoked whenever there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion and allows for non-U.S. citizens aged 14 and older to be apprehended, restrained, secured and removed as alien enemies. The move likely will face legal challenges from immigrant and civil rights advocates, as the U.S. isnt currently at war, as it was each time a sitting president previously leaned on it. According to the Brennen Center for Justice, the argument to use it outside of a declared war to combat illegal immigration is at odds with centuries of legislative, presidential, and judicial practice, all of which confirm that the Alien Enemies Act is a wartime authority. Invoking it in peacetime to bypass conventional immigration law would be a staggering abuse, the center wrote in a November report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his return to office, Trump signed an executive order declaring that the country was facing a large-scale invasion at an unprecedented level, from migrants that could include terrorists, foreign spies, members of cartels, gangs, and violent transnational criminal organizations, and other hostile actors with malicious intent. The White House said at the time that Trump was planning to use the law specifically to target cartels, including the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, by declaring them foreign terrorist organizations. CNN first reported Trumps plans to move forward with his plan as early as Friday, citing unnamed sources in the 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 PIX11. Reprinted from "Your Brain on Altruism: The Power of Connection and Community during Times of Crisis" by Nicole Karlis, courtesy of University of California Press. Copyright 2025. On a tiny island called Cayo Santiago off the coast of Puerto Rico exists a colony of about 1,800 rhesus macaques. Each weighing about 20 pounds and known for their sand-colored fluffy tails, the monkeys that inhabit this island today are descendants of those brought over by primatologist Clarence Carpenter in the late 1930s. Since then, they have helped primatologists, evolutionary biologists, and scientists of all kinds better understand primate behavior in a unique natural laboratory setting. Neuroscientist Michael Platt is one of those lucky scientists who has been able to study them for over a decade, particularly with a focus on how their social environment affects their brains, how they make decisions, and the genetic underpinnings of their social behavior. When news broke in the fall of 2017 that Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm, was bound to make landfall, Platt and his colleagues were terrified. They worried about what this would mean for their research and the monkeys who had given so much to science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On September 20, 2017, the hurricane hit at a ferocious speed, pummeling the island with 170-mile-per-hour winds and torrential rains. Platt and his colleagues waited several nail-biting days to hear about the assessed damage and potential mortalities of the monkeys. Upon their colleagues surveying the scene by helicopter, a heroic effort at the time, they learned that two-thirds of the islands green vegetation had been wiped away. The freshwater cisterns that the monkeys relied on as a water source were destroyed. Through a collective effort, researchers were able to get back up and running fairly quickly, which positioned them to be in a unique opportunity: to see how the rhesus macaques would respond in the wake of a natural disaster. Specifically, the researchers were curious to see if the monkeys social ties had shifted and if their behavior would turn more tolerant or aggressive. Considering the lack of resources and devastation, would the monkeys fight over strained resources in the quest to survive? Since the researchers had over a decade of their social behavior documented, theyd be able to compare the monkeys behavior from before the hurricane to that after the hurricane. For example, they knew that while these monkeys are highly social, they can also have very competitive streaks. Previously, the researchers had relied on a study method that required researchers to follow each individual monkey for 10 minutes and report every action and interaction to study their behavior. Since the devastation was too big to support this kind of approach, researchers turned to another sampling technique known as the scan method. In this technique, an observer looks up every 30 seconds to record the interactions of every monkey around. After adjusting for potential biases, like louder monkeys trying to grab the attention of the researchers, an analysis of their data showed that the monkeys behavior had indeed changed after the hurricane. But instead of for the worse, it was for the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, the monkeys appeared to be more tolerant of each other compared to the previous times. While the researchers expected the monkeys to rely on those they already had invested relationships with to cope with the ecological devastation, they found that the monkeys appeared to actually seek out new relationships and expand their social networks. A close relationship still had a lot to provide, but it was almost as if the monkeys experienced a realization that a social network where everyone is friendly enough is better for their overall survival than a network with just a few close friends. What was amazing was that these monkeys immediately began to reach out and make more friends, Platt told me in an interview. And everybody got connected with everybody in a dense web of interconnection. Fascinatingly, even monkeys who were previously characterized as socially isolated broke out of their lonely shells and made more social connections in the hurricanes aftermath. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. While most of the monkeys survived the initial impact of the storm, the population experienced an uptick in mortality a month later. As time went on, researchers found that the monkeys who had more friends were more likely to survive in the damaged ecosystem for the following two years. And it wasnt just their physical habitat that had experienced rapid deterioration. Platt and his colleagues made another observation of the monkeys. Some appeared to have aged about two years. Monkeys in their teenage years were developing arthritis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five years later, the stronger and more tolerant connections among the monkeys were still living on. The monkeys are still way less aggressive, way more tolerant, and more connected with each other, Platt told me. Indeed, it appeared that the monkeys experienced bounded solidarity and were able to transform it into durable solidarity. Why did it work for the monkeys, and why doesnt it for humans? Thats one of a few million-dollar questions, Platt said. Other open-ended questions are these: Why did some monkeys appear to be able to overcome the difficulties of the hurricane more than others? Why did some show early signs of aging from the stress, and others didnt? In other words, why were some more resilient? Social support is thought to be an adaptive response to extreme stressors, Platt said. This means that having strong social support before a tragedy can help organisms better resist stress damage. The implications for the monkeys could be this: those who had stronger social connections before the hurricane were able to cope better with the aftermath of the hurricane. Platt said that theres a lot of compelling research that shows more social connections can act as a buffer in the brain against stress responses. It can help people get through tragedy, disaster and trauma. It can keep peoples brains young, in a sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if you have a younger brain, youre probably going to be able to navigate life better too, so its a feedback loop, he said. When your brain is older, youre not going to be able to navigate a lot of those complexities. We know from research on monkeys and humans that having more social support enables resilience, Platt said. But the big open question is, how? Perhaps the first step to understanding how having more social support enables resilience that can be observed in the brain, its best to understand how stress affects the brain. To find an answer, I reached out to cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Julie Fratantoni, who is also one of the leaders behind the BrainHealth Project, a 10-year longitudinal research study seeking to define, measure and improve brain health. She said broadly speaking, chronic stress kills brain cells in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Your neurons literally die, she told me. When that happens, it can become more difficult for people to learn and remember things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stress can also affect the brains frontal networks, which are responsible for executive functions like planning, judgment, organization and problem solving. Higher-order thinking, she said, makes humans different from other animals. When stress shuts down this part of the brain, humans are then forced into survival mode. Further, this shutdown narrows down our options to regulate ourselves. It turns the human brain into a reptilian one and activates the sympathetic nervous system, putting us into fight-or-flight mode the same one we can get stuck in when were chronically lonely. Dr. Fratantoni said one way to turn the prefrontal cortex back on to a less stressed mode, one that can think more clearly, is through curiosity. When I asked if altruism could be a way, she said its possible because there are a lot of similarities between kindness and curiosity. Both, she said, are an open posture. While kindness is hard to access in the immediate aftermath of stress, just as it can be when someone is chronically lonely, it could be a shortcut to bringing the prefrontal cortex back online. What do we know about what happens in the brain during an act of altruism? In 2006, neuroscientist Jorge Moll and colleagues provided some of the first evidence to demonstrate what happens in the human brain when a person gives selflessly to another person. In their experiment, the researchers scanned participants brains using a functional MRI as participants made decisions about whether to donate money to a charity, oppose donating to a charity, or receive the monetary reward themselves. As they scanned the brains of participants while making decisions, researchers found that those who chose to keep the monetary reward for themselves experienced activity in the mesolimbic reward system, including the ventral tegmental area and the ventral striatum. The mesolimbic reward system, sometimes referred to as the reward pathway or the mesolimbic pathway, is responsible for releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that allows us to feel pleasure and satisfaction. It also plays a role in motivating us to want more, like food and sex. This reward pathway regulates motivation, reinforces learning, and activates incentive salience, which is a cognitive process that makes us experience desire or want. Its job is to motivate us to repeat behaviors that are needed to survive. Notably, this reward pathway also plays a significant role in the neurobiology of addiction. The findings in Molls study did not come as a surprise. Of course, receiving the monetary award felt good and activated the desire to want more. However, when scanning the brains of those who gave the money to charity, scientists saw that these people experienced even more activity in this reward pathway. This finding suggested that giving to other people could provide more pleasure per the brains reward system than doing something that feels good for oneself. Notably, donating the money also activated the subgenual area of the brain, a circuit of the brain that scientists know is rich in serotonin and plays a role in social bonding, which was not activated when the studys participants chose to keep the money for themselves. The federal government's move to revoke a Columbia University graduate student's green card and deport him for his involvement in a pro-Palestinian student encampment last year is raising fresh questions about the risks associated with political activism for non-United States citizens. Mahmoud Khalil was a prominent negotiator representing student protesters at Columbia, which was one of many campuses nationwide that was roiled by demonstrations over the war in Gaza. A number of protests featured the establishment of pro-Palestinian student encampments, such as those that were eventually dismantled at UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal Poly Humboldt, UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, Stanford and San Francisco State. Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident, was arrested March 9 at his university-owned apartment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. According to the Associated Press, agents said they were executing a State Department order to revoke Khalil's student visa. When Khalil's lawyer clarified that he is a green card holder, officials said they were revoking that, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalil's ultimate fate is not yet clear his possible deportation is on hold while a court considers the legal argument that he was engaging in protected free speech. But the move mirrors an executive order President Trump signed at the start of his term to deport and cancel the student visas of all "Hamas sympathizers on college campuses." Read more: ICE arrests Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests, his lawyer says Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubled down on the administration's actions at a press conference soon after Khalil's arrest, saying, "This is not about free speech. This is about people that don't have a right to be in the United States to begin with." Khalil's arrest has "undoubtedly sent a chill through university communities all around the country, and it has definitely sparked a round of fear amongst university students, particularly those who are involved in Gaza [related] political protests," and faculty, said Ahilan Arulanantham, co-director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA's School of Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what protections are there for non-U.S. citizens participating in political activism? Here's what some experts have to say. Read more: Government asks that detained Columbia student's legal fight be moved to New Jersey or Louisiana 1st Amendment considerations Immigration advocates and legal experts say everyone who lives in the United States has the 1st Amendment right to participate in activism and political demonstrations, including protests, regardless of their immigration status. Revoking a person's green card, temporary visa or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status just because of their political activity would violate the 1st Amendment, Arulanantham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The problem is it's very difficult to prove that's what's happening and the avenues for challenging such revocation are extremely limited," he said. Even though non-U.S. citizens have the right to protest, though, there is a risk of "being charged with something that could put your status in danger," such as a vandalism misdemeanor or resisting arrest, said Veronica Garcia, staff attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Rubio alluded to that rationale in his press remarks. "When you apply for a student visa or any visa to enter the United States, we have a right to deny you for virtually any reason, but I think being a supporter of Hamas and coming into our universities and turning them upside down and being complicit in what are clearly crimes of vandalization, complicit in shutting down learning institutions there are kids at these schools that cant go to class," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you told us thats what you intended to do when you came to America, we would have never let you in," he added. "And if you do it once you get in, were going to revoke it and kick you out." Read more: Fear and loathing grip L.A. hotels as Trump deportation threats loom Can your green card be revoked just for participating in political activism, including protests? Generally, no. But there are some caveats. The government has no authority to revoke your green card status because "it's a distinct legal category and under the law you have the right to reside here permanently," unless you violate a set of rules laid out specifically in the statute, Arulanantham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a green card holder could be subject to deportation for being charged with a violent crime or marriage fraud, for example. "In the context of protests, someone might be convicted of vandalism, assault and battery with a police officer or resisting arrest so that could lead to [the green card holder] being deportable," said Miosotti Tenecora, staff attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Pro-Palestinian tent encampments remained peaceful on some campuses and descended into violence at others, leading to law enforcement interventions and damage to university property. In a recent blog post Arulanantham co-authored on Just Security, he argued that in Khalils case, the Supreme Court has held that "the law does not permit the government to deport a non-citizen on grounds that are too vague to provide fair notice of what they did wrong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But the question is, if the government is violating the 1st Amendment and wants to deport you for it, can you do anything to stop them?" he told The Times. Read more: Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to declare a gang invasion. A judge stalls deportations What about temporary student or faculty visas? The government can revoke a temporary student or faculty visa and does not have to give a reason, Arulanantham said. The student would then have to try to prove that the revocation was because of their pro-Palestine activity, which is difficult to prove. Another example Arulanantham gave is if the student goes home for spring break and they're trying to come back into the U.S., an official at the airport can deny them entry and again, they don't have to give a reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, too, would be difficult to prove in litigation. Read more: Immigration officials arrest second person involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia What about DACA recipients? If you're a DACA recipient, you're at risk of having your status rescinded or deemed ineligible for renewal if you've been convicted of three or more misdemeanors, Garcia said. Participating in a protest is not a violation of the program. "There are some grounds that are beyond just criminal activity, like national security-related grounds, but the government would have to argue that just your protest activity is sufficient," Arulanantham said. If ICE shows up, how does your immigration status protect you? Legal experts say non-U.S. citizens, regardless of their status, have 4th Amendment constitutional rights, so they can choose not to answer questions or open their door without seeing a valid warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arulanantham's advice for foreign students with temporary visas, other temporary visa holders and DACA recipients is: If you have employment authorization or other proof of status, you should carry it with you. Students shouldn't carry documents that show they were born outside the U.S., he said, but instead those that prove they have lived here for more than two years. The government typically takes the position that if you lived here for less than two years, then you can be deported without an immigration court hearing under the expansion of expedited removal, he said. Green card holders should carry their green card. ICE agents could question people at a protest, for example, but Tenecora says they can't go any further without "reasonable suspicion that this person doesn't have lawful status." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: UC unveils steep price tag for handling campus protests: $29 million, most for policing Avoid social media Tenecora and Garcia advise against posting your participation in a protest, because the government can use it as evidence to connect you to the event. If the protest turned violent, for example, and there is proof you at some point attended the protest, the government could use the photo or video and link you to a violent charge. Both attorneys said non-U.S. citizens have a right to participate in protests and other forms of peaceful activism. However if you want to more clearly understand the risks associated with that, they recommend consulting a lawyer. 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. ANDERSON Anderson University will rededicate its commitment to civil rights Tuesday by hosting the 60th anniversary Peace and Justice March. Sixty years ago this month, in support of civil rights marchers in Alabama, Anderson College conducted its first march. Some of the faculty, staff and students from Anderson College went down to Alabama to experience and learn about the march firsthand, said Brian Martin, director of the Center for Intercultural Engagement at AU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they came back, they spoke with the president and people on campus about AU doing a march to support the people doing a march down in Selma. Tuesdays march will begin at 11 a.m., but Martin recommends that people arrive beforehand. Marchers will meet at 5th Street and College Avenue, in front of Reardon Auditorium. People will march with a police escort to the Dickmann Town Center in downtown Anderson for a ceremony before marching back to Reardon Auditorium. The Peace and Justice March is open to members of the public to participate, with no need to register. If someone is physically unable to march but would still like to participate, a shuttle bus will follow the marchers. Dr. Carl Kramer, an Anderson College alumnus, participated in the first local Peace and Justice March in 1965 and is expected to attend the 60th anniversary march Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin explained why the Peace and Justice March continues to be important. We have not done them all 60 years, Martin said, but we restarted the march several years ago as a way to honor and show appreciation for the people who did the first march. We also do it as a way of thanking God for the progress that has happened over the last 60 years. We use it as a time to reaffirm our commitment to do what we can individually or corporately to be involved in making sure there is equality and justice for all people regardless of their race, ethnicity or nationality. For some, the local march will rekindle memories of the original marches of 1965 in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 7, 1965, about 600 people gathered in Selma to march 50 miles to Montgomery to advocate for civil rights. Local and state law enforcement officers confronted the marchers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and used billy clubs and tear gas to drive them back across the bridge. That day became known as Bloody Sunday. Two weeks later, freedom marchers set out again from Selma. This time, they were protected by national guard troops and federal marshals. Their ranks swelled to 25,000 as they reached the Alabama state capitol in Montgomery. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear tore into President Donald Trumps tariff policies, warning they would wreak havoc on both his home state and the nation. Donald Trumps tariffs are going to harm all of our Kentucky families, but theyre going to harm all of our American families, Beshear said in an interview with CNNs Jessica Dean on Saturday. Theyre going to make prices go up, make it harder to pay the bills at the end of the month when its already too hard to pay those bills. Trump has recently hit U.S. trading partners with tariffs, including Canada, a major importer of Kentucky bourbon. Beshear, a Democrat in a deep-red state, warned that retaliatory tariffs and boycotts would ripple across the industry. Andy Beshear was elected governor of Kentucky in 2019 and was reelected in 2023. / Ryan C. Hermens/Getty Images Beyond bourbon, Beshear painted a bleak economic picture, citing increased costs for gas, groceries, and new homes due to tariffs on Canada and Mexico, labeling the added burden on consumers the Trump tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont say that because Im a Democratic governor and hes a Republican president. I say that because its his decision and his decision alone thats harming our American families, said Beshear. The governor, who is seen as a potential candidate for president in 2028, also weighed in on the Democratic Partys internal turmoil after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican funding bill, a move that sparked outrage among Democrats. He argued that Democrats had lost the messaging war by allowing the debate to shift to whether they would support keeping the government open rather than exposing what was at stake, pointing to Republican efforts to give Elon Musk more authority to lay off thousands of federal workers through the Department of Government Efficiency. Weve got to make sure that we are out there proactively talking about the truth, talking about whats happening and talking about what were for, instead of just who were against, Beshear said. EVANSTON, Wyo. (AP) In two congressional districts and vastly different political environments, two Republicans in the U.S. House were met with far different reactions at public meetings they held late last week. Against the suggestion of their leader, House Speaker Mike Johnson, to refrain from holding public meetings with constituents, second-term Reps. Chuck Edwards and Harriet Hageman went ahead with their evening sessions. In Asheville, North Carolina, chants of opposition greeted Edwards on Thursday as opponents hooted at almost every answer he gave and chanted outside. In Evanston, Wyoming, at the southwestern corner of a sparsely populated and heavily Republican state, it was mostly Republicans who asked probing questions of Hageman in a quieter setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both cases, voters were curious about the scope and pace of action in Washington since President Donald Trump took office, if less boisterously in Wyoming than the event 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) to the southeast. Evanston, Wyoming Joy Walton, a 76-year-old Republican from Evanston, had come to the meeting confused about tech billionaire Elon Musk's role in the executive branch. Trump has charged Musk with leading a broad effort to shrink the size and cost of government. Hageman Liz Cheney s successor worked to clarify Musks place in the Trump administration, describing him as a special government employee" with a top-secret security clearance." She praised him for his work targeting foreign aid contracts at the U.S. Agency for International Development, calling the department a monstrosity and waste of money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting was tamer than some constituent meetings held by Republicans, who hold majorities in the House and the Senate. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, adjourned such a meeting this month in northwest Kansas early when constituents became vocally angry about government personnel cuts. Still, Hageman's meeting Friday, with about 250 filling to capacity the meeting room in the restored Union Pacific Railroad roundhouse, was the liveliest event that evening in the train depot town of about 11,800 people. Some in the audience blurted comments to Hageman, though this was not unfriendly territory for Trump. The president received 80% of the vote in Uinta County, along the Utah border, en route to carrying Wyoming with nearly 72% of voters last year. Yet even some devout Republicans gave voice to concern about Musk's recommendations as the head of the administration's Department of Government Efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Wyoming Secretary of State Karl Allred, 60, said he was happy to see Trump slash wasteful spending, but noted that any serious reduction in federal spending needed to include the defense budget. I guarantee we waste a lot of money there, and in every department, Allred said regarding the military. Even Hageman suggested Musk was going too far in targeting the U.S. Postal Service, which has agreed to assist Musk's group in its plan to cut 10,000 of the service's 640,000 workers over the next month. Wyoming would be among the states hit hardest by cuts to the countrys mail service because of its small population, Hageman said. Asheville, North Carolina Edwards was walking into a far different environment. Asheville, a mid-sized urban hub surrounded by the rural hills of western North Carolina, is the seat of Buncombe County, where Trump received 36.9% of the vote last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jay Carey, a 54-year-old Democrat, had said before the Thursday night constituent meeting at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, My plan is to call him out. About 20 minutes into Edwards meeting, Carey, a retired military veteran, started to yell at the representative to Do your job. Carey then stood, accused Edwards of lying and used a string of expletives until police escorted him out of the auditorium. For about 90 minutes, Edwards faced jeers, boos and pointed questions from many in the audience of 300, while another 1,000 echoed them from outside the building. Certainly, Carey, from the Asheville area, was part of a group of Democrats who attended the meeting, though not paid protesters as Johnson suggested were behind some of the more raucous gatherings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Careys home flooded with six feet of water during Hurricane Helene in September. He lost his small business and his family had to relocate from a house to a smaller apartment. Much of Edwards district was ravaged by the hurricane and remains in the early rebuilding phase, even as Trump has suggested eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Edwards seemed unruffled by the often hostile reception, telling reporters afterward, "I appreciate the chance to talk about those things, even though there were some differences and some different opinions." Still, as protesters continued to chant outside, Edwards said, We're doing exactly what the American people sent us to Washington, D.C., to do." ___ Seminera reported from Asheville and Beaumont from Des Moines, Iowa. Mar. 15Spokesman-Review reporter Nick Gibson was in Florida last week to report on Anne McClain's and NASA's SpaceX launch from the Kennedy Space Center. Follow along in print and online at spokesman.com/sections/return-to-space. Spokane astronaut and Crew-10 commander Anne McClain has arrived at the International Space Station. The SpaceX Dragon docked at the station at 9:04 p.m. Pacific on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 250-mile trek took just shy of 29 hours, despite traveling at speeds as high as 17,000 mph. The arrival of Crew-10, composed of McClain, fellow NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov and Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, means Crew-9 (NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore) will be coming back to Earth in short order. U.S. Space Force Col. Nick Hague, aboard the ISS, donned an alien mask while awaiting Crew-10's passage from the space craft. Williams, all smiles, stood nearby with a photo camera in hand as Wilmore cleared and checked for any debris in the area. The Dragon hatch opened at 10:35 p.m., and 10 minutes later Crew-10 boarded the space station. Onishi was the first to board, welcomed with cheers, clapping, smiles and hugs all around, followed by Peskov and Ayers. McClain was the last to board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hi everybody on Earth," McClain said on a live feed after taking a group photo minutes after boarding. " ... Let me tell you, that is such an amazing journey. You can hardly put it into words." Williams and Wilmore, who had a weeklong stint aboard the station turn into a monthslong stay after the Boeing Starliner they traveled to the station was deemed unfit to bring them home. Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, in which private companies partner with the space agency and international governments for transportation to the orbiting laboratory's staff, stressed Friday that this is a shift change, not a rescue mission, and pushed back against the narratives that have plagued the pair's stay. "It's the first principle in space flight, you always have a way for the crew to come home," Stich said. "And Butch and Suni have had a way to come home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That "way to come home" has changed slightly, but there has always been a capsule attached to the station they could hop into, if need be. "To me, we are embarking upon a handover with two crews, and Butch and Suni happen to be part of the expedition," Stich said. Dina Contella, NASA's deputy manager of the International Space Station Program, said in a news conference Friday that Crew-9 could return as soon as Wednesday, weather permitting. The space agency is shooting for a shorter handover than usual to make the most of any potential return opportunities and to limit the consumption of the station's food supply before more supplies arrive. "Last year, we had some handovers that were more extended, waiting on good weather, and so we don't want to lose any good opportunities that we might have," Contella said. Santa Lucia winds will bring dry and warmer conditions this weekend, followed by gentle southerly winds and rain on Monday morning. By Monday afternoon and evening, strong to gale-force (25 to 38 mph) northwesterly winds and a few scattered showers will develop. A transitory ridge of high pressure over California will generate moderate to fresh (13 to 18 mph) Santa Lucia winds during the night and morning, maintaining clear to partly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures through the weekend. Highs will range from the low to mid-60s across inland valleys, coastal valleys, and beaches, while overnight lows will drop to the upper 30s inland and the low to mid-40s near the coast. A low-pressure system will approach Northern California on Sunday night, bringing an associated cold front through the Central Coast on Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This system will produce gentle to moderate (8 to 18 mph) southerly winds and light to moderate rainfall. In the cold fronts wake, expect strong to gale-force (25 to 38 mph) northwesterly winds, partly cloudy skies, and a few scattered showers. Highs on Monday will only reach the 50s, with snow levels lowering to 4,000 feet along the coast and 3,500 feet inland. Rainfall totals will range between 0.10 and 0.33 inches. Fresh to strong (19 to 31 mph) Santa Lucia (northeasterly) winds will return during the night and morning on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing mostly clear skies and warmer temperatures. As the sun moves northward toward the vernal equinox, spring officially begins on Thursday. In fitting fashion, a classic Central Coast Spring weather pattern will take hold, featuring strong to gale-force (25 to 38 mph) northwesterly winds in the afternoon, along with low marine clouds, fog, and mist developing overnight. This pattern is expected to persist through next Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead, a series of cold fronts will move into Northern California the following week. While a few may produce scattered showers along the Central Coast, their primary impact will be strong pressure gradients along the coastline, leading to moderate gale-force to fresh gale-force (32 to 46 mph) northwesterly winds in the afternoons. These winds will weaken further inland. Surf report A 6- to 8-foot northwesterly (290-degree deep-water) swell (with an 8- to 18-second period) is forecast Saturday through Monday morning. Northwesterly gales along the California coastline will generate 9- to 11-foot northwesterly (305-degree deep-water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 14-second period) Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. A 5- to 7-foot westerly (270-degree deep-water) swell (with an 8- to 13-second period) is forecast on Tuesday afternoon and night, lowering to 4 to 6 feet on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gale force northwesterly winds along the California coastline will generate a 7- to 9- foot northwesterly (310-degree deep-water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 15-second period) on Thursday and will remain at this level through next Sunday. Surface seawater temperatures will range between 52 and 54 degrees through Wednesday, lowering 50 to 52 degrees on Thursday into next Sunday. On this date in Weather History (March 16): 1892: A winter storm in southwestern and central Tennessee produced 26 inches of snow at Riddleton, and 18.5 inches at Memphis. It was the deepest snow of record for those areas. (David Ludlum) 1906: The temperature at Snake River, Wyoming, dipped to 50 degrees below zero, a record for the U.S. for the month of March. (Sandra and TI Richard Sanders, 1987) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2016: Fresh to strong (19- to 31-mph) and at times gusty Santa Lucia (northeasterly) winds produced 60-degree temperature readings along the coast and in many of coastal valleys of San Luis Obispo County. At the same time, temperatures dropped to the mid-30s in the North County. 2021: The high temperature only reached 50.3 at Diablo Canyon in the wake of the cold front and combined with wind gusts of 49 mph made it feel like 39 degrees according to the wind chill calculator. This weeks temperatures LOWS AND HIGHS, PASO ROBLES SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 38, 65 43, 59 36, 62 35, 67 37, 65 38, 67 39, 68 39, 71 LOWS AND HIGHS, SAN LUIS OBISPO AND COASTAL VALLEYS SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 44, 64 48, 58 42, 60 42, 64 44, 65 45, 65 44, 64 45, 67 John Lindsey is a retired PG&E marine meteorologist. Email him at JohnLindseyLosOsos@gmail.com or follow him on X @PGE_John. Diana Sosoaca, the anti-Ukrainian leader of the far-right S.O.S. Romania party, has written a letter to Russian ruler Vladimir Putin complaining about being barred from registering as a candidate for the Romanian presidency and stating that she wants to "reclaim" supposedly Romanian territories that belong to Ukraine. Source: European Pravda Details: Sosoacas letter to Putin was prompted by the decision of Romanias Central Electoral Commission to bar her from the presidential elections for a second time due to her unconstitutional statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sosoaca believes that the real reason for her exclusion is her repeated calls to establish "good relations" with Russia and says Romania has become a "true dictatorship". Quote from the letter: "We have Romanian territories that are illegally held by Ukraine due to the unjust Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, which has been denounced, and therefore we have the right to defend Romanians in the territories that we want to reclaim." Details: Sosoaca is asking for her demand to be considered "in the negotiations that are taking place regarding peace in Ukraine". Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diana Sosoaca is notorious for her numerous controversial statements and actions. She was expelled from a European Parliament session for shouting over another MP, chanting "We believe in God!" while holding an icon. She also made a speech filled with fabricated claims about "a million Romanians" in Ukraine supposedly being prevented from speaking or praying. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! 25 years ago April 2000 "[Bill] Clinton never actually won a majority of votes in either of his presidential campaigns, despite a roaring economy and an incompetent campaign by Bob Dole in 1996. The majority of voters who opted against Clinton's reelection weren't necessarily ready to give him an automatic pass on his problems so as not to rock the financial boat. He had to work hard to survive his various scandals. The question remains: What did Clinton do? The answer is deceptively simple: Clinton ignored traditional Washington wisdom for dealing with exploding scandal and instead used the capital's notorious scandal machine against itself. Scandal is unlikely ever to be the same. Bill Clinton's long-sought Legacy turns out to be a guide on how to rise from the dead." Charles Paul Freund "Secrets of the Clinton Spectacle" "There is something palpably strange about this year's presidential race. It is nearly free of issues. It looks more like a high school student council contest than a choice of historical moment. Candidates dutifully introduce ideas, following the scripts of their predecessorsuniversal health care if you're a Democrat, big tax cuts if you're a Republicanbut voters mostly yawn, interested in personalities, not policies. John McCain may claim his supporters are excited about campaign finance reform, but exit polls say they like his story and his style." Virginia Postrel "The In-Box Presidency" 30 years ago April 1995 "The fashion across the political spectrum, from the tree-huggers at the Sierra Club to Rush Limbaugh's pugnacious 'ditto-heads,' is to hammer away at immigrants. They steal our jobs. They use up our national resources. They dilute our culture. The timid few who demur are almost universally scorned as ivory-tower knuckleheads who mistake poetry for policy. They aren't out there in the real world. They don't 'focus on the immigration influx in practice, as opposed to libertarian theory,' as National Review acidly puts it. But if there's anyone who's neglecting the real world, it's the people who want to cut immigration." Glenn Garvin "No Fruits, No Shirts, No Service" 45 years ago April 1980 "With sugar prices escalating rapidly since 1972, illegal brewing has fallen off dramatically. In 1972 BATF [the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms] raided nearly 3,000 stills; by 1978 the number had fallen to a mere 381. Clearly, the publicand Congresswould not find its alcohol-controlling functions very important any more. But if BATF could build up an impressive arrest record in the area of firearms. And it looks like that is exactly what this government agency proceeded to do during the 1970s, often using questionable and outright illegal tactics, often to carry out lengthy investigations, appropriate the property, and make highly publicized numbers of arrestsnot of criminals or even would-be criminals, but of law-abiding citizens." John Lewis "American Gestapo" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Americans are naturally concerned about threats to their energy supplies; energy is vital to operate our factories, ship our goods, grow our food, heat our homes, and power our vehicles. So it may be understandable that many people are so quick to back military action to prevent the loss of oil imports. But why do we import 50 percent of our oil? As recently as 1971 the figure was only 15 percent. But in that year Richard Nixon gave us wage and price controls. Several disastrous years later, controls were removedfrom everything but oil." Robert Poole "War for Oil?" 50 years ago April 1975 "Although certain totalitarian governments require citizens to vote, what justification can there be in a free society for imposing a duty on individuals to vote? The notion of such a duty is plainly repugnant to political freedom. The insidious effects of voting for the lesser of two evils and selecting a major candidate merely out of a mistaken sense of 'duty' are twofold: It not only helps elect a candidate that voters themselves, by definition, perceive as evilsince the lesser of two evils is in itself evilbut also, by enlarging the turnout, it allows the winning candidate to claim a 'mandate' from the voters." Manuel Klausner "Voter Independence and the 'Duty to Vote' Myth" The post Archives: April 2025 appeared first on Reason.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) A revision of history or a reconfiguration to align with current policies? That is the question for the Army after the official military website for the 442nd infantry regiment was taken down and republished on Feb. 15. 12 things that used to be illegal for women to know about: Hawaii health The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in WWII and composed of Nisei American-born sons of Japanese immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaii Rep. cant find a reason to distinguish men, women in Selective Service They faced prejudice after Pearl Harbor in 1941 but thousands of those brave souls gave up their livelihoods to fight for the freedom of the nation they lived in. They volunteered to fight. They said, Yes, a country thats going to denigrate me, Im still going to fight, because I believe and I think they were absolutely instrumental, said former Marine Forces Pacific Chief of Staff Ray LHeureux. Despite their sacrifice, the official military website for the 442nd was taken down on March 14 and prompted a letter from Hawaii Rep. Ed Case to the Army secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trumps anti-DEI campaign We know darn well that this is an attempt to censor our history, to remove any mention of race or ethnicity from our nations story. We know that. And if we didnt believe it before this, we know its happening now, Case said. A republished website on the 442nd was made public on March 15 and it makes several references to Japanese-Americans and Nisei soldiers. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news That assignment was handed to somebody. Okay, go into all the websites, purge DEI stuff and, And then somebody picked up on it and went, Woah! You know, and the reaction that ensued after that is justified in my opinion, LHeureux said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 things that used to be illegal for women to know about: Hawaii health The Army released a statement to KHON2 and said they are working tirelessly to align content on their site with current guidance: The 442nd Regimental Combat team holds an honored place in Army History and we are pleased to republish an article that highlights the brave Soldiers who served in the Go-for-Broke brigade. In accordance with a Presidential Executive Order and guidance from the Secretary of Defense, the Army recently took down the Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Heritage webpage that featured content about the 442nd Infantry Regiment and Nisei Soldiers. The Army is tirelessly working through content on that site and articles related to the 442nd Infantry Regiment and Nisei Soldiers will be republished to better align with current guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news There are still many stories available on Army websites that celebrate the bravery of the 442nd Infantry regiment that were not impacted by the Heritage webpage. The Army remains committed to sharing the stories of our Soldiers, their units, and their sacrifice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When Wylie joined the Postal Service in December, they had two very contradictory thoughts about the coming return of Donald Trump. They knew, as a nonbinary transgender person, that the next four years would be hell. Trump, after all, had made attacking what he called transgender insanity a central part of his 2024 campaign and his first administration. But Wylie didnt want to hide who they are, either. Instead, working with the public each day would be a quiet way of resisting the demonization from the White House, while also keeping an ear to the ground in case the public mood grew too violent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to be out in the streets, be where people can see me, and also see the day-to-day on the streets so that if anything starts changing I perhaps have time to respond, said Wylie, who asked not to use their full name for their safety. Since taking office, the Trump administration has pushed through a suite of major policy changes regarding how the government treats LGBTQ+ people, including federal employees. It has denied legal recognition of trans people, barred them from the military, ended federal spending on gender-affirming healthcare, and sought to eliminate any trace of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work or language within the government. There have also been more subtle changes, like the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission dropping investigations into anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, the rescinding of an order barring discrimination against federal contractors, and a government website eliminating references to transgender people on a page about the Stonewall Uprising. The Trump administration has sought to limit discrimination investigations regard LGBTQ+ people, cut off transgender medical care, and eliminate all spending on diversity and inclusion in the government (Getty Images) Federal workers told The Independent these steps amount to a new Lavender Scare, the paranoid, Cold War-era purge of LGBTQ+ people from the federal government that caused thousands to leave federal service for good. None of those interviewed for this story wanted to use their full names for fear of reprisals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In agencies and offices around the country, LGBTQ+ government officials are wrestling with what they can say around their colleagues, which bathrooms they can use, and how theyll survive now that the government wont fund gender-affirming healthcare. Wylie has alternated between defiance and defense, continuing to using the bathroom of their choice in federal buildings, while also engaging an immigration attorney in case they have to flee the country if Trump goes further down what they see as his Nazi path. I kind of assume that I will be driven out of the country in the next four years, Wylie added. I am an Eagle Scout. I love this country, but it clearly doesnt love me back. Federal workers fear speaking openly about their identities, worried such comments might be used as part of a DOGE-led cut to their position (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Wylie, who uses gender-affirming hormones, told The Independent it is basically impossible for them to physically hide their gender identity. Others within the government say theyve tried to remain as anonymous as possible, given the chilling climate around them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brigette, who works at the Department of Interior in Colorado, is a trans woman, but her government documents and email address still use her previous name. I have the profound benefit at the moment of still passing as a cisgender man and being in a straight-passing relationship, she said. Brigette had been meaning to change her government documents to reflect her identity, but the Trump administration has declared there are only two immutable sexes which begin at birth, man and woman, and suspended the process for those seeking to change the gender on their U.S. passport. As far my employer is currently concerned, Brigette said, I dont exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes been careful not to speak too much about anything LGBTQ+-related on official channels, for fears it could later be used against her. With government officials being ordered back to in-person work at federal offices, issues like trans people using the bathroom that matches their gender identity may come further to the fore (Getty Images) Shes not the only one whos worried theyre being watched. Government workers have reportedly taken to communicating on the encrypted messaging app Signal, for fears that lieutenants of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency initiative are recording official calls. Agency leaders have reportedly been told to draw up lists of those doing identity-related organizing, while workers are encouraged to report colleagues who have participated in DEI-related actions to an official tip line. Last month, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard fired over 100 spies who allegedly used intelligence community chatrooms to discuss LGBTQ+ issues including transition surgery and pronouns. She appears to have been acting on a tip from far-right activist Christopher Rufo, one of the architects of past right-wing panics over critical race theory and the debunked, racist conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating neighborhood pets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lesbian woman who works in federal law enforcement told The Independent she became alarmed when employees at her agency were told to take down their Pride flags and leave identity-focused government employee resource groups for their safety. Shes not out to her colleagues, and she intends to remain this way for now. Its just like this really weird headspace that Im in, she said. Can I say anything? Is someone going to report me? I dont know. Ive just kind of been pretending to be my old self until I figure out whats happening. A worker said they sought out a public-facing job with the U.S. Postal Service explicitly because the Trump administration is trying to force transgender people out of government work (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Transgender federal workers have been targeted most directly. The Department of Defense is attempting to remove thousands of trans troops from the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some see Trumps anti-DEI push as a tacit way to discriminate against minorities without affirmatively singling out one group, Trumps executive order on trans troops explicitly criticizes trans people on a moral dimension, claiming their identity is inherently at odds with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle. The present moment, with its tip lines and pseudo-scientific charges of transgender insanity, mirrors the Lavender Scare, according to observers. Throughout the 1950s, right-wing senators like Joseph McCarthy argued that queer people were both mentally unsound and security risks, vulnerable to Communist exploitation because of their minority identities. Facing congressional investigations, unfounded allegations from colleagues, and an Eisenhower-era executive order that sexual perversion was grounds for firing, upwards of 5,000 queer workers left government service between the 1940s and 60s. The U.S. government wouldnt fully start moving beyond this era until 1975, when new civil service rules held that civilian employees couldnt be barred for being gay. During the Obama administration, the State Department officially apologized for the Lavender Scare, an apology the first Trump administration removed from government websites. Transgender members of the military, including US Army Reserve 2nd Lt. Nicolas Talbott (center), have been some of the government employees most impacted. The administration is seeking to push thousands of trans troops out (AFP via Getty Images) The sad truth is that this kind kind of action against LGBTQ federal employees is not unprecedented, according to Carl Charles of Lambda Legal, an LBGTQ+-focused legal advocacy group which has challenged the Trump administration on various issues in court. There was actually a larger purge of quote unquote homosexuals during the McCarthy era than there was of actual alleged Communists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What folks are reasonably worried about is: Will there be another iteration of this, where people are just removed for who they are? he added. When asked for comment, the White House did not answer questions regarding its positions towards LGBTQ+ federal workers, and pointed to the Trump administrations appointment of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, the first openly gay person to hold that position. President Trumps common sense agenda to eliminate wasteful DEI is wildly popular, but the legacy media continues to push divisive falsehoods to sow fear and divide Americans, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in an email. The entire administration is in line with President Trumps America First agenda, including the highest-ranking LGBTQ Cabinet official in U.S. history. A transgender Parks Service ranger told The Independent they feel a genuine purge is already underway, where the new administration is absolutely trying to force trans people out of public existence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre now looking for work outside the federal government. I'm hoping I can find work with a state government because I do want to remain a civil servant, but the current federal administration is so actively hostile it's detrimental to my mental and physical health, they said. I don't feel threatened by my coworkers or site leadership but I do not feel safe remaining a federal employee. With federal workers being ordered back to in-person work at government offices, Charles of Lambda Legal said we will see in the coming weeks how various agencies move forward with the administrations policies. Trump made criticisms of transgender people playing sports and children accessing gender-affirming care a central part of his 2024 campaign (AFP via Getty Images) The federal governments massive scope, as well administrations often-chaotic style repeatedly launching policies with little notice or suddenly going back on past commitments leaves considerable room for variation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some agencies seem not to be leaping to implement the Trump agenda at the ground level. An administrator at the Department of Interior in Colorado who is transgender said their supervisors told her they had her back and wouldnt be enforcing bathroom bans or other aspects of the Trump orders. Her colleagues know shes trans her email features her old name but they dont give her any trouble, and neither do the Trump supporters who visit the grassland she helps manage in a rural area in the state. I havent had any issues at all, even if theyre really big Trump supporters with the red hat, she said. Wylie, who works in a city on the West Coast, said many people on the street there dont seem to share the same animosity towards LGBTQ+ people that exists in the administration. They often greet the postal worker with a big smile or kind word. What I see on the streets gives me hope, they said. What I see on the news and coming from The White House just horrifies me. Election workers run ballots through a tabulator machine for the general election on Nov. 5, 2024, in Minnehaha County. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Attempts to ban tabulating machines and other technology from elections have fared no better in South Dakota courts than they did in several county elections. Activists circulated petitions statewide last year that were meant to force counties to remove technology from elections by public vote. They said only hand-counting and other manual methods could ensure the integrity of elections, while election officials said voting machines and other forms of election technology have been repeatedly proven safe and effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of the initiated ordinances went to a public vote in Gregory, Tripp and Haakon counties in June. Voters defeated all three. Commissioners in some other counties rejected the petitions and refused to place them on the ballot. They said the actions proposed by the petitions would violate federal laws, including those requiring assistive technology for disabled voters. The anti-technology activists responded with lawsuits against at least two of those counties: Charles Mix County in the southeastern part of the state and Lawrence County in the northern Black Hills. Nichole Braithwait, a petitioner in Lawrence County, filed an appeal that was dismissed by a court in June. Braithwait did not appeal that decision to the state Supreme Court. Instead, Braithwait who is representing herself sought an order from the same local court seeking to compel the county commission to accept her petitions and put her proposed ordinance to a public vote. A judge denied and dismissed Braithwaits case in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Charles Mix County, Jeffrey and Jolene Stewart, representing themselves, also requested a court order to compel the county commission to accept their rejected petitions and put their proposed ordinance to a public vote. The petitioners make several arguments based on a misunderstanding of the law, the judge wrote. Rapid City-based lawyer Sara Frankenstein, who specializes in election law, represented Lawrence and Charles Mix counties. Although not written explicitly in state law, Frankenstein said counties are able to reject petitions if they would violate state or federal laws. Clarifying that in state statute could help clear up the assertion from some petitioners that counties arent legally able to reject petitions, Frankenstein told South Dakota Searchlight. They probably didnt read the exceptions in case law, since average people dont have access to case law, let alone read it, Frankenstein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She helped craft a failed bill during the 2024 legislative session that would have added language to state law specifying that counties may reject petitions that violate state or federal laws. An effort by Rapid City Republican Sen. John Carley to require hand counting ballots statewide failed at the committee level during this years legislative session. A handful of other bills that could change South Dakota voter rights primarily through restrictions on voter qualifications passed the Legislature and are awaiting the governors consideration. Braithwait said she is not pursuing the issue further. The Stewarts do not plan on carrying another petition like this, but they are considering if its worth continuing their court case. Lawrence County is still embroiled in several other legal actions from Kate Crowley-Johnson, challenging her 18 percentage-point loss in a state Senate Republican primary. One against the Lawrence County auditor and board of commissioners is pending and two other appeals have been filed since the cases were dismissed in September. The state Supreme Court rejected her request to review one of her dismissed cases. Audio from a 911 call made from the house where four University of Idaho students were murdered in 2022 has been released to the public, revealing panic and confusion as callers realize one of their friends is no longer breathing. The frantic phone call was placed by surviving roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke at 11:55 a.m. on Nov. 13. The audio begins with a 911 dispatcher asking the caller to describe the emergency. Hi, something has happened here, one of the women sobs in the clip, which was first obtained late Friday by NBC News. Something has happened in our house, we dont know what. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the address of the emergency, the caller appears to break down. A friend of the women then picks up the phone and begins to describe the situation to the dispatcher. One of the roommates whos passed out, and she was drunk last night and shes not waking up, the caller says, referring to 20-year-old Xana Kernodle. Oh, and they saw some man in their house last night. When the first caller picks up the phone again, the dispatcher asks her to find out if someone is still passed out in the off-campus house in Moscow. She responds by saying shell go check. After a few seconds, when heavy breathing could be heard on the line, a male caller picks up the phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is she breathing? the dispatcher asks him, to which he replies, No. While a transcript of the 911 call was made public in court filings last week as murder suspect Bryan Kohberger prepares for trial, Friday marked the first time the public could hear the panic in the voices of the victims friends and roommates as they struggled to comprehend the situation. Text messages between Mortensen and Funke were also made public last week, and depict similar fear and confusion hours earlier when they noises heard in the home but none of their other roommates were answering their phones. At around 4:23 a.m., Mortensen texted Funke that she was freaking out after seeing what she thought was a man in the house wearing something resembling a ski mask. Funke then told Mortensen to run to her room so they didnt have to be alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly six hours later, the women texted their roommates to ask if they were awake. But Kernodle, along with Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves, are believed to have been stabbed to death by that time. Kohberger, who was arrested that December at his parents home in Pennsylvania following a six-week manhunt, has pleaded not guilty to the murders. His trial is scheduled to begin in August. Augustana College will host the annual Stone Lectureship in Judaism, Navigating history: Civil Rights and the Jews of Selma Alabama, on Thursday, April 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. The presentation will take place in the Olin Auditorium. It is free and open to the public and will be live streamed. The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities will provide refreshments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Two people were detained after trying to elude police in a stolen car Saturday afternoon, according to the Aurora Police Department. Officers said they saw a stolen vehicle near the Aurora Mall at South Crystal Street and Alameda Avenue. The officers moved behind the stolen vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The drivers did not pull over and began to elude law enforcement, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man arrested, accused of repeatedly ramming car into Boulder Police vehicle The suspects accelerated and eventually crashed into another vehicle near the intersection of Center Point Drive and South Sable Boulevard. Two people from the stolen vehicle got out after the crash and fled. One of the suspects attempted to take an Aurora police cruiser, but an officer still in the vehicle was able to apprehend the suspect before they could drive. The other suspect was also apprehended. Two people in the other vehicle in the crash were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's New South Wales on Sunday sweated in a heat wave that raised the risk of bushfires and prompted authorities to issue a total fire ban for state capital Sydney. New South Wales, coming to the end of a high risk bushfire season that runs until the end of March, was a focus of a catastrophic 2019-2020 "Black Summer" of wildfires that destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people. On Sunday, the nation's weather forecaster said temperatures would be up to 12 degrees Celsius (21.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above average in some areas of the state, with temperatures in Sydney, Australia's most populous city, set to hit 37C (98.6F). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Sydney Airport, the temperature was already 29.3C (84.7 F) at 9:30 a.m. local time, more than three degrees above the March mean maximum temperature, according to forecaster data. Gusty winds, "hot conditions and low relative humidity will result in extreme fire danger over the greater Sydney region," the forecaster said on its website. The state's Rural Fire Service said on X that a total fire ban was in place for large swaths of the state including Sydney due to the forecast of "hot, dry and windy conditions". In neighbouring Victoria state, a home was destroyed in a bushfire on the outskirts of Melbourne that was being battled by around 200 firefighters, Country Fire Authority official Bernard Barbetti told the Australian Broadcasting Corp on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change is causing extreme heat and fire weather to become more common in Australia, a bushfire-prone country of around 27 million, the country's science agency said last year. (Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney, editing by Deepa Babington) An inmate who escaped from a Los Angeles facility was apprehended by authorities Saturday night. Delina Phillips, 27, was serving her sentence at the Female Community Reentry Program facility when she escaped at around 2:40 p.m., according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Authorities launched a search of the buildings and grounds, but she was nowhere to be found. She was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 369 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing a patterned black and white top, black leggings and purple Crocs shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips was admitted to the center on Nov. 9, 2023. She is serving eight years for attempted second-degree murder with an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury. She was initially received from Imperial County. Delina Phillips, 27, is seen in a booking photo from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. At around 9:50 p.m.Saturday night, Phillips surrendered herself to CDCR authorities in Pacoima without incident. She will be rehoused at a prison and her case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office for consideration of escape charges. Anyone with additional information can call Special Agent Daniel Tristan at 909-376-8204, their local law enforcement agency or simply dial 911. The Female Community Reentry Program allows eligible offenders committed to state prison to serve the end of their sentences in the reentry center to ease their transition from custody to the community. It is a voluntary program for female offenders who have two years or less left to serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDCR officials said 99 percent of incarcerated people who have escaped or walked away from an adult institution, camp or facility have been apprehended. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Azerbaijan on Sunday accused Armenian forces of shooting at Azerbaijani positions from the southern Syunik province of Armenia, a claim Yerevan dismissed as untrue. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that Armenian forces had opened fire with small arms on Sunday morning from the Goris area. It gave no further details. Armenia's defence ministry said the statement from Azerbaijan was untrue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters was unable to immediately verify the situation in the area. Baku and Yerevan said on Thursday that they had agreed the text of a peace agreement to end nearly four decades of conflict between the South Caucasus countries, a sudden breakthrough in a fitful and often bitter peace process. (Reporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Louise Heavens) Mar. 15St. Patrick's weekend will see rain and potential thunderstorms Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. There is a 90% chance of showers Sunday and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. The high will be in the mid-60s and windy, with gusts up to 40 mph. The scheduled St. Patrick's Day parade and Shamrock 5K race typically proceed rain or shine, but the parade's organizers are monitoring the weather for thunderstorms, it said on Facebook. Rain and another potential thunderstorm are forecast for the evening, with more patchy fog, wind gusts up to 35 mph, and lows in the upper 40s. [Get the latest weathercast from FOX45 News] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be temporary road closures Sunday and parking restrictions in effect for the Baltimore Street Patrick Parade. The parade begins at 2 p.m. and will start from the intersection of North Charles and Centre streets. The parade will proceed south on Charles Street and east on Pratt Street to the disband area along Market Place. Prior to the parade, the Shamrock 5K Run will be held. The race will begin along Charles Street south of Mulberry Street beginning at 1 p.m. Participants will proceed south on Charles Street, east (left) on Conway Street, south on Light Street and east on Key Highway. Runners will turn around at Jackson Street and proceed westbound on Key Highway, north on Light Street and then east on Pratt Street. Participants will then turn left onto Market Place to finish. In addition, Key Highway will be closed to through traffic at Lawrence Street starting at approximately 12:30 p.m. for the duration of the 5K Run. The following road closures will also be implemented for these events on Sunday starting at approximately 11:30 a.m. with detours and parking restrictions in effect: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Market Place from Pratt to Water Streets Water Street from Frederick Street to Market Place Charles Street from Madison Avenue to E. Pratt Street Mt. Vernon Place from Cathedral to St. Paul Streets (both sides) Centre Street from Park Avenue to St. Paul Street Mulberry Street from Park Avenue to Lovegrove Street (south side) Pratt Street from Howard to President Streets Key Highway will be closed to through traffic at Lawrence Street starting at approximately 12:30 p.m. for the duration of the 5K Run (access for local traffic will be maintained). Lombard Street closed from President Street to Market Place from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transportation Enforcement Officers will assist the Baltimore City Police with the movement of traffic in the downtown area. Motorists traveling in this vicinity may experience delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes. The beginning of the workweek is forecast to be rainy with a 40% chance of precipitation most likely before 2 p.m. and a high in the mid-50s on Monday. Tuesday is expected to be sunny and warm with highs in the lower 60s. The sun will continue to shine throughout Wednesday with warmer conditions and a high in the mid-60s. Baltimore Sun reporters Dan Belson and Racquel Bazos contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. Originally Published:March 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM EDT Washington has never seen anything like the rule-breaking, power-taking, government-torching, protocol-scorching force of delighted havoc and gleeful mayhem that is Elon Musk. Margaret O'Mara has. The University of Washington historian charted the spectacular rise and all-swallowing influence of the tech industry and its titans in her excellent, highly readable 2019 work, "The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, who grew rich by age 30 through his start-up work, is a relatively small character in the book, for reasons of narrative and focus. Instead, O'Mara centered her history on the founders and back stories of the major platform companies: Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google and Microsoft. But there's an attitude, a worldview and a fundamental set of principles that guide the tech industry and its progeny, like a secular catechism. O'Mara sees those beliefs very much in evidence at Musk's fancifully named Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and his wrecking-ball efforts to raze huge swaths of the federal government in a single, unfettered swoop. Several elements are present and accounted for. The "techno optimism," as O'Mara described it, with its unshakable faith that technology is inherently good and will improve things "even if there might be some collateral damage along the way." The drive to move quickly and scale rapidly, if recklessly. The importance of personal relationships, such as the transactional bromance between President Trump and Musk, who spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to put his ally back in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two are masters of "the modern attention economy" getting people to sit up and take notice "and have a kind of shamelessness," O'Mara said, "that is to their advantage, business-wise and politically right now." Read more: Barabak: The rise of Silicon Valley, from indifference to lords of the political universe O'Mara worked in government and politics before teaching and undertaking her big-sweep cataloging of American history. (Other books include one looking at four presidential races that shaped the 20th century.) Raised in Little Rock, O'Mara went from college to volunteering for Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. After he won, she took a position in the White House, working from the West Wing on economic and social policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though O'Mara served for a time on the staff of Vice President Al Gore, an early techie adapter and one of Silicon Valley's strongest political allies, she didn't work on tech policy. "I was in the room next to the room where that was happening," she joked on a Zoom call from her home office on Washington state's Mercer Island. Her dog, an enthusiastic Labradoodle named Zuka, offered brief commentary off-camera. O'Mara's graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania led her to Silicon Valley, as her dissertation explored the domestic economic affects of the Cold War. "Once you start looking at that question," she said, "it gets you to a whole host of things, including the electronics industry and micro-electronics and transistors. So I kind of came to tech through politics." O'Mara's book explains how the federal government built Silicon Valley, a fact many of its entrepreneurs and legends basking in the reflection of their self-glorification choose to ignore, or fail to understand. "That's actually part of the secret," O'Mara said. "The indirect nature of the spending, the fact that it's flowing through universities and private companies in a way that is kind of stealthy and hidden." Of course, there was a profusion of great minds in California's fertile Santa Clara Valley, innovators and visionaries blessed with a superhuman capacity to peer around corners and deep into the future. All that brainpower would have been for naught, however, save for the beneficence of Uncle Sam. As a customer. A subsidizer of research. A producer of human capital, through generous education funding. As an angel investor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We think of low taxes and deregulation as absence of government," O'Mara said. "But actually those are government decisions that were made favorable very deliberately so [to] this industry." Call it ignorance or arrogance, there's a deeply embedded notion in Silicon Valley and many of its denizens that because government is not market-driven "it is, by definition, stodgy and inefficient and wasteful and corrupt," O'Mara said. They think that people working in government "aren't very smart. The smart people all go to work in business." That mentality goes a long way toward explaining the meat-ax approach Musk has applied, with Trump's encouragement, to whole agencies and federal programs. Doubtless, there is waste, fraud and abuse that could be thoughtfully and deliberately carved out. Government is, after all, a human endeavor. But the wantonness of DOGE destruction, the bloodletting, the undifferentiated firing of federal employees en masse is not a bug, as they say in software development. It's a feature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elon's sort of taking what he did at Twitter" an initial step was firing 80% of the workforce "and attempting to port it over to the federal government," O'Mara said. But the federal government "is not a small- to medium-sized, unprofitable social media company. And the jury is still out on whether that was actually an effective way to manage Twitter." Read more: Barabak: With friends like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk, Newsom may talk himself to political death There is a trope, favored by the politically facile, that government should operate more like a business. But that's a cheap hustle. Business and government have different constituencies and divergent functions. Government can't pick and choose those it serves, or write off portions of the country based on a cost-benefit analysis. If it did, to use but one example, there goes your rural mail delivery. "Could you make things more efficient? Could you get people's tax refunds out faster, and all those things?" O'Mara asked. "Yes, but oftentimes that requires more government, not less. More human capital, more technology, more investment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The desire for high services at low cost put another way, a free lunch is a contradiction and a conundrum that Americans have wrestled with since the country's founding, long before there were competing Democratic and Republican parties. And now Elon Musk is supposed to be the solution? Heaven help us all. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. OAKLAND, California Former Rep. Barbara Lee returned from Washington and quickly became the frontrunner for mayor of her chaos-wracked hometown. But the popular progressive still can't shake a comparison to a mentor who struggled to lead the city through the Great Recession. Like Lee, former Rep. Ron Dellums served nearly three decades in Congress, where his stance on an international human rights issue in his case, opposition to apartheid in South Africa came to define his Washington career. And like Lee, who famously voted against the war in Afghanistan, the fellow Democrat returned to Oakland and was urged by liberal activists to run for mayor as the city was in turmoil. The similarities are so striking that Lee and her allies can't help but acknowledge the cautionary tale: that a creature of Washington, while popular in the district, isn't necessarily equipped to run a major city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are going to ask that question, and I hope they define Barbara Lee as Barbara Lee, Lee said of the comparison. Everyone knows me, Im hands on in anything I do. Dellums, who served from 2007-2011, was widely viewed as an absentee mayor who shied away from public appearances as the 400,000-person city struggled with a surge in gun violence and budget troubles at the outset of the recession. He faced a recall threat, a personal scandal with over $239,000 in unpaid federal taxes and threw in the towel after a single term. He died in 2018 at 82. Oaklands next leader will step into the void during an extraordinarily tumultuous period following the recall of a mayor who was later indicted on federal bribery charges while confronting a historic $129 million budget deficit and residents deep frustrations with crime and homelessness. Ahead of the April 15 special election, the specter of Dellums looms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We absolutely have a risk of repeating exactly the same thing with Lee in office, said her most formidable opponent, former City Councilmember Loren Taylor. He ended up serving only one term, and we know how that went. Lee and her allies have delicately tried to navigate the question by emphasizing the differences between her and Dellums, who handpicked Lee to succeed him in Congress in the 1990s. They note that he was out of office for nearly eight years before running for mayor, while Lee left Congress in early January and that she is an intensely detailed manager, while Dellums was more removed from day-to-day governing. Bilen Mesfin, a campaign spokesperson, said Lee regularly texts her staff as early as 5 a.m. and as late as 11 p.m. with her thoughts on strategy and policy. A city in turmoil The stakes for Oakland, a rapidly gentrifying Bay Area city, are high. On top of the recall and prosecution of former Mayor Sheng Thao, the city is hurtling toward bankruptcy and reeling from rampant theft and widespread homelessness. It's also been a target of President Donald Trump, who has threatened to cut off federal aid to it and other so-called sanctuary cities. The president, speaking during his first term about violent crime, said living in Oakland was like living in hell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That turbulent environment has clear parallels to the moment when Dellums was convinced to seek the mayors office. But the potential pitfalls for Lee are likely even greater. Oaklands budget deficit is the most severe since the Great Recession before the potential loss of federal grants. That could force the next mayor to make deep cuts that alienate labor unions and other powerful interests. And the cloud of alleged corruption lingering over City Hall has fomented deep mistrust among voters. Lee said shes realistic about the tumultuous nature of the job. She has framed her candidacy as a matter of duty using her deep political experience to help steady the city rather than personal ambition. But a rough go in the mayors office would tarnish an otherwise storied career and it isnt hard to find another example beyond Dellums. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a former congressional colleague of Lees, returned to her hometown to run for mayor in 2022 and managed to defeat self-funded billionaire Rick Caruso. In recent months, however, she has repeatedly stumbled amid bad publicity and sharp criticism over her handling of the January wildfires, complicating her 2026 reelection prospects. Even before Lee officially jumped into the race, rumors about progressives recruitment efforts prompted a phone call from one of Dellums closest advisers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Lindheim, who worked as city administrator when Dellums was mayor, called Lee when he heard she was considering a run. He stressed how difficult solving the budget deficit will be, citing similarities to the constant cost-cutting Dellums faced, which led to mass layoffs at City Hall and large protests by city employee unions who demanded pay cuts for top city executives. I just wanted her to be aware of those realities and not feel pressured by what people were saying, said Lindheim, who has since endorsed Lee. I wanted her, or anyone for that matter, to go clear-eyed. Lee and Dellums parallels In many ways, Lee and Dellums careers are inextricably intertwined. Lee started her political career working as an intern in Dellums Capitol Hill office in 1974, during the summer of the Watergate scandal. After graduating college, she returned to the Hill to work as his chief of staff and a policy adviser for 11 years. He became a mentor to Lee, and they remained friends until his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dellums retired from Congress in 1998 and tapped Lee, then a state lawmaker, as his chosen successor, connecting her with donors and progressive interest groups that backed her campaign. Lee reflected on that moment last year when she endorsed now-Rep. Lateefah Simon, her mentee, for her House seat. During a primary election night gathering in Oakland last spring, Lee wiped away tears as she spoke about Dellums and handed Simon a metal relay-runners baton. I'm gonna pass this baton that Ron Dellums passed to me, Lee said as a room filled with dozens of campaign staffers and supporters cheered. That night, Lee finished a disappointing fourth place in the primary race for the open Senate seat previously held by Dianne Feinstein. Progressive groups and other activists began urging Lee to run for mayor a few months later, after the FBI raided former Mayor Thaos home in June and it became clear Thao wouldnt survive a recall effort. The first-term mayor was recently indicted on charges that she accepted bribes from a waste hauler with a city contract; she denies any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lees supporters argued shes the only candidate who can provide stability in a turbulent time given her decades of elected experience, powerful connections and sterling reputation in the city. The citys progressive establishment was also wary that Taylor, a moderate Democrat aligned with tech interests or another more centrist candidate could take power. In 2005, Dellums was also urged to run by progressives eager to prevent a more business-friendly ethos from taking hold at City Hall after then-Mayor Jerry Brown left office. Lindheim, Dellums former aide, said the onetime representative hadnt necessarily intended to run, but that a grassroots effort to draft him seemed to force his hand. In the days before he announced, dozens of people gathered outside the federal building named after him, chanting, Run, Ron, Run! A complicated legacy Dellums narrowly defeated two city councilmembers who highlighted his lack of familiarity with City Hall, and the problems started soon after he took office. He was widely criticized for his lack of public appearances, and a caricature of him as an absentee mayor took hold in the local press. Then the Great Recession hit, and Oaklands budget troubles intensified overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lindheim argues that history has been unfair in the way that Oaklanders and the media regard Dellums legacy. He notes that under Dellums, the city hired dozens more police officers and accelerated downtown development. But Lindheim said Lee would start the job on a better footing. While Dellums essentially fell into the mayors race, Lee spent months carefully plotting her campaign calling supporters and getting late-night briefings on the city budget and staffing shortages in the police department while she was still serving in Congress. We all remember that Mr. Dellums didnt want to be mayor. He was pushed to do it, said Simon, Lees successor in Congress. Barbara made an explicit decision that she was the person that Oakland needed. Dellums acknowledged that his experience as a legislator didnt easily translate to the more public-facing executive role. I have come to realize that as the mayor of Oakland, I personify city government, he told the East Bay Express in a 2009 interview. I have to get out there and get out of my comfort zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee has been careful in how she responds to critiques of her late friend and boss. Like Lindheim, she argues that critiques of Dellums time as a mayor are unduly harsh even as she works to differentiate herself by telegraphing a more hands-on work ethic. Meanwhile, Taylor and his supporters, including an independent expenditure group, have been amplifying the idea that Lee, 78, should clear the way for a new generation of leaders. There are indications that the race could be tighter than expected. Taylor has a slight fundraising lead, and wealthy donors are funding the IE to back him. Taylor, 47, argues that Lee would repeat the mistakes of Dellums administration because she lacks City Hall experience and doesnt understand the basics of our city budget. Lees supporters have brushed off Taylors criticism, countering that her opponent has been backed by wealthy tech executives who want to move the city in a more centrist direction, a shift that has played out across the Bay in San Francisco. They argue Lee has built broader alliances than Dellums did, including with business leaders, and that she will be more involved in day-to-day governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She's going to be a full-time mayor, hands-on mayor, engaged at every level, said former City Councilmember Dan Kalb. She has the cachet and the gravitas to bring folks together. On a Saturday morning last month, Lees energy and star power were on full display as she celebrated the opening of her campaign headquarters, a vacant storefront that once held a bank branch one of many shuttered businesses lining Broadway, Oaklands main downtown drag. More than 100 supporters waited in line for a chance to shake her hand and take a selfie. Lee worked the reception line for almost two hours, while her allies boasted about polling that suggests shes ahead of Taylor. Much like Dellums, Lee is an Oakland institution and a progressive icon. But the mayoral hopeful wants to focus less on that shared history and more on the tough job at hand. Oakland is at a crossroads, Lee said. Im looking forward. When Angela Prichard arrived at work at the Mississippi Ridge Kennels in Bellevue, Iowa, the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, she did not anticipate her estranged husband, Christopher Prichard, would be waiting inside with a shotgun. What was meant to be a routine morning turned into tragedy when Christopher Prichard fatally shot her in the chest. Special Agent Dustin Henningsen from the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation led the case. "You can hear dogs start to bark in the middle of the night. We had determined that was most likely the point when he arrived at the kennels," Henningsen told CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti in an interview for "Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?" an all-new "48 Hours" airing Saturday, March 15 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. On the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, Angela Prichard was shot and killed by her estranged husband where she worked at a dog kennel in Bellevue, Iowa. / Credit: Joshua Close Henningsen added it was "very, very early in the morning, when there was no daylight close to 4 a.m." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators, a day earlier on Oct. 7, Christopher Prichard snuck into an acquaintance's barn a few miles away from the kennels and later trekked through the woods in the middle of the night. Angela Prichard's sister, Wendy Budde, told "48 Hours" Christopher Prichard knew the combination to get inside. When Angela Prichard arrived in the morning to tend to the dogs, Christopher Prichard appeared with a shotgun. Angela Prichard called 911 almost immediately and is heard yelling "please get out" before yelling "Chris!" The sound of a gunshot can be heard on the 911 call. She ultimately named her killer. Just weeks earlier on Sept. 1, Angela Prichard had been granted a restraining order against her husband after she said she was continuously harassed, stalked and threatened by him. Angela Prichard had even left the home they shared and moved in with her sister. Nine days before Angela Prichard's murder, an arrest warrant was issued for Christopher Prichard for violating the restraining order. Angela Prichard's family tells" 48 Hours" police should have done more to arrest Christopher Prichard. They say in a small town like Bellevue, he was easy to find. After about 16 hours on the run, Christopher Prichard was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and robbery. He was found guilty and in March 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angela Prichard's family filed a lawsuit against the City of Bellevue and three police officers for failing to perform their job. In January 2025, a federal judge dismissed the case in its entirety and the family is now appealing the decision. Trump sends Iran a warning while ordering strikes against Houthis in Yemen Retail giants like Macy's, Walgreens face financial turmoil Senate passes short-term funding bill, averting a government shutdown CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Authorities spent hours negotiating with a barricaded suspect at a Clarksville home Sunday afternoon before he surrendered peacefully. The Clarksville Police Department said a 911 call came in just after 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 16 about an unwanted guest at a house in the 100 block of Roedeer Drive. The homeowner reportedly felt uncomfortable with the individuals presence, left the residence, and asked for help from law enforcement. Homicide investigation underway after man found with apparent stab wounds during Clarksville welfare check Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before 2:45 p.m., officials announced they were at the scene, working to negotiate with the person and urging him to exit the home. Meanwhile, Roedeer Drive was shut down in front of the house. Just before 4:30 p.m., authorities said they took 43-year-old Dainmus Hudson into custody without incident. Following prolonged negotiations, officers reportedly used the public announcement system to communicate with him and eventually convinced him to surrender peacefully. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com According to police, Hudson has multiple outstanding warrants, including probation violation, but there is no word on the nature of the charges in those warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details have been released about this incident. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The BBC has been accused of downplaying the cruel treatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas. The broadcaster has been accused of publishing jaw-dropping propaganda for the terror group after producing a puff piece for its hostage unit. The Telegraph can reveal that BBC Arabic has now been forced to edit a video clip featuring the shadow unit of Hamass Al-Qassam Brigade, which it described as guarding kidnapped Israeli hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video featured a scene of female Israeli hostages after they were reported to thank their captors for the treatment they received. The channel is already facing claims it gave a platform to hate and terror with Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, saying it was fomenting extremism and misleading audiences. Her comments came after the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (Camera) published a 33-page report claiming BBC Arabic was providing a platform to terrorists. Concerns over the report come just weeks after the BBC was forced to pull a controversial documentary on Gaza which featured the son of a Hamas government minister as the narrator without viewers being informed. Ilana Gritzewsky, one of 105 Israeli hostages released during a one-week truce in November 2023, calling for action to secure the release of Israelis held hostage - AFP/Jack Guez In a video published at the end of January, BBC Arabic described the Al-Qassam Brigade as responsible for securing the hostages and in the video militants were said to be guarding the Israeli hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its mission is to secure the hostages and hide them from view in Gaza, the report added, according to a translation from Camera. The video from Jan 30 said that Al-Qassam had shown footage of soldiers as they thank the units personnel for the good treatment while in custody. The broadcaster later updated the report to remove the section which claimed hostages had received good treatment and added evidence of Hamas abuse of those held after a complaint from Camera. Responding to the complaint BBC News said that the report was both, duly accurate and contained due context for the issue it was focused on. But Camera has now escalated the complaint to the BBCs Executive Complaints Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday night, Danny Cohen, the former director of BBC Television, described the latest concerns over the organisations reporting of the conflict as propaganda for the terror group. This is a jaw-dropping piece of propaganda a puff piece on war criminals who have executed, starved, beaten and sexually assaulted the hostages that Hamas kidnapped on October 7, Mr Cohen said. The shadow unit are not guards tasked with keeping hostages safe, they are monstrous terrorists who have committed unspeakable crimes. Part-funded by licence fee and part funded by taxpayers, BBC Arabic pumps anti-Semitic poison and terrorist propaganda out to a global Arab speaking audience of 38 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camera this week published a shocking report that details how BBC Arabic has given a platform to extremists and succour to terrorists for years. This video shows what now cannot be in any doubt that the rot of anti-Jewish hate that festers within BBC Arabic must be rooted out. BBC Arabic stands accused of giving a platform to extremists over the hostages video - AP/Oded Balilty Hadar Sela, of Camera, said the shadow unit was complicit in kidnap and torture and should not be featured uncritically on the BBC. In addition to the obvious war crime of kidnapping 251 people in the first place, there are numerous corroborated reports that the shadow unit has waged a horrendous campaign of torture, sexual violence and starvation against the hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To uncritically platform the Hamas claim that hostages were thankful for their care is as offensive as it is inaccurate, and to omit the horrific reality of the torture and execution of hostages shows once again why the rot of BBC Arabic needs to be rooted out. A BBC spokesman said: This short video report explains to audiences the history of a little-known Hamas unit which featured in reports during the recent release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Although the initial report was accurate and correctly describes the group as guarding not protecting the hostages, it has since been amended to provide additional context and clarification to audiences. 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) Former Democratic presidential candidate and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will be joined by United States Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known as AOC, in a rally in Denver and Greeley next Friday. The duo will travel to Colorado to host rallies as part of Sanders Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here tour. Sanders started the tour in Nebraska and stopped in several other states in the Midwest, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa Wisconsin Michigan Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have centered the rallies on new policies instituted by President Donald Trump, as well as Trumps decision to surround himself with billionaires, including Elon Musk. The tour began after Trump took office for his second term. He has drawn crowds in swing districts held by Republicans. Truck overturns, spills load on I-270 in Commerce City In a post on X from Sanders on Friday, the senator announced the next stops of his tour would include Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. On March 21, the rallies will start in Greeley at the Bank of Colorado Arena. Doors open at noon, and the program is expected to start around 1 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be a quick turnaround, and Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez will travel to Denvers Civic Center Park for the next rally. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the program starts at 5 p.m. To RSVP for either rally, visit the Bernie Sanders 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 FOX31 Denver. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Internal medicine physician Ryan McCarthy discusses the article, What The Far Side taught me about belonging in science. In this episode, Ryan reflects on the unexpected inspiration he found in Gary Larsons comic strip The Far Side and how it shaped his journey in science and medicine. He explores themes of belonging, the value of embracing ones uniqueness in the scientific community, and the role of humor in bridging the gap between popular culture and medical practice. Actionable takeaways include finding community in unexpected places, harnessing humor as a tool for resilience, and confidently carving out ones space in the world of science. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and its part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcareand its built on a foundation of trust. 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 back Ryan McCarthy. Hes an internal medicine physician, and todays KevinMD article is What the far side taught me about belonging in science. Ryan, welcome back to the show. Ryan McCarthy: Hey, its a real pleasure. Thanks for having me. Kevin Pho: All right, so, before talking about the article itself, what led you to write it and contribute it to KevinMD in the first place? Ryan McCarthy: Thats a great question. I I find that these days I do a lot of writing when inspiration hits, and I, I, I do writing primarily to process life in general, but specifically I view life through the lens of health care as an experienced internist, and so I find a lot of what comes to me and works on me are patient experiences or things that happen in the clinic or the hospital that make me reflect. Kevin Pho: So I, I would say my inspiration just starts from just marinating in the health care ecosystem. All right, and talk about this latest article for those that didnt get a chance to read it. Ryan McCarthy: So, my latest article kind of fuses a couple of things together. I find that when I need to step away from health care, I often do self-care that centers around a couple of things. Getting fresh air and exercise or turning toI really find that artists and creators are people who fill me up. And theres a variety of those folks that are really important to me: music, literature. I find that we live in a golden age of television and movies, and by that I mean theres really great, wonderfully crafted content out there. And so I really try to turn to those types of sources that have inspiration and artistry in them. And so this particular article just kind of came from me when I was actually relaxing one evening watching television. Kevin Pho: And whats it about the article? Ryan McCarthy: So, this winter I, I always joke that Im, Im late to the party, and that usually means that Im watching television or media that came out some time ago, and so I found myself watching the crown, and in this particular episode its very clearly set in 1969. This is when NASA astronauts were going to the moon, and in the crown, its about the royal family and Buckingham Palace. And really the person who is most awestruck by this is Prince Philip. I have always been just fascinated by astronauts and the space program, and I grew up in the shadow of that. And so really watching just how awestruck he was struck a chord with me. I could not be more different than Prince Philip. Im not a royal; I live at a later time. But he was just so struck with what a momentous achievement this was. And it really got me thinking about how NASA, the space program, influenced me in my lifetime when I was younger and had a similar sense of awe. Kevin Pho: So tell us how that influenced your continuing journey in medicine in terms of the awe you felt for NASA, the scientists when you were growing up. Ryan McCarthy: Yeah, for sure. And so, so there Prince Philip ishe has that awe. And I thought, you know, I wasnt alive for the moon landing, but I would hope that I would feel like he did. And then I thought, well, when I was a kid, space shuttles first blasted into orbit in 1981, and I kind of thought about what it was like growing up as an American kid who saw the launches on television, and they were big and special. I felt the same way. I was just gobsmacked. I just couldnt get my brain around how we humans on this earth could travel to the moon. And, Kevin, this is one of the things I love about writing: by thinking about that and writing about it and reflecting about it, I kind of thought, well, what else was I doing at the same time? And, you know, why did this awe from space turn into me as a doctor? And quite honestly, there were some other things happening at the same time that really made me start to think there was a place for me in science. And funny enough, at the same time, I was really exposed to a cartoon that changed my life, the far side. In the far side, Gary Larsons bonkers genius creation is that he looked at lifes absurdity and in a single frame would tell a captivating story. And one of the stories and recurrent characters that he comes to again and again are scientists. Kevin Pho: Now, for those who arent familiar with the far side, give us some examples of some of these ways the scientists are portrayed in that cartoon. Ryan McCarthy: Sure, absolutely. So, right, astronauts were chiseled, strong, super fit. the far side scientists are not super fitoften wearing big thick glasses, bald, overweight, usually in peril. Sometimes theyre in dangerous situations that even to a young kid like me were just obviously ridiculous. One of my favorites is where scientists are in front of a blackboard of equations, and they clearly have run out of the building because theres an ice cream truck in front of the building. And that, for meI struggled as a kid to find my place. I know now I was born with a lot of intellectual gifts that helped bring me to medicine, and I often struggled to relate to a world in schools where I really felt different, where these thingsmath and sciencereally just so deeply called me. And lots of other kids didnt feel that way. But there were so many of those characters who did. I felt like I could really relate to them, their love of filling a blackboard with equations and at the same time running to an ice cream truck. Like, I felt like, hey, I would do all of those things. Kevin Pho: So it almost humanizes a scientist, whereas NASA kind of romanticized the astronauts and put them on a pedestal. It sounds like the far side, in terms of how they portrayed it, brought them down to earth a little bit, humanized it, and made it easier to relate to them. Ryan McCarthy: Yeah, 100 percent, and that is exactly kind of the dichotomy. I felt like the far side was here on the earth. It was approachable, and it was a pretty simple and easy on-rampthose scientists looked like normal people I saw in my community, and like, oh, I could do that. Oh, theres the blackboard. I can do that. Right. I was never brave enough to sit on a rocket and never thought that that was achievable. Those were the ubermensch among usthe super peopleand I didnt see myself as one of those. But a scientist in the far sideGary Larson would set up a scientist and there they are studying cardboard armor in the Middle Agesa preposterous and ridiculous comedy setup that really seemed like a tribe I wanted to join. Kevin Pho: Now, did that help you during medical education? Because sometimes in medical school, you have the best and the brightest come in through premed, and sometimes theres a little bit of imposter syndrome. You know, sometimes if youre going through rotations for the first time, and youre among attendings for the first time, theres a tendency to put them on a pedestal. Now, bringing that mentality that were talking about today, are there any tips or tricks that you use yourself to kind of help humanize them and get over some of that imposter syndrome? Ryan McCarthy: Yeah, its a good question. And so, you know, I think so many of my heroes have been comedians or people who look at the absurdity of life. Right. And so if I was starting and plugged into the far side early on, relying on comedy and other people who were funny to make light of whatever we were dealing with, I definitely did that in medical school. Its interesting, a lot of people around me had those feelings of imposter syndrome, and they would vocalize that. And, Kevin, heres whats really interesting: I didnt realize until recently that I actually am a person who did not have those feelings. I had many other feelings. My specific feelings were, as a first-generation professional, I often felt like a fish out of water among doctor kids who were in medical schoolkids who had so many more resources than I did. I felt like that was kind of a weird fit for me. But the strange thing about my personal journey is, you know, imposter syndrome is I dont belong, and Ive fooled these people. So if you take a kid from the lower middle class like me in a West Virginia town where I grew up with no financial advantage and no professional parents, the only thing that got me there was abilityalong with all the teachers and other good breaks that helped, right? I know that. But I never felt like I was inadequate to be there in the classroom. Socially, it was strange. Maybe it was social imposter syndrome, because as soon as med school class endedwhich I felt like, hey, I deserve to be hereand then I would try to exist in this emerging professional experience of becoming a doctor, I felt really weird among kids who had so much more access and support for their professional development than I ever did. So maybe social imposter syndrome. Kevin Pho: So tell us about the role of humor as youre going through a medical journey, because were talking about the far side, were talking about cartoons. Tell us the role of humor intersecting with what you do every day as an internal medicine physician. Ryan McCarthy: Yeah, no, I think humor is maybe my secret weapon. I come frommy last name is McCarthyand I come from what Id call the Irish tradition of storytelling and joke-telling. I think in the Irish culture, Irish people like to joke because, hey, were doomed, lets have a laugh. And thats kind of fatalistic in the Irish diaspora. And then here in West Virginia, I think theres a lot of fatalism as well, like, hey, the deck is stacked against us, were in a place thats often forgotten and left behind. And so gallows humor or dark humorthats what we have. Humor is a rejection of despair. You have to choose to make a joke, right? Im going to make light of something so we can laugh, and the laughter comes from, hey, were here together. Thats the half-full part of this glass. Maybe the half-empty part is were staring down a difficult situation today in the clinic or a difficult medical illness with this patient. And instead of focusing on that despair, there can be light there, and thats the comedy where a patient tells a story like, let me tell you something hilarious that happened to me in the cancer infusion clinic, or youre not going to believe the bizarre set of circumstances that happened when I tried to take this medicine, or let me tell you a funny thing that happened after my knee replacement. And, Kevin, I think thats where the role of humor is, and thats where I can really connect to my patients on that levelwhen theyre still finding the glimmer of something funny or light even in the midst of suffering, pain, recovery, cancer, all these other things. Kevin Pho: Now, how do you find a resource and energy for that humor whenever you read these physician forums? Theyre always talking about burnout and all the obstacles that they have to overcome to treat their patients, whether its prior authorizations and whatnot. Sometimes theres just not a lot of capacity left for humor. How do you do it? Ryan McCarthy: So, its a job. Its a chore. I find I have to take care of the machine. And by that, I mean a good nights sleep, good nutrition. You know, Im a coffee drinker. I face my day with that, pack my lunch, and bring the things that are going to sustain me. So its a system of care for me physically. And then when Im not in the office, I get away from a computer, get in front of human beings that I lovemy children, my wife Ericagetting outside here in West Virginia. I have lots of fresh air and sunshine, and those kinds of nurturingsome people call those the Scandinavian skills of being plugged into natureare very accessible here in West Virginia and very meaningful. I find that often, half an hour outside with my dog Trixie can wipe away ten hours of pain dealing with the American health care system and sitting in front of a computer. Im not saying that always works, but those are the things for me. And then doing the other things like cooking dinner with my wife together, watching something togetherreally trying those rehumanizing experiences. Because if dealing with those things that youre describingprior authorization and the electronic medical record and the pain of trying to be a doctor in America todayis dehumanizing, Im always trying to rehumanize by the things I described. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Ryan McCarthy. Hes an internal medicine physician, and todays KevinMD article is What the far side taught me about belonging in science. Ryan, as always, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Ryan McCarthy: My take-home is that battling burnout is a daily struggle, and looking for the simple and analog things that are available, finding small pleasureand people say that, but its very real. I take pleasure in my coffee as I drive in, listening to music in the morning thats going to fill me up for the day. And I dont know what thatll be, but I really try to lean into that. When Im done serving humanity for the day, I really try to go back to the people that I love and let them fill me up so that I can rehumanize myself and come back in here and do it. And even though we all work in an imperfect system, I really try to think about the small and simple things that can be done to help somebody today in a profound way that only I can do. And I think that each of us has those opportunities, and we can walk away at the end of the day feeling like, you know, I did a couple of those things and it really made a difference for somebody. Kevin Pho: Ryan, as always, thank you so much for sharing your story, time, and insight, and thanks again for coming back on the show. Ryan McCarthy: My pleasure. Thanks for having me. From the Dispatch Faith on The Dispatch Hello and happy Sunday. For years Syrians have suffered strife and war, with the myriad religious and ethnic groups that call it home divided. With the fall of the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad the source of much of that divisionin December came hope that the country could once again unite in spite of those differences. But perilous questions lie ahead, evidenced by recent clashes that have left hundreds dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this weeks Dispatch Faith, journalists Joseph Roche and Iryna Matviyishyn report from Homs, Syria, on the role many Christians feel responsible to play in Syrias future. Though they fear sectarian violence and perhaps even religiously motivated discrimination by a new Islmist government, their focus is on uniting Syrians of various religions and ethnic groupscome what may. Joseph Roche and Iryna Matviyishyn: Between Fear and Reconciliation in Syria Father Tony Homsy celebrates a Catholic Mass in the Alawite district of Ikrima in Homs, Syria, on January 11, 2025. (Dispatch photo by Iryna Matviyishyn) HOMS, SyriaIn the courtyard of a Jesuit church in central Homslocated between Damascus and Aleppoabout 30 people listen attentively to representatives of the three main faiths represented in SyriaChristians, Alawites, and Sunni Muslims. Homs, once nicknamed the Capital of the Revolution, is now merely a shadow of its former self. Besieged by former President Bashar al-Assads forces and the Russian Air Force from 2012 to 2014, it became a martyr of a city. The name reflected both its devastation and its role as an early stronghold of resistance in Syrias yearslong civil war. One of the first cities to rise against Assad in 2011, Homs faced brutal retaliation, with relentless shelling and starvation tactics aimed at crushing the rebellion. Today, it is little more than a heap of ruins, where a scattered population of survivors navigates the devastation. Homs is a microcosm. The fall of Assads regime three months ago has left behind a fractured Syria, inflamed by decades of divisive politics. Matah al-Hussein, one of the participants at the church discussion, belongs to the Alawite minoritythe heterodox branch of Shia Islam from which the Assad family hails and upon which the architecture of his regime was built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government made sure that each person stayed in their own neighborhood and did not interact with others. The 14 years of war only reinforced this division, al-Hussein, a young art student, said. For example, the Hamidiyeh district is very Christian, but if you walk for 10 minutes, you arrive in an Alawite neighborhoodeach community has its own armed group for protection. But that began to change in early December. It was then that fighters from the HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) groupa movement that emerged in 2017 in Idlib (northwestern Syria) from a merger of Islamist and rebel factionslaunched a lightning offensive on Damascus. In less than two weeks, it put an end to 52 years of dictatorship. The first weeks afterward were marked by a general euphoria, with celebrations filling the streets to mark Assads departure. But since then, Syria has been haunted by its old demons. Earlier this month, reports surfaced of violent crackdowns by Syrias new Islamist rulers in the Alawite region of Latakia, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, including 745 civilians. While most of the victims were Alawites, Christians were also reportedly caught in the violence. The attacks have intensified fears among Syrias Christian communities, prompting mass evacuations and raising concerns about their safety under the new regime. Many towns, villages, and neighborhoods have seen their homes burned and looted, Patriarch John X of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch said in remarks addressed to interim Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa. The targeted areas were Alawite and Christian communities. Many innocent Christians have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet even with fear about the future, many of Syrias Christians seem intent on finding ways to bind the wounds of Syrias diverse communities of religions and people groupsso long used fractured by decades of tyranny. Living together. At the foot of the central clock in Homs, armed HTS men take turns posing for photos, one finger pointing toward the sky. Flags of the Syrian Republic flutter over administrative buildings that once belonged to the regime, while on the ground, passersby unknowingly trample old posters bearing Assads image. Yet in the Christian district of al-Hamidiyah, feelings of fear and hope clash in turn. Before the war, the city was home to nearly 125,000 Christiansabout 10 percent of the citys populationmostly Orthodox (Greek and Syriac), but also Catholic communities and a minority of Protestants. Today, while many celebrate the fall of the Assad regime, they remain cautious about Damascus new government and worry about their future. For now, as the Syriac archbishop of Homs, Monsignor Jacques Mourad insists that the focus must be on reconciliation among all groups in Syria. The liberation I felt on December 8 was like a rebirthboth for me and for the entire Syrian people, he said. For the first time in my life, I could finally breathe what it means to be free. No one expected the regime to fall. Its a beautiful and great surprise. Monsignor Jacques Mourad in his office at the Syriac Catholic Bishopric in Homs, Syria, on January 11, 2025. (Dispatch photo by Iryna Matviyishyn) Sister Rania Hanna is still struggling to believe that Assad is gone. We all welcomed his departure with immense joy and hope, she said. The Assad family took us Christians hostage, using us as a facade to justify their war against the Syrian people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, the Assad regime presented itself as the protector of minorities, particularly Christians, in a region plagued by instability. Yet, according to Hanna, this so-called protection was nothing more than a smokescreen. In reality, she explains, Christians were often exploited to serve the regimes propaganda, which sought to justify its brutal repression by portraying a civilized front against an opposition it labeled as terrorist. But the truth is that most Christians opposed Assador at the very least, refused to take sides in the war, Hanna said. Many of us fought against the regime. A great number of Christians paid with their lives, dying under Russian bombs or in the regimes prisons. Her gaze heavy with sorrow, Hanna surveyed the labyrinth of the Christian quarter, taking in the vastness of the piles of rubble the crumbs of what used to be buildings. With a sigh, she adds: Ten years after the siege ended, nothing has ever been rebuilt, she said. The government never gave us a single cent. Everything we have rebuilt, we owe to Christian charity. The fear of tomorrow. In his office in the Hamidiyeh district, Monsignor Mourad, his round face beaming with a warm smile, sits near a stove for warmth as he pours coffee into small porcelain cups. In general, when HTS launched its offensive [against Damascus], Christians were afraidwe feared another war would break out, he said. As a result, many left the city. But whats touching is that the day after the liberation, they all returned to Homs because, for the first time in a long while, they felt safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, he acknowledges that the situation has since deteriorated, and in the prevailing chaos, a threat against Christians could emerge. A former hostage of ISIS, Mourad takes seriously the fears of Syrias Christians regarding HTS, a group with a troubled Islamist past that evolved from Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaedas former affiliate in Syria. While HTS has attempted to rebrand itself as a local Syrian force with governance ambitions, it remains designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States due to its extremist origins and activities. Controlling parts of Idlib province, the group enforces a strict interpretation of Islamic law, fueling concerns among religious minorities, including Syrias Christians. In Homs, most neighborhoods have been damaged or destroyed. (Dispatch photo by Iryna Matviyishyn) Since the fall of Assad, Mourad has repeatedly stated that no deliberate violence has been committed against Christians in Syria. However, since the violent clashes of March 2025, he has expressed growing concern that the country is once again descending into a spiral of conflict. There have been no violent acts against Christians, and Ahmad al-Sharaa has met with us, assuring that he will do everything to guarantee our religious and cultural freedom, Mourad told his community soon after the new regime took power. Yet, he does not deny that some members of the Christian community were arrested by HTS forces. He insists, however, that these arrests were not based on religious affiliation but rather on the individuals active roles within and collaboration with the Assad regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following this months sectarian clashes between Alawites and Sunnis in the Latakia region, Mourad continues to argue that Christians are not being targeted for their faith but, like all Syrians, are caught in the crossfire of broader violence. This violence affects the entire Syrian people, he said. It is primarily directed against Alawites, but Sunnis, Ismailis [a branch of Shia Islam], and Christians have also suffered. When violence erupts, it spares no one. He further clarified: Christians were killed, not because they were Christian, but because they lived in Alawite neighborhoods. They were collateral victims. Hanna, also positive about al-Sharaa, is primarily concerned about his ability to control all the factions that now make up his ruling coalition. There are many different groups within HTS. Some are more religious than others, she said. Thats also why a majority of us fear the Islamization of Syria. For instance, armed men sometimes ask women to wear veils or to sit separately from men on buses. Many Christians say that if the government radicalizes and becomes fanatical, they will have no choice but to take the path of exile. Mourad hopes the new government will protect Christians as well as other minorities: If I am protected but my neighbor is not at peace, it will not work. We want a country where we all live in peacebecause we have seen far too much blood. A bridge of reconciliation. Father Tony Homsy leaned forward, his hands clasped as if holding the weight of his words. He had no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead. Reconciliation in Syria would be neither easy nor immediate. But for him, it was necessary. More than just a conversation, the gathering at the Jesuit church in Homs was an attempt to break through the hardened walls of mistrust between Syrias Christian, Sunni, and Alawite communities. It was a space where grievances could be aired, anger acknowledged, but also where dialogue, mutual respect, and the first fragile steps toward healing could take root. The goal was not to erase the past but to find a way beyond itto build, together, a Syria that belonged to all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homsys greatest concern, however, was not for his own community, but for the Alawites. The Sunnis were the regimes first victims, he said, his voice steady but heavy with meaning. Many of them, understandably, want revenge against the Alawites, whom they sometimesrightly or wronglyassociate with Bashars regime. As Syrian Christians, our duty is to be a bridge of reconciliation between these two communities. One of the participants of an interfaith discussion organized by the Catholic Church in Homs, Syria, speaks on January 10, 2025. (Dispatch photo by Iryna Matviyishyn) Across the courtyard, al-Hussein, the Alawite, listened intently. He had come to this discussion with cautious hope, but to him, this kind of initiative was not just importantit was vital. Today, we must break this cycle of violence by encouraging communities to meet and realize that we are all human beings, just like everyone else, he said. Yet, as Homsy admitted, hope alone would not be enough. His gentle gaze, framed by small round glasses, carried the quiet weight of a man who had seen his country fracture. He knew that moving beyond divisions required more than goodwillit demanded courage. For him, Syrias survival depended on rejecting the ethnic and religious boxes that had been used to pit its people against each other. We must recognize that we are Syrians before anything else, he said. He did not hesitate to challenge his own community. Christians must stop hiding behind their identity and instead act as true Syrian citizens, he insisted. They should not seek only their own security but also defend the rights of all and remain faithful to the prophetic message that proclaims that everyone is precious in the eyes of God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Homsy, Christianity in Syria could not be about self-preservation. It had to be about building bridgesborrowing the words of Pope Francisnot walls. But he also knew that reconciliation could not mean forgetting. The real challenge, in my view, is to find a way to forgive without erasing the pastto remain honest while conveying a message of love and brotherhood, he said. This message of peace and unity is precisely what Syrias Christians can bring. Valerie Pavilonis: MoMA Goes to Hell A close-up view of Cadence, by artist Otobong Nkanga, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. (Photo by Emile Askey via the Museum of Modern Art) A recent trip to the Museum of Modern Art in New York and for Dispatch ideas editor Valerie Pavilonis led to some provocative observations about the human body, art, and hell while pondering a tapestry: Cadence by Otobong Nkanga. ts a richly colored work with explosive patterns, but what I noticed most viscerally was the biology: What look like arteries and bronchial tubes float in dusky blue, and two human figures, male and female and mostly rendered via circulatory systems, observe from the center of the landscape. And running the length of the tapestry is a thin network of blue veins. If someone told me that The House of Hades inspired Nkanga to make this work, I would totally believe them. This is unlikely, and the plaque associated with the work, called Cadence, uses phrases like states of censorship and visibility, and social and ecological turmoil. (If you can intuit these things from the work without looking at the plaque, youre smarter than me and can have my job.) But whether the artist intended it or not, theres something hellish about Cadenceand I think thats a good thing. Later, Valerie writes: I find that art, particularly modern art, is a useful stretching mechanism, one that can take us outside our perceptions and probe our depths a little bit more. This is not to say that art is divine. But God speaks, and has spoken, through the senses. Taste is one: Jesus turned water into wine. Smell is another: the bush may not have burned, but fire still stinks. Sight is yet another: Saul saw a bright flash before he went blind. And of course, the ultimate example: Gods slain son, maimed on a cross, dripping water and sweat. Women sobbed, soldiers wiped their bloody hands, and at 3 oclock sharp the light left the sky. There was no letter that drifted slowly from the heavens, however miraculously it would have been, that simply stated: Follow me. Those words were instead etched not on paper but on memory. We are not just thought-to-text machines; we are embodied for a reason. There is so much to creation, and by extension, human life, that is more than words or pictures right in front of us. Read the whole thing on our website. The Dispatch Faith Podcast Religious freedom advocate Nadine Maenza was on the ground in Syria less than a month ago talking with Christian leaders and government officials about the countrys future. She joined me on this weeks Dispatch Faith podcast to discuss whether the transitional government can truly unite the war-torn country. Maenza is president of the IRF Secretariat, a non-governmental organization focusing on building the religious freedom movement globally. She previously served two terms on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, including one term as its chair. These weekly conversations with Dispatch Faith contributors are available on our members-only podcast feed, The Skiff. More Sunday Reads As the monthlong fast of Ramadan continues until nearly the end of March, Fiona Andre reported for Religion News Service on a group of American Muslims having trouble adhering to their religious beliefs: those in prison. Prisoners who observe Ramadan, who dont take any food or water between sunrise and sundown, are often forced to break their fasts when eating is not officially permitted, or are not allowed to congregate for Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of the holy time. Instead of growing spiritually, many prisoners spend the month engaged in tedious legal battles to ensure their religious rights are respected. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nations largest Muslim advocacy group, sees a spike in the number of complaints filed by inmates. Most of these cases arise because of lesser consideration given to non-Christian inmates, out of ignorance and sometimes bigotry, said Corey Saylor, a research and advocacy director with CAIR. What might help, Andre writes, is more Muslim prison chaplains. Salahuddin Muhammad, vice-president of the corrections department for the Association of Muslim Chaplains, said potential candidates shy away from joining the chaplaincy because of notions that serving imprisoned people is unsafe. Muhammad primarily works at FCI Butner, a federal correctional complex in North Carolina where he mediates between the prison staff and inmates. During Ramadan he often has to remind staffers of their obligations about inmates religious rights, while negotiating matters such as whether inmates with medical conditions can fast despite the facilitys medication schedule interfering with fasting hours. In Islam, we have concessions, if you have an illness, you dont have to fast. So I talk to them about that, thats probably the biggest thing during the month of Ramadan, he said. At First Things, Jacob Akey wrestles deeply with the best way to help the homeless, and how material-centric approaches are often lacking. Pope Francis, for his part, offers actionable advice: Give without worry. The Holy Father, and those who echo his advice, emphasize personal charity and the how of givingstop, look the person in the eyes, and touch his or her hands. The Church has consistently taught that the answer to the question of personal giving is Yes, and more. At the same time, however, calls for unqualified giving to the street homeless evince an unreality. Pope Francis asks that, in our giving, we not concern ourselves with what the money is used for. Who are we to judge if a homeless person wants to buy a glass of wine? On a Coney Island F Train, just before Christmas, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil killed a woman by setting her on fire. Zapeta-Calil would, according to an acquaintance, daily descend into an alcohol and synthetic cannabinoid-fueled psychosis. One wonders at the ethics of funding his glass of wine. Homeless advocates, secular and religious, seem stuck in the belief that street homelessness is a primarily material problemenough money will solve it. And, while the high cost of housing is itself a problem, it was not Ramon Rivera or Sebastian Zapeta-Calils problem. It is not the problem of the men I see daily. Theirs is a soul sickness. But so long as those who address homelessness do so on strictly material terms, they will lack not only the tools to help the homeless but the tools to help the rest of us, too. A Good Word Earlier this week, many Jews celebrated Purim, the holiday commemorating the events described in the book of Esther, in which she saves her people from genocide. Two stories from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Purim celebrations in Israel caught my eye this week. The first, reported by Deborah Danan, begins: Welcoming children for a Purim celebration this week, the security guards at the official home of Israels president drew laughs when they asked a routine security question: Was there any metal in the childrens costumes? These werent typical visitors. The children wore a costume designed around their mobility device wheelchairs and walkers transformed into rockets, game consoles, and circus tents. Yes, there was metal inside. Hosted by First Lady Michal Herzog, Mondays event marked the 10th anniversary of an initiative that creates custom Purim costumes for children with disabilities. Organized by Beit Issie Shapiro, a nonprofit focused on disability inclusion, the project paired dozens of children with professional designers from the Holon Institute of Technology and, for the first time this year, website builder Wix. And the second, by Philissa Cramer, begins: For a year and a half, a photograph of the Bibas family wearing Batman pajamas served as a symbol of the global vigil for their return from captivity in Gaza. Batman was a passion for Ariel, who was 4 when he and his family were abducted from their home in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. He had dressed as the superhero for Purim that year, and his parents, Shiri and Yarden, were happy to buy matching gear for the entire family, including his new baby brother Kfir. Now, on the first Purim since Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were confirmed dead and returned to Israel for burial and with Yarden back in Israel after a hostage release last month Jews around the world are dressing as Batman in their honor. In Israel, entire classes of schoolchildren have worn orange Batman capes and masks, in a nod to both Ariel Bibas passion for the superhero and the brothers red hair. Cramer included a message from the Bibas family: Time after time during the last almost year and a half and especially during the last few weeks, you have shown us that Ariel and Kfir will never leave us. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. A year ago, Paul Dans was chief architect of what was shaping up to be the blueprint for Donald Trumps second term. Eight months ago, he was sent into MAGA exile. Dans was the director of Project 2025 at the Heritage Foundation when, midway through the 2024 presidential campaign, he and his program started to become a huge political liability for Trump. Democrats warned of Project 2025s radical agenda, saying it would mean a ban on abortion, elimination of LGBTQ+ rights, and complete presidential power over federal agencies along with the elimination of some of them, including the Department of Education. At the Democratic National Convention, Saturday Night Lives Kenan Thompson held up a giant-size replica of the 900-page Project 2025 book and quipped, You ever see a document that could kill a small animal and democracy at the same time? Here it is. Conservatives began blaming Heritage and Project 2025 for hurting Trumps election chances. Trump himself repeatedly contended he hadnt even read Project 2025, claiming on Truth Social that he had no idea who is behind it. In an interview with the POLITICO Deep Dive podcast published Saturday, Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita complained that there was some stuff in there that we were like, Where the hell did that come from? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dans became a sacrificial lamb. Pressured to resign from Heritage, Dans left in a fit of pique at the end of July, and he later criticized LaCivita and campaign co-head Susie Wiles for campaign malpractice. Now Dans, who lives in Charleston, South Carolina, and works as a lawyer and government relations consultant, is letting bygones be bygones and says hes delighted with the extent to which Project 2025 has, in fact, become the Trump administrations playbook. This week, in his first in-depth interview since Trump returned to the presidency, Dans effectively confirmed what Democrats were saying all along and Trump himself denied: There really is almost no difference between Project 2025 and what Trump was planning all along and is now implementing. And if the White House were to call, hed be glad to get back on the team. Its actually way beyond my wildest dreams, Dans said. Its not going to be the easiest road to hoe going forward. The deep state is going to get its breath back. But the way that theyve been able to move and upset the orthodoxy, and at the same time really capture the imagination of the people, I think portends a great four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been edited for length and clarity. So as it turns out, the Trump administrations program and Project 2025 seem to be one and the same. True? I'm not saying that. I'm saying that directionally, they have a lot in common, but so do great minds. We had hoped, those of us who worked putting together Project 2025, that the next conservative president would seize the day, but Trump is seizing every minute of every hour. Im not sure that youd be able to implement Project 2025 without Donald Trumps ability to bring people together and Elon Musks ability to focus the direction of the work. In other words, whats being implemented now is Project 2025, for the most part. But that was the issue brought up during the campaign, when Trump said he had nothing to do with Project 2025. Did the president not tell the truth? He absolutely told the truth. Project 2025 was done outside of President Trump. It was done by the conservative movement to really say, This is what we believe in. This is what we want to see in the next conservative president. Youve said this agenda goes back much further than Trump you wanted to attack the federal administrative state that you view as populated by liberals, one that started more than 100 years ago under Woodrow Wilson. Well, thats right. We are going on our 250th birthday here in a little over a year from now. And the last 100 years have been a great diversion from the enduring constitutional structure of this great American experiment in democracy. That is, we needed to undertake a restoration of democracy by slamming the door shut on the Progressive Era. What happened dating back to FDR, but even before that with Wilson, was a way of thinking that an expert class would superintend life for the rest of us, that the common man didn't have the sense to rule his own destiny. The entire artifice of the federal government had been built over the last 100 years in essentially a very anti-democratic manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Constitution vests the executive power squarely and solely in the president of the United States. And over the last 100 years, these encroachments on that power were not only unconstitutional, they were anti-democratic and lacking in moral legitimacy in the sense that the people vote every four years for a president to put forward new policy, and if his policies are being impeded by an unelected, unaccountable bureaucracy, that is a problem that needs reformation. But thats still very much at issue. You and your conservative colleagues are saying the president can do whatever he wants to federal agencies based on the unitary executive theory of the Constitution, and by seeking to overturn the Impoundment Control Act [which prevents the president from blocking congressional spending]. But doesnt the president have to implement the policies passed by Congress even if he doesnt agree with them? I think what were engaging in is going to be a constitutional debate on the order of what happened in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. We have designed the system so that each of these three independent branches have their own constitutional obligations, and when these overlap or collide is ultimately for the people to sort out. So this is a debate that needs to happen. The pendulum over the last 100 years has swung in a direction thats been a major incursion on both the core executive branch authority, but also an abandonment of the responsibility of the legislature to do its work. In that span of time you've seen an activist judiciary step up and answer these questions. Is that really the ultimate equilibrium we should live with? I think thats going to get played out through a national conversation and the court system. As a lawyer yourself youve seen that the courts even the Supreme Court are pushing back against Trump in many cases and citing the very Constitution you say is being violated. Judges have blocked the freezing of foreign aid, for example, programs under USAID, and the way that many employees, including probationary employees, have been dismissed. I dont put much stock in those district court opinions. The left has forum-shopped to find courts willing to make ultra vires [lacking legal authority] expansions of their jurisdiction. Its a dangerous precedent that delegitimizes the federal court system. One federal judge cant come in and push the secretary of the Treasury aside and say this court knows better how to do your job than you do. To do that and hamstring the president is a naked usurpation of power. A federal court and its three law clerks cannot usurp the power granted to the president, and we are nearing a point when this will need to be resolved. Trump and his team have talked a lot about exposing fraud, waste and abuse, but we haven't seen much evidence of that. What we've mostly seen evidence of is attacking so-called DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) programs. It looks very much like a political agenda. Well, President Trump, for one, did a great recitation during the State of the Union address of really indefensible expenditures of money. Many examples were from USAID. He also spoke about some of the recent findings examining Social Security recipients and determining whether there may be illicit payments going to people with ages of over 140 years old. This along with what's been unearthed in the Treasury Department with trillions of dollars of expenditures not being properly tagged, proves that the system is built in a way that, by intention, no one can understand, and none of the money is really traceable. But the irony of now is that with the advent of AI and technicians like Elon Musk, we are, for the first time, getting a holistic view of the government. But what Trump said has been largely debunked. There simply are not millions and millions of fraudulent payments going out to people who are dead or too old, based on the Social Security Administrations own 2023 Inspector General report and other reports. It seems as if Trump was exaggerating or falsifying the record. I don't believe that's true at all. What DOGE uncovered is that the fundamental controls in the financial system aren't there. That is trillions of dollars flowing out of the Treasury without the elemental tagging being done to them. Same at Health and Human Services. Ditto Social Security. Therefore there's absolutely no way to audit this system. Im talking specifically about how much fraud there might be in Social Security payments. There's no evidence to back up what Trump was saying. I dont know one way or the other. I get second-hand reports as you do. You worked at the Office of Personnel Management in the last year of the first Trump administration essentially the human resources department of the federal government. And that then became a sort of ground zero for Musks DOGE effort. Did you anticipate this might play out that way? At Project 2025, we published the source code to the deep state. And we pointed the way. We said the motherboard of this whole thing lies in the obscure agency called OPM [the Office of Personnel Management]. And why is that? Because personnel is policy. If the president wants to deliver on the promises made to the American people, it all turns on the staff beneath him. It looks as if the president is signing, or is about to sign, an executive order to eliminate the Department of Education, which has just gutted its workforce. That was another big target of yours. It's been an historic target of the conservative movement from the time it was stood up. The original 1980 volume of Mandate for Leadership called for its abolition. The damage done by the federalization of education you can't argue with the results America earns a failing grade. I myself am the product of K-through-12 public education, and my mother being a public-school teacher, my mother-in-law being the same, you're not going to find a bigger advocate for public education. But that said, the declining test scores, the poor literacy rate it's just not working. Why is the DOE to blame for that? I mean, state and local boards of education are still primarily responsible for these schooling standards, not the federal government. My understanding is that a lot of what state and local governments face are unfunded mandates and directions from the Department of Education. They don't comply, they get money taken away from them. They're between a rock a hard place having to live up to this centralized direction from Washington. And I think that when you relieve them of that, certainly they will step up and do their job. It must be tough for you to be on the outside looking in. Do you regret having criticized Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita last summer? Well, as Frank [Sinatra] would say, regrets Ive had a few, but then again, too few to mention. Are there places where you think they are going too far too fast? Some of the analysis in the new Mandate for Leadership, the bible of Project 2025, was more nuanced. In the chapter you co-wrote, for example, Managing the Bureaucracy, you concluded that careful reform of merit pay was needed and you even lauded Jimmy Carter's attempted reforms. I used to give a speech where I started with a riddle that said, What happens when you combine a GS-14 with a GS-11? [General Schedule payscales for federal workers rated from one to 15.] And the answer was me. That is, my parents came to Washington, and they were the best of a generation in the 1960s, the first in their families to go to college. And they met at the National Institutes of Health. So I've always grown up with great reverence, if you will, for federal employees, and I do think that there's always going to be a call for the best and the brightest to work in the United States government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, the system's been derailed over the last 30 years, and there has been a great breakdown in its efficiency and quality of output, but also in the ability to control it and limit itself in terms of growth. That is, it's a self-perpetuating blob, if you will. But going back to what you said about your parents, do you feel that some federal employees are being treated badly here? People are getting notices saying they're being dismissed for incompetence when they had just received in the past year very good assessments from the superiors. Isnt there some unfairness here? Well, sure, in specific cases, there may be. But I think you have to look at the system as a whole. It's just gone so haywire. When the civil service was stood up, 10 percent of the jobs were consecrated to these protections [prevented from dismissal except for just cause or poor performance]. Fast forward to today 100 years later, nearly 99.5 percent of positions are subject to those civil service protections. Further, the performance appraisal system is broken. Fully 99.7 percent of the federal workforce receives annual performance reviews stating they are performing fully successfully or better. This just cant be. Certainly there is no such analog in the private sector. Lets go into some examples where there seems to be divergence between Project 2025 and what Trump and Musk are doing. Your chapter on USAID recommended serious reforms but it also talked about all the benefits that USAID brought, particularly in the soft power struggle with China. Now you have Musk saying USAID is nothing but a criminal organization and should be eliminated. Project 2025 was really a resource guide to point the way to various problems and offer some solutions, all of which were only a menu that the next president could pick and choose from. Some of these agencies are so corrupted that you almost have to start anew. Many of the missions of these corrupted agencies are actually delegated from other agencies, so there is a possibility of restoring them to their original place and order. With respect to foreign aid, a lot of this could be done through the State Department, and will, I think in proper measure, continue to be done. But Project 2025 didnt call for the elimination of USAID, which is what [Secretary of State] Marco Rubio is apparently doing. Why not stand behind what you guys actually backed at the time which was to strengthen USAID and restore those programs countering China? I think they stand for the same proposition, which is fundamental reform. That's what the people voted for in elections. You know what happened was USAID under Biden was a complete perversion of its mission. It became a mechanism for promotion of the progressive worldview: climate extremism, gender radicalism, abortion promotion. It's just so inculcated in every aspect of what they were doing business wise, that it's almost easier to start anew. So they're transporting over a portion of it, resettling it in the State Department. That's been tried before. Andrew Natsios, who is a conservative Republican who ran USAID, said it's not a good idea because USAID programs involve a lot of technical knowledge that State Department employees don't have. I cant say. I havent opened up the hood of the place myself, personally, but I'm trusting in the administration and their assessment of it, and certainly, you know, under [Biden administration USAID director] Samantha Power, it was just a field day, and it's run amok. You know what they did with fertilizer? Encouraging people to do away with chemical fertilizer ultimately impacted the cost of food. Which is which is having a negative impact on hunger. Lets go back to the 2024 political campaign, when you were pressured to resign last summer as Democrats attacked Project 2025. Didn't the Trump campaign come to you at some point beforehand and say, Cool it? Look, one thing that happened with Project 2025 was that we got caught in this maelstrom of misinformation, and at some point, the left decided that they were all in on Project 2025. That turned out to be one of the great political miscalculations of all time. Do you think that looking back, you might have done more at Heritage to distance yourself from the Trump campaign the way, say, the America First Policy Institute under Brooke Rollins did by staying very quiet? Fake news is going to be fake news. And, you know, going in and arguing with leftist misinformation agents on MSNBC is kind of a pointless endeavor, in my estimation. President Trump is the great communicator, and he was able to make those points strongly himself. And, that said, what we had hoped would happen has happened. So I can't imagine how anything could end really any better. Is there any way at all in which what Trump is doing is falling short or diverging from your original vision for Project 2025? It's actually way beyond my wildest dreams. It's not going to be the easiest road to hoe going forward. The deep state is going to get its breath back here, but the way that they've been able to move and kind of upset the orthodoxy, and at the same time really capture the imagination of the people, I think portends a great four years. Are you looking to get a job in the Trump administration now? Is this a job interview? Well, I have a job. One is that I'm a father of four kids. Two, I'm an attorney. And three, the mission of this was always to get our government going in the right direction. So I just worked for two and a half years, really, without cessation to try to do my small bit to help move this entire ball forward. Should President Trump or his team need me, I will gladly answer the call. I have to think youd want to be in on implementing the agenda you were such a huge part of creating. The race is long, you know? I always think that the election is just the starting gate. Look, this is going to go on even for multiple administrations. I do one day aspire to rejoin public service. So I would say, Watch this space. (Getty Images) The first thing that came to peoples minds about Shanna was her smile. It was warm, inviting and just the right amount of mischievous. Her family didnt think much of her fall in September; maybe she missed a step off the deck. She had a headache but nothing so bad that it needed medical treatment. That changed on Sept. 19 when Shanna was life-flighted from Carrington to Fargo with stroke symptoms. After imaging, a neurosurgeon performed an emergency craniotomy, removing part of a tumor applying pressure to the brain. They saw three more inoperable spots. Initial reports determined it was likely lymphoma, but her care team was optimistic. Shanna Barone (Photo provided) She was a healthy 40-year-old mother, and lymphoma is treatable. I finished my own cancer treatment a year prior. It was breast cancer spread to lymph nodes, so not the same certainly, but I became fiercely protective of my cousin. I was ready to be involved however she needed me to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We lost my cousin Shanna Barone on Feb. 6, less than five months after the first sign of trouble. It was grueling and heartbreaking and perhaps there was nothing that could have been done to save her life, but dealing with the insurance companys prior authorization requirements certainly cost us time in a process where aside from cancer time was perhaps our greatest adversary. Prior authorization is a practice in which physicians must obtain approval from insurers before prescribing medication or moving forward with treatment for their patients. Insurers use this, in part, to contain costs. Physicians report the process can lead to significant delays in care, contributing to negative outcomes in patients, including abandoned treatment. The process was once used sparingly to determine whether costly medical procedures or medications were needed but now providers often must get approval to prescribe even the most routine medications and procedures. This is why I have testified in support of North Dakota Senate Bill 2280, which will place limits on the amount of time insurers can take to make prior authorization decisions. Such limits could have curtailed at least some of the delays faced by Shanna. Hearing Monday Senate Bill 2280 has a hearing at 2:30 p.m. Monday in Room 327C of the Capitol. Testimony can be submitted online until 1:30 p.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her team of oncologists submitted prior authorization requests for aggressive chemotherapy and a PET scan upon admittance. She didnt get approval and receive those services until Oct. 3 an 11-day wait. The PET scan determined a mass in her abdomen, so a prior authorization request was sent for another chemotherapy regimen that would address that as well. She wasnt approved until Oct. 11 eight days. Her oncologists remained vigilant and switched the plan on Nov. 18. They wanted a better response, so they switched to R-ICE, a combination of four chemotherapy drugs given over several days. They would follow with CAR-T cell therapy, a process that usually takes between three and four weeks to complete. On Jan. 2, Shannas oncologists submitted the prior authorization request for CAR-T because they knew she would need it sooner than later. Her symptoms increased daily. She lost vision in her left eye, then movement and feeling on that side, then her speech. Her skull skin was so tight around the growing tumor it was shiny. Radiation began then also to buy time waiting for approval. By Jan. 5, she was admitted to the hospital and would never leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 10 two weeks after the initial physician request Shanna got soft approval for CAR-T from the insurance company, but they couldnt sign off by the end of the business day and told us to wait until the next week. Formal approval was received on Jan. 14 and the lab processes were completed by Jan. 29. By then, she had declined, so she had to undergo another surgery to place a shunt in her skull to relieve pressure. We were so encouraged by her response she was responsive and spoke clearly for the first time in weeks. But two days later she declined again. Additional cancer cells had been allowed to grow during the period she waited for approval. Shanna passed away Feb. 6, 10 days after her 41st birthday. Shanna knew her battle would be hard, but she went into it with fiery determination, an intelligent, compassionate care team and family support. Her life depended on decisions she didnt get to make, ones that increased suffering and anxiety in the interim. If a simple set of laws can prevent this situation from happening to another North Dakotan, the decision to pass this bill is an easy one. QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) A suicide car bomber targeted a convoy of buses carrying security forces in restive southwestern Pakistan on Sunday, killing at least five officers and two civilians, the military and police said. Ten people were also wounded in the attack in Naushki, a district in Balochistan, said Zafar Zamanani, a local police chief. The dead and wounded, some of whom in critical condition, were transported to a hospital. Authorities said separatist rebels opened fire on the buses after the car bombing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack. A military statement said sanitization operations in the area would continue and perpetrators of this henious and cowardly act will be brought to justice. Last week, rebels attacked a train and took about 400 people hostage. Twenty-six died before security forces launched an operation that killed all the 33 attackers. Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan, said security forces returned fire on Sunday and killed at least four of the attackers. Oil- and mineral-rich Balochistan is Pakistans largest and least populated province. Ethnic Baloch residents have long accused the central government of discrimination, a charge Islamabad denies. The Baloch Liberation Army has been demanding independence from the central government. DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) Organizers of Dublins St. Patricks Day Parade said the event would go on Saturday morning rain or shine, and they meant it. Thousands of people lined the streets of Historic Dublin for the Greenest, Grandest Parade. I think it really speaks to the tradition. Its one of those where people know theyre going to be here every year before St. Patricks Day and they want to celebrate, Alison LeRoy, director of events for the city of Dublin, said. Leroy spent all morning monitoring the forecast, hoping the severe weather would let up in time for the parade. It was still raining at the start, but more than 100 groups braved the weather and walked the parade route. Leading the parade was this years Grand Leprechaun, Barb Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groveport removes former NFL star LeVeon Bells name from stadium I get to be on the float with my family. So I have eight other people in my family that are on the float, Anderson said. Anderson was selected by Dublins mayor and previous Grand Leprechauns. They said they chose her because of her involvement in numerous local organizations, including work with the Dublin Food Pantry and her role as president of the Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders. Anderson has lived in Dublin in 35 years and said she knows how much it means to serve as the Grand Leprechaun. It is such a great honor and Im just so humbled by the other people that have been named leprechauns over the years. They are a wonderful group of people and Dublin is just such a great city in which to serve and volunteer, which I just love to do, she 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices rose slightly on Monday after the United States vowed to keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until the Iran-aligned group ends its assaults on shipping, while Chinese economic data buoyed hopes for higher demand. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he would hold Iran responsible for any attacks carried out by the Houthi group that it backs in Yemen, as his administration expanded the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since Trump returned to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brent futures rose 49 cents, or 0.7%, to $71.07 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 40 cents, or 0.6%, to $67.58. The Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and the Al Jawf governorate north of the capital Sanaa were targeted on Monday, the Houthis' Al Masirah TV said. Chinese economic data also supported prices. Retail sales growth quickened over January-February in a welcome sign for policymakers seeking to boost domestic consumption, though unemployment rose and factory output eased. China's crude oil throughput in January and February rose 2.1% versus a year earlier, official data showed on Monday, supported by a new refinery and holiday travel, but weak refining margins persisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The combination of increased stimulus from China and the heightened attack by the Houthi rebels is providing a significant boost (to oil) this morning," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group. The U.S. dollar eased against a basket of currencies as investors worried about the economic fallout from Trump's protectionist trade policies. A weaker dollar makes oil less expensive for overseas buyers, boosting demand. Oil rose slightly last week, though Brent is still down almost 5% this year on concern over a global economic slowdown driven by escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and other nations. OPEC+ oil producers' plan to raise oil output from April has also pressured prices. However, the prospect of tighter U.S. sanctions against Iran more than offsets the gradual OPEC+ production increase, said Saxo Bank head of commodity strategy Ole Hansen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China's plans to boost consumption and fresh Red Sea risks" are supporting the market on Monday, he added. Trump said he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the Ukraine war, with territorial concessions by Kyiv and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant likely to feature prominently in the talks. "The negative to crude is focused on the tariffs and a Russia/Ukraine peace negotiation which would likely increase Russian crude to the world market," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial. U.S. crude oil stockpiles are expected to have risen last week, while distillate and gasoline inventories likely fell, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday. Industry data is expected on Tuesday, while official government data is expected on Wednesday. (Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston and Alex Lawler in London. Additional reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan in SingaporeEditing by David Evans, David Goodman, Sharon Singleton and Rod Nickel) SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) The Brightside Project held its second annual Youth Summit on Saturday for teens in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. The event was held at its new facility on North Ellsworth Avenue and featured keynote speakers, food and creative sessions. 140 teens attended. The goal of the youth summit is to create a space where teens feel loved, supported and heard while giving them the tools to develop leadership skills and foster positive relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, its more intimate. Its more family, just because of where were at. Were the Brightside, and were trying to keep it where Lisa [Vittorio] shes our codirector where her vision was four years ago, and this is her vision, said Scott Lewis, executive director of the Brightside Project. Lewis says theyre grateful for the support of the community that made the event possible. Tino DiCenso contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Brooklyn Democratic Chairwoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn is endorsing ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor, the Daily News has learned a move that marks a blow to Mayor Adams. Bichotte Hermelyn, formerly one of the mayors most steadfast allies, has also recently joined Cuomos camp as a senior adviser, according the campaign. As the leader of the largest and most diverse Democratic county party in New York and the nation I know the experienced leadership we need to steer our city forward, Bichotte Hermelyn said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We deserve a battle-tested and visionary Democrat to keep leading New York City through some of its most challenging times, and only Andrew Cuomo has the unique insights, real-world experience and proven leadership skills needed to navigate the complexities of our citys continued recovery and growth. Politico previously reported that Bichotte Hermelyn was considering backing Cuomo. The party leader is also a state assemblywoman representing a district covering Flatbush and Ditmas Park. Brooklyn is home to the largest number of Democrats in any county in the nation, and I am humbled to have the support of its great Democratic leader, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, at this critical moment for our city, Cuomo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bichoette Hermelyn remained a strong supporter of the mayor after he was indicted, defending him against calls for his resignation. She was making public appearances with the mayor as recently as last month, including at a minority- and women-owned businesses event at Gracie Mansion where she was honored by Adams. Even before Bichotte Hermelyns endorsement, Cuomo had picked up support from the party: Both Brooklyn Democratic Vice Chairman Henry Butler and former Brooklyn Democratic Chairman Frank Seddio endorsed Cuomo before he entered the race this month. Bichotte Hermelyns husband, Edu Hermelyn, is working on Cuomos campaign through his role as a senior vice president at consulting firm Mercury. Former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Harlem Assemblyman Edward Gibbs have also thrown their weight behind Cuomo after backing Adams four years ago. A federal court order that would have halted the immediate deportation of a Rhode Island doctor was issued Friday evening while the doctors departing plane sat on the tarmac at Boston Logan International Airport, said a family friend and colleague. Read the latest story here: How Hezbollah photos led to RI doctor's controversial deportation. 'Nothing to do with politics' But the plane ultimately took off, carrying Dr. Rasha Alawieh out of the country for reasons still unclear to her family, her lawyer and Brown Medicine colleagues such as Dr. Basma Merhi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not do anything to stop the plane, said Merhi, who was learning details of the event through information relayed by Alawieh family members. So, clearly, they wanted to deport her regardless of if there was a judges order or not. She didnt do anything wrong. Alawieh had been studying and working in the U.S. for the last six years and had been in Rhode Island, working for Brown Medicine in the Division of Kidney Disease & Hypertension, since last July. Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a kidney doctor with Brown Medicine. She worked at Rhode Island Hospital evaluating potential transplant recipients and followed the progress of those patients after their procedures, Dr. George Bayliss, the transplant divisions medical director, said Saturday. Detained at Logan upon return from family visit in Lebanon Customs officials at Logan detained Alawieh, 34, on Thursday as she was returning from a two-week trip home to Lebanon to visit family, said Merhi and lawyer Thomas S. Brown, who handles immigration and visa issues for doctors affiliated with Brown Medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown said Alawieh was returning to the U.S. on an H-1B visa she had recently acquired at the American consulate in Lebanon. The H-1B is a temporary visa category that allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in specialty occupations. The visa allowed her to be lawfully in the country through the middle of 2027, said Brown. Brown said Friday, as Alawieh was being detained at the airport, that there had been some wrinkle with her visa application that had been relatively easy to work out because they did issue the visa, so whatever is going on is not the consequence of the actions at the American consulate, as far as I know." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was clear to return. She had the visa, she had the right passport. Everything was looking good. Alawieh not allowed access to an attorney On Friday, Alawieh's friends and family moved quickly to attempt to prevent her deportation. Her cousin, Yara Chehab, filed a complaint in U.S. District Court, Massachusetts against officials in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In the complaint, Chehab says federal authorities had unlawfully detained her cousin without any justification and without permitting [her] access to their counsel. The complaint notes that Alawieh had graduated from medical school in 2015 and held fellowships and residencies at three U.S. universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite repeated requests from Dr. Alawiehs family members and a volunteer attorney, CBP refuses to provide any justification for their detention, refuses to allow the attorneys to talk to Dr. Alawieh, and refuses to provide assurances that Dr. Alawieh will not be deported to Lebanon. What the judge's order said Later Friday, U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin issued an order saying Alawieh could not leave Massachusetts without 48 hours' notice to give the court time to consider the matter. Its unclear if the order reached immigration officials in time. Ryan Brissette, a spokesman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, did not return an email on Saturday morning. Bayliss, head of the transplant division, said he is outraged at what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm outraged at it for my colleague, and I'm outraged at it as a citizen, he said. This is government action without due process and ignoring the courts. So that strikes me as capricious and arbitrary. Merhi said Saturday that Alawieh had been given a two-minute phone call when her plane landed in Paris. She called her mother and told her not to worry. She is being held there at the airport in a detention facility until she flies on to Lebanon on Sunday, she said. They are treating her like a terrorist, said Merhi. It is ridiculous. She is an accomplished doctor, she is treating patients, who is treated like a criminal. And she is following all the rules. She is not doing anything wrong. And her Visa is valid. Contact Tom Mooney at: tmooney@providencejournal.com. This story has been updated with new information and to correct an inaccuracy. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI doctor Rasha Alawieh deported despite federal court order BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's parliamentary budget committee on Sunday approved plans for a massive increase in state borrowing aimed at bolstering defence and reviving growth in Europe's biggest economy. The committee convened for an extraordinary session and backed the plans -- agreed on Friday between the conservative CDU/CSU, the Social Democrats and the Greens -- sending them on to parliament for adoption. The bill, which includes a 500 billion euro ($540 billion) fund for infrastructure and changes to borrowing rules, will require a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary vote, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be one of the last major acts of this Bundestag, or lower house, before a new one is due to convene on March 25 following an election last month. "Today in the budget committee we have cleared the way for future investments," Greens lawmaker Sven-Christian Kindler told Reuters. $1 = 0.9192 euros) (Reporting by Holger Hansen; Writing by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Kevin Liffey) By Miguel Lo Bianco and Claudia Martini BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Thousands of Argentines, many from poor neighborhoods around the capital, gathered on Sunday at a church on the outskirts of Buenos Aires to pray for Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for more than a month. Bearing drums, cymbals, flags and cans of holy water, Catholic believers and priests gathered at the imposing neo-Gothic Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, Argentina's patron saint, to pray that Latin America's first pope recovers from pneumonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Long live Pope Francis!" Father Jose Maria "Pepe" di Paola, a member of a local group of priests in poor neighborhoods, told the congregation. "This is how we should live the Church as Pope Francis teaches us, a poor church for the poor." The latest Vatican medical reports suggest Francis' health is improving, but Rome's Gemelli hospital has not yet said when he will be discharged. On Sunday, the Vatican released a photo of the pope breathing unassisted after receiving oxygen, the first photo of him it has released since he was hospitalized on February 14. Francis, now aged 88, quickly shook the Catholic world with more lenient attitudes toward same-sex marriage, women's ordination and focus on global issues such as climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before he was elected to head the Catholic Church of 1.4 billion believers, 12 years ago, Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires where his closeness to the poor earned him a nickname: "the slum pope." "I pray for him to have a speedy recovery," 55-year-old housewife Dora Calvo told Reuters at the basilica. "I always pray to the little virgin of Lujan so she will protect him and cover him with her mantle." "We were very worried at the beginning when his health worsened and they ended up hospitalizing him," added Walter Camaratta, 60. "We are following the latest information, the medical reports talk about slow but positive developments." Pope Francis has yet to return to his home country. (Reporting by Miguel Lo Bianco and Claudia Martini; Writing by Lucila Sigal and Sarah Morland; Editing by Diane Craft) Gastroenterologist joins Franciscan in Crown Point Dr. Eric Steinberg, a gastroenterologist, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point, a release said. Steinberg attended medical school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York. He completed his residency at Emory University in Atlanta and completed his gastroenterology fellowship at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He is accepting new patients at Franciscan Physician Network Specialty Center, 12750 St. Francis Drive, Suite 410, in Crown Point. Call 219-769-8340. Society of Innovators winners announced The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has announced the five winners of the 2025 Northwest Indiana High School Pitch Competition Hammond, a release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five winners were selected from 16 student teams that presented their startup pitches at Purdue University Northwests Hammond campus Feb. 26. Each winner was awarded $200 to invest in their business idea. Winners include: Flip-E, Munster High School, an automatic page turner that is paired with a facial recognition app; team members include Brandon Walker and Omar Aftab. Septo, Munster High School, Septo is the simple solution to noninvasive infection tracking and prevention; team members include Alexis Karahalios, Abby Mena and Jocelyn Aguirre. Filet Twist, Hobart High School, Filet Twist is a filet knife attachment that connects to a fishing pole; presented by Cameron Hutson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LeafAway, an automatic robot that acts like a vacuum for leaves; team members include Miranda Gutierrez and MiShawn Dawson. SafetyGlow, an attachable hazard light that is powered by LED that goes on the back of vehicles and trailers that are disabled on the sides of roadways; presented by Ashton Verbish. Birth centers recognized by state hospital group Franciscan Health Family Birth Centers across Northwest Indiana were recognized recently by the Indiana Hospital Association, in partnership with State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver, for its commitment to infant and maternal health at the fifth annual INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition program, a release said. INspire, funded by the Indiana Department of Healths Safety PIN grant, was developed to implement the delivery of best practice care for Hoosier moms and babies and recognize hospitals for excellence in addressing key drivers of infant and maternal health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Family Birth Centers at Franciscan Health Dyer, Franciscan Health Crown Point and Franciscan Health Michigan City earned an INspire Hospitals of Distinction recognition based on implementing best practices in key areas, including infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, perinatal substance use, social drivers of health, obstetric hemorrhage and maternal hypertension, the release said. Indiana Hospital Association serves as the professional trade association for more than 170 acute care, critical access, behavioral health and other specialized hospitals in Indiana. Land trust welcomes new board members The Board of Directors of Shirley Heinze Land Trust recently elected two new board members to three-year terms, a release said. Andrew Moats, of Valparaiso, is a health care building markets leader for Shive-Hattery with more than 35 years of experience, the release said. Zack Wellsand, of Chesterton, is the founder and Vice President of Wellsand Landscaping and Hardscapes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has preserved and restored natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana, including some of the rarest landscapes in the state, the release said. For more information, visit www.heinzetrust.org, call 219-242-8558, or access its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/heinzetrust. California Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) new podcast hosting prominent supporters of President Trump is raising questions about his political strategy as he wraps up his tenure as governor and keeps the door open to a 2028 presidential run. The first few episodes of This is Gavin Newsom have found the governor seeking common ground with conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon. The show has also seen Newsom break with Democrats on the issue of transgender athletes in womens sports, calling it deeply unfair. It all looks like a pivot toward the center by someone anticipating a White House race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think hes playing the long game here. He realizes that hes got a lot of runway between now and the 2028 election, said California Republican strategist Matt Klink. Newsom is positioning himself more as a moderate Democrat who is at least willing to listen to the thought leaders that are shaping the Republican narrative, Klink said. That approach isnt guaranteed to spell success with voters, but its a start at tacking toward the center. Newsom has pitched his podcast as a way to change the conversation that will include talking directly with people I disagree with, people I look up to, and you the listeners. His debut episode saw Newsom, who a few months ago was casting himself as the leading face of a new Trump resistance, in a conversation with Kirk, the right-wing media personality and co-founder of Turning Point USA. Next up was conservative talk show host Michael Savage, followed by Bannon, who was chief strategist at the White House during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wants to be a middle-of-the-road Democrat. He tries to position himself more of a Bill Clinton-esque Democrat that can touch close enough to center, so that he can touch a little bit to the right and still move as far left as he needs to win a Democratic primary. Hes trying to try to navigate precarious waters, Klink said. The strategy is also somewhat reminiscent of the one employed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as the former South Bend, Ind., mayor built his national profile in 2019 during his presidential bid. The move to do podcasts is also reflective of the strategy employed by Trump in 2024 when he sought to reach young male voters through podcasts, a medium that has exploded in recent years. Maybe its that young male voter or somebody like that who his internal research has shown that he has a chance at appealing to, said former California Assemblymember Mike Gatto (D), who regularly appears on the conservative network Newsmax as a Democratic voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps its the ever-shrinking pool of undecided voters, perhaps theres a demographic of people who say oh you know I listen to Charlie Kirk every once in a while, he makes some good points and I saw Gavin Newsom talking with him and Gavin seemed like a decent fella, he said. One California Democratic strategist said its a salient and correct idea for party figures to be listening to folks who are not always absolutely aligned with us. But the governors podcast guest list also risks alienating some Democrats. I guess the calculation is that by pursuing this podcast and this line of reasoning that hes going to pick up more than he loses, the strategist said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Newsoms fellow Democratic governors, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, reportedly said that bringing on different voices is great, but disagreed with giving Bannon oxygen on any platform, ever, anywhere. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said he was in shock at the stupidity of Newsom hosting Bannon. Many of us on the right sacrificed careers to fight Bannon, and Newsom is trying to make a career and a presidential run by building him up. In his talk with Kirk, Newsom sided with Republican thinking on transgender athletes participation in girls and womens sports, calling it an issue of fairness. That comment drew backlash from LGBTQ advocates. ACLU California Action was saddened and angered by Newsoms comments, Executive Director David Trujillo said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Gatto pushed back against the notion Newsom was platforming anyone, noting Kirk and Bannon already have large audiences. Give me a break, Gatto said. He was talking to people and having a debate where appropriate, finding agreement where they found agreement with people who absolutely represent the opinions of millions of Americans. Newsom, who is term-limited as governor, has long been suspected of national ambitions. And though the next presidential election is nearly three years out, hes already cropping up in early polling as a potential front-runner for Democrats. Experts on both sides of the aisle said the podcast move is a clear attempt to lay groundwork for a possible White House run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think every move that Governor Newsom makes is calculated and calibrated as to how it impacts the future run for him, said the Democratic strategist. Klink suggested Newsom is trying to learn the ins and outs of Republican and MAGA arguments in order to better make the argument, if he does run for higher office, that the Democratic solution is the better one. But, as 2028 speculation swirls, the governor has faced criticism from Republicans and even Democrats for appearing too opportunistic when it comes to any kind of self-promotion. On top of that, any move to the political center could be perceived as flip-flopping after serving as governor of arguably the most liberal state in the country. A lot of people are still going to say you took this position in 2023, you signed legislation in 2024 and then you said something a little bit different in 2025, Gatto said. People are not going to give that a tremendous amount of credibility for those reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Republican strategist Rob Stutzman pointed to Newsoms longtime status as Trump resistance chief and his newer, friendlier approach to Trump amid wildfire fallout. Newsom has a history of being a politician that will adapt to changing circumstances, Stutzman said. I think hes figured out the way forward for a politician like him, if hes going to run for president, is probably to start exploring, will anyone follow him into a lane that is more dismissive, particularly on culture, of where the Democrats have been for the past decade? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) MTO Shahmaghsoudi centers in Sacramento and Los Angeles will collaborate with Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel to present the traditional Haftseen at the California State Capitol. Video above: Iranians in Sacramento remember Mahsa Aminis death. The event will take place in room 317 at the Capitol at 2 p.m. on March 17. Increased police presence in Rocklin due to road rage incident investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowruz takes place on the spring equinox which indicates the start of the Persian New Year, according to a statement sent by MTO Shahmaghsoudi. According to MTO Shahmaghsoudi, Nowruz is a 3,000-year-old ancient tradition celebrated by diverse communities and ethnicities around the world. It is the 13-day festival of life, nature, and rejuvenation. One of the biggest traditions is the Hatfseen which is a table setting that includes seven beautiful symbols that represent life, health, love, patience, beauty, and more. MTO Shahmaghsoudi said in a statement that Nowruz was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the MTO centers are serving over a million students globally and over 3 million online taking part in live webcast sessions, said MTO Shahmaghsoudi. The teachings of the school bring the message of knowledge, love, peace, and tranquility. MTOs activities include a range of social, community, interfaith, wellbeing, and charity initiatives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Just by being around, humans can change how wild animals behave in ways that could put them at risk, according to a new study published in the Journal of Zoology. Understanding the impact of humans on wildlife routines could shape better policies that protect animals and their ecosystems. What's happening? Researchers from the University of Georgia found that the mere presence of humans near water sources disrupted animal drinking patterns, according to a news release. This seemingly small change can influence predator-prey interactions. Researchers studied the routines of animals visiting waterholes in Namibia to see whether humans in the area affected their visiting times. The team observed multiple species, including African lions and spotted hyenas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the two-year study period, cameras documented when animals would come to the waterholes, and researchers analyzed whether the times changed based on humans being in the area. They found animals that usually visit at night, including lions, shifted to daytime visits. They believe this caused other creatures to arrive later than usual to avoid predator attacks. "When humans are present, some animals shift their daily activity patterns," lead author Jessy Patterson explained. "We think that the carnivores changed because of the human presence, and the herbivores changed because of the carnivore presence. It was not just one species that altered their behavior." Why are animal routine changes a problem? When animals alter their routines for instance, if they feel unsafe because of humans it's often a sign of a problem. These changes can disrupt entire ecosystems. Because the new waterhole routines may cause predators and prey to meet when they usually wouldn't, this could alter population sizes and throw off the ecosystem's balance over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Declining populations of key herbivores in the ecosystem can also impact the health of vegetation near waterholes. Some herbivores, such as zebras and antelopes, control fast-growing and invasive plant species through grazing, which keeps one species from taking over. Though this study only focused on waterhole routine changes, it's possible that human presence could affect wildlife more significantly. For example, a University of Washington study found that animals in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve largely avoided areas where even a few people were present. This could lead other areas to become overcrowded and have fewer available resources. What can be done to protect wildlife from tourism? According to UGA, tourism is important for wildlife conservation. It brings money to local economies and awareness of conservation needs and efforts. This research isn't meant to stop tourism but to highlight the importance of minimizing disruptions to wildlife. Some national parks have implemented stricter guidelines to reduce tourism-related challenges. For instance, Rocky Mountain National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of several with timed-entry reservations to limit the number of visitors during certain seasons or in certain areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the best ways to protect wildlife is to be a responsible traveler. Before booking a trip, research how your visit could impact local ecosystems and choose eco-friendly options. If you visit natural habitats, minimize disturbance by keeping a safe distance from wildlife and respect regulations supporting animals, especially during mating and nesting times. 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. The following area students were elected to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, which recognizes accomplishments in all academic disciplines: Katherine Kummerer, Gilbertsville, at Ithaca College; Lisa Lewis, Reading, at Florida State University. Research work Lebanon Valley College students Jordan Shekalus, Ontelaunee Township, and Samantha Miller, Richmond Township, presented research in the Human Cognition Lab at the Eastern Psychological Association Meeting in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shekalus, an exercise science major, gave a presentation on psychological and developmental correlates of science denial. Miller, a sociology major, presented on defining academic success via GPA and effective school-based behaviors/attitudes and psychological and developmental correlates of science denial. Psychology meeting Lebanon Valley College student Lydia Crespo, Mohrsville, delivered a presentation at the Eastern Psychological Association meeting. Crespo, a creative arts and psychology major, co-presented Does Infant Gaze Influence Inexperienced Caregivers Perceptions of Infant Vocalizations? and Factors Impacting Conversational-Turn-Taking in Infant-Toddler Classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Car restoration Brenda Bravo, Reading, a collision repair technology student at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, was part of a team that received high honors for restoring an iconic antique vehicle. A 1948 Tucker No. 1013 restored by the Penn College students won the Best in Class Award at the American Dream Collection show in Coral Gables, Fla. About a dozen students spent six weeks last fall restoring the Tucker, owned by Patricia B. Swigart, president of the William E. Swigart Jr. Antique Automobile Museum in Huntingdon. For over 10 years, Swigart has given Penn College students the opportunity to work on the museums large collection of vintage and antique cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tucker restoration required students to replace clamps and hoses with ones dating to its manufacturing era, correct dents in the body and blend the cars paint to match its original silver-like color. Previously, the Tucker received the First Junior Award (in the limited production and prototype vehicles through 1998 class) at the Antique Automobile Club of Americas Eastern Division National Fall Meet in Hershey. The vehicle was one of 51 designed by Preston Tucker and manufactured by the Tucker Automobile Corp. The 1988 motion picture Tucker: The Man and His Dream chronicles the story behind the car. Tucker No. 1013 was used in the movie. Grow PA Grant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program, also known as the Grow PA Grant. The applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa on Thursday, March 13. The Grow PA Grant Program is intended to help reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians seeking education and job opportunities in other states. It offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and agree to work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation. Grant recipients are required to work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant; failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan that must be repaid. A list of eligible programs of study or majors can be found at pheaa.org/growpa. Items are submitted by the college or organization involved. Canada contributed another 50 million Canadian dollars ($34.8 million) to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, Ukraine's Energy Ministry said on March 14. Days prior, Ukraine received the first tranche of a loan of $1.7 billion covered by frozen Russian assets from Canada, the Ukrainian Finance Ministry announced on March 13. "As Russia continues its ruthless attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, leaving millions without electricity, water, and heat, Canada is proud... to continue the important work it is doing to help Ukraine repair its critical infrastructure," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada's total contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund is now over $41 million. Canada also declared a future contribution of 10 million Canadian dollars ($7 million) to the fund. The Ukraine Energy Support Fund raises costs to restore energy facilities and support critical infrastructure. "Contributions to the Energy Support Fund are directed toward purchasing equipment necessary for restoring energy facilities after enemy attacks and ensuring the stable operation of Ukraines energy system," Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said. Part of the new contribution will go towards the healthcare sector to support critical social infrastructure through the development of solar energy to support operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The added funding will help ensure the stable operation of the energy industry in Ukraine by restoring critical energy reserves for energy companies, Canada's International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen said. Various countries contribute to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund established in 2022 with the help of the EU. Iceland allocated over $2 million to the fund on March 11 and Italy promised to contribute $13.5 million on Feb. 28. Russian aerial attacks regularly target civilian infrastructure, including energy services. Support from allies has proven to be crucial in maintaining Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Painful for Russia: What new U.S. sanctions on Russian energy mean for Moscow Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Canada is reconsidering orders of US F-35 fighter jets amid Donald Trumps tariff war and growing doubts among allies over US defence guarantees. Mark Carney, the countrys new prime minister, has ordered a review of the US military aircraft to see if there are other options available given the changing environment, a defence ministry spokesman said. In 2023, Canada made an agreement to buy 88 F-35 jets from US military contractor Lockheed Martin, which remains in place, according to the spokesman, and it has a legal commitment to purchase the first 16 aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Carney has asked Bill Blair, his defence minister, to work with the military to determine if the F-35 contract, as it stands, is the best investment for Canada, and if there are other options that could better meet Canadas needs, a spokesman for the minister said. To be clear, the F-35 contract has not been cancelled, but we need to do our homework given the changing environment, and make sure that the contract in its current form is in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces, the spokesman said. The move comes after Mr Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, causing volatility in markets and encouraging the northern neighbour of the US to look for alternatives to its closest trading partner. Canadas F-35 purchase had been earmarked to cost $13 billion (10 billion) the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in more than 30 years. The full lifecycle of the programme is expected to cost nearly $50 billion. Kill switch concerns The agreement came ahead of a meeting between Justin Trudeau, former Canadian prime minister, and Joe Biden, and was designed to help Canada fulfil its obligations to protect North American airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Lockheed Martin spokesman said the company values its strong history with the Royal Canadian Air Force and said questions about Canadas procurement of the F-35 are best addressed by the Canadian and US governments. German officials last week raised concerns about a US kill switch built into F-35 fighter jets, amid fears the US is retreating in Europe militarily. Portugals outgoing defence minister said that recent positions taken by the US had encouraged a rethink about whether to purchase F-35s. Nuno Melo warned on Thursday that the US could in future impose limits on the aircrafts use, their maintenance or components, forcing Portugal to consider other options to replace its ageing F-16s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rumours have swirled in recent days that the US could jam F-35s from working after reports surfaced last week that US-supplied F-16s had stopped working in Ukraine. Despite the freeze stemming from the suspension of critical support for radar systems rather than them being switched off, Joachim Schranzhofer, the head of communications at Hensoldt, the German arms company, told Germanys Bild newspaper the kill switch in the F-35 is more than just a rumour. 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. Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed Canada's support for Ukraine in a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Presidential Office reported on March 16. Carney was sworn in as Canada's prime minister on March 14, replacing former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the governing Liberal Party. Trudeau announced his resignation in January. The leaders discussed increasing pressure on Moscow, particularly by imposing new sanctions against Russia's banking sector and its so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers. They also spoke about security guarantees for Ukraine, including Canada's commitment to providing economic support after the war ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney and Zelensky also discussed defense cooperation and the possibility of joint production of long-range weapons and electronic warfare equipment. Canada recently participated in the "coalition of the willing" virtual summit convened by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 15. Following the conference, Canada reiterated his support for Ukraine in a post on X. "Canada supports the proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine," Carney wrote. "Now, Russia must stop stalling and launching its attacks. It's time for Russia to come to the table in good faith." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney said his country remains "Ukraine's steadfast ally" and is committed to lending Kyiv "the military support it needs to defend itself now and into the future." Under Trudeau's leadership, Canada was a strong ally of Ukraine, providing 19.5 billion Canadian dollars ($13.5 billion) in assistance, including 4.5 billion Canadian dollars ($3.1 billion) in military aid. Prior to the March 15 summit, Canada also signalled its willingness to partake in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Carney, a former central banker, is widely expected to trigger a general election in the coming weeks. Canada is required to hold a general election no later than Oct. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: UK proposes Western peacekeeping mission of 10,000 troops in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MONTREAL (AP) New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Paris and London on Monday to seek alliances as he deals with U.S. President Donald Trump's attacks on Canada's sovereignty and economy. Carney is purposely making his first foreign trip to the capital cities of the two countries that shaped Canada's early existence. At his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Carney noted the country was built on the bedrock of three peoples, French, English and Indigenous, and said Canada is fundamentally different from America and will never, ever, in any way shape or form, be part of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior government government official briefed reporters on the plane before picking up Carney in Montreal and said the purpose of the trip is to double down on partnerships on with Canada's two founding countries. The official said Canada is a good friend of the United States but we all know what is going on. The Trump factor is the reason for the trip. The Trump factor towers over everything else Carney must deal with, said Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. Carney, a former central banker who turned 60 on Sunday, will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday and later travel to London to sit down with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in an effort to diversify trade and perhaps coordinate a response to Trump's tariffs. He will also meet with King Charles III, the head of state in Canada. The trip to England is a bit a homecoming, as Carney is a former governor of the Bank of England, the first noncitizen to be named to the role in the banks 300-plus-year history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney then travels to the edge of Canada's Arctic to reaffirm Canadas Arctic security and sovereignty before returning to Ottawa where he's expected to call an election within days. Carney has said hes ready to meet with Trump if he shows respect for Canadian sovereignty. He said he doesnt plan to visit Washington at the moment but hopes to have a phone call with the president soon. Sweeping tariffs of 25% and Trumps talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state have infuriated Canadians, and many are avoiding buying American goods when they can. Carney's government is reviewing the purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in light of Trumps trade war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governing Liberal Party had appeared poised for a historic election defeat this year until Trump declared economic war and repeatedly has said Canada should become the 51st state. Now the party and its new leader could come out on top. Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, said Carney is wise not to visit Trump. "Theres no point in going to Washington," Bothwell said. "As (former Prime Minister Justin) Trudeaus treatment shows, all that results in is a crude attempt by Trump to humiliate his guests." Bothwell said that Trump demands respect, but its often a one-way street, asking others to set aside their self-respect to bend to his will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said it is absolutely essential that Canada diversify trade amidst the ongoing trade war with the United States. More than 75% of Canada's exports go to the U.S. Beland said Arctic sovereignty is also a key issue for Canada. President Trumps aggressive talk about both Canada and Greenland and the apparent rapprochement between Russia, a strong Arctic power, and the United States under Trump have increased anxieties about our control over this remote yet highly strategic region, Beland said. Mar. 15MORGANTOWN If your community is expecting big money from Washington for your favorite project, it may be time to move on. There's a good chance it's not coming. Senator Shelley Moore Capito's office confirmed to The Dominion Post on Friday that the congressionally directed spending program is cancelled for fiscal year 2025 if the continuing resolution before the The U.S. Senate is ultimately passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program represents hundreds of millions of dollars for West Virginia. "You are correct that the Continuing Resolution that the Senate is currently considering on the floor does not include any Fiscal Year 2025 Congressionally Directed Spending projects, " Capito Communications Director Kelley Moore explained. "Senator Capito and members of our staff have conveyed this to West Virginians." That's not what the city of Morgantown says. "As of right now, the City of Morgantown has not received any form of official correspondence from state or federal authorities regarding the status of state and /or federal grants, " Morgantown Communications Specialist Hollie Gregory told The Dominion Post one day earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, the 2025 earmarks represent nearly $35 million for WVU. Also included is $26, 072, 000 for the Morgantown Industrial Park Access Road Project, which The Dominion Post understood to mean the bridge project across the Monongahela River. When asked, the state said no. "Triton Construction was awarded a contract for $59, 764, 000 for the project in August 2024, and the project is currently under construction. The project is part of WVDOH's Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is being funded without the intention of relying on any federal "earmarks, " WVDOT Public Relations Specialist Rusty Marks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other "congressionally directed spending " previously approved for 2025 includes $1.5 million for a Morgantown Police Department fleet update and $1.3 million for WVU law enforcement. Other items listed include a total of $12.25 million for Mon Health Medical Center ; $1.5 million for the Morgantown Historic Streetscape Revitalization and $500, 000 for both the Brookhaven Road improvement project and Cheat River Rail-Trail construction. As of right now, it also seems the cuts include $2 million for the revitalization of lower Greenmont. The city confirmed the earmark had been approved last fall. It hoped to have the funds in hand by this spring in order to continue efforts to acquire land, combat blight, demolish dilapidated structures and, potentially, help construct accessible housing in a largely run-down portion of Morgantown's oldest neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During its meeting earlier this week, members of the Morgantown Land Reuse & Preservation Agency said they have serious concerns about whether that money will actually materialize. "It doesn't seem good right now, " LRPA President Jessica McDonaled said. In response, the body is looking to start engaging the private sector. The agency has already assembled a number of properties in lower Greenmont, particularly along Pennsylvania Avenue. The goal is to package the properties and make an attractive offer to a developer of attainable housing. The body asked Development Services Director Rickie Yeager to begin working on a request for proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Mills said the group has a vision for what it wants to see in lower Greenmont, but no real way to finance the transformation. At the very least, he continued, the agency should begin communicating the potential of lower Greenmont to potential investors. "Some of that discussion was relying on federal money, which I don't think we're going to see. So I think you've got to marry the private money with what we've got in hand, " he said, later adding, "I think you say 'This is our vision. This is our opportunity. Who wants to play ?" Mar. 15Interim Decatur Police Chief Nadis Carlisle said he knows his time in the chief's office may be short, but he still wants to have an impact. Critics of the Police Department, however, have expressed skepticism. Mayor Tab Bowling appointed Carlisle to lead the department after embattled former Chief Todd Pinion stepped down. Carlisle declared at his introductory press conference Feb. 27 that he is a candidate for permanent chief, but now he doesn't know if he will apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I did say that at the introduction, and I kind of regretted saying that because I'm just not sure," Carlisle said in an interview with The Decatur Daily. "I haven't decided yet. I actually haven't given it much thought because I've been too busy." He said he hopes he can bring peace to Decatur, which has been an issue since the Sept. 29, 2023, shooting death of Steve Perkins by police officer Mac Marquette. Police and protesters have been in conflict while Marquette is awaiting trial on a murder indictment. Carlisle said he knows there are people who don't like him, possibly because of his 26 years with DPD before retirement in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The people who don't like me aren't telling the truth," Carlisle said. "They are making up things to discredit me, and I don't think that's right. I think it's downright wrong." One issue raised since his appointment is his tenure as police chief for Alabama A&M University that started in 2017. His tenure lasted four years before the university fired him in 2021. Carlisle said he reported a vice president, who was his supervisor, for actions that he believed "lowered the safety and security on campus." He said he reported the VP in an email to the president, "and I was terminated without cause." He chose not to pursue legal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlisle said he wishes that people could "just to see my heart. That's how I've policed the entire time I've been here. You call on me, I'm coming. You need something, I'm trying to help you. Some things I can help you with and some things I can't, but maybe I can guide you the right direction or offer some advice." He said he would like to bring peace to the city in which he grew up. He said he tried to reach out to protesters, but they haven't been willing to listen, so now he admits, "Peace may have been too much to consider, but I want to try." Bowling pleased Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowling said Wednesday that he's been pleased with Carlisle since his appointment. "He's done an outstanding job, especially with the resistance he's had from those in the community who are more vocal," Bowling said. The mayor said he believes that the resistance to Carlisle is a minority of the residents and that most of the city supports the appointment. Standing in Power, a group heavily involved in the protests of the city's handling of the Perkins case, has not responded positively to the appointment. Several members declined to comment because they said they don't believe Carlisle will be chief long enough to make necessary changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlisle attempted to connect with the group after the last two council meetings. He put himself in the middle of a large group after his first City Council meeting on March 3. "Initially, the first minute or two it was just the same yelling and hollering, 'I don't want to hear it' kind of attitude," Carlisle said. "They didn't want to hear it didn't care." But he said he persisted in trying to talk to the group. "I think I was making some headway," Carlisle said. "A young man stepped up who was not part of the group and tried to convince them that if they would try to bring it down a notch or two, they might just learn something. 'You might understand what he's trying to deliver here,' he told them. They got mad at him, so that was the end of that, but I tried." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlisle said some DPD officers "feel Mac is getting a raw deal." However, he doesn't think the animosity between the officers and the protesters is because of the Perkins case. "I hope that not what's going on," Carlisle said. "I think the animosity is because we swore oaths to serve and protect and, when you're out there, they're trying to keep people out of the street and cars are coming by, but they're not listening. They're stopping traffic, which puts people in danger." Carlisle said he agrees with Municipal Court Judge Takisha Gholston's sentencing of five people who marched over Hudson Memorial Bridge during rush hour on Oct. 19, 2023. The defendants, who had rejected plea deals offered by the city, were each given 90-day suspended jail sentences, 24 months of probation and fined $500, the maximum for a Class C misdemeanor, plus court costs. "Ambulances and people having emergencies can't move around the city," Carlisle said. "That sort of thing isn't proper. It's wrong because you put people's lives in jeopardy. Then they're strutting around the bridge like they've done something to be proud of." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlisle said there were times when police officers could have done things differently. "There were also times when it didn't look good on camera, but they were doing what they're supposed to be doing," Carlisle said. "The protesters need to listen. We're not out there trying to prevent them from protesting. We just want them to do it safely and peacefully." Standing in Power Standing in Power member Terrance Adkins said Carlisle didn't get off to a good start at that first press conference. For example, he said the new chief didn't seem to know anything about the third-party review of DPD by Green Research & Technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He didn't put any onus onto the Police Department," Adkins said. "He didn't talk about looking at other cities who have had these type of incidents. At this point and date, he just seems counterproductive to everything that's going on." Adkins said he feels like Carlisle wasn't ready for what appears to be a short tenure. He said the chief from Day 1 should have been dealing with DPD issues. In his opinion, the department has issues with the command staff and an "over-policing of certain communities" by the police officers. "You don't have time to wait," Adkins said. "When you have such a short amount of time, you have to come in with a plan that you can execute. You have to come with policy and procedure that's going to make the necessary changes, or you look like Tab's lame duck." Adkins said the city needs someone "to come in and clean up this Police Department, take some of the advice from the third-party review, and, maybe, somebody who will actually steer the ship." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlisle said he and the command staff discussed Green Technology's report of its evaluation of the Police Department but haven't made any changes yet. He said he plans to evaluate DPD's policies, although he pointed out that the department is accredited and in compliance with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Carlisle said he is evaluating the department's chase policy, which became an issue when 16-year-old Jaiden Dejarnett died at the end of a police pursuit on Sept. 5, 2023. "I'm not super crazy about that (ending police chases), but I don't want our guys chasing people into several counties over a headlight being out," Carlisle said. The interim chief said the DPD policy is the officer must report a possible chase to his supervisor, who will evaluate each chase on its merits. Decision factors include the number of vehicles involved, time of day, traffic congestion and the offense involved. "There are times when by not chasing a wanted person we're placing the lives of our citizens in danger if the person gets away," Carlisle said. "And sometimes you're placing lives in danger with a high-speed chase. You've gotta kind of measure things on a case-by-case basis. Community policing "Community policing" has been a point of debate since the release of the Green report in January, and Carlisle said he supports this practice. "Community policing is awesome, and it pays dividends," he said. "We need to gain the trust of the community. Kids actually love the police, and we want them to love us and trust us. If they have a time when they're in trouble, we want to be someone to know they can depend on us to do the right thing." Carlisle, 61, has been working part-time since August as a school resource officer in Decatur City Schools. He said he now has doubts about whether he will apply to become the permanent police chief. "I'm not sure I want to keep doing what I'm doing because I'm retired, and I like being retired. I love being a school resource officer, and I can go back to doing that," Carlisle said. He said the decision has nothing to do with the Perkins controversy or the subsequent conflicts between protestors and police. Carlisle said he initially thought he would have more time as interim chief. However, the council decided at the March 3 meeting to reduce the application period for a permanent police chief from 30 days to two weeks. The application deadline is Tuesday. Hiring timeline Council President Jacob Ladner said last week that this accelerated timeline has nothing to do with Carlisle. "We need to hire a police chief as quickly as possible based on everything that's going on with hearings and a trial," Ladner said, referring to Marquette's murder trial that's scheduled for April 7. Ladner said the March 3 council meeting was the first time for him to meet Carlisle. "I've heard positive things about him," Ladner said. "Certainly, applying for (permanent) police chief is up to him." Adkins said he's fine with the council moving quickly to hire a new police chief, but he doesn't want them to move too quickly. "We need to make sure that we make the right decision so we're not in this situation again in six months," Adkins said. "They need to take as much time as necessary because this is our public safety." Bowling said he believes the City Council already has a candidate in mind, a charge Ladner denies. Ladner believes they won't have any problem getting a large candidate pool. He said he had several people reach out and make recommendations of people "who seem like good candidates." "We need to be looking forward to the future, and I think that's new leadership. We just need a new direction so it's a new day for the city and the Police Department," he said. Carlisle said he is doing the best he can since the council is moving quickly with the selection of a permanent chief. "I decided based on those factors that I still need to do what I would ordinarily do," he said. "I'm going to try to not make any long-term changes or decisions. Anything the next chief needs to do on his own, I'm going to leave it alone. "But, when we're talking about community policing and forming partnerships, I'm working hard to get those ready. I can't wait on that." bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432 A cautious calm was prevailing on Sunday in the capital Sana'a and other areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen, hours after a series of US airstrikes that the Iranian-aligned militia said left at least 31 civilians dead. US President Donald Trump ordered massive attacks on Saturday on the Houthis in several Yemeni provinces including Sana'a and the militia's stronghold of Sa'ada in the far north of the war-torn country. The bombing also hit the area of al-Jiraf north of Sana'a where many Houthi leaders live, locals said. So far, there have been no confirmed deaths among them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houthi leaders have been advised against appearing in public places, sources close to the group said. The militia had earlier issued a notice to government institutions under its control ordering workers not to share any information publicly about the locations of the Houthi leaders or their movements for security reasons. The Saudi-owned television channel Al Arabiya reported that some Houthi leaders had left Sana'a for Sa'ada and the Amran province in north-western Yemen on safety grounds. Some residents of the stricken areas recalled the horror they experienced during the US bombardment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have been living through terrifying moments over the past few hours due to the violent US bombing, which shattered some of the windows in my house," Mohammed Amer, a resident of the Attan neighbourhood in Sana'a, told dpa. He added that the strikes resulted in damage to houses and stores. Attan is a military zone surrounded by several residential districts. A spokesman for the Houthi-run Ministry of Health told dpa that the strikes had killed 31 civilians and injured 101 others. The Houthis' ruling Supreme Political Council condemned the strikes and vowed a "professional and painful punishment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the airstrikes targeted Houthi bases, leaders and missile defence sites in order to protect US shipping in the region and restore freedom of navigation. Since the start of the conflict in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, the Houthi militia has repeatedly attacked Israel and international merchant ships in support of its ally, the Palestinian militant Hamas organization. In response, Israel, the United States and Britain have repeatedly attacked Houthi targets in Yemen. The Houthis stopped their attacks after a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was reached in January. However, the Yemeni group earlier this week warned it will resume attacks on Israeli ships unless Israel reverses the blocking of aid deliveries into Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Houthi official called the US strikes a "flagrant aggression" and an encouragement to Israel to continue "unjust siege" on Gaza. "We confirm that international navigation in the Red Sea will remain safe from the Yemeni side. The US raids represent a return to the militarization of the Red Sea, which is the real threat to international navigation in the region," Mohammed Abdel-Salam, a Houthi spokesman wrote in a post on X. The latest attacks are likely to continue for days or perhaps even weeks, US media quoted military representatives as saying. "We have been living under war and bombing for 10 years, and what is the result? Nothing but more destruction and more civilian casualties," Siham Mohammed, a resident in Sana'a, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called for "seriousness" about ending the Houthi presence, suggesting targeting their leaders and gathering sites. Bombarding sites that have been targeted hundreds of times "will be of no use," Mohammed said. The Houthi rebels control large parts of impoverished Yemen, which has been locked in a devastating conflict between the government and the militia since late 2014. Washington reclassified the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization in early March. A Russian strategist has argued that infantry weapons such as mortars and machine guns are obsolete. He said he believed drones would replace them, making infantry units smaller and lighter. Light machine guns are the centerpiece of infantry squads. Infantry troops today typically carry machine guns, an automatic grenade launcher, mortars, and anti-tank missiles. Yet a Russian military strategist argues everything but their assault rifles is about to be functionally obsolete as infantry small units get lighter and faster. First-person-view drones "will essentially displace all group infantry weapons, all anti-tank weapons, and will take on most of the tasks of artillery," argued Ruslan Pukhov, the director of the Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies think tank, in an essay for the Russian state-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pukhov said he believed that combat would be waged by squad-sized units comprising FPV attack drone operators and infantry, backed by reconnaissance UAVs and electronic jammers. "Accordingly, the most important area of military affairs will also be the fight against enemy FPV drones," he warned in a provocative reassessment of land warfare. What the drones can't reach, such as targets deep in the enemy rear, will be targeted by long-range guided missiles, he said. Since the First World War, when riflemen were decimated assaulting enemy trenches and machine gun nests, the infantry have been armed with their own portable heavy weapons to reduce their dependence on artillery and other external fire support. Starting with light machine guns around 1915, grunts have been equipped with light mortars, anti-tank rocket launchers, grenade launchers, guided anti-tank missiles, and most recently drones. Light machine guns such as the US M249 Squad Automatic Weapon made by FN Manufacturing or the World War II German MG42 are the centerpieces of infantry squads. With their high rate of fire, they form a base of firepower for riflemen to maneuver. But these are typically direct-fire weapons that require a line of sight to the target. The problem is that if you can see the enemy, they can see you, which invites counterfire. Tactical drones, however, can be launched and operated from miles behind the front line, out of sight of the enemy. In Ukraine, troops don't maneuver much in the open anymore, especially in large groups. Instead, the combatants stay under the protection of their entrenchments, while launching thousands of drones every day to patrol the front lines for targets, and what they spot is targeted with exploding drones and artillery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For centuries, line-of-sight fire was the basis for destruction in combat, and the foundations of tactics were built around ensuring the effectiveness of such fire," Pukhov wrote. "Now there is no need to see the enemy directly in front of you." "They can theoretically be seen from any distance and destroyed with the same high accuracy. The survivability of remote dispersed platforms for destruction from closed positions and their crews is much higher than any weapon for conducting line-of-sight fire." A US Marine infantryman holding up a Skydio X2 Drone during a squad ambush exercise in Twentynine Palms, California. Lance Cpl. Enge You/US Marine Corps The thought of infantry giving up their machine guns and mortars and relying exclusively on drones leaves American defense experts aghast. "If someone had told me, 'Hey, we'll give you all these drones, and you've got to give up your .50-caliber and M240 machine guns,' I would have told them they're crazy," Gian Gentile, a researcher at the RAND Corporation and retired US Army colonel who commanded armored cavalry in Iraq, told Business Insider. Drones are vulnerable to jamming and aerial attacks and are hampered by bad weather or smoke. An infantry squad whose only heavy weapons were drones would be putting all its eggs in one basket. But those eggs are expendable: Ukraine reported losing 10,000 drones a month in 2023, mostly to Russian jamming. A heavy machine gun that fires more than 100 rounds a minute, by contrast, makes two soldiers able to create a killing zone within 2,000 feet of their position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pukhov also said he believed drones and other indirect fire weapons had made tanks obsolete. "All fire missions performed by a tank in combat can now be assigned to much cheaper, more effective and covert means of high-precision destruction from closed positions from FPV drones to guided artillery shells and tactical over-the-horizon missile systems," he wrote, citing weapons such as Israel's non-line-of-sight Spike tactical missile. Pukhov argued drones would also replace artillery. "They are already capable of operating at the full range of artillery," he wrote. Indeed, FPV drones controlled by fiber-optic cables which can't be electronically jammed have been hitting targets 10 miles behind the front lines, which historically has been a zone covered by artillery. In theory, this creates a devastating double punch. Massive numbers of cheap FPV drones can flood the front lines. Longer-range weapons, such as the American-made ATACMS ballistic missile (200-mile range) and HIMARS guided artillery rockets (50-mile range) can hit targets farther in the rear. But Gentile is dubious that small drones dropping small bombs or grenades are equivalent to the firepower of howitzers and multiple rocket launchers. "The kind of mass effects that you can create with artillery" is what enables the attacker to create decisive penetrations of enemy defenses, said Gentile, who also believes that tanks can still be effective if properly supported by air defenses and jammers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, most experts would agree that drones are transforming warfare. Pukhov predicted that operations would devolve to "the use of troops in small groups, subdivisions, and individual vehicles, dispersing them as much as possible," continuing: "The impossibility of concentrating forces overturns all the foundations of military affairs." This has grave implications. The concentration of force is considered one of the basic principles of war. Great commanders such as Napoleon achieved stunning victories because they massed their troops where the enemy was weak. If Pukhov is right, and the future is highly dispersed operations by small units, then armies may have difficulty achieving decisive results. Yet the history of military affairs suggests the dominance of drones may be fleeting. The longbow, the armored knight, and the tank all seemed ascendant for a time until some other weapon or tactic ended their reign of terror. Drones have revolutionized warfare, but they won't be the last revolution. Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Read the original article on Business Insider Before Chappell Roan's explosive rise to fame that led her to take the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2025, she was just another musician trying to make rent in Los Angeles. After Atlantic Records dropped Roan from the label in 2020, she was making ends meet at Donut Friend, a popular L.A. donut shop known for its punk-rock vibes and music-inspired treats. (Think donuts called "Fudgegazi" and "Save the Danish.") When Roan mentioned "working at a donut shop" during an interview on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon, Donut Friend was quick to comment with a post on Instagram, captioned, "It's us. THE donut shop." The reel showed a variety of donuts being packed into a box to the tune of Roan's song "Hot to Go!" Roan was in good company during her days at Donut Friend, with fellow star Olivia Rodrigo saying she used to visit the musician when she was working there. "I used to go and eat donuts with her and hang out," Rodrigo told Fallon in a "Tonight Show" appearance. But aside from its association with these major stars (even the founder used to be in the music business), Donut Friend also made headlines for a controversial rumor regarding labor relations that spread on X, formerly known as Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Controversial Things Everyone Just Ignores About Giada De Laurentiis What Was The Controversy Surrounding Donut Friend? hand holding box of donuts with Donut Friend sign in background - Donut Friend / Instagram In 2021, a tweet from someone using the handle @ElSangito went viral after claiming Donut Friend's management was firing employees "for trying to unionize" (via Eater). The tweet also urged people to boycott the store in protest. The shop's owner, Mark Trombino, said the accusation was completely false but it did stir up some dirt and other complaints related to the Donut Friend work environment. An Instagram account named @donutfriendunited levelled a plethora of allegations against the donut shop in a post from January 2021. These included claims that the shop wasn't taking precautions during COVID-19, that management intimidated employees after they raised concerns, and that workers were fired over suspicions they were organizing. While a former employee who had been fired told Eater the initial viral tweet wasn't totally true, he did confirm that employees had been organizing and were planning to officially unionize in the near future. Trombino rejected the claims publicly as well as in the phone interview with Eater. A labor union was filed with the National Labor Relations Board for Donut Friend employees at the end of April 2021. It doesn't seem Chappell Roan has publicly commented about the controversy, so we can't be sure of her take on the Donut Friend work culture. Read the original article on Mashed. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Road closures will be in place Monday morning ahead of the annual St. Patricks Day Parade downtown. Charleston Police say the parade set up will begin on Radcliffe Street at 9 a.m., and the parade will step off at 10 a.m. on King Street at Radcliffe Street. It will then head south to Broad Street and end at the intersection of Broad Street and Legare Street. TIMELINE 9:00 a.m. Parade lineup begins on Radcliffe between Rutledge Avenue and King Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9:30 a.m. King Street will be closed from Radcliffe Street to Calhoun Street. 9:50 a.m. Road closures begin along the rest of the route. 10:00 a.m. Parade begins. 11:30 a.m. Estimated parade conclusion. Vehicle access to businesses and homes will be limited during the parade; however, officers will be stationed along the route to help with traffic flow and neighborhood access. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Corrects headline to cut extraneous word, corrects 'a', not 'an', in paragraph 1) (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to visit Brussels for a summit to mark the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic ties, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. Beijing told EU officials that Premier Li Qiang would meet the presidents of the European Council and Commission instead of Xi, the FT said, citing two people familiar with the matter whom it did not identify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese premier usually attends the summit when it is held in Brussels, while the president hosts it in Beijing, but the EU wants Xi to attend to commemorate half a century of relations between Beijing and the bloc, the newspaper said. Tensions between Brussels and Beijing have grown since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the EU accusing China of backing the Kremlin, the FT said. Last year, the European Union also imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports. China's Foreign Ministry and the EU did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. "Informal discussions are ongoing, both about setting the date for the EU-China summit this year and the level of representation," an EU official told the newspaper, while the Chinese ministry was quoted as saying it did not have any information to provide on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China, the world's second-biggest economy, and the EU, its third-largest, spent most of 2024 exchanging barbs over allegations of overcapacity, illegal subsidies and dumping in each other's markets. In October, the EU imposed double-digit tariffs on China-made electric vehicles after an anti-subsidy investigation, in addition to its standard car import duty of 10%. The move drew loud protests from Beijing, which in return, raised market entry barriers for certain EU products such as brandy. (Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru, Farah Master in Hong Kong and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by William Mallard) Chinese drug maker Akeso, whose new cancer drug has outperformed a leading Western peer in clinical studies, is being hailed as the "DeepSeek moment" for China's drug industry, as biotech emerges as a new front in the escalating US-China tech war. Akeso's new immunotherapy drug targeting non-small cell lung cancer, called ivonescimab, allowed half of its patients to go 11.1 months without their condition worsening, a metric known as median progression-free survival (PFS), according to phase 3 clinical trial results the company published in The Lancet last week. The median PFS for pembrolizumab - the world's most popular cancer drug, sold by US pharmaceutical giant Merck under the brand name Keytruda - was 5.8 months by comparison, the study said. 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. Akeso, which first unveiled the findings in September last year at an international industry conference, garnered increased attention in China recently after a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference introduced ivonescimab at the "two sessions" last week. Media outlets have referred to Akeso's cancer drug development as the Chinese biotech industry's "DeepSeek moment". Last month, Chinese start-up DeepSeek shocked the global tech industry with its high performance artificial intelligence (AI) models developed at a much lower cost than its peers. The breakthrough was seen as a sign of resilience by China's tech industry under tight US restrictions on AI chips. Akeso's global innovation centre in Shanghai. Photo: Handout alt=Akeso's global innovation centre in Shanghai. Photo: Handout> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivonescimab is a type of immunotherapy known as PD-1 inhibitors, which are antibodies that help the immune system recognise and kill cancer cells. If the Akeso drug's efficacy is validated in more upcoming clinical tests, it means that China has gone from lagging behind the US by five years in the PD-1 field to leading by three years, Chinese venture capital fund Frees Fund wrote in a research report published on Wednesday. Akeso was founded in 2012 in Zhongshan, a city in China's southern Guangdong province. The company kicked off with a 20 million yuan (US$2.76 million) angel investment, and received rent subsidies and equipment support from the local government, founder and CEO Michelle Xia said in an interview with Hong Kong online outlet Speakout HK in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xia held senior positions at Western pharmaceutical companies including Bayer and Crown Bioscience before returning to China and establishing Akeso. Xia decided to start a drug discovery venture because China had virtually no pharmaceutical companies developing new drugs at the time, and it would take eight to 10 years for newly launched foreign innovative drugs to reach Chinese patients, and even then at high prices, according to the transcript of a speech Xia gave at her alma mater Sun Yat-sen University in June last year. Akeso went public in Hong Kong in April 2020, with its HK$2.58 billion (US$330 million) offering oversubscribed 639 times. The company, with several other cancer drugs in the pipeline, has licensed ivonescimab to US firm Summit Therapeutics for development and commercialisation in global markets in a US$5 billion deal. 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. Sen. Chris Murphy cautioned lawmakers that continuing to engage in norms during the Trump administration could bring an end to American democracy. His comments come after 10 Democratic senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted with Republicans to pass Trumps spending bill and avert a government shutdown. If we continue to observe norms, if we continue to engage in business as usual, this democracy could be gone, Murphy said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. Donald Trump has taken unprecedented actions in his second term as president, ignoring the rule of law and democratic checks and balances, engaging in shameless corruption and authoritarian actions. He has fired large swaths of federal workers and military veterans, dismantled and decimated entire agencies and departments, begun mass deportations, sided with dictators, and threatened allies that he would use the military to seize their land and subsume them into the United States. Meanwhile, several Senate Democrats are worried about maintaining norms while the majority of their partys congressional legislators are concerned the party is not prepared to do whats hard to save democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are we willing to fight? Murphy said. I admit that it would take some risk-tolerant behavior in order to effectively stand up to this president. And so the question really is for my party writ large, are we willing to do the very difficult things necessary to meet this moment? Murphy argued that the electorate is pushing Democrats to fight back, including voting against Trumps spending bill: I understand that a no vote was a risk, right? But I think the American public right now want us to stand up, Democrats, to stand up and take some risks. A recent CNN poll shows the Democratic Partys favorability at an all-time low, with 57 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents saying they want the party to focus on stopping what Trump is doing rather than work with Republicans to pass Democratic priorities. When moderator Kristen Welker asked whether Schumer is the best person to lead your caucus in this moment, Murphy responded: He can lead this caucus. But we need to have a conversation inside the caucus about whether we are willing to stand up to Republicans. Listen, we have options. We could decide to not proceed to legislation as an ordinary course of business. There are big fights ahead of us like the debt ceiling, like another potential government shutdown in six months. So we have opportunities as a caucus to stand up and meet this moment. And I think the American people are demanding that we do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By allowing a government shutdown, Murphy said, it would have sent a message that the Democratic Party is not going to be bullied by Donald Trump. I think the way the president is acting, using law enforcement to target dissidents, harassing TV stations and radio stations that criticize him, endorsing political violence, puts our democracy at immediate risk, Murphy warned. So if you are a Democrat in the Senate or in the House, you have to start acting with urgency. And that is the conversation that we have to start having inside our caucus. 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. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said he still supports Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after Schumer and other Senate Democrats voted to avert a government shutdown but said that Democrats must change their tactics. Whats important is that we meet this moment, Murphy said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press to host Kristen Welker. And what Im telling you is that if we continue to observe norms, if we continue to engage in business as usual, this democracy could be gone. I dont think we have a year to save American democracy. Schumers decision to support the Republican-backed continuing resolution prompted a strong critical response from some of his fellow Democrats, with some calling for new leadership within the Democratic caucus. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sidestepped a question about whether there should be new Democratic leadership in the Senate over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Murphy, who voted against the measure, defended Schumer. Leader Schumer has a very difficult job. I don't envy the job that he has, Murphy said, adding: I still support Senator Schumer as leader. However, Murphy added that the survival of the Democratic caucus is dependent on its willingness to challenge the Trump administration. I understand the danger of a shutdown right now, Murphy said. But as we saw just hours after that bill passed the Senate, the president is continuing to act unconstitutionally. ... So by passing the spending bill, it doesn't seem that we have restrained any of the president's lawlessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Americans are calling for change from the Democrats as well. Just 27 percent of registered voters said they have positive views of the party, according to new polling released from NBC . Only seven percent said those views are very positive the lowest number ever recorded for the party. I think the American public right now wants us to stand up, Democrats, to stand up and take some risks, Murphy said. A Meadville City Council discussion this week of parking-related plans revealed good news and bad news concerning the Market Square parking garage while also indicating that increased parking meter rates are likely to come to much more of the downtown area after a limited trial started last year. The good news regarding the Market Square garage is that the structure, which opened in 2003, has been deemed safe following an assessment by Carl Walker Construction Inc. of Pittsburgh. Id like to emphasize that the garage is not in risk of collapse but the failing concrete must be addressed sooner or later in order to maintain our responsibility to the structure and avoid the liability of it, city planner Peter Grella told council members during a Tuesday study session devoted to various parking questions confronting the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just ugly and about to die sometime, Grella added when he returned to the topic later in the meeting. We are writing its will and buying life insurance, to continue the metaphor. The bad news regarding the garage starts with the label that Grella and Carl Walker Vice President Greg Heddaeus used to describe its current status: hospice. In a medical context, hospice care refers to treatment that no longer attempts to cure patients with a terminal diagnosis but instead aims to make their lives as comfortable and dignified as possible. In the case of the Market Square garage curative treatment is possible, but in more bad news it would be prohibitively costly. Any path forward would likely involve borrowing money to finance the project, and the annual debt payments could necessitate increased property tax rates or commensurate cuts to city expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to estimates presented Tuesday, removing and replacing all of the supported concrete and metal decking would, with the proper follow-up maintenance, extend the life of the garage by 50 years. The work would also require an 18-month closure and would cost about $7.9 million. Another possibility would be removing the top 2 inches of concrete, or more where needed, and replacing it with a new top layer to extend the life of the garage by 25 years. This option would require a 16-month closure and would cost $5.8 million. A third option would close the garage for eight months to remove and replace the concrete ramps, which are the areas of most pressing concern. With the garage reopened, spot repairs of failing concrete along with other work would continue over the course of a decade. The initial ramp repairs were estimated to cost $2 million. Annual maintenance over the next five years would be about $500,000, with the cost climbing to $1 million over the rest of the decade. The total projected cost over 10 years could be nearly $8 million. During the meeting Tuesday, Heddaeus offered a fourth option in addition to the three outlined in the memo he had previously submitted to the city that he described as a continuation of the hospice philosophy. Essentially a less ambitious version of the third option, this approach would begin with initial repairs costing perhaps $200,000 to $500,000 followed by annual as-needed repairs likely to cost between $30,000 and $60,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sounds like we could eke out more than five years, Grella said regarding such an approach. Heddaeus endorsed the plan as well, saying the life of the garage could be stretched another five to 10 years. Looking at the numbers and hearing a little more of the back story, he said, its just a matter of hospice in place and handle what you can as the issues arise. Despite noting the failing condition of the concrete decks, particularly ramps that he said are shot, Heddaeus reiterated the garages overall structural integrity. I know it looks ugly in places, but you dont have any issues with the structures metal decking and steel components, he said. The only issues you have are with concrete decks and thats it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heddaeus also offered a bit of solace as council members confronted the disastrous results of years of delayed maintenance on one hand, the prospect of continuing to pay debt payments on a structure that could soon be headed for demolition, and the certainty that whatever path forward they take will cost even more money. He has seen plenty of parking decks in far worse condition, he said, because proper maintenance is rarely a priority. Nobody gets this right, Heddaeus said. You guys arent alone. Other options raised for the garage included demolition and replacement with a surface lot, which was expected to cost $2.3 million. The existing garage could also be replaced with a combination of a surface lot and a right-sized garage at least enough spaces to replace the 79 garage spaces currently leased to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and up to as many as 150. Such a plan would likely cost $5 million or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever course of action emerges as the winner, Grella told council members that the project would not pay for itself. Increasing the cost of reserved parking permits to the level required to break even financially would make the permits prohibitively expensive for permit holders. Grella estimated the necessary price hike at $80 per month, which would bring the cost of a permit to $130 per month. While the least costly plan appeared to be the most appealing, figuring out the best way to provide parking without further burdening residents through taxes or other costs proved challenging. It feels impossible to think about taking on such a major expense that were going to repay over time thats never going to pay for itself when we cant really make our annual budget anyway, Councilwoman Autumn Vogel said after Grella presented the first three options. So its impossible for my brain to comprehend. While the parking garage problem seemed to offer few options without significant drawbacks, the news regarding a pilot program launched last year to raise parking meter rates in three areas was more positive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meter revenue suggested that the higher rates implemented last August had raised meter income with no visible disruption to how people parked in those areas, according to Grella. As a result, he recommended expanding the rate increases to other parking meters. The pilot program changed rates on 132 of the citys 502 metered spaces from 25 cents per hour to 25 cents per half hour. The affected meters were located around the Market House, in the lot adjacent to the Academy Theatre, and spaces on South Main Street between Chestnut and Arch streets. During the second half of 2023, for instance, the Market House spaces generated $1,110 per month. With the increased rates, the same spaces generated $1,483 per month, according to Grella. The Academy lot revenue jumped from $703 per month to $814 per month while the revenue on South Main Street went from $668 per month to $733 per month. The revenue increases also came after meter enforcement had shrunk by an hour each day. In July, council approved plans to shave 30 minutes off the meter start time and another 30 off the end time, making meter enforcement hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grella recommended expanding the 25 cents per half hour rate to the other most frequently used meter areas, including Federal Court, Chestnut Street, Market Street and Park Avenue. Council members noted that it might be less confusing for drivers to make the cost consistent across all 502 meters. Council members expect to return to parking-related questions next month, including the possibility of selling permits that would allow residents to pay a monthly fee allowing them to park in metered spots without feeding the meters. Councils next regular meeting will take place Tuesday at 6 p.m in the City Building, 894 Diamond Park. FAIRMONT Josh Roark went to get a zoning permit from the City of Fairmont to keep backyard chickens, when Fairmont, not West Virginia, struck again. I went to get a zoning permit to build a coop and they were like, you cant have chickens, Roark said. I was like, well, I do. So, I had to build a coop at my in-laws house because they live outside of any kind of town limits. We put them there. When doing their research to house chickens at their home, the Roark family mistakenly looked up regulations on the city or town website for one of the eight other Fairmonts located in the U.S. Roarks wife had already purchased the chickens, so this was an unwelcome development. The citys de facto ban on backyard flocks eventually led Roark to speak in front of City Council in February, where he made a case for changing city code to allow chickens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Roarks appearance reignited a social media debate about allowing chickens within city limits. A vocal contingent was against it. Roark felt frustration at what he believed were a lot of misconceptions, some of which he tried to address while making his case in front of city council. As far as the city is concerned, from what I can tell the logistics of it, they dont have anywhere to put confiscated chickens and their animal control person isnt trained to deal with chickens, is what I have been told, Roark said. Which is why at the council meeting, I suggested they look into partnering with literally any of the surrounding counties whose major cities all allow chickens. Morgantown and Clarksburg both have ordinances allowing backyard chickens. Those cities must have something in place to deal with confiscated chickens, Roark said. Another solution could be, Roark said, could be creating a policy where the animals would be euthanized if the city has to come and take them. As far as having training to deal with chickens, Roark said theyre chickens. You pick them up and put them in a cage. Roark pointed to his nine year old and said he could do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roark said the biggest concerns from the community have to do with smell and noise. I dont understand as far as the noise goes, Roark said. I dont know if people understand that were pushing for hens, not roosters. And like I said, hens are not capable of being as loud as a dog. They cant. They physically cant. So, I dont know where the noise issue comes in and they automatically go to sleep at night. Roark said hens tend to get excited at feeding time. They also have something called an egg song, which they do when theyre laying eggs. Other than that, theyre not loud, he said. As for the smell, he said the ordinances hes seeking dont allow the equivalent of factory farming in the backyard. Half a dozen chickens dont produce as much waste as people might seem to think. Roark has four at his in-laws house and they produce a compost bags worth of waste every three or four weeks. Roark places the bag in his backseat and drives home to place it in his compost. He has no issue with smell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That alone shows the odor is not comparable to if I had gone through a city park and scooped a big, big bag of dog feces, he said. He added any animal has the potential to create unsavory conditions. An owner who doesnt clean up his dogs poop in a small yard will create a horrendous stench, and dogs can also bark and be a nuisance. Roark said chickens are actually allowed in Fairmont, but the requirements are written in such a way that only a handful of properties are large enough to hold them. City Manager Travis Blosser confirmed as much. In an email with City Planning Chief Shae Strait from January, Strait said two use standards prohibit farm animals for agricultural uses within the City. Blosser said state statutory regulations exist that determine what lot sizes allow chickens to be kept. In any case, Fairmont is too dense to accommodate chickens under that statute. The city is interested in gauging where public consensus lies, Blosser said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel its too nebulous at the moment, he said. Certainly weve heard from the resident, and some councilmembers have shared theyve heard from constituents about it. I do think its something planning commission will have discussion around, whether they do a workshop and share that because we would like people on both sides of the issue to come. Personally, Blosser said hes heard more negative feedback than positive, but then again, he hasnt heard from all 18,000 Fairmont residents. So he cant say thats the consensus for sure. Blosser added another concern hes heard from residents is avian flu. When it comes to imposing standards, Blosser said the city has regulations in place around grass cutting that routinely get ignored and end up having to have enforcement action. I think thats where you get some residents concerned of like, maybe my next door neighbor right now is really good at taking care of their stuff, and so it doesnt become other types of animals coming into the neighborhood because of the feeding and it not being clean, Blosser said. So they do a great job with it. Well then, they sell their home, and now my new next door neighbor continues to keep chickens. But they dont keep it clean and I have to deal with those issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roark doesnt oppose regulations mandating responsible chicken keeping. He pointed out multiple cities allow it and it has not had a negative impact. He said if it were up to him, there would be a building permit to build a coop, which would then be inspected before a permit to own chickens is issued. Do I think we should be paying for the right to do everything we do? No, Roark said. But for the sake of the animals and to limiting becoming a nuisance, because I dont want it to be taken away if it does get passed. As for avian flu, Roark argued that viruses eventually mutate to the point where theyre endemic, but no longer a problem. He hopes that in the time it takes City Council to pass anything, by then the disease has weakened enough for it not to be a problem anymore. Also, chicks wouldnt survive bird flu, and any birds that are infected currently get euthanized. By the time Fairmont passes anything related to chickens, he hopes the window of infection has long passed and any chickens that do get purchased are no longer exposed to a lethal viral variant. He also hasnt heard of any reports of it jumping from birds to people. Roark also pointed out he has all sorts of animals run through his backyard. Scientists have found that the bird flu has already begun to spread to other types of agriculture and even wildlife. Since its possible for the virus to spread from other sources, chickens may not be the sole problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WVU Extension Office is holding a backyard Chicken training on Saturday in Barrackville at the Lions Club Community Building, downstairs from town hall. Sierra Kniceley, an agricultural program assistant with the Extension Fairmont Office, said the goal of the training is to teach residents the correct way of handling the animals to make sure there arent any malnourished chickens or anything like that. Biosecurity is one of the things they talk about. Its just important with the avian influenza, especially, just because we want to make sure everybodys aware of that and know what to do, so not just with the avian influenza, but other diseases as well so that we can have healthy flocks, she said. There are a pair of bills to do with backyard agricultural in the West Virginia legislature currently, but Blosser thinks its better this sort of topic remain within local control. For now, Blosser wants to get the issue to the city planning commission. He said it will take staff time to do research and put information together but its definitely something on the citys to do list. If we try to craft policy right now, the policy that we would put out would probably be really wonky and not fit the needs of our community because we havent heard from everybody yet, Blosser said. I think our posture at the moment will be providing and setting up those opportunities for public discussion so we can get more feedback. Thousands of people are cleaning up after severe storms passed through Georgia over the weekend. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] NewsChopper 2 gave viewers a first-hand look at the storm damage across metro Atlanta. A video was posted from a home on Dandy Road in Paulding County, where a tree fell on a house. The storm also caused major damage on the next street, where three trees fell on another home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Facebook Live post, Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson said he was in the area of Highway 61 and Hay Renfroe Drive, where a gas station had collapsed due to the storms. The canopy was literally uprooted and was sitting on top of the store, Henson said. Henson said they are still assessing the situation around the county, but there was significant damage in some areas. The sheriff said there are some minor injuries in the area but no major injuries. We want to encourage everybody, once they wake up in the morning, to be careful. There are a lot of power lines down, Henson said. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only are residents dealing with storm damage, but many are still without power. Jackson EMC says nearly all of its 268,000 members now have power. Nearly all of Jackson EMCs 268,000 members now have power after storms rolled through our 10-county service area early this morning. The remaining 9 outages, which impact 65 members, are being addressed. Linemen have been working through the night and will continue working to pic.twitter.com/A5a4ME43sm Jackson EMC (@JacksonEMC) March 16, 2025 GreyStone Power continues to make repairs. The company crews have been working throughout the night to restore power. Here's a look at just one of the many repairs taking place right now. This double circuit pole on Highway 61, affecting... Posted by GreyStone Power on Sunday, March 16, 2025 Georgia Power outage map shows progress, with about 6,000 homes and businesses without power statewide. The majority, with over 1,000 homes without power, are in Fulton County. If youd like to send in your photos and videos, click here: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A recent CNN poll showing Congresswoman Alexandria Ocascio-Cortez is gaining popularity among Democrats does not come as much of a surprise, Axios reporter Alex Isenstadt said on Inside Politics Sunday this morning. Isenstadt explained that in some ways, AOCs political rise reminds me of what happened to Republicans after Obamas election in 2008. After he was asked if there is a path for AOC in 2028, Isenstadt said, Well, if thats what the party wants, then potentially you know, her rise kind of reminds me of what happened to Republicans after Obamas election in 2008 where it was the loudest voices of the Republican Party, the Tea Party, that really gained traction at a time when the Republican Party was lost. And maybe Democrats now find themselves in a similar situation and AOC maybe she best represents Democratic voters on it, Isenstadt added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the segment below: Washington Post reporter Paul Kane agreed. Think of it this way, he said. If youre a voter 30 and under, youve only participated in three elections, two of them Donald Trump won, one of them Joe Biden won. Theyre all over 70 years old when they won. There [are] millions of voters out there craving something new, something younger, something closer to them. A new SSRS poll released March 16 revealed the majority of Democrats polled believe the party needs to do more to stop the Republican agenda, CNN revealed. When asked to name the Democratic leader they feel best reflects the core values of the party, 10% of respondents named Ocasio-Cortez (9% named former vice president Kamala Harris, 8% named Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and 6% named House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries). The poll was conducted between March 6 and March 9, days before Chuck Schumer and other party leaders voted with Republicans in favor of the GOPs spending bill. The move prompted outcry from House Democrats and members of the party across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think there is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal and this is not just progressive Democrats this is across the board, the entire party, Ocasio-Cortez told reporters Thursday. I think it is a huge slap in the face. Watch the clip from CNN in the video above. The post CNN Compares AOCs Rise to Post-Obama Republican Party: Best Represents Democratic Voters | Video appeared first on TheWrap. On Tuesday, the two defendants in one of Fresnos biggest business scandals are expected to report to federal prison to serve their sentences for wire fraud and conspiring to commit wire fraud. Former co-CEOs Jake Soberal, 38, and Irma Olguin Jr., 43, pleaded guilty to bilking investors from multinational investment banks to Valley farmers out of nearly $115 million to try and keep their failing company, Bitwise Industries, afloat. During their sentencing hearing Dec. 17, Soberal and Olguin apologized for their deceit and disappointing the community that had held them up as a Fresno success story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Founded a decade ago by Soberal and Olguin, Bitwise was championed for its efforts to provide technology training for underrepresented people, offering technology services for local businesses and leasing space in its buildings for entrepreneurs and start-ups. When Bitwise collapsed in May 2023 it had 900 employees in several states. All were furloughed and eventually laid off. As part of their sentencing, the judge ordered restitution of $114.6 million. Who is owed restitution from Bitwise? Court documents revealed a list of 15 investors that are owed money. Among them: investment firm Grounded Capital in San Francisco is owed $35 million, Goldman Sachs in New York is owed $18 million and Citi Bank in New York is owed $10 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local companies on the list are Agri Capital Inc, of Chowchilla, which is owed $1 million, and Valley Wide Beverage in Fresno, which is owed $3 million. Also in line for restitution are former Bitwise executives Landon Brokaw, chief corporate development officer, and Channelle Charest, executive director of growth. Each is owed $100,000. Where are Bitwise CEOs serving sentences? Although Soberal and Olguin were sentenced in December, the judge allowed the pair 90 days to prepare for prison. They were due to report by noon March 18. Soberal will serve his sentence at the federal prison in Lompoc and Olguin is going to the federal prison in Victorville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those who have recently served time in Lompoc is Chanpeng Zhao, co-founder and former CEO of Binance, one of the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He was sentenced to four months in prison after pleading guilty to a money laundering charge in April. The U.S Coast Guard is searching for a missing man who went diving in Broward County on Saturday. Authorities say 24-year-old Jack Levine was last seen wearing a black wet suit when he went diving two miles off Pompano Beach and never resurfaced. The Coast Guard is looking for him from air and water. Anyone with information is asked to call the U.S Coast Guard Miami Sector at 305-535-4472. By Tim Reid, Ted Hesson, Sarah N. Lynch and Leah Douglas WASHINGTON (Reuters) - At NASA headquarters in Washington, just a mile from the U.S. Capitol, employees returned to an infestation of cockroaches and some are working in chairs with no desks, according to two people familiar with conditions there. In a private chat, staffers at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services likened the hunt for desks in some regional offices to "The Hunger Games," the popular series of novels and films where young people must fight to the death in a government-sanctioned contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at an Internal Revenue Service office in Memphis, Tennessee, tax assessors sharing a training room are unable to discuss sensitive tax matters with clients over the phone out of fear of breaching privacy laws, according to one IRS manager who spoke to Reuters. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. federal government employees, many of whom have been working from home since the COVID-19 pandemic, were ordered back to their offices full-time by President Donald Trump on January 20. But many have arrived at workplaces unprepared for their return, according to 10 federal workers who spoke to Reuters. The federal employees work inside eight different government agencies across the U.S. who have returned to their office buildings, sometimes after years of working remotely. All spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some critics of the move - including governance experts, federal union representatives and civil servants - have said the lack of preparation is no accident. They see it as a deliberate effort to make offices so unpleasant to work in that it will force more government employees to resign. Trump wants to slash and reshape the 2.3-million strong federal civilian workforce. Governance experts and labor unions say Trump's return to office order is also emblematic of a wider problem with the way in which the Republican president and his top adviser, tech billionaire Elon Musk, are approaching the government overhaul. "It's the move fast and break things approach, without really thinking through the implications of a range of different choices you are making," said Pam Herd, a professor of social policy at the University of Michigan. "So they tell everyone to return to work without considering the fact that they don't have the space to accommodate everyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Musk have insisted their goal is to make the U.S. government bureaucracy less costly for taxpayers and more efficient, and to eliminate waste and fraud. A spokesperson for the Office of Personnel Management, the government's human resources department, said the goal of Trump's return-to-office order is for federal employees to work efficiently to best serve the American people. "We are prioritizing in-person work to strengthen collaboration, accountability, and service delivery across the federal workforce," an OPM spokesperson said. A White House official said in response to Reuters questions that facilities staff at the General Services Administration, which manages federal real estate, "work tirelessly to address reported issues to a satisfactory outcome." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Musk's Department of Government Efficiency did not respond to a request for comment. FIGHTS FOR DESKS, CHAIRS While most of the workers are returning to workplaces they left at the start of the 2020 pandemic, many others are teleworkers who had been working full-time from home or had a hybrid schedule that meant they worked only part of the time in an office. Federal employees described fights for desks and chairs, internet outages, a lack of parking spaces, with some sitting on floors and others told to use their personal smartphone hotspots to gain computer access to government data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters also viewed three back-to-work memos sent to staff, informing some of them that they won't have a workspace or internet access when they return. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration told staff this week it cannot guarantee desks or parking spots for the roughly 18,000 employees expected to report to offices on Monday. A manager at the IRS' Washington headquarters told colleagues on a conference call on Tuesday she was sitting on a floor with her computer on her lap because she didn't have a desk, according to an IRS manager who was on the call. An IRS human resources official in California was told to work in a supply closet, according to one person familiar with the arrangement. The IRS did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "IT'S COMPLETE CHAOS" To date more than 100,000 workers have left the federal government after being fired or taking a buyout, according to Trump administration figures and a Reuters tally of those fired. More large-scale cuts are under way. Some labor unions say the chaotic execution of the return-to-work order is a deliberate ploy to force more federal workers to leave government by making workplaces stressful. "Bringing people back to work was nothing but a ploy to cause more confusion and get people to quit," said Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Employees, which represents 110,000 government workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk and DOGE have a mandate to make the federal bureaucracy more efficient, but all the workers who spoke to Reuters said the return to office order is currently having the opposite effect. "It's complete chaos at NASA headquarters," said Matt Biggs, president of the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, a union that represents 8,000 federal NASA workers. "If you don't have a desk or a computer you cannot do your job. People are much more unproductive." Biggs and a staff member at NASA headquarters said when employees returned to the building last month there were cockroaches on floors and bugs that came out of faucets. Cheryl Warner, a NASA spokesperson, said in the past 30 days about 1,000 people have been entering NASA headquarters each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the building, built in 1992, was lightly used during hybrid work, but it has been maintained. She said the building's helpdesk had received only five requests regarding facilities issues since the full-scale return to work order. "Our team took immediate action to address those concerns, including talking to our regularly scheduled exterminator," Warner said. Biggs and another NASA staff member said the noise and crush inside NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland has led some people to take meetings by phone inside their cars, using their personal hotspot to get internet access. Some NASA workers ordered back to Goddard live up to 50 miles away, and are so worried about the commute time and traffic they are turning up before dawn and sleeping in their vehicles before it's time to start work, Biggs and the staff member said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA spokesperson Warner said there have been no reports of people working from their vehicles. Regarding seating, she said, "we have more than enough space to accommodate our HQ workforce." The White House said shortly after Trump's January inauguration that only 6% of federal employees work in person, but government data shows that remote work is more limited. About 46% of federal workers, or 1.1 million people, were eligible for remote work, and about 228,000 of them had been fully remote, meaning working from home either all or part of the time, according to a report issued by the Office of Management and Budget in August. "EMPLOYEES HAVE ADEQUATE SPACE" Some government agencies downsized their office space to reduce costs after the COVID-19 pandemic work from home order, adding to the space crunch. Shortly before former Democratic President Joe Biden left office, the Office of Justice Programs in Washington, the Justice Department's largest grant-making division, moved from a building with eight floors and an entire parking garage in Chinatown to another building nearby with four floors and only one level of parking. The new facility has 157 parking spaces to accommodate 400 employees with parking passes, and a lack of workspaces, spurring some to arrive well before dawn. The return to office mandate is inducing anxiety and making it difficult for staff to focus on their jobs, according to a person familiar with the matter. A Department of Justice spokesman said Trump and his attorney general, Pam Bondi, "expect federal workers paid for by hardworking taxpayers to show up in the office like millions of other Americans." Washington's Democratic mayor, Muriel Bowser, supports Trump's return-to-office order as a way to revitalize the city economy. She met with Trump in December after his election victory and believes a lack of federal workers in D.C. has been shrinking the city's tax revenue. But the pain of the return-to-office order is being felt among federal workers across the country. Immigration staff at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regional office in Chicago were temporarily forced to work on boxes in a storage room that served as a temporary office, one staffer said. "Employees whose salaries are paid for by American taxpayers should show up to work," DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in an email. "This isn't complicated and isn't controversial." A USCIS spokesperson said, "With more employees in the office, of course the offices are more crowded. This is normal. All employees have adequate space to work and serve the American people." That is not the experience of one employee at the Department of Agriculture's headquarters building in Washington. Staff are fighting for office space each day while facilities workers haul furniture around to create temporary workstations. Workers returned to bathrooms with no paper towels. "It's a zoo," the employee said. A USDA spokesperson said the agency has "sufficient space" for all workers, including those who used to work remotely. (Reporting by Tim Reid, Ted Hesson, Sarah N. Lynch and Leah Douglas, editing by Ross Colvin and Michael Learmonth) Mahmoud Khalil and his wife, Noor Abdalla, were stopped in the lobby of their university-owned apartment building by federal officers who had followed them. What happened next, as described by his wife through a statement Tuesday, should make every American fear the lengths the Trump administration is willing to go and how much Republicans are willing to ignore. The officer then proceeded to say We are with the police, you have to come with us, she said. The officer told Mahmoud to give me the apartment keys and that I could go upstairs. When I refused, afraid to leave my husband, the officer stated I will arrest you, too. The officers later barricaded Mahmoud from me. Abdalla, a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant, said that they were not shown a warrant, and that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers hung up the phone on their lawyer. Khalil was handcuffed and taken to an unmarked vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Trump's VA cuts will leave Indiana veterans with slower, costlier health care He would then be sent to a detention center in New Jersey, and finally end up at a facility in Louisiana. On Wednesday, a judge determined that he would stay there. The Trump administration is trying to deport Khalil, a green card holder, saying he distributed pro-Hamas propaganda and participated in demonstrations that disrupted college campus classes and harassed Jewish American students. But the real reason, it seems, is because Khalil dared to say something the Trump administration disagrees with. He has not been charged with a crime. The fact that this is happening should concern anyone who believes in free speech. This should not be happening in a democracy, but Trump apologists are letting it happen nonetheless. In Trump's world, disagreeing with MAGA is un-American Mahmoud Khalil stands outside Columbia University, where he's a graduate student, in April 2024. On March 12, 2025, a U.S. judge extended his order blocking federal authorities from deporting a detained Khalil. His lawyers say his arrest by Department of Homeland Security agents outside his university residence in Manhattan was in retaliation for his outspoken advocacy against Israel's military assault on Gaza following the militant group Hamas' October 2023 attack, and thus violated Khalil's right to free speech under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. Khalil, a Palestinian with Algerian citizenship, was one of the public faces of Columbia Universitys pro-Palestine protests last year. He served as a negotiator between student protesters and university administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to be visible, Khalil told the Associated Press last April. The university should do something about what were asking for, about the genocide thats happening in Gaza. They should stop investing in this genocide. His visibility at student protests led to his being doxxed by right-wing activists. A day before he was detained, Khalil had expressed his fear to a Columbia University official and asked for legal help. It appears the Trump administration is listening to these activists. In a Truth Social post about Khalil, the president called him a Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student. His lawyers say there is no evidence of Khalil working to support Hamas. Opinion: DOGE fired me. I'll be fine, but America is in trouble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first arrest of many to come, President Trump posted. We know there are more students at Columbia and other Universities across the Country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it. This "anti-American activity" is simply calling into question the terror inflicted by Israel in response to its attack by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023. Since that day, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, and about 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced. I understand that the U.S. is allied with Israel. I also don't believe that anyone should be deported for speaking out against this country's complicity in the catastrophe. Republicans seem afraid of words that spotlight agenda of hate This isn't the only way Trump and Republicans are trying to control speech. The news of Khalil's arrest coincides with the administration's ban on nearly 200 words related to "wokeness." That list includes words and phrases like "LGBTQ," "racism," "diversity" and "women." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is also targeting books that they do not agree with. In February, actress Julianne Moore learned that her a children's book was selected for "further review" because it potentially contains "discriminatory equity ideology topics." The book itself is about a girl learning to love her freckles. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has called book bans a "hoax." Hundreds turn out outside of a New York City court on March 12, 2025, to protest the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist at Columbia University. Over the weekend, federal immigration agents detained Khalil at his university-owned apartment while returning home with his wife, an American citizen who is pregnant. Officials have not charged Khalil with a crime; he's being held in Louisiana. Republicans are clearly terrified of anything that doesn't fit within their MAGA doctrine, which is why they're actively suppressing speech. I find this more anti-American than anything that the pro-Palestine protesters have said. The only reason to ban any signs of equality is because you have no interest in others being equal. Mahmoud Khalil's arrest isn't just about the protests. It's about whether we value free speech. At least some people are responding with outrage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unlawful detention of Mr. Khalil reeks of McCarthyism, Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. Its clear that the Trump administration is selectively punishing Mr. Khalil for expressing views that arent MAGA-approved which is a frightening escalation of Trumps crackdown on pro-Palestine speech, and an aggressive abuse of immigration law. You dont have to support what Khalil believes. You must, however, understand that his detention by the U.S. government for speaking out goes against the free speech values the United States claims to care for. This is just another step on the Trump administrations path to silencing U.S. citizens. In her Tuesday statement, Khalils wife described the harsh reality the two of them are living through during what should be a joyful time. US immigration ripped my soul from me, Abdalla said. Instead of putting together our nursery and washing baby clothes in anticipation of our first child, I am left sitting in our apartment, wondering when Mahmoud will get a chance to call me from a detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This should not be happening in a democracy. Unfortunately, this only appears to be the start. Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeno on X, formerly Twitter: @sara__pequeno This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mahmoud Khalil's crime is disagreeing with Trump | Opinion LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) A community is coming together to grieve a Columbine shooting survivor who passed away from a 10-year battle with Stage 4 colon cancer. According to her friends, who started a GoFundMe for her husband, 40-year-old Karissa Runds battle ended on March 3. Along with her battle with cancer and surviving the Columbine shooting, Rund was also a war widow. After she married her high school sweetheart, he was killed in action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xcel Energy: Proposed natural gas, energy prices may add more than $2.50 to Colorado residential bills Sarah Beth Buck of Littleton, who organized the GoFundMe, said Karissa was a super survivor, and she inspired all who knew her with her courage and unshakable belief in God and in bringing light to dark places. It wasnt something that was ever pridefully spoken about, but she knew the power of her story, Buck said. So, she used it. She used it to relate with people to encourage people to sit in their own in their suffering and say, Ive been there, I know what that feels like. She then got engaged to Doug Rund, who was also her former husbands brother, and it was during that time that she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was her rock and was always by her side, caring for her with unwavering devotion during her cancer battle. I think one of the most beautiful stories of Karissa in the last several years that we got to witness was the relationship between Karissa and Doug, just how tender he was to her, Buck said. Kellie Miller, who got to know Karissa through their church, said in those final days, he never left her side. Doug is just a magnificent human being, Miller said. He remained positive, but also like dignified her in making her medical decisions. Never once like forced her to do anything that she didnt want to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Karissa got sicker, her love for people and desire to help only grew stronger as she became an end-of-life doula to other people in the hospital. She was so sick when she started to pursue this, but was so passionate about walking end of life with other people, even while she was walking her own end of life, Buck said. Her passion and care for others came eventually to the forefront when she showed concern for Doug, hoping he would be cared for after she was gone. She intentionally cushioned Doug with really our community, our friend group, and we just assured her over and over and over again, Doug is never going to be alone, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Airlines passengers were told there was a problem before plane landed at DIA and fire started Never could Karrisa have imagined then the community that has come forth to rally around Doug and provide him help, love and support following her death. Through the fundraiser, Buck and Miller said the goal is to provide support to Doug, but also to share the light and life to more people across Colorado that Karissa shared with those around her. All funds raised will go to Doug to help with the cost of funeral expenses and end-of-life costs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) A community is coming together to grieve a Columbine shooting survivor who passed away following a 10-year battle with Stage 4 colon cancer. According to her friends, who started a GoFundMe for her husband, 40-year-old Karissa Rund died on March 3. Along with her battle with cancer and surviving the Columbine High School mass shooting, Rund was also a war widow. Her high school sweetheart, who she had married, was killed in action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coroner report: Columbine survivors death best classified as homicide Sarah Beth Buck of Littleton, Colorado, said Karissa was a super survivor, and she inspired all who knew her with her courage and unshakable belief in God and in bringing light to dark places. It wasnt something that was ever pridefully spoken about, but she knew the power of her story, Buck said. So, she used it. She used it to relate with people, to encourage people to sit in their own suffering and say, Ive been there, I know what that feels like.' She then got engaged to Doug Rund, who was also her former husbands brother, and it was during that time that she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doug was Karissas rock and was always by her side, caring for her with unwavering devotion, according to friends. I think one of the most beautiful stories of Karissa in the last several years that we got to witness was the relationship between Karissa and Doug, just how tender he was to her, Buck said. Kellie Miller, who got to know Karissa through their church, said in those final days, he never left her side. Doug is just a magnificent human being, Miller said. He remained positive, but also, like, dignified her in making her medical decisions. Never once, like, forced her to do anything that she didnt want to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Karissa became more sick, her love for people and desire to help only grew stronger as she became an end-of-life doula to other people in the hospital. She was so sick when she started to pursue this, but was so passionate about walking end of life with other people, even while she was walking her own end of life, Buck said. Her passion and care for others came eventually to the forefront when she showed concern for Doug, hoping he would be cared for after she was gone. She intentionally cushioned Doug with, really, our community, our friend group, and we just assured her over and over and over again, Doug is never going to be alone, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Airlines passengers were told there was a problem before plane landed in Denver and fire started Never could Karrisa have imagined then the community that has come forth to rally around Doug and provide him help, love and support following her death. Through the fundraiser, Buck and Miller said the goal is to provide support to Doug, but also to share the light and life to more people across Colorado that Karissa shared with those around her. All funds raised will go to Doug to help with the cost of funeral expenses and end-of-life costs. The death toll in the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School recently rose following the death of Anne Marie Hochhalter, who suffered two gunshot wounds during the massacre. Hochhalter had been in a wheelchair for 25 years since the shooting, and the Jefferson County Coroners Office reported that she had died of sepsis due to Streptococcus pyogenes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complications of paraplegia due to two remote gunshot wounds are a significant contributing factor, the report stated. The manner of death is best classified as homicide. Hochhalters family previously said that they suspected she died of natural causes stemming from her injuries in the shooting. A dozen students and a teacher were killed by two seniors who then killed themselves at Columbine. More than 20 other students were injured by the gunfire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two of the largest environmental nonprofits and a carbon market project developer have collaborated to launch a conservation initiative that will help preserve the Amazon rainforest. Silvania, a $500 million nature and biodiversity investment vehicle backed by Swiss trading company Mercuria, initiated its first major campaign in conjunction with Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy, and it's called the Race to Belem. It was announced in late January during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos and hopes to raise $1.5 billion from the private sector ahead of COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release, the Race to Belem will work with "Indigenous peoples, local and traditional communities, farmers, as well as state and federal government to reduce deforestation at scale." It will sell jurisdictional reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, or JREDD+, credits. The Brazilian state of Tocantins has already established a JREDD+ program and will be the first to scale thanks to the Race to Belem. Additionally, Silvania has committed up to $100 million to jump-start the program by matching every tonne purchased by a Brazilian state with a dollar in upfront capital. The initiative will deploy the capital immediately and roll out additional phases over the next three to five years. Race to Belem CEO Keith Tuffley told Reuters that prices for the carbon credits will be negotiated with prospective investors, leading to potentially hundreds of millions of tonnes in carbon savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The consensus is that private sector engagement is now more critical than ever. The urgency to address climate challenges has only increased, and the Race to Belem highlights this by calling for transformative private investments," Tuffley said. Though the legitimacy of carbon markets has been questioned, their goal is to allow companies or individuals to purchase carbon credits from entities that will offset their planet-warming gas production by reducing, sequestering, and avoiding pollution. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The Amazon is one of the most vital ecosystems in the world, harboring 30% of Earth's species and holding 20% of all freshwater. It also acts as a carbon sink for the planet and is a source of many foods and pharmaceuticals. However, deforestation has destroyed over 54.2 million hectares in the last two decades, and continued degradation could result in severe repercussions both regionally and globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Amazon has a long road to recovery, restoration efforts by government officials and researchers have helped mitigate the years of abuse the rainforest has suffered. "High-integrity jurisdictional credits offer a foundational tool for flipping the economic script at the scale we need, providing critical resources for Indigenous peoples and local communities who steward these lands," Conservation International CEO M. Sanjayan said. "We have 10 months until we unite in the heart of the Amazon at a defining moment for people and the planet, and upfront capital will be the difference between success and failure," The Nature Conservancy CEO Jennifer Morris added. 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. Brazilian oil giant Petrobras is taking a novel approach, using waste gas to power a bitcoin mining operation. Gas flaring is how oil companies burn excess gas, sometimes to reduce pressure in wells for safety reasons. But they may also do so to save money. Either way, the practice contributes to polluting the atmosphere, which harms human health and drives the rapid rise in Earth's temperatures. In 2021, gas flaring added the equivalent of over 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the environment, according to the BBC, and it has produced 40% of the black carbon, or soot, that has reached the Arctic and is melting the ice there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of wasting this gas, Petrobras is working to use it and create a new revenue stream at the same time, The Currency Analytics reported. "This innovative approach reflects the company's dedication to sustainability and efficiency, turning waste into an energy resource while contributing to global environmental goals," the outlet stated. It noted that "transforming waste into valuable energy" increases Petrobras' energy efficiency, cuts its carbon pollution, and boosts its financial opportunities. The company, which says it reduced its "absolute emissions" by 41% from 2015 to 2023, is also investing $5.3 billion in decarbonization efforts until 2029. In 2008, it was named the world's most sustainable oil company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But oil is oil. While using flared gas to power cryptocurrency efforts may be greener than burning dirty fuels to do so, there are much cleaner options. Solar and wind energy are renewable, and while they are intermittent, developments in battery storage help those clean energy sources fuel other crypto operations. In fact, the industry is looking to lead the way in the transition to less polluting forms of power. Some organizations are also changing their methods of mining coins to reduce crypto's impact on the environment. Ethereum, for example, slashed its energy usage by 99.95% by switching to proof-of-stake mining. According to The Verge, the Crypto Carbon Ratings Institute estimated the move took the platform from 11 million tons of carbon pollution per year to 870 tons. While certainly a different method, Petrobras is looking to follow in similar footsteps. The Currency Analytics noted that other energy companies could follow suit or develop similar projects. While burning fossil fuels such as natural gas is inherently polluting, the world isn't going to abandon dirty energy anytime soon, so a wide-scale change in the use of flared gas could mark a pivotal moment for sustainability in the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This move also has broader implications for the energy sector," the outlet stated. "As more companies look for sustainable ways to utilize energy byproducts, Petrobras sets a new example for combining environmental responsibility with technological advancement." 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. There is a paradox playing out in a coastal city in Pakistan. Gwadar has too much water but not enough: Rising sea levels mean more saltwater is washing on shore, but an ongoing drought has led to a lack of freshwater. What's happening? Rising sea levels on our overheating planet are producing larger and more powerful waves that can push water further inland along coastlines. Summer monsoon winds that blow along Pakistan's coast are helping to push saltwater onshore in places like Gwadar. "Waves have become more violent due to the rising sea temperatures and eroded beaches," Gwadar Development Authority's deputy environment director Abdul Rahim told the Associated Press. "The tidal actions and patterns have changed. Hundreds of homes have been washed away. It is very alarming." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that the sea level in the coastal town of Karachi has risen by nearly eight inches between 1916 and 2016. If that rate continues, the sea level there will climb by at least two inches between now and the end of 2040. There may be plenty of water from the Arabian Sea making its way inland, but there isn't enough freshwater needed for many of the country's crops. Pakistan's agricultural sector suffered during a winter that produced nearly 70% less rainfall than average. A drought in the country reduced rainfall by 40% compared to the average from September through the middle of January, according to Pakistan's Meteorological Department per the Express Tribune. Why are rising sea levels in Pakistan concerning? Gwadar is just one example of a coastal city being impacted by rising sea levels. It is happening worldwide as warming oceans melt more glaciers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In 20232024, widespread marine heatwaves associated with record ocean temperatures impacted ocean processes, marine species, ecosystems and coastal communities, with economic consequences," according to a recent article in the journal Nature Climate Change. "Despite warnings, interventions were limited. Proactive strategies are needed for inevitable future events." According to NOAA, the global average sea level has risen around eight to nine inches from 1880 through 2023. More meltwater from the world's glaciers and ice sheets, along with the thermal expansion of our warming oceans, are both contributing to the increase in seawater levels. The global mean sea level rise in 2023 reached nearly four inches above the levels seen in 1993, making it the highest annual average since satellites started keeping records two decades prior. Scientists have reported the extinction of a local plant species in the Florida Keys as a result of rising sea levels. Officials in Northern California have warned residents that significant environmental changes are coming, as water levels rise along the West Coast. In fact, many U.S. coastal states and of course areas around the world are vulnerable to sea levels that are rising more rapidly. What's being done about rising sea levels? Cooling our planet and slowing the rate of sea level rise can only be achieved by significantly reducing the amount of heat-trapping gases emitted into our atmosphere. This will require speeding up the transition from dirty energy sources to renewable options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can all help at home by unplugging "energy vampires," using more efficient inductive stoves, and installing solar panels. And we can inspire others to act by learning about critical climate issues and talking about them with friends and family. 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. Canadian officials are pushing back on Donald Trumps plan to impose additional tariffs on its countrys imports. Kelly Geraldine Malone, Washington correspondent with independent news agency The Canadian Press, discusses how Canadians are approaching the chaos surrounding Trumps slew of measures. The Trump administration touched off consternation and confusion over the weekend, issuing, and then apparently rolling back, an announcement implying the president had rescinded his predecessor's order creating two popular national monuments in California. The confusion arose over a bullet item referencing President Trump's rollback of the monument designations in a White House fact sheet posted Friday that details the reversal of various Biden administration policies. On Saturday, the reference to monuments was dropped without explanation. The change left unclear the fates of the Chuckwalla National Monument adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park and the Sattitla Highlands National Monument in Northern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the expectation that Trump intended to roll back the status for the two California monuments led to immediate reaction from their supporters, among them conservation and environmental groups, tribal leaders and local and national elected officials. "Trump's gutting of the Chuckwalla and Sattitla national monuments is a gruesome attack on our system of public lands," said Ileene Anderson, California desert director at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Both these monuments were spearheaded by local Tribes with overwhelming support from local and regional communities including businesses and recreationalists," Anderson said in a statement. "This vindictive and unwarranted action is a slap in the face to Tribes and all supporters of public lands." Anticipation of potential rollbacks was fueled by a Feb. 3 order by Trump's Interior secretary, Doug Burgum, directing his assistant secretaries to review and, as appropriate, revise all withdrawn public lands. 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. 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. Located south of Joshua Tree National Park, 640,000-acre Chuckwalla could be targeted for water beneath the rugged desert floor, Donald Medart Jr., former councilman for the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, told The Times this month. His tribe was among those 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Interior Secretary Burgum eyes national monuments for energy resources Supporters of the two new California monuments see any extraction as a bad trade-off. "Any tiny amounts of minerals in these areas arent worth the destruction of priceless wildlife habitat, sacred Tribal lands and world-class recreation, Anderson said. The chain of events began Friday when the White House website posted a fact sheet summarizing an executive order signed by Trump undoing "a second round of harmful executive actions issued by the prior administration, continuing his efforts to reverse damaging policies and restore effective government." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times reported on a blog post Saturday that the White House had confirmed that Trump rescinded President Biden's proclamation creating the two monuments. The report did not link to a specific Trump order. The Washington Post reported Saturday that the White House confirmed that Trump "plans" to rescind the orders. Read more: How the EPA's environmental about-face could upend California's climate efforts The National Parks Traveler posted a copy of the original fact sheet, showing that the first of six bullet points cited "Terminating proclamations declaring nearly a million acres constitute new national monuments that lock up vast amounts of land from economic development and energy production." That bullet point was not on the fact sheet Saturday. Though the item did not name the two monuments, the acreage figure roughly fits the state's two new ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempts to alter monuments in California and elsewhere would almost certainly be met with lawsuits, conservation and environmental groups warned. "This is straight out of the Trump playbook to create chaos and confusion," Anderson of the Center for Biological Diversity said in a follow-up email. "If Trump does put these beloved California monuments on the chopping block, well be there to defend them. This administration has grossly underestimated the depth of public support for these and other protected public lands." Read more: California, Arizona and Nevada all agree: The Trump administration needs to fix a key Colorado River dam The administration's legal authority to reverse a predecessor's monument designation remains unclear after Trump, in his first term, 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 Litigation challenging the reductions was still pending when Biden reversed the changes, and the matter was never settled. 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. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (Reuters) -Democratic Republic of Congo will send a delegation to Angola on Tuesday for talks aiming to resolve a spiralling conflict against Rwandan-backed rebels in the east, the presidency said on Sunday. Angola said last week that direct peace talks between Congo and M23 rebels would begin in the Angolan capital Luanda on March 18. President Felix Tshisekedi, who has long ruled out dialogue with M23, had been considering changing his position after a string of defeats as regional support for Congo has waned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this stage, we can't say who will make up the delegation," presidency spokesperson Tina Salama said. M23 has acknowledged receipt of Angola's invitation, its spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said on X on Sunday, without saying whether it would participate. M23 made a series of demands after the talks were announced, including asking Tshisekedi to publicly express his commitment to negotiate with them directly. Angola has been trying to mediate a lasting ceasefire and lower tensions between Congo and neighbouring Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the Tutsi-led rebel group. Rwanda denies those allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict, which has blighted eastern Congo for decades, is rooted in the spillover into Congo of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of Congo's vast mineral resources. It escalated significantly this year, with M23 gaining ground it had never controlled before, including east Congo's two biggest cities and a host of smaller localities. Congo's government has said at least 7,000 people have died in the fighting since January. At least 600,000 people have been displaced by the fighting since November, according to the U.N. humanitarian affairs office. Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Saturday urged all parties to cease hostilities from midnight to create a conducive climate for the talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The ceasefire must include all possible hostile actions against the civilian population and the occupation of new positions," he said in a statement. Both Congo and M23 have repeatedly accused each other of violating ceasefires in the past. Fighting did not appear to have stopped on Sunday, as a local official reported clashes in the Walikale region. (Reporting by Sonia Rolley and Congo newsroom; Additional reporting by Olivia Kumwenda in Johannesburg; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Louise Heavens and Kevin Liffey) After two closer-than-expected elections in a row, Congressman Jared Moskowitz has found himself someplace he doesnt want to be: on the Republicans political radar. So far, Moskowitz has managed to keep Floridas 23rd Congressional District in Democratic hands. But the territory he represents northern Broward and much of the coast extending south through most of Fort Lauderdale plus a swath of southern Palm Beach County has rapidly become much more Republican, a trend thats continuing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they continue to erode the Democratic advantage in registered voters, Republicans sense opportunity. He is clearly a target of Republicans, said Erin Covey, the House editor for the independent, nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Democrat Jayden DOnofrio, chair of the Gen Z-oriented Florida Future Leaders political action committee, said he expects Moskowitz to win reelection in November 2026. Will it be a challenge? Absolutely, he said, adding that it would be foolish to act like the Moskowitz seat isnt their next target. Republicans essentially ceded the district to the Democrats in 2022 when Moskowitz first ran and won, and in 2024, when he was reelected. National Republicans didnt think their party could win, so they spent their energy and money elsewhere, largely leaving their nominees to fend for themselves in organizing and fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That wont happen again, said Richard DeNapoli, Browards elected state Republican committeeman and a former county Republican party chair. That seats in play, DeNapoli said. A lot of national prognosticators did not believe it would be anywhere near as close as it was in both years. People are starting to look at it a lot more now. Related Articles Republican attention Republicans have turned up the heat in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party campaign organization dedicated to electing Republicans and defeating Democrats in U.S. House races has started messaging efforts aimed at softening up Moskowitz. Among the assertions from the National Republican Congressional Committee are that he caved to the radical left and voted to crush Americans with higher taxes and more wasteful government spending, and that he turned his back on hardworking Americans. One NRCC label: Radical Democrat Jared Moskowitz. On Wednesday, the NRCC launched digital ads against 34 Democratic incumbents. The Moskowitz version accused him of hurting Floridas families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ad was standard political fare a black and white picture of Moskowitz, looking forlorn, and ominous music in the background. The committee didnt spend much on running it (it wouldnt say how much), but it a signal of the races in which it sees opportunity. Out-of-touch Democrat Jared Moskowitz has repeatedly bent the knee to the most extreme wing of his party instead of putting his constituents and common sense first. Moskowitz is more interested in getting on TV than delivering for Floridians, Maureen OToole, eastern regional press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said via email. Moskowitzs days in Congress are numbered. Democrats, at least publicly, arent expressing concern. Earlier this month, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released its list of 26 Frontline incumbents, the ones seen as most vulnerable in the next election and warrant extra resources and support. Moskowitz was not on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Cook Political Report rates the Moskowitz race as lean Democratic, meaning its competitive, but Democrats have an advantage. Another independent nonpartisan organization, Inside Politics, also lists it as lean Democratic. Lining up Several Republicans are seeking their partys nomination to challenge Moskowitz. OToole called it a strong Republican field. Multiple Republicans sought their partys nomination in 2022 and 2024. One difference as the 2026 campaign begins is the early March entry of former state Rep. George Moraitis, who has won multiple elections in territory that lies in the 23rd Congressional District. Moraitis, a Naval Academy graduate and lawyer, served four terms before term limits forced him to leave office in 2018. Hes also a past chair of the Broward Republican Party who supported Donald Trumps 2016 presidential candidacy, at a time when skeptics incorrectly, it turned out thought it could hurt him in a coastal district home to many moderate voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife, Heather Moraitis, is a former Fort Lauderdale city commissioner. Having potentially stronger candidates enter the primary is a sign that they think they can win, said Kevin Wagner, a political scientist at Florida Atlantic University. If Moraitis raises substantial campaign money, that could encourage national Republican organizations to provide additional financial and organizational support. Although hes known in the political, business and legal communities, Moraitis only represented part of the congressional district. He was last on the ballot in 2016. The transient nature of the Florida population, including many people new to the state since he left office, means hell have to introduce himself to many voters. So far, there are three other candidates. Collectively theyve run for Congress nine times before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raven Harrison: She received 5.5% of the vote in a Texas congressional primary 2022, finishing last in a five-candidate race. She describes herself online as The Conservative Warrior. Joe Kaufman: The unsuccessful 2024 nominee hasnt filed paperwork yet, but said in December he started planning his 2026 candidacy as soon as last years election was wrapped up. Kaufman is a counter-terrorism researcher, writer and lecturer, who previously ran for Congress in 2018, 2016, 2014 and 2012. He also unsuccessfully ran for state House of Representatives in 1990 and 2000. Darlene Cerezo Swaffar: She lost three Republican primaries for Congress, in 2020, 2022 and 2024. She runs a Medicare health insurance brokerage firm. Moskowitz ideology Each time he casts a vote in Congress, Moskowitz is juggling many priorities: demands of Democratic Party base voters, desires of an increasingly conservative voting population in his district, the political need to ward off Republican attacks, and his own philosophical beliefs and experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the Republicans labeling him a radical, Moskowitz casts more votes with Republicans and has cooperated with the opposing party more than many Democrats would like. The former elected Parkland city commissioner and state representative was appointed to two posts by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis: Florida director of emergency management, and later to fill a vacancy on the Broward County Commission. Moskowitz has the lowest rating of any Florida Democrat in scoring by Progressive Punch, which produces a database of congressional voting records from a progressive perspective. He was the only state Democrat who has a D from the group. (Its not a static rating. One year ago, he had an F rating.) Several of his 2025 votes stand out because he sided with Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Censure: Moskowitz was one of only 10 Democrats to vote with the Republicans in favor of censuring U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who interrupted, berated and waved his cane at President Donald Trump during his March 4 speech to a joint session of Congress. Laken Riley Act: Moskowitz was the only Florida Democrat, and one of 46 in the House, who voted with the Republican majority in favor of the first bill signed into law by Trump during his second term. The new law was named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant last year while she was jogging. The law requires detention of undocumented immigrants charged with crimes, including nonviolent burglary, theft or shoplifting. Republicans used Rileys case as a political weapon against Democrats last year. Appliances: Moskowitz was among seven Democrats who voted with the Republicans early in March to overturn updated certification requirements and labels for appliances issued by the Energy Department under former President Joe Biden. And last month, he was one of 11 Democrats who voted with the Republican majority to block a Biden administration-issued efficiency rule on instant, tankless water heaters. The crossing party lines is either the sign of a more maverick legislator or it can be the sign of a legislator thats very aware that their seat has some danger in the next election, Wagner said. On one of the most important votes of the year, so far, he was with the Democrats in near-unanimous opposition to the legislation to keep the government operating through Sept. 30. This is a moderate district, and my voting record reflects that. As a lifelong Democrat, Im fighting to bring down the cost of living and protect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits, but will also find common ground when possible, Moskowitz said via email. James Quebbeman, a Coral Springs retiree, said hes a lifelong Democrat who didnt like the congressmans vote to censure Green, and called his office to express his dismay. I watch very carefully what Congressman Moskowitz is doing. I voted for him the first time, and I voted for him the second time, with both ears open. And now Im starting to see some cracks in the veneer a little bit, he said. Still, he said, hed ultimately rather have Moskowitz in office casting some votes that he doesnt like than to have a Republican representative. And DOnofrio said Moskowitz voting at times with Republicans wouldnt cost him support among Democrats. At the end of the day, were all Democrats, united, he said. As Democrats, we cant keep this infighting up for progressives versus moderates. The district The once overwhelmingly Democratic territory in what is now the 23rd Congressional District has become much more Republican as newcomers have moved to the area in recent years. Moskowitz won the 2022 and 2024 elections by the smallest margins of any congressional race in the state. He received 52.4% of the vote in November, two years after he won his first term in the House with 51.6% of the vote. Still, he did better than the Democratic candidates for president or governor at the top of the ticket did in his district. Registration: Voter registration records show the district still has a higher share of registered Democrats (36.4%) than Republicans (30.8%). But the number of registered Democrats has decreased and the number of registered Republicans has increased since the 2022 election, when Moskowitz was first elected. As of the beginning of March, there were 25,690 fewer registered active Democratic voters in the 23rd District than there were on Election Day 2022. There are 4,131 more Republican registered votes. No party affiliation/independent voters also have decreased, by 11,967. New requirements for maintaining voter rolls went into effect before the 2024 election, so both parties lost registered voters between 2022 and 2024. In the months since the November 2024 election, Democrats have seen a slight increase, of 1,814, in registered voters. During that same time, Republicans added 5,339 registered voters. And there are 4,580 more no party affiliation/independent voters. Geography: The more populous Broward part of the district is still mostly Democratic. The Palm Beach County part of the district, which is home to three in 10 of the districts voters, is more Republican. In both elections, Moskowitz won the Broward part of the district and lost in the Palm Beach County section. Presidential: In 2020, Democrat Joe Biden finished 13.2 percentage points ahead of Republican Donald Trump in the territory thats in District 23. In 2024, Democrat Kamala Harris finished 1.9 percentage points ahead of Trump. Thats a shift of 11.3 points toward Republicans, according to numbers posted by Democratic data analyst Matthew Isbell. Its swung pretty far to the right, the Cook Political Reports Covey said. Thats a pretty significant shift. Midterm dynamics The national mood in 20 months could work in Moskowitzs favor. In a midterm election the expectation is that the presidents party generally has a rougher go of it. There are exceptions, but historically that tends to be the case, Wagner said. That means 2026 may not be the best time to try and flip the district, he said. Wagner said thats not guaranteed, especially as more and more voters have become so closely identified with their political parties. DeNapoli, too, said the usual dynamic is a new presidents party loses seats in the first midterm. Will that dynamic hold? he said. (Or) are we in just a different permanent red state situation, where that impacts the Democrat candidates all the way down the line. Thats what the unknown is. DOnofrio, the Florida Future Leaders chair, said he expects Moskowitz to win next year. Comon sense would tell me Democrats are going to have a good year in 26. But, as always, this is Florida. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon. Carl Miller insists he wasnt in Brooklyn the morning of Oct. 25, 1979, the day he turned 19 and Rabbi David Okunov was killed in Crown Heights by a gunman who shot him from 6 inches away before fleeing with his prayer bag. Nearly 46 years later, Miller, who was convicted of murder and served 30 years in state prison, is hoping to clear his name. I dont know anything about what happened, Miller, now 64, told the Daily News in an interview at his lawyers office. And I wasnt even near where it happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okunov, 68, who had recently emigrated from Russia to avoid religious persecution, was killed on his way to morning prayers. He left his home on Crown St., turned left onto Troy Ave., then turned right onto Montgomery St. Moments later, he was confronted and shot by a gunman armed with a .32-caliber handgun, the bullet striking him in his right eyebrow. Hours later, at least 2,000 mourners marched through the streets for Okunovs funeral, according to media reports at the time. Then-Gov. Hugh Carey said he was horrified by the murder, which occurred at a time of inflamed tensions between Hasidic and Black residents. The Brooklyn DAs office believes they got the right guy and is fighting Millers effort. Okanuvs family members could not be reached for comment. In court papers, Millers lawyer. James Henning, said the case against his client was built on the constantly changing story provided by Darryl Brown, who was 16 at the time of the murder and lived in the same Crown Heights building as Miller. In fact, the court papers said, Brown first told police he woke at 8 a.m. the day of the murder, 80 minutes after Okunov was shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller was prosecuted on the scantest of evidence, Henning wrote in the motion to vacate, filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court May 9, 2024. There is no dispute that the investigative focus on Miller and his arrest, indictment and conviction were based entirely on the word of Darryl Brown, an inconsistent witness, who was initially a suspect in Rabbi Okunovs murder and whose story changed repeatedly. The motion claims that prosecutors failed to turn over exculpatory evidence that Brown himself was at some point considered a suspect and stood in a lineup. It also says Miller stood in two lineups but was not picked by either witness, both of whom had described a man roughly 5 feet 9 inches tall and slim, about 150 pounds, running from the crime scene holding the prayer bag. Miller at the time was recorded as 6 feet 1 inch tall and 174 pounds. One of those witnesses, a retired dress cutter who was walking his dog, has since died. The other, Chanina Sperlin, who was 16 at the time, saw the man with the prayer bag run to a building on Crown St. inside which police later found property belonging to Brown, according to court papers. The prayer bag was never found. Henning told The News that of the six exoneration cases hes worked on the evidence in this case is the weakest Ive ever seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez argues in court papers that the conviction should stand. The papers noted that the DAs Conviction Review Unit twice looked over the case even investigating, following a tip, that a woman had killed the rabbi and both times closed out its probe. The court papers noted that Brown and Sperlin wouldnt cooperate with its review. At a Feb. 19 hearing, Millers trial lawyer, Howard Weiswasser, said he was not aware during the trial that two witnesses had viewed a lineup with Brown in it. He also said he did not believe he had been given by trial prosecutors a statement in which Brown the day before the murder said he wanted to rob an old Jewish man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because had I had the statement at the time of trial, I would have cross-examined [Brown] on it, Weiswasser said at the hearing. And having reviewed the trial transcript I did not cross examine on it. The same day, the long-retired lead detective on the case, Thomas Sorrentino, could not recall much about the investigation, including specific names as well as his interview of Brown. He remembers a few days later being picked up on a warrant related to an assault case for which he missed a court appearance, remembers detectives telling him he had been picked out of a lineup which it turned out he hadnt and remembers that police were certain he was the killer. You might as well confess.' Miller said he recalls being told. I said, Confess about what? I wasnt there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were trying to put me some place I wasnt. Miller was charged then convicted on Sept. 18, 1980. A month later he was sentenced to 25 years to life. He said he was determined from the start to clear his name, but various attempts to get lawyers to take his case and to get records and documents through the Freedom of Information Law failed until he met Henning. Millers motion to vacate his conviction was given a boost when Judge Guy Mangano on Jan. 10 ordered a hearing, though a decision in the case is not expected any time soon. Miller said he is trying to clear his name so his two grandchildren can know the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need to know who their grandfather is, Miller said. This is something I dont want them to be a part of, knowing their grandfather is a convicted murderer. Thats why Im fighting for this. Mar. 15LAS CRUCES A former Las Cruces police officer recently convicted of voluntary manslaughter will be back in court this coming week pursuing a new trial. Brad Lunsford, 39, was held culpable last month by a jury for killing Presley Eze at a local gas station in 2022. While investigating a complaint alleging Eze had stolen a can of beer, Lunsford and another officer pulled Eze from his vehicle and wrestled him to the ground as he attempted to flee. In a melee lasting about 22 seconds, Lunsford said Eze appeared to reach for a fallen Taser and, because of his position on top of Eze, did not have time to use non-lethal means to protect his fellow officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Lunsford fired a shot directly into Eze's head. Lunsford was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, a third-degree felony with a firearm enhancement, and is in custody ahead of sentencing in April. Defense attorney Matthew Chandler is asking the court to release Lunsford from custody and grant a new trial. In the first of three motions filed in the 3rd Judicial District Court, Lunsford alleges he was denied due process when two jurors were improperly replaced by alternate jurors after closing arguments were concluded. In a supplemental motion, Lunsford argued that a juror who served as foreperson had failed to disclose biased views about policing and uses of force, based on newly discovered evidence that the individual had participated in protests, media interviews and academic writing on the issue. The motion argues that the juror participated in deliberations "with a hidden and undisclosed bias which had a significant impact on the outcome of the trial." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a third motion, the defense challenged aspects of some expert witness testimony as well as the exclusion of a toxicology report showing the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine in Eze's body at the time of the encounter, arguing the latter offered evidence crucial to Lunsford's defense. This motion also stated that jurors had been able to overhear bench conferences, meant to be confidential, throughout the trial. "Brad Lunsford was convicted at the conclusion of a lengthy trial where a jury of his peers had the opportunity to evaluate all the evidence submitted by both the state and the defense," the New Mexico Department of Justice, which prosecuted Lunsford, said in a written statement. "He had his day in court and he was found guilty. While the prosecution does not control the logistics for excusing jurors before deliberations begin, the community should know that every member of the jury who found Lunsford guilty was present for the entire trial and there is no basis in law for this conviction to be overturned. We look forward to upholding the jury's verdict and stand prepared to take the matter up on appeal should that become necessary." A hearing on the motions is set for March 21. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Two people were killed early Sunday morning in Greenville County while allegedly attempting to evade sheriffs deputies. According to Greenville County Sheriffs Office, at around 1:45 a.m. deputies attempted to pull over a 2006 Honda Accord near Anderson Road and White Horse Road but the driver did not stop for blue lights. Deputies reportedly chased the vehicle but stopped near White Horse Road and I-85. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the state highway patrol, the driver of the vehicle, while attempting to merge from U.S. 25 onto I-85 went off the left side of the road and crashed into a concrete barrier wall. The vehicle was reportedly on fire when deputies were called to the scene. The Greenville County Coroners Office confirmed two people were in the vehicle and both were pronounced dead at the scene. The two were identified as 18-year-old Aaron Joseph Lowry, of Anderson, and 20-year-old Cody Isaiah Russell, of Easley, according to the coroners office. The wreck remains under investigation. We will update this story as more information becomes available. 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. As world leaders grasp for a response to President Donald Trumps tariffs, they have two models to study and both have plenty of pitfalls. Two of the first targets of Trumps trade ire, Mexico and Canada, have been going back and forth with the White House for over a month now to try and fend off steep new tariffs. But theyve pursued very different strategies: Ottawa has taken a more confrontational approach, including immediate trade retaliation, drawing swift White House retribution; Mexico City has tried to lay low and buy time, but doesnt have much more to show for it. With a new round of tariffs on steel and aluminum that went into effect this week and worldwide reciprocal tariffs on the horizon next month, other countries have been taking notes. The lessons they draw will help determine just how much the global economy cracks up as Trumps trade war deepens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres the ongoing debate thats been consistent: Is it better to grovel and kiss the ring or is it better to stand up to the bully? said William Reinsch, a former Commerce undersecretary now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Both have worked on occasion and both have not worked on occasion. So its hard to know in any given circumstance which one is the better tactic. A senior European Union official, granted anonymity per the ground rules of the briefing, told reporters on Wednesday that the bloc was constantly speaking with other world leaders about the U.S. tariffs and comparing notes. But, the official added, the EU is not yet coordinating its reaction with other countries. The same day, the 27-country bloc announced a two-stage trade retaliation plan in response to the steel and aluminum tariffs, covering roughly $28 billion in U.S. imports to Europe, which will begin to kick in on April 1. Its similar to the way Canada responded to across-the-board 25 percent tariffs on its exports the Trump administration levied earlier this month, before rolling a major chunk back. And it drew a similarly aggressive reaction from the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Truth Social, Trump claimed the EU put a nasty 50 percent tariff on whisky, even though the EUs tariff on U.S. bourbon doesnt kick in until next month. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES, Trump wrote. The president had an equally harsh response to Canadas trade retaliation, particularly a fee hike the Canadian province of Ontario slapped on its electricity exports to the U.S. earlier this week. Trump threatened to immediately double the steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, prompting a heated back-and-forth between the White House and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, before both sides walked back their actions. But White House officials continue to complain about the responses from both Canada and Europe. All this showed you is that Europe and Canada do not respect Donald Trump, and do not respect Americas ability to build its steel and aluminum industry, which is vital for national security, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Bloomberg TV. Whereas you watched Mexico and you watched the U.K. be pragmatic and thoughtful, and the way were going to deal with them is going to be better. In contrast to Canada, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has been much less public with her appeals to Trump on the tariffs, and much quieter about the possible retaliation. Mexico still has yet to lay out how it will retaliate to the initial round of tariffs Trump imposed over concerns about fentanyl entering the country, or the new round of tariffs on steel and aluminum which are expected to have a significant impact on the Mexican economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday that the country will hold off on any retaliation until April. Theyre trying to win some time to negotiate, said Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the United States. They believe that the more aggressive positions by the European Union and Canada in immediately responding with countervailing duties are counterproductive. Chinas response to several rounds of Trump tariffs has also been notably restrained. The Chinese government has begun to retaliate against Trumps flat 10 percent tariffs on its exports to the U.S. on the grounds China is a major source of the fentanyl entering the U.S. But Chinas reaction wasnt immediate, granting about a one week window both times for Trump to come to the negotiating table. And the country has not retaliated against Trumps latest steel and aluminum tariffs. Experts on U.S. and China relations suggest Beijing is eyeing a deal that could reduce trade curbs similar to the 2020 agreement the countries signed during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most countries hit by Trumps aluminum and steel tariffs chose to follow Mexico and Chinas path. Australia, Japan, the U.K. and Brazil all held off from retaliating and have said they are seeking either an exemption from the tariffs, or a negotiation with the White House. The U.K. will keep all options on the table, new Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in Parliament Wednesday, but he did not respond to the steel and aluminum tariffs in kind. Instead, Starmer is sending his trade chief, Jonathan Reynolds, to Washington this week. We are focused on a pragmatic approach and are rapidly negotiating a wider economic agreement with the U.S. to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit U.K. businesses and our economy, Reynolds said soon after Trumps metal tariffs took effect. Australian Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd confirmed his country has been watching the recent U.S. back-and-forth with Canada and Mexico, as well as China. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday that he saw room for negotiation, because when you look at the ebb and flow of trade and tariff negotiations here in Washington, there are rapid changes every day. But any carrot-based strategy can only stay that way so long, as U.S. trading partners stare down Trumps April 2 target for reciprocal tariffs that could hit all U.S. trading partners. And while countries like Mexico and the United Kingdom havent been the specific target of the presidents ire as of late, their economies are still being threatened with steep duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarukhan said as more tariffs go into effect, leaders like Sheinbaum will be under pressure to respond more forcefully, and will have a tougher time remaining cool headed. Canada and the EU, meanwhile, are trying to extend a hand even as they promise their citizens they will stand firm against Trumps aggression. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic called on his U.S. counterparts Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday, as part of Brussels effort to reach a trade detente with the White House. Theres still time for the U.S. to come and settle this, without having to go through the unnecessary pain of measures and countermeasures, the senior EU official said. A meeting between Lutnick and Canadian officials didnt produce any immediate outcomes Thursday, but did signal a change in tone. Ford told reporters afterward that they had lowered the temperature between the two North American neighbors and praised Lutnick as a shrewd negotiator. The officials will meet again next week, Ford added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, after all, has touted himself as a first and foremost a dealmaker, raising hopes in foreign capitals that theres an off-ramp for the escalating trade conflicts. But as the EU official said, Its not very productive to now start negotiating about removing the tariffs. You put a stinking fish on the table, and then you start negotiating to remove that stinking fish, and then you say, Oh, we have a great result: theres no stinking fish on the table. Sue Allan contributed to this report from Ottawa, Graham Lanktree contributed from London and Jakob Weizman contributed from Brussels. UPDATE: The El Paso County Commissioners Court postponed an agenda item on Monday, March 17 where they were scheduled to discuss moving ahead with issuing $54 million of certificates of obligation. The item is now scheduled for Monday, March 24. They then will discuss whether to direct staff to begin preparing a notice of intent to issue the debt instruments. The money will be used primarily for water and wastewater, roadway safety and flood control projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso County Commissioners Court is scheduled to take the next step in possibly issuing $54 million in certificates of obligation. Commissioners Court originally directed staff to begin preparing a notice of intent to issue $52 million in certificates of obligation a type of debt that does not need voter approval at its Feb. 24 meeting. The total price tag is now listed as $54 million. County takes 1st steps toward issuing $52M in debt for infrastructure needs Monday, March 17, county commissioners will revisit the issue and possibly authorize staff to continue moving forward. This would trigger a 45-day waiting period before the County could authorize the certificates of obligation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This proposed debt issuance will allow the County to invest in essential public-purpose projects without increasing the Countys debt service tax rate or increasing taxes for residents a result of the County paying off old debt and fiscally responsible money management in prior years, the County said. Previously, the County said it was considering using the certificates of obligation or COs to expand water and sewer services to the tune of $33.5 million, use an additional $2.5 million for flood control infrastructure and use another $16 million for roadway safety. The County has added another $2 million for heating and cooling modernization at the Youth Services Center. These investments ensure that all residents, regardless of their zip code or economic status, have access to basic necessities, the County said. If approved, the Commissioners Court would consider the sale of the certificates of obligation at its May 5 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commissioners Court is scheduled to meet at 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 17 on the third floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Clark County leaders and local law enforcement came together to host a peace walk and a family fun festival on Saturday. The event took place in the area near Arville Street and Pennwood Avenue, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Jose Hernandez said its important to show up for the community. This is, historically, one of our vulnerable neighborhoods, Hernandez said. So, we do quite a bit of work here to communicate with the residents that live here ensuring that we can continue to improve the quality of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That work looked like a peace walk through some of the apartment complexes and giving toys to children and food to families. At the end of the walk, there was a festival in the park with community support resources. County leaders and first responders told 8 News Now that the goal of the peace walk is to get face-to-face with the community and tell them theyre here to help. Were trying to make sure that if they help, theyre helped too, Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom said. This is the backbone of Las Vegas as far as, these are the people that do the work, make us all rich. But we want to show them a little support too. Segerblom also said that coming to the people is also an effort to build their trust in elected leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people distrust government, Segerblom said. Worried about things, afraid to come out of their house. Were trying to say, No, this is a great place to come out. Were here and we start to develop a relationship. If problems arise they can reach out to the government. For law enforcement, a goal of the peace walk was to live up to its name boosting peace in the neighborhood. For us, its an opportunity to bring those resources here to address things like, you know, perhaps drugs, gangs, whether its, gang violence or just anyone whos sort of violence that occurs in the neighborhood, 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 KLAS. JEFFERSON A lengthy plan to bring the Ashtabula County justice system up to date is nearing completion, and training will begin on the new court management system in early April. Ashtabula County Clerk of Courts April Daniels said when she was elected almost four and a half years ago, the county was keeping court records on carbon copies. She said a transition to white paper occurred, but it became clear storage space was an issue. It became clear we didnt have the room, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time discussions revolved around a transition to an electronic system. In 2022, a presentation was made to the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners regarding a possible alternative. The commissioners thought it was a good idea, and committed $950,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the project, Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said. The case management system chosen is CourtView 3, and will eventual allow for electronic filing of court documents. Daniels said the system will include Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court, Ashtabula County Juvenile/Probate Court, Eastern County Court and Western County Court. She said it will also approve beneficial to the public and other county entities including the Ashtabula County Prosecutors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashtabula County Prosecutor April Grabman said she was involved in the project from the start, and is excited about the opportunity. She said she helped prepare the proposal while working for the Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court. Grabman said it has been fun to watch the project develop. It is going to allow the public to have images from court records, she said. Daniels said training for the program is scheduled to begin April 7, and the system is scheduled to start June 1, with electronic filing likely available in the fall. One of the big advantages will be for court case participants and attorneys, as they will be able to gain information right from their computers instead of coming to the courthouse for a copy of a particular part of the court docket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kozlowski said the entire project will be paid from ARPA funds, and an Ohio Supreme Court grant has been applied for to handle some of the finances for the electronic system. He said the costs include equipment, licensing of software costs to name a few. Daniels said department heads or representatives have been involved in regular meetings on the overall project. She said the individual training will give those using the system several months to prepare for the big change. She said training videos have been provided by the company that can be viewed later if a training event is missed. 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? Since the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was unleashed on U.S. government agencies with a mandate to eliminate wasteful spending, there have been reports of the team requesting unfettered access to systems that host sensitive data belonging to millions of Americans. This has led to a stream of lawsuits being filed attempting to block DOGE, which was originated by Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk, from accessing personal information held by the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Department of Education and other federal agencies. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of these complaints have resulted in temporary blocks against DOGE from accessing information based on privacy laws. Other cases are being considered by judges, including one who questioned why the team needed access to large amounts of Social Security data, including health records, and wondered if a more focused approach could accomplish the same job. This is like hitting a fly with a sledgehammer, U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander said of the Trump administrations approach during a hearing March 14, according to The Associated Press. These events have raised questions about the governments dedication to protecting privacy, and whether or not it has the right to grant DOGE wide-ranging access to the info of Americans. Executive order President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing DOGE on Jan. 20 with the stated goal of modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity. The order further states the administrator of DOGE shall work with agency heads to promote interoperability between agency networks and systems, ensure data integrity and facilitate responsible data collection and synchronization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the executive order outlined DOGE has full and prompt access to all unclassified agency records, software systems and IT systems. This suggests DOGE has the presidents blessing to access unclassified data from federal agencies. It isnt clear how far-reaching that access has been thus far, and what it might do with any sensitive data. But many agency leaders and labor groups have pushed back against DOGEs attempts to access information, freeze federal funding and lay off thousands of workers. This has put a magnifying glass on the actual legality of its actions. Read more: An alarming 97% of older Americans are carrying debt into retirement heres why and 4 simple things you can do if youre stuck in the same situation What does the law say? Right now, the courts face the challenge of determining whether what DOGE is attempting to do is legal. There are some laws that control how the government can collect and store data that could aid judges in their decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One is the Privacy Act of 1974. The main premise of the act is to let American citizens know what systems are there and the types of data the government collects about them. It also mandates that federal agencies must establish records for lawful purposes only and to safeguard them. It requires federal agencies to take care of your data and not willfully or negligently provide it to others, [and] to make sure their systems are secure, Gary Mason, an attorney, told CNN. Another attorney, Cornish Hitchcock, explained to the news outlet data sharing between agencies must meet certain conditions and go through procedures. Basically, the Privacy Act of 1974 is meant to help you instill trust in government systems from the way it handles your sensitive information. Another law, the Tax Reform Act of 1976, features Section 6103, places limits on the IRS and its ability to disclose your tax return information. But there are some exceptions. For example, the IRS may share data with law enforcement for investigation and prosecution of non-tax criminal laws, and also with the SSA for matters regarding Social Security and Medicare tax liability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If DOGE is allowed full access to Americans sensitive data, privacy advocates are concerned about what the administration might be willing to do with the information. How things will play out is not yet known. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. A Democrat congresswoman threw serious shade at her own partys Senate chief after his controversial decision to cross the aisle to back a GOP spending bill. Senate Democrats have to sit down and take a look and decide whether or not Chuck Schumer is the one to lead in this moment, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett told CNN s Jake Tapper on Sunday morning. It follows after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York had answered next question when asked about Schumers leadership on Friday, even while other liberal critics called for him to step down. Dozens of House members sent Schumer letters asking him to reverse course on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those comments came just hours before the Senate minority leader votedas hed said he wouldin favor of the Republican funding patch so as to avert an impending federal shutdown. Speaking with Crockett on Sunday, Tapper mentioned that some of her fellow party members had said theyd be eager to back Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a prospective primary challenge against Schumer when he goes up for re-election in four years. Crockett replied that it was likely too soon to say, but went on to add, I definitely think that younger, fresher leadership may be needed. Tapper also quizzed the Texas representative on her appearance in the partys controversial choose your fighter viral PR stunt, launched last week to much derision online. The video featured Democrat politicians jumping into frame and bobbing like fighting avatars from vintage arcade games. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The host noted that Democrat Sen. John Fetterman had slammed it as another bizarre misstep amid a controversial series of protests from party members on the House floor, which he further described as a sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance. Hes not the one to talk about anything, Crockett shot back on Sunday, adding that this is a guy who seemingly doesnt own a suit, in reference to Fettermans notoriously casual legislative attire. I dont show up in hoodies when Im going on the floor, Crockett went on. They literally had to change the rules so that he could walk around that way. So, I just dont think hes necessarily the one to actually have an opinion about this. CROFTON, Ky. (FOX 56) An overnight shooting involving a Crofton man and deputies with the Christian County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) is under investigation by the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP). The sheriffs office asked troopers with Post 3 in Madisonville to investigate an officer-involved shooting that happened around 12:30 a.m. Sunday on Clark Store Sinking Fork Road in Crofton, per a news release. London woman accused of shooting her mother to death, deputies say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial investigation reportedly showed that deputies were responding to a physical domestic violence complaint in the area when Patrick Martinez, 39, of Crofton, allegedly started shooting at them. Deputies returned fire with their agency-issued firearms striking the suspect, KSP told FOX 56 News. Read more of the latest Kentucky news State police said Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting investigation 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. Before Rory Hoskins stopped regularly taking the CTA Blue Line into downtown Chicago, his once-typical L commute had already gotten noticeably slower. The train would crawl and sometimes stop on its way to and from Forest Park, during peak commuting hours and midday alike. Traveling over the same 10 miles of track seemed like it had gotten less reliable over the years, and as his commute home got longer he was discouraged from riding the train as often. It just seemed like it was taking longer to get to the same place, said Hoskins, who became mayor of Forest Park in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the years since, CTA trains have only gotten slower, forced to travel well below their typical speeds across more and more sections of the L, agency data shows. Several factors can cause these so-called slow zones, but most often the restricted speeds are due to the condition of the track, often as it ages or deteriorates. In February, slow zones covered some 30% of the rail system, up from 13% five years earlier. One of the most severely limited stretches of track is the Forest Park branch of the Blue Line once regularly taken by Hoskins, which the CTA has targeted for an overhaul. But speed restrictions can be found on every train line, also plaguing the Green Line, Brown Line and sections of the Red Line subway downtown. Slower trains mean slower trips for riders, yet another source of frustration the CTA must contend with after years of complaints about service, conditions and safety. It is also one more hurdle for the CTA to overcome as the agency faces ridership that has still not returned to prepandemic levels, talk of transit reform in Springfield and looming local and federal financial concerns that could affect funding for work to bring trains back up to speed. It can be much more than an inconvenience, said Jim Merrell, managing director of advocacy for the Active Transportation Alliance. When youre trying to get to work or an appointment, it can be a real setback for folks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, CTA officials attributed the growth of slow zones to a lack of funding. Though they regularly check tracks and infrastructure, they said the way transit is funded, which they view as outdated, and decades of intermittent state construction funding have made it difficult to address an $18 billion backlog of maintenance needs on the aging system. In slow zones, trains must travel as slow as 15, 25 or 35 miles per hour, down from typical speeds that can reach 55 on a straight stretch of track. The restrictions can be related to construction, power issues or signals, but the most common cause of slow zones is often the tracks themselves. Tracks were responsible last month for more than four times the amount of slow zone than signals, and more than 13 times the amount caused by construction, CTA data shows. Over the past five years, slow zones have grown along most sections of the train system, the CTA slow zone maps show. One area that has slowed notably is the Yellow Line, where speeds were restricted after a 2023 crash between a train and a snow plow on the tracks and where 81% of the line is now listed as a slow zone. Sharp upticks have happened elsewhere, too. On the south branch of the Green Line, slow zones have grown from 21% of the track to 43%. In the State Street subway, which carries the Red Line under downtown, slow zones have grown from 7% of the track to 30%. Brown Line slow zones have grown from 6.4% to 30% of the track, which includes a small section related to construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of sections of track have improved or stayed the same over the past five years, CTA data shows. On the busy section of the Red Line that runs through the North Side, slow zones have stayed relatively constant, making up about 17% of the line. The Lake Street branch of the Green Line, which runs west through Oak Park, and the Pink Line also have stayed relatively flat. The Pink Line, which opened in 2006, is relatively new and easier to maintain, CTA officials said in the statement. The Green Lines Lake Street branch was overdue for work and received repairs, and parts of it saw among the highest ridership in the system, they said. The Purple Line express also saw slow zones decrease because the CTA worked on a section of track in preparation for a massive overhaul of the north branch of the Red Line that is now underway. But slow zones have increased in some places as a special CTA vehicle to detect defects below the surface of the rail, operated during track maintenance, identified issues. The agency has put in place speed restrictions temporarily while maintenance crews make repairs, the CTA said. CTA also must contend with aging rail components, some of which have been previously repaired. The average life of a wooden rail tie is 20 years, and rail can last 35 years, and about 65% of CTAs train system is more than two decades old, the officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inconsistent, unreliable funding that does not provide the resources necessary to repair older tracks leaves the system vulnerable to increased numbers of slow zones, they said. Among the slowest sections of the L is the Forest Park branch of the Blue Line, where 77% of the line is subject to slow zones. The line has seen few upgrades since it opened in 1958, and adding to the challenges are issues with flooding along the Interstate 290 corridor where the tracks run, the CTA said. CTA officials are planning a rebuild, searching for funding to modernize tracks and make stations accessible to people with disabilities. The effort began in 2023 when the CTA closed the Blue Line between the LaSalle and Illinois Medical District stations to rebuild the tracks and eliminate about three miles of slow zones. The agency later received a $111 million federal grant under a Biden-era program to replace nearly two miles of track farther west on the Blue Line, between Kedzie and Pulaski. Work is potentially slated to begin in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such federal funding has been uncertain during President Donald Trumps administration, which has sought to freeze or review many grants. CTA officials said they view the $111 million grant as a binding a legal commitment by the federal government. We do not interpret any recent activity to have any impact on the federal governments obligation to fund this essential transit infrastructure project, officials said in a statement. Fixing slow zones comes down to adequate funding for transit, including for maintenance, Merrell said. And the entire transit system is behind on maintenance needs, he said. If we dont address our funding issues, stuff like this is going to get worse, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates and transit agencies have pushed for an infusion of cash for transit as a financial crisis looms once federal COVID-19 relief funding runs out. Merrell pointed to the rising slow zones as one tangible example of the need for more funding for transit, saying they affect the speed and reliability of commutes. If you cant rely on (transit), you begin to look at other options, he said. Or, if you dont have other options, thats when you really get into a pinch. In the meantime, Hoskins said he often hears about the slow commute into the city from Forest Park residents. The ability to commute by train into Chicago has long drawn residents to the village, he said. Now, faced with both slow zones and concerns about crime and cleanliness, many are finding the CTA less appealing, he said. Some have turned to Metra instead, and the slow commute might be discouraging others from riding. Riders have sort of soured on the Blue Line, Hoskins said. By Dave Sherwood HAVANA (Reuters) -Cuba reconnected its national electrical grid and restored power to the majority of the capital Havana by late on Sunday, energy officials said, nearly two days after an island-wide outage knocked out power to 10 million people. Havanas electric company said late on Sunday that approximately two-thirds of its clients in the city had seen power restored and said that number would increase overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheers could be heard in neighborhoods across the city as the lights flickered on after two days without electricity. Cuba's grid collapsed on Friday evening after a transmission line at a substation in Havana shorted, beginning a chain reaction that completely shut down power generation across the island. Most of Havana - densely populated and a major tourism center - had gone without power since then, paralyzing commerce, shutting down most restaurants and blacking out street and stoplights across the city of two million people. The grid operator said the country's two largest oil-fired power plants, Felton and Antonio Guiteras, were back online and generating electricity by late Sunday, a major benchmark for restoring power across the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electricity had also arrived in the country's westernmost Pinar del Rio province, the last to see power restored, just before dark on Sunday, officials said. Friday's grid collapse marked the Caribbean island's fourth nationwide blackout since October. Cuba's oil-fired power plants, already obsolete and struggling to keep the lights on, reached a full crisis last year as oil imports from Venezuela, Russia and Mexico dwindled. Even before Fridays grid collapse, many across the island had already been experiencing daily blackouts that reached 20 hours or more. Though Cuba had made progress restoring electricity on Sunday, officials said they were generating just one-third of typical daily demand, leaving many residents still in the dark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools in Pinar del Rio, Artemisa and Mayabeque provinces in western Cuba would remain closed until Tuesday to assure adequate conditions for students, the education ministry said. Cuba blames the country's mounting energy crisis on a Cold War-era U.S. trade embargo and fresh restrictions from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently tightened sanctions on the communist-run government and vowed to restore a "tough" policy toward the long-time U.S. foe. The government is pushing to develop large solar farms with help from China in a bid to reduce dependence on antiquated oil-fired generation. (Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Editing by David Holmes and Lincoln Feast.) CYNTHIANA, Ky. (FOX 56) 10 days after a dog was brought to a Cynthiana animal shelter in excruciating pain and eventually euthanized, charges have been filed against a local pair accusing them of animal torture. On March 5, Harrison County Flora Shropshire Animal Shelter staff posted on Facebook that around 3 p.m., a dog had been found in a roadside ditch near Harrison Memorial Hospital on Old Lair Road. Advocates calling for upgraded charges against Scott County woman accused of falsely reporting neglected dog Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dog was found barely alive in a roadside ditch and was rushed to us in hopes our vet could save her, Harison County animal rights advocates wrote. It was determined she was in excruciating pain, and the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her in loving arms was made. Members at the shelter reportedly named her Whisper. Around 4 p.m. on Saturday, the shelter announced that James Maggard and Madison Smith, both 19 years old, from Cynthiana, were arrested and charged with torture of a dog or cat. Madison Smith, 19, was lodged in the Bourbon County Regional Jail on Saturday. (Bourbon County Regional Jail) James Maggard, 19, was lodged in the Bourbon County Regional Jail on Saturday. (Bourbon County Regional Jail) LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Animal shelter workers thanked the Cynthiana Police Department for its work investigating the case and bringing charges to Whispers alleged abusers. The investigation into Whispers torture 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. This article will be updated as new damage reports come in. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) Damage reports from around the Wiregrass are coming in as severe storms rip through the area. At around 11:10 p.m., a dangerous tornado touched down in Troy, around Troy University. The National Weather Service is scheduled to survey damage from a tornado in Pike and Bullock counties. Pike County: An 18-wheeler in the parking lot of the Walmart on Highway 231 flipped over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witness reports in Troy tell WDHN that the Flash Market, Juicy Crab, and Mikata have sustained heavy damage. The owners told WDHN that one person was working when the tornado hit around 11 p.m. on Saturday, leaving water damage to the inside of the store and damage to the canopy and gas pump area. They say one person from a third-party company is assessing the damage, and another crew is on its way. The owner says they will begin cleaning up the damage and fixing it on Sunday or Monday. Another business that sustained damage was the Juicy Crab near the Flash Market. The owner is at the restaurant assessing the damage and says that the inside wasnt harmed, but that the roof sustained major damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner told WDHN that they plan on being open for business on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses also say the Pike County for Advanced Academics Learning Center sustained extreme roof damage. Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas says a mobile home flipped over near Banks, east of Troy, and the homeowner escaped with reportedly minor injuries. There are many trees down in the Banks area, blocking roads such as highways 223 and 29, and Butter and Eggs Road. Sheriff Thomas also says there are several damaged homes on Elm Street in Troy, with one roof being ripped off of the home. No injuries have been reported on or around Elm Street. The NWS also reports major damage around the Troy Walmart and roof damage to the Troy Rec. Center, which was being used as a shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NWS crews are expected to be in Pike County on Monday to survey the damage. Coffee County: Numerous trees were knocked down throughout the county, including in an area one mile southwest of Victoria. Jackson County: Multiple trees were knocked down near Greenwood along Highway 162. Washington County: Multiple trees were knocked down on Mayhaw Lane about two miles southwest of the Chipley Municipal Airport. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A public vigil was held Saturday to honor a beloved alligator in a Daniel Island neighborhood that some say was unnecessarily killed. Residents in the Daniel Island Village community said the alligator, named Walter, was baited and killed by a contractor hired by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, at the property managers request, despite the creature showing no signs of aggression. Kelly Gaskins said Walter peacefully coexisted with residents for 12 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email to News 2, Gaskins said Walter was a well-known and admired resident of the neighborhood whose presence was a unique part of the local ecosystem. Gaskins added the communitys regional property manager cited concerns that the alligator was sunbathing too close to buildings. The Daniel Island Village community believes that Walters death represents a significant failure to prioritize coexistence with wildlife, particularly as urban development continues to encroach on their natural habitats. The area has already seen substantial destruction of local wildlife environments, and Walters peaceful presence was a reminder of the importance of protecting the animals that remain, said Gaskins. A public vigil was held Saturday to honor Walter and raise awareness about the importance of compassion and care for wildlife. It included a moment of silence, prayer, and community members shared stories about the positive impact Walter had on the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 2 reached out to the property manager Saturday. We are 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 WCBD News 2. (WHTM) The Harrisburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a marker unveiling ceremony Saturday afternoon. The ceremony was held at St. Thomas UCC Church in Linglestown, Dauphin County. Over 100 guests including descendants, parishioners, and local residents witnessed the dedication of an America 250 historical marker honoring nine Revolutionary War patriots buried at Wenrichs Cemetery. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest Senator Patty Kim (D-103) gave remarks and presented a proclamation from the Pennsylvania Senate, and David Doyle read a proclamation from the Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors. Harrisburg DARs America 250! Committee partnered with St. Thomas UCC for the event, which opened with patriotic songs from the St. Thomas Dulcimer Society. It included a Historic Preservation medal and certificate presented to church historian Kathy Gifford. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. March 16 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1802, the U.S. Congress authorized the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. In 1827, Freedom's Journal, the first Black-owned and -operated newspaper in the United States, was published in New York. In 1926, Robert Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fuel rocket. In 1935, Adolf Hitler denounced the military clauses of the Versailles Treaty and immediately ordered general military conscription in Germany. On March 16, 1827, Freedom's Journal, the first Black-owned and -operated newspaper in the United States, was published in New York. File Photo courtesy of The Afro-American Press/Wikimedia In 1945, the Island of Iwo Jima was declared secure by U.S. forces in one of the major World War II conflicts in the Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1956, the Rev. A. Edward Banks became the 25th minister to be arrested for allegedly violating the seldom-used Alabama state anti-boycott law. The boycott of Montgomery, Ala., buses began after Rosa Parks was fined $10 for refusing to surrender her seat to a white person. U.S. soldiers bring back the sand of the disembarkation beach at Iwo Jima, Japan, on March 19, 2016. On March 16, 1945, the Island was declared secure by U.S. forces in one of the major World War II conflicts in the Pacific. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI In 1966, NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott docked their Gemini 8 space vehicle with an Agena craft, a first in orbital history. File Photo courtesy of NASA On March 16, 1968, about 300 Vietnamese villagers died at the hands of U.S. troops in what came to be known as the My Lai massacre. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. government In 1968, about 300 Vietnamese villagers died at the hands of U.S. troops in what came to be known as the My Lai massacre. In 1984, CIA station chief in Beirut, William Buckley, was kidnapped by members of Hezbollah. His captors claimed that they had executed Buckley on Oct. 4, 1985, though it's believed he died of a heart attack sometime in June 1985, following nearly 15 months of torture. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk holds a government meeting in Kiev on March 16, 2014. Ukraine held a referendum vote today on the status of Crimea and whether to give the land to Russia. File Photo by Ivan Vakolenko/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1985, Terry Anderson, Beirut bureau chief for the Associated Press, was kidnapped by members of Hezbollah. He would remain in captivity for more than six years, before securing his release on Dec. 4, 1991. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan ordered 3,200 U.S. troops sent to Honduras in what the White House described as "a measured response" to a Nicaraguan invasion directed against U.S.-backed Contra rebels. On March 16, 1926, Robert Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fuel rocket. File Photo by NASA/UPI File Photo by Cliff Owen/UPI In 1994, the International Atomic Energy Agency said North Korea barred its inspectors from checking one of the nation's seven nuclear sites. In 2009, Japan reported its gross domestic product fell at a 12.7 percent annual rate in the last quarter of 2008, plunging the country into what experts said was its worst financial crisis since World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, results of a referendum showed that people in Crimea voted overwhelmingly for the autonomous Black Sea peninsula to break from Ukraine and join Russia. In 2021, a series of shootings at three massage parlors in the Atlanta area left eight people dead. Six of the slain victims were Asian women, prompting questions of whether the shootings were a hate crime amid rising anti-Asian sentiment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China. The accused gunman told police he was motivated by a conflict between sexual addiction and his Christianity, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole. In 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden announced another $800 million in military aid for Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky made a rare appeal for assistance before a joint session of Congress. LEITCHFIELD, Kentucky (WJW) A Kentucky daycare worker was arrested after allegedly pulling out a 1-year-olds hair while on the job, the Leitchfield Police Department said in a statement. Police began investigating the incident Tuesday after being told about the toddlers injuries at the area daycare facility. Looking at surveillance video at the daycare, the worker could be seen going up to the child and pulling out their hair, police said. Oklahoma man says Social Security benefits terminated without warning or explanation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video, the child reportedly begins screaming uncontrollably and then the worker can be seen tossing something into a nearby trash can, which officers believed to be a handful of hair. Wednesday, investigators brought the woman in for questioning. Kesha Cochran, a 24 from Leitchfield, admitted to pulling the childs hair and did so intentionally, police said. The child had a 2-inch-plus bald spot where the hair had been torn out, police confirmed. Beloved pilot, mentor, friend lost in helicopter crash The suspect was taken into custody and charged with criminal abuse in the first degree, the department said. It was not clear what led the suspect to pull the childs hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) The Effingham County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating a shooting that left one person dead and another injured. Deputies were called out to the Parkers on Old Augusta Road just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday where they found a male with a gunshot wound to the head and another person with a gunshot wound. The male victim was pronounced dead on the scene and the second victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. This investigation is ongoing. If anyone was in the area of the Parkers on Old Augusta Road, Port Wentworth between 2:00 a.m. 3:00 a.m. Sunday, please call the Effingham County Sheriffs Office at (912) 754-3449. 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. If Susan B. Anthony had a deaf sister, everyone would know that deaf suffragists fought tirelessly for expanding womens right to vote, right alongside Anthony herself. Everyone would know deaf suffragists contributed to womens emancipation in the United States and Britain and that they lived bold lives. As a researcher of deaf history, including deaf womens history, I work to illuminate the often hidden history of deaf people and their unique contributions to the world. I have unearthed historical information about deaf women suffragists and assembled it into an online collection chronicling what is known so far about these women and their lives. Despite harsh, discriminatory conditions, low pay and lack of recognition, countless deaf women have fought with brilliance and dedication for personal and professional recognition, including for the right to vote. Underpaid and discriminated against Annie Jump Cannon was a pioneering astronomer. Born in 1863, she experienced progressive hearing loss starting at a young age. One of the first women from Delaware to attend college, she was her class valedictorian when she graduated from Wellesley College, where she excelled in the sciences and mathematics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1896, she was hired as a woman computer at the Harvard College Observatory, along with another prominent deaf astronomer, Henrietta Swan Leavitt. The work involved looking at photos of stars and calculating their brightness, position and color. The two were paid between 25 and 50 cents an hour half the rate paid to men doing similar work. Nevertheless, Cannon is credited with cataloging 350,000 stars. Building on others work, Cannon revolutionized and refined a system to rank stars from hottest to coolest that is still used today by the International Astronomical Union, though it is named for Harvard, not for her. Cannon was a member of the National Womans Party, formed in 1916 to advocate for passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, allowing women to vote. Cannons suffragist efforts used her profession as a launchpad, as when she declared that if women can organize the sky, we can organize the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She used her prominence to pave the way for women in the sciences, becoming the first woman to receive an honorary degree from Oxford University in 1925, and facing down eugenicists who blocked her from joining the National Academy of Sciences because she was deaf. In 1938, after 40 years of service, her role as the dean of women astronomers finally earned her a permanent faculty position at Harvard, where she worked until her death three years later. A lunar crater, Cannon, and an asteroid, Cannonia, are named for her. Two British women faced prison Helen Kirkpatrick Watts, a deaf suffragist. Nottingham Post British deaf suffragist Helen K. Watts, born in 1881, was a militant member of the radical Womens Social and Political Union who demonstrated at Parliament in 1909 for the womens vote. After one protest that year, she was arrested and imprisoned but began a 90-hour hunger strike that resulted in her release. As she left, she declared: The Suffragettes have come out of the drawing-room, the study and the debating hall, and the committee rooms of Members of Parliament, to appeal to the real sovereign power of the country the people. In 1913, she left the more violent group and joined the nonviolent Womens Freedom League, also seeking womens right to vote. British suffragist Kate Harvey did not want to pay taxes unless she was allowed to vote. Ann Donnelly One of her sister leaders in the Womens Freedom League was British deaf suffragist Kate Harvey. Harvey believed in not paying taxes until women were granted the vote which resulted in authorities breaking into her home to arrest and imprison her in 1913. A silent voice in print Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Redden Searing, born in 1840, was a gifted American poet, newspaper reporter and writer often using the male pseudonym Howard Glyndon so her work would be taken more seriously. Deafened by illness as a child, she entered the Missouri School for the Deaf when she was 15 years old and learned sign language, graduating in 1858, writing an address and farewell poem that was published in the American Annals of the Deaf. When communicating with nonsigners, she wrote with a pencil and pad with which she conducted countless interviews over many years as a reporter and writer. In 1860, Searing became the earliest deaf woman journalist, writing for the St. Louis Republican, whose editors sent her to Washington in September 1861. There, she cultivated friendships with prominent leaders and interviewed Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, soldiers on the battlefield, and President Abraham Lincoln. She also met future Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth, and taught him fingerspelling, a manual alphabet that is used in sign language. When the Civil War ended in 1865, she traveled to Europe and picked up reading and writing in French, German, Spanish and Italian. She continued writing news stories for the St. Louis Republican and The New York Times. Returning to the United States in 1870, Searing wrote on a wide variety of topics for the New York Evening Mail and other newspapers and magazines. Searing had a literary circle of admiring friends who supported her work. She also contributed articles and poems to the popular national Silent Worker newspaper, published by the New Jersey School for the Deaf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [More than 150,000 readers get one of The Conversations informative newsletters. Join the list today.] She was a feminist who wrote about womens issues such as unequal pay and womens sexuality. She also explained her support for an 1872 campaign for womens right to vote with an analogy to the freeing of the slaves after the Civil War: I believe I am called upon to sign this petition in conformation with that clause of our constitution which recognizes the equal rights of all human beings of lawful age and sound mind without regard to sex, color, or social condition. Having decided that black people do not belong to white ones, why not go a step farther and decide that women do not belong to men unless the proprietorship be recognized as mutual? In 1981, Searing was dubbed the first deaf womens libber by Robert F. Panara, the first deaf professor of Deaf Studies at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, because of her pioneering work in the journalism field and her fierce independence as a woman who did not accept restrictions, nor follow expected traditions. 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: Joan Marie Naturale, Rochester Institute of Technology Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Joan Marie Naturale 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. Emily Pike knew life was precious. When her cat died, she was devastated and always asked her aunties for another one, her uncle Allred Pike Jr. said Saturday during a vigil to remember the teen. "Emily, her story is going to live on," Pike said. "Her life might have been cut short, but her name is being mentioned all over." A 14-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Emily was found dead on Valentine's Day in the woods outside of Globe after being reported missing from Mesa in late January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of people from across Arizona converged Saturday evening on the San Carlos Apache Reservation for a candlelight vigil honoring Emily, who was often described as sweet and soft-spoken. The death of the Indigenous teen has united communities across Arizona and the nation, ensuring her name will not be forgotten as vigils and protests continue one month after authorities first found Emily's body. No suspects or persons of interest were identified in her death as of Thursday, the Gila County Sheriff's Office said. The San Carlos Apache Tribe passed a resolution offering up to $75,000 for information leading to an arrest in Emily's case. On the reservation, hundreds of red handprints dotted a water tank in Periodot, the finishing touches of a mural immortalizing the teen girl. Emily's mother, Steff Dosela, placed the first handprint, said Myron Starr, one of the artists. Painting the mural "woke up a spirit inside me that needed to wake up," said Starr, who is San Carlos Apache. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tank was located 15 minutes east of where the candlelight vigil was held. 'Say her name' A group of 30 or so family, friends and strangers linked arms and danced to the beat of a drum as an old Apache song resonated through the chilly night, the adornment on their clothing and shoes tinkling with the movement of their feet. They were hundreds who gathered in the parking lot of the Apache Gold Casino Resort on the San Carlos Apache Reservation to celebrate Emily's life and support her family. Some remained in their cars to stay out of the cold as the sun set. Speakers were met with a chorus of cheers and car horns. Many shared that they related to Emily's family, saying they had relatives who went missing but were never found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Indigenous community rallies around slain San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike Emily's brutal death has led to a resurgence of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People movement, one that hopes to keep the spotlight on Emily and the pressure on authorities to find an answer. "It's been a long month for us, (but) we will be loud and continue to be that voice for (Emily)," said Alyssa Dosela, Emily's cousin. She said the family was frustrated by the lack of answers from the Gila County Sheriff's Office but urged patience as the investigation continued. People gather to honor the life of 14-year-old Emily Pike at Apache Gold Casino & Resort in San Carlos on March 15, 2025. Pike disappeared from her group home in Mesa on Jan. 27 and was found dead 17 days later near Globe, Arizona. Many attendees painted a red handprint over their mouths, symbolizing the movement which sheds a light on the violence disproportionately affecting Indigenous people. Arizona reported the third highest number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls among states in the U.S., according to data analyzed by the Urban Indian Health Institute in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily's death has also ignited an outcry on social media, with many using hashtags like #JusticeforEmilyPike, #NoMoreMMIW and #SayHerName, to bring more visibility to her case and missing and murdered Indigenous people. As the evening grew dark, flickering candles and bright phone flashlights illuminated the parking lot. The crowd chanted calls for justice. Pike, Emily's uncle, ended his speech at the vigil with a call and response, his energy and emotions infecting the crowd. "Say her name," he yelled into the microphone, his voice raw. "Emily Pike!" the crowd shouted back. What happened to Emily Pike? Emily was last seen on foot near her group home near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa on Jan. 27. Officials said she had run away from the home when she left, with no Amber Alert being broadcasted. Mesa police said there was no indication of an abduction or that she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventeen days later, Emily's remains were found in garbage bags by someone walking in the woods northeast of Globe, the Gila County Sheriff's Office said. Police told the family that Emily's torso and head were found in one bag and her legs in another, said Gail Pechuli, a long-time friend of Emily's family who is San Carlos Apache. Her arms and hands haven't been found, Pechuli said. An internal memo posted on Facebook by the Gila County Sheriff's Office leaked information about the condition of Emily's body when it was found. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office said the information was not officially released and declined to comment. Detectives are "vigorously" following leads, a spokesperson for the Gila County Sheriff's Office said, despite no suspects or persons of interest being publicly identified. The family is hopeful the reward offered by the tribe will help in locating the suspect or suspects. Officials have not provided an estimate of how long Emily was dead at the time of her discovery. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office, which investigates deaths in Gila County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two federal agencies, the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs, officially joined the investigation on March 5, nearly three weeks after officials found Emily's body. Spokespeople for the FBI and the Gila County Sheriff's Office declined to comment on the involvement of the federal bureaus. The Sheriff's Office remained the lead agency. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact a Gila County Sheriff's Office detective at 928-200-2352, a Bureau of Indian Affairs special agent at 505-917-7830 or a San Carlos Apache tribal police detective at 928-475-1755. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Emily Pike family, community call for justice of slain teen at vigil Deborah Roberts took to social media to bid farewell to the ABC News building after nearly three decades since she joined the 20/20 news team. ABC News is moving from its Upper West Side headquarters in New York City to Hudson Square in downtown, where The View moved last fall. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday finish. Nearly 3 decades after I first set foot in the ABC news headquarters as a new correspondent, the youngest to join the 20/20 team, we are officially saying goodbye to the building, Roberts said in a touching Instagram post. The place where network TV legends walked the halls and delivered the news. I was thrilled and a bit nervous to join Barbara, Hugh, Peter, Carole, Joan, Charlie and a cadre of inimitable correspondents. What a moment. She continued, Now, a bright, shiny space awaits us downtown to continue the great work we all love so passionately. Change and goodbyes are always hard for me. I am comforted by routine and the familiar. But change is the only true certainty of life, right? So here we go making new memories @abcnews. Roberts also posted a video of her leaving the office she had occupied, taking a glimpse before turning off the lights and closing the door one last time. In the video, she is heard saying, Thats it. End of an era. Moving along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The journalist was officially named 20/20 anchor in 2023 alongside David Muir after Amy Robachs exit. Roberts has been reporting for 20/20 since 1995, when her mentor Barbara Walters recruited her to join the network. She has reported across network news shows, been a substitute anchor on Good Morning America, and guest co-hosted The View. https://www.instagram.com/p/DHMZRoXvIrn Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As nationwide protests bubble up this weekend over the arrest and detention of pro-Palestinian Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil last week, actress Debra Winger was among the demonstrators in a New York City protest outside Trump Tower on Wednesday. In a viral interview with Al Jazeera, the three-time Oscar-nominated actress, who is Jewish, spoke out against some of the lessons she was taught about her faith and community growing up, specifically as it relates to Israel and Zionism. She said she had to unlearn those ideals and now has a debt to pay. I need to do all that I can, the actress said at the protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the clip below: Debra Winger, the Oscar-nominated actress who is Jewish, was at the protests at Trump Tower in response to the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil. pic.twitter.com/kmLgHw9wXb Yashar Ali (@yashar) March 15, 2025 I was brought up Jewish, Winger said in the video. I was brought up with a lot of things that werent true, I had to unlearn them and its taken me a lot of years. And now that Im here, I need to do all that I can. I have a debt to pay. When asked to clarify her statement, Winger continued: I have a debt for what I grew up with and believed on what the state of Israel has done and what they havent done, and how theyre conflating Judaism with Zionism. Protests in support of Khalil, an Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent who rose to prominence while organizing pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in last spring following the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, were expected to continue in New York City, Boston, Phoenix, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Miami and Indianapolis on Saturday and Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalil, a legal permanent resident in the U.S., was arrested by Trump-led immigration authorities in the middle of the night last weekend. On Monday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting the activist. The 30-year-old finished his classes in December at Columbia and was expected to graduate this spring. He is also expecting his first child with his wife, an American citizen. The post Debra Winger Protests Mahmoud Khalil Detention, Says She Has A Debt to Pay Over Israels Actions | Video appeared first on TheWrap. TENNESSEE/VIRGINIA (WJHL) Communities in the region are reporting storm damage after a system of severe thunderstorms swept through the area. Dickenson County, Virginia Sheriff Jeremy Fleming told News Channel 11 that moderate damage was observed in his county, primarily near the Buchanan County line in the Prater community. Fleming said several downed trees and debris were cleared off of roadways. LIST: Power outages in the region Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchanan County Sheriff Gary Parsons said his county also saw trees down and debris following the worst of the storms overnight. Russell County Sheriff Bill Watson said he hadnt heard of any reported damage in his county but did observe high winds throughout his community. The National Weather Service in Morristown reports maximum wind gusts of 82 mph at a Camp Creek Elementary School wind sensor in Greeneville, Tennessee. Photos of storm damage can be submitted to pix@wjhl.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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Kilgubbin wont be found on modern-day maps of Chicago, but there once was a place known by that name a settlement of Irish immigrants on the citys North Side. In the 1850s and 1860s, Kilgubbin was often mentioned in the pages of the Tribune and other Chicago newspapers. The name became symbolic of slums where poor Irish immigrants lived in ramshackle shanties, squatting on property they didnt own. In an era when the Irish faced widespread prejudice, Kilgubbin was used as an insult. Of course, Kilgubbin wasnt the only place where Irish people lived in Chicago during the citys early decades. In the 1830s, Irish laborers dug the Illinois & Michigan Canal, settling in a spot once called Hardscrabble, which became the South Sides Bridgeport neighborhood. And when the Great Famine devastated Ireland in the 1840s, Chicago was a destination for thousands of Irish people fleeing starvation. By 1850, 1 out of every 5 Chicagoans was an Irish immigrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kilgubbins original inhabitants came from Kilgobbin in Irelands County Cork, where the nobility evicted them and shipped them to America, according to a Tribune article. They were literally dumped at the Port of New York, with scanty clothing and absolutely penniless, the Tribune reported. A Western railroad contractor brought a ship-load of them to Chicago. They settled along the Chicago Rivers north bank west of Franklin Street and south of Kinzie Street, extending west to Wolf Point and the rivers North Branch an area where the Merchandise Mart and shiny skyscrapers stand today. The Kilgobbinites put up such shanties as they were able, the Tribune noted. Other immigrants from Ireland soon followed. They were either so indifferent or so wanting in knowledge of the value of property and of the methods of securing title that very few of them took the trouble to acquire the ownership of the ground on which their houses stood, though it could be done for a mere trifle, the Tribune wrote. By the 1850s, the growing Kilgubbin area included many thousand inhabitants, of all ages and habits, besides large droves of geese, goslings, pigs and rats, according to the Chicago Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Kilgubbin residents kept their geese on a mound of yellow clay in the river, which was called Goose Island not to be confused with the larger Goose Island that todays Chicagoans are familiar with. This early patch of land with the same name was only about 20 square yards. Cows were also common in Kilgubbin. A resident named OBrien caused an uproar in 1859 when he accused a neighbor named Ferrick of stealing his cow. The little OBriens one after another glued their eyes to the cracks in the enclosure of the Ferricks and tearfully hailed their long lost favorite, the Tribune reported. OBrien sued Ferrick, and the cow was subpoenaed, making an appearance in the square outside the downtown courthouse. But the jurors decided the cow was Ferricks and ordered OBrien to pay court costs of $118, or roughly $4,000 in todays money three times the cows value. The same year, the Tribune described Kilgubbin as the haunt of the vilest and lowest population of the city, where visitors faced the danger of being swamped in mud, suffocated with stench, or bludgeoned in wild Celtic freakishness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But such fears didnt prevent politicians from seeking votes in Kilgubbin. According to neighborhood lore recounted in the Tribune, Mayor Walter Gurnee had campaigned there in the early 1850s, dancing to a fiddlers music with a barefoot girl an experience that prompted him to quote Irish poet John Francis Waller: Search the world all around, from the sky to the ground, No such sight can be found as an Irish lass dancing. As legend had it, this helped Gurnee to win the election. Chicagos Irish werent yet serving as aldermen and mayors, but they were already becoming a political force to be reckoned with. As time went on, property owners evicted Kilgubbins squatters. In 1863, police officers ordered many residents out of their shanties. Mrs. OFlaherty declared, with arms akimbo, that she would not leave for the likes of yez, and so Mrs. OFlahertys house was pulled down over her head, the Tribune reported. Kicked out of Kilgubbin, many of these Irish Americans moved north, settling near the rivers North Branch north of Chicago Avenue and taking their neighborhoods name with them this area was also called Kilgubbin. Kilgubbins most famous moment came in August 1865, when Chicago Times reporter John M. Wing traipsed through the muddy enclave and the citys other squatter settlements, which had a total population estimated at 15,000. The progress of civilization, the rapid growth of the city, and the consequent increase in the value of the property, do not seem to exert much influence upon these people, Wing commented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Wing, a typical shanty in Kilgubbin contained one room occupied by a cow and a pig; a second apartment where geese and chickens roosted; and a kitchen, where 10 to 12 children were lying upon the floor in rows, in the most squalid rags and filth. Wing described Irish shanty dwellers as prone to feuds and fights: The females are extremely tenacious of their rights, and consequently, quarrel and fight among themselves, pull hair and disfigure eyes. In this respect a more turbulent race of people never existed. The women encourage their children to quarrel and fight, and teach them how it is done by actual combats with their neighbors. Every breeze blows dust into their eyes from somebodys patch with whom they are at loggerheads, and a fierce contest with shillelaghs ensues. The Times, a notoriously sensational newspaper run by publisher Wilbur F. Storey, had been considered a friend of Irish immigrants. Like the Times, the Irish supported the Democratic Party. But a day after the Times published Wings article without a byline 1,000 Irish readers canceled their subscriptions. Irishmen rush into the office, and threaten to kill the individual who wrote it, if they can only lay hands upon him. The excitement is intense, Wing wrote in his diary (which was published as a book in 2002). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune reprinted the entire Times article and then published it a second time, in 1866, eagerly presenting it as evidence of the rival newspapers Wholesale Slander and Vituperation of the Irish People of Chicago. By the late 1860s, the name Kilgubbin was appearing less often in newspapers, as the area came to be known by other names. It was sometimes considered a part of the North Sides Little Hell area, but its most common moniker was Goose Island. This island in the rivers North Branch had been created by a canal, originally excavated to dig up clay for making bricks. (At 160 acres, its far bigger than the tiny Goose Island that once existed near Wolf Point and the original Kilgubbin.) In the years after the Irish arrived, industry and railroads took over much of the island. In 1886, the Tribune reported that only 300 residents, most of them Irish, were still living there. As the century ended, Chicagos Irish population was concentrated on the South and West sides, though a smaller community endured on the North Side. Those who stayed on Goose Island upgraded from shanties to frame cottages and two-story houses. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking back on the history of Kilgubbin and Goose Island, the 1886 Tribune article concluded that these places were probably never as black as they have been painted. And it noted that most of the tough characters had been weeded out. Describing Goose Islands residents, the newspaper took a far more positive view of the Irish than it had just a few decades earlier. They are a pretty good class of people, the Tribune said. They are thrifty and industrious. The great majority of the people are sober and hardworking. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at grossmanron34@gmail.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com. Sign up to receive the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter at chicagotribune.com/newsletters for more photos and stories from the Tribunes archives. The liberal organizing group Indivisible said Saturday it was calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down from his leadership role, the latest fallout after he backed a GOP bill to keep the government open. The groups call is the latest sign of just how much Schumers decision to vote for a Republican bill Friday has angered a Democratic grassroots itching for a fight with President Donald Trump. Many Democrats saw a potential government shutdown as one of the partys sole points of leverage on the government funding bill as Trump and Elon Musk have moved to shutter programs and cancel spending previously allocated by Congress. But Schumer and a handful of Democrats aligned with him argued doing so would only give the pair more power, and that the consequences of a shutdown would be worse than the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Schumers decision roiled Democrats who noted the party had been near-united in the House in opposing it. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries deflected Friday when asked whether he had lost confidence in Schumer, while saying his conversation with the fellow New York Democrat would remain private. The statement from Indivisible, which launched during Trumps first administration, is a sign that the anger among Democrats extends beyond the halls of Congress. In a Saturday release, Indivisible said 82 percent of its leaders in New York and 91 percent nationwide had voted to call for Schumer to step aside. After weeks of constituents demanding that Democrats use this rare, precious point of leverage on the government funding bill, Schumer did the opposite, the groups co-executive director Ezra Levin said in the release. He led the charge to wave the white flag of surrender. But Indivisible has no intention of surrendering to Trump, Musk, and congressional Republicans. The Democratic Party is more unpopular than its been in a generation, according to new polling from NBC News. A survey of registered voters found that just 27% said they have positive views of the party. That is the lowest number in the history of NBC News poll, which dates back to 1990. Of those polled, only 7% said they had a very positive view of the Democrats. The stark numbers come while the party attempts to reckon with its sweeping losses against President Donald Trump and Republicans last November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates, who conducted the research with GOP pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies, told NBC News the data reflects a do-or-die moment for the party. With these numbers, the Democratic Party is not in need of a rebrand, he said. It needs to be rebooted. Photos from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last August. Democratic approval numbers hit a 35-year low in a new poll from NBC News. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images Democrats appear increasingly torn between courting moderate voters by collaborating with conservatives and rallying the partys progressive wing in firm opposition to Trump. NBC News poll found that 65% of Democrats want congressional Democrats to stick to their positions even if it means stifling bipartisan progress. Meanwhile, 32% believe in making compromises with President Trump to gain consensus on legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll findings come just days after a number of Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, voted to advance a Republican-backed spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. The poll findings come days after a number of Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted to advance a Republican-backed spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images On Thursday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told CNN that Schumer has instilled a deep sense of outrage and betrayal from members of his own party, and the possibility of putting forth a primary opponent is not out of the question. Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said that while hell continue to stand behind the minority leader, Democrats can no longer stick to the status quo. If we continue to observe norms, if we continue to engage in business as usual, this democracy could be gone, he told Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker on Sunday. I dont think we have a year to save American democracy. I think the way the president is acting ... puts our democracy at immediate risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) was asked if it is time for Senate leadership to change, he bluntly told reporters, Next question. Correction: A previous version of this article misstated what state Sen. Chris Murphy represents. It is Connecticut. Related... NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Along an industrial stretch of roadway in New Jerseys biggest city, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka appeared with immigrants rights activists last week to protest the Trump administrations deal with a private company to open the first new immigration detention center of the presidents second term. Voters, he said, dont believe that people should be rounded up simply because they try to become citizens of the United States. In pushing back against construction of the 1,000-bed detention facility, Baraka, one of six Democrats running for governor in New Jersey this year, has staked out an aggressive approach on an issue that his party has struggled with recently. Other candidates have either moved closer to President Donald Trump, partly embracing his get-tough approach to immigration, or spent most of their time talking about the economy and the high cost of living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That range makes this year's June primary for New Jersey governor something of a testing ground for Democrats as they struggle to find their footing on an issue that has long bedeviled them. If the get-tough policy wins in liberal-leaning New Jersey, Democrats running elsewhere may have to rethink how best to appeal to their most loyal supporters. The fight over the detention center represents the second time since Trumps inauguration this year that Newark has surfaced in immigration headlines the first came after ICE arrests in January with the mayor capturing the spotlight and working to chart his own path forward. Baraka rejects the notion that most voters support cracking down on immigrants without documentation. He calls openly for defending constitutional rights against searches and seizures without due process and a viable pathway to citizenship. If you ask people, are they opposed to criminals? Theyre going to say yes," he told reporters after the demonstration. If youre opposed to the murderers and rapists and all this other stuff? Yes. The reality is people want to be secure in their person and papers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his mind, that doesn't lead to mass detention and deportation of people looking for a better life. Whether his calculus resonates with Democratic primary voters in the June election and into the general is a question a lot of Democrats want answered. Boldness counts The Democratic field of six candidates features two sitting members of Congress, the mayors of the states two largest cities, the head of the state's biggest teachers union and a former top legislator who touts his background as a blue collar ironworker. Not all of them are talking much about immigration, and what works with voters in a blue state's primary won't automatically translate as a blueprint for Democrats elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But immigration was top-of-mind for voters in 2024 and is a centerpiece of the president's agenda, according to Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, which means Democrats willing to take a stand may benefit politically. There is a penalty for seeming lost and not knowing what to say about something because the Democrats havent found their way yet, he said. Voters are not rewarding hesitation. They want boldness. The field in New Jersey Not every Democrat in the contest to succeed term-limited Democrat Phil Murphy as governor is jockeying to the left of the president. Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney has called on the party to disavow sanctuary state policies supported by Baraka and others and get back to listening to regular people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other candidates are concentrating on the economy, especially New Jersey's sky-high property taxes. (The average property tax bill recently topped $10,000 a year) Rep. Josh Gottheimer says he's running to be the lower taxes governor. On immigration, Gottheimer backed the border deal Republicans rejected last year and voted for the Laken Riley Act requiring detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop points to the progressive-backed victories his city led on, such as raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour before the state and distancing himself from local political party bosses. On immigration, Fulop called the Laken Riley Act dangerous and said it undermines the authority of the governor and state attorney general. New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, backed by his influential union, says making the economy better for working class people is his priority, though he also has said the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants is unacceptable. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a former prosecutor and Navy pilot, has highlighted her biography. She's emphasized both stronger border security to stop the flow of fentanyl but also called for a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who are working hard, who are paying taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The broader campaign New to this governors race is the dissolution of the so-called county line, a ballot design unique to New Jersey in which local party leaders could give preferred candidates prime positioning. The preferential placement was seen as giving party bosses undue influence, but it's gone thanks in large part to a lawsuit filed by Sen. Andy Kim last year while he was running for his seat. Republicans are also locked in a primary, largely contested over who most favors the president's agenda. One exception is state Sen. Jon Bramnick, who has said many of the president's policies won't help the GOP win a general election in a state with nearly 1 million more Democrats than Republicans. Also competing are former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who nearly defeated Murphy in 2021, along with one-time state Sen. Ed Durr, radio host Bill Spadea and former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's a sense among Republicans that Democrats may be vulnerable on immigration. Even Trump skeptics have rejected sanctuary policies like the so-called immigrant trust policy that prohibits local police from working with federal officials to enforce immigration laws. The GOP has not won a single U.S. Senate race in New Jersey over the last five decades but has fared better in gubernatorial campaigns. Former governors Chris Christie, Christine Todd Whitman and Tom Kean Sr. each won two terms for the party over the last few decades. Democrats are stumbling out of the gate ahead of the Senate elections in 2026, with early retirements stacking the odds against them in the battle for a majority they lost in Novembers elections. New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen on Wednesday became the third Democratic incumbent to announce she would not seek reelection in 2026, following Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith and Michigan Sen. Gary Peters. Democrats could hold the Senate seats in all three states in 2026, as the party out of the White House historically gained ground in the first midterm election of a presidents term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it will certainly be more of an uphill climb without the three incumbents. Democrats also lost a major recruit for the Michigan race when former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he would not run for the Senate. The end result is a map Republicans see as ripe with opportunities, and one where Democrats will be playing some defense. In addition to defending seats in Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire, Democrats will be hoping that Sen. Jon Ossoff can win a second term in Georgia, a state President Trump won in 2024. Democratic strategists are acknowledging the hurdles, while noting that the midterm history is on their side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are hopeful they can go on offense in Maine, a state President Biden won in 2024 where GOP Sen. Susan Collins faces reelection; and North Carolina, where GOP Sen. Thom Tillis is seen as vulnerable. And they also think that political fortunes will turn on the GOP and Trump. Jim Demers, a New Hampshire lobbyist and Democratic strategist, said the 2026 Senate map looked like it could be challenging for his party while adding, Many Republican seats could end up really being in play, because I think voters are starting to get really concerned about what President Trump and Elon Musk are doing. I think theres a real concern that a lot of voters have that congressional Republicans are just simply rolling over and doing whatever Trump wants without even asking any questions, he explained. And I think if that continues, this whole map could look totally different in a few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Hampshire, the GOP is hopeful that former Gov. Chris Sununu could get into the race. The Republican told The Washington Times on Tuesday that he was keeping the door open to a run for Shaheens seat after previously saying he had no intention of running for the Senate. I have not ruled it out completely, but folks in Washington have asked me to think about it and to consider it, and that is just kind of where I am, he told the news outlet. Other Republicans who could join the race could include former Trump ambassador and Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, who tried to make a Senate run in neighboring New Hampshire in 2014 and lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown told The Hill last week that he is thinking about running for the seat. His challenge could be convincing New Hampshire voters he is one of them; though hes been living in the Granite State for some time, his time representing Massachusetts hangs over him. Hes always been seen as having this Massachusetts style of politics that hasnt quite resonated with the grassroots, said Matt Mowers, a New Hampshire Republican strategist and former congressional candidate. Brown also broke with Trump in 2021 following the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol, saying the president absolutely bears responsibility for the attack. Theres so much skepticism of him from the base, Mowers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source familiar confirmed to The Hill that Mowers himself has also received outreach about running on the Republican side to fill Shaheens seat. Reps. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) are both considering Senate bids, according to sources who spoke to The Hill. Former Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) told Axios she would consider a run if Pappas doesnt end up entering the race. In Michigan, Democrats are brushing off Buttigiegs decision, arguing it wont be a huge impediment to holding the seat. Buttigieg himself has noted that he hasnt lived in the state for that long, and his decision to sit out this cycle was widely seen as one made with an eye toward the presidential election in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, we have a very deep bench in Michigan, a lot of folks who will make outstanding senators, Peters told The Hill on Thursday. I think [in New Hampshire], theres a good Democratic bench there as well, and theres one in Minnesota. So Im confident were going to win all of these states, he continued. Minnesota has been a reliably blue state for Democrats in presidential elections, and it hasnt elected a GOP senator since 2002. David Bergstein, a spokesperson for the Senate Democrats campaign arm, also suggested there were pickup opportunities for the party given the midterm environment. This Senate map is ripe with offensive opportunities Democrats can take advantage of, particularly as the midterm backlash builds against Republicans, he said in a statement. Open seats in states the GOP hasnt won in decades dont change the fundamentals of the cycle: Republicans have more seats to defend, and theyre doing it in a hostile political environment. 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. Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles Saturday to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. Protestors said they were denouncing the dismantling of federal departments and programs that support communities in need. Even though things are not looking very good, weve got to make the best [of it], said a protestor named Perla who works as a special education assistant for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Do not cut our medical, do not cut our Social Security, please do not do that. Our kids are in need. Our parents are in need, even our elders. Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Demonstrators held a rally in downtown Los Angeles on March 15, 2025, to protest the Trump administrations policies which they say are failing to protect citizens and immigrant communities. (KTLA) Perla said shes concerned the administrations focus on cutting federal programs will significantly harm underserved communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were here to fight because we cannot settle, she said. Trump has changed so many things when he became president. Immigrants, we have our children, our students who are afraid to come in. For parents, weve been passing out little purple cards that let them know to not open the door. President Donald Trump has made sweeping changes since he began his second term in January. The Elon Musk-led advisory body, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), has been working to drastically reduce the federal workforce and cut government spending. At the same time, the Trump Administration has said it will not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits, but instead focus on cracking down on fraud, immigration, international tarriffs and wasteful government spending. KTLA photojournalist Phil Ige contributed to this report. 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 KTLA. DENVER (KDVR) The Denver Police Department is on the scene of a stabbing incident that occurred on Saturday afternoon, according to a post on X from the department. The stabbing occurred near Park Avenue West and Globeville Road. At least 26 dead in massive US storm after Kansas reports 8 fatalities A victim was transported to a hospital with unknown injuries. Investigators are working to develop more information on the incident. 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. Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@fresnobee.com. The news that the Department of Homeland Security has pressured the Internal Revenue Service to help with immigration enforcement actions has stirred up more concerns of potential mass deportations in Fresno and the Central Valley. Last month, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem deputized special agents within the U.S. State Departments Diplomatic Security Service and the IRS to aid in arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants. DHS has also pushed the IRS to provide the addresses of nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants as it seeks to carry out President Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda, the New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how IRS employees would assist DHS with mass deportations, but some immigrant rights advocates worry that it would be through records of Individual Taxpayer Identification Number filers. The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, also known as ITIN, was developed by the IRS as a way for workers without a valid Social Security Number to pay federal taxes. The DHS referred questions to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the IRS. Neither agency responded to requests for comment. An IRS employee who was not authorize to speak on the issue said employees dont know if or when they would be directed to assist DHS with immigration enforcement. Undocumented Californians contribute nearly $8.5 billion in taxes annually, according to the California Budget & Policy Center, a research and analysis nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, households led by undocumented immigrants contributed an estimated $75.6 billion in taxes, according to the American Immigration Council. Manuel Cunha, Jr., President of the Fresno-based Nisei Farmers League, said he started receiving phone calls and emails concerning the potential use of ITIN to deport immigrants last month. Cunha said one of the concerns is that the IRS would target businesses who may have hired undocumented workers. This will have an impact on industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, landscaping and others including our rural communities, Cunha said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to news reports, undocumented farmworkers immigrants in California fear that the information they report to the IRS where they live and work could be used against them by immigration authorities when filing their taxes returns with an ITIN number. Antonio De Loera, communications director for United Farm Workers, said farmworkers are already paying taxes through payroll deductions and news of DHS using ITIN numbers to deport people remains largely speculative. Dont want to spread additional fear about it, De Loera said. While ITIN information is suppose to stay confidential with the IRS, he said the main concern right now for farmworkers is being picked up by ICE or border patrol in public places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really the raids, the kind of arrest out in the community what is causing the most fear, De Loera said. Vianey Barraza Chavez, program manager for special projects at Education and Leadership Foundation, said the nonprofit offers ITIN application and renewal services and helps individuals file their taxes. We understand that some undocumented individuals may feel hesitant to file their taxes because of concerns related to the policies of the Trump administration, Barraza Chavez said. However, we are here to support those who choose to file and do remind them that their information is being sent to the IRS and can be accessed by the government. Monica Diaz, an accountant and owner of Diaz Financial Service in Fresno, said many of her clients who use ITIN numbers to file federal tax returns have been in the IRS system for decades during previous administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DIaz said many of her clients are more concerned about being in public places than filing their federal taxes. Cunha said the DHS efforts to enlist the help of the IRS for deportations targets individuals who use the ITIN program to pay taxes who are hardworking people who play an important role in our economy. We dont have a problem if the IRS goes after the criminals who have been money laundering, fraudulent or playing the system. But lets protect our honest and hardworking people from our communities, he said. What people should know about ITIN application or renewal services? According to the IRS, people without a Social Security Number can request an ITIN number using a W-7 form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to bring: You will need to provide supporting documents to prove your identity and country of origin. The most common documents used include a birth certificate and consular ID or passport. An ITIN application must be mailed out with a copy of a tax return for the IRS to process it. How long it takes: The process of applying or renewing an ITIN can take about 7 to 11 weeks depending on the volume of applications the IRS receives. How long is the ITIN valid?: An ITIN is valid for as long as you continue to file taxes. However, if an ITIN is inactive for three or more consecutive years (meaning it is not used on a tax return during that period), it will automatically expire. Renewal: ITINs dont last indefinitely even though there is no expiration date printed on them. They need to be renewed if you receive a notice from the IRS, which will inform you when its time to renew. If an ITIN is inactive for three or more years it will need to be renewed the next time the taxpayer wants to file their taxes. The IRS can accept a tax return with an expiring or expired ITIN, but there may be processing delays. The front door to the Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Center in downtown is shown Thursday, March 13, 2025 in Fresno. Concerns have been raised that Department of Homeland Security is using IRS agents in immigration enforcement. The Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Center in downtown is shown Thursday, March 13, 2025 in Fresno. Concerns have been raised that Department of Homeland Security is using IRS agents in immigration enforcement. DES MOINES, Iowa According to airport officials, 50,000 people will travel through the Des Moines Airport between March 14th and March 23rd, a 13% increase in traffic from last year. The Des Moines Airport is asking travelers to park in its grey parking lot as the garage parking is full. Airport officials also recommend arriving 90+ minutes before a flight scheduled departure time. Spring break staycation day trip ideas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tim Kramer, an Iowan traveling to Arizona for spring break, said he was excited to fly to warmer weather. Were excited. We have the flip flops packed. Swimsuits ready to jump in the pool. Kramer said. To check incoming and outgoing flights, visit the Des Moines International Airports 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 who13.com. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. On March 16, 1984, William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut, was kidnapped by Hezbollah militants; he would be tortured by his captors and killed in 1985. In the Deseret News story of the day, Buckley was listed as an American diplomat. One year later to the day, Associated Press correspondent Terry Anderson was kidnapped in Beirut by Hezbollah militants; he would spend nearly seven years in captivity before being freed in December 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One man made it home, the other did not. Per Deseret News investigative reporters Jack Anderson and Dale Van Atta, Buckley was seized by three gunmen as he headed for his office in the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. The most reliable intelligence now places his death about Oct. 4, 1985. But not until the following Dec. 5 was the CIA certain he was dead. We broke the news on Dec. 13, 1985, reporting that Buckley was the victim of savage torture that had induced a heart attack. The CIA, paralyzed by this unprecedented capture and abuse of one of its key officials, could not decide how to respond. So CIA officials denied our story. The following February, President Reagan admitted to us, off the record, that Buckley was dead. But it was a full year after we broke the story that his death was publicly acknowledged, and the CIA has continued to suppress the details, the pair reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, even today, little is known about Buckley, what information he gave up to his captors and about CIA activities. Acknowledging the fallen At CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, the Memorial Wall is located in the Original Headquarters Building lobby on the north wall. There are 140 stars carved into the marble wall, representing CIA employees who have died in the line of duty. In front of the wall is a glass-encased Book of Honor. It lists the names of 106 officers who died while serving their country. The names of the remaining 34 officers must remain secret, even in death; each of these officers is remembered in the book by a star. This wall memorializes those men and women who served and sacrificed in silence. Here are some Deseret News articles about Buckley, the CIA and its operatives and how it acknowledges its own: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CIA official tortured to death, gave secrets CIA remembers fallen covert operatives CIA officers marks death of spy with rare request Higgins body flown back to base in U.S. Veil of secrecy shrouding dead CIA officer lifted CIA defector dies in Moscow CIA has a brutal history of assassination attempts Former CIA officer shares tools, tricks to protect self, family in Spy Secrets GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) The victims have been identified in a deadly plane crash in Greenville on Friday morning. A small plane crashed around 7:50 a.m. soon after taking off from Pitt-Greenville Airport. Officials said the private plane took off about 5 minutes before the crash and was heading to Vero Beach, Florida. Sunday, a Greenville dental practice identified the two victims as Dr. Mark Bowman and his wife Robin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With devastated and broken hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Dr. Bowman and his beautiful wife, Robin in a tragic plane crash, a note said on the social media page for Bowman, Padgett & Associates. RELATED: Flight tracker shows path of NC plane crash that killed 2 near Greenville airport The Beechcraft A36 plane crashed in a storage yard of Consolidated Pipe and Supply at 1630 North Greene St., according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The plane, with tail number N566C, was registered to a company listed with an address of a home owned by the Bowmans at Salter Path on the North Carolina coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowman received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Biology, followed by his DDS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986, according to the dental practice website. Dr. Bowman blessed our practice with over 30 years of dentistry and nurtured many relationships over those years, the dentistry said in the note Sunday. His work was admirable, and he was so much more than a dentist to all that were blessed to know him. Flight Radar24 image A tracking image from FlightRadar24 showed the plane making a short flight Friday near Pitt-Greenville Airport. Bowman was also a skilled pilot and loves to soar through the clouds, his bio said on the dental practice website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Bowman exemplified what it meant to live a life full of purpose and integrity. He was an inspiration to many that came after him in the dental field and his passion radiated through the lives of all around him. It was a true privilege to be a witness to the legacy he has left behind, Bowman, Padgett & Associates statement said. WNCT reported Saturday that the plane involved in the deadly crash was recently for sale in Greensboro. A video on the Carolina Aircraft Incorporated YouTube channel shows the plane with the same tail number was for sale last year. Bowmans biography said he was involved in many organizations including memberships in the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society, 5th District Dental Society, and the Flying Dentist Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Bowman will forever be in our hearts as we strive to make him proud in all that we do. Please keep his family and our team in your thoughts and prayers, the dentistry statement said. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further 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 CBS17.com. Three years ago, as Hurricane Ian dropped nearly 18 inches of water on Central Florida, flooding from Shingle Creek left hundreds of Osceola County residents stranded. Now Orange County is considering a development that threatens to increase the flood risk. The Tuscana project would bring over 1,600 hotel rooms and 5,200 multi-family dwelling units to an area of agricultural-zoned land near Central Floridas theme parks and close to parts of 20-mile long Shingle Creek, extending into sensitive wetlands that serve as the headwaters to the Everglades and run through Osceola County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida originally had like 4 million acres of wetlands and theyre like the kidneys of our land so the pendulum of protecting them as they get more rare is critical, said Gabrielle Milch of the Sierra Club, noting that wetlands absorb stormwater that otherwise can run off into neighborhoods. Weve tried to do a good job but the competing interests of economics and social values doesnt always consider the environmental impacts. Last week the Tuscana project was set to be reviewed by Orange Countys Development Review Committee. But applicant Kimley-Horn, representing developers Shingle Creek Co-owners LLC and Geyer Development LLC, amended its rezoning proposal the night before in an apparent effort to make it more palatable. Included was a 22-acre decrease, from 58 to 36 acres, of the portion of the development that would remove wetlands. The entire development would occupy 227 acres surrounded by undeveloped forest and lying on the eastern portion of Shingle Creek Basin. Kimley-Horn had already requested waivers from the countys code to build at a higher density, raising some buildings over 200 feet in the air. In this case, the company argues, the more intense development mitigates the environmental impact by reducing the buildings footprint and the amount of wetlands affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orange County staff said they didnt have enough time to review the new details and scheduled a decision on whether to move the proposal to public hearings at the next development committee meeting on April 2. Kimley-Horn declined an interview request from the Orlando Sentinel. While Orange County staff has many questions for the developer, Tuscana is being judged under more relaxed county rules established in 1987, but later tightened. The developer only needs to show it is attempting to minimize the projects wetland impact and that it doesnt require a cumulative impact analysis, said Tim Hull, environmental programs administrator for the Orange Countys environmental protection division. Kimley-Horn is seeking to make that case. Project Manager Jennifer Stickler told the committee board that the developer plans to offset any impact to the wetlands by preserving over 176 acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023 the county adopted a more stringent code that more aggressively protects wetlands, but Tuscana began its application process right before the new code took effect. However, Hull said the county will require Kimley-Horn to explain in more detail how it will handle stormwater as part of its project. Shingle Creek is a very important drainage basin in the county, Hull said. The county is very tuned in to flood concerns once the applicant is at the level where theyre providing engineering plans thats when they provide more details on stormwater management. Even though the impacts may be felt in Osceola, that county is not involved in the process, Hull said. Instead the South Florida Water Management District, which oversees waters in both Orange and Osceola, has oversight and it has already issued a preliminary permit for the development, he said. Environmentalists say thats a concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Capece is an environmental researcher who leads Kissimmee Water Keeper, a global network of water protection organizations. Capece said its alarming that the development is even under consideration, given its invasion into critical wetlands that store so much water. The undeveloped complex there west of Shingle Creek where Tuscana is proposed is the largest wetland complex remaining along the Shingle Creek System, Capece said. Whenever you constrain a flood plain, you have the potential to enhance flooding that will occur in other areas. Even with the existing level of devleopment, flooding along Shingle Creek during Hurricane Ian in 2022 rendered more than 500 homes uninhabitable in the Good Samaritan retirement community at Kissimmee Village. Adding to Capeces concern, climate change has made previous flood maps outdated and extreme rainfall events more common, he said. A 2022 study Capece was involved with researching for the South Florida Water Management District estimated that extreme rainfall events would increase by roughly 60% regionwide, including in Orange County, from 2020 through 2059. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a huge amount, Capece said. And itll generate even more than 60% runoff or flooding because much of the initial rainfall is stored in various parts of wetlandstherefore every acre of wetland, every acre of storage potential becomes more critical. Capece said the county or developer should be required to do computer modeling of flooding. State agencies in charge of overseeing multiple counties have become lax, he said. Tuscana is just the latest illustration of the pressures growth is placing on environmentally sensitive areas in Central Florida. Once protected, Split Oak Forest soon will have a highway slice through a portion of it despite fierce community opposition. There may be more stringent guidelines in the future. Hull said Orange Countys new updated code increases environmental protections. While Tuscana is being considered under the earlier codes, the Board of County Commissioners has the ultimate say as it balances growth with conserving land. The project is scheduled to be presented to the board on May 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon Spears formerly sat on the planning and zoning advisory board of Orange County. He said not only will the development increase flood risk but the area lacks urban infrastructure. It may pass the development review committee but it wouldnt surprise me if the board of county commissioners dont pass it, Spears said. The Shingle Creek basin not only offers wetlands that store water to mitigate flooding but trails and bike paths that are close to the heart of many in the region. A mother of five, Lauren Allen brought two of her children to the development committee meeting where she spoke against Tuscana. Allen said her kids, who range in age from 7 to 18, enjoy the creek and are worried the development will destroy a treasured play spot. One of the things my daughter said is she was very concerned that they were not going to be any more beautyberries because when she had been hiking on one of the trails with her grandma they found them, Allen said. Her grandma said next time well make some beautyberry jam but now shes worried shell never get to make beautyberry jam. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) An independent review board has deemed an investigation into a former Diocese of Youngstown priest appropriate. In June of last year, the Diocese placed Father Michael Swierz, priest of St. Patrick Parish in Hubbard and also the president of St. Joseph the Provider School, on administrative leave and launched an investigation into an incident that occurred in the 1980s at St. Rose Parish in Girard. Swierz ultimately resigned, and in September, according to the Diocese, the investigations findings were presented to an independent review board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released on Sunday, the Diocese said the board determined that the information presented was warranted the actions taken by the Diocese, and the investigation was appropriate. The Diocese said the case was forwarded to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) for a full review. The DDF is a department of the Roman Curia and oversees religious discipline within the Church. A position statement from Swierz was also provided to the DDF. First News has been unsuccessful in previous attempts of contact. On January 22, the DDF affirmed the Dioceses actions. The DDFs decision is an affirmation of the difficult but necessary actions taken. These are never easy matters. Thankfully, we have a strong policy in place with procedures and protocols that ensure a thorough and just process of investigation. I am grateful for all those who participated in this inquiry, most especially the input of the outside Independent Review Board and the validation offered by the Holy See. This has been painful on many levels. I pray for healing for anyone hurt by any member of the Church. Diocese of Youngstown Bishop David J. Bonnar The Diocese said they will not have further comment on the matter and that Swierz has retired from the ministry. 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. Ruslan Petrychka, Chief of the Ukrainian service of Voice of America, has shared a post from the broadcaster's director, Michael Abramowitz, confirming that VOA has suspended its broadcasting. Source: Petrychka on Facebook Quote from Petrychka: "Message from the director of Voice of America. At this time, the Ukrainian service of Voice of America has suspended broadcasting. All employees have been placed on administrative leave. What happens next is still unclear". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: In his post, Abramowitz mentioned that he is "deeply saddened", as this is the first time in 83 years that "Voice of America is being silenced". Abramowitz added that 1,300 employees of the broadcaster have been sent on administrative leave. Background: Earlier, media outlets reported that a significant number of employees of the American international broadcaster Voice of America were placed on "administrative" leave on Saturday, which could mean the actual cessation of the broadcaster's work. Later, former VOA employee Ostap Yarysh confirmed this information. On 15 March, it was revealed that the Trump administration cut funding for the entire Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty network. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has already described the decision as "a massive gift to America's enemies". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Michigan DNR officers recently confirmed a case of chronic wasting disease in northern Michigan deer. Thats as the department is reconsidering a ban on deer baiting meant to stop the spread of disease. According to the Detroit News, officials with Michigans DNR are open to negotiating changes to penalties associated with that controversial ban on deer baiting. Thats as the department looks to increase fees for hunting and fishing licenses. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission drew significant scrutiny in 2018 when it banned baiting in the Lower Peninsula over concerns that deer would spread chronic wasting disease and other illnesses through bait piles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, bills introduced in Lansing last week would allow hunters to bait and receive free doe tags. Under one bill, Michigan hunters could buy a $20 permit in areas where baiting is banned allowing them to use up to five gallons of bait per day at a hunting spot during the fall deer season. Proceeds from that would go towards research and monitoring diseases in free-ranging deer and elk in Michigan. Additional legislation would include two free doe permits with the purchase of a base license encouraging the hunting of does and helping curb the states surging deer population. The current penalty for baiting or feeding deer in the Lower Peninsula is a 90-day misdemeanor, with a fine between $50 to $500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -A Rhode Island doctor who is an assistant professor at Brown University's medical school has been deported to Lebanon even though a judge had issued an order blocking the U.S. visa holder's immediate removal from the country, according to court papers. The expulsion of Dr. Rasha Alawieh, 34, is set to be the focus of a hearing on Monday before a federal judge in Boston, who on Sunday demanded information on whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection had "willfully" disobeyed his order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, said he had received a "detailed and specific" timeline of the events from an attorney working on Alawieh's behalf that raised "serious allegations" about whether his order was violated. The agency has not said why she was removed. But her expulsion came as Republican U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has sought to sharply restrict border crossing and ramp up immigration arrests. A CBP spokesperson, Hilton Beckham, in a statement said migrants bear the burden of establishing admissibility and that the agency's officers "adhere to strict protocols to identify and stop threats." Alawieh, a Lebanese citizen who lives in Providence, was detained on Thursday after arriving at Logan International Airport in Boston after traveling to Lebanon to see relatives, according to a lawsuit filed by her cousin, Yara Chehab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had held a visa to be in the United States since 2018, when she first came to complete a two-year fellowship at Ohio State University before then completing a fellowship at the University of Washington and then moving to the Yale-Waterbury Internal Medicine Program, which she completed in June. While in Lebanon, the U.S. consulate issued Alawieh an H-1B visa authorizing her entry into the United States to work at Brown University, the lawsuit said. Such visas are reserved for people from other countries who are employed in specialty occupations. Despite that visa, CBP detained her at the airport for reasons her family members have still not been provided, according to the lawsuit, which argued her rights were being violated. In response to the lawsuit, Sorokin on Friday evening issued orders barring Alawieh's removal from Massachusetts without 48 hours' notice to the court and requiring her to be brought to a court hearing on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet according to the cousin's attorneys, after that order was issued, Alawieh was flown to Paris, where she was then set to board a flight for Lebanon that had been scheduled for Sunday. Sorokin on Sunday directed the government to provide a legal and factual response by Monday morning ahead of the previously scheduled hearing and to preserve all emails, text messages and other documents concerning Alawieh's arrival and removal. Concerns have also been raised in other cases about whether the Trump administration is complying with court rulings blocking parts of its agenda. The Trump administration on Sunday said it has deported hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador under seldom-used wartime powers, despite a federal judge's order temporarily barring such deportations. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Additional reporting by Helen Coster in New York; Editing by Amy Stevens, Andrea Ricci and Lincoln Feast.) A doctor has revealed Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, didn't die on February 11, as officers claim, because she called his clinic on February 12. Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their three dogs were found dead in their home in New Mexico on February 26, with the initial suspicion being that they died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. However, law enforcement officials from Santa Fe County revealed that Arakawa died of Hantavirus on February 11, while Hackman died seven days later due to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's being a contributing factor. Doctor Says Gene Hackman's Wife 'Didn't Die On February 11' News Licensing / MEGA The circumstances surrounding Arakawa and Hackman's deaths continue to generate confusion, with a doctor now adding another angle to the mystery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Dr. Josiah Child told the Daily Mail that officers were wrong about Arakawa's day of death. He said, "Mrs. Hackman didn't die on February 11 because she called my clinic on February 12." Child, a former emergency care specialist who now runs Cloudberry Health in Santa Fe, explained further, "She'd called me a couple of weeks before her death to ask about getting an echocardiogram [heart scan] for her husband. She was not a patient of mine, but one of my patients recommended Cloudberry to her." He also said, "She made an appointment for herself for February 12. It was for something unrelated to anything respiratory." Dr. Josiah Child Says Betsy Arakawa Canceled Her February 12 Appointment News Licensing / MEGA The doctor said Arakawa canceled her appointment two days before she was to see him because Gene Hackman was unwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also revealed, "She called back on the morning of February 12 and spoke to one of our doctors who told her to come in that afternoon." Dr. Child said, "We made her an appointment but she never showed up. She did not show any symptoms of respiratory distress." He added, "The appointment wasn't for anything related to hantavirus. We tried calling her a couple of times with no reply." Dr. Child Doesn't Think Hantavirus Caused Gene Hackman's Wife's Death CAMERA PRESS/Pat Lyttle/MEGA The doctor's revelations that Arakawa was alive on the day the coroner claimed she died adds another layer of mystery to an already stressful situation. However, Dr. Child is also disputing that hantavirus is the cause of Arakawa's death as she showed no signs of "respiratory distress." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, "I am not a hantavirus expert but most patients who have that diagnosis die in hospital. It is surprising that Mrs. Hackman spoke to my office on the phone on February 10 and again on February 12 and didn't appear in respiratory distress." Meanwhile, a Los Angeles-based doctor spoke to the outlet on Sunday and cast more doubt on hantavirus being the cause of Arakawa's demise. They said, "Medical professionals are all scratching their heads over hantavirus as the cause of death. Respiratory failure is not sudden it is something that worsens over several days." The doctor concluded, "Most people get admitted to the ER [emergency room] because they are having trouble breathing. It's exceedingly rare for a seemingly healthy 65-year-old to drop dead of it. In fact, no one's heard of such a thing." Betsy Arakawa's Final Days On February 11, 2025, Arakawa, 65, reportedly carried out her usual activities, visiting a grocery store, pharmacy, and pet food shop before returning home to Santa Fe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities believe she died that same day from hantavirus, a rare but deadly disease linked to rodent droppings. Following her passing, there was no further communication or activity from her. Gene Hackman's Passing and Discovery Hackman, 95, who suffered from Alzheimers disease, was likely unaware of his wife's death. His pacemaker data recorded heart activity on February 17, with an irregular rhythm on February 18, suggesting he passed away that day due to heart disease. Arakawa and Hackman's bodies were found on February 26 when a maintenance worker reported them unresponsive. Authorities ruled both deaths as natural causesArakawa from hantavirus and Hackman from heart disease, with Alzheimers as a contributing factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, reflected on the couple's death, stressing the need to support caregivers. She highlighted how Arakawa, Hackman's caregiver, passed away a week before him, reinforcing the challenges caregivers face. Drawing from her own experience caring for Bruce, who has frontotemporal dementia, Emma urged people to recognize caregivers' struggles. She debunked the myth that caregivers "have it all figured out," insisting they also need care. In an Instagram post, she emphasized, "Caregivers need care too. Period. Full stop." A new one-dose malaria vaccine has demonstrated 90% protection against the disease, which kills more than half a million people globally each year. News Medical Life Sciences reported on Sanaria's PfSPZ-LARC2 vaccine, which uses genetically weakened parasites that replicate in the liver but halt progression before reaching the blood stage to ensure that vaccinated individuals do not experience malaria-related symptoms. Clinical trials of PfSPZ are scheduled to start this year in the U.S., Germany, and Burkina Faso, with hopes for global deployment in the next three years. When you're choosing health and beauty products, which of these factors is most important to you? Cost Brand name Ingredients Packaging Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The vaccine comes at a critical moment. Scientists say warming global temperatures are creating the perfect conditions for mosquito populations to thrive and expand, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, Zika, and dengue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, malaria risk zones have reached higher elevations in the Ethiopian Highlands due to rising temperatures, according to Climate.gov. Meanwhile, a recent study predicted that several mosquito species' populations will expand their ranges in North and South America in the coming years thanks to warming weather trends. Though considered a breakthrough, the new malaria vaccine isn't the first. A pilot program testing a GSK-produced vaccine in Africa resulted in a 13% decrease in deaths due to this disease among young children over a four-year period. In early 2024, Cameroon became the first nation to launch a mass vaccination campaign against malaria. Sanaria CEO Stephen L. Hoffman said the company's new PfSPZ-LARC2 vaccine is "expected to be our flagship going forward," according to News Medical Life Sciences Professor Sodiomon Sirima of Groupe de Recherche Action en Sante, who is the principal investigator on the upcoming Burkina Faso trial, added, "We are excited about assessing PfSPZ-LARC2 Vaccine in Burkina Faso, as it is the only malaria vaccine in development that has the potential of achieving the WHO goal of at least 90% protection against Pf infection." Pf, or Plasmodium falciparum, is the deadliest malaria parasite. 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. When British novelist J.B. Priestley visited the Grand Canyon in the 1930s, he described it as "all of Beethoven's nine symphonies in stone and magic light." "If I were an American," he wrote, "I should make my remembrance of it the final test of men, art, and policies Every member or officer of the federal government ought to remind himself, with triumphant pride, that he is on the staff of the Grand Canyon." In February, as part of the Trump Administration's effort to shrink the size of the federal workforce, approximately 1,000 employees were laid off across the Park Service. When the federal government fired some of the Park Service staff who work at the canyon, this was the scene near the South Rim: A protest at Grand Canyon National Park, after approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees were fired by the Trump administration. / Credit: CBS News In the weeks since, there have been protests at hundreds of park service sites, from Acadia to Zion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim Landahl worked as a seasonal ranger for years, until he got a promotion to a permanent posting at Grand Canyon six months ago. Then came the termination email. He said it stated that "we lacked the necessary skills, qualifications, fitness to perform this job. And I didn't take that personally at all, because I knew that was a lie. I knew that was false. Whoever wrote that letter wasn't hiking with me down into the canyon in a hundred-degree heat to do our job." Landahl's work involved restoring habitat disturbed by the reconstruction of the park's failing Transcanyon Waterline, which provides water to lodges and other infrastructure. Since he'd been in this position for less than a year, he was classified as a "probationary employee." "The project is a critical infrastructure project for Grand Canyon," said archeologist Leah Gallo. "And without it, there would be pretty much no Grand Canyon." Gallo had only been working on the project for two weeks when she was let go. "I spent pretty much every dime to move here," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this past Thursday, two federal judges ruled that the government must reinstate thousands of fired probationary workers across several agencies, finding that the layoffs were carried out under false pretenses that performance wasn't a factor. It's currently unclear if and when Park Service staff might be back on the job. Judge orders 6 agencies to rehire fired federal probationary workers after "unlawful" terminations Mindy Riesenberg is the chief of communications for the Grand Canyon Conservancy, a non-profit group that supports the park. As we enter the busy season, she says she's worried about people having to wait in several-hour-long lines just to get into the park. "We had almost five million visitors last year at Grand Canyon," she said. "And now I think we're down to about 11 fee collectors for the South Rim, for five million people a year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we visited the canyon last weekend, visitors were waiting up to an hour-and-a-half to enter the park. In New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park had cancelled all ranger-led tours. Colorado's Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument announced it would be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays due to the staffing cuts. Cuts also impact ongoing projects visitors might not see, like the Transcanyon Waterline. Riesenberg said, "That project is going to be held up, because scientists and botanists and arborists who were replanting trees down there for shade, for safety, after that project, and that's all gonna stop. It's gonna hold the project up." Chuck Sams, who served as the 19th director of the National Park Service, stepped down in January. He said, "To me, it looks like there's no rhyme or reason about why these things are taking place." During his time as director, Sams said, "I absolutely felt that we needed more employees. National Park Service needs at least 15% to as much as 25% more staff on the ground in order to fully meet its mandate. It's important that these folks are out there. And now, we've seen a 10% reduction in staff. So it's gonna be detrimental to people's experiences in the parks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked for comment, the National Park Service's Office of Public Affairs told "CBS Sunday Morning," "The National Park Service remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the American public and preserving the natural and cultural resources entrusted to our care. However, NPS policy is to not comment on litigation related to personnel matters." Meanwhile, a group of current employees known as the "Resistance Rangers" has been tracking the cuts, speaking out on behalf of their fired coworkers. One ranger, who asked that we conceal their identity out of fear of retaliation, told us, "None of us want to be doing this. We're public land servants. We're civil servants who just want to be doing our job. I cannot separate myself from the mission. I am doing this for the love of public lands. I'm doing this for my nieces and nephews. I'm doing this for the people to come in 150 years." The ranger is especially worried about the crush of visitors who will be headed to understaffed parks this spring and summer. "We were hobbled to begin with, and now our kneecaps are cut off," they said. "In addition to that, we have $12 billion in maintenance deficit. Like, every single national park you ask me about that I've been to, I can point out six or seven high-priority products that need to happen in order to protect the integrity of that place. We just had our highest visitation year ever in history; 331 million people went to parks last year. That is an absurd number of people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans love their national parks. Last year, a Pew Research Center opinion poll found that, when it comes to federal agencies, the public has the most favorable view of the National Park Service. It ranked highest with Democrats AND Republicans. Sams said, "During my service as the National Park Service director, I had never met a member of Congress that didn't love the park that was in their home state. And I generally saw bipartisan support for the National Park Service. Moving forward, there has to be a strong understanding that parks aren't partisan. The flora and fauna, the natural and cultural resources inside of the park don't belong to any political party." Fired training specialist Lynda Jones joined the Park Service to serve her country. "Both my parents are veterans," she said. "They served in the military. And they instilled in me the importance of public service." While Thursday's court rulings have reinstated her position at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (at least temporarily), the Trump administration has appealed and a larger reduction in force is still possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which leaves park staff like Jones dealing with an uncertain future, worried about what's to come. "This is the story of America," Jones said, tearing up. "The story of the people who live here. And it doesn't matter your background or where you're from. These places belong to all of us. And they really are America's best idea." For more info: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (National Park Service)Grand Canyon Conservancy"Resistance Rangers" on InstagramGlen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona/Utah (National Park Service) Story produced by Anthony Laudato. Editor: Carol Ross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump sends Iran a warning while ordering strikes against Houthis in Yemen Retail giants like Macy's, Walgreens face financial turmoil Senate passes short-term funding bill, averting a government shutdown Officials are warning the public that DUI patrols in Los Angeles County will be in maximum enforcement mode this weekend and Monday for St. Patricks Day celebrations. The California Highway Patrol and other agencies will hold DUI checkpoints across Southern California, as well as up and down the rest of the state. KTLAs Chris Wolfe spoke with CHP officers on Saturday in the San Gabriel Valley which, unfortunately, is a hotspot for DUI-related car crashes according to law enforcement officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a few nights ago, a suspected drunken driver was arrested after a two-car collision left one person injured in Baldwin Park. It happened on Thursday night, and at least one of the vehicles slammed into a tree near a home. According to police, the adult suspected of driving under the influence had an underage passenger in the vehicle, leading to additional charges of child endangerment. The wreckage of a DUI crash is seen in Baldwin Park. March 2025. (Baldwin Park News) The wreckage of a DUI crash is seen in Baldwin Park. March 2025. (Baldwin Park News) The wreckage of a DUI crash is seen in Baldwin Park. March 2025. (Baldwin Park News) The wreckage of a DUI crash is seen in Baldwin Park. March 2025. (Baldwin Park News) The Baldwin Park Police Department issued a message for those planning to celebrate, saying Dont push your luck! St. Patricks Day is a time for fun, friends, and celebration! But if your plans include alcohol, dont rely on luck plan ahead and have a sober ride home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drunken driving often leads to violent and deadly consequences, and even a first-time offender will face jail time and likely have to pay around $15,000 to $20,000 in fees, penalties, attorney fees, court-mandated treatment, counseling programs and more. Not to mention the potential loss of their drivers license for up to one year, and quite possibly the loss of their job. It could be anybody, a neighbor, a family member, a teacher, said CHP Officer Joseph Davila. Its basically a crime of choice. The CHP said it recommends the following steps to avoid impaired driving: Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before you go out to drink. If you are hosting a party, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party. If you see a friend who is too drunk to drive, take their keys and call them a cab or ride-share, or give them a ride home. If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911. Your phone call may save someones life. 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 KTLA. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Portlanders rallied in the rain Saturday to demand national, state and local leaders invest in their communities and focus more on funding everything from childcare to community centers in danger of closing and federal job cuts impacting families. From teachers to firefighters, dozens of people came together to voice their anger with how our government is being run from the federal to the city level. Law enforcement ramping up DUII missions this weekend through St. Patricks Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under tarps and umbrellas, protesters gathered outside City Hall, calling on lawmakers to tax the richest Americans more. While Trump and Musk are gutting critical services in the federal level, we cannot have our state and local governments turning around and doing the same thing and saying that we cant have these critical services that families rely on, said Olivia Katbi, the co-chair of the Portland Democratic Socialists that organized the rally. Its not the rich that are leaving Portland. Its working families who cant afford to live here. The rally drew support from unions, activist organizations and elected officials who opposed cuts to public services and demanded a bigger investment into the communities. Rallygoers gathered outside of Portland City Hall on Mar. 15, 2025. (KOIN) People are scared and theyre angry, said Katbi. Not only with whats happening at the federal level decimating critical services, but also were hearing the same thing at the state and local level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the City of Portland released a budget proposal suggesting cutting community centers and other programs as the city faces a near $100 million budget shortfall. Patients left in limbo as OHSU and United Healthcare stall on deal Im a mom to a 1-year-old and I want my daughter to grow up in a city where kids can thrive and where we have nice programs and nice parks Katbi said. That shouldnt be too much to ask. Olivia Katbi, the co-chair of the Portland Democratic Socialists, March 15, 2025 (KOIN) Ian Finn was a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service, ready to jump back in soon. But a freeze on hiring and onboarding federal firefighters blocked him and thousands of others from going back to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was supposed to start early May, Finn said. What Id be doing then is working on prescribed burns. So preparing the forest for when the fire does come through, reducing fuels in the forest, preparing helicopter landing spots, turnarounds for water tankers, clearing roads, just making sure we are prepared for when the next big one hits. He said small towns near the forest are at risk as we saw in L.A. this year. Even urban areas, rich neighborhoods are at risk and their income level does not matter. What matters is are you close to the forest and for most Oregonians that answer is yes.' And the consequences are easy to see. The bulk of our job is getting fires while theyre small. So without having wildland firefighters employed, we dont get to get these wild fires as they start, Finn said. We have to wait until theyre bigger and take a lot more money, a lot more manpower, and maybe have destroyed houses to deal with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helix Alexander saw a silver lining to the rally. Everybody here is very enthusiastic and everybodys looking how they can get more involved, Alexander said. One of the other activist groups in attendance, 50501, told KOIN 6 News they are hosting another rally on April 5 at the Japanese American Historical Plaza, intending to voice their opposition to the Trump 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 KOIN.com. March 16 (UPI) -- A swarm of dust storms and tornadoes tore across the southern United States over the weekend, killing at least 39 people and leaving behind wrecked communities. Sunday marked the third day of a storm system that has also brought large hail and flooding. The destruction appears to have begun around 3:22 p.m. on Friday when a dust storm associated with the storm system caused zero visibility conditions and multiple car crashes along I-70 in Sherman County, Kansas. More than 50 cars were involved in that pileup, which led to the deaths of at least 8 people, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. A number of other people were injured and transported to medical care facilities across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated dust storms also caused car accidents in the Texas Panhandle on Friday that killed at least 3 people and fanned the flames of wildfires that sparked in the Lone Star State, according to the Dallas Morning News. The Texas A&M Forest Service said it responded to 13 wildfires that burned 27,717 acres across the state. In Oklahoma, the state's highway patrol said in a statement Saturday that it assisted the Enid Police Department with responding to a fatal crash tied to the weather and otherwise responded to 42 injury-causing crashes and 36 fires. The death toll attributed to the storm was first reported as standing around 13 people dead Saturday afternoon in Missouri and Arkansas, before a new round of cyclones touched down from Saturday night into Sunday. In Arkansas, emergency management officials said in a statement that they have confirmed three deaths. The earlier reported death toll for the storm system did not account for the deaths from the associated dust storms and high winds in other states and has been updated to include the latest information from Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As of this time, there have been 12 confirmed weather-related fatalities," the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency posted on social media late Saturday, updating its number of fatalities." SEMA continues to coordinate with state and local response agencies and our volunteer partners to assist those in need." Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a statement late Saturday that he had visited the hardest hit areas across the state and called the devastation "heartbreaking." Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said in a statement Saturday night his state has counted six deaths -- one in Covington County, two in Jeff Davis County, and three in Walthall County. Three additional people are currently missing, and 29 people have been injured statewide. Reeves said that there was damage from the storm system in 21 of the state's 82 counties while as many as 30,000 customers were initially without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm system has now moved through Alabama and into Georgia, where it continues to bring destruction. "You gotta practice what you preach, and we did just that earlier this evening," the National Weather Service office in Birmingham said in a statement early Sunday morning. "Our staff took shelter when a tornado-warned storm was approaching our office. (Our break room is our safe room.) We also took that time to check on coworkers who were in the tornado's path." Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said at least three people were killed in her state, one in Plantersville and one in Winterboro, with the state suffering damage in 52 of its 67 counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We pray for those lives we lost, as well as those who were injured," she said in a statement. "And we pray for our first responders, emergency management officials and linemen who are doing incredible work on the ground right now." According to Poweroutage.us, some 60,000 customers were still without power in Missouri while 17,191 were without power in Alabama and 27,507 were without power in Georgia, among other states affected Trump in a statement Sunday evening said they were "actively monitoring" the storm activity and had deployed the National Guard to Arkansas. "My Administration is ready to assist State and Local Officials, as they help their communities to try and recover from the damage," he said. A man is still in the hospital after a crash involving a state trooper on Interstate 485 in south Charlotte on Friday, a family member told Channel 9. The 33-year-old Willie James McClain was driving a white Honda Accord when he swerved out of his lane and into the stationary patrol car occupied by State Trooper Brad Gaines. Gaines and Willie James McClain were sent to the hospital as well as the other passenger in the Honda, 3-year-old Legend McClain. Gaines was sent to the hospital with minor injuries. Both of the Hondas passengers sustained serious injuries, according to highway patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danielle Felder told Channel 9 that Willie James McClain is her husband and that he is in critical condition. Felder said he is in the surgical trauma ICU with multiple fractures. READ: 3, including child, injured when car slams into highway patrol SUV on I-485, troopers say Felder said her son, Legend McClain, suffered from a broken clavicle but has now returned home. The accident is currently under investigation and no one has been charged or arrested as of Sunday, according to highway patrol and Felder. Felder said Willie James McClain was driving Legend McClain to school when he perhaps got blinded from the sun and to avoid hitting a car in front of him not realizing he was very close to it, he swerved to the shoulder, not realizing the state trooper was there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members started a GoFundMe to help support Willie James McClain through his recovery. The page sends prayers to the trooper involved. To donate, visit the familys GoFundMe page here. WATCH: 3, including child, injured when car slams into highway patrol SUV on I-485, troopers say Polish President Andrzej Duda denounced Russia for its "imperial greed" in a wide-ranging interview with the BBC published on March 15. Duda called on the U.S. to deploy its nuclear weapons to Poland in an interview published on March 13. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he would be "shocked" if the U.S. fulfilled Poland's request in response to Duda later that day. "Ukraine must be sovereign and independent because otherwise there will be no peace, it will only be the end of the war due to the occupation of Ukraine by Russia," Duda said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Polish president expressed his trust in U.S. President Donald Trump in resolving Russia's war against Ukraine, saying accusations that Trump does not want to see Ukraine at the negotiating table are "false." "(A)s I understand it, President Trump does not want to be a participant, but rather a mediator," Duda said. The Polish leader noted that Ukraine's meeting with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia on March 11 ended on a positive note. At the bilateral meeting, the White House agreed to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a temporary 30-day ceasefire, Russia did not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The meeting with Ukraine was successful, and the Russian side, as you can see, is behaving the way it is behaving," Duda said. Russia is an "aggressor" that invaded Ukraine and is "killing civilians," Duda said, adding that Russia transferred nuclear weapons to Belarus as an "obvious offensive tactic" and not for defense purposes. "As long as Russia uses offensive tactics, Russia is an aggressor. Russia attacked Ukraine without reason, it was not provoked in any way. It is an attack that was justified only by Russia's imperial greed, which wants to subjugate a state and its people," Duda said. The Polish president reiterated his calls for U.S. nuclear weapons to be stationed in Poland and welcomed calls for a French nuclear umbrella to protect Europe, including Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(I)t is a security issue because these weapons are not offensive, these weapons are defensive. I emphasize again, they are intended to protect primarily from a nuclear attack," Duda said. "Secondly, it was Russia, without asking anyone, that deployed its nuclear weapons in Belarus. This is no secret to anyone, Putin openly spoke about it in an interview," Duda added. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko previously said that the transfer of Russian tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus was completed in early October 2023. Read also: Painful for Russia: What new U.S. sanctions on Russian energy mean for Moscow Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. One Kansas City Democrat has developed a plan that he believes could lower Wyandotte County homeowners tax bills and utility costs as division among Kansas Republicans threatens to undermine the relief lawmakers promised in 2025. Its not the first time Sen. David Haley has proposed giving counties the authority to impose a local earnings tax of up to 1%. But it is the first time his bill calls for 100% of new collections to help offset the property tax revenue that makes up most of local governments budgets. Like in Kansas City, Missouri, where voters have renewed their support for a local earnings tax every few years since 1963, Haleys bill would authorize local governments to tax both residents and people who commute to the county to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soaring property values have resulted in higher tax bills for Wyandotte County homeowners in recent years. But county officials supporting Haleys proposal say adopting an earnings tax would allow the Unified Government to significantly reduce its mill levy and the fees tacked on to residents water and electricity bills. We have some of the most distressed zip codes, Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner recently told the Senate Tax Committee. Weve got a lot of high wage earners but they dont live in Wyandotte County. Therefore, they dont help fund essential services including road maintenance and public safety, he said. Garner testified that a 1% earnings tax would generate an estimated $60 million for Wyandotte County, the lions share of which would come from people living elsewhere. According to the Wyandotte Economic Development Council, roughly 55,000 of the 92,000 jobs in the county are held by non-resident workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the highest wage earners at major employers in KCK including the University of Kansas Health System, the University of Kansas Medical Center and the Providence Medical Center live in Johnson County or across the border in Missouri. I think theres just a root-level issue of fairness, said Marcus Winn, a community organizer who owns a home in KCKs Cathedral Neighborhood and supports the earnings tax bill. If you are working in Wyandotte County and you are benefiting from the work of the last several decades of economic development that has gone on to attract these high-paying jobs, and youre benefitting from the infrastructure investments that make them possible, you should help pay for those infrastructures that make your job possible. Trying to sustain ourselves The total value of goods and services generated in Wyandotte County is higher than that of all but two of Kansas 105 counties. But when it comes to median family income, Wyandotte ranks 87th, according to National Institute of Health data. We have a lot of money driving out of the county that could go back in and help reduce our taxes and allow us (to) do other things, said first-term Rep. Wanda Brownlee Paige, a KCK Democrat and retired teacher who worked for the Kansas City Public Schools and had 1% of her earnings deducted to fund roads, firefighters and law enforcement there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just ask you would have mercy and at least allow it to come to the floor and be voted on so that we can were trying to sustain ourselves and we need some help, Paige told committee members during the bill hearing. Haleys proposal is one of the few Democrat-sponsored bills to receive a committee hearing so far during this years session, which has been dominated by the priorities of expanded Republican supermajorities in the House and Senate. I think one of the reasons its being heard in the committee at all is that we are really desperately and decisively, many of us, trying to do what we can to go back home and tell people that there are options for the ever-spiraling property taxes, said Haley, who joined Senate Republicans last month in voting to pursue a constitutional amendment that would cap annual property tax appraisal increases at 3%. Its frightening whats happening to some communities, including Wyandotte County, where the appraisal rates are going up and people cannot afford it so theyre taxed out of living in their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas property taxes are driven by three major factors the propertys appraised value, the percentage of the appraised value thats taxed (the assessed value) and the mill levy. Counties, cities, school districts and the state each set their mill levy, with one mill constituting $1 per $1,000 of a propertys assessed value. Accountability concerns Haley last introduced an earnings tax bill in 2021, when it received a hearing but didnt generate enough support from lawmakers to go to a vote of the full Senate. Not everyone is sold on the idea of empowering counties to impose a new tax. Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate tax committee, is among the skeptics. She told The Star she doesnt plan to revisit Haleys bill this year unless a majority of members on her committee signal an interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would just be another tax, and theres no guarantee that they would use it to lower property taxes, Tyson said. It needs some more work as far as implementation to ensure that it would be for lower property taxes. The bill states that all new collections shall be credited in the budget of the county to reduce the amount of revenue otherwise necessary to be derived from the ad valorem property tax. But it doesnt say what consequences a county would face for failure to cut property taxes or what would stop the government from building a larger budget than the previous year. No earnings tax could be imposed without voter approval. Sen. Jeff Klemp, a Lansing Republican on the tax committee whose district includes part of Kansas City, said he believes the bill is still in its infancy stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to see other taxes go up as a result of something coming down, but its worth taking a look at it, Klemp said. I would not look to kill that at this point. I would look to understand it further, to really understand the impact it could have. During the hearing, Sen. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, questioned the Kansas City mayor about how an earnings tax would provide tangible relief for residents. I just want to understand this, Owens said. Based on your tax analysis, are you proposing that if this were to pass and be fully implemented, you would eliminate property taxes completely in your jurisdiction? I think theres an opportunity, Garner responded. If this is done right, that there could be a potential for us to reduce if its applied to property taxes and the amount of money that we bring in, we could potentially reduce property taxes in Wyandotte County and move away from property taxes in general just through this legislation alone. Economic impact and equity Last July, the Unified Government voted to adopt a revenue-neutral budget, forgoing more than $14 million in potential property tax revenue and resulting in budget cuts across government departments and programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greg Kindle, president of the Wyandotte Economic Development Council, said imposing an earnings tax to minimize the property tax burden wouldnt solve the countys revenue problem outright. Its a complicated issue. If the earnings tax is just about dollar-for-dollar lowering the property taxes, we havent actually improved the pool of money, Kindle said. Weve just changed whos paying it. That doesnt fix the infrastructure that is at the crux of the real problem here, which is that we need revenue to fix and improve infrastructure, in my opinion. Under Haleys proposal, individual workers would not be responsible for paying their own local earnings tax. Instead, employers would be charged with remitting 1% of each employees earnings to the county. As compensation, employers would be allowed to pocket 1.5% of all earnings generated by their workers. Although reducing the property tax burden could provide significant benefits to business owners and homeowners, theres no guarantee that landlords would pass those savings on to their tenants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chenell Miller, a KCK renter who works as a contractor at General Motors, said she would probably vote against any proposal to make her earnings taxable at the local level without guaranteeing lower rental rates. Charges get passed on. What about the renters? What are we getting out of it? And theyre going to tax us more. Thats all were getting, Miller said. But she was intrigued by Mayor Garners claim that an earnings tax could help Wyandotte County finally do away with the unpopular PILOT surcharge that gets added onto utility bills. The utility bill is ridiculous in Wyandotte County. (Lowering) the utility bill, that would help because it stays high over here, Miller said. Then maybe people would consider that. Authorities and environmentalists in Zambia fear the long-term impact of an acid spill at a Chinese-owned mine that contaminated a major river and could potentially affect millions of people after signs of pollution were detected at least 100 kilometers downstream. The spill happened on Feb. 18 when a tailings dam that holds acidic waste from a copper mine in the north of the country collapsed, according to investigators from the Engineering Institution of Zambia. The collapse allowed some 50 million liters of waste containing concentrated acid, dissolved solids and heavy metals to flow into a stream that links to the Kafue River, Zambias most important waterway, the engineering institution said. It is an environmental disaster really of catastrophic consequences, said Chilekwa Mumba, an environmental activist who works in Zambias Copperbelt Province. China is the dominant player in copper mining in Zambia, a southern African nation which is among the worlds top 10 producers of copper, a key component in smartphones and other technology. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema called for help from experts and said the leak is a crisis that threatens people and wildlife along the Kafue, which runs for more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) through the heart of Zambia. Authorities are still investigating the extent of the environmental damage. A river died overnight An Associated Press reporter visited parts of the Kafue River, where dead fish could be seen washing up on the banks about 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream from the mine run by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, which is majority owned by the state-run China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation said the devastating consequences also included the destruction of crops along the rivers banks. Authorities are concerned that ground water will be contaminated as the mining waste seeps into the earth or is carried to other areas. Prior to the 18th of February this was a vibrant and alive river, said Sean Cornelius, who lives near the Kafue and said fish died and birdlife near him disappeared almost immediately. Now everything is dead, its like a totally dead river. Unbelievable. Overnight, this river died. About 60% of Zambias 20 million people live in the Kafue River basin and depend on it in some way as a source of fishing, irrigation for agriculture and water for industry. The river supplies drinking water to about five million people, including in the capital, Lusaka. The acid leak at the mine caused a complete shutdown of the water supply to the nearby city of Kitwe, home to an estimated 700,000 people. Attempts to roll back the damage The Zambian government has deployed the air force to drop hundreds of tons of lime into the river in an attempt to counteract the acid and roll back the damage. Speed boats have also been used to ride up and down the river, applying lime. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the situation was very serious and Sino-Metals Leach Zambia would bear the costs of the cleanup operation. Zhang Peiwen, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, met with government ministers this week and apologized for the acid spill, according to a transcript of his speech at the meeting released by his company. This disaster has rung a big alarm for Sino-Metals Leach and the mining industry, he said. He said it will go all out to restore the affected environment as quickly as possible. The environmental impact of Chinas large mining interests in mineral-rich parts of Africa, which include Zambias neighbors Congo and Zimbabwe, has often been criticized, even as the minerals are crucial to the countries economies. Chinese-owned copper mines have been accused of ignoring safety, labor and other regulations in Zambia as they strive to control its supply of the critical mineral, leading to some discontent with their presence. Zambia is also burdened with more than $4 billion in debt to China and had to restructure some of its loans from China and other nations after defaulting on repayments in 2020. A smaller acid waste leak from another Chinese-owned mine in Zambias copper belt was discovered days after the Sino-Metals accident, and authorities have accused the smaller mine of attempting to hide it. Local police said a mine worker died at that second mine after falling into acid and alleged that the mine continued to operate after being instructed to stop its operations by authorities. Two Chinese mine managers have been arrested, police said. Both mines have now halted their operations after orders from Zambian authorities, while many Zambians are angry. It really just brings out the negligence that some investors actually have when it comes to environmental protection, said Mweene Himwinga, an environmental engineer who attended the meeting involving Zhang, government ministers, and others. They dont seem to have any concern at all, any regard at all. And I think its really worrying because at the end of the day, we as Zambian people, (its) the only land we have. MDT/AP By RICHARD KILLE and JACOB ZIMBA, KITWE A video of drunk teenagers urinating into broth at a restaurant in China went viral forcing the eatery to compensate 4,000 guests. Two 17-year-old males at the Shanghai branch of Haidilao, the countrys biggest hotpot chain, carried out the unsanitary act on Feb. 24 in a private dining room of the restaurant, according to the BBC. Haidilao admitted their employees working that night failed to stop the teens, and claimed they werent alerted to the nasty situation until four days later, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It then took the company, which owns more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide, until March 6 to confirm the location where the gross scene occurred. Guests at Haidilao use their own personal hotpot to cook their food, so it seems no one actually consumed the urine-laden meal. But it remains unclear whether or not the hotpot the teens used was properly disinfected before being given to the next customer. Haidilao has since assured the public it replaced all its hotpot equipment and dining utensils, and disinfected other crockery and utensils. We fully understand that the distress caused to our customers by this incident cannot be fully compensated for by any means, the company said in a statement. We are willing to do our utmost to take responsibility. Guests at Haidilao use their own personal hotpot to cook their food. AFP via Getty Images The franchise has over 1,000 locations worldwide. AFP via Getty Images The restaurant reported the case to the police in Jianyang, Sichuan, where the franchise is headquartered, and police said the teens responsible were detained after the incident. Those who ate at the restaurant between February 24 and March 8 will be given a full refund as well as a monetary compensation 10 times the amount they were billed. Mar. 16On Thursday, the Maine Senate failed to salvage a compromise budget deal that would have restored full MaineCare payments to hospitals and other medical providers. Two weeks ago, this editorial board urged state lawmakers to take whatever steps needed to prevent this unacceptable outcome ("Threat to health care should secure supplemental budget compromise"). The swirling opposition to the compromise deal the opposition that wound up killing it was based on Republican insistence on new reforms to MaineCare. That insistence has resulted in unjustifiable destabilization of our state system of health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services began reducing MaineCare reimbursement to hospitals, pharmacies, medical equipment providers and out-of-state providers of a range of critical medical services. Doctors and hospital administrators say that all Mainers will be confronted by the bitter reality of embattled clinics and reduced services, not just MaineCare patients. You probably don't need us to remind you that, even without this blind political interference, it can be very hard to access medical care in Maine. Whatever follows Thursday's failure to break deadlock, needless damage has already been done. By refusing to explore other means of securing policy reform, opponents to the deal failed their constituents. It is important that those constituents understand the stakes that they know who was willing to let them take this hit and why. Copy the Story Link Bianca Vasquez Associated Press As the Trump administration moves to dismantle the Education Department, officials have suggested other agencies could take over its major responsibilities: civil rights enforcement to the Justice Department, perhaps; student loans to Treasury or Commerce; oversight of student disability rights to Health and Human Services. Less clear is what could happen with a more lofty part of its mission promoting equal access for students in an American education system that is fundamentally unequal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department has cut its workforce in half, including a layoff of 1,300 people announced Tuesday. President Donald Trump pledged during his campaign to eliminate the department entirely, calling it wasteful and infiltrated by leftists. Without the department, advocates worry the federal government would not look out in the same way for poor students, those still learning English, disabled students and racial and ethnic minorities. Gutting the agency that is charged to ensure equal access to education for every child is only going to create an underclass of students, said Weade James, senior director of K-12 education policy for the Center for American Progress, a think tank that advocates for racial equity policies and increased investment in public schools. The equity goal of the Education Department, which was founded in 1980, emerged partly from the anti-poverty and civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The act creating the department described its mission, in part, as: To strengthen the Federal commitment to ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If new Education Secretary Linda McMahon really does work herself out of a job, as Trump has said he wants, the government will lose a bully pulpit to draw attention to the nations challenges and evangelize solutions, said Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an education think tank that advocates for more rigorous academic standards and accountability for public schools. But Petrilli doubts that significantly paring back the department if not completely eliminating it will be noticeable in the real world. Test scores continue to show many school children are struggling academically. The latest national tests showed one-third of eighth grade students missing fundamental skills in reading, and a widening gap between the highest-performing and lower-performing students. Thats the justification McMahon and other Trump allies have used for dismantling the department and sending its funding directly to states to spend. Far from perfect, the department has offered a valuable north star for schools, said Wil Del Pilar, senior vice president of EdTrust, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that advocates for educational equity. It is the role of the department to institute guardrails, investments and protections that support equal outcomes for students, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said he wants to return all control of schools to states. The biggest question for many is what happens to the billions of dollars sent to run public schools every year, such as Title I funding, which supports schools in communities with high concentrations of poverty. Educating low-income children, students learning English and those with disabilities often costs more because it requires specialized teaching or smaller class sizes. Districts without a strong tax base to fund schools often struggle to meet these students needs, which Congress recognized by authorizing the money. McMahon has said she wants to send the money directly to states, with fewer restrictions. Some have worried that without guardrails or federal oversight, states will use the money to advance their own priorities in ways that potentially entrench inequality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the funding is distributed to states as block grants, its potentially a way to defund public education, said Del Pilar. Block grants allow politicians to direct funds as they see fit, and that could be away from schools, he said. Students in Mississippi, South Dakota, Arkansas, Montana and Alaska could be affected the most if rules or oversight changes for how states spend this money. During the 2021-2022 school year, these states relied on federal aid for at least 20 percent of school funding, according to government data. The agency traditionally has worked on behalf of disadvantaged students through its Office for Civil Rights, with an emphasis defending the rights of students with disabilities and students facing harassment tied to their skin color. Under the Trump administration, the agency has prioritized allegations of antisemitism. While some advocates worry about the pivot in priorities, some attorneys say they had given up on recommending parents pursue complaints with the Office for Civil Rights, which they perceived as understaffed and too slow to provide relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well before Trump was sworn in for a second term, the system moved slowly, but it has now gotten even worse, said A. Kelly Neal, a special education attorney in Macon, Georgia. Usually they were a little bit more responsive, Neal said. It may not have been the response you wanted. But at least they tried to pretend they were doing something. She said she would have no problem if the Department of Justice took on enforcement of these cases. As part of a crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the Trump administration last month ended the contract for the Equity Assistance Center-South, a technical assistance program for Southern school districts still operating under federal desegregation orders. On Tuesday, the Southern Education Foundation appealed the decision to cancel its contract to run the center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attempt to close these such centers abdicates the governments responsibility to help school districts address educational inequities and provide greater education opportunities for our students, said Raymond Pierce, Southern Education Foundations president and chief executive officer. Associated Press writer Heather Hollingsworth contributed to this report. Migrants crossing through the El Paso Sector of the U.S. border, 264 miles along West Texas and New Mexico, often face rough terrain in remote, arid stretches, with myriad dangers. A growing number have died trying to cross. The U.S. Border Patrol logged 176 deaths in the area during fiscal year 2024, said Landon Hutchens, a spokesperson for the agencys El Paso and Big Bend sectors. Thats up from 71 deaths just two years earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trip is dangerous enough for Claudio Herrera Baeza, a supervisory Border Patrol agent in the sector, to issue a plea: Please dont cross. Dont come over illegally; do it the right way. Not only are there natural threats from a harsh desert environment, but there are cartel-tied smugglers exploiting those in search of a better life, he said: The reality is that those individuals are falling prey of ruthless criminals. Border remains map The southern Arizona aid group No More Deaths maintains a map of border deaths in the area, combining data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner, two justices of the peace in Texas and a handful of other sources to create whats known as the El Paso Sector Migrant Death Database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each red dot on the map represents a migrants death. Theres one near Albuquerque, one near Alamogordo, one near Truth or Consequences. They grow more prevalent in New Mexicos southwestern corner, speckling parts of Hidalgo, Grant and Luna counties. And they morph into a solid line of red along the Rio Grande, from Sunland Park to the eastern outskirts of El Paso. All told, the El Paso Sector Migrant Death Database includes 599 deaths from 2008 to late 2024, with more than 300 in Dona Ana County. The database logs more than 80 sets of skeletal remains, including dozens in Dona Ana, Luna and Hidalgo counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 031125_MS_Border Bodies Search_027.jpg U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and a National Guard soldier park on the United States side of the Rio Grande as Ciudad Juarez residents cool off in the river last month. The map represents thousands of hours of work, said Bryce Peterson, a volunteer with No More Deaths and one of the maps primary data gatherers. Its updated regularly. Though the database contains migrant deaths from more than a decade ago, its most recent additions come from late 2024. When compared to data from other sections of the U.S.-Mexico border, the El Paso database reveals a worrisome pattern, Peterson said: The area is the deadliest single place on the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its this very small area thats essentially just the suburbs of El Paso where just unbelievable amounts of people are dying, he said. 031125_MS_Border Bodies Search_028.jpg A Mexican police helicopter patrols the border wall along the border near Ciudad Juarez and Sunland Park in January. Most of the deaths nearly half are the result of environmental exposure, according to the data. Nearly 100 stemmed from water-related incidents, while more than two dozen more were the result of falls from border barriers. A little over half of the deaths were among young adults, people ages 18 to 35. Overall, men outnumber women 3-to-2, though the numbers are close to even in Dona Ana County, where search groups have discovered an increasing number of migrant remains in the desert near Santa Teresa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peterson attributed the areas high death count to desperation, a high number of migrants especially women and people from countries other than Mexico who planned to apply for legal asylum but had to change course. It seems like a place where people get sick of waiting, he said. An elderly woman and man who one neighbor told The Post was her son were found dead in a Queens home Saturday afternoon, according to police. Cops responded to a 911 call about a male shot at a Middle Village home on 80th Street near 58th Avenue just after 1 p.m., according to the NYPD. When they entered the home, they found the man, 57, dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head as well as an 88-year-old womans body decomposing, police sources said. Cops made the gruesome discoveries while responding to a 911 call about a male shot at a Middle Village home on 80th Street near 58th Avenue just after 1 p.m., police said. Brigitte Stelzer It wasnt immediately clear how the woman died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cops said they were still investigating the relationship between the pair, but a neighbor said they were a mother-and-son duo. This is all very shocking, the neighbor, Sam Ilyayev, told The Post. Ilyayev said he often ran into the man, whom he called John, around the neighborhood, but rarely saw the older woman, who was named Dolores. For years, we knew each other more on the casual side, Ilyayev recalled, referring to John. A white-haired woman wearing a red jacket was seen hugging another woman wearing a grey hoodie outside the home Saturday afternoon. Brigitte Stelzer Just slight conversations here and there, but we would always see him on a regular basis. He always loved the conversation. My next-door neighbor here was good friends with him, and would talk to him very frequently and I would see them both, and jump in the conversation anytime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We only mainly see him coming out of the house, Ilyayev said, adding that he believed John had lived at the home alone. Cops were still investigating the relationship between the pair and the womans cause of death. Brigitte Stelzer A white-haired woman wearing a red jacket was seen hugging another woman wearing a grey hoodie outside of the home Saturday afternoon, while police investigated the scene. A handgun was recovered at the scene. And police are still probing the womans cause of death. Additional reporting by Brigitte Stelzer. Elon Musk called one Republicans plan to impeach a judge who blocked President Donald Trumps deportation efforts necessary in a Sunday morning post on X. After Texas congressman Brandon Gill (R) announced he would be filing articles of impeachment against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, the billionaire chimed in with a self-righteous one-word declaration. Necessary, Musk posted to his social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives immediately began accusing Boasberg of overreach after he issued a temporary restraining order blocking Trumps Saturday night decision to invoke an 18th century wartime law known as the Alien Enemies Act to fast-track the deportations of five Venezuelan nationals accused of gang affiliations. The Alien Enemies Act, which gives the president sweeping authority to expedite deportations on national security grounds, had only been used three times prior. In his decision, Boasberg also ordered immigration authorities to return anyone in the process of being deported back to United States soil, pending further legal review. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States however that is accomplished, Boasberg said. Make sure its complied with immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of Boasbergs order, two planes carrying the Venezuelan deportees were believed to be in the midst of flights from Harlingen, Texas, to El Salvador and Honduras. Though his decision was initially focused on the five Venezuelans listed in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward, he later expanded his order to apply to all non-citizens in U.S. custody being deported under Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act. The Trump administration had accused the five men of being part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was designated as a foreign terrorist organization last month. Related... President-elect Donald Trump arrives to watch SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight with Elon Musk from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Nov. 19, 2024. via Associated Press WASHINGTON If you live in the Florida Keys, the southern Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos, perhaps even Miami and Cuba, Elon Musks SpaceX appears intent on repeatedly and needlessly endangering your life. A decade ago, when choosing between Cape Canaveral, Florida, a launch site as old as the space program with thousands of miles of Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Brownsville, Texas, with all sorts of populated areas downrange on the other side of the Gulf of Mexico, Musk went with Texas. Why? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First there was the money some $20 million in cash incentives for his Starbase to build and launch his rockets from sparsely populated Boca Chica Beach. And second was the famously laissez-faire attitude Texas has regarding environmental and safety regulations which also translated to money. And for those reasons, Musks massive new Starship rockets fly as two recent launch failures suggest recklessly close to teeming cities. The January accident rained debris over the Turks and Caicos; a second one earlier this month did so over the southern Bahamas. That no one was killed was good fortune, as was the fact that the failed spacecraft continued down its planned trajectory, rather than veering slightly to the left or right. Just 60 miles to the south of the ground track sits Havana, a city of 2 million. Just 125 miles north is Miami, a metro area of 6 million. That word, reckless, seems to be the through line for all things Musk. He made autonomous driving available to Tesla owners years before it was ready, to the sometimes fatal detriment of dozens. He is today gleefully slashing federal government programs and employees, apparently withoutbothering to understand what he is doing while simultaneously wildly overstating the savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of SpaceX, as a 2023 Reuters investigation detailed, the company is notorious for sacrificing safety for the sake of speed, purportedly to meet Musks personal desire to put humans on Mars as fast as possible. That philosophy, combined with Texas lax regulations, led to 600 injuries, many of them serious, over 10 years. (SpaceX declined to respond to Reuters findings.) The SpaceX approach to engineering seems eerily reminiscent of the shortcuts taken by space shuttle designers in the 1970s. As the late theoretical physicist Richard Feynman wrote in his excellent appendix to the report investigating the 1986 Challenger explosion, engineers were under schedule and budget pressure, and so cut corners on standard protocols. Instead of testing each component part for flaws one at a time, they skipped steps by running end-to-end tests on entire assemblies. Therefore, as expected, many different kinds of flaws and difficulties have turned up, Feynman wrote about the shuttles main engines. Because, unfortunately, it was built in the top-down manner, they are difficult to find and fix. One result of this approach was plumbing that leaked hydrogen fuel into the guts of the space shuttle engines, where it did not belong. But instead of pinning down the flaw and redesigning the motor, engineers solved the problem by simply blowing inert helium gas through the engine compartment to dissipate the leaking hydrogen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, Musks Starship engineered in a similar top-down manner is also exhibiting a fuel leak into a section of the vehicle where fuel should not be. It has led to at least one, and possibly both, of the recent spectacular, and life-threatening, failures. SpaceX has nevertheless defended that approach. In a Sept. 10, 2024, statement on its website, the company said: Our approach of putting flight hardware in the flight environment as often as possible maximizes the pace at which we can learn recursively and operationalize the system. The statement went on to complain that regulators were not letting SpaceX fly frequently enough: Unfortunately, we continue to be stuck in a reality where it takes longer to do the government paperwork to license a rocket launch than it does to design and build the actual hardware. That design strategy, which many engineers consider wasteful, would be of little concern if Musks rockets were blowing up over an empty Atlantic Ocean, rather than a patch of water and sky filled with shipping and airliners, surrounded by populated areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, one of the big reasons that NASA originally chose Cape Canaveral on Floridas east coast in the 1950s was that a rocket taking off due east would travel thousands of miles before crossing the equator, well past all the inhabited islands of the West Indies. Rockets that launch eastward take advantage of the Earths rotation, allowing more payload weight to orbit. The optimal launch site is on the equator itself, but the United States has no such suitable territory. And while Brownsville is somewhat closer to the equator than Cape Canaveral, that advantage is largely negated by having to fly a few degrees south of east to remain in a narrow corridor between the Florida peninsula on the one side and Cuba on the other. The potential problem of an accident in that area was predicted more than a decade ago. If this occurs over certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico and with certain wind or uncontrolled propulsion conditions, the debris hazard could significantly affect the populated areas downrange, two experts wrote in a paper presented at a 2014 conference. Suitable analysis will be required to determine if the casualty probabilities for the area will be acceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that very scenario has come to pass. Twice. As it happens, SpaceX has for years been planning to launch its Starship rocket from Cape Canaveral in addition to Texas. It could eliminate its debris-falling-on-people risk by only launching from Florida. SpaceX did not respond to HuffPost queries for this story, nor did Musk himself. The Federal Aviation Administration, which has jurisdiction over commercial launches, said only that SpaceX had received the necessary permission to launch from Texas. SpaceX is all about moving fast, and in some cases seeking forgiveness rather than permission for doing what they want. And now we have a federal government that may be less inclined to challenge SpaceX, said Edward Ellegood, a co-author of that 2014 paper and a former director of Spaceport Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the debris field across the Caribbean, I suspect there might be repercussions, he added. The threats posed by that debris would not have been an issue with launches from the Cape. When Musk appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month, he cheerfully wielded a chainsaw on stage. It could not have been more appropriate. You cant really build anything with a chainsaw. It is far too imprecise for carpentry. Rather, it is a tool of destruction, and putting one in the wrong hands is the height of recklessness. Oh, and that next test flight for Starship? Its once again set to launch from Texas, as soon as the FAA gives it the green light to fly again. As of right now, SpaceX is hoping permission comes soon enough to enable a launch next month. Downrange residents in the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos, Cuba and South Florida might want to invest in a hard hat. Or perhaps a bomb shelter. Wheres proof? Few would disagree that government should work more efficiently. But not only Democrats are alarmed by Elon Musks chainsaw approach, which features neither review nor understanding of federal programs. We see chaos and crushed morale hardly the path to efficiency. Was there ever evidence that Musk is the best candidate for this task? Is he a money saver? Might a single mom of a thriving family (maybe an experienced federal worker herself) be a better candidate? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mistaken firing and attempted rehiring of nuclear safety employees is one case in point. Careful research before making cuts might not look efficient, but how else can the Department of Government Efficiency prove its legitimacy and build public confidence? - Jane Louise Pendleton, Weatherford Worked for us I read the March 9 guest commentary School choice will empower Texas parents, protect liberty by state Sen. Phil King. When we learned that a friend was teaching in a Fort Worth private school, we followed with our children to ensure that our morals and beliefs would be valued. We cared enough that my wife returned to work, and our children thrived. Not every family can take on another job, but with state funding, more can be free to ensure that their family values are supported. Texans are blessed with an economy that fully funds public schools and with the liberty to choose schools. Only the misinformed could say that school choice is diverting money from public schools while funding for those schools is being increased. Competition compels both to improve. And were doing this while decreasing property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Daniel V. Lee, Aledo Didnt work for us Private schools can reject students, lack public oversight and charge tuition far exceeding voucher amounts. As a single mom, I once applied to a private school for my child with a disability, but she was not accepted. Even if she had been, a voucher wouldnt have covered the cost, which I could not afford. Yet vouchers may fund those who already can afford private schools. The Texas Constitution requires that the state provide an effective system of free secular public schools. Tell your legislators to vote no on voucher bills and to adequately fund our public schools. - Sue Anderson, Benbrook Wider views I attended the March 6 pro-voucher Parent Empowerment Night as a skeptic who was genuinely interested to hear proponents argue for school choice. (March 9, 1A, Abbott visits Temple Christian School to stump for vouchers) Im concerned that their passion came from a place of fear regarding the different ideologies and perspectives found in public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cultivating a solid ideological foundation and sense of self requires being exposed to different beliefs and ideas. Students who are protected from ideas and experiences that challenge their understanding and sense of self cannot become resilient, introspective and adaptive individuals with a true confidence in their identity. Education needs to fearlessly assist in making children resilient, not put blinders on them so they give up on understanding other perspectives. - Susan Wright, Fort Worth Supply reality Though I agree with some of President Donald Trumps attempts to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, his approach is a disaster. The international supply chain that the U.S. relies on was developed over more than 40 years and cannot be reconstructed in a few months, or even a few years. Manufacturing jobs were moved offshore by companies seeking higher profits, and that resulted in substantially lower prices for Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans have bought into this supply chain system. Nobody will agree to pay more for just about any product even if it would result in more jobs in this country. Trump needs to incentivize companies to return jobs to the U.S. with strategic long-term tax policies, not tariffs that will cause higher prices and probably a recession. - David C. Rondeau, Aledo Empathy should be preserved In a recent Joe Rogan interview, Elon Musk said empathy is the fundamental weakness of Western civilization. The AP just reported on fired federal workers whose own family members cheered their termination. I cant think of a better way to describe my disconnect with the current administration. Fraud in government should be addressed, and if conservative Idahoans disengaged from social media, theyd find liberals agree. But where I differ from Elon is that its a greater sin to harm someone in need than to accidentally help someone who isnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our weakness isnt too much empathy its too little. We ask, What did this program do for me? Did the Ukrainians say thank you? Is USPS delivery to rural communities a good return on investment? We treat basic community support like socialism, abandoning the public good to be run like a business. Lifes value isnt measured in dollars but in how we treat one another. Your neighborsmaybe even youare struggling. Food is expensive. Housing is outrageous. Lets not tear down what support systems exist or celebrate job losses. Empathy should not be a political position. We are all in this together. Just because Washington lost sight of that doesnt mean we should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Anthony Barrie, Boise Medicaid cuts arent reform I am opposed to the current bills calling themselves Medicaid reform. I have many objections to attempts to restrict access to medical care for lower-income people. I cant help but wonder about the motives of those proposing restrictions. I am especially dismayed by the radiant smile of Rep. Jordan Redman. I wonder if he would display that radiant smile in a medical clinic when a person with a low income was told that because of Rep. Redmans bill, they could not receive medical care for an illness. It is common knowledge that many serious illnesses are more easily treated if they are discovered early. People with no health coverage are likely to postpone getting treatment until their illness has progressed past the early stage. The woman who finds a lump in her breast may not get treatment until breast cancer has spread throughout her body because she doesnt have the money to seek early treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can picture Rep. Redmams beaming smile as he stands beside the doctor who has to tell a woman that her stage four breast cancer would not have been a death sentence if she would have had early treatment. Horrifying. Kathy Zuckerman, Boise I am not a paid protester Im a worried American. The Republican partys response for the negative blowback from constituents about DOGE actions is to dismiss the protests, cancel town halls and stifle feedback, dismissing it as an outsider campaign. The anger from voters is organic and real. Tools such as the 5 Calls App do not create the opinion, they help folks channel their disapproval in a productive way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our representatives need to listen to their citizens intent, even if they rely on help from a script. It may be the first phone call to their congressperson theyve made. I suspect that Republicans feel just fine when their far-right extremist voters use calling tools and talking points. Americans are deeply unhappy with the chaos and random, cruel dismantling of needed programs. Congress needs to start listening. Amy Steckel, Boise Dismantling public education Trump is doing away with the Department of Education. I am not terribly upset about the policies handed down because the states have done a fairly decent job of that before. What I am very worried about is the fact that the Department of Education levels the playing field. It makes it so a child growing up in a town of 3,000 people and half the county is on BLM land stands a chance of getting as good an education as that growing up in a city of 200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will never be totally equal but more so. We live in Idaho, mainly small-town. We rely heavily on the BLM, the Bureau of Reclamation, National Forest Service and myriad agencies that help our farmers. This administration understands none of that. Most of them were not even educated in our public schools. Musk went to school in South Africa. He did not study our history, how our government works. He never stood and pledged allegiance to our flag with all his classmates and yet we are allowing him to demolish our infrastructure. It is time that we stand up as proud Idaho American citizens and tell them its enough. Jamie Draper, Fruitland Harming Idaho veterans At the Boise Veterans Affairs hospital, the sign at the entrance reads The Price of Freedom Is Visible Here. Veterans deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect, and to casually dismiss from employment any veteran and those who serve our veterans is a unique form of sickness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Feeny, Boise Child care regs important I have never heard of a child dying because they read a library book. Yet the legislature last year was so concerned about materials harmful to minors in public and private libraries that they passed legislation to keep those harmful materials away from children. This year, legislators are about to pass legislation to deregulate child care centers, despite testimony that an 11-week-old child died in child care that did not meet the current regulations. I leave it to readers to decide how concerned our legislators really are about the safety of Idahos children. Mary Mosley, Meridian Preserve the initiative The ballot initiative process in Idaho is a vital tool for citizens to directly participate in shaping our laws and policies. However, recent legislative proposals threaten to undermine this constitutionally protected mechanism by imposing excessive restrictions, such as requiring signatures from all 35 legislative districts or granting the governor veto power over initiatives without a two-thirds majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These measures not only complicate an already rigorous process but also risk silencing the voices of Idahoans. The Idaho Supreme Court previously struck down similar restrictions, calling them a tyranny of the minority. Yet, some lawmakers persist in their attempts to curtail this fundamental right. Idahoans must stand united against these efforts. Which is why Im asking my legislators; Sen. Josh Keyser, Rep. Joe Palmer and Rep. James Holtzclaw, to stand up and be defenders of the Idaho Constitution by voting no on HB 85 and SJR 101. The initiative process belongs to the people, not politicians. Lets protect it by rejecting efforts designed to undermine this cherished right. Steven Groothuis, Meridian The U.S. State Department over the weekend announced sanctions on an unknown number of current and former Thai officials for their role in deporting at least 40 Uyghur men to China. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was immediately moving to impose visa restrictions on current and former officials responsible for or complicit in the deportations. No Thai official has been named. The visa restrictions were not explained but can entail a denial of entry to the U.S. We are committed to combating Chinas efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subject to torture and enforced disappearances, Rubio said in a statement. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said it had multiple times clarified with countries that have conveyed their concerns over the safety of the men that China assured that they would be unharmed, and that Thailand would follow up on their well-being. Thailand has always upheld a long tradition of humanitarianism, particularly in providing assistance to displaced persons from various countries for more than half a century and will continue to do so, the ministry said in a statement. Thailands ministers of defense and justice said they scheduled a trip to visit the men in China next week. A number of Thai journalists were invited to join them. In Facebook posts, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said 40 Chinese nationals who had been smuggled were repatriated to Xinjiang on a chartered flight and they had all returned home and reunited with their families after more than 10 years. The Uyghurs are a Turkic, majority Muslim group native to Xinjiang in Chinas far west. More than 300 Uyghurs fleeing China were detained in 2014 by Thai authorities. By February, 48 Uyghurs remained in Thai detention when authorities prepared to send them back to China despite calls from Thai lawmakers and international officials not to do so. Rubio has been a longtime critic of Beijing, and he was twice sanctioned by the Chinese government in 2020 over his support for the rights of Uyghurs and people in Hong Kong. MDT/AP ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump and discussed efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine and to restore stability in Syria, Erdogan's office said on Sunday. He told Trump that Turkey supports his "decisive and direct initiatives" to end the war between Russia and Ukraine and that Turkey will continue to strive for a "just and lasting peace", the statement said. Erdogan also spoke of "the importance of jointly contributing to the lifting of sanctions on Syria to restore stability, make the new administration functional and support normalisation," the statement said, adding that this would enable Syrians to return to their homeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey also expects steps from the United States regarding the fight against terrorism, taking into account Turkey's interests, it said. In the battle against Islamic State in Syria, the United States is allied with a Syrian Kurdish militia that Turkey regards as a terrorist group. Turkey has sharply criticised this U.S. stance as a betrayal of a NATO ally. Erdogan said it was necessary to end CAATSA sanctions, finalise Ankara's F-16 procurement process and its re-participation in the F-35 programme in order to develop defence industry cooperation between Turkey and the United States. Ankara's past purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems prompted U.S. sanctions and Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme in 2019. (Additional reporting by Can Sezer; Writing by Daren Butler, Editing by Louise Heavens) Europe must act with greater urgency as it forms a coalition to defend Ukraine from further Russian aggression, Estonias foreign minister has said. Speaking to The Telegraph, Margus Tsahkna said Tallinn was ready to play an active role in the so-called coalition of the willing, a UK-led initiative to give Ukraine security guarantees after a ceasefire. But he suggested that the Estonian government was frustrated with the pace of the talks on forming the coalition, which could station around 10,000 peacekeeping troops in Ukraine after the war has ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our shared goal is a lasting and just peace, but to achieve this, Europe must act with greater urgency and resolve than it has thus far. The primary obstacle to peace is Putin and his ongoing aggression, Mr Tsahkna said, when asked what role Estonia would play in the coalition of the willing. He added: Our pressure must be directed at the aggressor, while our support must go to the victim. Only when Putin understands that time is not on his side will credible negotiations be possible. Estonia, a Baltic member of Nato and the EU with a population of 1.3 million, shares a 180-mile border with Russia and has been one of Ukraines most vocal supporters since Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. The country already spends 3.5 per cent of its annual GDP on defence and has announced plans to increase that figure to 5 per cent, while strongly encouraging European allies to follow suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Tsahkna stressed that Estonia commends the leadership of the UK and France in advancing the discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine, and said his country was ready to play an active role in these discussions. Margus Tsahkna said Estonia was willing to play an active part in the coalition talks - David Rose for the Telegraph The coalition of the willing is a four-point plan proposed by Sir Keir Starmer to provide Ukraine with long-lasting security guarantees, in the event that it eventually signs a ceasefire deal with Russia. It could involve as many as 37 countries from Europe, Asia and the Commonwealth, and its primary goal would be deterring Vladimir Putin from breaking the ceasefire and launching a renewed invasion. The discussions so far have been led by the UK and France, with Sir Keir holding a virtual meeting on Saturday with around two dozen mainly European leaders. Paris also hosted a meeting on March 11, where Australia, Japan and New Zealand reportedly showed interest in joining the coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total number of peacekeepers from the coalition could range from 10,000-30,000. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, suggested it could comprise several thousand from each country, placed at a few key locations. The Sunday Times said that Royal Navy mine-hunter ships could also help patrol the Black Sea. Sir Keir is building the coalition in tandem with France, in response to concerns that Donald Trump, the US president who has adopted a much more confrontational approach to Ukraine than his predecessor, can no longer be relied on for security guarantees in Europe. Russian rocket launchers on the front line in Donetsk - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP Mr Tsahkna said Estonia was confident that Mr Trump had retained a personal dedication to Nato, but he said it was clear that Europe needed to take on most of the responsibility for defending Ukraine in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estonias view is that Europe should bear the majority of the responsibility for providing security guarantees to Ukraine, while the participation of the United States remains essential, he said. It came as Alexander Stubb, the president of Finland, warned that the prospects of Putin entering sincere peace negotiations with the West were abysmal. He also said that Ukraine needed to be armed to the teeth by the West, and that sanctions should be increased on Russia, to put further pressure on Putin. I think Putin doesnt want a ceasefire. Putin doesnt want peace. His original aim was basically to destroy the independent sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Mr Stubb told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hasnt changed his aim and this is what all of us around the table have to understand. Thats why we have to maximise the pressure on Putin which means more sanctions which means using the frozen assets and which actually means militarising Ukraine to the teeth, Mr Stubb said. The Finnish president dismissed discussions about putting troops in Ukraine as premature, and said the first priority should be creating the conditions for a credible peace process. We are willing to do concrete measures overall but from our perspective it is too early to talk about boots on the ground, he said. Russia opposes Western peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a ceasefire. But Mr Macron said over the weekend: If Ukraine asks allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or not. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Trump administration on March 15 followed up a on an executive order signed a day earlier by President Donald Trump vowing to gut funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). As a result of the executive order which deemed USAGM as among "elements of the federal bureaucracy that the president has determined are unnecessary," grant funding to U.S.-funded media outlet RFE/RL was terminated. Journalists and employees working at U.S.-funded Voice of America were also placed on administrative leave. In an email obtained by the Kyiv Independent, employees at VOA were instructed "not to enter USAGM premises" nor "access USAGM systems." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You will be expected to immediately surrender your official USAGM identification badge and press pass, as well as any keys or other official government property, including documents, records, electronic and telephone devices, and other equipment," the email sent to VOA employees continued. "Everyone is really shocked and upset, but we saw some signs of those decisions coming," a VOA journalist who was placed on leave told the Kyiv Independent on the condition of anonymity. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us In recent weeks, the government's human resource department sent emails to employees asking for personal emails and phone numbers in case they needed to be contacted, the VOA journalist told the Kyiv Independent. "We were suspicious obviously." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone is still shocked even though its been expected because everyone saw Elon Musk's tweets." Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who serves as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), on Feb. 9 called for shutting down RFE/RL and VOA. Responding to comments by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell, Musk wrote on X: "Yes, shut them down. Europe is free now (not counting stifling bureaucracy). Nobody listens to them anymore. Its just radical left crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1B/year of US taxpayer money." Musk has criticized federal payments to media organizations like Politico, the Associated Press, and The New York Times, deeming them inefficient uses of taxpayer funds and moving to eliminate them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are still considered government employees but not for long. No one is expecting that it will last," a VOA journalist said, adding that employees are expecting termination to be applied by the end of next week. Politico reported on March 14 that U.S. government-backed broadcaster Radio Free Asia was furloughing about 300 U.S.-based staff next week due to the suspension in funding. The move comes as Ostap Yarysh, a prominent Ukrainian correspondent at VoA, was dismissed on March 7, reportedly following an inspection by DOGE. The New York Times reported on Feb. 28 that the USAGM, which oversees VOA, launched an investigation into journalists who had spoken out against Trumps policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VOA Director Mike Abramowit said in a statement on social media that over 1,300 journalists, producers and support staff were place on leave, criticizing the move as "failing to protect U.S. interests." "Even if the agency survives in some form, the actions being taken today by the Administration will severely damage Voice of Americas ability to foster a world that is safe and free and in doing so is failing to protect U.S. interests," Abramowit wrote. Funding for Radio Free Europe Slashed In addition to the leave imposed on journalists at VOA, grant funding to U.S.-funded media outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) was put to a halt. In a letter sent by USAGM senior advisor Kari Lake, a staunch Trump supporter and former news anchor turned Republican Senate candidate, current U.S. government grant funding was terminated on March 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This letter provides notice that that the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is terminating your federal grant... and any other grants with USAGM," the letter obtained by journalists reads. In response to the termination of funding, Stephen Capus, the head of RFE/RL which first began broadcasting into the Soviet Union during the Cold War said that the decision was "a massive gift to America's enemies." "The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years. Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker," Capus added. Trump has long criticized U.S.-funded media organizations, criticizing them over their coverage of the U.S. president, and often referring to them as "fake news." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, the networks reach an estimated 427 million people across the world and employed thousands of employees across the United States, Cuba, Europe, and Asia. The Trump administration has previously cut thousands of federally-funded positions, with the cuts directly impacting support for Ukraine. In February, the Trump administration terminated the employment of top officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) after they attempted to prevent representatives from Elon Musks DOGE from accessing restricted areas. Read also: UKs Starmer says troops on the ground and planes in the sky could secure Ukraine peace deal Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Mar. 15Six men are now in custody and being charged with first-degree human trafficking after a sting operation in Hartselle last week where they allegedly targeted and solicited decoys posing as juveniles an issue some officials say demands urgent attention. On March 6 and 7, the Morgan County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Decision conducted an anti-human trafficking operation with help from the Morgan County District Attorney's Office and Birmingham-based Covenant Rescue Group, a nonprofit organization that advises law enforcement on child exploitation and human trafficking operations. In addition to the human trafficking charges, the following suspects were charged with electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for a sex act: Winston Terrell James, 35, of Madison; Wayne Lynn Rosetti Jr, 59, of Madison; Deandre Lamar Floyd, 27, of Hillsboro; Joffre Mauricio Salazar Briones, 27, of Athens; Bud Winston Cunningham, 48, of Crane Hill; and Luis Said Cadena Morales, 23, of Toney, who is also being detained by immigration agents, according to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson said all six men are being held without bail following an Aniah's Law hearing, which allows judges to deny bail for suspects accused of certain violent crimes. It's named after Aniah Blanchard, an Auburn University college student who was kidnapped and murdered in 2019 by a man out on bail for attempted murder. Quanda Stevenson, the director of the criminal justice program at Athens State University and a member of the North Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, said she has seen an increase in the area over the last five years. "Human trafficking is the smuggling, recruiting, abducting, transporting, grooming, harboring, buying and selling of any individual person no matter what age or ethnicity," Stevenson said. "They do this by force, threats, violence, threats, coercion, fraud, intimidation. All for profit, and that profit can come from commercial profiting, meaning you have a large organization set up or it could be for an individual person." Stevenson said she estimated human trafficking to be the second largest organized crime activity after drug trafficking in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Just imagine if we're seeing drugs, something you use once or twice, and the amount of money it comes with," Stevenson said. "Human trafficking is allowing some people to be used multiple times. We have some victims who have admitted they were forced to commit 50 (sexual) acts a day." Child sexual abuse is not as prevalent with human trafficking, according to Stevenson, but she said it is still connected. She said human traffickers will groom juveniles for sometimes up to four or five years. "With social media now, (traffickers) can actually speed the process up," Stevenson said. "They can groom a child from six months to about a year and get them to do different things they would like for them to do, which is scary." Stevenson said the trafficker will groom the victim to the point the victim looks at them as a friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur Police Cap. George Silvestri, head of the department's Criminal Investigation Division, said human trafficking cases fluctuate in the city, but it is something he wants the public to be aware of. "It's evil, I don't know how else to describe it," Silvestri said. "The way they use these people, especially the young ones." All the suspects arrested in the Morgan County sting last week were from other counties, and Stevenson said that constitutes human trafficking because the suspects traveled across county lines to meet up with the decoys. Stevenson said human trafficking is difficult to track because the traffickers tend to not stay in the same area for long. Silvestri agrees and said they do this to avoid detection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are hard to catch because they know how to stay below the radar, so to speak," Sylvestri said. "They don't want to bring attention to themselves because that's usually when something happens. For example, they'll be like two days in Decatur and then they'll move to Memphis and move them around and that's how they avoid getting caught." He said he has not seen many cases of children being trafficked because traffickers usually do that in cities with larger populations to stay anonymous. "Decatur is like the world's largest small town," Silvestri said. "Everybody knows everybody and they notice things. Whereas, if you're in a city like Nashville or Atlanta, it's so easy to be anonymous in there and do whatever you want to do. Not saying it can't happen here, but it's really focused on the larger cities." Stevenson said the Morgan County case involved law enforcement officers posing as underage girls online. She explained that the men engaged in conversations with them, agreed to pay for sex acts and arranged to meet at specific locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Alabama, human trafficking is a Class A felony and under The Sound of Freedom Act passed in 2024, it is a mandatory life sentence if a person is convicted of first-degree human trafficking involving a child. "If they are predators and they are targeting children, then I want the maximum sentence in every case," Anderson said. "We don't want people out in public looking to abuse children." Anderson said in all cases of human trafficking, suspects are subject to Aniah's Law. "In these last few with that sting operation, we requested that all the defendants be no bonded, and the court agreed," Anderson said. "All those gentlemen will remain incarcerated for the time being." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson said every human trafficking case is different, and convictions can be difficult to obtain if a victim does not testify. "If it involves a true victim (not a decoy), then getting that victim to come forward and testify, a lot of times it involves minors," Anderson said. "Court is a very daunting place for minors, and that's one impediment we have is getting our victims to testify." wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. By Maya Gebeily, Humeyra Pamuk and Laila Bassam BEIRUT/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. is weighing in with Lebanon's government on the selection of the country's next central bank governor in a bid to curtail corruption and illicit financing for the armed group Hezbollah through Lebanon's banking system, five sources familiar with the issue said. Washington's feedback on the candidates for the top role in shaping Lebanon's monetary policy is the latest example of the U.S.' unusually hands-on approach to the Middle Eastern country, where a more than five-year financial crisis has collapsed the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also demonstrates the U.S.' continued focus on weakening Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group whose sway over the Lebanese government has been reduced after the group was pummelled by Israel in last year's war. Since then, Lebanon has elected U.S.-backed Joseph Aoun as president, and a new cabinet without a direct role for Hezbollah has taken power. That government must now fill vacant posts - including at the central bank, run by an interim governor since July 2023. The U.S. is reviewing the profiles of a handful of candidates for the role, according to three Lebanese sources briefed on the issue, one Western diplomat and an official from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. The sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity to discuss Washington's role in the selection process, the details of which have not been previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials met with some potential candidates in Washington and at the U.S. embassy in Lebanon, two of the Lebanese sources and the Trump administration official said. The Lebanese sources, who were briefed on the meetings, said the U.S. officials asked candidates questions, including how they would fight "terrorist financing" through Lebanon's banking system and if they were willing to confront Hezbollah. The State Department, White House and the office of Lebanon's prime minister did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency declined to comment on the U.S. role, saying the most important thing was to pick a qualified person. The Trump administration official said the meetings were part of "normal diplomacy" - but said the U.S. was making its guidance on candidates' qualifications clear to the Lebanese government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The guidelines are, no Hezbollah and nobody who has been caught up in corruption. This is essential from an economic perspective," the official told Reuters. "You need somebody who is going to implement reform, demand reform, and refuse to look the other way whenever people try to do business as usual in Lebanon," the official said. MAJOR ROLE IN REFORM The Lebanese sources said some of the candidates being considered included former minister Camille Abousleiman, Firas Abi-Nassif, head of an investment firm, Jihad Azour of the International Monetary Fund and Philippe Jabre and Karim Souaid, both heads of their own asset management firms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next governor will play a major part in any economic and financial reforms, which Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have pledged to prioritise to help Lebanon emerge from a devastating financial meltdown that began in 2019. Triggered by widespread corruption and profligate spending by the governing political elite, the economic crisis impoverished most Lebanese, demolished the Lebanese pound and brought the banking system to a standstill. Lebanon's new government is looking to resume talks with the IMF for a financing programme, but the reforms remain a prerequisite. Western and Arab countries have also set reforms as a condition to provide any reconstruction support to Lebanon, large swathes of which were left in ruins by Israel's military campaign last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that vein, U.S. officials were discussing the candidates for central bank governor with Saudi Arabia, according to the Western diplomat and the Trump administration official. The Saudi government's media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The incoming governor would replace interim chief Wassim Mansouri, who has been overseeing the bank since the 30-year tenure of longtime head Riad Salameh ended in disgrace in 2023. Through most of his time as central bank chief, Salameh was feted as a financial wizard and enjoyed the backing of the U.S., which has a keen interest in the position because it oversees Lebanon's broader banking system and helps keep it compliant with U.S. laws preventing the financing of groups designated as "terrorist" factions, including Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Lebanon's financial collapse tainted Salameh's legacy. A month after he left office in 2023, Salameh was sanctioned by the United States, Britain and Canada, which accused him of corrupt actions to enrich himself and his associates, and is facing charges of financial crimes in Lebanon and broad. Last year, Lebanon was placed on a financial watchdog's "grey list" after failing to address concerns about terrorism financing and money laundering through its financial system. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam in Beirut; Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Rod Nickel) One of the state's most prominent Muslim leaders is leaving his post as longtime leader of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the organization's board chairman said on Sunday. Adam Soltani, who joined CAIR-OK in 2013 as its third executive director, has accepted a position with the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits as its chief programs officer, Masood Abdul-Haqq, the Muslim advocacy group's chairman of the board, said in an email statement. Haqq said the departing Soltani is leaving CAIR-OK "in the capable hands of Deputy Director Veronica Laizure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soltani helmed the advocacy group when it began what became an annual event in ensuing years, Muslim Day at the Capitol. "CAIR Oklahoma has accomplished milestones during his tenure that have empowered the Oklahoma Muslim community," Haqq said in his statement. "We are proud of Adam's service to CAIR Oklahoma and our state." Haqq said Soltani will remain involved with CAIR-OK in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Longtime Muslim advocacy leader is leaving CAIR-OK It turns out the Galapagos rail bird is not extinct after all. It's just a little shy. The creature was first recorded by Charles Darwin on his five-week visit to the island of Floreana, in Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago, in 1835. With no sightings since, it was believed the species had died out. However, the Galapagos Conservation Trust announced at the end of February that the bird with dark gray feathers, white spots, and red eyes had been spotted at three different sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a beautiful surprise," said the Charles Darwin Foundation's Birgit Fessl, per The News Tribune. Researchers recorded six calls and even photographed one of the birds as part of the Parque Nacional Galapagos annual survey. "Of all the Galapagos Islands, Floreana has been the most altered by human activity, and the Galapagos rail was thought to have been driven to extinction on the island by invasive species," the Galapagos Conservation Trust observed. "This small terrestrial bird, endemic to Galapagos, is a poor flier, making it particularly vulnerable to introduced predators such as cats and rats." This is just one example of the negative impacts that humans can have on animal populations. The destruction of habitat can seriously reduce the chances of survival for various creatures, while the introduction of nonnative species of plants or animals can lead to historically native fauna and flora dying out which can have severe impacts on biodiversity and the wider food web. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that doesn't mean we can't reverse the damage. "This finding demonstrates that ecosystems can recover if given the opportunity," Galapagos National Park Director Arturo Izurieta said, per The News Tribune. This has been shown in other areas across the globe. Coral reef restoration off the coast of Spain, for example, has saved 767 corals, benefiting the wider ocean ecosystem. Meanwhile, dam removal efforts in Europe have boosted water security and reversed nature loss. 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. The Lake Stevens Police Department took to social media to inform the public why there was a lot of police activity in Lake Stevens on Friday night. Police said that on Friday, they received a call about a possible kidnapping in Everett that led police to a location on Lundeen Park Way near SR 204 in Lake Stevens. The call that started in Everett led police from the Washington State Patrol, Everett Police, the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office and Lake Stevens Police into the city in search of the suspected car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After police found the car, police discovered that there was no crime and was a mistaken observation by a concerned citizen. "It was a mistaken observation by a citizen who had the best intentions," Lake Stevens Police wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday. As always, we appreciate public concern and are consistently striving for public safety. Police told the public there was no risk to the public at that time and the road reopened shortly after discovering the mistake. A well-known shopping center just west of state Route 16 in Tacoma has traded hands. James Center, 6901 S. 19th St., has sold for $36.75 million to an LLC affiliated with Rosen Harbottle, a commercial real estate firm in Bellevue. The seller, an LLC affiliated with Vestar of Phoenix that specializes in acquiring, managing and developing retail centers, purchased the site in January 2016 for $31.4 million, according to county records on file. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vestar had already taken down its James Center online page Friday but appears to have marketed the center via Newmark last year, touting the sites anchors, Fred Meyer and Bartell Drugs, and noting the sites IHOP $1.2 million in sales in 2023. It listed the site with 97 percent occupancy. The brochure also touted the James Center North Aviva Crossing project, a project involving both Tacoma Housing Authority and Koz Development. The brochure noted the residential/commercial addition would bring added consumer draw and new pedestrian and vehicular traffic to the center. Rosen Harbottles website does list James Center among its properties and notes there is one space available for leasing. The firm also owns Tacoma Place shopping center, 1901 S. 72nd St., anchored by Winco and overlooking Interstate 5, and Cedar Plaza, 3635-3680 S. Cedar St. The sale was recorded March 12, and first reported by The Registry real estate website. Families are flocking to the middle of the country, desiring affordability and communityand towns are welcoming them with cash in hand. Many Americans are sick of where they live. Rising housing costs, struggling education and healthcare systems, and dreams of better infrastructure are driving families to reconsider where they call homeand its music to the ears of small towns vying for a comeback. Dozens of localities in states like Indiana, Kentucky, and Mississippi are luring workers away from big cities and into rural and suburban areas. Their promises? Somewhere that prioritizes community and matches their lifestyleand towns are willing to dish out thousands to prove it's worth it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Jensen, mayor of Noblesville, INa town outside of Indianapolissays theres strong demand for communities that prioritize affordability, safety, and walkabilityand there are more towns that offer it than people realize. Theres something about Midwest value, there's something about community that we have here, and I think we should sell it, Jensen tells Fortune. Noblesville is one of many communities that work with MakeMyMove, a platform that helps towns create campaigns and recruit new high-earning residents. Those new to Noblesville can enjoy a $5,000 relocation grant, annual memberships to the towns coworking space and chamber of commerce, and a $500 health and wellness stipend. Others have more creative lures. New Haven, IN, is offering burgers and bourbon with the mayor. In Wabash County, IN, you can join your neighbors on a rafting trip. In Mayfield, KY, they are offering a monthly gift of a dozen locally sourced eggs. We're seeing workers voting with their feet to places like Indiana and Kentucky, says Evan Hock, co-founder and chief operating officer of MakeMyMove. For community leaders, this is open season. With a little bit of effort, they can attract the people and income whose economic impact will fund future growth. It's a good deal for any enterprising mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millennials in particular are moving to small towns and rural areas at the highest rate seen in decades, according to an analysis from Realtor.com. Workers are on the move, and small towns are open arms During the pandemic, moving out of metropolises was a common practicewith families ditching big city aspirations in favor of places that have been typically characterized as flyover states. Recent research indicates that rural areas may be more conducive homes for children to climb the wealth ladder versus cities like New York. Places like New York and San Francisco are amazing, Hock says. But for many thousands of people, a good life in these places is unattainable. Jensen, who was born and raised in Noblesville and served as mayor for five years, says there are countless examples of families seeking a more tranquil life in a smaller towneither as a remote worker or a small business owneronce they start having kids. He recounts one example where a family from Miami moved to Noblesville: It's different when you're raising kids, and the quality of life piece was so important to them, and they couldn't believe they were standing talking to the mayor at this event where they were interacting with firefighters and police officers. They said that would not happen where they came from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite big-name companies like Amazon and JPMorgan Chase calling back employees to the office five days a week, Hock says remote work has been relatively stable, and demand for MakeMyMove programs has never been higher. The reality is that there's a talent shortage in the U.S. and as long as that is the case, talent is in the driver's seat. If workers see value in small-town USA, which we think they do, these programs will continue to be successful, he says. AJ OReilly, a remote UX designer and small business owner, moved with his wife, young daughter, and dog from the MinneapolisSt. Paul area to Noblesville. He says the town offered the perfect balance of a tight-knit community and convenient amenities. I was looking for something that I could actually build community and meet people and dive deep in a community, whereas St. Paul was really cool, but it was too big to really build a community, says OReilly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says programs like MakeMyMove make sense considering states and local governments are often eager to offer businesses financial incentives to move, so why not people? After visiting Noblesville, he and his wife bought their house sight unseen with just a video tour from a realtor: We were so confident that we wanted to live in Noblesville. Little-known towns provide untapped potential States like Indiana get a bad rap, says Colby Flye, a remote worker in the tech industry who also recently moved to Noblesville with his family. In reality, many little-known areas have great parks and neighborhoodsyou just have to find the hidden gems. These places might not be well known, but they have strong communities. You won't find any better affordability in places like these, Flye tells Fortune. If you're really looking to settle down, make a home nest and really build something for the future, go ahead and make the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of its proximity to Indianapolis, Noblesvilles average housing cost is close to $369,000, according to Zillow. Thats slightly higher than the national average of about $357,000. Other MakeMyMove areas have much lower housing costs, but the affordability secret may be catching on. The average home value in Mayfield, KY, is about $143,500up 11% from last year. We encourage every American to take stock of their community. You only get one life, so might as well live it in a place that moves you. A better life is out there, says Hock. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com DARAA, Syria (AP) Family members of Syrians who disappeared in the country's 14-year civil war gathered in the city of Daraa on Sunday to urge the newly installed interim government to not give up on efforts to find them. The United Nations in 2021 estimated that over 130,000 Syrians were taken away and disappeared during the war, many of them detained by former President Bashar Assad's network of intelligence agencies as well as by opposition fighters and the extremist Islamic State group. Advocacy group The Syrian Campaign says some 112,000 are still missing. When rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham overthrew Assad in December, they stormed prisons and released detainees from the ousted government's dungeons. Families of the missing quickly rushed to the prisons seeking their loved ones. While there were some reunions, rescue services also discovered mass graves around the country and used whatever remains they could retrieve to identify the dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, the 14th anniversary of the countrywide uprisings that spiraled into civil war, Wafa Mustafa held a placard of her father, Ali, who was detained by the Assad government's security forces in 2013. She fled a week later to Germany, fearing she would also be detained, and hasn't heard from him since. Like many other Syrians who fled the conflict or went into exile for their activism, she often held protests and rallied in European cities. Now, she has returned twice since Assad's ouster, trying to figure out her father's whereabouts. Im trying, feeling both hope and despair, to find any answer on the fate of my father," she said. I searched inside the prisons, the morgues, the hospitals, and through the bodies of the martyrs, but I still couldnt find anything. A United Nations-backed commission on Friday urged the interim government led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa to preserve evidence and anything they can document from prisons in the ongoing search for the disappeared. The commission also urged the new government to pursue perpetrators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some foreign nationals are missing in Syria as well, notably American journalist Austin Tice, whose mother visited Syria in January and met with Al-Sharaa. Tice has not been heard from other than a video released weeks after his disappearance in 2012 that showed him blindfolded and held by armed men. Syrias civil war began after Assad crushed largely peaceful protests in 2011, one of the popular uprisings against Arab rulers known as the Arab Spring. Half a million people were killed during the conflict, and more than 5 million left the country as refugees. ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut. PICKENS, W.Va. (WBOY) The tiny town of Pickens hosted its 39th annual Maple Syrup Festival over the weekend, proving once again that big things can come in small packages. Thousands of visitors flocked to the town, known as the Haven in the Hardwood, to indulge in the towns sweet specialty: fresh, locally-produced maple syrup. For two delicious days, guests had the opportunity to pile their plates high with all-you-can-eat pancakes and buckwheat cakes drenched in the rich, golden syrup, making it the ultimate breakfast indulgence. President of the Pickens Historical Society Debby Morgan told 12 News that she has seen the festival become a tradition for locals and those from around the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia University holds White Coat Ceremony for medical students It really has turned into a homecoming not only just for the people in Pickens but also for surrounding people that have brought their kids for years, its great, and it makes us proud, Morgan said. Its a lot of hard work, but it makes us proud. Haley Holmes, a resident of Cowen, West Virginia, enjoys the journey just as much as the syrup. Just being able to come out here and drive the scenic routes and go out and visit the Holly River, and view all the historical locations, and obviously eat a bunch of pancakes, Holmes said. Its just been a tradition that weve done since Ive been little. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the funds raised during the festival directly support this cherished event, helping Pickens prepare for another syrup-filled celebration next year while also preserving the communitys historic buildings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GLENVIEW, Ill. Family of a 28-year-old mother killed after she was struck by a Cook County Sheriffs Deputy in Glenview gathered Saturday night to celebrate her life and honor her memory. According to Glenview police, Mercedes Smith was walking in the 9800 block of Milwaukee Avenue just after 5 a.m. on March 4 when she was hit. The circumstances leading up to the crash, which remains under investigation, are still not clear. She was a loving mom, a moving spirit, she was joyful, she was gifted, Markquita Smith said. I loved everything about my sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith was transported to Lutheran General in critical condition where she was placed in a medically induced coma. She was later transferred to Rush University Medical Center, where she later died. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Beautiful to know: Family mourns mother struck by Cook County Sheriffs deputy in Glenview Smiths 10-year-old daughter, her sisters, brothers, friends, and family were among close to a dozen people who gathered near their home on Chicagos South Side to release a balloon in her memory. She always wanted to see people happier, even if they were happier than her. Thats the type of person she was, said Mahogany Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Smiths family prepares to lay her to rest, theyre hoping for clarity about what happened to her. Whether it was an accident, or something occurred leading up to the crash, they said they feel they should have heard something by now. Its wrong for us to have to go through this grief and still try to figure out and scramble for answers on what happened to our sister, said Markquita. While cases involving a pedestrian strike can vary based on the circumstances and may involve crash reconstruction, they may also include investigating vehicle factors, toxicology reports, and other circumstances, and could take some time. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WGN has reached out to the Glenview Police Department to check on any updates in the case but has not yet heard back. Family told WGN Smith went on to save several lives through the gift of organ donation. They find peace in knowing her memory will live on through those she helped. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAVENPORT, Iowa Family Resources Director of Community Violence Intervention, Tee LeShoure, has won the 2025 John and Kay Egan Memorial Victim Justice Award. In its 16th year, the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance awards an Iowan who has volunteered time and energy to make a difference for crime victims. Nominees are considered for their contribution to victim rights beyond their job responsibilities. Tee LeShoure (Family Resources) With her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders within the Quad City community, LeShoure has played a pivotal role in addressing violence. She has partnered with the Davenport Police Department and the City of Davenport to implement the Group Violence Intervention Strategy. In the last year, the GVI Strategy has resulted in a 56% decrease in shots fired and a 29% decrease in group gun related violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tees work has not only reduced violence but also cultivated a sense of hope and resilience within our community, said Nicole Cisne Durbin, Family Resources CEO. She inspires those around her to believe in the possibility of change and equips her team with the tools to make it happen. Her leadership reflects the highest ideals of the John and Kay Egan Award: compassion, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to empowering others. Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel also supported LeShoure for the award. One remarkable example of her dedication occurred after a tragic shooting, where Tee went beyond emotional support to personally ensure the familys safety. She coordinated boarding up their home and arranged for their transition to safe housing, said Chief Bladel. This extraordinary act exemplifies her commitment to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of crime victims. The Egan Award is in honor of John and Kay Egan who were activists for the rights and needs of violent crime victims. In 1999 the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance established the award to honor their commitment to helping those who needed it most. The award is presented every year to an Iowan whose outstanding service to crime victims reflects and honors Egans dedication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Farmers in Huelva, Spain, are facing a crisis. As reported by HortiDaily, drought conditions and water restrictions have severely impacted crop yields, forcing many to make tough decisions about their operations. What's happening? Natural Berry, a farm run by agricultural engineers Elisa Arazo and her husband, has had to abandon strawberry production entirely. This is due to a combination of two factors: high water demands and slim profit margins. Instead, they've shifted focus to blueberry cultivation in a strategic move to maximize yields with limited resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Last season, production was very scarce because the drought affected us a lot," Arazo said to HortiDaily. "We produced 50% less fruit." Although the current 25% irrigation restriction is an improvement over last year's 50% cut, it still presents challenges. Farmers are contending with reduced water access and increased competition from imports, which continues driving down their profits. Why is this crisis concerning? This is a problem for farmers, but it is also a problem for the rest of society. When farms struggle to produce, communities that rely on agricultural jobs also suffer, threatening local economies and food security. This extreme weather crisis has been impacting Spain for quite some time. Last year, devastating floods killed over 200 people in Valencia, Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These challenges, which make it harder to grow food, are why we see higher prices at the grocery store. As crops fail or yields shrink, consumers may notice more of this "heatflation." Farmers who can't adapt quickly enough risk losing their livelihoods, and regions that depend on agriculture may experience long-term economic downturns. What's being done to help protect our food supply? Despite these challenges, some farmers are finding ways to adapt. Natural Berry's transition to blueberries has helped maintain profitability. They've also introduced a few other practical, cost-effective solutions. For example, using native plants to improve soil health and setting up bat boxes to naturally control pests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond individual farms, researchers and agricultural organizations are working on ways to make food production more sustainable. Researchers in Germany, for instance, have discovered that certain plants can thrive in previously unusable soil, and others are turning insects into viable animal feed and fertilizer. Consumers can make a difference, too. Buying locally grown produce helps struggling farmers stay afloat, and cutting down on food waste eases the strain on already stressed agricultural systems. And, of course, staying informed about water policies (and advocating for smarter management) can help ensure a more secure food future for all. 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. The partys no longer popping. The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on poppers, a recreational party drug popular within the LGBTQ+ community, multiple outlets report. Poppers, made of alkyl nitrates, have operated in a legal gray area for decades masquerading as cleaning solvents and nail polish remover, according to Fast Company but the inhalants have now seemingly fallen under scrutiny. Double Scorpio, a Texas-based poppers producer, announced this week that it stopped all operations following a search and seizure performed by the FDA, according to a statement on their website, which has been wiped of all other information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont have a lot of information to share but we believe that the FDA has performed similar actions towards other companies recently, the company wrote, thanking their loyal customers for their trust during their eight years in business. While The Post contacted the FDA for comment, a spokesperson for the agency told Fast Company that, due to policy, the FDA does not comment on possible criminal investigations. The outlet also reports that multiple other poppers brands have gone silent and scrubbed their internet presence, such as Rush producer Pac-West Distributing (PWD), whose site now only displays the brand logo, and poppers seller Nitro-Solv, which announced on their site they have ceased operations. AFAB Industrial a fellow Rush producer and once an outspoken face of the poppers industry has gone ghost, too, according to Fast Company. In 2021, AFAB International owner Everett Farr alleged he controlled 75% of the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as Im concerned, I sell nail polish remover, he told Buzzfeed at the time, although he admitted that without this product, a multitude of gay men cannot have gay sex. Varities of poppers can be found for sale at local gas stations and sex stores. wikimedia Poppers, sold in a tiny plastic bottle at convenience stores, sex shops and gas stations across the country, cause a euphoric high when sniffed and have muscle relaxant properties that propelled the inhalant to popularity as a sex drug in the gay community. They were previously prescribed for chest pain and, in the 1960s, poppers, made with amyl nitrites at the time, were ruled a prescription drug by the FDA. While manufacturers switched to using butyl nitrites as a substitute, the chemical was banned in 1988, followed by a ban on isopropyl nitrites two years later. Regulation of isopropyl nitrites, however, had an exception for commercial purposes, according to Fast Company, a loophole for producers of poppers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While poppers have previously been incorrectly linked to AIDS in the LGBTQ+ community an unfounded stance Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has doubled down on despite lacking evidence the misuse of poppers has been linked to adverse health effects. Newly appointed US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has incorrectly claimed that poppers and drug use cause AIDS and not HIV, a stance that lacks evidence, according to NBC News. Allison Bailey/NurPhoto/Shutterstock These include racing pulse, flushed face and neck, headache, vomiting, nausea and vision issues, and ingesting poppers could even be fatal. Its not an energy drink, Joseph J. Palamar, an associate professor in population health at NYU Langone Health who studies the use of poppers, told NBC News. Youll definitely be poisoned. A study published this month in Clinical Toxicology investigated an area in New York City in which poison control centers saw an uptick in poppers poisoning, according to NBC News. Researchers questioned workers at 86 stores that sold poppers, asking how to use the product. Half said to inhale it, 44% did not know and 8% advised ingesting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, the FDA warned not to ingest nor inhale the drug, claiming the behavior seriously jeopardizes your health. These chemicals can be caustic and damage the skin or other tissues they come in contact with, cause difficulty breathing, extreme drops in blood pressure, decreases in blood oxygen levels, seizures, heart arrhythmia, coma, and death, Judy McMeekin, Pharm. D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, said in the FDA statement. Do not ingest or inhale under any circumstances. A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administrations ability to use a sweeping wartime authority to quickly deport some migrants whom the US has accused of being affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The judge also ordered any planes in the air carrying some of those migrants to turn back to the US. Earlier Saturday, the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which gives the president tremendous authority to target and remove undocumented immigrants, to speed up the deportations of migrants. The law is designed to be invoked if the US is at war with another country, or a foreign nation has invaded the US or threatened to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US District Judge James Boasberg had blocked the administration from deporting five individuals who challenged President Donald Trumps use of the act. Following a hastily scheduled hearing hours later, Boasberg broadened his temporary block on the administration, granting a request from the plaintiffs lawyers to certify a provisional class that covers all noncitizens in US custody who would be subject to Trumps proclamation. Boasberg, who serves as the chief judge of the federal trial-level court in Washington, DC, agreed that those individuals deportations should also be temporarily blocked while the legal challenge proceeds. Particularly given the plaintiffs information, unrebutted by the government, that flights are actively departing and planning to depart, I do not believe that Im able to wait any longer, Boasberg continued. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States. The judge said the temporary restraining order will remain in effect for 14 days or until further order of the court. He set another hearing in the case for later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres clearly irreparable harm here given these folks will be deported, Boasberg said. A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm. The Justice Department has appealed Boasbergs decisions to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. In a presidential proclamation, released earlier Saturday, the White House cited its designation of Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, saying many of them have unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States. The proclamation called for all those subject to the measure to be immediately arrested, detained, and removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alien Enemies Act has been invoked three times in US history all during war according to the Brennan Center. During World Wars I and II, it was used to justify detentions and expulsions of German, Austro-Hungarian, Italian and Japanese immigrants. The law played a role in the infamous US policy of Japanese internment during World War II, according to the non-partisan law and policy institute. The federal judges initial Saturday ruling came after a request to the judge from the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward hours before the order the groups argued there may not be enough time to intervene after Trump issued it. The ACLU argued in its filing that the gang has not engaged in an invasion because criminal activity does not meet the longstanding definitions of those statutory requirements. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Devan Cole and Shania Shelton contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Mar. 15Federal regulators are recommending that four Kennebec River dams receive new licenses, with some additional requirements to enhance endangered fish passage that go beyond what the dams' operator had proposed. In a final environmental impact statement released at the end of February, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff outlined its recommendation for relicensing the Shawmut Hydroelectric Project near Fairfield and amending licenses of the Lockwood Hydroelectric Project in Waterville, the Hydro-Kennebec Hydroelectric Project in Waterville and the Weston Hydroelectric Project in Skowhegan. The four dams are operated by subsidiaries of Brookfield Renewable, itself a subsidiary of a massive global investment firm based in Toronto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future of the four dams has been the subject of debate in Maine since Brookfield began the relicensing process for the Shawmut dam in 2020. Business advocates and some politicians have underscored their importance to the local economy, including to the Sappi paper mill in Skowhegan. Environmental advocates, meanwhile, say they threaten endangered fish populations in the Kennebec River and have been advocating for their removal. The staff recommendation is not final but will play a key role in the commission's decision on the licenses. FERC is currently waiting for a water quality certification for the Shawmut dam from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, which is required under federal regulations to make a decision on Brookfield's application by Oct. 20. A FERC spokesperson, Celeste M. Miller, said in an email recently that she could not speculate about when the commission will act on Brookfield's application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brookfield is seeking a new license to operate the 8.65-megawatt Shawmut dam, for which it applied in January 2020. In June 2021, the company also requested amendments to its current license through an interim species protection plan for Atlantic salmon until FERC makes a decision on the relicensing. Also in June 2021, Brookfield submitted a final species protection plan for the 6.915-megawatt Lockwood dam, the 15.433-megawatt Hydro-Kennebec dam and the 15.98-megawatt Weston dam for Atlantic salmon, Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon. Other species of concern for FERC include alewife, blueback herring, American shad, American eel and sea lamprey. Brookfield's proposal for new upstream fish passage facilities included a volitional fishway and an access road for maintenance of it at the Lockwood dam, as well as fish lifts at the Weston and Shawmut dams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brookfield's proposed modifications to downstream fish passage facilities included resurfacing spillways at all four dams, installing trash rack overlays to protect adult salmon from turbine entrapment at all powerhouses and installing two new guidance booms at the Shawmut dam. Brookfield also proposed a set of operating procedures and monitoring measures to ensure fish passage at certain levels. FERC's staff recommendation largely follows Brookfield's proposal but adds other measures, such as extending hours and dates of operations of certain fish passage infrastructure. FERC staff developed the final environmental impact statement after considering feedback from various sources, including public input sessions held in Waterville and Augusta in May 2024 that followed the release of a draft of the document two months prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Brookfield spokesperson said in a statement that the company appreciates FERC's "diligent work." "We look forward to completing our review of the final document and turning our attention to the water quality certification process overseen by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection," the statement said. "The relicensing of the Shawmut Dam, like all of our relicensing proposals, is the product of many years of study and consultation with federal and state resource agencies, as well as the public, and is intended to carefully balance public, economic, energy, and natural resource interests." The Kennebec Coalition, made up of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Rivers, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Trout Unlimited and Trout Unlimited's Kennebec Valley Chapter, criticized FERC's recommendations. The coalition, along with the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Conservation Law Foundation, said in a joint statement that the document "ignores the best available science and could doom endangered Atlantic salmon to extinction while harming recovery of other sea-run fish." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar engineered fish passage has not worked on other rivers with several dams in a row, the coalition said. Rivers in the Northeast where proposals have failed include the Connecticut, Merrimack and Androscoggin, according to the group. "Dooming the Kennebec to the same fate as other rivers where sea-run fish have disappeared would have catastrophic consequences for our outdoor recreation and commercial fishing industries," the statement said. "We will continue doing everything we can to bring Mainers together to craft a collaborative solution that protects endangered Atlantic salmon, restores millions of sea-run fish, promotes economic development, and protects industry located along the river." The environmental groups in the coalition, however, did celebrate a small victory last year when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled against Brookfield in its objection to Maine DEP's denial of a water quality certification. The certification is a key requirement for Brookfield that remains pending. While the federal government, though FERC, issues licenses, the Clean Water Act gives states the opportunity to approve or deny certification for a project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brookfield first applied for the necessary certification in August 2020, and Maine DEP issued a draft rejection in August 2021. Brookfield withdrew its application and re-applied in October 2021. In September 2022, a month before Maine DEP's deadline to act on the application, Brookfield revised it significantly. The next month, Maine DEP issued a final denial without prejudice, meaning it was not based on judgment of the application and allowed Brookfield to re-apply. Brookfield argued to FERC, and then the appeals court, that the denial constituted a waiver of Maine's certification authority because the state failed to comply with certain regulatory requirements. FERC ruled, and then the court upheld, that Maine did not waive its authority. Maine DEP's draft rejection of Brookfield's initial application in 2021 had caused some political uproar because of the implications to the Sappi Somerset Mill in Skowhegan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mill, which employs about 750 people, relies on the Shawmut impoundment for its water intake and wastewater discharge systems. The dam's removal would make water levels too low for the mill to use, company officials have said. Amid the uncertainty, Gov. Janet Mills said, in an open letter to Sappi employees, she would not allow the Sappi mill to close and urged all parties to find a solution. The Waterville-based Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce commissioned a study in 2022 that found the dams contributed directly to 1,284 jobs with associated employee earnings of almost $158.5 million. The dams also were generating millions each year in property and sales taxes, the study found. Skowhegan Town Manager Dawn DiBlasi said in remarks to the town's select board last year that the dams are crucial to central Maine's economy. They contribute to jobs at Brookfield and Sappi; increase property value of some homes that sit next to the water, rather than mud flats; allow for the development of the town's proposed River Park; and produce clean energy that keeps electricity rates down, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiBlasi said she was discouraged after sitting in on a meeting last summer during which she said FERC officials appeared unwilling to work with Brookfield. Now, with FERC's recommendation to move forward with the licensing, DiBlasi said she is more optimistic about the dams' future. "We need these dams to stay," DiBlasi said Monday. "A lot of the economy depends on it." As the licensure process continues, one rumor circulating in recent months has been that The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit, was in talks with Brookfield to buy the dams and would work with Sappi to address its water needs. The Bangor Daily News reported the possible transaction in October. That newspaper's report was based on information shared by state Sen. Brad Farrin, R-Norridgewock, and did not confirm what Farrin said he had heard with any representatives of Brookfield or The Nature Conservancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Brunswick-based spokesperson for The Nature Conservancy said in an email Monday that the organization had nothing to share on the topic. A Lewiston-based Brookfield spokesperson did not answer a question about whether the company was discussing selling the dams. Copy the Story Link Cebu City The Philippines aims to become a global tourism powerhouse, emphasizing collaboration and sustainable development, highlighting the countrys resilience and growth despite past challenges. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco issued this statement in her keynote address at the opening of the 10th International Travel Festival (ITF) 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel Cebu. The event will be held March 14-16, 2025. - Advertisement - Frasco recalled that in 2024, the Philippines saw 5.9 million international arrivals, generating P760-billion, representing a 126-percent recovery from the pandemic era. Tourists stayed an average of 11 nights, with per capita spending at $2,073 (roughly P118,828). The Marcos administrations investments in tourism infrastructure and sustainable practices have boosted the industry, employing 16.4 million Filipinos directly and indirectly. We continue to work with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and travel enthusiasts to shape a resilient and competitive tourism sector, Frasco said. She expressed joy in joining ITF 2025 celebrations, citing the resilience of the Filipino people in overcoming challenges and the importance of tourism as a vital economic force for the country despite past calamities. She further acknowledged the dedication and commitment of tourism stakeholders in maintaining the industrys thriving destinations. Frasco lauded the ITF organizers for promoting the Philippines as a top tourism destination, and credits stakeholders for the construction of tourist infrastructure funded by travel taxes. The DOT chief also cited Cebus role in Philippine tourism, with overnight tourist arrivals reaching over five million, marking a 25-percent growth. Cebu City welcomed 1.8 million overnight tourists, reflecting a nearly 20-percent increase in 2024. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport was recently recognized as the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region in the 5-15 million passenger category, highlighting Cebus diverse tourism offerings, from historical landmarks to natural attractions, along with the warm hospitality of its people. Frasco also praised Cebus innovative tourism programs, such as the Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo led by Gov. Gwen Garcia that became the benchmark of the Philippine Tourism Experience Program. Frasco lauded the ITFs role in fostering partnerships and collaborations among tourism stakeholders, mentioning the Travel Exchange and Tourism Students Day as platforms for nurturing future industry leaders and thanked the private sectors support in tourism recovery and transformation. We have outlined plans to present the Philippines as a destination that showcases its culture, heritage, and people to increase the value proposition of Philippine tourism. We are pushing for the Tourism Champions Challenge to strengthen Philippine tourism, emphasizing collaboration among national, local government units, and the private sector, she added. Rep. Emanuel Cleavers voice bellowed out over hundreds of demonstrators gathered at a fiery rally in support of federal workers in Kansas City on Saturday as he delivered a thunderous denunciation of President Donald Trump and his administration. Right now is a dangerous moment for the United States of America because we have a dictator wannabe in the White House and we want him to be gone, the Democratic congressman and former Kansas City mayor said. The rally, organized by unions representing area federal employees, jammed the sidewalk across from the Internal Revenue Service campus at midday. Cars honked in support as demonstrators, many wearing red in union solidarity, held signs denouncing Trump and the billionaire Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gathering underscored the perilous, uncertain time federal workers across the Kansas City metro and the country find themselves in, as Trump moves to gut federal agencies. The IRS fired roughly 100 probationary workers in Kansas City last month, but plans are in the works to cut the agencys staffing in half. At the Social Security Administration, which has a large presence downtown, workers are also braced for deep cuts. Over nearly two hours Cleaver, Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas, local elected officials and union leaders vowed to fight Trump and Musk, urged demonstrators to organize and, eventually, vote the administrations supporters out of office. Youre the ones who need to be the ones firing people, Cleaver said, his voice rising to a shout. A man has no right no right to treat you again like this. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver addresses the crowd during a rally in support of federal workers on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Kansas City. Davids, a Democrat who represents southern Wyandotte County, Johnson County and rural areas southwest of the Kansas City metro, summed up the mood: People are pissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth-term congresswoman attacked Musk, who is spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency initiative and has previously hoisted a chainsaw to illustrate his passion for cutting government. Last month Musk, speaking to the podcaster Joe Rogan, described empathy as the fundamental weakness of Western civilization. I know Elon Musk is out here saying all kinds of wild stuff, including that empathy is a weakness, Davids said. Some of these guys need to just go get some therapy. Democratic-leaning Kansas City has seen numerous anti-Trump protests over the past decade. But Saturdays rally was notable because it highlighted the political power of federal workers a large bloc of voters across the metro. The federal government employs some 30,000 people across the Kansas City area. Speakers on Saturday repeatedly encouraged demonstrators, many of whom appeared to be federal workers, to take action. Elected officials also sought to describe how they are supporting federal workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca, a Democrat, promised the crowd that he will file a proposal to direct the county government to give hiring preference to federal workers and recently fired federal workers. The move comes after the Kansas City Council last week instructed the city manager to help terminated federal workers fill some of the hundreds of open positions in the citys workforce. Every one of you today, youve got to set your expectation high for your elected officials, Abarca said. Every single one of them better be out marching, protesting, parading, leading, driving, following, sweeping up afterwards. And then they need to go inside of their chamber and get to work. When Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw spoke, the crowd chanted thank you when she discussed the hiring preference policy. Parks-Shaw co-sponsored the resolution with Councilman Eric Bunch. Im proud to say Kansas City the city of Kansas City is stepping up, Parks-Shaw said. Rajia Pennington rallies in support of federal workers along West Pershing Road on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Kansas City. Kansas and Missouri Republicans have largely supported the Trump administrations cost-cutting efforts, including Musks DOGE initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mark Alford, a Missouri Republican, defended Musk and DOGE during a hostile town hall in February in Belton. He said Trump can hire who he wants and painted an expansive view of Trumps power over the federal government. Musk is doing an effective job, Alford said. I know there are a lot of people who dont want to see waste, abuse and fraud weeded out but he is appointed by the president, who is the chief executive, he said. Alford drew significant condemnation at the town hall for telling fired federal workers that God has a plan and purpose for your life. On Saturday, Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley responded to Alford without naming him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard one of these congressmen tell us to think about God and what God is going to do in Gods plan, Patterson Hazley said. But the God I serve doesnt pick favorites. The God I serve doesnt pick winners and losers. The God I serve wants all of us to be able to take care of ourselves and each other. Doreen Greenwald, national president of the National Treasury Employees Union, urged the crowd not to believe the BS that federal workers are lazy or not working. Were all for efficiency. Ask the people doing the work, well help you find it, Greenwald said. It sure isnt gonna be with a chainsaw. Finnish President Alexander Stubb considers the chances of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine are "abysmal." "Putin doesn't want peace," Stubb said during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired on Sunday. Putin's original goal was for Ukraine to "cease to exist," Stubb said, adding that "he has not changed his goal." While Ukraine has expressed its willingness to consider a ceasefire, Russia remains unwilling to engage in immediate negotiations, especially following a recent US proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a meeting via videolink of 29 world leaders on Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Putin of trying to "delay" a ceasefire. Stubb argued that the international community must therefore maximize the pressure on Putin. The Finnish president advocated for more sanctions, the use of frozen Russian assets and "militarizing Ukraine to the teeth" to help bring the conflict to an end. Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, has been a NATO member for almost two years. Finnish President Alexander Stubb considers the chances of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine as "abysmal." "Putin doesn't want peace," Stubb said during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired on Sunday. Putin's original goal was for Ukraine to "cease to exist," Stubb said, adding that the Russian president "has not changed his goal." While Ukraine has expressed its willingness to consider a ceasefire, Russia remains unwilling to engage in immediate negotiations, especially following a recent US proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a meeting via videolink of 29 world leaders on Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Putin of trying to "delay" a ceasefire. On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also accused Russia of showing no interest in ending the war, pointing to the continued wave of airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. "Those who want the war to end as soon as possible do not act this way," Zelensky wrote in a post on X, referring to Moscow's claimed willingness to halt the fighting. Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, has been a NATO member for almost two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stubb argued that the international community must maximize the pressure on Putin. The Finnish president advocated for more sanctions, the use of frozen Russian assets and "militarizing Ukraine to the teeth" to help bring the conflict to an end. The last direct Ukrainian-Russian ceasefire negotiations took place in 2022 shortly after the start of the war, but ended without results. Ukraine has agreed to a US proposal of a 30-day ceasefire, provided Moscow complies. Russia, however, opposes an unconditional ceasefire. The Kremlin has shown a preference for engaging directly with the United States in peace negotiations, often sidelining Ukraine and European states in the process. Drone strikes continue: Ukraine and Russia report casualties Earlier on Sunday, authorities in both Ukraine and Russia reported casualties from airstrikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one person was killed and three others injured in fresh Russian drone attacks on the town of Izyum in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region. Among the injured in Izyum were two young people, Ukrainian civil defence officials said on Sunday. The attacks caused damage to a house, they reported. Ukrainian air-defence forces reported a total of 90 drone strikes across multiple regions. More than half of the drones were intercepted, and dozens were destroyed, it added. The Kharkiv region, in particular, has been repeatedly targeted. Authorities also confirmed damage in the Kiev and Odessa regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that it destroyed 31 Ukrainian drones overnight. In the Belgorod region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that a drone struck a residential building in Gubkin, injuring a woman and a 7-year-old child. In the village of Dolgoye in the Kursk region, a woman was injured when a drone dropped an explosive device on her home. The information provided by both sides could not be independently verified. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion with Western support for more than three years. A massive fire tore through an overcrowded nightclub in North Macedonia Sunday (March 16), killing 59 people and injuring 155 in a chaotic escape during a live concert. The tragedy drew messages of support from around the world but focused national attention on corruption in the small Balkan country as authorities detained 15 people. The pre-dawn blaze in the eastern town of Kocani left mostly young people dead and injured due to burns, smoke inhalation and a stampede in the desperate effort to reach the buildings single exit, officials said. People as young as 16 were among the injured, they said. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos showed sparkling pyrotechnics on the stage hitting the ceiling followed by scenes of chaos inside the club, with young people running through the smoke as the musicians urged them to escape as quickly as possible. We even tried to get out through the toilet, to find bars (on the windows), Marija Taseva, 19, told The Associated Press, describing the fire that erupted after watching a local pop group at Club Pulse. I somehow managed to get out. I fell down the stairs and they ran over me, trampled me. I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe. She suffered an injury to her face. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said 15 people had been detained for questioning after a preliminary inspection revealed the club was operating without a proper license. He said that the number of people inside the club was at least double its official capacity of 250. We have grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption in this case, he told reporters without elaborating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also sent messages of support. I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our (North) Macedonian friends on this sad day, Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X. Health Ministry officials said the government had accepted offers of assistance from several neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Turkey, where preparations were being made to receive patients with life-threatening injuries. Paramedics from Serbia and Bulgaria also traveled to North Macedonia to help with the local effort. Throughout Sunday, relatives gathered in front of hospitals and city offices in Kocani, some 115 kilometers (72 miles) east of the capital, Skopje, begging authorities for more information. Resident Dragi Stojanov was informed that his 21-year-old son Tomce had died in the fire. He was my only child. I dont need my life anymore. 150 families have been devastated, he said. Children burnt beyond recognition. There are corpses, just corpses inside (the club). And the bosses (of organized crime), just putting money into their pockets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Skopje, officials said the injured were to hospitals around the country, many being treated for severe burns and smoke inhalation. The effort was being assisted by multiple volunteer organizations. The fire is the worst tragedy in recent memory to befall the landlocked nation, whose population is less than 2 million, and the latest in a slew of deadly nightclub fires around the world. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited burn victims at a hospital in Skopje and spoke to parents waiting outside the building. Its terrible hard to believe how this happened, she said, her voice halting with emotion. We must give these young people courage to continue. The fire caused the roof of the single-story building to partially collapse, revealing the charred remains of wooden beams and debris. Police cordoned off the site and sent in evidence gathering teams in an operation also involving state prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyrotechnics have often been the cause of deadly fires in nightclubs, including the one at the Colectiv club in Bucharest, Romania, in 2015 in which 64 people died. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On Saturday, the Northborough Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1 Jenkins Drive. Crews responded on scene around 4:01 P.M., with responding crews receiving word that all people were able to get out of the building, however, several dogs were still inside of the building. Northborough fire crews battled the fire for nearly 10 minutes before upgrading the response to a two-alarm response, with mutual aid from Northborough, Westborough, Marlborough, and Patriot Ambulance responding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews battled the fire, which had even extended to some of the brush behind the building, before crews were directed to establish collapse zones as several sections of the roof of the building collapsed. The fire was declared under control around 5:36 P.M., with no civilian injuries reported. However, one firefighter sustained minor burns to both arms, received treatment, and remained on the scene. The Massachusetts Fire District 14 Fire Investigation Team, the Massachusetts Fire Marshals Office, Northborough Police, and Northborough Fire are currently investigating the cause of the fire. As of now, the cause remains undetermined. An excavator was brought in to dismantle the remaining structure, aiding in the complete extinguishment of the fire. Unfortunately, the dogs that were reported inside have not been found yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Fatos Bytyci and Aleksandar Vasovic (Reuters) -Fire ripped through a packed and unlicensed nightclub early on Sunday in the North Macedonian town of Kocani, killing 59 people and injuring more than 150, officials said, after sparks ignited the roof as a live band performed. Hundreds of people scrambled for the small venues only exit as the fire spread across the ceiling, leaving many trapped in the countrys deadliest incident in years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One video from the event, verified by Reuters, showed the moment the fire began: as the band played on stage, two flares spat white sparks into the air, setting a patch of ceiling alight. Seconds later, the panic began. "Fire broke out, everyone started screaming and shouting: 'Get out, get out'," Marija Taseva, 22, told Reuters. As she tried to escape, Taseva fell to the ground and people trod on her, injuring her face. In the rush, she lost contact with her sister, who did not make it out. "My sister died," Taseva said, breaking into tears. Authorities arrested about 20 people in connection with the fire, including government officials and the manager of the "Pulse" nightclub, which did not have a valid licence, Interior Minister Pance Toskovski told a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 20 of the injured and three of those killed were aged under 18, he said. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the licence was issued illegally by the economy ministry and promised those responsible would face justice. "Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession," Mickoski said. He declared seven days of national mourning. The fire began at around 3 a.m. (0200 GMT). About 500 people were in the club at the time, authorities said. Reuters pictures showed the club's corrugated iron roof burned through and collapsed in places, its interior wooden beams exposed and blackened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 150 people were hospitalized in Skopje, Kocani and surrounding towns, Health Minister Arben Taravari said, adding that 20 people were critically injured. People searched for missing loved ones online and at hospitals across the country. Outside the main hospital in Kocani, relatives and friends of the victims hugged each other and lit candles. Anger and grief spilled over. "I'm a dead man, I lost everything. They should film me, the whole of Europe should know," said one man. "(I knew) 5 or 6, one of those was killed," said Kocani resident Mihail Gavrilov. "It's devastating for the entire city and the entire country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simeon Sokolov, 50, found his daughter Anastasija in the emergency ward of the September 8 hospital in the capital Skopje, where she was being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. "I just know that there are many children who have suffered," he told Reuters. "Doctors are doing their job and the number is big." Some patients were transferred to neighbouring Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece for treatment, authorities from those countries said. Condolences flooded in from global leaders, including EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Pope Francis. INVESTIGATION North Macedonia's Public Prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski said five prosecutors would investigate the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the moment, orders have been issued to collect evidence" and people were being interviewed, Kocevski said, without elaborating. Toskovski said authorities had arrested members of the band, the son of the club owner and government officials. After visiting the injured in a hospital in Skopje, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, dressed in black and fighting tears, said authorities would do everything to help all those affected. "I simply cannot comprehend this ... what a disaster, what a tragedy." (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic, Fatos Bytyci, Fedja Grulovic and Lefteris Papadimas; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Giles Elgood) [Attached video shows storm damage reported across NE Ohio Sunday] STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) A fire station currently being built in Louisville sustained damage as severe weather swept through Northeast Ohio Sunday. In May 2024, the city of Louisville announced a new fire station would be built at 1010 South Chapel Street. The new build is replacing the current station which has been in use since 1967 and no longer meets the operational safety needs of the department, a post on the citys Facebook page said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local pastor gives warning after email scam impersonated him A groundbreaking ceremony was held in September and construction has been underway since then. However on Sunday, as tornado watches, thunderstorm warnings and winds advisories were in effect for much of Northeast Ohio, the fire station took a hit. A member of the fire department told Fox 8 News that while the building was not heavily damaged, some of the metal trusses that had been put into place came down. A picture from a Fox 8 photographer showed a large section of the trusses on the ground inside the partially framed building. On March 12, the city shared photos of the progress on Facebook. In one of the pictures, you can see the metal trusses in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countdown begins.just over six months until the new Fire/EMS Station opens providing for improved Fire Department operations and public safety (with no new taxes!) for the citizens of Louisville, the post was captioned. NASAs stuck astronauts welcome their newly arrived replacements to the space station Its not clear if the damage will affect the fire stations completion date which is slated for this fall, according to the city. Other damage across the area included several power poles left leaning and power lines on the ground. Storm damage at Homeway Rd & Rocky River Dr. Storm damage along East 36th in Lorain For the latest forecast, 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Dr. Andrew Hazelton is one of the nations Hurricane Hunters. He was part of the crews that would fly deep into powerful hurricanes as they churned in the ocean, all to collect data to help forecasters improve predictions on the storms power and direction. But, he was among the first rounds of layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. He said his job loss - and the thousands that have followed - are making Americans less safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because you could see the forecast improvements that weve come to count on or rely on could be reversed, he told The Independent. And, that would lead to more damage, potentially, and more loss of life. And, thats not what we want to see. Dr. Andrew Hazelton was laid off in the first round of cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations 12,000-strong workforce last month. More layoffs are expected imminently. Hazelton says these decisions could threaten lives (Andrew Hazelton) President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, though his Department of Government Efficiency, have sought to trim the federal budget. They are looking at shrinking the workforce and have pushed for cuts across the federal government, including NOAA. About 800 agency workers were laid off in February with another 1,000 let go last week. Advocates have blasted the cuts at NOAA. They have pointed to how little the agency costs each taxpayer per day, when compared to the return. They note how the agency provides much of the data that weather forecasting is based on. They say losing people hurts their work, which could make people less safe when severe weather is on the horizon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So it is, like, cutting off your nose to spite your face. Which seems a bit counterintuitive if your goal is really to serve the American people, a former agency official previously told The Independent. Still, it hasnt slowed DOGEs efforts to shrink the NOAA workforce, including Hazelton. Scientists such as Hazelton fly into hurricanes to collect crucial data that cannot be retrieved using satellites. The data helps to improve hurricane forecasts (Andrew Hazelton) Hazelton grew up in central Florida and has been into the weather since he was a kid. Three hurricanes went through his county in 2004. They cemented his interest in the field. He went to Florida State and got a bachelors degree in meteorology before working his way to a doctorate. After completing his Ph.D., Hazelton started working at NOAA - where he served for eight years. He later took on a federal position working for the Environment Modeling Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always knew I wanted to come back and work for NOAA and sort of be involved in all this. So, it definitely was kind of a dream and its obviously sort of disappointing whats happening now, he explained. Hazelton and the Hurricane Hunters flew into hurricanes to collect critical data that gives scientists a three-dimensional picture inside the storm. Its data that cannot be collected from satellites and is used by the National Hurricane Center to diagnose what the storm is doing and gets fed into computer models to help make forecasting more accurate. Its no easy feat and the ride can be pretty bumpy, he noted. There were some nasty parts of Hurricane Helenes eyewall, for example. Its exciting, but can also it be a little unnerving sometimes, too, he said. Hazelton says NOAA was already understaffed. He said that the agency will be strained unless decisions are reversed (Andrew Hazelton) Over the years, hurricane forecasting has improved, shrinking the cones that contain the probable path of the storms center. Last year, the National Hurricane Centers forecast track performance was its best in history for the Atlantic hurricane season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the five-day forecast error [margin] is about like what the one or two-day error was 30 years ago, which is pretty remarkable, said Hazelton. The forecast track error is the distance between the forecast location and the actual location of the center of the storm. Like many, Hazelton is waiting to see what comes from federal rulings that could perhaps temporarily reinstate fired probationary workers. Until then, NOAA is feeling the weight of these losses. There are a lot of forecast offices and places that are understaffed. So, its just going to be a lot of strain across the enterprise, he said. ...You hope that it doesnt lead to any big forecast issues, but you never know. COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) A wildfire in Cherokee National Forest is an estimated 165 acres and is 35% contained according to the U.S. Forest Service Tuesday afternoon. The fire is burning in the Hall Top area of Cocke County and the public is asked to avoid the area of Forest Service Road #207 until further notice due to increased vehicular traffic associated with the wildfire. It is about three miles east of I-40 according to the Forest Service. The fire remains heavily staffed with crews patrolling and mopping up hot spots, the Forrest Service posted Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rain Saturday night into Sunday morning helped with the fire suppression, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service. On Monday, crews were making new firelines as needed and strengthening existing lines to improve containment. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is scheduled to fly the fire today using a thermal camera to identify areas of heat. Fire management personnel will use thermal information to plan tactics over the coming days, wrote the Forest Service. As the day progressed, the smoke got heavier Resident spots Hall Top wildfire from his backyard Sunday morning, the wildfire was at an estimated 225 acres and was 0% contained according to the U.S. Forest Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials from the U.S. Forest Service and the Tennessee Division of Forestry first received reports of the fire around 6 a.m. Saturday morning. The Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department said they were dispatched to the area of Long Branch Road for a report of a brush fire just after 4 a.m. on Saturday. The fire was located on Halls Top Road in the Cherokee National Forest with help from the Cosby Volunteer Fire Department, Del Rio Volunteer Fire Department, Cocke County Fire Department and Cocke County Sheriffs Office. READ: More top stories on WATE.com When asked how the fire started, Leslie Morgan with the Forest Service said that while the cause had not been determined, 90-95% of the starts in the eastern United States are started by humans, either intentionally or unintentionally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will likely have a fire investigator search for the fires point-of-origin, Morgan said. This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates. On Saturday, Grassy Fork VFD said no structures were threatened and they notified the Cherokee and Tennessee Division of Forestry. Both of these agencies are still actively working this fire. The public is asked to avoid the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Around 150 Boston firefighters battled a raging fire in Roxbury Sunday morning. The eight-alarm fire began in Resource Recovery, a construction recycling center on Gerard Street around 8:30 a.m., the Boston Fire Department posted on social media. The Boston Fire Department shared video of smoke billowing from the transfer station. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire but Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke shared that even the air was hazardous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know whats in that material, there could be lithium battery, there could be anything, said Burke. You have wood products, you have asbestos, you have wallboard. They have all these things they separate and then send to other facilities to recycle it. At approximately 8:30 heavy smoke from a large trash transfer station at 65 Gerard st. Roxbury . This is now at 5 alarms. pic.twitter.com/VdwBqAaBy3 Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 16, 2025 They opened the door and there was heavy fire inside, said Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke. The debris got going pretty good. All firefighters were ordered out of the building, forcing crews to attempt to douse the flames from outside. These piles are so deep and dense they can burn for days, Burke said. I cant get firefighters in there to move the piles of debris. Theyd have to try to do it by hand and I cant risk their lives doing something like that just to save a building thats empty and that can be replaced easily. The hazards are unlimited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resource is one of our best companies, one of our biggest, said Sue Sullivan of the Newmarket Business Improvement District. They do tons of recycling. Theyre a great company. Theyve been here for about ten years, fifteen years. This looks like a major setback. This is devastating for this company. Its devastating, and its going to be a big clean-up. But Im gad its not worse than it was and Im glad that nobody was inside. The Boston Public Health Commission asked Roxbury residents to close their windows and doors. Our teams are monitoring air quality, the health commission posted on social media. If your building has an HVAC system, please turn it off until the smoke is gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Modern Kazakhstan is built upon a foundation of different cultures, khanates, and empires across history. A routine fire patrol, operating some 200 miles northwest of the country's capital, Astana, discovered a nearly foot-long face carving in a granite boulder. Although experts have analyzed the carving, it's possible that its origins could rest in the ancient Bronze Age or even Turkish cultures dated to the medieval period. The land known today as Kazakhstan was formed and founded by the crucible of history. Home to a variety of cultures in the Bronze Age, including the Srubna, Afanasevo, and Andronovo, this country of the Eurasian Steppes hosted the Dark Age Huns, medieval Turks, and a variety of Khans. And thats all before becoming subjects of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union until eventually gaining independence after the latters dissolution in the 1990s. Because Kazakhstan sits at such a crossroad of history, its also one of the most archaeologically rich places on Earthand a new discovery by unsuspecting fire crews once again proves this fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While patrolling the Sandyktau region, an area located some 200 miles northwest of Kazakhstans capital, Astana, Nursultan Ashkenov and Akhmet Zaripov, both employees of the district fire service, stumbled upon an austere face carved into the side of a granite boulder. According to local news sources, the department immediately contacted the countrys Ministry for Emergency Situations as well as the local museum. The face is around 10.5 inches long and roughly 8 inches wide, and some archeologists hypothesize that the carving was likely part of some ritual complex. The face is clearly visible, Sergey Yarygin, a scientist at the Alkey Margulan Institute of Archaeology, said to Archaeology Magazine (click link to see images), with large eyes, a long straight nose, and protruding lips. Kazakh archaeology not only enriches the scientific world with its remarkable discoveries but also reveals the main stages of the ancient and medieval development of Kazakhstan society. However, figuring out when this face was used for such ritualistic purposes is a bit more complicated. According to Yarygin, similar carvings have been found at Bronze Age sites across Central Asia and Western Europe, but the carving also holds a striking resemblance to other types of iconography found in Iron Age sites in southern Siberia or even medieval Turkish cultures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mysteries of Kazakhstans historical melange strike again. Teams investigating the carving will likely need more time to determine its age and what culture mightve created the stunningly somber carving. This discovery is only one of several made across the county recently, as reported by the Astana Times. Archaeologists uncovered a number of artifacts from the northwestern Pavlodar region, including pottery fragments, kitchen utensils, and an arrowhead dated to around the mid-13th to 8th century BCE. Other discoveries in the central Karaganda region also point to a variety of artifacts likely belonging to the Alakul culture, a subculture of the Andronovo culture, that thrived in this region around 2000 to 1700 BCE. All of these discoveries uncover the fascinating fabric of history that pervades the largest country within the Eurasian Steppe. You Might Also Like This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Welcome back to The Dailys Sunday culture edition. Some films impart a message that lasts, especially if they offer another way to see the world. The Atlantics writers and editors answer the question: What is a movie that changed your mind? The following contains spoilers for the films mentioned. Priscilla (streaming on Max) Priscilla, Sofia Coppolas 2023 film about Priscilla Beaulieus relationship with Elvis Presley, is terrific to look at but hard to watch. Priscilla is 14 when she meets an already famous 24-year-old Elvis. While still a teenager, she moves with her future husband to Graceland, where she wears sophisticated clothes and sits in plush rooms. As the film critic Anthony Lane wrote in a New Yorker review, to call the movie superficial, even more so than Coppolas other films, is no derogation, because surfaces are her subject. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Priscilla is a revisionist project: It aims to tell the other side of Elviss story, to convey another perspective on a beloved cultural figure whose life has been the subject of countless books and biopics. So I wasnt surprised that I left the theater unsettled, with a darker view of this artist whose songs Id sung in elementary-school revues and whose home Id visited on a high-school-band trip. But beyond the straightforward record-correcting objective of the movie (which is inspired by Priscilla Presleys 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me), Coppolas choice to end the film on a stark, ambiguous note reminded me that an abrupt conclusion can be as satisfying as a tidy one. That, in a movie concerned with the way things seem, feels true to life. Lora Kelley, associate editor *** The Death of Stalin (streaming on Pluto TV) Totalitarianism, when its not terrifying, can be absurdthe constant bowing to a Dear Leader, the seemingly arbitrary list of enemies and outlawed ideas that change every hour, the silly pomp of statues and parading armies. Its almost impossible to capture the humor without undermining the horror. But The Death of Stalin, Armando Iannuccis 2017 satire, brilliantly reveals the ridiculous side of authoritarian rule, and it opened my eyes to the small, shuffling, utterly banal individuals who undergird even the scariest systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iannucci makes little effort at historical accuracyI mean, Steve Buscemi plays Nikita Khrushchevbut he gets at deeper truths. The story takes place following the sudden death of the titular dictator. The power vacuum that opens is filled with scheming and backstabbing politicians, including Khrushchev, Lavrentiy Beria, and Georgy Malenkov. But Iannucci mines it all for laughs, and they are plentiful. The pettiness, the servility, the insecurity of these men are all on display as they spin around Stalins corpse. And watching this transfer of power reduced to a bizarre human drama reminds you about what makes tyranny possible: very ordinary people. Gal Beckerman, staff writer *** Rivers and Tides (streaming on Tubi) When a friend first showed me Rivers and Tides, I had never heard of Andy Goldsworthy, and I had surely never seen anyone do what he did. The documentary follows the British artist through fields, forests, and tidelands as he creates sculptures and ephemeral works from materials he finds, often challenging our assumptions of what those materials, and their environments, even are. One frigid morning, we observe Goldsworthy snapping icicles apart, and whittling them with his teeth, to reconstruct them into a fluid form that seems to cut back and forth through a boulder; when the rising sun finally hits the sculpture, its spectacular. Another day, we see him collect fallen autumn leaves and arrange them over a pool of water into a surreal graphic gradient. Witnessing his way of seeing and collaborating with the world around him transformed me. I havent looked at a leafor twigs, or snow, or even stonethe same since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelsey J. Waite, senior copy editor *** The Devil Wears Prada (streaming on FuboTV and Prime Video) The Devil Wears Prada came out in June 2006, the same month I graduated from college. I saw it in a movie theater a few weeks into my first full-time job, and it was a revelation to watch its portrayal of the compromises, disappointments, and small victories that come with pursuing a career. The Devil Wears Prada is heightened and fantastical and unbelievable in all sorts of ways: The protagonist, Andy (the role that made me love Anne Hathaway forever), wears over-the-top clothes in an impossibly sleek office and kisses a suave older man on a lamp-lit Paris street. But the film is remarkably realistic and perceptive about work. Andy makes professional choices that alienate her from her parents, her friends, and her boyfriend. Even she doesnt seem to fully understand why she is so determined to succeed at a job she never wanted in the first place. The film ends with her throwing her phone into a fountain and taking a job that more clearly aligns with her values and goals. But whats stuck with me are the scenes where she is trying as hard as she can to prove to her boss, and to herself, that she can do anything thats asked of her. Her ambition is remarkableand its served as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale to me in the many years since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleanor Barkhorn, senior editor *** Anora (available to rent on YouTube, streaming on Hulu March 17) Of all the sex workers depicted in films, the titular protagonist of Anoraa movie that deserves at least three of its five Oscarsmight be one of the few who actually feels like a worker. At the strip club, Anora has shifts, a boss, and a mean colleague. Although sex work is technically illegal (albeit somewhat decriminalized) in New York City, she seems to have a somewhat normal jobuntil one night, when she gets close to Vanya, a new client. The story progresses like Cinderella, except the prince is the mediocre son of a Russian oligarch. Vanya marries Anora and gives her a taste of his opulent life. But when Vanyas parents find out about the marriage, the love story is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before watching Anora, Id imagined that if work conditions improved for sex workers, they would be treated humanely. But Anora showed meor perhaps reminded methat societys contempt for women in this industry is profound, and that better policies, important as they are, might never change that. The beauty of Anora is that it never occurs to her that she is less-than. That a scion of the Russian oligarchy was never going to stay married to her seemed obvious to all of the charactersand perhaps also to the audiencebut not to her. Anora screams and fights back, but even she has a limit to the amount of humiliation she can take. At the end of the movie, unable to continue holding her head high, she collapses into tears. Gisela Salim-Peyer, associate editor Here are three Sunday reads from The Atlantic: The Week Ahead Snow White, a live-action remake starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot (in theaters Friday) The Residence, a murder-mystery show about an eccentric detective who must solve a murder at a White House dinner (premieres Thursday on Netflix) Red Scare, a book by Clay Risen about McCarthyism and the anti-Communist witch hunt (out Tuesday) Essay My Hometown Became a Different Country Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Tetiana Kotelnykova Horlivka had always been a Russian-speaking city, but before 2014, our graduation ceremonies and school concerts were held in Ukrainian. We would sing the Ukrainian national anthem at the end of every event. Then, suddenly, the Ukrainian flags were taken down. The anthem was no longer sung. The Ukrainian language vanished from classrooms. The disappearance was so abrupt and absolute that it felt unreal, like a dream whose meaning was obscure to me. I remember asking my teacher why everything had altered so drastically. She didnt have an answeror maybe she was just too afraid to say. Read the full article. More in Culture Catch Up on The Atlantic Photo Album A cheerleader entertains the crowd during the annual Moomba Festival, in Melbourne, Australia. (William West / AFP / Getty) Take a look at these photos of the week, which show a cheerleader in Australia, a train-pulling record attempt in Egypt, Holi celebrations in India, and more. Explore all of our newsletters. When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic. Article originally published at The Atlantic US shipbuilding problems are decades old and raising concerns about US Navy readiness. Officials, naval affairs experts, and politicians believe the primary issue revolves around workers. Wages, working conditions, and retention are top priorities. The American shipbuilding industry is grappling with severe problems, none perhaps more crucial than the state of the workforce, naval affairs experts said this week. Addressing the shipbuilding industry's workforce challenges, they explained, starts with competitive wages, quality-of-life improvements, and retention of skilled employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a House Armed Service Committee Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee hearing, members and witnesses talked about some of the woes facing US shipbuilders, such as the smaller industrial base and erratic demand signals from the Navy, and how these long-standing challenges are affecting top Navy programs. "To say this plainly, we must act now," said Sen. Trent Kelly, the subcommittee chairman. "Whether through changes to our procurement processes, stronger industrial base investments, or cultural shifts within shipbuilding program offices," the Mississippi Republican said, "we need to make these decisions sooner rather than later." A range of topics were discussed during the hearing, but the problems relating to shipbuilding workers were center stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consensus among witnesses like Eric Labs, senior analyst for naval forces and weapons with the Congressional Budget Office, and Shelby Oakley, the director of contracting and national security acquisitions with the Government Accountability Office, was that the starting point for fixing US shipbuilding issues is investing in the workforce. The answers to workforce shortages range from wages to improved working conditions and housing. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Simon Pike "In my view, nothing is more important than addressing the critical labor shortages that afflict all the shipbuilding and public maintenance yards," Labs said. Recruitment has been low, and retention difficult, especially in trades such as welding, ship fitters, and pipe fitters. The primary solution brought up was higher wages. Worker pay isn't competitive enough, experts argued, especially for what can be a demanding job, meaning potential workers are opting for employment at retail outlets and other places. There's a decline in interest in manufacturing jobs and not enough investment in fixing that. Other related problems are improving the quality of life and working conditions in the yards, cheaper housing, and more benefits. Upping automation in shipyards, as well as better worker training, too, were included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been proposals put forward for better pay, as that's been a focus for industry and the Navy, but the challenges aren't easily solved. Higher wages invite entry-level workers, experts said, but then those yards must retain those skilled workers and invest in their careers. Oakley's statement to lawmakers this week, which featured information from the GAO's study on Navy shipbuilding, said that shipyards are largely struggling to replace the loss of experienced, skilled workers with new ones. This issue applies, too, to white-collar shipbuilders like designers, naval architects, and engineers who "can take other jobs," Ronald O'Rourke, a naval affairs analyst with the Congressional Research Service, said. There is also overlap with maintenance and repair yards. Oakley noted that the Navy's strategy has to focus on that alongside building, as they're inseparable and face similar issues, especially with regard to labor. China's shipbuilding empire pumps out new warships at breakneck paces. People's Liberation Army Some major US shipbuilders, especially those working on top US Navy submarines and surface ships, have pointed out the differences between their workforces today and 30 years ago: they're having trouble hiring people and keeping experienced workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They've also spoken to the overlap between these labor issues and other problems in shipbuilding. The Navy has often had inconsistent demand signals for its programs, which leaves industry in an uncertain place for hiring and maintaining workers. US commercial and military shipbuilding problems are a priority in Washington right now. President Donald Trump has announced plans to create a White House office dedicated to the issue, and both his pick for Navy secretary and his defense secretary have highlighted the focus on shipbuilding. The urgency is especially felt amid China's continued shipbuilding dominance. China boasts the largest shipbuilding industry in the world, vastly overshadowing the US, with blurred lines between its commercial and military yards. As the US continues to prioritize meeting China's rise and the state of great power competition, shipbuilding has come to the forefront as a potential problem for the American military should the US and China clash at sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it stands, the Navy's plans to continue building and maintaining its fleet will come at a hefty price tag. The US Congressional Budget Office said earlier this year it expected the Navy, based on the service's 2025 shipbuilding plan, to need about $40 billion each year through 2054. But due to infrastructure and workforce limitations, the GAO said, "none of the seven shipbuilders that construct Navy battle force ships are currently positioned to meet the Navy's ship delivery goals." Read the original article on Business Insider BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) A man was arrested over the weekend after a Florida homeowner made a gruesome discovery at their mailbox. The Lee County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to the home on Carnoustie Court in Bonita Springs on Thursday, March 13 after receiving a call from a resident who told them someone had placed a box with two cats severed heads on top of their mailbox. Id kill you if I could get away with it: Spring Hill man accused of attempted murder of ex-wife Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LCSOs Animal Cruelty Task Force was dispatched to the scene to assist and began canvassing the area for evidence. It didnt take long before detectives had identified a potential suspect, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies said various investigative tools, including license plate readers, helped place Robert James Luther III, 37, in the area at the same time the crime was committed. Investigators found Luther fishing behind a closed business on Corporation Circle later that day, but when questioned, authorities said Luther invoked his rights and refused to talk to them. As their investigation continued, detectives were able to collect DNA samples and execute multiple search warrants, through which they found some disturbing cell phone videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheriffs office, Luther had taken multiple videos in which he mentioned and depicted the dead cats. Detectives established probable cause to arrest Luther for two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two counts of aggravated stalking. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno called the incident heinous in a statement posted on social media Saturday. Heinous, violent acts, especially toward innocent animals, is beyond unacceptable and any offender will face severe consequences to the fullest extent of the law, Marceno said. The combined efforts of multiple units ensured this sick individual got locked behind bars before he could hurt anyone else. From the initial call taken by dispatchers, to the investigative work performed by 4th Precinct Patrol Deputies and Crime Section Detectives and the Animal Cruelty Task Force this outcome was a success! 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. BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (FOX 56) A Florida man died in a crash on Saturday afternoon in Bowling Green, and a passenger in his car as well as two passengers from the other car involved were taken to the hospital for injuries. The Kentucky State Police Department (KSP) told FOX 56 News that just before 2 p.m. on Saturday, troopers with Post 3 in Bowling Green were dispatched to the 14.4-mile marker on I-165 North in response to a crash. The initial investigation showed that Alberto Alejandro Alamo Ramos, 31, of Hialeah, Florida, was driving a gray 2021 Toyota Corolla heading south on the interstate when he allegedly left the road on the left-hand side, crossing the grass median and going into the northbound lane. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Rutman, 47, of Owensboro, was driving north in a 2020 Toyota Tacoma when Ramos allegedly crossed into his path. Ramos was pronounced dead at the scene by the Warren County coroner, KSP said. State police said a passenger in Ramos Corolla was taken to Bowling Green Medical Center with two passengers from Rutmans Tacoma for treatment of their injuries. Law enforcement did not say whether or not Rutman was hurt in the crash. An investigation into the deadly wreck 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 FOX 56 News. Florida Highway Patrol has released information on a Saturday night incident in Hillsborough County. An ambulance had been stolen from HCA South Tampa Hospital, and within 10 minutes, officers say they located the vehicle with a man inside. Troopers say after seeing officers, the driver sped off, and a chase ensued for several miles. Florida Highway Patrol said the driver ran through several stop signs, drove on the wrong side of the road, nearly collided with several other vehicles, and then came to a stop at an intersection where officers were able to approach the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He reportedly then finished drinking the beer he had been holding in full view of the officers. Once secured for arrest, Florida Highway Patrol said the driver explained he had been drinking for the prior two days and stole the ambulance after being denied a ride home in the vehicle by emergency personnel. Troopers arrested Michael J. Esquilin, 43, of Tampa, and charged him with burglary of an emergency vehicle, grand theft of an emergency vehicle, fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended, DUI and resisting arrest. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Morocco presented its AfriDou@ne Customs Cooperation Program during the expert meeting of the 57th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, held from March 12 to 18 in Addis Ababa. Launched in December 2024, the initiative aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices on key customs issues, including authorized economic operators, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, skills management, predictive analysis, and the use of generative artificial intelligence in customs operations. The Moroccan delegation emphasized that AfriDou@ne aligns with existing continental frameworks, including programs of the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. The initiative complements ongoing efforts to enhance customs cooperation across Africa. Since its launch, several countries, including Gambia, Gabon, Cape Verde, and Burundi, have joined the program, the delegation said. Developed by Moroccos Customs and Indirect Taxation Administration (ADII) as part of its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, AfriDou@ne reflects Moroccos commitment to South-South partnerships and aims to strengthen collaboration among African customs administrations. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Fordsville Fire Department responded to two accidents on Canary loop in Ohio County. Officials with the fire department say two vehicles drove into a collapsed part of the road. No injuries were reported in the accidents. Severe weathers is suspected to be a factor in the roads collapse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Former Rep. Nita Lowey, who represented New York in Congress for 32 years and became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, died at 87, her family said. The Democrat a staunch ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and friend of the Clintons died Saturday at her home in suburban Harrison after a years-long battle with metastatic breast cancer, according to a statement from her family obtained by CBS New Yorks Tony Aiello. Nitas family was central to her life as she was to all of ours, the statement said. We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lives a full and purposeful life. Nita Lowey speaks during a House Appropriations subcommittee meeting in 2020. AP The congresswoman was born Nita Sue Melnikoff in the Bronx in 1937 to a homemaker mother and accountant father, according to a lohud profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and received a degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1959, her congressional bio stated. In 1961, she was married to high-powered attorney Stephen Lowey and the family lived for a time in Queens, where they were neighbors to the Cuomos, the lohud profile stated. They moved to Harrison in 1981. Nita Lowey seen with Hillary Clinton in 1999. Susan May Tell/NY Post Lowey was first elected to Congress in 1988, serving three decades and 16 terms until 2020, when she retired as a representative for New Yorks 17th Congressional District. At her retirement she represented Westchester and Rockland counties, but due to reshaping of district lines over the years she had also represented parts of the Bronx and Queens during her tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She became chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee in 2019, after serving as a member in its ranks for years. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., seen on Feb. 26, 2020. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Nita Lowey, her husband Steve, and her granddaughter pictured together in 1997. Don Halasy/NY Post During her time in Congress, she became an influential lawmaker backing liberal policies, including the law that requires companies to list allergens on food packaging. In 1995, Lowey backed Public Television funding at the Appropriations Committee using Bert and Ernie hand puppets. As chairwoman she clashed with President Trump over funding for the border wall and taking over during an extended government shutdown. The president is an embarrassment and as a member of the Congress and as the leader of the appropriations committee, we have the responsibility to serve the people, Lowey told lohud in 2019 after announcing her retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Lowey principled, passionate and powerful public servant in a tribute Sunday. Over the course of her historic career, Congresswoman Lowey courageously served her constituents and stood up for New Yorkers while shattering multiple glass ceilings along the way, Jeffries said in a statement, calling Lowey a mentor and friend. Lowey is survived by her husband, three children and eight grandchildren, according to her family. The former chief humane agent for the Union County Humane Society will spend over 15 years in prison for charges concerning the deaths of 18 dogs. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Friday, 44-year-old Steffen Baldwin was sentenced to 15 and a half years in prison for bribery, animal cruelty and other charges in the Union County Court of Common Pleas on Friday, our news partners WBNS-10 TV reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwin was facing 53 counts total, several relating to animal abuse, according to court documents. He was given a sentence of 15 and a half years in prison with 23 days of jail credit. His alleged crimes date back years, according to Investigators. In 2020, WBNS-10 TV spoke with Angelo and Litsa Kargakos, the dog parents of Remington, also known as Remi. The couple said they saved Remi from certain death in May of 2016 after he was deemed a dangerous dog. Weeks prior, the couple had reached out to Baldwin, a well-known local animal advocate. Baldwin was originally set to work with two other dogs from the rescue, but then reportedly told the couple he could work with Remi, WBNS-10 TV reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple handed over Remi and $1,000. Within months, Kargakos started to see red flags. She asked to see Remi to check on his progress but was always denied. She started getting more suspicious by the first quarter of 2017. Kargakos told WBNS-10 TV that she threatened to go to the county commissioners if she didnt hear from Baldwin. The family also put up posters offering a reward for information on Remis whereabouts. That was when Baldwin contacted the couple to have a mediation session with an attorney to explain what happened. He fabricated a story and stated that Remi broke out of his kennel and that he attacked and killed another dog, and then he had to euthanize Remi due to the wounds, Kargakos told WBNS-10 TV. I didnt believe any aspect of the story at that point, and he said that he had to euthanize Remi due to the horrific wounds that he had, and we came to find out that Remi didnt have one mark on him when he was euthanized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original police report against Baldwin was filed in June 2017, according to Campbell Police Department Det. Jim Conroy. The evidence kept building, eventually leading to dozens of charges tied to the deaths of 18 dogs. Every rock I turned over, there was something there, Det. Conroy said during a 2020 interview with WBNS-10 TV. Every hole I went into led to more holes. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A former Ohio sheriffs deputy who was fired for having sex with an inmate wont be facing any charges. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In October of 2022, then-deputy April Woodside was fired from the Summit County Sheriffs Office for having sex with inmate Jordan Schwertner, CBS affiliate WOIO-19 reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woodside was also suspected of smuggling drugs into the jail, but no charges have been filed against her. The Summit County Sheriffs Office originally closed the case in December of 2022, but reopened it in November of 2024, WOIO-19 reported. Woodside admitted to detectives during an internal affairs investigation that she and Schertner had sex within his cell. Records obtained by WOIO-19 showed that the two texted each other more than 750 time in a one month period, as well has speaking on the phone. Schwertner used his jail-issued tablet to communicate with her. Woodside even sent Schwertner dozens of risque photos of herself, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwertner said he filed a federal rape complaint known as a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) in June of 2023, WOIO-19 reported. He said that as an inmate he could not have consented to sex. According to the final report submitted by Lead Investigator Kirk Hostetler, Schertner later admitted to having a sexual encounter with Woodside in his cell. Schwertner told WOIO-19 that he and Woodside had essentially been dating while he was serving time in Summit County, The report from the sheriffs office shows the Woodside was also suspected of smuggling drugs into the jail. Woodside admitted to providing Schertner with contraband, such as cigarettes but denied giving him any drugs, WOIO-19 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwertner said that after Woodside was fired, his cell was raided, and deputies found some of the drugs she had given him. He claims that Woodside gave him a wide variety of narcotics. Ohios Revised Code Chapter 2907 and Chapter 2921.36 both state its a third-degree felony for a law enforcement officer to have sex with or provide drugs to an inmate. The final report from the sheriffs office does not mention was happened with the suspected narcotics that were seized, WOIO-19 reported. According to SCSOs policy regarding Investigations Section 7.3.1 - IV, All controlled substanceswill be submitted directly to the Summit County Drug Unit, who will then coordinate the submission to BCI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was unable to locate any records related to the name Woodside or the case number listed on the report, WOIO-19 reported. The Summit County Prosecutors office was asked to review the case for criminal charges, but Chief Criminal Assistant Prosecutor Brian LoPrinzi declined to take it to a grand jury. in a Feb. 25 letter to Sheriff Kandy Fatheree, LoPrinzi stated that due to the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Garrity v. New Jersey which protects public employees from self-incrimination Woodsides admission to detectives couldnt be used against her in court, WOIO-19 reported. If detectives discover additional evidence, prosecutors will re-evaluate the case, according to the letter. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Fox News turned up the heat on a GOP senator Sunday, grilling him over President Donald Trumps promotion of a shiny new Tesla last week while everyday Americans start feeling the sting of his escalating trade war. Speaking with Fox News Sunday this weekend, Ohios Bernie Moreno saw little issue with Trump promoting his top campaign adviser Elon Musks trademark electric vehicle in a PR stunt staged on the lawn of the White House on Tuesday. Hes promoting American-made products, Moreno replied, adding: I applaud him for doing that. Hes not the first president to do that. Most presidents have done something like it in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judging by his comments, Moreno may not have been aware that at least half of all Tesla cars over the past few years were, in fact, manufactured in China. Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, who was filling in as host, had pointed out it was perhaps not entirely sensitive to the moment, given that Americans 401k accounts were facing some struggles because of this tariff war happening right now. It wasnt the first time the right-wing network had raised the issue of optics over the incident either. As one Fox reporter put it to the president during the photo session on Tuesday: What is your message, President Trump, buying a new car while there are some folks who will see this clip at home and they are struggling with their retirement accounts down at the moment, uncertainty about work ahead? Trump swiftly replied that he thinks theyre gonna do great, adding our country had to do this in reference to the unprovoked measures hes brought against close allies over the past several weeks, which have been widely regarded by most credible financial experts as disastrous for the U.S. economy. Poplar Grove Middle School's Zack Zimmerman was never originally interested in Aerospace. The multi-sport athlete had dreams of becoming an Army Ranger and defending his county. Ive always found interest in the military, the eighth grader said. Although many of Zack's classes are selected for him by school officials, he did have the ability to choose his electives. The school offers what many would consider the "usual" electives, like choir and art, but recently, a one-of-a-kind elective came to the school, and for Zack and many of his classmates, it was a game-changer, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Department of Education, in partnership with Innovative Schools Model (ISM), recently provided $1 million in funding for an Aerospace class specially geared towards middle schoolers. By reimagining the traditional high school and middle school environments, ISMs achieve exceptional student incomes, the grant language states. Because of the grant, the Franklin Special School District is now offering three Introduction to Aerospace high-school credit classes to eighth graders at Poplar Grove and Freedom Middle Schools. Complete with five Redbird Jay Velocity Flight Simulators, students are able to navigate different complex aviation scenarios directly from the classroom. At Poplar Grove Middle School, Zack's class is taught by Chris Dollar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aerospace is really fun, the boy said. Im a hands-on learner, so its great for me because Mr. Dollar teaches us about scenarios and then, we get to experience it with the flight simulators. His love of the program is shared by his teacher, who praised the program for helping him bring his love of flying to the classroom. My favorite thing to witness is when I stand back and watch them function, Dollar said of his students. The former music teacher has had his private pilot certificate since 2005 and regularly flies his own Cessna 172L plane. He teaches all three of the district's new aviation classes. Chris Dollar teaches both Intro to Aerospace classes at Poplar Grove and Freedom Middle School. As the students have progressed in their abilities, Dollar has witnessed their confidence grow in their skills, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this being a new program, we weren't sure what level the students would be at. Additionally, starting in 8th grade is kind of a novel concept for us to do that, he added. But theyve really built their confidence in their communication and their piloting skills. The district is hoping to expand the program to other schools and beyond in the coming years to help other students get a jump start on aerospace careers, officials said. Students who successfully complete the intro course will proceed to an aerospace pathway in a Williamson County high school, they noted. With Aerospace, you take it because you want to be there," Zack said. "I knew nothing about planes before coming into this class, but now I know so much. Even if you dont want to pursue Aerospace in the future, its still a fun class to learn, and I am so thankful to the district for letting this program come here. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin Special Schools launches new 8th grade Aerospace elective Replica of the United States Bill of Rights, documenting the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. (Leezsnow/Getty Images) On June 4, 2024, an op-ed I penned (Project 2025s threat to democracy) was published in The Fulcrum, a national bipartisan social media platform. It received over 74,000 views and landed as one of the top 10 most read op-eds out of 1,460 published in 2024. The op-ed identified how the right-wing extremist Heritage Foundation think tank had prepared a 900-page blueprint of actions Donald Trump should implement if elected in the first 180 days of being Americas 47th president. Dozens of op-eds were spun off from the op-ed by a multitude of cross-partisan freelance writers and published in The Fulcrum, identifying very specifically what Trump and his appointees would do by following Heritage Foundations dictum of changing America from a democracy to an authoritarian, fascist-like country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were about 1/3rd of the way through Heritage Foundations 180-day blueprint and have witnessed 129 executive orders resulting in no surprise to people who completed a high school U.S. government class and understand Americas distinct three levels of government 113 legal challenges (Litigation Tracker). 2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL Five books were cited in the June 4 op-ed to assist readers better understand how an authoritarian-dictator acts and can rather quickly convert a democracy into a totalitarian and oppressive ruled country. Four of the books were written by the contemporary authors Anne Applebaum, Barbara McQuade, Heather Cox Richardson and Timothy Snyder. The other book was George Orwells dystopian novel 1984. You might like to know the #1 most banned book by right-wing agents is Orwells 1984, which warned against autocracys reign of terror. After Donald Trump made unprovable and alternative fact statements in 2017, sales of 1984 soared 9,500 percent. After Trumps 2024 election victory, 1984 sales went soaring off the shelves (Axios, Nov. 8). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Orwells 1984, Big Brother and his acolytes installed the practice of eliminating words, called `Newspeak. `The Party was the name of the totalitarian government that used Newspeak to delete words, discourage free thought, limit peoples ability for critical thinking and control its citizens. Jump to 2025 and the term `Newspeak is now being applied to a portion of our 47th presidents administration. Despite Mr. Trump claiming to be the champion of free speech, The New York Times found hundreds of words used in Trump 2.0 documents have disappeared on hundreds of federal document websites and on more than 5,000 pages. A partial list of words that have being eliminated by Mr. Trump from Americas lexicon include: advocacy, biologically female, Black, clean energy, climate science, cultural heritage, disability, discrimination, diversity, equal opportunity, equity, female, females, feminism, gender, hate speech, Hispanic minority, inclusion, Latinx, LGBTQ, mental health, minority, multicultural, Native American, pregnant person, race, sex, social justice, transgender, tribal, under represented, victims and women. Notice what words are not on Trumps banned list: male, man, men and White. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another example of Orwellianism in Trumpism exists In George Orwells 1984, several citizens in the authoritarian country Oceania work for the Ministry of Truth, whose job was to alter historical records to fit the needs of `The Party. On the sixth day of Trumps 47th presidency, he ordered the U.S. Air Force will no longer teach its recruits about the Tuskegee Airmen, the more than 15,000 Blacks pilots (first Black aviators in the U.S. Army), mechanics and cooks in the segregated Army of World War II. Trumps very own `Ministry of Truth is attempting to erase history of active Black fighters from 1940 to 1952, who flew in over 15,000 sorties and destroyed more than 100 German aircraft. Recall one of the words Mr. Trump has eliminated from U.S. documents is Black. Orwells Big Brother also wanted to destroy the literature of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Bryon, etc. so he could control the way people could think, how much they could think and what they could think about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a similar literature vein, Donald Trump has controlled what news agencies can work at the Pentagon; CNN, The Washington Post, The Hill, War Zone, NBC News, NPR, New York Times and Politico have been kicked out (AP, Feb. 7). Four news agencies (i.e., Associated Press, Reuters, HuffPost and Der Tagesspiegel) have been barred from attending Trump cabinet meetings. Americans are being controlled over what media can report to us and therefore how much to think and what to think about. Evidence is replete Mr. Trump is not only following Heritage Foundations authoritarian-oriented playbook with his multitude of executive orders but many of the actions employed by the fascist rulers and tenants of George Orwells 1984. Call your two Senators and U.S. House Rep. (202-224-3121) to remind them that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press and demand it is their job to put a stop to Trumps 2.0 anti-free speech and anti-freedom of the press dystopian movement. PARIS (Reuters) - The European Union was probably mistaken in targeting American whiskey in its riposte to U.S. tariffs, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said on Sunday, calling for talks to avoid more damaging duties on France's cognac industry. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to impose a 200% tariff on all wines and other alcoholic products from the EU if the bloc does not scrap its planned tax on U.S. bourbon. "Have some missteps been made? Yes, probably, because Kentucky bourbon has been included as if it were a trade threat," Bayrou said of the EU's proposed tariffs in response to U.S. duties on steel and aluminium. "A very old (product) list has been retrieved without it being checked like it should have been," he told France Inter radio. Trump's threat against EU wine and spirits has caused dismay among European producers who rely on exports, including French cognac makers already hit with tariffs by Beijing in a separate row over EU duties on Chinese electric cars. Bayrou, who met representatives of the cognac industry on Friday, said he hoped talks with Washington and Beijing would resolve the tariff dispute. The EU's first round of counter-tariffs against U.S. goods including bourbon is due to take effect on April 1. Bayrou, meanwhile, is expected to visit China to discuss the cognac issue but no dates have been announced. (Reporting by Gus Trompiz; editing by Giles Elgood) The Spanish newspaper El Confidencial highlighted Moroccos role in promoting a moderate, balanced form of Islam to support peace and security across Africa. In an article entitled The Power of Religious Diplomacy, the newspaper highlighted Moroccos efforts to structure and institutionalize its religious cooperation with countries on the African continent, notably through the training of imams, the construction of mosques and the support for African Muslim communities. These efforts reflect Moroccos willingness to consolidate the spiritual security of Muslims in Africa, to counter extremist ideologies, and to strengthen its religious and spiritual ties with many of the continents countries, he explained. In this context, El Confidencial particularly cast light on the role of the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas, created in 2015, which is now active in 48 countries across the continent. These institutions are pillars of Moroccan religious diplomacy, aimed at promoting a tolerant Islam in line with the Malikite rite, and strengthening religious cooperation between Morocco and the rest of the continent, it maintained. The newspaper also emphasized the role of King Mohammed VI, Commander of the faithful, in this dynamic, pointing out that the Sovereign has multiplied his trips to Africa since 2014. These visits were often marked by the renovation or construction of mosques and the distribution of thousands of copies of the Holy Quran, printed by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Edition of the Holy Quran. An examination of the dog found dead along with actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Hackman in their Santa Fe home shows dehydration and starvation were likely what led to the animals demise. A report obtained by The Associated Press from the state Department of Agricultures veterinary lab details partial mummification and noted that while the severe decomposition could have obscured changes in the organs, there was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma or poisoning that could have resulted in death. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report noted that the dogs stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile. The kelpie mix named Zinna was one of the couples three dogs. It was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet near Betsy Hackmans body, while two other dogs survived. Authorities confirmed last week that Gene Hackman died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimers disease about a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease hantavirus pulmonary syndrome took the life of his wife. Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimers, apparently was unaware that his wife was dead. Gene Hackman was found in the homes entryway, and his wife was found in a bathroom. Like the dog, their bodies were decomposing with some mummification, a consequence of body type and climate in Santa Fes especially dry air at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet (2,200 meters). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While both deaths were ruled to be from natural causes, the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office is finishing up the investigation by tying up the timeline with any information gleaned from the cellphones collected at the home and last contacts that were made. The case is considered active until we have that information to tie up the timeline, said Denise Womack Avila, a spokesperson for the sheriff. Zinna went from being a returned shelter dog to an incredible companion that was always at Betsy Hackmans side, said Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care facility that was involved in the surviving dogs care. Betsy Hackman, 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, 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. The pair led a private life after moving to Santa Fe decades ago. A representative for the couples estate has cited that privacy in seeking to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports related to their deaths, especially photographs and video. It will be up to a state district judge to consider that request. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Gene Hackmans three children are preparing for a legal battle over the actors $80 million (62 million) estate. Hackman left his entire estate to his late wife, Betsy Arakawa, according to documents cited by the Daily Mail, which first reported the story. The couple were found dead on Feb 26 in their home in New Mexico. Authorities said Mr Hackman died from heart disease with complications from Alzheimers and Arakawa from the rare rodent-borne hantavirus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear if his three children Christopher, Elizabeth Jean and Leslie Anne will receive anything from his will. Hackman, 95, made Arakawa, 65, the sole beneficiary of his estate in 1995 and last updated his will in 2005, the BBC reported. Arakawa, who married Hackman in 1991, was the sole beneficiary of his $80 million estate - Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives However, his children, who are from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, may have legal standing to claim his estate. The Mail reported that Christopher has hired Andrew M Katzenstein, an estate and trust lawyer, indicating that he plans to challenge the will. Under California law, children succeed the surviving spouse of the deceased in the order of priority of an estate. Authorities said Arakawa probably died one week before Hackman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of their deaths could be crucial in any potential legal battle if Arakawa died before him, Hackmans children could prove that the will was invalid. Arakawas own will listed Hackman as the sole beneficiary, and stipulated that if the two were to die within 90 days of each other, then her assets were to be placed in a trust and given to charity after settling medical expenses, the Mail reported. The couple were found dead in separate rooms of their home, with signs of mummification on their bodies that indicated they had been dead for a significant period of time. The Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office ruled out foul play, but a report stated the deaths were suspicious, and police began an investigation. Authorities initially suspected and later ruled out a carbon monoxide leak. Prescription pills found near Arakawas body were found to be thyroid medication and unrelated to the deaths. Authorities announced that Hackman had died of heart disease and Arakawa a week prior from the rare rodent-borne hantavirus - Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal Hackman had spoken of his struggles with balancing fame and a relationship with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You become very selfish as an actor. Even though I had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time, he told The New York Times. The temptations in that, the money and recognition, it was too much for the poor boy in me. I wasnt able to handle that. Hackman and Ms Maltese married in 1956 before he became famous and divorced in 1986 after 30 years together. He married Arakawa in 1991. Although he had once been estranged from his children, they had grown closer prior to his death, the Mail reported. In a statement after Hackmans death, his 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss. 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. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Authorities in Georgetown County are investigating a Saturday night shooting and stabbing. Deputies responded to a home on Hannah Loop in the Pleasant Hill area around 7 p.m. An 18-year-old man was found with a stab wound to his neck. He was taken to Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital and airlifted to a regional trauma center. A witness at the residence on Hannah Loop said occupants of a vehicle that struck the front porch steps and railing began yelling prior to shots being fired, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence in an attempt to identify and locate suspects. Anyone with information should call the sheriffs office at 843-546-5102. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WSPA) ATLANTA, GA Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency ahead of the severe weather expected tonight. In a media release, Kemp stated that the statement was issued in response to weather prediction upgrading North and West Georgia areas to an enhanced risk level due to potential tornadoes and dangerous winds. Governor Kemp urges people to be prepared ahead of the storm, and remain aware of current weather predictions. 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. A German frigate carrying some 216 soldiers set sail for a UN mission off the coast of Lebanon on Sunday, a spokesman for the naval base in the north-western port city of Wilhelmshaven said. Families, friends and comrades said goodbye to the crew at the pier, and many onlookers came to watch the departure. The Brandenburg frigate already served as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the eastern Mediterranean last year. The UN mission aims to help secure sea borders and prevent arms smuggling, as well as support the training of the Lebanese Navy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commander of the Brandenburg, Captain Robert Meyer-Brenkhof, said in a statement published by the navy that the deployment is particularly delicate in view of the current security situation in the Middle East. "I look forward to the mission with confidence and I am sure that the ship and the well-trained and motivated crew will successfully complete it," he said. The ship is scheduled to be deployed for around six months and to replace the frigate Baden-Wurttemberg, which will then return to Wilhelmshaven, the navy said. Republican Sen. Mike Rounds (S.D.) appeared Sunday on CNN, where he spoke about President Trumps decision to invoke a 1798 immigration law and a federal judges attempt to block it. On Saturday, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act. It was the first time its been used since World War II and allows the president to have sweeping powers to deport people. The action was targeted at the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Rounds joined State of the Union just hours after Trumps action. A federal judge attempted to block the move, but the Trump administration deported people anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can tell you that clearly these individuals never have been in the United States to begin with. And the question is, which laws are we using to get them back out, and whether or not the courts agree, that part will be determined by the courts, Rounds said. But in the meantime, Im happy to see the president is following up with his promises that he is going to keep Americans safe. Host Jake Tapper pressed the senator on the legality of the move, since the judge ordered the administration to turn deportation flights around and bring people back to the U.S. while it plays out in the courts. The administration did not adhere to the judges order, and the migrants were deported. Well find out whether or not that actually occurred or not, Rounds said. I dont know about the timing on it. I do know that we will follow the law. Rounds, in support of Trump, said he believed Trump was invoking the immigration law to protect Americans from the violent gang commonly called TDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think most Americans are going to say, I dont care how old the law is, if you can use it to get these guys out and keep my family safe, were going to do it in the meantime, 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. A person walks into the Department of Veterans Affairs' headquarters a block from the White House on March 6, 2025. As part of President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency's work to downsize the federal government, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins said the department will reduce it's workforce by 15%. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Among the thousands of federal workers whove been forced out or taken buyouts in the past month, surely some would be perfect fits for the many vacancies in Pennsylvanias state government. That, at least, is the thinking of Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who recently directed his state to not only offer aid to laid-off constituents, but also to repost some job openings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes catching up to governors in other states from Hawaii to Maryland who see opportunity, even as theyre scrambling to help panicked residents. The Trump administration and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency task force have been culling federal workers across agencies while also threatening anyone who doesnt list in an email how theyre making good use of their time. The number of announced terminations tracked by global data company Statista exceeded 16,000 as of Feb. 25. Thats in addition to the 75,000 federal employees who accepted buyouts offered by the administration in its earliest days. And President Donald Trump has directed Cabinet agencies to continue mass layoffs. States are looking to hire those workers, though officials face challenges, such as offering lower salaries and having slower hiring processes. In Maryland alone, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore estimates about 10,000 of his constituents could lose work in the shake-up. There are more than 5,000 openings in state government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania has some 5,600 critical openings, from accountants to registered nurses, now described on a newly created website tailored to federal employees. This is an act of self-interest for the people of Pennsylvania, because I believe the commonwealth can benefit from the experience and expertise of these federal workers who have been forced out of their jobs, Shapiro said. Officials in New Mexico, New York and Virginia among the states with the highest numbers of federal workers say theyre offering a silver lining for all that displaced talent, providing ways to streamline the transition from federal government to jobs at the state and local level. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, made her recruitment pitch clear, stating, The federal government might say, Youre fired, but here in New York, we say, Youre hired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaiis Operation Hire Hawaii is working to fast-track former federal employees into state agency jobs. Washington state lawmakers have introduced legislation to prioritize these displaced workers in hiring processes. In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, launched the Virginia Has Jobs program a website designed to help laid-off federal workers quickly connect with available state jobs. Despite these efforts, states face significant hurdles in matching federal workers to state jobs. There are differing skill sets, mismatches in salaries, and the time it takes for a job application to wind its way through a state bureaucracy. For workers, though, a lot of the difficulty is about coming to terms with the mind-boggling turn of events. Emotional turmoil For Victoria, who asked that she be identified by her middle name out of fear of retaliation, working for the federal government wasnt just a job it was a commitment to nonpartisan public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She worked for three years as a contractor for the Federal Aviation Administration before being hired last year to a permanent federal position. The reason I wanted to be a federal employee in the first place is because its supposed to be nonpartisan work, she said. Were supposed to serve the public in pursuit of a mission, and for the FAA, that mission is aerospace safety. Her probation was to end in April. She didnt make it. I got a call from our office manager at 6 p.m. on a Friday night, telling me I was being let go, Victoria recalled. She got her official termination email hours later, minutes before midnight. It included a list of resources she couldnt access because they were, for her, suddenly behind a government firewall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For people trying to assist workers such as Victoria, the scale and speed of the firings outpaced even what they figured was coming. Caitlin Lewis is executive director at Work for America, a nonprofit that runs the new Civic Match initiative to help state governments recruit former federal workers. She foresaw a need for the project following the 2024 election. When we launched Civic Match in November, we anticipated about 4,000 political appointees and campaign staff seeking new jobs after the election. But what weve seen in the new year is a massive surge in laid-off civil servants looking for work, said Lewis. One of the biggest obstacles? State hiring is slow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average time to hire in state government is 90 days. In local government, its 136 days. Thats a long process for workers who need jobs now. If states dont act quickly, they risk losing experienced talent to the private sector, which moves faster in recruitment, she said. Many former federal workers are already transitioning into corporate roles, nonprofits and consulting firms rather than waiting for state job openings. Beyond slow hiring, another challenge is that not all laid-off federal employees want to stay in government. Im not actually 100% sure that every single one of those workers who may be impacted is looking for another job in government, said Nicole Overley, commissioner of Virginia Works, a state agency focused on reemployment. Virginia has over 4,500 open state jobs. But Im not sure every individual who is transitioning from the federal workforce is necessarily looking for a state job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overley added that many federal employees may not even be aware of state job resources available to them. In the last 48 hours, weve had over 1,000 job seekers register for the March 5th virtual job fair, she said early this month. I dont know if all federal workers who are impacted know about the resources that are out there and thats where workforce development comes in. Some states are working to speed up the process. Hawaii, for instance, has expedited its state hiring process through an executive order from Democratic Gov. Josh Green. In Pennsylvania, Shapiro has told the states hiring office to compare federal work favorably to state work for the purposes of notching experience. Marylands schools desperately need substitute teachers now, Moore said in announcing resources recently, and anyone with an associates degree can apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico is launching statewide initiatives that include a resource webpage, recruitment events and access to education and training programs. In Washington, D.C., Mayor Murial Bowser has encouraged laid-off workers to consider district job openings, but she also wants to ensure they have access to unemployment benefits and housing support. The federal government is the districts largest employer, and the layoffs could devastate the citys economy. Lower salaries Another key hurdle is pay disparities between federal and state jobs. In many states, federal workers make, on average, significantly more than state employees. They include Maryland, where federal workers earn 183% of state worker salaries, Virginia (175%), West Virginia (163%) and Idaho (157%), according to a Stateline review of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In states where federal workers earn less than state employees, such as New York (77% of state workers salaries) and California (97%), the transitions might be easier, though the costs of living in those states are among the highest in the nation. For Hawaii, the challenge is particularly stark. The state has one of the highest concentrations of federal employment outside the District of Columbia and Maryland and federal jobs in Hawaii pay about three times more than state government positions. To ensure laid-off federal employees can move quickly into state roles, Hawaii has set up an expedited timeline of 14 days from job application to hiring. That means, for example, passing along resumes from human resources to hiring departments on a daily basis and cutting some processes down to hours or days, Brenna Hashimoto, director of the states Department of Human Resources Development, wrote in an email to Stateline. Its too early to say how the system is going, Hashimoto wrote, but the state will collect data and report to the governors office. Some success Despite the hurdles, there are signs of success in transitioning federal employees into state jobs. Shane Evangelist, CEO of Neogov, which manages hiring software for state and local governments, said the potential scale of transitions is significant. Evangelist shared examples of successful federal-to-state career transitions, including a former IRS employee to a state internal auditor, a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employee to a state epidemiologist, and a Census Bureau employee to an IT support analyst. However, he warned that states risk losing the most skilled workers to the private sector unless they hire right away. The most talented workers move first, said Evangelist. The ones who are smart, experienced and articulate the kind of employees the government needs most will be the first to go. There are thousands of potential new job applicants. On Jan. 19, federal civil servants made up only 8% of Civic Matchs candidate pool. By late February, that skyrocketed to 45.1%. More than 3,300 former federal workers have signed up for Civic Match in just weeks, according to Lewis. These are not entry-level employees, Lewis said. Many of them have spent over a decade in government roles, gaining deep expertise in policy, finance, environmental management and IT. Struggles ahead Despite state efforts, some former federal employees say they are struggling to find equivalent jobs in both government and the private sector. Were your neighbors, your friends, and the people you see walking down the street. We got into government because we wanted to serve. Victoria, a laid-off Federal Aviation Administration worker Ive heard from people with 20 years in government who are being told their experience isnt transferable, said Victoria, the laid-off FAA worker. Its a nice gesture that the states are saying all of them want us to work for them, but how many state or private sector jobs actually have an equivalent to what I was doing at the federal level? she said. Its not a one-to-one match. Some private-sector employers are undervaluing federal work experience, she noted, forcing federal employees to start at lower levels. Ive heard from people with 20 years in federal government who were told theyd have to start three or four steps behind where they were, she said. These companies know were desperate, and theyre using it to devalue our skills and pay us less. For Victoria and others like her, the hardest part isnt just losing a job its the way federal employees have been portrayed. Were not some faceless deep-state bureaucrats, she said. Were your neighbors, your friends, and the people you see walking down the street. We got into government because we wanted to serve. And if we were in it for the money, we wouldnt have chosen public service in the first place. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org. 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. COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) Firefighters in Cowley County were back on the scene Saturday afternoon as grass fires rekindled east of Winfield. According to officials, the fire reignited around 2:45 p.m. near 181st and 202nd streets despite efforts to contain it the day before. A Winfield Fire/EMS Department official told KSN that high winds made it difficult to sufficiently soak the ground on Friday, leading to the resurgence of flames. Multiple fire departments from surrounding areas responded to assist in controlling the fire. However, unlike the previous day, officials stated there was no need for evacuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Burden Fire Department acknowledged the ongoing battle against wildfires in a social media post, saying, Another day, another (or the same) wildland fire. Fire crews continue to monitor the situation to prevent further flare-ups. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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 Researchers from Brazilian, Argentine, and Uruguayan institutions analyze the barriers that low- and middle-income countries face in disseminating research on intensive care medicine, particularly in the treatment of critically ill patients. Published in The Lancet, the study highlights how historical and economic biases perpetuate inequalities and suggests changes to make the scientific publishing system more inclusive and representative of the global community. Low- and middle-income countries are home to 85% of the world's population and bear a disproportionate burden of critical illnesses. However, the global scientific publishing system remains dominated by scholars from high-income countries. This historical imbalance, rooted in colonial-era practices, limits the visibility of crucial research conducted in developing nations. The study, coordinated by the Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR), the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), the AC Camargo Hospital, the Heart Institute, and research centers in Argentina and Uruguay, sheds light on these structural disparities. The academic dominance of high-income countries Historically, editorial practices and scientific metrics have favored research from high-income nations, relegating studies from low- and middle-income countries to a secondary role. Key challenges include high article processing charges, often unequal research partnerships, language barriers due to the predominance of English in scientific publishing, and evaluation metrics that prioritize global impact over regional relevance. These obstacles not only limit the reach of research conducted in developing countries but also reinforce a dependency on recognition and funding from wealthier nations. The study illustrates how scientific knowledge from low- and middle-income countries proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges typically faced by developing nationssuch as economic crises and workforce shortagesbecame realities even for high-income countries. The global health crisis underscored the value of knowledge generated in countries with resilient and adaptable health care systems. However, the lack of representation in high-profile journals continues to hinder recognition of the valuable lessons that the so-called "Third World" has to offer the scientific community. Proposals for a more inclusive approach to intensive care science The researchers propose several global and regional actions to foster a more equitable scientific ecosystem. These include increasing the visibility of scientific journals from low- and middle-income countries and reducing or waiving publication fees for authors from these regions in international journals. Another key recommendation is ensuring a fairer peer-review process, where article evaluations prioritize scientific merit rather than perspectives shaped by high-income countries' cultural and economic contexts. The authors emphasize that achieving this goal requires greater diversity in editorial boards, which often lack representation from researchers in developing nations. The study reflects a collaborative international effort to understand and address inequalities in the global scientific publishing system. By challenging entrenched power dynamics and amplifying the perspectives of low- and middle-income countries, the researchers advocate for a more equitable publishing landscapeone that better serves the needs of critically ill patients worldwide. More information: Jorge I F Salluh et al, Decolonise publishing to reduce inequalities in critical care, The Lancet (2025). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00131-X Journal information: The Lancet Provided by D'Or Institute for Research and Education Craft and Draft co-founder Kellan Monroe has seen several beverage trends roll through Columbia since opening the bottle shop and bar in 2014. At the time, customers were interested in bitter IPAs. Then, a few years later, they moved onto alcoholic seltzers. Now, things are switching up once again, but this time Kellan said he finds customers drifting to a new kind of product: THC seltzers. The non-alcoholic beverages contain doses of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, a compound found in cannabis plants, the same plants that give us marijuana. The drinks are an option for people seeking a social beverage who dont want to consume alcohol, Kellan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing more demand from customers, breweries and retailers in Greenville, Charleston and Columbia have jumped on the trend. At Craft and Draft, Monroe has been selling THC seltzers from different vendors, such as Peak Drift Brewing Company and Triple, since December. He said he was first approached by distributors about adding the beverages about a year ago. It went from probably three to four brands that were available to now theres a new brand about every week, Monroe said. Around for a couple years in South Carolina, the seltzers have been causing an increasing buzz around Columbia in recent months. But with some state lawmakers looking to tighten the loophole that makes them legal, their future in the area remains unclear. Its growing In operation since 2023, Columbias Peak Drift Brewing Company began producing test batches of its THC seltzers in June 2024. The company officially launched the product in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brewery originally thought the seltzers wouldnt be a lasting trend, said Quinn Sellers, non-alcoholic sales division manager for Peak Drift. We started pulling numbers throughout the state and doing some research and realized that its actually not going anywhere, Sellers said. Its growing. If anything, its exponentially growing faster and faster. Right now, Peak Drift produces three flavors and sells them at the brewery and other places across Columbia. The seltzers contain either 5 milligrams or 10 milligrams of THC. Sellers said hes found that the drinks help take the edge off the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You wake up the next morning feeling refreshed, instead of having a couple beers with your friends and kind of setting yourself back for the next day, he said. Sellers said that most people who have come in to order the THC seltzers have been the older generations, which surprised him. Over at Craft and Draft, Monroe said he sees more people in their 50s to 60s reaching for the new beverages, rather than younger age groups. Monroe said he thinks the switch is part of a desire to drink more products that are non-alcoholic. The craft beer crowd is aging into a time where theyre drinking less alcohol, Monroe said. Theyre also looking for options so they can still enjoy a beer, but not have the same negative side effects that alcohol comes with. Triple is one of the THC seltzer makers that has entered the market in South Carolina. How is it legal? Marijuana remains illegal in South Carolina. But a federal farm bill passed in 2018 legalized hemp production, allowing for the sale of hemp products. These are defined as containing no more than 0.3% of delta-9 THC in dry weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina doesnt have any regulations on hemp beverages, but two ongoing bills in the State House are looking to change that. The bills, H. 3924 and H. 4004, look to regulate more how the product is sold and distributed. State Rep. Chris Wooten (R-Lexington), who is sponsoring both bills, said hes concerned people will take advantage by producing products with more THC in them, no longer making it a hemp product. He wants the bills to help regulate the hemp industry and feels like there could still be more research done on hemp products, he said. Right now, any hemp-derived beverage should be regulated at whatever level, Wooten said. We cant say that its illegal to put a certain amount of THC in a drink and limit it to a certain amount of THC, because THC in South Carolina is illegal currently thats why we went with the idea of any hemp-derived beverage. Ongoing discussions about the product are occurring in not just South Carolina. Will Spartan, co-founder and chief operating officer of Triple, said the company is keeping up with bills across 18 different states that are looking to regulate the product more, noting that the number of places theyre being challenged is ever evolving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Triple launched its drinks in March 2024 and produces 3 milligram hemp-derived THC seltzers. The company sells to different retailers and stores in Columbia and across South Carolina. Spartan said that if a state doesnt have regulations set in place, the company will self-regulate its own products. Some states have regulations in place, while others default to federal law. In California, hemp products containing THC have been temporarily banned since September. There are states out there that have banned it, but there also are an increasing number of states that are allowing these projects and choosing to regulate them, because theyre seeing the true demand out there for them, Spartan said. Weve all seen before that prohibition doesnt work. Hopes for expansion While talks of regulating THC seltzers in South Carolina are still ongoing, Peak Drift is hoping to add a fourth flavor to the three it already offers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brewery is looking at other non-alcoholic options as well, with Sellers saying they could start looking at producing canned water or nitro cold brew coffee. But Sellers said he does want to see more regulations be put in place in South Carolina, so that it can level the playing field and make the products more easily accessible and available to customers. I do think that theyre very useful to pretty much anybody in any walk of life, Sellers said. If you deal with any kind of stress in your life and you already drink alcohol, this is a good alternative. The spirit of St. Patrick will live on in Hilton Head this year but his namesake parade will be paused for the safety of the local faithful that have been coming for 39 years to celebrate the day. The committee that puts on the popular St. Patricks Day Parade on Hilton Head Island has decided to postpone the festivities till 2026 due to the threat of high winds and dangerous weather. According to Dignitary Coordinator Bethanne Carrol, If there is even a risk to one person, its not worth it so we are looking forward to 2026. Next year will be a great parade. Echoing these sentiments was the Irish Fest Facebook page: With great disappointment, the Hilton Head Island St. Patricks Day Parade Committee must cancel todays parade, due to extreme and potentially dangerous weather approaching. Local emergency services are needed to dedicate themselves to protect the public. We sadly must delay our 40th Anniversary until 2026. Mayor Alan Perry also expressed concern over the incoming weather and supported the committees decision to cancel the 2025 event, Due to to the weather and logistics it very unfortunate that the parade has been canceled. Ive been in constant contact with the committee and fire chief and for the safety of everyone its best to cancel. It wasnt that long ago when leadership counted for something, when Idahoans could expect their leaders to speak out boldly and strongly for their state and their nation. While we cannot expect partisans to stand up and speak against their own party very often, its happened a few times in American history, and Idahos own Frank Church is a perfect example of a Democratic United States senator who differed publicly with his partys powerful President Lyndon B. Johnson about U.S. involvement in the war in Vietnam. Today, under the regime of President Donald Trump, file the Frank Church example away in the History Not Likely to Repeat in Idaho folder. Republicans seem to spend most of their time figuring how to pirouette around Trumps daily excursions into madness and inhumanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two examples of how slavish Idahos congressional delegation is to Trump and Putin occurred on the floor of the Senate recently. Democrat Minority Whip Sen. Dick Durbin introduced a resolution condemning Russias mass abduction of 20,000 Ukrainian children from their parents and families. These kidnappings caught the attention of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putins arrest in March 2023 on war crimes charges. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vermont, also introduced a resolution calling on Putin to end the war in Ukraine immediately which he started, by invading Ukraine. What problem could there possibly be with resolutions stating facts that even Republican Sen. Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee no less, agreed were true? After all, this is the Risch who traveled to Ukraine in June 2022 and was interviewed by KTVB in Boise when he returned. Risch was adamant. These were his exact words then: Ukraine can win this war, but only if we help get it what it needs, before it needs it. ... I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure the Biden administration uses the authorities Congress has given to provide President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian defense forces exactly what they need to end this conflict. Ukraine must win this fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that Trump is in office and has reneged on American support for Ukraine, has anyone heard Risch repeating his words of support for Ukraine? These days, Risch opposes simple resolutions calling on Putin to cease and desist, and condemning Putins abduction of Ukrainian kids. Resolutions like the ones Durbin and Sanders introduced are common in Congress, offered by members of either party to express a sense of the chamber regarding a domestic or foreign policy issue. They do not have the force of law as much as they carry with them the soft power of the United States. The resolutions would have applied the moral authority of the United States Senate to efforts to convince Donald Trump he cannot and must not forsake those Ukrainian children and their parents. He must help Ukraine defeat Putin or, for starters, bring him to the negotiating table. Risch objected to the two resolutions by using one of the oldest tricks in the bag of politicians who try to convince us they lay claim to the truth if you only knew what I know. (You can see Rischs objections on YouTube.) He referred vaguely to the resolutions interfering with the current state of negotiations as though an agreement was around the corner, even though Trump had just dressed down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, with media coverage Trump called good for TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats also when Trump put U.S. aid to Ukraine on hold and withdrew our intelligence gathering from Ukraine, hardly a moment that looked close to the deal Risch fabricated out of whole cloth. Even if a deal is in the works and its announced after this column goes to print, what harm could possibly come from the Senate condemning the abduction of 20,000 Ukrainian children by Putin? Rischs opposition to a resolution that could have borne the names of Democrats and Republicans in a bipartisan show of support for Ukraine is a great example of the loss of credibility of the U.S. Senate. If the Senate passed such a resolution, it might just have registered with Trump that his failure to support Ukraine at this perilous moment is a bridge too far. This is the U.S. Senate, once the penultimate legislative body in the world, now reduced to the equivalent of a Republican Party caucus circling the wagons to protect a manic and unhinged president who appears to have sold out to Putin and his Russian army. And Risch is the loyal errand boy for Trump. Republicans like Risch, in this case, will do handstands to remain in Trumps favor. They know how quickly Trump will send his MAGA Idahoans to Rischs doorstep and, worse yet, how Elon Musk could descend on Idaho to finance a Republican alternative to Risch. But Risch is in his 80s, having served four years into his third six-year term. Isnt that enough? If he runs again in 2028, hed be approaching 90 when finishing his fourth term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why not turn statesman in these next two years and go out in a blaze of glory? He could pull off a move like Sen. Mitch McConnells, when McConnell recently voted against several of Trumps most unqualified Cabinet members. Reporting on the daily grind of Congress is here today and gone tomorrow, but history is read tomorrow and forever engraved in the annals of a nation and states past. Any Republican member of the Senate could secure a unique and courageous place in history as the senator who pushed over the first domino, the senator who stood up against Putins reign of terror and Trumps servile devotion to the man. What will it be for Idaho? A photo of Risch in the history books with his back to his Idaho constituents running toward Trump with his tail between his legs, or might he distinguish Idaho and his own career in ways his modest record of achievement in public office to date will never accomplish? Surprise us, senator! Bob Kustra served as president of Boise State University from 2003 to 2018. He is host of Readers Corner on Boise State Public Radio and is a regular columnist for the Idaho Statesman. He served two terms as Illinois lieutenant governor and 10 years as a state legislator. The Home Office has done an about-turn on its decision to fine a couple 1,500 after they found a migrant hiding under a bike-rack cover attached to the back of their motorhome. Adrian and Joanne Fenton, from Heybridge, Essex, were fined for failing to check that no clandestine entrant was concealed in their vehicle after a holiday in France. Now, Border Force, which is part of the Home Office, has told the couple it has cancelled the fine after taking their objection to liability into consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs Fenton, who previously told the Home Office she did not believe she would ever be fined for taking correct and moral action, said she was ecstatic with the news. The Fentons, who had returned to the UK via Eurotunnels LeShuttle, discovered the stowaway at 10.15pm on Oct 15, when they unzipped the bike rack cover following the six-hour journey. The couple claimed border officials in Calais and the UK had not inspected the bike rack or the cover before or after the crossing - Facebook Mr Fenton said he had first noticed a pair of white trainers. I then looked up and saw a pair of legs and face attached looking down, he said. I immediately told him to stay there because you fear for your safety. I shouted to Joanne to phone the police. How he got under there, I dont know. You cannot see how he got under there. I really cant work it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was contorted around the bikes. Feet on the bottom of the rack and bent double over, so you could see nobody from over the cover. Despite reporting the incident to the authorities, the couple received an email on Feb 23 informing them of the fine. Mr Fenton contested the penalty, arguing that the migrant was clinging to the outside of the vehicle rather than inside the motorhome. The couple also claimed border officials in Calais and the UK had not inspected the bike rack or the cover before or after the crossing and denied they knew anything of the migrant before he was found. Mr Fenton contested the penalty, arguing that the migrant was clinging to the outside of the vehicle rather than inside the motorhome - BBC But responding to the incident, Tony Smith, the former head of UK Border Force, argued that a collaborative approach was needed to tackle people smuggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told BBC Three Counties Radio: Be aware theres huge pressure in Calais to get in by fair means or foul and we really all need to work together to try to stop that happening. What you really want people to do when theyre queued up waiting at the check-in desk or having their sandwich, [is] have a good look round. The migrants are very opportunistic. Theres all kinds of efforts made by the human smugglers to get in and we just really want the public to do their bit. Despite the fine, the Fentons believed they implemented all appropriate measures. My motorhome is secure and its alarmed and as soon as we discovered the individual we called the police, said Mr Fenton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morally, I thought I had done everything I should have done... I couldnt see how we could have done anything more than was reasonably practical or safe. Last week, Sir Keir Starmer said the Home Office would look into the case. Should be thanked not punished Sir John Whittingdale, a former Conservative minister who raised the case in the House of Commons, said the couple should be thanked rather than punished. At Prime Ministers Questions, the MP for Maldon said: Will the Prime Minister look at the case of my constituents, Mr and Mrs Adrian Fenton, who returned home from visiting France in their motorhome to discover an illegal immigrant concealed in the bike rack? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They reported it immediately to the police, only to receive a fine from the Border Force of 1,500. Will he agree that my constituents ought to be thanked rather than punished? And does he accept that this action will send a message to deter anybody from acting responsibly in the future? The Prime Minister replied: Can I thank him for raising this important case on behalf of his constituents? Ive seen some of the details, and I am concerned about it, and I do think its important, as he says, that the Home Office look into it, and therefore we will do so. And I will make sure that he is updated in relation to that in due course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph has contacted the Home Office 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. Pope Francis, who has been seriously ill for weeks, has expressed his compassion to all those who are unwell, according to a transcript published by the Holy See on Sunday. "I am going through a time of trial, and I join many sick brothers and sisters," the pope said. As on the four previous Sundays, the head of the Catholic Church had to forgo the traditional prayer before tens of thousands of believers in St Peter's Square in Rome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our body is weak but even so, nothing can stop us from loving, praying, giving ourselves and being there for one another in faith," the text further states. The 88-year-old called for prayers for peace, particularly in countries "wounded by war" like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pope Francis has been in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 and has not been seen in public since. He is suffering from a complicated case of pneumonia in both lungs. On Saturday evening, the Holy See described his health condition as stable, confirming the progress made last week. By Phil Stewart, Mohammed Ghobari and Gabriella Borter WASHINGTON/ADEN, Yemen (Reuters) -The United States will keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until they end attacks on shipping, the U.S. defense secretary said on Sunday, as the Iran-aligned group signaled it could escalate in response to deadly U.S. strikes the day before. The airstrikes, which the Houthi-run health ministry said killed at least 53 people, are the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January. One U.S. official told Reuters the campaign might continue for weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said on Sunday that his militants would target U.S. ships in the Red Sea as long as the U.S. continues its attacks on Yemen. "If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation," he said in a televised speech. The Houthi movement's political bureau described the attacks as a "war crime," while Moscow urged Washington to cease the strikes. The Houthis' military spokesman said without evidence in a televised statement early Monday that the group had launched a second attack against the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. U.S. warplanes shot down 11 Houthi drones on Sunday, none of which came close to the Truman, a U.S. official told Reuters. U.S. forces also tracked a missile that splashed down off the coast of Yemen and was not deemed a threat, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures": "The minute the Houthis say we'll stop shooting at your ships, we'll stop shooting at your drones. This campaign will end, but until then it will be unrelenting." "This is about stopping the shooting at assets ... in that critical waterway, to reopen freedom of navigation, which is a core national interest of the United States, and Iran has been enabling the Houthis for far too long," he said. "They better back off." The Houthis, who have taken control of most of Yemen over the past decade, said last week they would resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea if Israel did not lift a block on aid entering Gaza. They had launched scores of attacks on shipping after Israel's war with Hamas began in late 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Gaza's Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also told Iran, the Houthis' main backer, to stop supporting the group immediately. He said if Iran threatened the United States, "America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" IRAN WARNS US NOT TO ESCALATE In response, Hossein Salami, the top commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, said the Houthis made their own decisions. "We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they carry out their threats," he told state media. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for "utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities" in Yemen and warned new escalation could "fuel cycles of retaliation that may further destabilize Yemen and the region, and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation in the country," his spokesperson said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News' "Face the Nation" program: "There's no way the ... Houthis would have the ability to do this kind of thing unless they had support from Iran. And so this was a message to Iran: don't keep supporting them, because then you will also be responsible for what they are doing in attacking Navy ships and attacking global shipping." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Rubio to urge an "immediate cessation of the use of force and the importance for all sides to engage in political dialogue," Moscow said. Five children and two women were among the 53 people killed in the U.S. strikes, said Anees Alsbahi, spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry. Another 98 people were injured, the ministry said. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the claims of civilian casualties. Reuters could not independently verify the claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents in Sanaa said the strikes hit a neighborhood known to host several members of the Houthi leadership. "The explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake. They terrified our women and children," said one of the residents, who gave his name as Abdullah Yahia. In Sanaa, a crane and bulldozer were used to remove debris at one site and people used their bare hands to pick through the rubble. At a hospital, medics treated the injured, including children, and the bodies of several casualties were placed in a yard, wrapped in plastic sheets, Reuters footage showed. Strikes also targeted Houthi military sites in the city of Taiz, two witnesses said on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOUTHIS' RED SEA ATTACKS DISRUPT GLOBAL TRADE ROUTE Another strike, on a power station in the town of Dahyan, led to a power cut, Al-Masirah TV reported early on Sunday. Dahyan is where Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the enigmatic leader of the Houthis, often meets visitors. The Houthi attacks on shipping have disrupted global commerce and set the U.S. military off on a costly campaign to intercept missiles and drones. The group suspended its campaign when Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza in January. But on March 12, the Houthis said their threat to attack Israeli ships would remain in effect until Israel reapproved the delivery of aid and food into Gaza. (Reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington; Mohammed Ghobari and Reyam Mokhashef in Aden, Yemen; Muhammad Al Gebaly, Menna Alaa El Din, Hatem Maher, Jaidaa Taha and Ahmed Tolba in Cairo and Michelle Nichols in New York; Writing by Andrew Mills and Tom Perry; Editing by Ros Russell, Kevin Liffey, Lisa Shumaker and Michael Perry) The Houthis are vowing retaliation after the U.S. launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen. President Trump ordered a series of airstrikes on the Houthis, a militant group backed by Iran, on Saturday. The president said the U.S. would use an overwhelming lethal force to take out the group. Nasr el-Din Amer, a spokesperson for the Houthis, told NBC News that the majority of the casualties from the airstrikes were women and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group plans to retaliate and said they would not stop until the blockade on Gaza is lifted. We will respond to the recent escalation with further escalation, he said. On Saturday, Trump warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group and said he would hold the country fully accountable for the proxy groups actions. Explosions were heard in Sanaa, Yemens capital, and Saada, the Houthi stronghold, from Saturday evening into Sunday morning, NBC News reported. The attacks were carried out by Air Force jets and armed drones that took off from the region. A source told The Hill that its the first of a many days if not weeks attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks come as the Houthis vow to continue attacking shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The group has targeted the ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, increasing tensions in the region. National security adviser Mike Waltz joined ABCs This Week on Sunday to discuss the attack, calling them feckless. This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out, Waltz said. And the difference here is one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible. Updated at 12:30 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The News US President Donald Trump warned Monday that Iran would face dire consequences for any attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthis. Every shot fired from the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire, Trump said on Truth Social. His warning came after several days of US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. At least 53 people have been killed in the attacks, the Houthi-run health ministry said on Sunday, including women and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have vowed to retaliate against the attacks, which also hit military infrastructure. The militia had paused its own attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes crucial to global supply chains after Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire in Gaza, but had threatened to resume the onslaught after Israel blocked aid to the enclave. The Trump administration has vowed to keep attacking the Houthis until they end their attacks in the Red Sea. This isnt a one-night thing. This will continue until you say, Were done shooting at ships, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News on Sunday. Washington is pursuing a two-pronged strategy toward Tehran, aiming to both isolate and strain the regime while also making overtures for prospective nuclear talks, The Washington Post wrote. Democrats are infuriated with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over his support of the GOPs spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Rep. Robert Garcia shares his thoughts on Schumers decision and discusses what the Democrats should do to face Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Hundreds gathered outside the Idaho State Capitol on Saturday for a nationwide protest organized by the Idaho 50501 chapter, voicing concerns about government accountability, corporate influence in politics, and advocating for LGBTQ rights. Hundreds of protestors gathered outside of Tesla showrooms on Saturday to showcase their disdain for CEO Elon Musk and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in an effort to slash federal spending. The Tesla Takedown movement has launched a series of demonstrations that have taken place in Washington, D.C., Boston and other locations aiming to encourage investors to divest in Tesla stock and charging electric vehicle owners to ditch the brand. Approximately 80 protests took place on Saturday alone, according to CNN. Sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines. Hurting Tesla is stopping Musk, a statement on their website reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stopping Musk will help save lives and our democracy. The stakes couldnt be higher. No one is coming to save usnot politicians, not the media. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said he was looking for a new ride after getting rid of his Tesla, which he argued was built and designed by an ahole. Every time I get in this car in the last 60 days or so, it reminds me of just how much Elon Musk and Donald Trump is doing to our country. Talking about slashing Social Security, cutting health care benefits for poor people, for seniors. Its one bad thing after the next, Kelly said in a video posted to X. Musk has supported efforts to close the U.S. Agency for International Development and the regulatory Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in his role as senior adviser to President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tech giant is frequently spotted on the South Lawn with the leader and highlighted unique Tesla features next to Trump with three cars parked at the White House on Tuesday, which caused some to question the events ethical standing. I mean, nobody else has a car company started up in the last 30 years thats been successful, I dont think so, Trump told reporters. But because hes finding all sorts of terrible things that have taken place against our country, we want to penalize him in an economic sense. And I just think thats very unfair. So I just wanted to make a statement. Im going to buy one now. The Hill reached out to Tesla for comment. 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. (The Hill) Hundreds of protestors gathered outside of Tesla showrooms on Saturday to showcase their disdain for CEO Elon Musk and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in an effort to slash federal spending. The Tesla Takedown movement has launched a series of demonstrations that have taken place in Washington, D.C., Boston and other locations aiming to encourage investors to divest in Tesla stock and charging electric vehicle owners to ditch the brand. Approximately 80 protests took place on Saturday alone, according to CNN. Sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines. Hurting Tesla is stopping Musk, a statement on their website reads. Slideshow: Protestors gather outside Tesla showrooms Protesters carrying signs and chant slogans protesting Elon Musk and President Donald Trump outside a Tesla showroom and service center in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Protesters rally during a protest outside a Tesla showroom against U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Santa Rosa, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Protesters carrying signs and chant slogans protesting Elon Musk and President Donald Trump outside a Tesla showroom and service center in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Protesters rally outside a Tesla dealership in San Francisco, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson) Protesters rally outside a Tesla dealership in San Francisco, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson) Protesters rally outside a Tesla dealership in San Francisco, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson) Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. US President Donald Trumps senior advisor Elon Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. US President Donald Trumps senior advisor Elon Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. US President Donald Trumps senior advisor Elon Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Protesters carrying signs and chanting slogans stands outside a Tesla showroom and service center in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) A protester holds a sign reading SELL THAT TESLA in front of a Tesla driver during a rally outside a Tesla dealership in San Francisco, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson) Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters near the University Village mall, where a Tesla showroom is located, during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, near a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters march during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, near a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg A Telsa showroom as protesters rally outside against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters march during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, near a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg A protester during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, near a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, near a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, near a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. US President Donald Trumps senior advisor Elon Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. US President Donald Trumps senior advisor Elon Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. US President Donald Trumps senior advisor Elon Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters during a rally against Elon Musks actions in the Trump administration, outside a Tesla showroom in Seattle, Washington, US, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The electric-vehicle maker has been hit by headline-grabbing protests and vandalism in recent weeks, part of a backlash to Chief Executive Officer Elon Musks role in the Trump administrations efforts to slash the federal government. Photographer: David Ryder/Blooomberg Protesters rally during a protest outside a Tesla showroom against U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Santa Rosa, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Protesters rally during a protest outside a Tesla showroom against U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Santa Rosa, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Protesters rally during a protest outside a Tesla showroom against U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Santa Rosa, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Protesters hold signs and sing chants during a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla car company outside the Tesla dealership in Boston, Massachusetts on March 15, 2025. US President Donald Trumps senior advisor Elon Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) Stopping Musk will help save lives and our democracy. The stakes couldnt be higher. No one is coming to save usnot politicians, not the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said he was looking for a new ride after getting rid of his Tesla, which he argued was built and designed by an ahole. Every time I get in this car in the last 60 days or so, it reminds me of just how much Elon Musk and Donald Trump is doing to our country. Talking about slashing Social Security, cutting health care benefits for poor people, for seniors. Its one bad thing after the next, Kelly said in a video posted to X. Musk has supported efforts to close the U.S. Agency for International Development and the regulatory Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in his role as senior adviser to President Trump. Measles confirmed in 3 more states as cases multiply Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tech giant is frequently spotted on the South Lawn with the leader and highlighted unique Tesla features next to Trump with three cars parked at the White House on Tuesday, which caused some to question the events ethical standing. I mean, nobody else has a car company started up in the last 30 years thats been successful, I dont think so, Trump told reporters. But because hes finding all sorts of terrible things that have taken place against our country, we want to penalize him in an economic sense. And I just think thats very unfair. So I just wanted to make a statement. Im going to buy one now. The Hill reached out to Tesla for comment. 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. The International Documentary Association and the independent cinema coalition Art House Convergence have released a joint statement condemning Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiners attempts to terminate the lease of the O Cinema for its decision to screen the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land. Programming decisions by independent film exhibitors must not suffer political interference in the form of First Amendment violations. It is doubly concerning that the documentary No Other Land, which has been critically acclaimed by the highest levels of the global film industry, including an Oscar and four awards at the 2024 IDA Documentary Awards, has triggered such a censorious response, the statement read. Earlier this month, following the Oscar victory of No Other Land in the Best Documentary Feature category, the O Cinema scheduled screenings of the documentary, which was made by a team of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers and chronicles the displacement of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta by Israeli military and settlers after a court ruling declaring the area a closed military zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meiner, who is Jewish, sent a letter to O Cinema CEO Vivian Marthell urging not to screen the film, calling it a one-sided propaganda attack on the Jewish people. Marthell initially pulled the film over concerns of antisemitic rhetoric, but later rescheduled it on free speech grounds. My initial reaction to Mayor Meiners threats was made under duress, Marthell said in an email to the Associated Press on Thursday. After reflecting on the broader implications for free speech and O Cinemas mission, I (along with the O Cinema board and staff members) agreed it was critical to screen this acclaimed film. Meiner was elected Miami Beach mayor in 2023. He previously served as a civil law enforcement attorney for the Securites and Exchanges Commission, where he was accused by three women of sexual misconduct in a Miami Herald report published days before his election. In response to the accusations, Meiner told the Herald that the claims were likely motivated by anti-Israel and antisemitic views, claiming that an individual at the SEC and a few others continued to be antagonistic, spreading untrue [and] sometimes insulting or unflattering rumors about me in the office after the individual confronted me about Israel and made inflammatory statements during an encounter in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meiner left the SEC last July, and it is unclear to what extent any internal investigations were made into the accusations. Meiner addressed his legislation to revoke O Cinemas lease and withdraw more than $40,000 in city grant funding in his newsletter to residents, insisting that he is a staunch believer in free speech. But normalizing hate and then disseminating antisemitism in a facility owned by the taxpayers of Miami Beach, after O Cinema conceded the concerns of antisemitic rhetoric, is unjust to the values of our city and residents and should not be tolerated, he wrote. The IDA and Art House Convergence pushed back, saying in its statement that restricting access to films based on undue political influence or outside pressures, undermines the very essence of free speech the U.S. was founded on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Threats to defund cinemas and film festivals based on their programmatic content runs directly counter to the right to free speech for art, artists, and exhibitors as a whole. If these threats are carried out, it is not only filmmakers but also audiences who will suffer. The IDA/AHC statement joins one made by PEN Americas Florida director Katie Blankenship, who said that this effort to censor films is beyond the pale of acceptable governmental action in a democracy, and is blatantly unconstitutional. Politicians do not get to tell theaters what movies they can show just because they disagree with a films message. Cultural spaces must be free to make their own choices of what to present to audiences, without political interference, Blankenship wrote. Threatening the lease of O Cinema will not only impact this film; it will deny audiences in South Florida the opportunity to access a range of films and programs on diverse subjects. No Other Land is the first Best Documentary Feature Oscar winner to receive the honor without a U.S. distributor. Release of the film has been handled through an independent booker on a theater-by-theater basis. This weekend, the film expanded to 138 locations, the largest count so far in its run, and grossed $165,940 for a total of $1.38 million. The post Mayors Threat to Close Miami Cinema Over No Other Land Screening Condemned by Film Groups as First Amendment Violation appeared first on TheWrap. Despite being born with malformed limbs and later giving birth to four children, Francisca avoided going to the doctor as much as possible for about two decades. The 58-year-old Southwest Side resident lacked health insurance, so when she got sick or was in pain she often relied on home remedies. When she had a toothache, she wouldnt go to the dentist. Nearly two years ago, though, Franciscas situation changed dramatically. She obtained health coverage through a state program that provides taxpayer-funded insurance to immigrants like her who are in the country without legal permission as well as green card holders who havent been in the U.S. long enough to qualify for Medicaid, the traditional health care program for the poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she had her first dental cleaning after getting the state-funded coverage, it felt like a blessing, said Francisca, who asked to be identified by only her first name because of her immigration status. But in just a few months, Francisca and more than 30,000 other immigrants in Illinois may be uninsured once again as Gov. JB Pritzker has proposed eliminating funding for the program that began in 2022 for noncitizen immigrants ages 42 to 64. While coverage would continue for noncitizen immigrants 65 and older, cutting the program for the 42-to-64 age group is a significant piece of Pritzkers plan to balance a $55.2 billion state budget proposal. The governor estimates it will save $330 million as costs are rising and growth in income and sales taxes is slowing, developments that continue to strain the states finances and force difficult decisions to ensure the state lives within its means, Pritzker has said. The effort to provide state-funded insurance, which began with coverage for those 65 and older during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020, has become a lightning rod in Springfield as costs far outstripped projections. Although many immigrants living in Illinois without authorization pay state and federal taxes that support the program and other services for which they are ineligible because of their citizenship status, a recent state audit found that over three years the insurance program for older immigrants cost nearly double what was expected and the program for the younger group cost nearly four times more than anticipated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzkers proposal, which blindsided many of the programs supporters in the state legislature, has created some political dissonance for Democrats, particularly for the governor himself as he angles for national attention as a leading opponent of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown and Republican proposals to cut federal Medicaid funding. A potential 2028 contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, Pritzker wrote in a recent Tribune op-ed opposing Medicaid cuts: For Illinois families of all backgrounds and across the state, health care isnt an afterthought its a lifeline. He also promised: Illinois is doing all we can to preserve health care coverage. As some Democratic lawmakers scramble to find ways to preserve the program, patients and the providers who care for them are bracing for an abrupt end to their health insurance coverage. I actually have a bad toothache right now, and I will make sure I go to the dentist soon, before my (coverage) is taken away, Francisca said. Otherwise it will cost me like $300, and I dont have that much money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worry goes beyond her health. Francisca has a rare congenital disorder that has left her limbs either missing or disfigured. She uses a wheelchair and has never been able to work because of her disability. After she separated from her husband five years ago, she became fully reliant on her children. She is everything to us, said her daughter Sara, 20, hugging her mother. Getting insurance coverage from the state felt like a relief, Francisca said. We could go to the doctor knowing that if they found something wrong, we would be able to follow up. We no longer had to choose between going to the doctor, paying for the visit, the medication, or paying for rent and food, Francisca said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the program goes away, the responsibility of paying her medical bills will fall back to her children, on top of paying for her other expenses. She has no savings and doesnt qualify for Social Security disability benefits or Medicaid due to her immigration status. Sometimes I feel like a burden for them because they have to pay for everything, she said. Cases like Franciscas illustrate what experts say are the broader consequences of leaving immigrants who are in the country without authorization uninsured. Immigrants who dont have coverage are less likely to have a steady source of health care outside the emergency room or to have a provider they trust in the U.S., said Drishti Pillai, director of immigrant health policy at KFF, a nonprofit, nonpartisan health policy organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a survey KFF conducted in 2023, 1 in 5 uninsured immigrant adults said their health got worse as a result of skipping or postponing care, she said. Related Articles When an individual doesnt have health insurance coverage, since theyre more likely to forgo primary and preventive health care, its possible that health conditions that are fairly easy to treat can go undetected for a long time and ultimately become more complex and expensive to treat, which can raise the costs of uncompensated care, Pillai said. It can also lead to worse economic outcomes due to productivity losses, with immigrants playing a key role, especially in certain professions such as health care, agriculture, transportation. Thats similar to the argument Pritzker made nearly two years ago when he signed a state budget deal that preserved the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We save money when we invest in health care for undocumented immigrants, Pritzker said in June 2023, just a few weeks before his administration closed enrollment for immigrants under 65 to help control the programs costs. Because you know what happens if they dont get health care, basic health care: They end up in an emergency room. We all end up paying for that at a much higher cost than if we have preventative care. In response to the recent audit, Pritzkers Department of Healthcare and Family Services, which administers the programs, also pointed to the prevalence of untreated chronic conditions and high rates of hospitalization among participants as key factors in driving the cost overruns. If the program for those under 65 ends, many patients who seek treatment likely will do so through community health centers, which are obligated to continue providing care regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status, Pillai said. And whether or not the state is paying the bill, the community centers will treat those patients and have to absorb the cost, said Ollie Idowu, president and CEO of the Illinois Primary Health Care Association, which represents more than 50 health centers across the state. While Idowu said he understands the state budget pressures, for my health centers, its going to have a severe impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About one-third of participants in the program for those under 65 are patients of community health centers, according to the association, and the loss of funding for their care could force centers to lay off employees, reduce or eliminate some services, or close sites. The governors proposal also comes as health centers are facing pressure from what they see as inadequate Medicaid reimbursements from the state, possible cuts to federal Medicaid funding, and moves by the pharmaceutical industry to place restrictions on their ability to get drugs through a federal program at steeply discounted rates, which provides another major source of funding. At the federal level, there is a nightmare of a storm that is brewing that has potential to wreak havoc on our health care safety net, and so its critically important that our lawmakers and policymakers make the strongest possible investments that they can into people and providers to keep our communities healthy and to drive down costs to the health care system, said Cyrus Winnett, the associations chief public affairs officer. Cook County Health is another provider for many immigrant patients who receive coverage through the program and also could face a major hit if the state stops compensating the county-run system. In 2024, the county health system received $111 million in reimbursements for care provided to about 8,000 patients through the program Pritzker has proposed eliminating, officials said, adding that regardless of the outcome in Springfield, Cook County Health will be here to serve all patients in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rush University System for Health also could face a hit if the program ends. Over four years starting in 2019, the hospital saw its financial assistance and charity care spending cut nearly in half, with a substantial portion attributable to payments from the state immigrant health care programs, said Padraic Stanley, Rushs program manager of community integration, health promotion and disease prevention. Illinois has long been at the forefront of providing health insurance coverage without regard for immigration status. In 2006, Illinois became the first state to cover children regardless of citizenship, and in 2020 became the first to do so for those 65 and older. Others followed suit, with 13 other states and Washington, D.C., providing coverage for children and six other states and the nations capital providing state-funded coverage for some income-eligible adults as of January, according to KFF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When expanding Illinois program for the second time in 2022 to extend coverage to those as young as 42, Pritzker declared in a news release that everyone, regardless of documentation status, deserves access to holistic health care coverage. Despite backtracking on that issue, Pritzker is unlikely to face significant political consequences either in a bid for a third term next year or in a potential 2028 White House run, said E.J. Fagan, a political science professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. Any governor whos served for a long period of time in their home state is going to run into issues that dont look great nationally, Fagan said. In the more immediate term, it remains unclear whether there will be enough pushback from the Democratic-controlled legislature to change Pritzkers mind on funding the program. Republicans, whose votes arent needed to pass a budget that takes effect July 1, uniformly oppose providing the state-funded coverage, arguing the resources would be better spent on legal residents of Illinois. This administration is committed to doing everything within our means to protect health care for the most vulnerable, Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough wrote in response to questions about the governors proposal. This difficult decision was one, among many, that reflect the reality of our situation and unfortunately needed to be made in order to maintain a balanced budget. In this case, we opted to preserve health care coverage for the most vulnerable through the program for those 65 and older. We are happy to engage the General Assembly should they have creative solutions to maintain funding for the program but we have a responsibility to Illinois taxpayers to maintain a balanced budget, Gough said. While she appreciates the administrations willingness to listen to other ideas, state Rep. Norma Hernandez, a Melrose Park Democrat who chairs the House Latino Caucus, said those discussions should have begun before Pritzker introduced his proposal last month. Im curious to understand why this specific population is being targeted. Is it because theyre being seen as less human? Hernandez said. Before making this announcement, there should have been those bigger conversations. How can we create a pathway to help fund this program, to not only just keep it but to expand it? Pritzkers budget plan was based on revenue forecasts that painted a more optimistic picture than the $3.2 billion deficit his administration was projecting as recently as November. But the legislatures bipartisan forecasting arm more recently produced its own estimate for the coming year, anticipating about $737 million less revenue than the governors plan, before accounting for tax changes that would require legislative approval. Further clouding the outlook are stock market turmoil and growing recession fears stemming from Trumps use of tariffs against some of the U.S.s largest trading partners and expansive cuts to the federal workforce. Nevertheless, Hernandez said she and other supporters of the program are looking for progressive revenue options to keep the program going, without offering examples. While funding the program has led to infighting among legislative Democrats in recent years, she said Latino members have worked hard on educating folks on the reality of why this program is so important, why this program saves the state money. Among those working alongside members of the Latino caucus and other supporters to preserve the program is Andrea Kovach, a senior attorney at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and a member of the Healthy Illinois Campaign. The campaign was a driving force behind creating the programs but also is among those Pritzker administration officials have blamed for providing inaccurate cost estimates that ended up ballooning in recent years. Cancer doesnt care what someones immigration status is. Diabetes doesnt go away because someone has a particular immigration status. So the cost will still be there, Kovach said. People still age, have accidents and need to treat and manage chronic conditions. The difference is theyll not be diagnosed soon, but at a much later stage and it will be much more costly to the state. Illinois has a legacy we should be really proud of, and now is not the time to go backwards, she said. Its an open question whether supporters would be able to round up enough votes to pass any kind of tax proposal to fund the program, or whether Democratic leaders would allow such a plan to advance. House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, for example, said in a Sun-Times podcast interview earlier this year that talking about tax increases would be tone-deaf to what we heard in November from voters. While budget negotiations continue in Springfield ahead of the legislatures May 31 budget deadline, the future of health care coverage for Francisca and tens of thousands of other immigrants living in Illinois hangs in the balance. Also among that group are Maria Esther Morales, 57, and her husband, Adan Rodriguez, 60, of the Pilsen neighborhood. They have been unable to legalize their status in the country after living in the U.S. for more than 32 years, even with four of their five children being citizens, because federal law would require them to leave the country for 10 years to be eligible. For decades, they didnt see a dentist. Though they both have diabetes, they avoided the doctor except for the handful of times they ended up in the emergency room. Three years ago, when Morales and her husband found out they could finally get Medicaid-style coverage from the state, their lives completely changed, Morales said. We couldnt believe it; it was the greatest blessing for the two of us and for many other people, Morales said. We immediately made appointments to get a dental clinic and follow-ups to treat my anemia. Since getting coverage, neither of them have had to go to the emergency room, she said. They only go to their checkups and follow-up appointments at Alivio Medical Center, a community health center. Morales, who volunteers with a group of cancer patients and survivors, said many people covered by the program are anxious and nervous. She said she prays lawmakers find a way to keep it. An asylum-seeker from Cuba, along with her young daughter, watches the sun rise while waiting to be being taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents at the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2021 in Yuma, Ariz. Immigration drove population growth in many booming Sun Belt counties and the agricultural Midwest, new U.S. Census Bureau estimates show. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) Immigration was the biggest factor in population growth for many booming Sun Belt counties as well as for the agricultural Midwest, according to a Stateline analysis of new U.S. Census Bureau county estimates. The analysis shows the significant impact immigration had between mid-2020 and mid-2024 in fast-growing states such as Arizona, Florida and Texas, as well as how it boosted growth or minimized population loss across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surge of newcomers to the United States was the primary driver in population changes for 38% of counties nationwide and for most counties in states across a large swath of the Midwest: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and North Dakota. Immigration also was the largest growth factor in most counties in Louisiana and Massachusetts. In Iowa, immigration more than doubled population growth in the two counties that surround the state capital of Des Moines and Iowa City. Local advocates are planning to bolster services for new arrivals. The census estimates, released March 13, are the first at the county level to use a new method that tries to count asylum-seekers and other immigrants based on government data on green cards, visas, international students, refugee admissions and border releases. Eric Jensen, a senior research scientist for the Census Bureau, said the new immigration estimates will be tweaked next year to better account for where asylum-seekers and refugees may have eventually settled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, where Houstons Harris County saw the nations largest population growth, the immigration of more than 260,000 people accounted for the bulk of the roughly 278,000-person increase. The rest came largely from births. The new numbers have helped clarify how much of the states growth has come from immigration, said Texas state Demographer Lloyd Potter. Weve been saying for a while now, where are all these people coming over the border? Theyre not showing up in census data, Potter said. Floridas Miami-Dade County, home of Miami, had the states largest population growth since 2020. But the county would have shrunk without the immigration of almost 321,000 people to offset more than 205,000 people who moved away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida has complained for many years that new immigration was not reflected accurately enough in population estimates, said Richard Doty, a research demographer for the states Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida. From a Florida perspective, the big news is the dramatic increase in their population estimates driven entirely by the Census Bureaus revised estimates of [immigration], Doty said. The change increased Florida and U S. population estimates not just for the current year but also for all years since 2020, he said. Immigration was the largest factor for five of the nations top 10 growth counties, which included Arizonas Maricopa County, home of Phoenix; Nevadas Clark County, home of Las Vegas; and Floridas Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located. Newcomers from around the country were the biggest factor in the other top 10 counties, including Collin, Denton, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties in Texas, as well as Floridas Polk County, south of Orlando. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those Texas counties are fast-growing exurbs of Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston with a lot of new housing developments, Potter said. That creates its own kind of issues. People are moving in, bringing a couple of cars, and theyre going to need retail and a whole range of infrastructure and transportation, Potter said. Nationwide, 278 counties in 42 states and the District of Columbia would have shrunk in population were it not for immigration. They include: Floridas Orange and Broward counties along with Miami-Dade; Washington states King County, where Seattle is located; Dallas County in Texas; Middlesex County in Massachusetts, near Boston; Ohios Franklin County, which includes Columbus; Salt Lake County in Utah; Middlesex County, New Jersey; and Sacramento County, California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration also helped stem population losses in many counties that ended up shrinking anyway: Los Angeles County in California lost more than 260,000 people since 2020, but the losses would have been much larger without about 257,000 new immigrants. Louisianas Jefferson Parish, in the New Orleans metro area, lost almost 14,000 people since 2020, but the loss would have been more than double if not for 16,000 new immigrants. Public schools there have been plagued by absences amid fears of immigration raids under the Trump administrations plans for mass deportation, according to press accounts. Immigration also minimized population loss in 958 counties in 47 states, including: Chicagos Cook County, Illinois; four New York City boroughs; Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; suburban Prince Georges County in Maryland; Detroits Wayne County, Michigan. Polk County plans welcome center for immigrants Polk County, Iowa, which includes Des Moines, saw most of its growth of almost 24,000 people from new immigration. The county plans a welcoming center for immigrants in Des Moines, called Global Neighbors, but the county also has been roiled by mostly false rumors of immigration raids. Site of the planned Global Neighbors immigrant welcome center at 1900 Carpenter Ave. in Des Moines. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Mak Suceska, who will direct operations for the center, is a refugee from Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia who arrived in the United States in 1993. At an event this week in Iowa City, he described the planned $4 million center as a space for refugees and immigrants to call home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa City in Johnson County, another area where immigration more than doubled population growth since 2020, is also interested in more immigrant services, said Peter Gerlach, executive director of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, speaking at the March 12 event. Its really important to learn from each other, from like-minded communities, about how we can support and create welcoming communities, Gerlach said, especially given the ways in which our refugees and immigrants are being targeted. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. This story was originally published by Stateline, which 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. TANJUNG REJO, Indonesia (AP) The loud whirr of a chainsaw sounds through the forest as a small group of farmers gathers around a tree filled with red seed pods. With one slow stroke, a severed knobby branch hits the ground. Now it will help the tree grow new fruit, farmer Tari Santoso says with a smile. Thousands of cocoa farmers across Indonesia like Santoso are working with businesses and other organizations to protect their crops from the bitter impacts of climate change and underinvestment that have pushed cocoa prices to record levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cocoa trees are high maintenance: Grown only near the equator, they require a precise combination of steady temperatures, humidity and sunlight. It takes five years for a tree to start producing the seeds that are processed into cocoa used to make chocolate and other delectable foods. Climate change raises the risks for farmers: Hotter weather hurts yields and longer rainy seasons trigger the spread of fungus and deadly pests. Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns have made it harder for farmers to deal with those challenges. So farmers are switching to other crops, further reducing cocoa supplies and pushing prices higher: In 2024, prices nearly tripled, reaching about US$12,000 per ton, driving up chocolate costs and leading some chocolate makers to try growing cocoa in laboratories. Indonesia is the third-largest producer of cocoa in the world, behind Cote D'Ivoire and Ghana, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, farmers are joining with businesses and nongovernmental organizations to develop better growing practices and improve their livelihoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sitting in the shade of his forest farm in south Sumatra, 3 miles (5 kilometers) from a national park where Sumatran tigers and rhinos roam, farmer Santoso is working with Indonesian chocolate maker Krakakoa. After he began working with the company in 2016, Santoso starting using practices that helped his cocoa trees flourish, regularly pruning and grafting new branches onto older trees to promote growth and prevent the spread of disease. He is using organic fertilizer and has adopted agroforestry techniques, integrating other crops and trees such as bananas, dragon fruit, coffee and pepper, into his farm to foster a healthier ecosystem and invest in other income sources. It wasn't very successful before we met Krakakoa, Santoso said. But then, we received training ... things are much better. Krakakoa has trained more than 1,000 cocoa farmers in Indonesia according to its founder and CEO, Sabrina Mustopo. The company also provides financial support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santoso and other farmers in Sumatra said the partnership helped them to form a cooperative provides low-interest loans to farmers, with interest paid back into the cooperative rather than to banks outside of the community. Cocoa farmers who need bigger loans from government-owned banks also benefit from partnering with businesses, as the guaranteed buyer agreements can provide collateral needed to get loans approved, said Armin Hari, a communications manager at the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership, a forum for public-private collaboration for cocoa development in Indonesia. Dozens of other businesses, the government and nongovernmental organizations and cooperatives are also working with cocoa farmers to better cope with climate change, benefiting thousands, Hari said. He pointed to a collaboration between Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency and the local division of international chocolate maker Mars, which have released a new variant of cocoa that produces more pods per tree. Challenges still remain, said Rajendra Aryal, the FAO's country director for Indonesia. Fewer people see cocoa farming as a lucrative business and instead are planting other crops such as palm oil. And many small-scale farmers still cannot get loans, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Aryal said he hopes that continued collaboration between farmers and others will help. If we can look at the major issues these (farmers) are facing ... I think this sector could be, again, very attractive to the farmers, he said. Despite the challenges in Indonesia, I see that there are opportunities." ___ 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. ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM) Crews rescued a person who fell into a creek at a gorge in Ithaca on Saturday evening. The Ithaca Fire Department reported that first responders were called to Six Mile Creek in the Town of Ithaca at about 5:36 p.m. on March 15 because someone fell into the creek near the 60-foot dam. Firefighters spent about two hours rescuing an injured person from a hard-to-reach area about 100 yards downstream from the dam. Authorities say the complex rescue required numerous rescuers and multiple rope systems. One person killed, another injured after falling in Ithaca gorges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramedics from Bangs Ambulance treated the person at the scene before taking him to a helicopter. The helicopter flew him to a regional trauma center for additional care. The Cayuga Heights Fire Department, the Newfield Fire Department, and off-duty Ithaca firefighters covered calls while the Ithaca Fire Department was occupied with the rescue. The Ithaca Fire Department is reminding people who visit outdoor spaces around the area to be safe by staying on marked trails and staying out of the water. Hikers should also know where they are in case they need to call 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. The International Criminal Court (ICC) should intervene only where national legal systems fail a principle that is known as complementarity. So why has it gone after Bibi Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of a country with a legal system so independent that he is already on trial there? And why, with so much evidence, is no living Palestinian terrorist facing arrest by the ICC in connection with the Hamas-led October 7 attacks on Israel? Next week a panel of senior parliamentarians led by historian Lord Roberts of Belgravia will publish the 7 October Parliamentary Commission Report. The ICC should pay attention. For the report is expected to offer harrowing insight into the barbaric acts carried out by Hamas. October 7 was no ordinary terrorist act. The catalogue of crimes included murder, hostage-taking, arson, mutilation and rape much of it recorded and live-streamed by Hamas. Even corpses were kidnapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel had been routinely condemned for its blockade of Gaza which critics said was grossly disproportionate. But by 7 October Hamas had amassed vast quantities of advanced weapons and munitions. Far from being disproportionate, the blockade had in fact been far less than adequate. There is no doubt that Hamas intended to launch a widespread attack against the civilian population in Israel. Under international law, acts of extermination, murder, torture or rape committed as part of such an attack against civilians amount to crimes against humanity. Under the Genocide Convention, acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group may amount to genocide. That is what Hamas intended and still intends. Much is being said about the alleged disproportionality of Israels response. But proportionality is a much-misunderstood concept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belligerents must ensure that in every attack the risk to civilian life or property is not excessive in relation to the military advantage they anticipate. What counts as excessive? It depends on the circumstances. In the past, grim ratios between combatant and civilian deaths are believed to have been employed by countries, including Western ones. Grim though they might be, the fact that they exist means that those belligerents are seeking to abide by the basic principles of the law of armed conflict: distinguish between civilians and combatants at all times, and never deliberately target the former. But the destruction of civilian life was Hamass central objective. Proportionality also defines the measure of what overall a state can do in self-defence. The overall military force must be proportionate to the objective of stopping and repelling the attack and, where that attack was not an isolated occurrence, preventing future ones. With an attack on the scale of 7 October, and an enemy that controls territory and resources and publicly shares its intention to plan more attacks, it can hardly be suggested that Israels legitimate self-defence objectives have been met. Imagine if scores of small towns and villages had been destroyed in Britain, with thousands killed and wounded, and hundreds raped, mutilated or taken hostage. And then imagine the enemy sitting a stones throw away, continuing to launch rockets and planning more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would be a proportionate response? The leaders of Hamas were so bent on the destruction of Jewish life that they orchestrated and executed the biggest pogrom against Jews since the Holocaust. The ICC should be acting against them, not Netanyahu. Lord Verdirame KC specialises in public international law 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. Lewis Lent was convicted for murdering two children in Massachusetts and New York, including 12-year-old Sara Anne Wood. But investigators still don't know where he buried her. Here's a timeline of this decadeslong saga. Oct. 22, 1990: Jimmy Bernardo disappears Jimmy Bernardo / Credit: Bernardo family James "Jimmy" Bernardo, 12, goes missing. He was last seen outside the Pittsfield Plaza Cinema Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, around 5 p.m. Jimmy never came home, and his parents called the police later that evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 21, 1990: Jimmy Bernardo's body is discovered Hunters come across Jimmy Bernardo's body off a dirt road in rural Newfield, New York, about 200 miles away from Pittsfield. Evidence at the scene showed he was murdered. Nov. 6, 1992: Jamie Lusher goes missing Jamie Lusher / Credit: Handout Jamie Lusher, a 16-year-old with disabilities, was last seen in Westfield, Massachusetts, while biking to his grandmother's house. Jamie's bicycle was discovered six days later in a field off a dead-end road in Westfield. August 18, 1993: Sara Anne Wood disappears Sara Anne Wood / Credit: Dusty Wood Sara Anne Wood, 12, was last seen making the short trek home from Vacation Bible School in the rural area of Sauquoit, New York. Her family began looking for her after she failed to return home. Crime scene photo of Sara Wood's bicycle. / Credit: New York State Police Later in the day, Sara's bike was discovered by a neighbor hidden in the brush off the side of road about a half mile down the road from the Wood family's home. Police were called and by early evening a massive search effort began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 7, 1994: An attempted abduction leads to a major break in multiple cases Becky Savarese in 1994. / Credit: CBS News Five months after Sara's disappearance, a man attempted to abduct 12-year-old Becky Savarese as she was walking to school through downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Becky escaped the attack and later that day a 43-year-old suspect named Lewis Lent was questioned by police. Lewis Lent / Credit: New York State Police While being questioned, Lewis Lent tells police he used to work as a part-time janitor at the Pittsfield Plaza Cinema Center, the last place Jimmy Bernardo was seen in 1990. Authorities suspected they may have more than a one-time offender on their hands and Lent was later arrested on charges relating to Becky Savarese's case. A teletype was sent out to law enforcement agencies across the region, including the New York State Police who arrived in Pittsfield later in the evening to question Lent about Sara Wood. Part of Lewis Lent's After hours of questioning over the next two days, Lewis Lent confesses to the murders of Sara Wood and Jimmy Bernardo. Lent also told them chilling details about his "master plan". He was building a large wooden partition in his bedroom to lock his victims in after abducting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 10, 1994: Investigators begin searching for Sara Wood in the Adirondack Mountains The search for Sara Wood near Raquette Lake. / Credit: New York State Police A large, statewide search party descends upon an area near Raquette Lake in New York's Adirondack Mountains to search an area using Lent's description and hand drawn map of where he claimed to have buried Sara Wood. After more than 50 days of tedious searching through deep snow, authorities halted the effort. On the same day, Lewis Lent is arraigned in Massachusetts on charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon in the Becky Savarese case and pleads not guilty. Feb. 14, 1994: Lewis Lent is indicted for the murder of Jimmy Bernardo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than three years after Jimmy Bernardo's death, Lent is indicted by a grand jury for kidnapping and murdering the boy. He was arraigned on the same day and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Jan. 7, 1995: Lent is found guilty for the attempted kidnapping of Becky Savarese A year after Becky Savarese escaped, Lent is found guilty of her attempted kidnapping after a four-day trial. The next day, he is given a sentence of 17 to 20 years. May 25, 1995: Sara Wood's father bikes 600 miles to Washington, D.C. Sara Wood's father Bob Wood and brother Dusty Wood arrive in Washington D.C. after biking 600 miles from upstate New York to raise money and awareness for missing children and abduction prevention. This ride was turned into an annual shortened version that still continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June 3, 1996: Lent pleads guilty to killing Jimmy Bernardo The day before his trial was set to begin for the murder of Jimmy Bernardo, Lent makes a surprise reversal and pleads guilty. This would not be the last time Lent surprises a courtroom. The judge immediately sentenced Lent to life in prison without parole. June 7, 1996: Lent arrives in Herkimer, N.Y., to face charges for the murder of Sara Anne Wood Lewis Lent leaving court after his arrival to Herkimer, New York. / Credit: WKTV Within days after pleading guilty to the murder of Jimmy Bernardo, Lent arrived in a bullet proof vest to a media frenzy in Herkimer County, New York, to face charges for the kidnapping and murder of Sara Wood. However, it would take months before justice can be served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oct. 16, 1996: Lewis Lent enters a plea Sources from that time say Lent intended to plead guilty at his court hearing, but changed his mind and pleaded not guilty. "It's my understanding that when he entered the courtroom, he saw certain members of the public, especially I think her family, so he decided on that day he did not want to enter a plea," the current district attorney of Herkimer County, Jeffrey Carpenter, told "48 Hours." Oct. 25, 1996: Lent changes his mind again Lent decided to plead guilty to the kidnapping and murder of Sara Anne Wood. However, authorities say Lent continued to deny the Wood family closure by not giving up where Sara's body is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement April 11, 1997: Lewis Lent is sentenced Lewis Lent at his sentencing hearing for the murder of Sara Anne Wood. / Credit: AP At Lent's sentencing hearing, the Wood family and the then-district attorney of Herkimer County gave impact statements. Despite all the requests to reveal where he buried Sara, Lent remained silent. He was sentenced to 25 years-to-life for the kidnapping and murder of Sara Anne Wood. He was sent back to Massachusetts to serve the rest of his life in prison. But the job was not finished for investigators, who continued to visit Lent in prison in hopes he would reveal where he buried Sara and perhaps disclose the murders of other victims. July 15, 2013: Massachusetts authorities announce Lewis Lent confessed to killing Jamie Lusher Investigators search Greenwater Pond in Becket, Massachusetts, for the remains of Jamie Lusher. / Credit: Berkshire Eagle/Ben Garver At a press conference in Westfield, Massachusetts, authorities announce Lent confessed to the murder of Jamie Lusher. In the days following this press conference, investigators searched Greenwater Pond in Becket, Massachusetts, where Lent told them he disposed of Jamie's body. However, the search effort was unsuccessful and Jamie's body remains missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he has done many times before, Lent would later recant his confession. Authorities decided not to charge Lent with Jamie's murder, hoping that one day he will lead them to his body. That same month, New York authorities were granted permission to bring Lent back to New York to point out where he said he placed Sara Wood's body. But after three days and more than 600 miles of driving, the operation ended without finding Sara and Lent was sent back to Massachusetts. November 2023: Investigators search rural area in Vermont Investigators search for Sara Anne Wood's remains in Vermont. / Credit: New York State Police Based on information Lent provided investigators, another search was conducted in Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, just across the Massachusetts border. The search effort, this time once again for Sara Wood, also ended with no body found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024: Dusty Wood continues to ride his bike for missing children Dusty Wood during a "48 Hours"' cameras joined Sara Wood's brother, Dusty Wood, and other participants in the annual bike ride called the Ride for Missing Children. Refusing to let a family tragedy slow him down, Dusty pours his energy into honoring his sister and spreading awareness to help prevent the abduction of children. June 18, 2024: Search of former house connected to Lent Authorities search a property in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, connected to Lent. This property had been searched before in the 1990s and belonged to a then-friend of Lent. Lent had done some work in the basement of the house. Trump sends Iran a warning while ordering strikes against Houthis in Yemen Retail giants like Macy's, Walgreens face financial turmoil Senate passes short-term funding bill, averting a government shutdown On the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, the serene Mississippi River town of Bellevue, Iowa, population about 2,500, woke up to a calamity news of an apparent homicide, the first in nearly a decade. Dozens of investigators from six different law enforcement agencies were combing the crime scene at the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels with body cameras rolling. The woman who ran the kennels, Angela Prichard, 55, had been gunned down. Her sister, Wendy Budde, believed she knew who was responsible: Angela's husband, Chris Prichard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendy Budde (emotional): He knew how to get in the front door. Jonathan Vigliotti | "48 Hours" contributor: In that moment, did you know it was Chris? Wendy Budde: A hundred percent. One hundred percent, I knew it was him. On the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, Angela Prichard was shot and killed at her workplace, the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels in Bellevue, Iowa. / Credit: Joshua Close Budde says Angela had been trying to leave him for months and lived in fear he would kill her. Ryan Kedley: This appeared to be an assailant that knew her very well. Ryan Kedley and Dustin Henningsen are special agents with Iowa's Department of Criminal Investigation. Bellevue's small police force, with just several officers, invited the state police to lead the investigation. While Angela's family was convinced Chris Prichard was the killer, the special agents had to connect all the dots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ANGELA PRICHARD NAMES HER KILLER IN HER FINAL MOMENTS Dustin Henningsen: We had received a word that there was a 911 call in the morning. Jonathan Vigliotti: Tell me about that 911 call. Dustin Henningsen: Essentially, you're listening to the end of her life on the 911 call 911 OPERATOR: 911, where is your emergency? ANGELA PRICHARD): Please get out of here ... I have customers coming in. 911 OPERATOR: 911 ANGELA PRICHARD: Please get out of here. 911 OPERATOR: OK, where are you at? ANGELA PRICHARD: Chris! (gunshot) Those were the last words spoken by Angela and the first clue investigators had to identify her killer. Jonathan Vigliotti: She says the name Chris on this call. Who is Chris? Ryan Kedley: Chris Prichard, her estranged husband. 911 OPERATOR: Ma'am, where are you at? Dustin Henningsen: As the dispatcher continues to ask what's your emergency you can faintly hear somebody say 911 CALL (male voice): F*** you. Jonathan Vigliotti: When you listen to this 911 call how do you process what you were hearing? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Kedley: On a personal level, it's a very difficult thing to listen to someone's end of life moments. On an investigative level, that was a pivotal piece of evidence in the opening stages of the investigation. Dustin Henningsen: It was a very violent scene. Angela Prichard was found lying face down in the kennel's washroom when investigators arrived at the scene. / Credit: CBS News Ryan Kedley: Passing by the kennel door on the right and this is the area where we initially get a firsthand glimpse of Angela's deceased body here on the floor. Pools of morning light illuminated pools of blood surrounding her body. Angela was lying face down in the kennel's washroom where she bathed the dogs. Kedley photographed the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Kedley: She has a very large significant gunshot wound to the chest. Jonathan Vigliotti: At close range. Ryan Kedley: At, I would say, at very close range. Ryan Kedley: There has to have been some very, very high emotions involved in that ... Jonathan Vigliotti: You have Angela Prichard deceased here. You have Chris Prichard, a person of interest, nowhere to be found. How do you track him down? The special agents spotted a barely visible blood trail. Ryan Kedley: Leading out of this room and then into the dog kennel area through this door Ryan Kedley: We believe our assailant traveled from that area left some blood evidence, and then likely went out this door, directly in front of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Kedley: We're certainly trying to keep an open mind and determine that, OK, if Chris didn't do this, well, then who did? Angela and Christopher Prichard / Credit: Joshua Close Digging into Chris Prichard's life, the special agents soon learned about his volatile history with Angela, which included violence and violations of a restraining order. Ryan Kedley: But at this point, all of the information seems to be consistent with Chris being the guy that we need to locate. Dustin Henningsen: As we continue to work the investigation We began to establish our timeline. Investigators reviewed the footage starting at midnight the day of the shooting. For hours, there was nothing to see. But just after 4 a.m., there was something to hear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dustin Henningsen: You can hear dogs start to bark. We had determined that was most likely the point when he arrived at the kennels. Henningsen believes Chris Prichard entered the kennels and lay in wait for nearly four hours. Dustin Henningsen (with Vigliotti at kennels): The first video that they really got was Angela coming down to work in the morning. Dustin Henningsen (pointing to monitor in his office): And right up here you're going to see Angela start to pull down to the entrance at the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels. Dustin Henningsen (at kennels): Pulling up to the kennel at 7:34. You can see her get out of her vehicle and she's gathering her belongings, and then walking into the kennel itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angela Prichard had less than six minutes to live. Dustin Henningsen (looking at monitor in office) : At 7:39 and 43 seconds, we hear a gunshot go off in the video. Jonathan Vigliotti (at the kennels): At any point do you clearly see Chris on any of these surveillance cameras? Dustin Henningsen: Yes. We believe we see him leaving. About two minutes after the gunshot, at 7:41 a.m., the man they now suspected to be her killer, Chris Prichard, appeared. Security video from a neighbor's house shows a man (highlighted), believed to be Christopher Prichard, leaving the kennels two minutes after the gunshot is heard. Investigators say he entered the kennels and lay in wait for Angela Prichard for nearly four hours. / Credit: Iowa DCI Dustin Henningsen (at kennels with Vigliotti): Actually walking from the kennel area down to the fence area That makes us believe that this is the first area that we need to check. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the kennels, miles of thick woods stretch to the horizon an area of northeastern Iowa locals call, "The Wilderness." It was rugged terrain Chris Prichard knew well, says Budde. Wendy Budde: He knows the outdoors. I knew that he could probably survive out there for quite a while in hiding. Dustin Henningsen: We have every resource at our disposal to try and do this manhunt. We have canines, we have airplanes, we have drones ... Jonathan Vigliotti: This is your worst nightmare. Wendy Budde (crying): Yeah. Yeah. Jonathan Vigliotti: Everything you've been trying to prevent come true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendy Budde: Everything I've been trying so hard to protect her and to keep her safe, and he got her. (crying) He got to her. SEARCHING FOR CHRISTOPHER PRICHARD The manhunt for Chris Prichard was widening. Ryan Kedley: You've got a fugitive out there on the run, potentially armed TWO HOURS ON THE RUN Dustin Henningsen: There's hundreds of acres here of farmland and woods, and we have the Mississippi River not far away, so knowing that he could have went any direction really makes the search difficult Fanning out from the kennels, heavily armed officers searched nearby neighborhoods house to house, barn to barn. Jonathan Vigliotti: Angela was a mother and grandmother. Wendy Budde: She was. Jonathan Vigliotti: What kind of mother and grandmother was she? Wendy Budde: I don't know that you would find somebody better than her. You hear a lot of people say, people put their kids in front of themselves. That was truly her. Angela Prichard's world revolved around family, especially her two sons and six grandchildren. Wendy Budde: They were the loves of her life her kids and her grandkids. Angela Prichard with one of her first litters of Husky puppies. / Credit: Joshua Close And, with almost equal billing, Angela's five Huskies. Wendy Budde: She always was an animal lover. Joshua Close and CJ Hancock are Angela's sons. CJ Hancock She was beautiful inside and out. She liked to make everybody happy, especially her family. Wendy Budde: She loved you so much, yeah CJ Hancock: She loved to spoil the grandkids rotten (laughs) and they could do no wrong in her eyes. Joshua Close: She loved doing arts and crafts. She still decorated her tree with the ones we made when we were kids. And making memories with their mom later in life was Chris Prichard the very man investigators were now chasing. Wendy Budde and her husband Jim had known Prichard for years. After dating for about two years, the couple married in March 2019. / Credit: Wendy Budde Wendy Budde: I would've trusted him with our children. He was nice, friendly, sincere, a hard worker, fun to be around. Chris Prichard, a longtime Bellevue resident, was an established electrician in town. Soon Angela found her calling. Wendy Budde: To be a kennel owner, to do something with animals. I was thrilled for her. It really seemed like everything was falling into place. After dating for nearly two years, they moved into a home in Bellevue, and even got married there in March 2019. The newlyweds were over the moon for about eight months. Jonathan Vigliotti: When did things change? Wendy Budde: I truly think that things started to change when he lost his job. He got fired. Fired and charged with first-degree theft, a felony, after he allegedly stole $36,000 worth of supplies from the electric company where he worked. Wendy Budde: She was just beside herself, what are we going to do now? We need that income. Awaiting trial, Prichard was out on bail and out of work, says Budde. Wendy Budde: He wasn't looking for work. He was definitely drinking more. Wendy Budde: As the months went on, it just was like, wow, he's really kind of changing. Prichard finally took some odd job and helped Angela at the kennels, but in the summer of 2021, Budde says Angela discovered her husband was using methamphetamine. Wendy Budde: And then I knew that things are really getting bad. The simmering tension reached a boiling point on April 18, 2022. Wendy Budde: She said, "Chris hit me." CJ Hancock: She said "he's drunk. He's on drugs." So I told her, we're gonna call the cops. Bellevue Police responded, and the call recorded on police bodycam: A still from Bellevue police bodycam video shows Angela Prichard, center, in her kitchen talking with a responding officer and her sister, Wendy Budde, left, after her family called police on April 18, 2022, to report she had been hit by her husband, Christopher Prichard. ANGELA PRICHARD (bodycam): He hit me and then I just, I came in the house. Wendy Budde: She was crying. She was visibly shaking She had a mark on her face. And she said," I'm so scared." Police didn't have far to go to find Chris Prichard. He was in the garage. BELLVUE OFFICER (bodycam): State of Iowa law requires that somebody goes to jail CHRIS PRICHARD: I can't believe I'm going to jail. BELLEVUE OFFICER: Well, she's got a mark on her face Chris Prichard was arrested and charged with domestic assault. WENDY BUDDE (bodycam | in kitchen): He's very, very, very messed up on drugs. WENDY BUDDE: We've seen him change right in front of our eyes. Haven't we? Chris Prichard spent the night in jail and was released awaiting trial, staying with family. Angela Prichard sought and received a temporary no-contact order. ANGELA PRICHARD (bodycam): So he can't come back here? OFFICER: Nope. Jonathan Vigliotti: The no-contact order now exists protecting your sister. But a few weeks later, it's lifted. Wendy Budde: Even after it happened she said, I I don't want this. I want our marriage to work. Each had been married before, but had hoped this would be their last marriage, says Budde. Angela withdrew the no-contact order. Wendy Budde: I believe he said everything that needed to be said for her to drop that order. The drinking will stop. He will be home more Promises he failed to keep, says Budde. Wendy Budde: She said, I'm scared of him especially if he's been drinking. Budde says Angela was furious when she found a tracking device in her car, and two hidden cameras in the house. Wendy Budde: I told her you need to get a divorce. You need to be done with this, Ange. FOUR HOURS ON THE RUN Chris Prichard seemed to have vanished in the vast wilderness. Even the police dogs had lost his scent, says Henningsen. Jonathan Vigliotti (outside at the kennels): How do you find somebody that doesn't want to be caught? Dustin Henningsen: This is where our local resources really help us. Right from the start, Henningsen had corralled state and local law enforcement agencies even farmers and hunters to help determine where he might be. Dustin Henningsen: If we thought that Chris was going to make his way, say, back to Bellevue, what's the most likely path? Where are his friends at? Jeff Junk: It's a small town. Everybody talks. Cattle farmer Jeff Junk and his girlfriend Kim Klein were once close friends with Chris Prichard. Neighbors called them about the rumor racing through town Prichard had shot his wife, Angela. Kim Klein: Get outta here! I I didn't believe it. A Jackson County chief deputy stopped by Junk's house to warn them Prichard was on the run and might be looking for help from his friends. Then, there was a knock on the door. ANGELA PRICHARD'S DIARY OF DOMESTIC ABUSE The knock on their front door the one they'll always remember came around 8:15 that October night, Kim Klein says. She and boyfriend Jeff Junk were not expecting company. Kim Klein: When the second knock happened I says, "I believe it's Chris and you need to answer the door." Jonathan Vigliotti: So you open the door and what is it that you see on the other side? Jeff Junk: I see Chris 12 HOURS ON THE RUN Chris Prichard, their old friend now a hunted fugitive suspected of murder was standing in the dim light holding a shotgun. Kim Klein: Jeff goes, you need to hand that gun to me, and he did. No problem. Junk and Klein knew they had to call the police, but until they could do that safely, Klein says, they were playing along. Chris Prichard told them he'd been running all day from the cops and their dogs. Kim Klein: Jeff said, "Hey dude, you know you shot your wife?" "Oh yeah, how's she doing?" The couple told him Angela was dead. Jonathan Vigliotti: Did he express any remorse? Kim Klein: No. Jeff Junk: Nothing. Kim Klein: Nothing. He was sitting here laughing and drinking, and they were talking about old times. The moment felt so surreal, Klein says, she snapped a photo. Christopher Prichard (left) with Jeff Junk, in the photo at left, and Prichard asleep in a recliner at the home of Jeff Junk and Kim Klein before the couple called police. / Credit: Kim Klein Kim Klein: Just to show that no, he wasn't having any remorse. He never talked about her the rest of the night. And then I took the one when he was passed out. And the time was finally right, says Junk, to text the chief deputy who had stopped by earlier. Jeff Junk: I said "he's up here and he is passed out. Come come get him." When police arrived around midnight, Chris was still in the La-Z-Boy chair, out cold. Dustin Henningsen: He didn't know what was coming. CHRIS PRICHARD (bodycam | handcuffed, swears at officers): "What the f*** is wrong with you guys? Jesus Christ, I was sleeping. Ryan Kedley: He's verbally belligerent to officers that have arrested him. Special Agent Henningsen collected the evidence Chris Prichard had left behind: a 20-gauge shotgun and his torn clothes. Dustin Henningsen: He took Angela's possessions, money, a cellphone with him. Special Agent Kedley escorted Prichard to the Jackson County Jail. OFFICER (bodycam): Do you want your seatbelt, Chris? CHRIS PRICHARD: I want a bullet in the head. After about 16 hours on the run, Christopher Prichard was arrested and charged with first- degree murder and robbery on Oct. 9, 2022. / Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office Shortly after 1 a.m. on October 9, a despondent Chris Prichard was booked into the county jail, eventually charged with first-degree murder and robbery. After hours on the run through Iowa's wilderness, Prichard found himself surrounded by concrete and steel largely put there by the weight of a single word. ANGELA PRICHARD (911 call): Will you please get out of here! Chris!" Wendy Budde says the day Prichard ended her sister's life followed months of increasingly erratic behavior and escalating rage, which Angela had documented. Jonathan Vigliotti: Tell me about this journal and her words that lived on... Wendy Budde: She was this "sticky note queen ..." Dozens of Angela's brightly colored sticky notes told a dark story. The scribbled entries became Angela's diary of domestic abuse. Angela Prichard documented her husband Christopher Prichard's escalating rage on brightly colored sticky notes her diary of domestic abuse, her sister Wendy Budde tells WENDY BUDDE (reading sticky notes): "August 23rd text message. Calling me names. Saying it's gonna get real f****** ugly." "He's been stalking me and watching me. Very scared of him " "I think Chris is capable of anything " "Booze and drugs every day " "Said he doesn't give a f*** if he goes to jail." "Always looking over my shoulder to see if he's around." Wendy Budde: Her words to me are, "I'm done. This is it. We're not living in the same house." Budde invited her sister to move in with her. Angela gratefully agreed. Wendy Budde: I was like, you have a shadow now because I'm not leaving. You're stuck with me. The next day, Angela requested a second temporary no-contact order, granted Sept. 1, 2022. A no-contact order means just that: no contact of any kind with the protected person. In the State of Iowa, even a single violation requires a mandatory arrest. Jonathan Vigliotti: But that doesn't stop Chris. CJ Hancock: No. Once that second no-contact order got put in place, I would say that's when things went really downhill. And it was in place when Angela went back to the home she once shared with Chris Prichard to pick up a few things, says Budde. Wendy Budde: I was with her. Jonathan Vigliotti: You were with her along with police. The Bellevue police were there just in case Prichard showed up. The court had ordered him to move out temporarily. Wendy Budde: We walked in the front door. The house was destroyed. Wendy Budde: There was ink and paint thrown everywhere. CJ Hancock: Picture frames broken Wendy Budde: furniture was destroyed. He had actually taken the mattress off her bed and rubbed it in dog feces. Joshua Close: guns he placed them all over the house to intimidate her. Wendy Budde: I mean, we both just started crying. Jonathan Vigliotti: This is in clear violation of the restraining order. What do the police do? Wendy Budde: The police said, there's nothing we can do. This is his house Jonathan Vigliotti: There's nothing we can do is what they say to you? Wendy Budde: ... This is his house as well. Under Iowa law, with a no-contact order in place, Bellevue police should have taken Chris Prichard's guns. But for reasons unknown, he was allowed to keep them. Angela's sister and sons say, throughout September, the frightening violations continued not physical assaults, but psychological terror. CJ Hancock: Sitting outside of her house, following her, texting her, stalking her, going and cutting the grass at the kennels while she wasn't there. Bellevue police arrested Chris Prichard just once, on September 15, for sending Angela a text message, another violation of the no-contact order. He spent one night behind bars before posting bail. The next day, says Budde, he resumed his flurry of offenses. Wendy Budde: He had been driving by our house multiple times. One night, says Budde, Chris Prichard drove by six times in one hour. WENDY BUDDE (reading sticky note): "I don't feel safe anymore anywhere my sister's, my house, my sons, stores in town ..." Jonathan Vigliotti: You have a ticking time bomb on your hands. Wendy Budde: Yeah. pretty much and that's what it felt like. But instead of making arrests. the Bellevue police were making excuses, say Angela's sons, for not enforcing the law. CJ Hancock: They said that they'd tell him to knock it off or have a talk with him. Nothing, nothing was done, and she was terrified. Jonathan Vigliotti: You're reaching out to police They're not doing anything. Are you running out of hope here? Wendy Budde: Yes. What do you do when nobody is willing to help you? WENDY BUDDE (reading sticky note): I fear for my safety. Fear for my life. He has guns. Wendy Budde: The fear It consumed our life. THE CASE AGAINST CHRISTOPHER PRICHARD It was 5 a.m. at the Jackson County Jail. Twenty-one hours after Angela Prichard was found dead, Chris Prichard waived his Miranda rights and talked about the encounter at the dog kennels with special agents Dustin Henningsen and Ryan Kedley. Special agents Dustin Henningsen, left, and Ryan Kedley, center, with Iowa's Department of Criminal Investigation, interview Christopher Prichard, right, at the Jackson County Jail. / Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office CHRIS PRICHARD (police interview): She said, "you gotta leave ... you gotta leave now or I'm gonna call the police." I said "I just want to talk" ...and she shoved me ... and I hit the cabinet. The gun I don't know what the gun hit, but it went off. Jonathan Vigliotti: So, in so many words, he says, "I shot Angela. It was an accident." Ryan Kedley: Essentially, Yes. Jonathan Vigliotti: Are you believing any of this? Ryan Kedley: No. I'm only believing the fact that he shot Angela. Chris Prichard pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and robbery charges. His trial began on Feb. 7, 2024. Nicole Leonard: We believed that Mr. Prichard planned this all out and very meticulously for that matter. To prove premeditated murder, prosecutors Nicole Leonard and John Kies told jurors Chris Prichard put his plan in motion on Oct. 7, 2022, the day before he shot his wife the same day Angela's temporary restraining order became permanent. Nicole Leonard: We believe that that was sort of the snapping point for the defendant. Nicole Leonard: he became more and more obsessed with the situation, and not letting her go. CHRIS PRICHARD (police interview): she wanted to drag me through the mud and make me a monster. Before taking Angela's life, Chris Prichard took steps to cover his tracks, say the prosecutors. He borrowed a white pickup truck, to avoid using his own vehicle. John Kies: So what we think was he was setting up an alibi. Prosecutors say Chris Prichard secretly parked the borrowed truck inside a barn belonging to Lori and Mike Blaser, just a few miles from the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels. Mike Blaser: We walk in, you know, notice this white pickup truck ... The handwritten note Christopher Prichard left for the Lori and Mike Blaser inside the borrowed pickup truck he left in their garage while on the run / Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office With a note from Chris Prichard saying he had gone hunting: "Keys are in the truck if you need to move it. I'll be back. Chris." Lori Blaser: We knew Chris. He would tell us how much he loved Angela, how devastated he was that there was a restraining order. The Blasers would soon become crucial witnesses for the prosecution. Shortly after finding the truck and note, they heard the news about a shooting at the dog kennels. Lori Blaser: We knew the minute that there was a shooting at the kennel something had happened with Chris. Lori Blaser: We were concerned that this was a getaway vehicle for him in here because it was just so odd, it had no reason to be here. I called 911 immediately LORI BLASER (911 call): I see that you guys are looking for Chris Prichard. 911 OPERATOR: Yes. LORI BLASER: His truck is in our garage ... Lori Blaser: It was very intense because at that point, he was still missing ... Lori Blaser: And we were scared to death. Prosecutors later viewed home surveillance footage from a camera on the Blasers' property showing Chris Prichard entering the barn where the Blasers kept their horse trailer. Lori Blaser (inside the horse trailer): The minute we came in the door, I knew that Chris Prichard had spent some time in here. Lori Blaser: He certainly made himself at home here. Chris Prichard left the horse trailer in the middle of the night, hiking through the dense woods to the kennels, says Leonard. Nicole Leonard: We believe his next appearance is around 4:00 a.m. on October 8th at the dog kennels in which the dogs start to go crazy. Jonathan Vigliotti: And you believe from that point forward, he's inside the kennel? Nicole Leonard: Correct. John Kies: I think he always had the plan to murder her. To prove it, the prosecutors played audio clips from Prichard's police interviews for the jury. SPECIAL AGENT KEDLEY (police interview): You show up at a place where you know she's gonna be. You've got a gun with her. You know you've got a no contact order An argument breaks out. She calls 911. She winds up dead ... This wasn't just some accident. Dustin Henningsen: If this was an accident, why are you taking her cellphone, which is her only means of survival? Why aren't you calling for help yourself? Why aren't you rendering any type of aid for your wife? And Prichard kept adding details to the story of the accidental shooting, say the special agents. Dustin Henningsen: The gun was leaning up against the cupboards. He went to retrieve a backpack and it fell and then that went off and shot her. But at trial, an Iowa State medical examiner testified the gunshot had a downward trajectory meaning Chris Prichard had the weapon in his hands and was standing when he fired, say prosecutors. CHRIS PRICHARD (police interview): It looked like it hit her in the arm. How would you die from that? Angela was shot dead center in the chest, testified the medical examiner, and died in seconds. CHRIS PRICHARD (police interview): I would've loved to have stuck around but Angie and her temper I thought maybe it didn't even really hit her that bad 'cause she was yelling at me, like she wasn't even hurt. Ryan Kedley: And the fact that he's saying that, after the gun went off and it struck her that she's yelling profanities back at him. Well, we have a 911 recording of that conversation. That did not take place. Prosecutors say Chris Prichard's last words on the 911 call prove his actions were premeditated a final explosion of violence. Nicole Leonard: When you hear his statement standing over her dying body on that 911 call using profanity. 911 CALL: (Chris Prichard's voice in background): "F*** you." Joshua Close: You definitely don't say what he said at the end of the phone call, after you accidentally shoot someone. Prichard's defense attorneys who declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview maintained the shooting was accidental, and the case against Chris Prichard was a rush to judgement. After four days of testimony, the case went to the jury. Wendy Budde: We were outside the courthouse, just kind of stretching, and you know, the jury is back! Dave O'Brien was also waiting for the verdict and already preparing for another trial a federal lawsuit against the Bellevue Police Department. It failed Angela, he says, time and time again. Jonathan Vigliotti: If police took action, would Angela be alive today? Dave O'Brien: Absolutely. COULD ANGELA PRICHARD HAVE BEEN SAVED? In February 2024 16 months after Angela Prichard's death her family's wait for a measure of justice was over. Wendy Budde: That's got to be a good sign that they are back in less than an hour. The jury found Chris Prichard guilty of first-degree murder and robbery. Wendy Budde: When they said it, it was just a big sigh of relief. Christopher Prichard was found guilty and in March 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. / Credit: David Kettering for the Telegraph Herald In March, Prichard was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Wendy Budde: It will never bring her back. But he is going to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Wendy Budde: I also gave a victim impact statement and I said to him I hope while you're behind bars you always have to look over your shoulder and be scared for everything you do. How she felt. I hope you just feel a tiny bit of that, the way you tortured her. Civil rights attorney Dave O'Brien represents Angela Prichard's family. She would be alive today, he says, if the Bellevue Police Department had enforced a judge's order of protection. Jonathan Vigliotti: You filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Bellevue and three officers, why? Dave O'Brien: Because they didn't do their job, and it's that simple. That lawsuit lists multiple failures to arrest Chris Prichard. O'Brien says this led to what's called a "state-created danger," meaning the officers' alleged inaction and indifference actually increased the threat to Angela Prichard. Jonathan Vigliotti: Can a police officer decide, should I arrest him or not? Is that up to their discretion? Dave O'Brien: Absolutely not. Here in Iowa only a judge can show discretion not to enforce this restraining order. Starting Sept. 1, 2022, when Angela's second protection order was issued until her murder 37 days later O'Brien says Chris Prichard continued to violate the no-contact order with no consequences. Dave O'Brien: A dozen times during this relevant time period, Angela Prichard called the Bellevue Police Department, and they failed to follow that law, that judge's order. That's because, O'Brien says, the Bellevue police officers showed Chris Prichard favoritism. Dave O'Brien: We have reason to believe that he was friendly with law enforcement officers. Jonathan Vigliotti: To prove this you must prove that the police officer's failure to enforce the protection order was intentional and reckless. How can you do that? Dave O'Brien: Well, just by the sheer number of times that it was not enforced. In October 2024, Chief Federal Judge C.J. Williams dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety. The Bellevue Police Department, he ruled, "Did not put Angela in a more dangerous situation," and the three officers, "simply did not commit outrageous conduct." The judge added there was no evidence of police favoritism: "The alleged facts, even taken as true are a far cry from establishing that any of the defendants were friends with Christopher." O'Brien was granted a hearing in December 2024 after learning, he says, the three Bellevue officers had withheld evidence and made false statements, allegedly concealing their friendships with Chris Prichard accusations they deny. O'Brien argued the officers were well aware Chris Prichard was a serious threat to his wife. Nine days before her murder, the Jackson County attorney warned the Bellevue Police Department in an email that Chris Prichard had 24 hours to turn himself in: JACKSON COUNTY ATTORNEY EMAIL: "If he does not report I will be requesting a warrant. I wanted all of you to be aware as I'm afraid he might try to do something tonight." The next day, when Prichard failed to appear at the county jail, the arrest warrant was issued. Seven days before her murder, O'Brien says bodycam footage of a Bellevue police officer speaking with Wendy and Angela confirms police knew Angela was in danger. Seven days before Angela Prichard's murder, bodycam footage shows a Bellevue police officer speaking with Wendy Budde, left, and Angela outside her home. Attorney Dave O'Brien says it confirms police knew Angela was in danger. / Credit: Bellevue Police Department CHIEF SCHROEDER (bodycam | to Angela Prichard and Wendy Budde): "Because right now I guarantee he's not thinking straight." WENDY BUDDE: No, not at all. CHIEF SCHROEDER: That's my biggest fear. That's my department's biggest fear is he's going to try to hurt you and then hurt himself. CHIEF SCHROEDER: My job is to protect you at all costs. During the final week of Angela's life, O'Brien says Bellevue police could have protected her by finding and arresting Chris Prichard. But they never did. Jonathan Vigliotti: Is it hard to find Chris? Joshua Close: Shouldn't be. Everybody knew his Jeep had a customized tag that says "0Dark30" on it. So, you can't miss it. Dave O'Brien: We have not been provided with any record showing there was any effort made to enforce the arrest warrant once it was issued on the 30th of September. Jonathan Vigliotti: Had that arrest warrant been executed, would Angela be here today? Dave O'Brien: Absolutely. He should have been in jail. At the December hearing, defense attorneys insisted the new information presented by O'Brien was "improper, should be stricken and not considered by the Court." Dave O'Brien: Our ideal outcome would be just a complete reversal of the judge's decision. In January 2025, Judge Williams refused to reverse his dismissal. Bellevue Police Chief Dennis Schroeder issued this statement to a local newspaper, which read in part : "We are pleased with the decision We continue to strengthen our services and response efforts to prevent domestic violence and provide support to those in need." Dave O'Brien: I've heard people say that no-contact orders aren't worth the paper they're written on. And in this case that was true. But I firmly believe that they are worth something, but they have to be enforced. Angela Prichard / Credit: Wendy Budde Wendy Budde: I still, to this day, I have a lot of, um, I guess it's guilt, because I think in my mind, what if I would've went with her that day? Maybe I could have saved her. But part of me was so proud of her for like being as strong as she was in that time. She she named her killer. And so, she helped them bring him to justice. Chris Prichard's life sentence also helped bring her family some comfort, and the courage to move forward. They believe Angela would want them to make this public plea. Joshua Close: Maybe other police departments that maybe are a little lenient on stuff, won't be so lenient next time. According to the Violence Policy Center nearly three women in the U.S. are killed by an intimate partner each day. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233. Produced by Mead Stone. Iris Carreras Toneatto is the field producer. Michelle Fanucci and Tami Weitzman are the development producers. Marcus Balsam, Diana DeCilio, and Mead Stone are the editors. Anthony Batson is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Sneak peek: The Puzzling Death of Susann Sills Inside Trump's call with Vladimir Putin 100 years since deadliest tornado in U.S. history An Iranian general warned on Sunday of the potential for a "decisive and devastating" response to any executed threat, a day after the U.S. conducted strikes on Houthis in Yemen. Gen. Hossein Salami also denied that Iran had backed the rebel group, which continues to wage a campaign against international ships in the Red Sea and off the Yemeni coast. PHOTO: Smoke rises from an explosion after a projectile hit a group of buildings at an undisclosed location in this screengrab obtained from a handout video released on March 15, 2025. (CENTCOM via Reuters) MORE: Trump orders attacks against Houthis in Yemen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are not a nation to live in hiding. We are a valid and legitimate system in the world. We announce it if we attack anywhere," Salami said in a speech broadcast in Farsi. The general did not say Iran had been threatened, but that the country would offer a "decisive and devastating response to any threat" against it. Salami's words echoed those of President Donald Trump, who announced on Saturday he had ordered the U.S. military to launch a "decisive and powerful" strike against the Houthis in Yemen. PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as military strikes are launched against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping, at an unspecified location in this handout image released March 15, 2025. (White House via Reuters) "They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft and drones," Trump said. "We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump moves to brand Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization again A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that U.S. air and naval assets hit dozens of Houthi targets in Yemen, including missiles, radars, and drone and air defense systems. The official characterized the attacks as an opening salvo against the Houthis, and it sends a strong message to Iran. On Sunday, the Houthis claimed a retaliatory attack they said targeted the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier with "18 ballistic and cruise missiles and a drone." However, a U.S. official told ABC News this wasn't true. The Houthis said in a statement that it "will not hesitate to target all American warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea in response to the aggression against our country." PHOTO A ship fires missiles at an undisclosed location, after U.S. President Donald Trump launched military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on March 15, 2025. (CENCOM via Reuters) MORE: US strikes 'took out' multiple Houthi leaders: National security adviser Mike Waltz Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yemeni health officials said the U.S. campaign had killed some 53 people, along with injuring another 98 people. Many of the wounded were "children and women," the Ministry of Health in Sana'a said on Sunday morning. National security adviser Mike Waltz told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday morning that the U.S. strikes "took out" multiple Houthi leaders. Waltz said the strikes were more significant than those conducted during former President Joe Biden's time in office, which the national security adviser criticized as "feckless." "This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible," Waltz added. PHOTO: National Security Advisor Michael Waltz speaks with ABC News on This Week. (ABC News) Asked if there was any chance of direct U.S. military action against Iran, Waltz replied, "All options are always on the table with the president, but Iran needs to hear him loud and clear." Iranian support for the Houthis, militias in Iraq, Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups "is completely unacceptable" and "will be stopped," Waltz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has made clear that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon," Waltz continued. "All options are on the table to ensure it does not have one, and that's all aspects of Iran's program. That's the missiles, the weaponization, the enrichment. They can either hand it over and give it up in a way that is verifiable, or they can face a whole series of other consequences." "But either way, we cannot have a world with the ayatollahs with their finger on the nuclear button." ABC News' Luis Martinez, Selina Wang, Kelsey Walsh, Hannah Demissie, Quinn Scanlan and Ahmed Baider contributed to this report. Iranian general raises prospect of response amid US strikes on Houthis originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Israeli military strikes killed at least 14 people in 24 hours, the Gaza Health Ministry said, as international negotiators engage in talks to reinforce the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The ministry reported the deaths in a statement Sunday, saying 51 other people were taken to the hospital with injuries. The bodies of 15 other people who had previously died were recovered, the ministry added. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement Saturday that it had identified two Hamas operatives operating a drone that posed a threat to IDF troops and saw others collecting drone-operating equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels military released the names of six people purportedly belonging to the group it was targeting. Hamas Government Media Office in Gaza denied the allegations in a statement, saying the names Israel released were inaccurate. It said that one of the people the IDF identified is alive and that others had no part in the team allegedly targeted by Israel. The IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the alleged inaccuracies Hamas identified. Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in January, but the temporary pause in hostilities has been undermined by mutual accusations of violations. Hamas has delayed the releases of hostages at different times, while Israeli strikes have continued sporadically in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Hamas agreed to release Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen held hostage in Gaza. Four children were killed in an Israeli drone strike that day. The first phase of the ceasefire expired this month, and the second phase is designed for the release of male hostages. That stage of the agreement is intended to initiate talks for a long-term end to the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said he sent negotiators to Egypt to meet with senior Egyptian officials to discuss the issue of the hostages. Hamas previously said it was ready for the next round of talks. Netanyahu met Saturday with the negotiating team and ministers to discuss a proposal from Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, under which the 11 living hostages in Gaza would be released and half of the hostages who were killed would be recovered. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli military strikes have killed at least 15 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the enclave's health ministry said on Sunday, as Arab and U.S. mediators work to shore up a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Palestinian officials say dozens of people have been killed by Israeli fire despite the January 19 truce that halted large-scale fighting in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military has said its forces have intervened to thwart threats by "terrorists" approaching its troops or planting bombs since the ceasefire took effect. Gaza's health ministry said most of the latest deaths were on Saturday when an Israeli airstrike killed nine Palestinians including four journalists in the town of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said six men that it had identified as members of the armed wings of Hamas and the allied Islamic Jihad militant group had been killed in the strike. It said some of the militants had operated "under the cover of journalists". Salama Marouf, the head of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, said the military's statement about the incident included the names of people who were not present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was based on inaccurate social media reports "without even bothering to verify the facts", Marouf said. At least four more Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli strikes on Saturday, the Gaza health officials said. An Israeli drone had fired a missile at a group of Palestinians in the town of Juhr Eldeek in central Gaza on Sunday, killing a 62-year-old man and wounding several others, the medics said. Several others were hurt when an Israeli drone fired a missile towards a group of people in Rafah, they added. The Israeli military said it was not familiar with the reported drone strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later on Sunday, an Israeli airstrike killed a Palestinian near the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, medics said. The Israeli military said in a statement it struck a "terrorist" attempting to plant a bomb on the ground. CEASEFIRE TALKS Persistent bloodshed in Gaza underscores the fragility of the three-stage ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which have stepped in to hammer out a deal between Israel and Hamas over how to proceed. Israel wants to extend the ceasefire's first phase, a proposal backed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas says it will resume freeing hostages only under the second phase that was due to begin on March 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday negotiators had been instructed to be ready to continue talks based on the mediators' response to a U.S. proposal for the release of 11 living hostages and half of the dead captives. Hamas on Friday said it had agreed to release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and four bodies of the hostages if Israel agreed to begin talks immediately on implementing the second phase of the agreement. Israel accused Hamas of waging "psychological warfare" on the families of hostages. An Israeli delegation was in Egypt discussing a possible deal with senior Egyptian officials that would release more hostages, Netanyahu's office said on Sunday. The war began when Hamas led a cross-border raid into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, displaced most of the population and reduced much of the territory to rubble. (Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell; Writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi;Editing by Helen Popper and Ros Russell) This article was originally published in Arizona Mirror. Republican politicians who accuse public school teachers of indoctrinating students with a woke agenda are pushing to bring religious chaplains into the same schools to provide counseling to students. I think Jesus is a lot better than a psychologist, Rep. David Marshall, R-Snowflake, said during a March 11 meeting of the Arizona House of Representatives Education Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall said that hes been a chaplain who provides counseling for 26 years. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Senate Bill 1269, sponsored by Flagstaff Republican Sen. Wendy Rogers, was modeled after similar legislation passed in recent years in Texas and Florida. The proposal would give school districts the option of allowing volunteer religious chaplains to provide counseling and programs to public school students. Districts that decide to allow chaplains would be required to provide to parents a list of the volunteer chaplains at each school and their religious affiliation, and parents would be required to give permission for their child to receive support from a chaplain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite ample concerns that the proposal violates the First Amendments Establishment Clause and that it would open up schools to legal liability for any bad mental health advice a chaplain might provide, the bill has already passed through the Senate on a party-line vote. The House Education Committee also approved it along party lines. Rogers told the Education Committee that the existence of any requirement for the separation of church and state in U.S. law was a myth, adding that she sees no harm in bringing religion into public schools. Rogers, a far-right extremist, has embraced white nationalism, and in 2022 spoke at a white nationalist conference, calling the attendees patriots and advocating for the murder of her political enemies. She has also said she is honored to be endorsed by a prominent antisemitic Christian nationalist and regularly trafficks in antisemitic tropes. And Rogers has advocated racist theories, appeared on antisemitic news programs and aligned herself with violent anti-government extremists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats on the committee raised the alarm that Rogers bill would violate the Establishment Clause by allowing chaplains with religious affiliations to counsel students, while not providing the same kinds of services to students who dont follow a religion or who follow a less-common religion with no chaplains available to the school. An amendment to the bill, proposed by committee Chairman Matt Gress, a Phoenix Republican, requires that the chaplains be authorized to conduct religious activities by a religious group that believes in a supernatural being. The amendment would also allow a volunteer chaplain to be denied from the list if the schools principal believes their counsel would be contrary to the schools teachings. Both of these changes would allow districts to exclude chaplains from The Satanic Temple of Arizona, a group that doesnt believe in a higher power but promotes empathy and has chapters across the country that challenge the intertwining of Christianity and government. Oliver Spires, a minister with The Satanic Temple of Arizona, voiced his opposition to Rogers bill during a Feb. 5 Senate Education Committee meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation, Spires said, would disproportionately impact students from minority religions who see Christian chaplains providing support to their peers while no chaplains representing their religion are available. If a district listed a Satanist on their chaplain list, would they have your support? he asked the committee members. Gresss amendment would preclude that. Gaelle Esposito, a lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, told committee members on Tuesday that school counselors are required to undergo specialized training to prepare them to help students requirements that religious chaplains wouldnt have to meet, even though theyd be providing similar services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will simply not be equipped to support students dealing with serious matters like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self harm or suicidal ideation, Esposito said. Religious training is not a substitute for academic and professional training in counseling, health care or mental health Even with the best intentions, chaplains may provide inappropriate responses or interventions that could harm students. But as Democrats on the House Education Committee argued that Arizona should provide more funding for trained counselors and social workers to help students with mental health issues, the Republicans on the panel said that students are actually struggling with mental health issues because they dont have enough religion in their lives. Ive heard that there is a mental health crisis afflicting kids, Gress, a former school board member, said. Now, I dont necessarily think in many of these cases that something is medically wrong with these kids. I think, perhaps, there is a spiritual deficit that needs to be addressed. Rep. Justin Olson, R-Mesa, said hes been frustrated by the federal courts interpretation of the First Amendment to require the separation of church and state, claiming it has made the government hostile to religion instead of protecting it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard comments here today that this is going to harm kids harm kids by being exposed to religion? That is absolutely the opposite of what is happening here today in our society, Olson said. We have become a secular society, and that is damaging our society. We need to have opportunities for people to look to a higher power, and what better way than what is described here in this bill? Democratic Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, of Tucson, called SB1269 outrageous and incredibly inappropriate. And Rep. Stephanie Simacek, of Phoenix, pointed out that the courts have repeatedly ruled against allowing religious leaders to be invited to share their faith with public school students. She described Rogers bill as indoctrination that gives preferential treatment to students who have religious beliefs over those who dont No one is saying that you may not go and celebrate your God, however you see fit, Simacek, a former teacher and school board member, said. But this is not the place, in public education, where our students go to learn math, reading and writing and history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridas school chaplain law, which went into effect last July and is similar to Rogers proposal, has received ample pushback from First Amendment advocacy groups, as well as some church groups who said that allowing untrained chaplains to provide mental health support to students would have unintended negative consequences. The option to bring chaplains into schools in Florida has not been particularly popular, with several large school districts deciding not to implement a program allowing them. Proposed legislation similar to SB 1269 has been introduced in red states across the country this year, including in Indiana, Nebraska, Iowa, Montana and North Dakota. The bill will next be considered by the full House of Representatives. If it passes the chamber, it will return to the Senate for a final vote before heading to Gov. Katie Hobbs. Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. A federal judge expanded his ruling temporarily blocking the Trump administration from invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 on Saturday, preventing the removal of Venezuelan immigrants without legal status and presumed to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The order issued by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg will halt deportations for all individuals deemed eligible for removal under President Trumps order for 14 days as a result of the lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward and the American Civil Liberties Union. I think theres clearly irreparable harm here given these folks will be deported, Boasberg said at the virtual Saturday hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm, said Boasberg, an appointee of former President Obama. However, on the call, Boasberg signaled that some of the five Venezuelans who were detained over the weekend were already on board repatriation flights. Earlier in the day, the judge blocked the removal of five Venezuelans prior to Trumps decision to formally invoke the Alien Enemies Act. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States, Boasberg told Justice Department officials. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Sunday the Department of Homeland Security arrested nearly 300 Tren de Aragua terrorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the great work of the Department of State, these heinous monsters were extracted and removed to El Salvador where they will no longer be able to pose any threat to the American People, Leavitt said. President Trump will always put the safety of the American People first and he will never allow foreign terrorist enemies to operate on American soil and endanger our people. They will be found, restrained and removed and their networks will be destroyed. Updated at 4:41 pm EDT on March 16. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Claiming that the Nicolas Maduro regime has launched an invasion of the United States through a dangerous gang, President Donald Trump on Saturday invoked wartime powers contemplated in a centuries-old act to assume the authority to expedite the mass deportation of Venezuelans citizens. A federal judge in Washington D.C., however, quickly blocked the government from carrying out the order temporarily stalling the Trump administrations plans to fast-track the expulsion of Venezuelans who are accused of being gang members. Trump announced those plans Saturday in an unprecedented executive order citing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which would be used to declare accused members of the Tren de Aragua gang as alien enemies and to apprehend and remove them from the United States. The law, known for its role in interning Japanese immigrants during World War II, has been only sparingly used by past presidents, and only during times of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, accusing the Maduro regime of using gang members to cause harm inside the United States, announced that all Tren de Aragua members in the United States who are 14 or older and are not citizens or lawful permanent residents will be liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies. He ordered that they are chargeable with actual hostility against the United States and are therefore ineligible to receive the benefits of a law that would give the accused a set amount of time to put their affairs in order. READ MORE: Venezuela to resume deportation flights from the U.S. I further find and declare that all such members of TdA are a danger to the public peace or safety of the United States, Trump said. Trump directed the attorney general to present a letter in 60 days establishing a policy for the future deportation of gang members and for federal agencies to coordinate actions with local and state law enforcement organizations. Blocked by a judge Any plan for immediate deportation actions were nevertheless placed on hold by a federal judge that granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from removing immigrants from the United States using the Alien Enemies Act. The judge was acting in a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of the District of Columbia and Democracy Forward, representing Venezuelans that attorneys said were at risk of being imminently deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge initially blocked the Trump administration from deporting the plaintiffs, and then broadened the order to all Venezuelans during a Saturday evening hearing. The Government is ENJOINED from removing members of such class (not otherwise subject to removal) pursuant to the Proclamation for 14 days or until further Order of the Court, James E. Boasberg, chief judge of the D.C. Circuit, said in his order, which was immediately appealed. POLITICS: Trump travel ban: no exceptions for Cubans, Venezuelans. Other islands may join Haiti on list Maureen Porras, an immigration attorney and vice mayor of Doral the city with the largest Venezuelan-American population in the United States said that with the judges order blocking the implementation of the act, these individuals will likely be processed through standard immigration proceedings, rather than the expedited process initially proposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this doesnt mean deportation is off the table, it does guarantee they will receive the due process that all immigrants facing deportation are entitled to, she said. Porras drew a comparison between the Trump administrations attempts to use the Alien Enemy Act and its implementation of Title 42 during the COVID-19 pandemic to quickly expel migrants at the border, citing reasons of health. When Title 42 was enacted, it stripped away the ability for individuals to request asylum through standard procedures, allowing for quicker deportations. It expedited removals without following the usual immigration processes, Porras explained. What were seeing now is very similar, but Title 42 had a legal justification, which is why it was allowed to be used. The current invocation of the Alien Enemy Act, however, lacks that same clear rationale. RELATED CONTENT: The whole pie: Trump team attempts novel legal strategy to subvert birthright citizenship Many of the members of the 2,500-strong TdA gang have joined the massive immigration wave fleeing Venezuela and have set up shop in neighboring countries. Authorities in the region say the gang is behind a spike in criminal activities in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Costa Rica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of them are believed to have entered into the United States. But while experts believe they only amount to a few dozen, officials inside the Trump Administration have unofficially put the number in the several hundreds. Trump, whose administration had already designated Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, on Saturday said many of its members have infiltrated the United States to conduct irregular warfare and hostile actions against the country. It is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, which poses a substantial danger to the United States, Trump said. TdA operates in conjunction with Cartel de los Soles, the Nicolas Maduro regime-sponsored, narco-terrorism enterprise based in Venezuela, and commits brutal crimes, including murders, kidnappings, extortions, and human, drug, and weapons trafficking. The president also said that the gang is involved in the mass smuggling of migrants into other nations with the intent to cause harm and destabilize the regions democracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John De La Vega, a Miami-based immigration attorney, said Trumps order raises concerns about due process for anyone accused of being a member of Tren de Aragua, particularly if the accusations are wrong. The real concern here is how they will determine who is actually a member of Tren de Aragua. What happens if innocent Venezuelans who are currently navigating the immigration system are wrongly identified and deported without due process? he asked. The frightening reality is that they could be sent back without any opportunity to defend themselves or seek protection. A federal judge on Saturday temporarily blocked an effort by President Donald Trump to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport suspected members of a Venezuelan gang he has accused of unlawfully infiltrating the country. He also ordered any deportation flights carrying those subject to the presidential proclamation to return to the United States. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on March 6, 2025. Trump on Saturday invoked the rarely used wartime authority, accusing Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua of infiltrating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros regime, including its military and law enforcement apparatus; perpetuating irregular warfare within the United States and using drug trafficking as a weapon against American citizens. Hours before the White House published Trumps proclamation, the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit accusing the White House of preparing to imminently deport five Venezuelan men under the Alien Enemies Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court James E. Boasberg initially issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from deporting the five Venezuelans named in the lawsuit for at least 14 days. Boasberg has now expanded the decision to apply to all non-citizens in U.S. custody who are subject to Trumps proclamation. The Justice Department appealed the decision Saturday night. The ruling means all Venezuelan citizens 14 years or older who are members of Tren de Aragua, currently in the country and are not naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are to remain in the United States for 14 days or until further order of the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off, or is in the air, needs to be returned to the United States, the judge said. Those people need to be returned to the United States. The judges ruling does not apply to individuals who have already been ordered to leave the country for reasons separate from Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, nor does it include individuals who have already landed and disembarked in a foreign country. The judge said once those individuals are off the plane and on the ground in a foreign country, they are no longer in the courts jurisdiction. The judge scheduled another hearing on Friday, March 21, for further arguments. Today was a horrific day in the history of the nation, when the President publicized that he was seeking to invoke extraordinary wartime powers in the absence of a war or invasion and claiming virtually unlimited authority to remove people from the country, Skye Perryman, the president of Democracy Forward, said in a statement. But, tonight the rule of law prevailed. The government has been forced to turn planes around and our lawsuit filed in the very early hours this morning has resulted in broad relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a hearing on Saturday afternoon, the judge was assured by Justice Department lawyers that the five Venezuelans ordered to remain in the country were not currently on deportation flights. Attorneys for the nonprofit groups challenging Trumps order told the judge they were aware of flights that had taken off from Texas with other Venezuelans on board, heading to both Honduras and El Salvador. The judge in response warned the government that it must comply with the courts order. This is something you need to make sure is complied with immediately, Boasberg said. These folks are going to be sent to Salvadorian and Honduran prisons, which are not going to be terribly receptive to Venezuelans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source familiar with the migrant deportation flights told NBC News that two flights with Venezuelans onboard were in transit today and will be turned around following the judge's order. The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 enables the president to quickly detain and deport immigrants from a hostile nation, either during times of declared war or when a foreign government perpetuates an invasion or predatory incursion into the United States. Only Congress has the constitutional power to declare war. Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA [Tren De Aragua], Trumps proclamation reads. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. Legal experts have challenged Trumps interpretation of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that it was designed only to be used in times of war, and invoking it to deport immigrants could be unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ilya Somin, a professor at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School, wrote earlier this year that illegal migration and cross-border drug-smuggling do not qualify as invasion and certainly not as an invasion by a hostile nation or government. According to an analysis of the law by the Brennan Center for Justice, the Alien Enemies Act permits the apprehension, restraint, securing, and removal of noncitizens. It also explicitly grants the president the power to determine when and how to do so. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization after Trump signed an executive order creating a process for him to do so. Trump in the order accused the group of engaging in a campaign of violence and terror and flooding the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and vicious gangs. In the same order, Trump directed federal officials to make operational preparations for the implementation of the Alien Enemies Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act fulfills a pledge he made on the campaign trail to use the law to target suspected gang members, drug dealers and cartel members. Ill invoke immediately the Alien Enemies Act to remove all known or suspected gang members, the drug dealers, the cartel members from the United States, ending the scourge of illegal alien gang violence once and for all, Trump said during a 2023 campaign speech in Dubuque, Iowa. Trump is the first president in nearly a century to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, and the first to do so outside of a major military conflict. It was last invoked in 1941 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who used the law to target people of Japanese, German and Italian descent during World War II, an act that the United States has since apologized for. Democratic lawmakers have tried for years to repeal the Alien Enemies Act, with Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, introducing legislation in January to do so. We cannot allow antiquated laws to continue enabling discriminatory practices that harm immigrant communities, Omar said in a January statement. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A federal judge in Washington D.C. has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan immigrants under the rarely invoked 1798 Alien Enemies Act, hours after the White House issued an executive order. The move came after Trump announced plans to deport Venezuelan citizens linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal group involved in sex trafficking, drug dealing, and human smuggling. Judge James E. Boasberg issued a temporary order on Saturday, halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, which has been used only three times in U.S. historyduring the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. The law allows for summary deportations of individuals from countries at war with the United States. The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of five Venezuelan men accused of having links to Tren de Aragua. One man was arrested and labeled a gang member based on his tattoos. ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt argued that the Alien Enemies Act only applies to warring nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling, Boasberg stated that he did not believe the law provided a legal basis for the presidents actions. In his ruling, the judge agreed with the ACLUs argument, stating that terms in the Alien Enemies Act such as invasion and predatory incursion pertain to hostile acts by enemy nations. The ACLU has requested the judge expand the order to protect all immigrants at risk of deportation under the law. Following the judges order, two flights carrying Venezuelan immigrants under the executive order were in the air. Boasberg ordered those flights to return to the U.S. However thats accomplished, he ruled, whether turning around the plane or not. The Trump administration quickly filed an appeal, with constitutional experts noting the case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court. Harvard law professor Noah Feldman said the outcome will depend on how much deference the courts give to the presidents determination of a threatened incursion. If upheld, Trumps interpretation of the law could allow the deportation of individuals aged 14 and older without due process, a move that could dramatically alter how immigration cases are handled in the U.S. A federal judge on Saturday temporarily blocked an effort by President Donald Trump to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport suspected members of a Venezuelan gang he has accused of unlawfully infiltrating the country. He also ordered any deportation flights carrying those subject to the presidential proclamation to return to the United States. Hosts of MSNBC's "The Weekend" discuss the news. A jury awarded Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, $50 million after a Starbucks drink burned him. Garcia filed a complaint against Starbucks in 2020 after a hot tea fell on his lap. Garcia suffered serious burns, his lawyers argued. A court ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million to a California delivery driver who suffered serious burns after a hot tea fell in his lap. A Los Angeles County jury found Starbucks negligent on March 14, marking four years since the litigation between Starbucks and Michael Garcia began. Garcia, who worked at the time as a Postmates driver, first filed the complaint against Starbucks in March 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Starbucks spokesperson told Business Insider it planned to appeal the decision. "We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury's decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive," the statement said. "We plan to appeal. We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks." Trial Lawyers for Justice, the firm representing Garcia, said he entered a Starbucks drive-thru that February and ordered three venti-sized hot teas. The firm said the barista at the pick-up window "negligently failed" to secure one of the drinks into the drink carrier. "Within 1.4 seconds of Michael taking possession of the tray, the unsecured cup fell directly into his lap, the lid popped off, and the scalding hot tea caused third-degree burns to his penis, groin, and inner thighs," a press release said. "He was taken by paramedics to the emergency room." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nick Rowley, Garcia's attorney, said the driver's life "has been forever changed." "No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered, but this jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility," he said in a statement. Read the original article on Business Insider We dont want plastic in the ocean. Most plastic degrades slowly, and we have all seen pictures and videos of marine life being harmed by plastic. While many environmental issues are controversial, this one isnt. The simple goal of keeping plastic out of the ocean which I share completely is what drives some politicians to support banning plastic grocery bags. It would appear that plastic bag bans are tailor-made for government intervention. The environmental costs of plastic pollution are not borne by consumers or producers. When these kinds of negative impacts exist like with air pollution it can make sense for government to set rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it only makes sense if the cure devised by politicians is not worse than the disease. The experience with plastic bag bans is that the alternatives do more damage than the plastic bags. There are several reasons for this. First, the impact of plastic grocery bags from the United States is very small. A study published in Science magazine in 2015 demonstrates that the vast majority of plastic in the ocean comes from developing countries. China and Indonesia alone account for more than one-third of worldwide ocean plastic. The small island country of Sri Lanka contributes about five times as much plastic to the worlds oceans as the entire United States. Completely eliminating the U.S. contribution to plastic of all kinds, not just plastic bags, would reduce the amount of ocean plastic pollution by less than 1%. Despite that, it could be that we still have a big impact. In fact, we dont really know how much impact plastic bags have on marine life. As the Ocean Conservancy itself admits, the population-level consequences of marine debris from ingestion, entanglement and contamination remains relatively unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This doesnt mean there are no impacts. Making public policy without critical information, however, is crap shoot and the risk of doing more harm than good is significant. That is exactly the problem with plastic bag bans. The United Nations Environment Programme looked at numerous studies of alternatives and found that in many categories of environmental impact, the alternatives are worse. The UN report notes: Reusable bags can be environmentally superior to [single-use plastic bags], if they are reused many times. For example, a cotton bag needs to be used 50-150 times to have less impact on the climate compared to using plastic grocery bags. Cotton and paper bags are also the worst when it comes to creating eutrophication runoff of nitrogen into water that can lead to oxygen depletion and dead zones at the mouth of rivers where it accumulates. The report sums up the tradeoffs this way: A shift to paper or cotton bags will help reduce impacts from both littering and microplastics. However, paper and cotton bags are likely to have more impacts on the climate, eutrophication and acidification, compared to the conventional plastic bags. Banning plastic grocery bags, when the impact from the U.S. is very small and the overall impact unknown, risks increasing the use of alternatives that end up doing even more environmental damage, including to ocean and marine life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what is the solution? The key is to prevent plastic from reaching the ocean and there are a growing number of ways to do that. Perhaps my favorite is a company called Plastic Bank. Plastic Bank works in developing countries, where plastic pollution is most prevalent, and pays people to collect plastic waste and exchange it at a community location for goods and services. More amazing is what Plastic Bank does with the plastic it collects. In partnership with SC Johnson, the plastic is recycled to use in Windex bottles. As the founder of Plastic Bank wrote recently, For too long, weve been waiting for big businesses and governments to lead the change toward regenerating our planet. But what if weve had it wrong? What if we unleashed their power by democratizing environmental and social impact? Imagine a world where small businesses are empowered to end poverty, stop plastic pollution and grow with purpose. Exactly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actions by small businesses and individuals are more nimble and effective and we have only begun to harness the power of these types of approaches. As I outline in my book, Time to Think Small, Plastic Bank is just one of a growing number of companies and non-profit organizations that are taking environmental stewardship into their own hands and solving problems where politicians and government have failed. The standard response is that while these efforts are nice, they dont add up to much. With the multiplying effect of technology, that is simply wrong. This is the message I shared with students at Mountain States Policy Centers recent plastic bag ban debate at Boise State University. We all have a role in making thousands of small decisions to create a big impact. While the United Nations has repeatedly failed to reach an agreement on plastic pollution, Plastic Bank has prevented the equivalent of 8 billion plastic bottles from entering the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can take action to reduce the amount of plastic that goes into the ocean and protect marine wildlife. Plastic bag bans, however, may end up doing more harm than good. Rather than relying on government-imposed regulations, it is time to take action that is effective and targeted. Thats the best way to help protect our oceans and marine life. Todd Myers is the vice-president for research at the Washington Policy Center, a non-profit think tank that promotes public policy based on free-market solutions. He can be reached at tmyers@washingtonpolicy.org. Social Security has always been considered an untouchable benefit provided to Americans through the federal government. The legislation was passed in 1935 during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the midst of the Great Depression. The first lump sum payments were mailed in 1937; delivery of monthly checks began in 1940. The concept was adopted by Congress because many Americans at the time didnt have employee-funded retirement benefits and individual retirement accounts were not an option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, millions of Americans were out of work and the idea was that those over the age of 65 would receive a monthly benefit check. It was anticipated that they wouldnt return to the workforce or retire from the workforce to open up employment for younger people that were out of work. Anyone who works in the U.S. has a Social Security payment deducted from their paychecks and placed in a dedicated fund. Those funds are not meant to be spent on government services, but there have been times the federal government has borrowed from the Social Security Trust fund; those monies had to be repaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently the Social Security Trust Fund has a balance of approximately $2.7 trillion. For many Americans today, a monthly Social Security check is their entire income. No one is getting rich on Social Security. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are considering changes to the program. Musk has called it an entitlement program. Social Security is not an entitlement program because American workers are paying into the fund to have an income when they retire as early as age 62. There have been efforts in the past to privatize Social Security, but they have failed. The Trump administration is also looking at reductions in the Medicare system, which provides health care at a reduced cost to millions of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventy-three million Americans are receiving monthly checks, and according to the Social Security inspector general, less than 1% of payments being made are fraudulent. If the Trump administration moves forward with plans to alter or eliminate Social Security, it will result in a political firestorm. Democrats are likely to close ranks to protect Social Security and will use it as a campaign issue in 2026. The real question is, will Republicans currently serving in Congress be willing to vote to make changes in the program and to take the heat from voters? This story was updated to include additional information. A doctor with connections to Columbus has been deported after visiting family in Lebanon, despite having a legal visa and passport. Dr. Rasha Alawieh is a kidney specialist who did a fellowship at the Ohio State Universitys medical school from 2018-20. Alawieh had been working at Brown University in Providence since July, according to the Providence Journal, a USA TODAY Network newspaper in Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alawieh recently obtained another visa and was returning from a two-week trip to see family in Lebanon Thursday when customs officials at Boston Logan International Airport detained her. Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a kidney doctor who trained at Ohio State medical school and is now with Brown University Medicine, was detained at Boston Logan Airport when returning from a trip to Lebanon. She was deported back to Lebanon despite a legal visa and passport, and in violation of a federal judge's order, according to an attorney and Brown officials. Federal authorities deported Alawieh on Friday evening despite a federal court order to delay her deportation flight for at least 48 hours. A federal judge postponed a Monday hearing to allow U.S. Customs and Border officials to respond to allegations they willfully disobeyed his order not to deport Alawieh until he could review her case. Documents filed in federal court ahead of the hearing allege that it was the contents of Dr. Rasha Alawieh's cellphone that led to her detention, and ultimate deportation, from Logan Airport in Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal authorities say in court documents filed in the deportation case of Alawieh, 34, that custom and border officials found "sympathetic photos and videos" of Hezbollah leaders on her cell phone. They also found "various other Hezbollah militants" in the deleted photo folder of her cell phone. "With the discovery of these photographs and videos CHP questioned Dr. Alawieh and determined that her true intentions in the United States could not be determined," the documents allege. "As such CBP canceled her visa and deemed Dr. Alawieh inadmissible to the United States." U.S. Customs and Border Protections responds to deportation of Dr. Alawieh On Sunday evening, for the first time since the incident began Thursday and ignited a wave of outrage on the part of Alawieh supporters, Hilton Beckham, the assistant commissioner of public affairs for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), issued a statement regarding the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckham said: Arriving aliens bear the burden of establishing admissibility to the United States. Our CBP officers adhere to strict protocols to identify and stop threats, using rigorous screening, vetting, strong law enforcement partnerships, and keen inspectional skills to keep threats out of the country. CBP is committed to protecting the United States from national security threats. Who is Dr. Rasha Alawieh? The Providence Journal reported that Alawieh, 34, worked at Rhode Island Hospital with kidney transplant recipients, evaluating patients at multiple stages of their procedures. She had recently attained from the American consulate in Lebanon an H-1B visa, a category for foreign nationals with extensive training in specialty fields that allowed her to be in the U.S. through mid-2027. Thats according to one of her colleagues and Thomas S. Brown, an attorney who handles immigration and visa issues for doctors affiliated with Brown Medicine who spoke with the Providence Journal. Attorney Brown said Alawieh had the correct visa and passport: She was clear to return, he told the Providence Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the largest Muslim advocacy organizations in the U.S., called for the Trump administration to "immediately readmit" Alawieh in an emailed statement Sunday. Deporting lawful immigrants like Dr. Alawieh without any basis undermines the rule of law and reinforces suspicion that our immigration system is turning into an anti-Muslim, white supremacist institution that seeks to expel and turn away as many Muslims and people of color as possible," CAIR said. Alawieh first came to the United States in 2018 to complete a two-year fellowship at Ohio State University in nephrology, the medical specialty of kidney diseases, according to a complaint her cousin Yara Chehab filed in Massachusetts-based federal court. Alawieh is listed on an OSU website as a past fellow who finished her fellowship in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alawieh also did a transplant nephrology fellowship at the University of Washington and a residency at Yale University. She had a J-1 student visa for her first years in the United States, but the H-1B visa she now has is more appropriate for teaching jobs, according to the court complaint. The Trump administration is reportedly considering travel bans on people from up to 43 countries, the New York Times reported Friday. Lebanon is not on the list, which is subject to change. awinfrey@dispatch.com This story was updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Dr. Rasha Alawieh, who trained at OSU, deported after Lebanon visit RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) The Knightdale man arrested in a human trafficking investigation last month is also facing charges connected to the sexual abuse of a dog, a warrant shows. According to court records, 39-year-old Claude Craver was arrested by the Raleigh Police Department on Feb. 15 on 19 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, eight counts of statutory sex offense a child by an adult, four counts of human trafficking a child victim, and four counts of sexual servitude of a child victim. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bond denied for suspects in Wake County human trafficking case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The offenses happened between August and November 2024, according to court records. Court records show Craver is also charged with two counts of crime against nature between January and February 2024. According to the warrant filed by Raleigh police, Craver is accused of twice committing the abominable and detestable offense with a white pit bull mixed breed dog. Under North Carolina law, crime against nature is classified as an offense against public morality and decency. Court records show Craver was previously arrested by Raleigh police on Nov. 21, 2024, on the same child sex crimes he would be charged with again in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Craver is charged with a total of 20 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, nine counts of statutory sex offense with a child by an adult, five counts human trafficking a child victim, and five counts of sexual servitude of a child victim. His total number of felony charges, including the two crimes against nature, is 41. Craver is being held at the Wake County Detention Center without bond. Also charged with child human trafficking in connection with the case is 26-year-old Skyler Bell, who was arrested on Nov. 10. Thursday, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation announced 28-year-old Inzinga Catherine Jones of Grifton was arrested in the case. She is charged with one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. 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. SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) The crown jewel of El Salvador's aggressive anti-crime strategy a mega-prison where visitation, recreation and education are not allowed became the latest tool in U.S. President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration on Sunday, when hundreds of immigrants facing deportation were transferred there. The arrival of the immigrants, alleged by the U.S. to be members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, took place under an agreement for which the Trump administration will pay the government of President Nayib Bukele $6 million for one year of services. Bukele has made the Central American countrys stark, harsh prisons a trademark of his fight against crime. In 2023, he opened the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, where the immigrants were sent over the weekend even as a federal judge issued an order temporarily barring their deportations under an 18th century wartime declaration targeting Venezuelan gang members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the CECOT? Bukele ordered the mega-prison built as he began his campaign against El Salvadors gangs in March 2022. It opened a year later in the town of Tecoluca, about 72 kilometers (45 miles) east of the capital. The facility has eight sprawling pavilions and can hold up to 40,000 inmates. Each cell can fit 65 to 70 prisoners. CECOT prisoners do not receive visits and are never allowed outdoors. The prison does not offer workshops or educational programs to prepare them to return to society after their sentences. Occasionally, prisoners who have gained a level of trust from prison officials give motivational talks. Prisoners sit in rows in the corridor outside their cells for the talks or are led through exercise regimens under the supervision of guards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bukeles justice minister has said that those held at CECOT would never return to their communities. The prison's dining halls, break rooms, gym and board games are for guards. How many prisoners does El Salvador hold? The government doesnt regularly update the figure, but the human rights organization Cristosal reported that in March 2024 El Salvador had 110,000 people behind bars, including those sentenced to prison and those still awaiting trial. That's more than double the 36,000 inmates that the government reported in April 2021, a year before Bukele ramped up his fight against crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cristosal and other advocates have accused authorities of human rights violations. Cristosal reported last year that at least 261 people had died in El Salvadors prisons during the gang crackdown. The group and others have cited cases of abuse, torture and lack of medical attention. In slickly produced videos, the government has shown CECOT prisoners in boxer shorts marching into common areas and made to sit nearly atop each other. Cells lack enough bunks for everyone. Why were immigrants sent to CECOT? The migrants were deported after Trumps declaration of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which has been used only three times in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law requires a president to declare the U.S. is at war, giving him extraordinary powers to detain or remove foreigners who otherwise would have protections under immigration or criminal laws. Trump claimed the Tren de Aragua gang was invading the U.S. in invoking the wartime authority. Tren de Aragua originated in an infamously lawless prison in Venezuela and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade. The Trump administration has not identified the migrants deported, provided any evidence they are in fact members of Tren de Aragua or that they committed any crimes in the U.S. Video released by El Salvadors government Sunday showed men exiting airplanes into an airport tarmac lined by officers in riot gear. The men, who had their hands and ankles shackled, struggled to walk as officers pushed their heads down to have them bend at the waist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video also showed the men being transported to CECOT in a large convoy of buses guarded by police and military vehicles and at least one helicopter. The men were shown kneeling on the ground as their heads were shaved before they changed into the prisons all-white uniform knee-length shorts, T-shirt, socks and rubber clogs and placed in cells. Garcia Cano reported from Caracas, Venezuela. PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) Kosovo's election governing body released the results of last month's legislative election, which saw Prime Minister Albin Kurtis Self-Determination Movement Party winning most seats but without a ruling majority. Kurtis leftist Vetevendosje! has been looking for allies to form a government, a much tougher job than four years ago when he needed only three seats to pass his new Cabinet. The Central Election Commission stated late Saturday that the Vetevendosje! won 42.30% of the vote, or 48 seats in the 120-seat parliament, on Feb.9. The center-right Democratic Party of Kosovo, or PDK, followed with 20.95%, or 24 seats, and the conservative governing Democratic League of Kosovo, or LDK, with 18.27%, or 20 seats. The right-wing Alliance for Kosovos Future garnered 7.06%, or 8 seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission also said the turnout was 46.54%, slightly lower than the 2021 election. Ten seats are reserved in parliament for Kosovos Serb minority and another 10 for other minorities in the European country. To form a cabinet, Kurti needs a simple majority in parliament, or 61 votes. While campaigning, he vowed not to ally himself with either the PDK or the LDK. However, it has been over a month since the vote and if Kurti fails, the president is entitled to tap another from any of the winning parties to do the job. If the other person doesn't come through, the country goes into an early parliamentary election. Kurti has been in power since 2021, the first time since independence in 2008 that Kosovos parliament completed a full four-year mandate. However, he now faces the challenge of reviving an ailing economy after the United States and the European Union, Kosovos main supporters and contributors, have suspended their financial assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, normalizing ties with Serbia, a condition for both countries to join the EU, remains stalled. The 2026 presidential election may pose yet another challenge for Kurti; the winning party usually elects the president, which needs at least 81 votes in parliament, two-thirds of the electoral body. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a decade since the end of the 1998-1999 war between Serbia and ethnic Albanian separatists that pushed Serbian forces out following a 78-day NATO air campaign. Serbia doesnt recognize Kosovos independence. A Los Angeles County jury says Starbucks is liable for injuries of a customer burned during a botched drive-through drink handoff to the tune of $50 million. L.A. resident Michael Garcia claimed that he was severely burned in 2020 after his tray of hot teas "caved in on itself," he said in a deposition. First one, then another hot drink toppled onto his lap, their lids popping off. He suffered severe burns, including to his genitalia, he claimed. Garcia accused Starbucks of negligence, and produced a store security video that appeared to show that one of the Venti-sized drinks sat askew in the tray as a barista passed the order to him through a drive-through window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors on Friday agreed, and ordered the Seattle-based company to pay Garcia $50 million for past and future damage that include pain and suffering. Read more: Starbucks lays off 1,100 corporate employees as coffee chain streamlines Starbucks said it plans to appeal the verdict. "We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury's decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive," Starbucks Director of Corporate Communications Jaci Anderson said Saturday in a statement to The Times. "We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award harks back to civil court judgments against McDonald's after a jury in 1994 awarded $3 million to an Albuquerque woman who was scalded by hot coffee. Stella Liebeck, who was 79, suffered third-degree burns that required multiple skin grafts. Her lawyers had argued McDonald's had a history of hundreds of consumer injury complaints. A judge later greatly reduced the award, but the McDonald's case was frequently cited in campaigns for limits on tort awards. Garcia's attorneys did not reply immediately to a Times request for comment but told another news outlet that Starbucks carried some responsibility for the actions of its barista, who according to court records said she did not remember the incident. "This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility," one of Garcias attorneys, Nick Rowley, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Recent strikes show the crisis in Americans' working lives The incident described in the lawsuit occurred on Feb. 8, 2020, at a Starbucks drive-through in Exposition Park. Garcia, a then-25-year-old Postmates delivery driver, was picking up an order of three Venti hot teas. They were served to him in a cardboard drink carrier. At some point during the handoff, two of the teas fell from the carrier and spilled onto Garcias lap, leaving him with "horrific burn injuries that required multiple surgeries" and "permanent disfigurement" to his groin region, according to court documents reviewed by The Times. Medical records filed in the case show he underwent two skin grafts and suffered lasting pain and sexual dysfunction. Garcia blamed the spill on a barista, whom he claimed "did not securely fasten the lids of each hot beverage that were negligently, carelessly and recklessly served to Plaintiff." He testified that from the start he could see the lid on one of the drinks was not set in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks in its initial response argued that Garcia did not sustain "any injury, damage or loss by reason of any act or omission" by its employees, court documents said. During the trial, the company further alleged some fault lay with Garcia as a result of "contributory negligence," the documents said. Read more: Surgery at a UC hospital went shockingly wrong, leading to leg amputation, lawsuit says Before the jury trial, Starbucks offered Garcia $3 million and later $30 million to settle, CBS News reported. Garcia agreed on the condition that the company apologize and change its policies, including adding a requirement that all employees double-check that hot drinks are secure before giving them to customers, the CBS report said. Starbucks refused the terms, and the case went to trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Los Angeles resident Muriel Evans filed a similar lawsuit against Starbucks in 2024, alleging she suffered significant nerve damage and disfigurement after a barista mishandled a cup of coffee and spilled it in her lap. Lawyers in the case accused Starbucks of "reckless disregard" for customer safety by serving hot drinks in defective cups "despite countless reports and warnings." Evans' jury trial is scheduled for February 2026. 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. Sir Michael Morpurgo has said Labours family farm tax proves the party dont really understand what the countryside is about. The childrens novelist, who has lived on a farm in the village of Iddesleigh, Dorset, for the past 50 years, said the Governments reforms on inheritance tax are completely wrong. Under new rules announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the October Budget, agricultural assets worth more than 1 million, which were previously exempt, will be liable to the 20 per cent tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement led to widespread protests from farming communities across the UK. More than 1,000 tractors pitched up at demonstrations outside Westminster. Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers Union, said last month that the tax has wiped out hope for many farmers and that it threatens food security. The Government has refused to back down or modify the policy, despite intensive lobbying and widespread protests from farming and rural groups. Weather shocks, low profits and the move away from direct subsidies have created a crisis for farmers that could cause many to go out of profit by the end of the year, the NFU has said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Michael, whose latest novel Spring is his first book for adults in almost 50 years, said of the reforms: You dont have a go at the pensioners and the farmers. I know because I live in the middle of the farming culture. Sir Michael Morpurgo has said the farmers inheritance tax came from people who are fundamentally urban - John Lawrence He continued: To threaten one particular group seems to me to be completely wrong. Its done by people who are fundamentally urban, who dont really understand what the countryside is about. Sir Michael, 81, who is best known for books such as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion, also said Britain was full of sociological and geographical division. We exploit them, he said. There is a massive division between town and country. Its understandable: its part of having our industrial revolution earlier than other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you go to Italy or France, where their industrial revolution came rather later, where they are more in contact with their food, with their farmers, its different. When French farmers have a protest there is considerable support among urban people. In protest to the tractor tax, more than 1,000 tractors have pitched up outside Westminster - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing Despite the policy, Sir Michael declared himself a fan of Sir Keir Starmer and his Government. Discussing the Prime Minister, he said: Hes not a shouter and hes not a show-off. Im fed up with show-offs. I dont care if theyre from Russia or America or here. I want people who really do have some experience of the world, and have developed a care for other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also claimed Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have open disrespect for others. If you start talking about other people as if they are less important, that their culture is less important, then youre on a road to confrontation. Sir Michaels comments echo those made by Steve Barclay, the former environment secretary, who said his Labour successor cannot pretend to understand the countryside. Of course there is nothing wrong with living in and representing a city or major town, but you cannot pretend to understand the unique set of challenges that rural people face, he said of Steve Reed, who has headed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since Labours election victory in July, and is the MP for Streatham and Croydon North, in south London. 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 last person to see University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki before she disappeared in the Dominican Republic has had his passport taken by investigators. Authorities in the Caribbean country have confiscated Joshua Riibes travel documents as they continue to probe Konankis disappearance, according to NBC News. On Sunday morning, Riibe was seen on the beach with investigators, his father, and an attorney, according to the outlet. Riibe was reportedly seen pointing towards the ocean while security kept anyone else away from the location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 22-year-old has been confined to the hotel since the investigation began and has a permanent police escort, his lawyers told NBC News. He is not free to leave, his attorneys said, with his passport being confiscated on Friday. Konanki was last seen with Riibe on the beach near the RIU Hotel & Resort on March 6. He has told investigators that he pulled her out of the dangerous waters before losing her in the darkness. Im just trying to help them out, he told NBC News at his hotel. The ocean is a dangerous place. A member of civil defense canine unit searches for Sudiksha Konanki, a university student from the U.S. who disappeared on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Konanki, a 20-year-old pre-med student, was last seen entering a beach at 4:15 a.m. on March 6 while vacationing with five female college friends on spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her friends returned to their hotel room just before 6 a.m., Konanki stayed on the beach with Riibe a former high school wrestler from Iowa. Its not immediately clear if or how the pair knew one another before meeting on the Caribbean Island. He told police he went for a swim with Konanki, and the two had kissed in the water before a big wave swept her up, an interview transcript obtained by NBC News stated. Civil defense boats search for Sudiksha Konanki, a university student from the U.S. who disappeared on a beach. (AP) I kept trying to get her to breathe, but that didn't allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water, he said. He also told investigators that he used to work as a lifeguard. The sheriff's office in Loudon County, Virginia, where Konankis family lives, has described Riibe as a person of interest and has sent detectives to assist. Several German members of parliament are launching a further attempt at the Federal Constitutional Court to prevent a vote planned for Tuesday on a multibillion-euro financial package for defence, infrastructure and climate neutrality. The independent member of parliament Joana Cotar said she had filed suit for the second time at the court in Karlsruhe, requesting that the vote in the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, be postponed. The Constitutional Court confirmed receipt on Sunday. With the same goal in mind, three members of parliament from the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) also plan to file an urgent application in Karlsruhe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They argue that the time for deliberation on the debt-backed package, which weighs in at 500 billion ($545 billion), is insufficient. "The federal government has so far been unable to answer very simple and fundamental questions about it," FDP finance expert Florian Toncar told dpa. He argued that, above all, it is unconstitutional that only three days before the final vote, further serious amendments were submitted, such as a regulation on climate neutrality by 2045. "This cannot be seriously discussed and weighed up in the short time available," Toncar asserted. He charged that the parliamentary debate is in danger of becoming a mere formality. A toxin endangering public health could be on the way out in Connecticut, where lawmakers are pushing to restrict a common form of pest control. As detailed by CT News Junkie, lawmakers have introduced House Bill 6915 to limit the use and sale of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, or SGARs. These powerful pesticides were developed after rodents became resistant to first-generation iterations, per the Environmental Protection Agency. They can remain in animal bodies for at least one week after ingestion and are known to kill bald eagles a protected species that helps to control disease-carrying rodent populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They can also poison children. In 2022, the American Association of Poison Control Centers documented more than 8,000 rodenticide ingestions, half of which occurred in children under six years old, according to the National Library of Medicine. "Second-generation rodenticides have unintended targets and unintended consequences. Beloved bald eagles fall prey to these poisons regularly. We must work with the pesticide community and farmers to explore alternatives. There are other tools in the toolbox," state Sen. Christine Cohen said prior to a Feb. 19 public hearing on the matter, per CT News Junkie. At the hearing, advocates also raised the alarm about neonicotinoids a deadly pesticide contributing to declining pollinator populations. According to the Department of Agriculture, approximately 35% of the food we eat depends on pollinators. "We raised the alarm in 2013 about declining insect populations and again in 2021 about losing 3 billion birds since 1970. Are we going to wait until our songbirds are on the brink of extinction?" said Joyce Leiz, the executive director of the Connecticut Audubon Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of HB 6915 pointed out that pest management is a crucial service. Rep. Joe Gresko, who serves Stratford, agreed with the assessment but advocated for HB 6915, pointing to the need for "smarter solutions that don't cause unnecessary harm," per CT News Junkie. Gresko also noted how two spider monkeys at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport died after eating poisoned rodents. At home, chemical-free versions of pest control can include trap crops and even dog fur from brushing your pet. Early returns suggest canine-led initiatives and trap plants are also effective for commercial operations, while emerging solutions include an X-ray-based approach. "This isn't about inconveniencing anyone," Gresko added. "It's about making people aware of the impact these poisons have on our environment and animals, including pets." 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. The second Trump administration has been characterized in large part by a focused effort to cut down the number of federal employees. Through the Office of Personnel Management and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, the president has used highly unusual resignation offers and layoffs to shrink the workforce across agencies including the Department of Education and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Theres no official number on how many people have been laid off, but 62,530 government positions have been cut so far this year, according to data published earlier this month from global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray, & Christmas. There are likely more cuts to come. Unions have played a major role in legal challenges to the mass firing of federal workers. On Thursday, two separate rulings came down ordering the Trump administration to reinstate these terminated employees. One ruling in response to 20 Democrat attorneys general calling for the reinstatement of fired workers came from a federal judge in Maryland. The other was issued by a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in response to a case brought by dozens of labor unions and advocacy groups. U.S. District Judge William Alsup ordered that six federal agencies reinstate thousands of probationary employees that were fired under the guidance of OPM, a move he declared illegal. The Trump administration has already filed an appeal in that case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) was one of the plaintiffs in that second challenge. The union represents 1.4 million public service workers across the country in federal, state, and local government, as well as the nonprofit sector. AFSCMEs president, Lee Saunders, spoke with Fortune about the threat that public sector workers are under, what his members are feeling, and how the union plans to fight back. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Fortune: What are AFSCME members feeling right now? President Saunders: Theyre feeling under attack. They believe in the importance of public services, and yet you see them being attacked every single day by this current administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre frightened, but they also know that they've got to make their voices heard and they've got to fight back, and that's exactly what theyre doing. Their union is supporting them 100% by talking about the importance of public service, and challenging some of the things that this administration is doing, and whether it's in the courts, or whether it's in the media, or whether it's on the streets. Were going to continue to do that to make our point and get our point across. AFSCME is one of the plaintiffs in the case which was just ruled in favor of reinstating fired probationary federal workers. Many are seeing this as a win for federal workers, but that ruling does not affect this weeks deadline set by the Trump administration requiring all agencies to send the president and the OPM plans for more layoffs. What could the future look like for these workers? This is a huge victory for these workers. It will be challenged, but we're going to continue to put the full force of the union behind filing these kinds of lawsuits. That's really important, but we've also got to go on offense and not play defense all the time, and we're going to continue to do that. What we're doing right now is organizing and mobilizing and educating our members across the country by having phone calls, by going to town hall meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that we've got to do is continue to organize. Seventy percent of Americans believe that unions are absolutely necessary in this country and 88% of young people [view them favorably]. Were going to spend resources, and we're going to be talking to workers, asking them to be represented by us or other unions so they have a seat at the table. It feels like every day there is a new development related to the DOGE layoffs. How would you advise people to keep track of the whirlwind of actions? I think it's up to AFSCME and the labor movement and our allies and friends to continue to talk about what this administration is trying to do to hurt working people. Weve got to enlist people within the labor movement and outside the labor movement to make their voices heard. We cannot just sit idly by and be silent when this destructionand that's exactly what this isis taking place at the federal level, [which will] roll down to the state and local level, with possible huge cuts in federal programs. State governments rely on federal money to fund programs at the state level; they get about 33% of [their revenue] from the federal government. That helps provide public services at the state, city, and local level. Its all about continuing to educate. It's all about asking [workers] to not be silent, but to make their voices heard and to fight back like never before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the White House told Fortune: President Trump returned to Washington with a mandate from the American people to bring about unprecedented change in our federal government to uproot waste, fraud, and abuse.] Elon Musk reposted a Tweet implying that public sector workers were responsible for mass murders under people like Hitler, Mao and Stalin. What do you make of this comment, and the attacks on public sector workers generally? I will try to control my language, but it is a hateful comment for him to [retweet] that and compare our public sector workers and our members saying that Hitler, Stalin and Mao didn't murder millions, but [their] public sector service workers did. Now just think about that. Thats where he's coming from, and we've got to get that message out. He has no clue what workers are faced with every single day. He has no clue what they do to improve the lives of our citizens in our communities across the country and to improve upon public services, yet he makes a statement like that. I mean, it is unbelievable, and we've got to make sure that people understand that this is what he is saying, and this is what folks in this administration believe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Fortune reached out to Elon Musk but did not get a response.] How can unions protect workers if the government wants to fire them? Were filing these lawsuitsthat's number one. We are pushing even though we understand that the climate here in Washington, D.C. is not the best. But weve still got to continue to go on the offense, as I said earlier. We are supporting the PRO Act, which would give workers the right to have a seat at the table to improve labor labor law in this country. We're doing the same thing with the Public Freedom to Negotiate Act for public service workers. We have the ability to mobilize every single dayto mobilize union members, but also workers who aren't in unions in our communities across the country. Because this is impacting them too. The actions that are being proposed have an impact on everyone that relies upon public services: Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security. All of these programs are under attack, and we've got to do what we do best, and that's exactly what we are doing. This narrative against public sector workers has come on quickly and strongly. How do you combat the sentiments coming from those with huge platforms like Trump and Musk? Its not only federal workers. It really is all workers. There's an attack on all workers right now. I guess the way that I can answer that question is that reality is now hitting people in the face. I mean, they're feeling it. People are being laid off indiscriminately. People are being fired. Their rights are being taken away from them. Services that the American people relied upon are being cut, and they're proposing to do a lot more damage. So I mean, here's the playbook that they talked about, and now they're putting in an action, and we've got to make sure that people understand the impact that it's going to have on them and their families. You've got to react to it in a way where we ask people to fight back and to make their voices heard. You cannot sit by silently and watch this happen. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) At least one person was displaced after a house fire on Leighton Avenue in Rochester Saturday evening. Crews with the Rochester Fire Department were called to the duplex around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. A portion of Leighton Avenue was blocked for the investigation, but traffic was still able to get through when News 8 arrived on scene around 10 p.m. Smoke could be seen coming from the roof, but no flames were visible. (WROC/Melanie Sosa) Deputy Fire Chief of RFD Daniel Witkowski told News 8 on scene that fire crews were met with flames on the first floor, and heavy smoke filled the structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the building was not deemed a total loss, at least one occupant was set to receive help temporarily from the Red Cross. The occupant(s) on the other side may have a chance to stay in the home, according to Witkowski, however crews were still assessing the damages at the time and were not able to confirm if they needed to find alternative housing temporarily. Adams Rascals Bar & Grill destroyed after large fire The cause of the fire is still 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 RochesterFirst. Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states, part of a monster storm that has killed at least 26 people as more severe weather was expected late Saturday. The number of fatalities increased after the Kansas Highway Patrol reported eight people died in a highway pileup caused by a dust storm Friday in Sherman County. At least 50 vehicles were involved. Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as it withstood scattered twisters overnight that killed at least 12 people, authorities said. The deaths included a man who was killed after a tornado ripped apart his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field, said Jim Akers, coroner of Butler County, describing the scene that confronted rescuers. The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls. Dakota Henderson said he and others rescuing people trapped in their homes Friday night found five dead bodies scattered in the debris outside what remained of his aunts house in hard-hit Wayne County, Missouri. It was a very rough deal last night, he said Saturday, surrounded by uprooted trees and splintered homes. Its really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night. Henderson said they rescued his aunt from a bedroom that was the only room left standing in her house, taking her out through a window. They also carried out a man who had a broken arm and leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Arkansas said three people died in Independence County and 29 others were injured across eight counties as storms passed through the state. We have teams out surveying the damage from last nights tornadoes and have first responders on the ground to assist, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on X. She and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared states of emergency. Kemp said he was making the declaration in anticipation of severe weather moving in later Saturday. On Friday, meanwhile, authorities said three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deaths came as a massive storm system moving across the country unleashed winds that triggered deadly dust storms and fanned more than 100 wildfires. Extreme weather conditions were forecast to affect an area home to more than 100 million people. Winds gusting up to 80 mph were predicted from the Canadian border to Texas, threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and wildfire risk in warmer, drier places to the south. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of far western Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota starting early Saturday. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches were expected, with up to a foot possible. Winds gusting to 60 mph were expected to cause whiteout conditions. Severe storms swept across the southern and midwestern United States over the weekend, killing at least 34 people, including 12 in the state of Missouri and injuring dozens more. Tornado watches are currently in effect for parts of Florida, Georgia and five other states until Sunday afternoon. The US weather service warns that more severe weather is expected to hit parts of the East Coast on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency and urged residents to prepare. Residents in high-risk areas were advised to seek shelter in buildings with underground protection and to avoid mobile homes. The storms began on Friday. A total of more than 40 tornadoes were recorded in eight states - Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama and Indiana. Residents fled in their cars as dust storm fronts approached, causing pile-ups involving dozens of vehicles. In Kansas, 50 vehicles collided in a series of accidents on Saturday, killing at least eight people. In many areas, the storms has not only destroyed homes and cars, but also knocked out power. The US website PowerOutage reported more than 230,000 affected households in five states on Sunday. The strong winds have also fanned existing wildfires. In Oklahoma alone, hundreds of fires are reported to have broken out, affecting 170,000 hectares. A general view of the damage after a tornado passed through Alabama. Jeremy Raines/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa A view of a burnt down nightclub inside which a fire broke out and killed 51 people in Kocani. - Credit: Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP via Getty Images At least 59 people were killed and 150 more injured when pyrotechnics inside a packed nightclub in Kochani, North Macedonia sparked a fire that engulfed the venue. A reported 1,500 people, many in their teens and twenties, were inside the Pulse nightclub early Sunday morning to watch local band DNK perform. During the acts set, pyrotechnics on the stage ignited a fire that spread quickly on the venues ceiling, Reuters reported. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was caused by pyrotechnics used for lighting effects at the concert and activated the sprinklers, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said during a Sunday morning press conference. Most likely, sparks caught a part of the ceiling that was made of flammable material, causing the fire to spread to the entire discotheque in a short period of time, creating thick smoke. One concertgoer told local television channel Kanal 5 that people were trampled as they tried to escape the nightclub. Everyone was trying to save themselves, 22-year-old Marija Taseva said, adding that her sister, who also attended the concert, was still unaccounted for: We cant find her in any hospital. The owner of the Pulse nightclub was detained by police following the blaze, with arrest warrants also issued for four other unspecified people, CNN reported. North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote on social media, The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, while the pain of our families, our close ones and our friends is immeasurable, adding that it was a difficult and very sad day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eighteen people injured in the fire remained in critical condition Sunday. Of the 59 confirmed fatalities, 35 people had been identified, with the ages ranging from 14 to 24, the BBC said. The incident was reminiscent of the February 2003 nightclub fire during a Great White concert in Warwick, Rhode Island that killed 100 people, and was the latest in a rash of nightclub fires in Europe in recent years. The blaze was also the deadliest nightclub fire in Europe since 2015, when 64 people were killed in a Bucharest, Romania venue where pyrotechnics also caused a fire. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Sioux Falls resident votes in the general election on Nov. 5, 2024, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Lawmakers introduced more than 50 bills during the 2025 legislation session proposing to alter South Dakotas election laws. Almost half are election integrity bills, aimed at election security, technology and voter qualifications. Seven of those bills are on the governors desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of regulating the process, with bills such as those that would have shortened the voter registration deadline and prohibited automatic tabulators, lawmakers this session favored tighter controls on who can participate in South Dakota elections. That includes bills redefining residency for voter registration and creating a federal-only ballot for people such as full-time RVers, whose vehicle registration and use of a mail-forwarding service might be their only connections to the state. Sen. John Carley, R-Rapid City, introduced a handful of election bills. The legislators feel closest to the people, so they see the people-oriented bills as ones they can support more strongly, Carley said. Some of the election process-related items are more related to auditors and the secretary of state, which have people arguing against these bills more. Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, said during a press conference that the recounts and post-election audits in recent elections show that elections are running pretty much as they should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have paper ballots, we have voter ID laws and we have post-election audits in place, Mehlhaff said. I think our process is pretty good and I think its proven to be pretty effective. The changes may seem small with each bill, said Samantha Chapman, advocacy manager with the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, but could lead to voter disenfranchisement. Taken as a whole, I think voters should see this as a serious threat to our democracy. Reacting to residency laws, approving federal-only ballot People who register under the Uniformed And Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, or list a post office box or mail forwarding service as their address because they dont live permanently in the state, will only be able to vote on federal races not local or state elections if the governor signs House Bill 1208. The legislation mandates the creation of a separate, federal-only ballot for U.S. presidential and congressional races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1066 changes the definition of a South Dakota resident eligible to vote in state and local elections to someone who lives and usually sleeps in the same place for 30 consecutive days. The legislation would also require voters who register using a mail-forwarding service or other post office box as their address to additionally list a description of the location of the individuals habitation to be able to vote in state and local elections. Individuals who leave the state must intend to return to qualify as a resident, HB 1208 says. Hughes County Finance Officer Thomas Oliva said the bills lack the tools and structure for auditors to verify applicants meet residency requirements, so he plans to continue evaluating residency requirements with the honor system. He added that HB 1208 would allow an applicant to put in whatever description they want for their living situation to get a state and local ballot without requiring the auditor to verify it. If theres a description of where theyre living, I take it as Im to accept that. Im not to investigate and go to the Walmart parking lot and ask for 30 consecutive days of security footage of that RV sitting there, Oliva said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or, an auditor could determine the voter doesnt qualify as a resident, and refuse to give the voter a state or local ballot. Lawmakers who voted against the bills said the changes disenfranchise South Dakotans who choose to travel after living most of their lives in South Dakota, as well as other professionals who dont stay in the state at least 30 consecutive days, such as truckers. Rep. Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on Jan. 21, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) House Minority Leader Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, attempted to amend HB 1208 to include statewide elections and ballot questions that affect fees or taxes on the separate ballot. Without including those amendments, it would subject South Dakotans living out-of-state to taxation and governance without representation, she said. Her effort failed. These voters will still continue to pay state sales tax, theyre going to continue to pay motor vehicle registration fees, theyre going to continue to pay drivers license fees, theyll continue to pay county wheel taxes, and theres still the chance they could be summoned and report for jury duty, Healy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU sent Gov. Rhoden a letter asking him to veto HB 1208. Oliva said he hopes the state can come up with something better. He added that the bills would add more work for his office to inform voters of the changes as they register to vote or apply for absentee ballots. Reviewing and challenging SD voter residency Members of the South Dakota Canvassing Group supported most of the election integrity bills introduced this session. The group has reviewed the states voter rolls in recent years and unsuccessfully challenged the residency of some absentee voters in the June 2024 primary election. House Bill 1062 designates a countys master registration files as public records. The files include voter registration information and absentee ballot information, such as the address an absentee ballot was mailed to and the dates it was requested and returned. The bill also requires the Secretary of States Office to update its statewide voter registration file weekly and reduces the cost to access a copy of the states voter registration list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It currently costs $2,500 to purchase a list of South Dakota registered voters, according to the Secretary of States Office. HB 1062 would create an electronic spreadsheet option for $225. In making voter information more public, Chapman said she worries the change will threaten domestic assault survivor safety and will embolden targeted misinformation campaigns in South Dakota, inaccurately leading registered voters to believe they cant vote if they no longer reside at their voter registration address. The South Dakota Supreme Court denied a request by members of South Dakota Canvassing Group last year to order Secretary of State Monae Johnson and county-level election officials to disqualify 132 primary election ballots cast in Minnehaha County on the grounds that those voters did not meet residency requirements. The boundaries of the two precincts targeted include mail forwarding companies in Sioux Falls. Senate Bill 185, introduced by Sen. Amber Hulse, R-Hot Springs, would change the challenge process. The bill allows a person to challenge someones residency status on grounds other than identity, which is what the group used to challenge the 132 ballots last year, or that a person is a felon or mentally incompetent. Challenges could also be based on residency, voting or being registered in another state, or being deceased. Challenges could only be made in the months ahead of the election, not on Election Day. Oliva and Chapman said they worked with Hulse to reach a sufficient end result. Sen. Amber Hulse, R-Hot Springs, speaks on the Senate floor on March 3, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) If a county auditor determines a challenge is credible, the challenged person would have to fill out a verification request within 30 days to document their qualifications as a registered voter. The state Board of Elections will establish the process by which an auditor researches voters, establishes validity of a challenge and determines what documentation is needed to prove residency qualifications, Hulse told South Dakota Searchlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auditor must remove the person from the voter list if they dont respond with sufficient evidence and dont vote between the verification request and immediately after the next general election. An auditor cant cancel voter registration for a residency challenge within 90 days before an election. Limiting voting to U.S. citizens Other bills passed by both chambers are largely a reaction to 273 non-U.S. citizens being removed from South Dakotas voter roll last year. The noncitizens marked no to the citizenship question on their drivers license application, but were added to the voter roll due to human error, the Secretary of States Elections Director Rachel Soulek said at the time. Noncitizens can obtain a drivers license or state ID if they are lawful permanent residents or have temporary legal status. Theres a part of the drivers license form that allows an applicant to register to vote. That part says voters must be citizens. Soulek said one of the 273 noncitizens cast a ballot. That was during the 2016 general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, criticized and voted against the bills that arose in response to that situation. If we are bringing legislation to try and address something that happened nearly a decade ago by a single individual with this piece of legislation, Wittman told lawmakers, I cannot think of a larger form of virtue signaling than this. Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, speaks on the House floor on March 6, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) South Dakotas voter registration form already requires a voter to certify theyre a citizen of the United States. Senate Bill 73 would require people be South Dakota residents when they register to vote while applying for a South Dakota drivers license. Senate Bill 75 would require U.S. citizenship status be placed on a drivers license or nondriver identification card, allowing poll workers to more easily identify if a voter is eligible. Democratic lawmakers argued the bill would lead to discrimination against noncitizens outside of elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 68 increases the penalty for voting illegally in the state. Rep. Logan Manhart, R-Aberdeen, carried the bill in the House, calling it an election integrity bill and saying it would deter fraudulent voting and keep noncitizens from voting in elections. Chapman said it intimidates already-registered voters who might not meet new residency requirements approved by the Legislature. The goal here is not to protect voters or election integrity. The goal is to intimidate, Chapman said. The state Legislature should not be using its position to intimidate voters out of participating in our elections. Senate Joint Resolution 503 sends a constitutional amendment to South Dakota voters clarifying a person must be a U.S. citizen to vote in the state. The resolution doesnt require the governors approval. All of the other bills await Gov. Larry Rhodens consideration. In 1911, a team of three women with lesbian-like relationships Jane Addams, Sophonisba Breckinridge and Anna Howard Shaw took control of the suffrage movement, leading the nations largest feminist organization. They promoted a diverse and inclusive womens rights movement. My research suggests that the personal lives of these suffrage leaders shaped their political agendas. Rather than emphasizing differences of gender, race, ethnicity and class, they advanced equal rights for all Americans. Suffrage scholarship has long acknowledged a shift from justice to expediency from an emphasis on natural rights to an emphasis on gender distinctions in the movement at the turn of the century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, a founding document of the suffrage struggle, proudly insisted that all men and women are created equal. However, by the early 20th century, many of the movements new adherents emphasized womens differences from men. To gain support, they argued that female voters would engage in social housekeeping and clean up corrupt politics. Some suffragists, including womens rights pioneer Elizabeth Cady Stanton, also increasingly emphasized racial, class and ethnic differences. After the Civil War, when the 15th Amendment enfranchised Black men but ignored all women, white suffrage leaders excluded African American women from the movement. By the 1890s, some had begun to advocate educated suffrage, code for literacy requirements that would extend voting rights to educated, white, middle-class women, but prevent many African Americans, immigrants and working-class citizens from casting ballots. A new leadership team At the 1911 meeting of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), the membership elected Jane Addams as first vice president and Sophonisba Breckinridge as second vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new officers joined a leadership team headed by Anna Howard Shaw, an ordained minister who served as NAWSAs president from 1904 to 1915. For the next year, women who loved other women held the top three positions in the nations largest feminist organization. None of these women publicly claimed a lesbian identity. Nonetheless, like other leaders in womens rights, higher education and social reform, all three women had significant same-sex relationships. Shaw relied on her companion and secretary, Lucy E. Anthony suffrage pioneer Susan B. Anthonys niece to assist her in guiding the woman suffrage movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addams, head of the Chicago settlement house Hull House, enjoyed a long and loving relationship with philanthropist Mary Rozet Smith, who supported her both emotionally and financially. As Addams nephew explained, Smith dedicated herself to making life easier for Jane Addams. That was her career. And, as my biography of Breckinridge demonstrates, her intimate relationship with Edith Abbott, dean of the University of Chicagos School of Social Service Administration, helped her pioneer the social work profession and promote social welfare policy. Promoting conventional femininity Opponents of woman suffrage used images of suffragists as unattractive man-haters to discredit the movement. To counter such stereotypes, suffrage leaders promoted a public image of conventional femininity. Shaw, who previously sported short hair, grew her hair long and wore it in a conservative chignon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I learned that no woman in public life can afford to make herself conspicuous by any eccentricity of dress or appearance, she noted, because negative attention injures the cause she represents. Suffrage leaders also emphasized womens roles as wives and mothers. Addams and Breckinridge were founding members of the Womans City Club of Chicago, which produced a popular pro-suffrage graphic that illustrated the connections between domestic life and local government. NAWSA adopted the image as its own, featuring it on suffrage posters. To avoid criticism and gain support, NAWSAs leaders upheld conventional femininity. But this was not the whole story. Demanding equality for all In a 1910 speech, Breckinridge predicted that the time was coming when man and woman would stand on the same industrial plane and their wages would be equalized by an equal social condition. Breckinridges lesbian-like lifestyle helps explain her stance on gender equality. As a single, self-supporting woman, she understood that many women, like herself, could not rely on men for financial security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus, at the same time that she promoted equal voting rights, she also championed financial support for single mothers and maximum hour and minimum wage legislation for women workers. As members of the Immigrants Protective League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, both Breckinridge and Addams rejected exclusionary strategies. Addams protested proposed literacy tests for immigrants. Breckinridge coauthored a report advocating education, rather than employment, for working class youth. The new lesbian leadership team also welcomed African American participation in the movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement W. E. B. Du Bois, editor of the NAACP publication The Crisis, had publicly criticized NAWSAs racism, warning that the movements mission was becoming Votes for White Women Only. He also published numerous editorials and articles in support of woman suffrage. Breckinridge advocated inviting Du Bois to speak at the suffrage organizations 1912 meeting. His participation signaled NAWSAs growing commitment to racial equality. In 1911, NAWSA had refused to allow a resolution linking woman suffrage with African American rights to be presented at its annual meeting. In 1912, however, NAWSA published Du Boiss speech, Disfranchisement, which did just that, advocating a Democracy of Sex and Color. This lesbian leadership team lasted for only a year. But while it operated, these leaders made the suffrage movement more diverse and inclusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an updated version of an article originally published on January 24, 2020. [ Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversations newsletter. ] 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: Anya Jabour, University of Montana Read more: Anya Jabour receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. To the editor: If President Trump is so keen on purchasing Greenland for national security, international security, resources or whatever, why doesn't he consider procuring Ukraine and achieve all three in the bargain ("Greenlands election winners stand against Trumps wish to take control of the island," March 12)? Think NATO member countries would agree? Steve Baldel, Corona .. To the editor: Is there some reason that America has to be first? I am very comfortable with America being equal with our neighbors and allies. It feels arrogant and obnoxious to rename the Gulf of Mexico and suggest we need to take over Greenland and the Panama Canal. Saul Saladow, Los Angeles This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. To the editor: President Trump didn't think things through regarding the takeover of Canada. With slightly more people than California, Canada would have, by one estimate, 47 Electoral College votes. Bring in liberals with Canada's national Pharmacare and universal health insurance plans and it would change the United States. So much for swing states. It would move the U.S. to the left and wipe out conservative majorities. Canada's government negotiates prescription costs and healthcare fees. It spends a lot less on healthcare and gets much better outcomes overall. The 8% of Americans without healthcare insurance would vote with the Canadians. If the Supreme Court's makeup changes, abortion could become legal in all U.S. states. Florida and Arizona, both of whom have big Canadian winter populations, may swing to Canadian views of liberalism. Canadians are less religious than Americans. It would be a reverse takeover of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheila Morris, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada .. To the editor: To my American friends, I know most of you are amazing and generous people. You didn't ask for this and I understand that. I hold no ill will towards you, but I must stress, with as much seriousness as I can, the damage Trump has caused. American products are now being removed from our store shelves, and Canadians are canceling travel to the U.S. We're not overreacting. We don't think Trump is just negotiating a deal. We believe our closest neighbor wants to economically destroy us and eliminate our way of life. Canadians are angry. I hope there is time to repair this. I believe this is the result of one man's recklessness. Time is running out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivan Bulic, Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada .. To the editor: The Canadian prime minister turned down President Trump's demand for Canada to become a U.S. state. Did he counter by offering to take the United States in as a Canadian territory or province? Jim Arden, Valley Village .. To the editor: In 1972, when jobs in higher education were very scarce, Canada took me in. I had almost completed my doctorate and needed a job. For nine years, I taught at St. Jerome's University in Waterloo, where I was welcomed with typical Canadian grace and never felt like an "ugly American." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did return to the States for family and career reasons, but my memories of our extraordinary northern neighbor are sweet. They gave me my start in higher education for which I will always be grateful. Trump might take account of our enduring friendship with that country in framing his trade policies. Benjamin J. Hubbard, Huntington Beach This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. PENNSBORO, W.Va. (WBOY) The Pennsboro and Ellenboro Volunteer Fire Departments responded to a brush fire Saturday afternoon that appears to have been caused by a lightning strike. According to a Facebook post from the Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department, they and the Ellenboro department responded to a brush fire off of Mountain Drive near the Tyler County line at 3:43 p.m. The fire was located on a remote hill. Crews respond to trees, lines down on Harrison County roads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When firefighters arrived on the scene they discovered a pile of logs that appeared to have caught fire from a lightning strike from storms that had passed over the area earlier that morning. Ritchie County Brush Fire (Photo Courtesy: Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department) Ritchie County Brush Fire (Photo Courtesy: Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department) Ritchie County Brush Fire (Photo Courtesy: Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department) Ritchie County Brush Fire (Photo Courtesy: Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department) Ritchie County Brush Fire (Photo Courtesy: Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department) The departments built a fire line that contained the fire to less than an acre while it was put out, and remained on the scene for more than two hours in total. No injuries were reported. Multiple brush fires have been reported in several West Virginia counties, including one in Marion and small ones in Harrison, one of which was found to have been caused by a cigarette butt. Statewide burning restrictions went into effect on March 1, which you can learn more about 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 WBOY.com. Lincoln police are searching for a man from New York they believe was involved in a shooting late Saturday night. Officials believe 20-year-old Justin Warner from Clay, New York was in the area of South Great Road near the Weston town line when gunshots were heard, Lincoln police said. A police officer who responded to the reported gunshots found a vehicle parked in the conservation parking lot and two guns - an AK-47 and a 9mm handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer was able to play a 20-year-old Lincoln resident in custody but Warner allegedly ran away on foot. Weston police, Wayland police and Concord police helped search the area for the suspect. Waltham police flew a drone and members of Massachusetts State Police also provided a K9 unit to help with the search but authorities were not able to find Warner. 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 Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is defending President Donald Trumps attacks on law firms and attorneys which hes deemed his enemies. The senator from South Carolina said he was more than fine with Trumps decision to pull security clearances and slap other restrictions on legal adversaries while speaking to CBS moderator Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation on Sunday. Calling investigations into Trumps ties to Russia and the Jan. 6 assault on the capital politically motivated, he said, People who engaged in trying to destroy President Trump, I dont mind him going after them in a lawful way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brennan immediately pushed back at Grahams use of the word lawful, telling the senator, The president is trying to use government power to punish private business because he didnt like some of the work they had been doing. Graham doubled down, telling the journalist how private business aided government power in a fashion to destroy Donald Trumps life. Painting the president as the victim, Graham said, You know, on our side, nobody in your world gets it, but our people believe that the Justice Department was used as a weapon to destroy Trumps campaign and his business interests and to ruin his family. That they made up bogus charges and they proceeded in a fashion that was designed to destroy him politically and personally, he went on. I believe that and if these people involved pay a price, they got nobody but themselves to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham then chuckled as Brennan reminded him these firms were simply doing the jobs they were hired for. These are lawyers working on cases, she said. Youre making it sound like the work that they take on is somehow part of a conspiracy and they should be punished for it. Trying to muddy the waters, the senator accused Trumps targets of pushing legal theories that to me were designed for political outcomes more than legal outcomes. We can have a debate about, you know, holding a lawyer accountable for his clients actions, he added. I generally dont like that. Thats what this sounds like, Brennan interjected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham stood his ground, saying that attorneys involved in investigations against Trump were trying to disrupt and take down the Republican nominee for president. This was an orchestrated effort and Biden only regretted they didnt do it sooner, he maintained. So it was politically motivated and everybody with their fingerprints on it, I hope they pay a price. Trump started pulling government security access as payback toward a list of perceived political and legal adversaries not long after reassuming office in January. Hours after his inauguration, he revoked security clearance from 49 former senior intelligence officials for signing a letter suggesting Russia had meddled in the 2020 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early February, he revoked former President Joe Bidens top-secret security clearances and halted his daily intelligence briefings, a highly classified report which has traditionally been available to former presidents. After that, he yanked security privileges for a firm personally defending former special counsel Jack Smith pro bono, as well as another that represented Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2016 campaign for president. Related... By Lili Bayer and Andrew Gray BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Lithuania on Sunday backed an EU proposal to pledge up to 40 billion euros ($43.5 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year and said a similar amount would also be needed in future years to deter any future Russian attack. "If we can sustain this amount ... for a longer period of time, that would be the amount that would allow Ukrainians to keep their armed forces at current strength," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told Reuters on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budrys spoke on the eve of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels that will discuss the proposal, put forward by the bloc's diplomatic service, headed by former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. The meeting comes at a time of uncertainty about the outcome of U.S. negotiations with Russia, the future of U.S. assistance to Ukraine and Washington's commitment to European security. EU diplomats suggested doubling military aid to Ukraine to as much as 40 billion euros, according to a document seen by Reuters on Friday. While some EU countries have responded cautiously to the initiative, Budrys said long-term military support for Ukraine should not depend on the outcome of any peace talks as it was already clear Kyiv would need to maintain strong armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine's armed forces will be the main deterrence forces for Russians not to return," he said. Lithuania has been among Ukraines staunchest supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and is among Europe's top defence spenders as a percentage of GDP. The Baltic country spent 2.85% of GDP on defence in 2024, according to NATO estimates, and has committed to raising that figure to 5% to 6% between 2026 and 2030. ($1 = 0.9194 euros) (Reporting by Lili Bayer and Andrew Gray; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) A federal judge expanded his ruling temporarily blocking the Trump administration from invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 on Saturday, preventing the removal of Venezuelan undocumented immigrants presumed to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The order issued by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg will halt deportations for all individuals deemed eligible for removal under President Trumps proclamation for 14 days due to a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward and the ACLU. However, the Trump administration deported people anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN Sunday host Jake Tapper pressed Republican Sen. Mike Rounds (S.D.) on the moves legality since the judge ordered the administration to turn deportation flights around and bring people back to the U.S. while it plays out in the courts. Well find out whether or not that actually occurred or not, Rounds said, later adding, I dont know about the timing on it. I do know that we will follow the law. Houthis are vowing retaliation after the U.S. launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen. Trump ordered a series of airstrikes on the Houthis, a militant group backed by Iran, on Saturday. The president said the U.S. would use an overwhelming lethal force to take out the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and Ukraine traded attacks over the weekend, just shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. officials about a ceasefire deal. Both sides reported more than 100 enemy drones over their territories, The Associated Press reported. However, on Sunday, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said his recent meeting with Russian officials to talk about continued peace negotiations was positive. This morning, I met with President Putin, Witkoff said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. I think the meeting was somewhere between three and four hours. It was positive. These will likely be the topics of conversation on todays morning shows. Follow along below for the latest updates. 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. HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) President Donald Trump is escalating the trade war with Europe by threatening steep tariffs on imported alcohol. A wine and beer bar located in the Village of Hamburg is preparing for the worst, saying its business might be in jeopardy. On Thursday, Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne, and spirits. This came in response to a European Union plan to impose tariffs on American whiskey and other products next month. This definitely came as a huge shock to us, said Nicole Cassell, one of the owners of Alchemy Wine and Beer. Of course, tariffs have been spoken of since the election, but a 200% increase was super shocking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alchemy is a boutique wine and beer bar located in the center of the Village of Hamburg. Cassell said 90% of the wine they sell is imported from Europe. A bottle that you would normally find here at Alchemy, which at least half of our bottles are $35, would now cost up to $90, Cassell said. Cassell explained these tariffs would not only impact the cost for customers, but hurt her business. She said Alchemy, which has been solely operated by women for almost seven years, could be on the brink of closure if prices skyrocket. This isnt a game to us, this is our daily life, Cassell said. We put our blood, sweat, and tears into this every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alchemy also partners with several local organizations to host events and also caters private events such as birthday parties, graduations, and weddings. Cassell said several of those have already been booked and quoted, leaving her in a tough position as a business owner. You tell a customer your package costs $500, but now its 200% more, said Cassell. Its kind of hard. You cant give it away for free. Cassell and her business partner are going to focus on whats available in other countries, including here in the United States. Alchemy already partners with local vineyards and even makes its own wine. But Cassell fears there is not enough American wine to make up for all they usually offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality of winemaking is its not like tomorrow we can just make more wine, said Cassell. You have to plant a vineyard, cultivate it. Wine takes a decade. Cassell said Hamburg has been incredible when it comes to supporting her business. Alchemy hosts numerous events throughout the year. You can find more information on their event schedule 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Big Hoopla 4-Miler race was held at Wright State University on Sunday. Multiple people ran around campus to celebrate the start of the NCAA First Four which kicks off March Madness. The race finished in the Student Union. It was the kick-off to four days of activities. Both the race and the STEM Challenge were moved to the university for the first time this year. The racers got a tee-shirt and snacks. Winners got custom finisher medals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 News caught up to the first-place winner, Austin Szekacs, at the finish line. He is a graduate of WSUs class of 2017. Get ready for The Big Hoopla STEM Challenge & 4 Miler! The race was good, I mean, it was challenging. There were some hills, but great weather, and great competition, said Szekacs. I had a great time. It was nice to see the old campus that I used to go to. He raced in the 2023 Dayton race. He was excited for the race to be on campus. I ran cross-country at Wright State. We always ran around here every day. So it was great to see again, said Szekacs. The course was a little bit hilly, but still went through campus. I got to see all the great memories I had here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, he shared his thoughts on getting first place. It feels good. It also feels good to be done, Im a little tired, said Szekacs. To learn more about the Big Hoopla, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Long Island couldnt have taken on MS-13 without a little help from the feds as he revealed the migrant gangs three twisted rules that made them the most dangerous in the Empire State. Tierney said during an exclusive sit-down with The Post that migrant crews like the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua wreak havoc in the New York metropolitan area, but MS-13 poses a greater threat because prestige among the ranks is gained solely through violence and murder. Thats the purpose of MS-13, to be the biggest, baddest, most violent gang in the world, he said. They considered murder part and parcel of what they did. And thats how you gained prestige and respect and moved up in the gang, by committing outrageous acts of violence, including murder. Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney says he could not have taken on MS-13 without the feds stepping in. James Messerschmidt In the ethos of the gang the best way to accomplish that would be with your hands, a club machete, Tierney said. Violence for the MS-13 is not necessarily in furtherance of economic benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his offices success in shutting down much of the gang on his turf hinges largely on the feds. The reason why its gotten significantly better is primarily the federal government the FBI, the US Attorneys Office. And I was part of that, but it was those agencies. They took a lot of these violent actors off the streets and made it better. MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha 13, was formed by immigrants from El Salvador in the US who fled civil war in their country in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to federal officials. Initially meant to protect migrants from violence, the gang grew into one of the most notorious criminal enterprises in the country, relying more on violent attacks than traditional criminal activities. The Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13 gang, was founded by Salvadoran immigrants and became a worldwide criminal gang. AFP via Getty Images Police on Long Island and New York City have been able to dismantle much of MS-13s operations in the area. Getty Images Gang members have three rules that dictate death sentences no member can cooperate with police, no outsider can disrespect the gang, and rival gangbangers are to be executed on sight, Tierney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York, MS-13 established a strong presence on Long Island, peaking in 2015, leaving behind a trail of ruthless and merciless violence against even helpless teenagers. In October, a gang hanger-on nicknamed Little Devil was sentenced to 50 years in prison for luring four men to a local park where a gang of MS-13 thugs hacked them to death. Suffolk DA Ray Tierney said MS-13 is the most vicious migrant gang because of their affinity for senseless violence. James Messerschmidt Leniz Escobar, 24, was convicted in 2022 of four counts of murder in aid of racketeering and one count of racketeering in connection with the horrifying crime. In July, Alexi Saenz, 29 the reputed former head of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside clique admitted he was behind a series of slayings that included the deaths of Nisa Mickens, 15, and her 16-year-old friend, Kayla Cuevas, who were beaten and hacked to death in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2024 police in Suffolk County said two severed heads and other scattered body parts found at a Babylon park were believed to be linked to MS-13. MS-13 associate Leniz Escobar, 23, was so malicious that she was nicknamed Little Devil by the gang. Tren de Aragua, a more recent migrant menace in the Big Apple and surrounding suburbs, exploited city funded shelters in the five boroughs by recruiting new members and spearheading illegal operations. Despite their capacity for violence, TdA largely relies on drug, gun and human trafficking, and grab-and-go robberies by crews of moped-riding migrants focusing more on illicit profits than assault and murder. Both MS-13 and Tren de Aragua were designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the Trump administration, which has launched nationwide raids to expel illegal immigrants. Retired Sacramento Bee reporter Sam Stanton will receive a lifetime achievement award Thursday from the Society of Professional Journalists Northern California chapter, honoring his four-decade career dedicated to government accountability and the publics right to know. Stanton will be awarded the Norwin S. Yoffie Career Achievement Award during SPJ NorCals 40th annual James Madison Freedom of Information Awards in San Francisco. The Yoffie award is named after the former Marin Independent Journal publisher and co-founder of SPJs Northern California Freedom of Information Committee. Stantons reporting is defined by not only a commitment to the right to know, but also journalistic excellence, SPJ NorCal said in announcing the honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stantons 42-year journalism career began in 1982 at The Arizona Republic, where he covered state and national politics. He joined The Sacramento Bee in 1991, quickly becoming a standard-bearer for accountability journalism in Californias capital. His byline became a mainstay of The Bees coverage for more than three decades. Colleen McCain Nelson, The Bees executive editor, described Stanton as irreplaceable. His ability to source, report and make sense of chaos has set a standard few can match, Nelson said in remarks to SPJ. Sam Stanton Stantons reporting often broke new ground in government transparency. His work securing public records and pushing for government accountability led to lawsuits by The Bee to enforce public access laws. He worked closely with attorney Karl Olson in high-profile cases, including the fight for internal affairs records from the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office and police shooting files from the Sacramento Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olson, who has represented The Bee and other McClatchy newspapers in California for decades, received the Yoffie award in 2024. The Bee and Stanton were honored by SPJ NorCal in 2020, recognizing work by Stanton and his colleagues in seeking compliance with Senate Bill 1421, a police transparency law, among other investigative work. In 2017, Stanton and then-Bee education reporter Diana Lambert received SPJs James Madison Freedom of Information Award for their investigation of former UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi. Their reporting uncovered Katehis use of hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money to manage her online image, along with her participation in lucrative board appointments and international trips. The revelations led to a separate University of California investigation and Katehis resignation in 2016. The investigation earned two first-place awards from the Inland Press Association for investigative reporting in 2016. Over his 33 years at The Bee, Stanton won numerous awards for breaking news and investigative reporting. Among his notable work was a 2013 investigation of Carissa Carpenter, who proposed building a large movie studio in Dixon despite a history of failed projects and legal troubles. Stantons reporting, alongside longtime Bee reporter and editor Marjie Lundstrom, led to Carpenters conviction in 2018. Lundstrom, a 1991 Pulitzer Prize winner, retired after serving as deputy editor at CalMatters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his retirement in May, Stanton was named Journalist of the Year by the Sacramento Press Club. In honoring Stanton, the club remarked: The Sacramento Bee editor who nominated Sam Stanton for journalist of the year called him a weight-bearing wall of a journalist. We agree. The Madison awards honor the people and organizations who have made significant contributions to advancing freedom of information and expression in the spirit of James Madison, the creative force behind the First Amendment. Among other honorees at Thursdays event is Fresno Bee reporter Melissa Montalvo, whose nine-month investigation into Pitman Family Farms in Hanford exposed unsafe working conditions following the death of employee Jesus Salazar. Her reporting prompted a state investigation into the company. A fire at a nightclub in the town of Kocani in North Macedonia has killed 59 people and injured more than 150 others, according to authorities. Here is a look at some other nightclub and music venue fires that have led to significant death tolls: April 2024: A blaze at the Masquerade nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, trapped workers and employees while the venue was closed for renovations, leaving 29 people dead. It was located on the ground and basement floors of a 16-story residential building. October 2023: A fire that started at a nightclub in the southeastern Spanish city of Murcia and spread to two other clubs left 13 people dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January 2022: A nightclub in Sorong, in Indonesia's West Papua province, burned after two groups attacked each other inside the building. Nineteen people were killed. January 2022: A blaze at Livs Nightclub Yaouba in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, set off explosions that killed 17 people. The government suggested that fireworks set the roof alight and the fire then spread to areas where cooking gas was stored. December 2016: Thirty-six people died in a fire at a warehouse in Oakland, California that had been converted into a residence and event space for artists dubbed the Ghost Ship. The blaze, which broke out during an electronic music and dance party, moved so quickly that victims were trapped on the illegally constructed second floor. October 2015: A blaze that broke out during a rock band's pyrotechnics display at the Colectiv nightclub in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, killed 64 people and left some 190 injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January 2013: A fire killed more than 200 people at the Kiss nightclub in the city of Santa Maria in southern Brazil. Investigators said soundproofing foam on the ceiling caught fire and released poisonous gases that quickly killed those attending a university party. December 2009: Some 152 people died when a blaze broke out at the Lame Horse nightclub in Perm, Russia. It started when an indoor fireworks display ignited a plastic ceiling decorated with branches. January 2009: An indoor fireworks display after a New Years countdown ignited a blaze in the Santika club in Bangkok, Thailand, killing 67 people and injuring many more. Victims died from burns, smoke inhalation, and from being crushed. September 2008: A fire killed 44 people at the jammed King of Dancers nightclub in Shenzhen, China when a stamped broke out after a fireworks show ignited the ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement December 2004: In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a fire killed 194 people at the crowded Cromagnon Republic club after a flare ignited ceiling foam. Club owner Omar Chaban was sentenced to 20 years in prison for causing the deadly fire and for bribery. Others received lighter sentences. February 2003: A fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, in the United States, killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others. Fireworks being used by the band set fire to flammable foam inside the club. December 2000: A fire that was blamed on a welding accident killed 309 people at a disco in the central Chinese city of Luoyang. October 1998: An arson attack against an overcrowded youth disco in the Swedish city Goteborg killed 63 people and left around 200 injured. Four people were later convicted for starting the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 1996: A fire at the Ozone Disco Pub in Quezon City, Philippines, killed 162 people. A large proportion of the victims were students partying to mark the end of the academic year. March 1990: An arson attack at the Happy Land nightclub in the Bronx borough of New York City killed 87 people. It started when a man angry with his girlfriend threw gasoline on the clubs only exit and set it on fire, then jammed down the metal front gate so people were trapped. December 1983: A fire at the Alcala dance hall in Madrid, Spain, left 78 people dead and more than 20 injured. May 1977: A fire at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky, killed 165 people and injured more than 200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement November 1942: The deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history killed 492 people at Bostons Cocoanut Grove club. The fire at what had been one of Bostons foremost nightspots led to new requirements for sprinkler systems and accessible exits. April 1940: A fire ignited the decorative Spanish moss draping the ceiling of the Rhythm Night Club in Natchez, Mississippi, killing 209 people. The windows had been boarded up to prevent people from sneaking in. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Wealthy Theatre is a relic of a bygone era. It is one of the few neighborhood performing arts venues left in West Michigan. Wealthy Theatre opened in Grand Rapids 1911 during the heart of the Vaudeville era. It adapted as talkies entered the scene, persevered when drive-ins and television siphoned away patrons, hung on during the flight to the suburbs and then survived the wrecking ball in the late 1980s. But the Wealthy Theatre nearly came down another way. It was one of several local theaters targeted by arsonists during a labor dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday marks the 95th anniversary of the Wealthy Theatre bombing, the last in a series of bombings that finally gave investigators a key break in the case. A 1947 file photo of Wealthy Street Theatre in Grand Rapids. (Grand Rapids History Center) A 1947 file photo of Wealthy Street Theatre in Grand Rapids. (Grand Rapids History Center) FOUR BLASTS, NO SUSPECTS In the days before the Wealthy Theatre attack, police had little to go on. The first of the overnight explosions happened on Jan. 30, 1930, at the Royal Theater on Leonard Street. Then, about three weeks later, the Family Theater on Michigan Street and the Liberty Theater at S. Division Avenue and Highland Street were hit on the same night. From utility to icon: The humble history of Grand Rapids Blue Bridge Police were open about the difficulties they faced, even telling the press that in most cases the evidence is destroyed by the explosion and a real motive for the act is not readily found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things took a turn when the attacks spread from Grand Rapids to Muskegon. Early in the morning on March 17, a large explosion ripped through the Regent Theater. According to news reports from the Muskegon Chronicle, the explosion happened around 4:40 a.m. First responders got to the scene quickly. Sgt. Clarence Jacobsen, who was at City Hall a couple of blocks away, felt the tremors of the explosion and dispatched officers and contacted the fire department. The banner headline of the March 17, 1930 edition of the Muskegon Chronicle details the explosion at the Regent Theater. (Muskegon Chronicle/Muskegon Area District Library) Police and firemen found the building full of smoke, dust and acrid fumes, the Muskegon Chronicle reported. Through the aid of flashlights, they found that the explosive had been placed near the sound reproducing equipment on the stage. Theater owner Paul Schlossman initially estimated the explosion caused $5,000 in damage, but later walked down that statement. The blast damaged some of the sound equipment and parts of the stage, as well as pieces of scenery and dressing rooms that were built below the stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sweet House: An inside look at a piece of Grand Rapids history Fortunately for Schlossman, he paid attention to the attacks in Grand Rapids and reportedly filed for explosion insurance two weeks before the attack. By that time, police were confident they had a motive locked in. Given that each attack happened in the middle of the night, when the theaters were empty, the attackers werent out to hurt anyone. It was more likely they were connected to a budding labor dispute between theater owners and a local union chapter of motion picture operators. The union members were upset that more theaters were hiring outside help to run projectors and other equipment. Grand Rapids Patrolman Melvin Pease investigates some of the damage at the Wealthy Street Theatre after it was the target of a bombing attack in the early morning hours on March 19, 1930. (The Grand Rapids Press/NewsBank) The bombing at Wealthy Street Theatre also damaged the garage of a man who lived on Sigsbee Avenue, behind the theatre. (The Grand Rapids Press/NewsBank) WEALTHY THEATRE ATTACKED The explosion at Wealthy Theatre happened around 1:20 a.m. March 19, 1930. The blast rocked the entire neighborhood, but did surprisingly little damage to the theater itself more evidence for police that they were dealing with amateurs and not experienced arsonists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Grand Rapids Press reported the worst damage to the theater was a hole blown in the foundation. While the Regent Theater reported upwards of $5,000 in damage, the Wealthy Theatre estimated repairs would cost $100. The blast wasnt a total dud. A neighboring garage was also knocked down and several nearby houses and cars suffered broken windows. Two children who were sleeping near those windows were cut by broken glass. Then and now: Furniture factories still shape Grand Rapids Theater owner Oscar Varneau, who lived a block away, was awoken by the blast and reportedly told his wife, There goes our theater. He told reporters he was surprised by the lack of damage when he arrived on scene. The banner headline of the March 19, 1930 edition of the Grand Rapids Press announcing arrests in the Wealthy Street Theatre bombing. (The Grand Rapids Press/NewsBank) Unlike the other four attacks, investigators got a quick lead on a suspect. Shortly after the explosion, Grand Rapids police received a tip. About five minutes before the blast, a man saw two people ditch a package at a vacant lot at Plymouth and Wealthy. He thought it was suspicious and took down their vehicles license plate number. About 80 minutes after the blast, investigators had two men in police custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police had shared the license plate number to their partners across the state. The vehicle was spotted by a patrol along US-16 (now called Grand River Avenue) near Lansing and pulled over. The two men in the car were 38-year-old Roe Lawton, who was a former operator at Temple Theater, and Frank Chamberlain, a 26-year-old from Detroit. Roe Lawton, center and Frank Chamberlain, right, are escorted by a state trooper after being arrested in Lansing in the wake of the Wealthy Street Theatre bombing. (The Grand Rapids Press/NewsBank) At the vacant lot, investigators found wax paper packaging for the dynamite presumably used in the explosion. Lawton also had news clippings of three other theater explosions in his billfold, and Chamberlain had letters that connected them to two more possible accomplices, including Stanley Haddis, the head of the Grand Rapids union of motion picture operators. Suburban dream, urban crisis: Redlinings affect on Grand Rapids Black community Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within days, Lawton and Chamberlain confessed to the Wealthy Theatre bombing. They told investigators that Lawton helped plan the attacks and purchased the dynamite. The two went to a farm near Sparta to pick it up, drove to another union operators home to prepare the explosives and the charge. After the explosion, they were heading back to Chamberlains home in Detroit when they were arrested. On March 27 eight days after the bombing Lawton was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Chamberlain received 20 years. Meanwhile, the Wealthy Theatre still stands, now rehabilitated and serving as the home to the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. The Regent Theater, along with many other historic buildings in downtown Muskegon, was demolished in 1972. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Mar. 16On Jan. 21, 2020, the state of Washington reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19. On March 13 of that year, Idaho would do the same. By the time the World Health Organization announced the end of the global Public Health Emergency to COVID-19 in May of 2023, the world, for many, felt fundamentally changed. Public demonstrators had stormed Idaho's Capitol building and shut down school board meetings by refusing to mask. Health care workers reported record levels of burnout, and the industry saw an exodus of professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political activism in the middle of it all galvanized some, and revealed fault lines within American communities. And across the United States, more than a million people died from COVID-19. Two years after the official end of the pandemic, The Tribune caught up with local residents and doctors to talk about moving forward, how the experience changed them, and wisdom they've gleaned along the way. These are their reflections. Dr. Pete Mikkelsen Dr. Pete Mikkelsen is the chief medical officer for Pullman Regional Hospital, an emergency physician, and medical director for the hospital's emergency department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his work, he juggles health care administrative tasks with caring for patients. When the pandemic began, he said, health care workers dealt with a lot of fear for their patients, and for themselves. "There were stories of young, otherwise healthy, physicians who died of COVID early on," he said. "That hit home for a lot of us. There were a lot of unknowns." Mikkelsen said in many ways, the pandemic brought out the best in providers as they worked together to take care of their community. But that focus also meant health care workers couldn't work toward other goals. That's something they're still catching up on, he said. "I think a lot of people felt like they had all these things on their agenda that they wanted to achieve that we had to put on the back burner," Mikkelsen said. "A lot of organizations went through this, where they had to start becoming more strategic because you can't do everything." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-pandemic, doctors are seeing more patients than ever, Mikkelsen said. He estimates at his emergency department, there is a 20%-25% higher patient volume than before the pandemic. At Pullman Regional, where administrators are preparing for an expansion, patients in the emergency department are often treated on gurneys in the hallway as rooms fill up. That expansion is still about two years away, he said. "We have six patients in the hallway and eight in rooms, and a few more in the waiting room," Mikkelsen said during his early March interview. "That's the reality right now. We have one nurse who's taking care of three patients with acute behavioral health crises." Health care providers, especially in emergency care, are also increasingly concerned with workplace violence post-pandemic, he said. Some research suggests the pandemic may have contributed to an increase in violence against health care workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some proposed legislation would establish federal criminal penalties for attacking health care workers. Many efforts within hospitals focus on de-escalation and response plans. "A lot of it has to do with predicting and preventing (violence)," Mikkelsen said. "De-escalation efforts, having an organized response when we have a patient who is agitated." Providers also faced a general increase in mental health challenges during the pandemic, Mikkelsen said. Today, he thinks medical professionals are better equipped to seek help when they need it. "Physicians are certainly talking more about their own mental health care. They're getting treatment for depression and anxiety and other mental health things," he said. "So, I think that's probably a positive to come out of this," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Jacques Bouchard Dr. Jacques Bouchard is a family medicine doctor and the owner of Link Family Medicine, which is a direct primary care clinic in Moscow. When the pandemic started, Bouchard was working in a local fee-for-service clinic. He said normal health services ground to a halt. "We essentially combed through our schedules and whoever was not urgent, we called those patients and said, 'Hey, we're gonna reschedule you,'" Bouchard said. One of the most stressful experiences for him, Bouchard said, was when a patient needed surgery in the middle of the pandemic but couldn't find a hospital with the resources to take him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Three or four of his vessels were blocked and he needed the intervention of a bypass graft," Bouchard said. "He went up to Kootenai (Health). And was all ready. And they're like, yep, you need the surgery. You probably needed the surgery yesterday." But because no ICU beds were available to transfer someone after his surgery, Bouchard said, his patient had to wait at least a month. All the other hospitals had the same problem, Bouchard said. "They had the ready space to do the operation. They had the manpower to do it. They had the resources, but they didn't have the hospital space to take care of him. Bouchard was also a first step for many people seeking mental health care, he said. In a small town with only a few psychiatrists, he said, family medicine doctors are often the first point of contact for people with mental health problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I encountered a lot more anxiety and depression that I treated," he said. Looking back, Bouchard said, the lessons from the pandemic reinforced his understanding of how people make their medical decisions, about things like vaccinations, and how he can help them make those decisions. Bouchard can't change what people believe, he said. But what he can do is share what choices he makes for his own health and his family. "When I tell patients about COVID and how it can be prevented by a vaccine, I tell them in the same breath, 'I get the vaccine. My wife gets the vaccine. All our kids get the vaccine,'" he said. "By telling them personally that you're invested in this, most studies (show), as well as anecdotally with my patients, that goes a long way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melyssa Andrews Two years ago, Melyssa Andrews, 47, spoke with the Tribune about her time during the pandemic. A health care worker, Andrews also suffered her own losses during the pandemic, including the deaths of several grandparents and friends. Five years later, Andrews said, her family is still recovering from the pandemic. Andrews is still a working mother, supporting her own mother, and now-17-year-old daughter. One of the hardest things has been helping her daughter move on and cope with negativity in online spaces, Andrews said. "It's hard on our kids. They don't have the ability to cope and adapt, because it's all they know," she said. "Even adults got locked into the electronic age." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrews has been trying to pull herself and her daughter away from electronics, she said. She goes on trips with her family to places like the Wallowa mountain ranges, boat rides on the Snake River, and stops at Lake Coeur d'Alene and Palouse Falls. In her work in health care, Andrews said, she saw a shift where more people seemed willing to act aggressively toward workers even after the pandemic ended. "We're in a new normal where there's less accountability for actions and people are finding it acceptable to be rude in public," she said. "It's hard working in any field that you deal with customer service because people do find that it's OK to treat people badly." Andrews said she's also seen hostility toward people who still wear masks. But often, those who mask up are doing so because they're more susceptible to disease. "There's a reason that people are still wearing masks. It's not because they're one political party or another, it's because they have medical ailments," she said. "I just think that people need to be kinder to others." Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM Jared Edmonds In 2022, Jared Edmonds spoke with the Tribune for the first time about his experience after contracting COVID-19 in July 2020, and the ordeal that followed. About a week after getting sick, Edmonds woke up with a racing heart rate and couldn't feel his arms or legs. Two years after getting sick, Edmonds had shared he still struggled with fatigue and a racing heart rate from mild exertion. That's still the case today, he said. Now 33, Edmonds has struggled being someone who often felt sick, but didn't look sick. Since his last interview, Edmonds was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects some people experiencing long-term side effects from COVID-19. He said the biggest thing that helped him was working on acceptance, and grace for medical professionals. "Being ready to accept the unknown and the 'I don't know' (is important)," he said. "Those are a part of life." Edmonds said going to therapy helped him accept how his life changed from the pandemic. "Tackling the mental side of things helped me the most," he said. "There was no avenue for me to go down that was going to wave a magic wand and make life go back to the way it was." Since 2022, Edmonds has taken on a less physically strenuous job. He said leaning on his faith, friends and family has helped him find acceptance for his new life. "I also found out I have a family friend who has chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. So we've grown closer through our illness," he said. Oluwaseyi Arogudade Oluwaseyi Arogudade is a sophomore at the University of Idaho from Lewiston. She spoke with the Tribune two years ago about her experience during the pandemic, which started when she was just 14 years old. She said the changes she underwent during the pandemic were closely tied to the political movements of the time. Arogudade recalled being shocked and confused as she watched the people around her react to the murder of George Floyd, a Black man killed by police, and the Black Lives Matter movement. "It's hard when you really just want people to understand you as like, who you are as a human being, and they've just been so ingrained with 'it's me versus you' and that type of mentality," she said. The experience spurred Arogudade to be heavily involved in student government and organizations. Two years since her first interview, she's chief of staff for the Associated Students of University of Idaho, and vice president of the Black Student Union. "I think that the pandemic, in and of itself, wouldn't have been as impactful for me if all of those other social issues didn't happen at the same time," she said. In the years following the pandemic, she said, Arogudade would learn more about how to sustain herself and others in her community through emotional ups and downs. "Providing spaces for us not to have to be strong for us not to have to have to get over it, spaces where we can be angry and upset without worrying like how we're perceived is a luxury we're trying to afford to each other," she said. "Because it's not a luxury that we are given in day-to-day life." That lesson was tested this winter when the Black Student Union lost its meeting spot after UI closed its Black and African American Cultural Center ahead of policies targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs on university campuses in Idaho. Arogudade said to her, it felt like taking a step back. That's where another post-pandemic lesson for her younger self comes in, she said. "Change isn't gonna happen overnight," she said. "It's OK to feel joy and feel happiness. ... Finding joy and finding happiness in everything you do is the motivation for you to keep going." Chris Skidmore Chris Skidmore is the director of Whitman County Public Health. When the pandemic started, Skidmore had been serving as deputy director of the organization. But after his predecessor left at the end of 2020, Skidmore said, he found himself learning how to direct a public health agency in the middle of a pandemic. "I was just kind of drinking from a fire hose," he said. Skidmore became director about a month before COVID-19 vaccinations became available. He'd never managed a mass vaccination. The pandemic necessitated a public health response at a scale no one had been prepared for. Skidmore and his staff managed to distribute the vaccine with help from community partners, he said, but shortly thereafter many of the county's public health workers, facing burnout, left their job. "I lost about 60% of my staff during that time," Skidmore said. "I was making lots of mistakes. I was learning, a lot of times the hard way." That period put a heavy strain on public health workers, Skidmore said, and was hard on his own mental health. "I'll never be the same person I was before the pandemic," he said. "It has put some scars on us that you're not going to erase. They're going to be with you for the rest of your life. But you can't go back. You got to look forward." Five years later, looking forward means catching up on community health programs that fell to the wayside during the COVID-19 response. Skidmore said his biggest priorities are childhood immunization programs. During the last check that measured data from 2019 to 2021, children 0-3 years old in Whitman county saw a roughly 17% decline in childhood immunizations, Skidmore said, while the rest of the state as a whole declined by about 5%. That's especially significant as communicable diseases such as RSV, pertussis and measles have risen. Skidmore said during the pandemic, the public was bombarded with false and misleading information. That's still something he still has to combat today. "Trying to arm our residents with the tools so they can filter through that and get what the real, is, I think, important," Skidmore said. He hopes the information from state and federal agencies stays consistent with evidence-based medicine, Skidmore said, but acknowledged there can be discrepancies. Just this past week, Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touted unproven treatments for measles, and suggested negative side effects from the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines were more common than they are. When it comes to public health information, including vaccines, building trust within the community is important, Skidmore said. He feels his team has done that. "I will tell you that the majority of the residents have a lot more trust in their local health departments more so than they do in their state and federal folks," he said. Skidmore said he doesn't think things will ever be the same. But working in public health during the pandemic left him and his team better prepared for the challenges ahead. Even with the recent measles outbreak in Texas, everything feels more doable than before the COVID-19 response, he said. "We did things during the pandemic we never thought we would be able to do," he said. "Prior to the pandemic, a measles outbreak ... we would be freaking out. But COVID is just as virulent as measles. And we've dealt with that at a much higher level." Sun may be contacted at rsun@lmtribune.com or on Twitter at @Rachel_M_Sun. This report is made in partnership with Northwest Public Broadcasting, the Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) An 18-year-old has been charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with a January shooting at a Burger King on Perkins Road. According to an arrest warrant, Baton Rouge police responded to the fast-food restaurant in the 7600 block of Perkins Road, where they found a male juvenile with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. A witness told police that Jaden James, who was 17 at the time, had picked up the victim and another male to meet some females. The witness asked to drive James car, and James agreed. Upon arriving at the restaurant, the witness and James uncle went inside while James, the victim, and another unidentified male remained in the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While inside, the witness saw James move to the drivers seat, pull up to the front of the building, and honk the horn. James uncle then got back into the car The witness came outside to find the victim on the ground with a gunshot wound. James and the others drove off. According to the police, the victim said James attempted to rob him of his clothes and phone. When the victim refused, the unidentified male allegedly pulled a gun, and James began choking him before taking the phone. The victim was shot while trying to get it back. James was arrested in Livingston Parish and faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and illegal use of weapons. Baton Rouge police have also charged him with armed robbery and additional weapons charges. 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 exterior of the now defunct Seabra market in Bristol, Rhode Island, in seen in a 2008 photo. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Groceries arent getting any cheaper, but Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos has some ideas on how to make supermarket shelves a little more equitable. No one has a silver bullet to address grocery prices, Matos told the House Committee on Corporations Thursday, March 13, when she testified on three bills that are part of her Fair Price Grocery Agenda. But Matos does have one belief about where the price increases are coming from: retailer markup. Big supermarket chains have continued the trend of pandemic-era markup, she wrote in testimony submitted to the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While giant national chains have thrived, our families and our independent grocery stores are just scraping by, Matos testified. The four bills in Matos grocery cart heard by the committee are all sponsored by Democrats: H5551, sponsored by Rep. Megan Cotter of Exeter, would protect Rhode Islanders from surge pricing at grocery stores by requiring that food and essential household goods maintain a physical price tag. The bill is designed to preemptively prevent stores charging consumers prices based on real-time demand. H5552, sponsored by Rep. Grace Diaz of Providence, is modeled after a federal antitrust law called the Robinson-Patman Act, and would allow independent grocery stores to ask and receive from suppliers the pricing agreements made with larger retailers. It would also make it illegal for large suppliers to charge independent stores more than big grocery chains for the same goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement H5553, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Noret of Coventry, is designed with seniors in mind specifically, those who dont have smartphones. The bill would require stores to offer in-store alternatives to digital-only discounts, but it does not dictate paper coupons specifically. Noret noted that asking for coupons in a crammed checkout line, rather shames the individual to stand there and ask for a discount for 50 cents on this, 50 cents on that. Noret imagined one solution: Stores could hold cards loaded with coupons at service desks for customers without smartphones, that could be temporarily used in store without having to ask for piecemeal access. H5902, sponsored by Rep. Edith Ajello of Providence, would prevent grocery stores from using restrictive covenants, which prohibit new grocery stores from opening in former grocery store locations. It was not heard Thursday. Introduced on Feb. 28, the bill is waiting to be scheduled for a hearing before the House Committee on Judiciary. David Folcarelli, Matos senior advisor who helped draft the bills, said Friday he believes Rhode Island could be the first state in the nation to regulate grocery story practices in this way. Matos wrote Friday via email that she was very happy with Thursdays hearing, which was a great introduction to the Fair Price Grocery Agenda, she said. While we got the expected pushback from lobbying groups that represent national supermarket chains, we also received excellent written support from local and national groups who are fighting to protect independent businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lieutenant governor is no stranger to supporting groceries stores or employees who stock the shelves. The workers who do the actual labor of feeding our communities deserve their fair share of the enormous profits reaped by international chains, Matos wrote in a February statement on striking Stop and Shop workers. Committee member and Democratic Rep. Enrique Sanchez said he was supportive of the bill. A lot of markets, a lot of corporations and companies like to mention that they cant do much to bring down the cost of food, milk, eggs and so on, he said. But at the local level, I know bills like these create paths of less cost expenses for residents, especially in low-income communities. Matos bill also received positive written testimonies from local organizations like the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. Folcarelli said Friday the lieutenant governors office was cautiously optimistic: We never take anything for granted, but these are issues that touch the lives of everyday Rhode Islanders and we believe they resonate with lawmakers. Bills like fair digital coupons and ending restrictive covenants are common-sense solutions to clearly unfair practices by superstores, and well keep making the case for passing them as soon as possible. The price of groceries is too high, Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos told the House Committee on Corporations at a hearing on three grocery regulation bills designed by her office on March 13, 2025. All of us have been dealing with this when we go to the supermarket, we have seen how our bill is getting higher and higher. (Screencap/CapitolTV) A friendly disagreement But the grocery store industry was cool to Matos efforts. An example is Norets coupon bill, which is a redux of H7089 from the 2024 legislative session. That bill would have required retailers to issue paper coupons alongside digital versions, and it was blasted by the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association. Scott Bromberg, the trade groups executive director, noted in a testimony last year that digital coupons reduce waste, attract customers and are more efficient and more widely used now than paper coupons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of our retailers offer coupons to customers at the service desks, at the register and by using in-store kiosks where coupons can be printed, Bromberg noted, and also pointed out that digital coupons are usually tied to a customers loyalty card. Based on personal usage, loyalty cards offer more savings, especially during seasonal times of the year. Retailers have been developing these programs for years, and they are critically important to our industry. This years coupon bill is indicative of the lieutenant governors willingness to maintain an open line of communication with the supermarket industry, Folcarelli said Friday. On digital coupons, for example, we took care to consider their letter of opposition from last year, which focused on the burden of paper coupons, and wrote legislation that provided them with leeway to innovate beyond paper so long as everyone could access their coupons, he added. But Bromberg, in his testimony Thursday, was still skeptical of the revised bill. Its really unclear what the scope or definition of an advertised price is, he said. There are many ways that retailers advertise products to incentivize customers to come shop in store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Bromberg and Folcarelli pointed to Pew Research Center findings about smartphone usage among older people. Bromberg wondered if older people not using digital coupons was a question of availability, ora question of fluency using technology. He pointed out that 79% of seniors have a smartphone and I pointed out that 21% do not, Folcarelli said Friday. We just have a friendly disagreement on what obligation major corporations should have to serve the one in five seniors who are left out of their discounts. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Conspiracy theorists whipped up a boycott of Lurpak by falsely claiming that Bill Gates was involved in putting additives in the butter, the UK chief of its manufacturer Arla has said. Bas Padberg blamed a backlash against the brand on misinformed claims that Mr Gates was working with Arla on its trial to give cows a synthetic additive that would reduce carbon emissions. Arla was caught in a row on social media in December, with customers claiming they would boycott its butter brand Lurpak and milk line Cravendale over a UK trial of methane-suppressing feed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supplement Bovaer promises to reduce emissions from cow burps by about 27pc. Arla already uses the additive in other markets. The Food Safety Authority has said dairy products from farms using cattle feed containing Bovaer are perfectly safe However, the dairy giant found itself at the centre of a social media storm after unveiling the UK trial, with people claiming online that the supplement posed food safety issues and had links to Mr Gates. Mr Padberg said he could not say for sure what had driven the backlash, adding: Its always a few things that come together. He said: Perhaps it was Bill Gates that got the attention. More people know about Bill Gates, there might be more interest in Bill Gates than us and it was claimed that he is working on a methane suppressor ... I think it got mixed up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Gates is not involved with Bovaer, which is made by DSM-Firmenich. He has invested in a separate company which is developing a methane reducing product. Meanwhile, UK regulators have approved Bovaer, with the FSA saying: Milk from cows given Bovaer, a feed additive used to reduce methane emissions, is safe to drink. It is available for sale in 68 countries around the world. The row was seized upon by Rupert Lowe, then a Reform UK MP, who said that he wont be consuming anything containing Bovaer and called for an urgent review of its use an urgent review of its use in our food system. Mr Lowe has since had the whip suspended over a separate clash with Reform UKs leader Nigel Farage. Mr Padberg said Arla would never, ever jeopardise anything that was related to the quality and we would never, ever put our food at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: Why would we? That would be the most stupid thing that we could do. The company is pushing ahead with its trial, despite having seen some signs that there was a short-term impact on sales in December amid the backlash. Mr Padberg said: We can only follow the science and not opinions. Opinions that are not based on science are just opinions. Arla is a cooperative owned by more than 9,000 dairy farmers, including 2,000 in the UK. The business is headquartered in Denmark, but plays a crucial role in Britains supply chain. Around 34pc of the total calcium intake of the British population comes from milk produced by Arla. All of the milk sold by Arla in the UK comes from British farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Padberg said farmers need to be recognised for the work they do every day on farms to feel supported to invest in the future. It comes amid concerns that the Government is hammering farmers, having last year launched an inheritance tax raid on the sector. Last week [March 12], farming subsidies were also put on pause in a move the National Farmers Union described as another betrayal. Mr Padberg said there was a big opportunity for the Government to collaborate more closely with the industry, adding: I would say that there is a willingness in the Government to actually have a longer term view on building a sustainable food policy which is around more nutrition, less emission. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. (Bloomberg) -- President Emmanuel Macrons approval rating jumped 5 points as worries among French citizens over international crises soared, according to a poll by Ipsos-Cesi ecole dingenieurs for La Tribune Dimanche newspaper. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for Macrons actions rose to 27% in March, the survey published late Saturday showed. Concerns over international crises such as in Ukraine and the Middle East was among the top three issues for 33% of respondents, up from 17% in February. US President Donald Trump has pared back support for Ukraine and has indicated that the US may step back from its traditional security role in Europe. The surprise move has sent European countries scrambling to boost defense spending and rethink their military positioning. Support for French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou fell 2 points to 25%, according to Ipsos. Ipsos surveyed 1,000 adults online on from March 12 through March 14. The margin of error was about 2.7 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that when it comes to sending a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine, there is no need for Russia's consent. Source: Macron in an interview with Le Parisien, as reported by European Pravda Details: Macron said that such a military deployment would be limited to "a few thousand people" from each volunteering country, stationed at key points to conduct training programmes and "demonstrate our long-term support". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "If Ukraine decides and asks for allied troops to be on its territory, it is not Russia's business to accept or reject this." Background: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares the same view on the peacekeeping contingent, considering it a bad signal to heed Russias opinion on this matter. Russian officials at various levels, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, stated that the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine after a peace agreement would be unacceptable for Russia. Bloomberg reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are leading talks among 37 countries to form a coalition of the willing for Ukraine in the event of a peaceful settlement. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! French President Emmanuel Macron has fleshed out some possible missions that could be undertaken by a military support force for Ukraine that Paris and London are working to put together with other nations, in a so-called coalition of the willing that could deploy after any ceasefire with Russia. Speaking to French media ahead of an online summit that the U.K. hosted on Saturday, Macron said the French-British blueprint doesnt aim to deploy a mass of soldiers in Ukraine and instead envisages stationing troop contingents in key locations. Macrons office said Sunday that it couldnt provide a recording of the French leaders exchange with reporters from regional French newspapers on Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But according to La Depeche du Midi and Le Parisien, the French president spoke of participating nations each deploying several thousand troops to key points in Ukraine. Their missions could include providing training and supporting Ukrainian defenses, to demonstrate long-term support for Kyiv, the reports quoted Macron as saying. Macron added that the proposed contingents from countries that are members of the NATO alliance would serve as a guarantee of security for Ukraine and that several European nations, and also non-European, have expressed their willingness to join such an effort when it is confirmed, La Depeche reported. Le Parisien cited Macron as saying that Moscows agreement wasn't needed for such deployment. Ukraine is sovereign. If it asks for Allied forces to be on its territory, its not up to Russia to accept or not," he said. Following Saturdays two-hour virtual meeting, Starmer challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to sign up to a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine if he is serious about peace, and said allies will keep increasing the pressure on the Kremlin, including by moving planning for a peacekeeping force to an operational phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 30 leaders were involved in the call, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from Australia, Canada and New Zealand, as well as officials from NATO and the European Union. It was the second such meeting in two weeks, meant to help Ukraine face a change of approach by the U.S. following the return of President Donald Trump, as well as gauging support for any future possible peacekeeping mission. Many more countries were involved this time than the previous meeting on March 2. According to Starmer, military planners will convene again in the U.K. on Thursday to progress practical plans to support Ukraines future security. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras on Saturday and said that the Hyperloop tube, being developed with the help of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, will soon be the world's longest tube, measuring 410 meters in length.The 410-meter-long Hyperloop test tube located at IIT Chennai is already the longest Hyperloop test facility in Asia. Hyperloop is a high-speed train that runs in a vacuum in a tube. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday in a social media post added, "Longest Hyperloop tube in Asia (410 m)... soon to be the world's longest." On March 15, the Union Minister visited the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras Discovery Campus and witnessed a live demonstration. Speaking to the journalists, the Minister said that the entire testing system for Hyperloop transportation has been developed using indigenous technologies, and he congratulated all the young innovators for this achievement. The Minister expressed confidence that India will soon be ready for Hyperloop transportation, as the Hyperloop transportation technology, which is currently under development, has yielded good results in the tests conducted so far. The Railway Ministry has been provided financial funding and technical assistance to the Hyperloop project, and now, all the electronics technology for this Hyperloop project will be developed at ICF Chennai. The Minister stated that highly skilled experts at the ICF factory have successfully developed larhe electronics systems for Vande Bharat high-speed trains, and the electronics technology for this Hyperloop project will also be developed at ICF. The Minister congratulated the young innovators team of IIT Chennai and the Avishkar organization for this successful testing. Later, the Minister visited the IIT Chennai campus in Guindy, where he inspected the exhibition organized by the IIT's Center for Innovation titled Open House 2025. He interacted with students and young innovators. During the interaction, he stated that India will become a leading country in all sectors under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Minister noted that the youth are performing efficiently in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors, and that India has the highest number of skilled youth in the world, who will play a significant role in making India a developed nation. He also announced that presently there are five semiconductor facilities operational in the country and the first India made semiconductor will be rolled out by the end of this year. The Minister presented prizes and shields to the winners of the innovation competition held during the exhibition and encouraged them to create more new inventions. Dr. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Chennai, was also present at the event. (ANI) The shopfronts are decked out in white, blue and red, with Chinese and Russian flags hanging side by side from the ceiling. Waist-high Russian dolls greet customers at the entrance. Inside, shelves are stocked with an array of Russian goods from chocolates and cookies to honey and vodka. In China, pop-up stores specializing in Russian-made products have become an increasingly common sight. Their proliferation has left some residents puzzled, with many on Chinese social media questioning why these stores seem to have sprung up overnight. Thousands of such stores have opened across the country in recent years, tapping into the Chinese publics affinity for Russia and deepening trade ties between Beijing and Moscow since Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has become a critical economic lifeline for sanctions-hit Russia, with bilateral trade reaching record highs year after year. While cheap Russian oil, gas, and coal dominate Chinas imports, Russian food products such as ice cream, sweet biscuits and milk powder have also risen sharply in popularity. Chinese businesses have rushed to capitalize on the booming demand. More than 2,500 new companies involved in the trade of Russian goods have been registered since 2022, according to Chinas business records, with nearly half registered in the past year alone. Around 80% of the new firms that rushed to cash in on the craze remained in operation as of this month, business registration records show. Most of these companies are based in Heilongjiang, the northeastern province bordering Russia, though in the past two years theyve spread in other provinces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than aquatic and agricultural products, which make up the bulk of Chinas food imports from Russia, it is Russian-branded chocolates, biscuits and milk powder that have captured the attention of Chinese consumers, appealing directly to the Made in Russia brand promoted by Moscow. The stores explosive growth dubbed crazy by a Chinese state media report has also sparked scrutiny over the authenticity of their products. Investigations by media outlets and influencers alike have revealed that some Russian branded items were actually made in China, prompting authorities to crack down on misleading labeling and advertising. A shop selling Russian products in Chongqing, southwest China on January 4. - Li Hongbo/Future Publishing/Getty Images Better fit At a Russian goods store in downtown Beijing in February, a shop assistant arranged rows of neatly packaged candies, biscuits, and milk powder some of the stores most popular items. The best seller is Russian honey its a big hit. And this chocolate is pure. Theyre all very good, she said, gesturing toward a wide selection of chocolates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the background, a loudspeaker played a looping message, welcoming customers to the Russian Goods Pavilion and hailing Russian products for their healthiness, natural ingredients, and high quality. This is not only a platform for selling Russian products but also a window showcasing Russian culture and charm, it declared. Liang Jinghao, a tourist from the northern Shanxi province, said he had seen many similar Russian goods stores back home. Russia is a very good country, with a vast land area and rich resources, and its people are also very friendly, he said. Su, 20, has opened three Russian goods stores in Pingliang, a small city in the northwestern province of Gansu, since September last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and Russia have maintained pretty good relations in recent years, and personally, I have a fairly positive view of Russia as a country, she said. Sus stores also sell products from Sri Lanka and Australia, but they were far less popular, she said. I think Russian products are a better fit for the local taste, she said. Shoppers behind rows of Russian sweet biscuits at a store in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, on January 9. - Long Wei/Future Publishing/Getty Images Chinese and Russian flags hang side-by-side at a store in Beijing, on February 13. - Fred He/CNN A waist-high Russian doll stands in front of a store on South Luogu Lane, a tourist hotspot in Beijing on December 29. - Fred He/CNN Official support As Putin wages his grinding war on Ukraine, China and Russia have grown closer than ever, accelerating a trend driven by their shared animosity toward the US and common goal of pushing back at a Washington-led global order. Russia and its autocratic leader also enjoy wide popularity among the Chinese public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a poll released last year by the Center for International Security and Strategy at Beijings Tsinghua University, 66% of respondents expressed very favorable or somewhat favorable views toward Russia. By contrast, about 76% expressed unfavorable views toward the United States. The made-in-Russia craze can be traced back to early 2022, according to Chinese state media. Just days after Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, the Russian State Pavilion an e-commerce store endorsed by the Russian embassy in China went viral on Chinese social media. Shoppers rushed to snap up everything from candies to tea sachets, spending nearly 6 million yuan ($826,000) on Russian goods within three days, according to Chinese media reports at the time. In a short video posted on the online store, a Russian business representative toasted the friendship of old Chinese friends under this complicated and constantly changing international situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By April 2023, more than 300 Moscow-based companies had joined Chinese e-commerce platforms, including Taobao and JD, according to Russian state news agency Sputnik, citing the Moscow Export Center. The following year, the first Made in Russia Festival and Fair debuted in Shenyang and Dalian, the two biggest cities in Liaoning province in northeast China. The event was organised by the Russian Export Centre a state-owned development institute with support from Moscow and the provincial government. More than 150 Russian companies participated in the week-long event, selling $2.3 million of Russian goods to Chinese consumers online and offline, Sputnik reported, citing the Russian Export Center. Three more such fairs have since been held, including in the southwestern metropolis of Chengdu. The Russian Export Center has authorized eight official retail stores in China under the Russian State Pavilion brand. However, these outlets are vastly outnumbered by thousands of unofficial stores capitalizing on the surging demand for Russian products. A man walks by a billboard promoting a shop selling Russian products in Shanghai on December 26. - Yuyu Chen/Future Publishing/Getty Images Scrutiny and backlash As their popularity grows, the unofficial stores have also come under greater scrutiny from Chinese consumers and media, especially over the quality and authenticity of the goods sold there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last year, Chinese shoppers took to social media to complain that some products labeled as Russian for sale at the stores were in fact made in China and other countries, including Malaysia. A report by state-affiliated Jiemian News found a significant portion of food products sold at Russian goods stores such as bread, sausage and milk powder were produced in factories in northeastern China. On Douyin, Chinas version of TikTok, Russian influencers based in China rushed to expose what they called fake Russian goods. Ive never seen these candies in Russia. The packaging is all fake, a Russian Douyin user said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres absolutely nothing like this in Russia, said another, holding a sausage at a store in Shanghai, while a shopkeeper could be heard in the background asking her to stop filming. The Russian embassy in China also weighed in, warning Chinese customers against counterfeits disguised as Russian goods. These products often do not meet quality requirements and are different from similar products produced in Russia, but Russian words are used on the packaging to imitate the Russian origin, it said in a statement. A variety of Russian chocolates and biscuits are displayed at a Russian goods store in Beijing on December 29. There are also some products on the shelves from other countries, such as 'Crazy Bee' candies made in Ukraine and drip coffee made in Malaysia. - Fred He/CNN Residents pass by the "Russian Imported Goods Store" on a bustling shopping street in downtown Tianjin, China, on December 30. - Fred He/CNN Following the outcry, market regulators in Shanghai launched two rounds of inspections on 47 Russian goods stores in the city. Seven of them were accused of falsely advertising themselves as state pavilions, misleading customers into believing they have official backing; others created highly misleading impressions about the origins of their products, the regulators said in a statement in January. Some stores were ordered to close, while others were fined and required to label domestically produced goods more clearly. Other cities soon followed suit with similar inspections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the controversy, the popularity of Russian goods is driving more stores to open in China, including official ones. The Russian Export Center said in February it plans to set up as many as 300 Russian goods stores with Chinese partners across the country before the end of the year. At this years Made in Russia Festival and Fair in Shenyang, Veronika Nikishina, director general of the Russian Export Center, offered a tip for distinguishing authentic Russian products from counterfeits. Genuine goods carry a dove-shaped Made in Russia label on their packaging, with Russia clearly marked as the country of origin, she explained. We sincerely hope that all Chinese consumers can purchase authentic, high-quality Russian-made products, Nikishina said. CNNs Martha Zhou contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Mahmoud Khalils legal team filed a motion seeking his release on bail so he can be with his wife for the birth of their first child. MSNBCs Ayman Mohyeldin is joined Ramzi Kassem, attorney for Mahmoud Khalil, to discuss how Khalil is doing in detention, the real reason why he was abducted, and how dangerous this is for the future of the First Amendment and American democracy. Mar. 15Democrats in the Maine Legislature said Friday they would move forward without Republican support, if necessary, to fund a MaineCare shortfall in this year's budget and ensure that essential services are funded for the next two years. The announcement came a day after lawmakers killed a supplemental budget deal that Senate Republicans refused to support without structural reforms to the MaineCare program. The stalemate means the state is having to reduce MaineCare payments to health care providers, who have warned of the resulting financial challenges and impacts to patient services. Democratic leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives on Friday brought forward a "continuing services" budget that includes the $118 million in MaineCare funding that was blocked Thursday, along with funds for other core government functions in the upcoming two-year budget cycle, and avoid the possibility of a government shutdown in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While we had hoped to pass a responsible supplemental budget to address urgent needs, political brinkmanship prevented that from happening," Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, said in a written statement. "Now, we must focus on passing an initial budget to ensure critical services remain funded and our constituents are not the ones who suffer from partisan gridlock." House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, also expressed support for the new budget plan Friday, saying that nursing homes, hospitals and health care are suffering because the MaineCare funding has not been approved. "We must urgently address the supplemental budget in combination with the biennial budget, in order to put Maine people first and end the political posturing," Fecteau said in a written statement. "Democrats are not willing to risk a government shutdown or neglect our state's health and well-being. It's time to move forward." In addition to the MaineCare funding, the plan also includes $2 million to combat the forest-damaging spruce budworm, a spokesperson for Fecteau said Friday. That funding also failed to get approved in the proposal that was defeated Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic leaders said that they hope Republicans will join them in supporting the new plan though that seemed unlikely as of Friday afternoon. The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved the continuing services budget in a 7-3 vote Friday evening, sending the new proposal to the full Legislature. "This initial budget provides a foundation for our legislature as we move forward with our work," Daughtry said in a written statement following the vote. "It ensures that partisan fights will not shut down our state. This is about doing right by the people of Maine. A continuing services budget maintains the state's vital operations, protects healthcare access and ensures stability for Maine." The proposal was met with opposition from Republicans and led to a tense Friday afternoon meeting of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which gathered to take up the new proposal and began voting on line items around 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Sue Bernard, R-Caribou, the ranking Republican member of the committee, refused to attend the work session after Republicans said they received little notice of the new plan. And in a news release, Senate Republicans said they are united in opposition to the plan. "I don't know how much the rest of the committee knew of this plan, but our caucus was not given an adequate heads up," Bernard said in the release. "The Democrats have abused the budget process, the members of my committee and the public. "The problems that existed in the supplemental budget continue to be completely unaddressed. MaineCare is on the verge of collapse and won't be available for those who truly need it. ... I cannot be a part of this plan." In a text message, House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, also blamed Democrats for the supplemental bill, which was meant to fill gaps in the current budget, getting killed Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were myriad options to not let that critical bill end up in the dead file," Faulkingham said. "(Democrats') failure to negotiate with Republicans will delay this funding by more than 100 days." Meanwhile, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, Senate chair of the appropriations committee, said at the onset of Friday's meeting that the items being taken up in the new plan constitute a "skinny budget" that includes money only for items currently funded by the state, as well as items from the supplemental budget that failed, including the MaineCare and spruce budworm funding. The proposal includes no new initiatives, programs or taxes and no new positions with the exception of one, Rotundo said. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the proposal in the coming weeks. After it is approved, Democratic leaders said, they will continue policy discussions with Republicans on a second budget proposal to make changes beyond the essential services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rotundo said Democrats have heard concerns from Republicans about being shut out of budget negotiations, but she said in the last two two-year budgets, the committee has in each session voted out a second, bipartisan part of the budget. "We continue to be committed to work hard to do the same this year," Rotundo said. Republican committee members said they are frustrated. "The long and short of it is, we are terribly concerned about the way this process has been," said Rep. Jack Ducharme, R-Madison. "Sen. Rotundo says we've done bipartisan biennial budgets. I've been here since 2021, and sometimes I feel like if Republicans are in the building, they call that a bipartisan budget." If Democrats approve the plan without Republican support as a simple majority and then formally adjourn the regular session, the budget would take effect 90 days later. That means lawmakers would need to act by the end of March in order for the plan to take effect in time for the start of the fiscal year on July 1. The Legislature would then reconvene at that point to finish its business a tactic that Democrats have used before in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group that included two Republican lawmakers sued Democratic leaders in 2023 for passing a party-line budget, adjourning and then reconvening to take up other business, arguing the move violated Maine's Constitution. But the Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld a lower court decision to dismiss the case last year, saying the group lacked standing and had not shown proof of suffering an injury sufficient for them to bring the case. Staff Writer Katie Langley contributed to this report. Copy the Story Link BAY VILLAGE, Ohio (WJW) When Father Dan Schlegel addressed parishioners near the end of Saturday mass, he made mention of something he also sent everyone in email form. The St. Raphael Parish pastor warned them of an email scam one of the parishioners fell victim to. The scammer pretends to be Schlegel and asks for the email recipient to go buy Amazon gift cards he will surprise church staff with. They instruct the recipient to scratch the back of the cards to show the codes and then email back photos of the cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warning: Bay Village resident scammed out of $15K from computer pop-up Schlegel warned parishioners to be aware and to always call if they have questions because one parishioner was tricked by the scam and lost $1,700, he told Fox 8. We at St. Raphael, we try to help others in the community in need. Im just thinking about where that money couldve gone to be able to help somebody else, Schlegel explained. They place a trust in their pastor. They dont expect that to come from him, and they, out of their generosity, wanted to help with what they thought was going to be a surprise to the staff. Instead, they were surprised by the scam. WJW photo Schlegel said this isnt the first time this has happened to him. Luckily, the first time it did, he was sitting next to the person who received the fake email. He added that hes seen scams at other churches as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how to stay safe from scams These have been really, really difficult things, especially for churches [with scammers] knowing the goodness and the kindness of the people who come to church and taking advantage of that. It makes my heart sick, he said. According to Westlake Police, theyve sent court orders to Google to try and track down whoever sent the fake emails posing as Schlegel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A 29-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds early Sunday morning on Chicagos West Side, according to Chicago police. Chicago police responded to a call of shots fired near the 200 block of South Lavergne Avenue in the Austin neighborhood around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police said. While searching the area, police said they received an another call of a person shot at Mount Sinai hospital, where they found a 29-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was being treated by the hospital and is listed in critical condition. No one is in custody. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A man was arrested and charged with killing his father in Prince Georges County early Friday morning. The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said that officers responded to a home in the 8000 block of Den Meade Ave. for an attempted suicide. When they arrived, they first found 59-year-old Patrick Cooper of Fort Washington with trauma inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He died there. An autopsy revealed that his cause of death was blunt force trauma. Man dead, man taken to hospital after incident at Prince Georges County home Officers also found 22-year-old Christopher Wiley Cooper, Patrick Coopers son, inside with self-inflicted stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to survive. Police believe that Christopher Cooper attacked his father, killing him, before stabbing himself. He is facing charges of first and second degree murder as well as other charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested one man on Sunday for the murder of a 28-year-old woman in west Charlotte in early March. Stevie Bernard Walker, 53, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. Police responded to a call concerning an assault with a deadly weapon on the 1200 block of Lucky Penny Street on March 1 around 9 p.m., according to CMPD. Officers found Sumer Massey with a gunshot wound. MEDIC pronounced Massey dead on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: 28-year-old woman killed in west Charlotte shooting Walker was arrested for shooting and killing Massey, according to court documents. Court documents show that Walker had previously been arrested for second-degree kidnapping in 2006. No further has been made available at this time. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. WATCH: Man freed after 20 years in prison, denies involvement in 1990 murder of Charlotte woman A man was awarded $50 million on Friday by a Los Angeles County jury after he was severely burned at a Starbucks drive-through in 2020. The man, identified as Michael Garcia of L.A., was working as a delivery driver on Feb. 8, 2020 when a hot tea drink spilled on his lap from a cardboard drink carrier at a Starbucks location in Exposition Park. He suffered third-degree burns to his groin area as a result, according to his attorneys. A Los Angeles man was awarded $50 million by a jury after he suffered severe burns when a drink spilled at an Exposition Park Starbucks drive-through in 2020. (Trial Lawyers for Justice) Later that month, Garcia underwent two skin graft surgeries to his genitalia and now suffers from permanent disfigurement, his attorneys say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Garcias life has been forever changed, said Nick Rowley, one of Garcias attorneys. No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered, but this jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility. The lawsuit filed by Garcia blamed Starbucks for the incident. Garcias legal team said the Starbucks employee working the drive-through failed to properly secure the lid onto one of the hot drinks. Starbucks plans to appeal the decision, the AP reports. We disagree with the jurys decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive, the Seattle-based company said, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company offered $3 million to Garcia before trial started, his lawyers 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 KTLA. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) A man was awarded $50 million on Friday by a Los Angeles County jury after he was severely burned at a Starbucks drive-through in 2020. The man, identified as Michael Garcia of L.A., was working as a delivery driver on Feb. 8, 2020, when a hot tea drink spilled on his lap from a cardboard drink carrier at a Starbucks location in Exposition Park. He suffered third-degree burns to his groin area as a result, according to his attorneys. Later that month, Garcia underwent two skin graft surgeries to his genitalia and now suffers from permanent disfigurement, his attorneys say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Garcias life has been forever changed, said Nick Rowley, one of Garcias attorneys. No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered, but this jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility. The lawsuit filed by Garcia blamed Starbucks for the incident. Garcias legal team said the Starbucks employee working the drive-through failed to properly secure the lid onto one of the hot drinks. Starbucks plans to appeal the decision, the AP reports. We disagree with the jurys decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive, the Seattle-based company said, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company offered $3 million to Garcia before the trial started, his lawyers 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. Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra led the Indian delegation to the 353rd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva. The Indian delegation, led by Secretary Dawra, made several interventions on key issues, showcasing India's achievements, learnings, and perspectives to advance the shared agenda of promoting labour welfare, social justice, and quality employment generation globally. The meeting in Geneva is being held from March 10 to March 20, 2025. The meeting brings together the tripartite constituents of ILO representatives from governments, workers, and employers to discuss crucial matters relating to the world of work and the governance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). According to a government statement, India extended its support to the ILO in organizing the UN-led Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, later this year. This summit aims to reinforce the social dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Social Development. The labour ministry highlighted India's "inspiring progress" in promoting social justice and development. India has doubled its social protection coverage to 48.8 per cent, increasing the average global social protection coverage by over 5 per cent. Geneva acknowledged the contribution of India's flagship institutions and schemes, such as EPFO (7.37 crore contributing members), ESIC (14.4 crore beneficiaries), e-Shram Portal (30.6 crore registered unorganized members), PM Jan Arogya Yojana (60 crore beneficiaries), and Targeted PDS (food security to 81.35 crore beneficiaries). India, as one of the largest countries of origin of migrant workers and recipient of highest remittances, reiterated its support for greater global cooperation in promoting well-managed, skills-based migration pathways. ILO was urged to enhance efforts towards generating global momentum for securing social protection and rights for migrant workers through bilateral labour migration and social security agreements. Support was extended for ILO's proposal to convene the first Tripartite Global Forum on Migration under the ILO-based Global Coalition for Social Justice by India as a leading partner of the Global Coalition. The government said India reaffirmed its commitment towards playing a leading role towards ensuring a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste, safeguarding workers, communities and the environment. The Indian delegation also held several bilateral discussions with the Director General and senior experts of ILO, and representatives of other countries on labour and employment matters of keen interest to India. In Geneva, India also discussed future collaborations in the pipeline with the ILO on shared priorities, including the determination and operationalization of living wages, gig and platform workers' welfare and decent work in value chains. (ANI) CRESTWOOD, Ill. Murder charges have been filed in the death of a trucking company president and CEO, killed earlier this month in southwest suburban Crestwood. Josif Suclea, 52, was charged Saturday with first-degree murder in the death of 46-year-old Dane Koteski, who was the president and CEO of ATG Truckload, the Crestwood Police Department announced in a news release Sunday morning. Suclea, who was employed by Koteski at ATG Truckload, was arrested around 5:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, at a truck stop in Holland, Mich., authorities said just hours after Koteski was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suclea, a resident of Scottsdale, Ariz., was held in Michigan until he was extradited back to Crestwood this past Friday, March 14, and subsequently charged by the Cook County States Attorneys Office. Suclea had a bond hearing scheduled for noon Sunday at the Cook County Courthouse. According to police, authorities responded on March 5 to a call of heavy smoke at ATG Truckload, Inc., located at 13835 South Kostner Avenue in Crestwood. As firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, the body of Koteski was located on the second floor of the building. According to the companys website, he was the president and CEO and of ATG Truckload. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A death and arson investigation was initiated by the Crestwood Police Department, the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and the State Fire Marshalls. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines After several hours, investigators were able to identify a suspect, who police said was an employee of Koteski. The crime was deemed to be an isolated incident that specifically targeted the victim. An autopsy determined Koteskis cause of death to be homicide, resulting from injuries to the victims neck that were caused by a sharp or pointed object. Over the course of the next several hours, task force investigators developed and followed up on numerous leads pointing to a suspect, later identified as Suclea. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police have launched a homicide investigation after a man died in a shooting overnight. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that just before 3:30 a.m. on March 16, officers responded to the 1100 block of Chaplin St. SE for a reported shooting. At the scene, they found a man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Police described him as unconscious and not breathing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD officer hit by ATV in Northwest DC Responders took the man to the hospital, where, despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead. As of Sunday morning, the mans name has not been released, and there is no word on any suspects. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 25-year-old man was arrested early Saturday morning, March 15 after earlier fleeing from an attempted traffic stop, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said. Jose Manuel Saldivar Jr., 25, was arrested during a joint crime suppression operation in which deputies from the El Paso County Sheriffs Office teamed up with the El Paso County Constables Office for Precinct 6 to track down the suspect. Saldivar is facing a charge of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, the Sheriffs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At about 2 a.m. Saturday, a deputy with the Constables Office for Precinct 6 saw a pickup truck fail to stay within a single lane of traffic while traveling northbound on North Zaragoza Road. A traffic stop was initiated, but the driver, later identified as Saldivar, refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed, the Sheriffs Office said. Officers stopped pursuing the fleeing driver for safety reasons but proceeded to find the suspects address through an investigation. Deputies, along with a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, went to Saldivars residence. At about 3 a.m., they made contact with Saldivar and took him into custody, the Sheriffs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im grateful to Constable Javier Garcia of Precinct 6 and his team for their collaboration, Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. This is an example of crime suppression operations working effectively to remove dangerous individuals from our streets. We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Police are investigating a homicide that left one man dead in a Greenwood home, according to the Greenwood County Coroners Office. The man, identified as 24-year-old Johnny Frank Covington III, was found dead by Greenwood police inside a residence located at 121 Balsam Lane in Greenwood on Saturday around 9:15 a.m., a news release said. He suffered a single gunshot wound. While Covingtons manner of death was ruled a homicide, his cause of death is still under investigation, according to the coroners office. No additional information was available. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) Two people were found dead in a Queens home on Saturday afternoon, one of them with a gunshot wound to the head, according to police. At around 1 p.m., Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to 57-52 80th Street, near the Queens Midtown Express, in response to a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest and a shooting. More Local News Two people were found dead in the home, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An 88-year-old female was found dead, along with a 57-year-old male. The man had a gunshot wound to the head, police said. Authorities say a firearm was also recovered in the home. The identity of the deceased persons has not been released. It remains unclear if they are known to each other, authorities said. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York will determine the cause of death. Other details were not immediatley clear. 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. 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. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) A man who was serving a life sentence for a Winston-Salem murder is scheduled to be executed in South Carolina in connection with another murder case, according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Mikal D. Mahdi, 41, will be executed on April 11. Two weeks before that date, he will be asked to choose whether he will be executed by lethal injection, electric chair or firing squad. Mikal D. Mahdi (South Carolina Department of Corrections) Mahdi was sentenced to death in 2006 for murder, burglary and grand larceny. In July 17, 2004, he shot James Myers, a police captain from Orangeburg, South Carolina, nine times before covering the body in diesel fuel and lighting it on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahdi is also serving a life sentence from North Carolina for murder. Three days prior to killing Myers, Mahdi shot and killed Christopher Boggs, a convenience store worker in Winston-Salem. Man sentenced to decades in prison after sexually assaulting 8-year-old while working at Winston-Salem recreation center During his time behind bars, he successfully escaped from prison on March 10, 2005, and tried to escape three times in December 2006, October 2014 and November 2022. The crimes were part of a three-state crime spree that started in Virginia on July 14, 2004, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette citing court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahdi stole a pistol, a set of license plates and a station wagon in Virginia before heading to North Carolina. In Winston-Salem, he stopped at an Exxon gas station to buy a beer and shot the clerk, Boggs, point-blank in the head. He then shot Boggs again while his body was on the floor. Mahdi tried unsuccessfully to open the cash register and left for South Carolina. In Columbia, S.C., Mahdi carjacked a driver and replaced the vehicles license plates with the ones he had stolen in Virginia, South Carolina Daily Gazette reported. He stopped for gas at a gas station in Calhoun County. When the pump rejected his card, clerks called the police. Mahdi then tried to run away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He found a nearby farmhouse and hid in a workshop. The property belonged to Myers. After getting home from a beach trip, Myers went to his workshop and found Mahdi, who shot him nine times with one of Myerss own rifles. He then poured diesel on Myerss body and lit it on fire. He stole Myerss police truck and was finally caught in Florida on July 21, 2004. Mahdi pleaded guilty to all charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The man identified as a person of interest in the case of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, who disappeared while on vacation in the Dominican Republic, was seen on the beach with investigators early Sunday morning. NBC News reports Joshua Riibe was spotted on a Punta Cana beach with his father and attorney, pointing toward the sea. Riibe, a tourist from Iowa, was possibly the last person to see 20-year-old Konanki. NBC previously reported that in an interview with local authorities, he said he had rescued her from drowning shortly before she disappeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riibes attorneys, in an email to NBC News, said that his passport was confiscated Friday as part of the ongoing investigation, and hes permanently escorted by the police anywhere he goes. The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office told Channel 11 that Riibe is considered a person of interest in the investigation, which is still being investigated as a missing persons case and is not a criminal case. Authorities in the Dominican Republic, on Thursday, said no one is considered a suspect. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW LOGAN COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Authorities are searching for a Conway man who went missing near Mt. Magazine in the Ozark National Forest. COURTESY: Logan County Sheriffs Office Larry Thompson. 54. was last believed to be on Rich Mountain Road Byway on Mar. 8. His black Dodge Ram pickup truck was found parked at a campsite pull-off area on the byway on Mar. 10. Thompson is 6 feet 3 inches and 225 pounds and was last seen wearing blue jeans and running shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Logan County Sheriffs Office, Logan County All Hazards Team, Office of Emergency Management, Van Buren Search and Rescue Team, family members and volunteers have been combing the area in search of Thompson. Police investigating death in Fort Smith Anyone with information or who may have seen him is urged to contact the Logan County Sheriffs Office at (479) 963-3271. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) The NYPD is searching for a suspect who set a man on fire in Times Square Sunday morning. The motive behind this attack remains unknown but police believe the victim and the attacker knew each other. More Local News Badiwu Abubakar has been selling NYC tours at the corner of 41st Street and 7th Avenue for eight years. This is where police say a 45-year-old man was set on fire early Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It happened here, right at my corner, where I work, I am here every day. It got me scared, said Abubakar, adding authorities have blocked this section of Times Square since he began his shift at 7 in the morning. According to authorities, it was around 3:53 in the morning that a male suspect wearing blue clothing poured flammable liquid onto the victim and then set him up on fire. Its a tragedy to hear that happen. He is not far from my age. Ill be 44 in June, but it is a shame, said Joseph Robles. PIX11 News has learned from police sources that some officers happened to be around the area following the arson attack. When they saw the man burning, they rushed to get a fire extinguisher from the trunk of their patrolling vehicle and were able to remove the flames from the mans body. EMS and firefighters then came and took the victim to the hospital. He suffered burns to his face and arms but is expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Thank God he is alive, stated Robles. I heard that happened on the subway. Someone lit a woman on fire while she was sleeping, said Dylan Lewis. She is referring to 57-year-old Debrina Kawam who was set on fire and burned to death on Dec. 22, while she was sleeping on a Coney Island F train. 33-year-old Sebastian Zapata was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder and arson in connection with her death. As far as Sundays incident, authorities have been looking for evidence all afternoon hoping to track down the perpetrator. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN) A 39-year-old man was shot and killed by law enforcement during a domestic disturbance at a home in Crofton, Kentucky early Sunday morning. Deputies were called to a home on Clark Store Sinking Fork Road just after midnight after receiving reports of a man who assaulted someone, tried to set the home on fire and discharged a weapon, according to the Christian County Sheriffs Office. Once deputies arrived, they spoke with the victim and tried to speak with the suspect, who remained inside the home. As deputies spoke with the man, he reportedly fired multiple rounds at them. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Deputies continued to try and de-escalate the situation as the suspect exited the residence and opened fire on the deputies, according to a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Christian County Sheriffs Office reported deputies then returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later identified as Patrick Martinez. Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured during the incident, which is under investigation by Kentucky 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 WKRN News 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said digital innovation continues to strengthen India's financial ecosystem- empowering countless lives- as he commended the Reserve Bank of India for bagging the Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking, London, UK. "A commendable accomplishment, reflecting an emphasis towards innovation and efficiency in governance. Digital innovation continues to strengthen India's financial ecosystem, thus empowering countless lives," the Prime Minister wrote on X on Sunday afternoon. Central Banking, London, UK, has selected the Reserve Bank of India for the Digital Transformation Award 2025. RBI was awarded and recognised for its initiatives, including the Pravaah and Sarthi systems, which were developed by the in-house developer team. The awards committee noted how these digital initiatives have reduced the use of paper-based submissions, thus transforming RBI's internal and external processes. For more than 30 years, London-headquartered Central Banking has provided independent coverage, detailed data analysis, expert training and truly global networking events. In a citation written by the Central Banking staff, the Reserve Bank of India is termed a "big and complex organisation" with around 13,500 staff members spread across more than 40 branch offices. "It calls itself a 'full service' central bank, in the sense that it performs just about every role a central bank can perform, from promoting monetary and financial stability to managing reserves, supervising banks and non-banks, printing notes, handling payments and managing the government's debt, among many other functions," the Central Banking article read. Central Banking also took note of the increasing digitalisation initiatives taken up by the RBI. "Until recently, these roles were heavily paper-based, with a lot of manual intervention and uneven adoption of digital tools," the article added. It noted the work done by the former RBI governor Shaktikanta Das. During his tenure, Das made it a strategic priority to enact a digital transformation to standardise and streamline workflows, cut costs and raise transparency. Two initiatives have been key to this work. Through Sarthi, RBI's internal workflows were digitised. It went live in January 2023, helping employees to store and share documents securely, improving record management and increasing the options for data analysis through reports and dashboards. In May 2024, in the second stage of digitalisation, Pravaah was launched. It created a digitised means for external users to submit regulatory applications to the RBI. "Pravaah has so far allowed more than 70 different regulatory applications to be digitised, supporting the work of nine RBI departments," the Central Banking article read. (ANI) As anti-Elon Musk sentiment continues to flare up, vandals are targeting his EV maker Tesla's Supercharger network. As the Associated Press reports, a man burned down three chargers in a South Carolina parking lot after spray-painting the words "fuck Trump, long live the Ukraine" on the pavement next to them last week, in a clear reference to Musk and his close associate president Donald Trump cozying up to Russian president Vladimir Putin. But his attack backfired, in a very literal way. After igniting crudely-made Molotov cocktails fashioned out of beer bottles, the man set his own clothes on fire, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Witnesses advised that the suspect had accidentally caught their own back on fire while throwing the devices," reads the North Charleston Police Department's report. The incident highlights how anger pointed at Musk and his carmaker is starting to spill over. While largely peaceful demonstrations have taken place at Tesla dealerships across the world, there have also been cases of vandalism and other illegal acts. Under the "Tesla Takedown" banner, protesters have voiced their discontent with Musk's activities in the government and embrace of far-right extremist views. "Elon Musk is destroying our democracy, and he's using the fortune he built at Tesla to do it," reads a description of the group. "We are taking action at Tesla to stop Musk's illegal coup." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the "peaceful protest movement" opposes any "violence, vandalism and destruction of property." And unfortunately, a small number of individuals are seemingly not on board with that. Over the weekend, four Tesla Cybertrucks were heavily damaged after being set ablaze in a parking lot in Seattle. While law enforcement has yet to establish a motive for the crime, it's not a huge stretch to assume they were connected with protests targeting Tesla and Musk in the Pacific Northwest. Superchargers, in particular, have become targets of vandalism. As the Washington Post reported last week, stations have been set on fire by other individuals wielding improvised Molotov cocktails. Last month, a man even unloaded a clip with his AR-style semiautomatic rifle into a Tesla storefront in Salem, Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What might really hurt Musk, though, is that his abhorrent behavior has sent Tesla's finances into a tailspin. With its brand heavily tarnished, he has plenty of both literal and figurative fires to put out. More on Tesla: JPMorgan Says Tesla's Outlook Is Grim RAVENNA, Ohio (WJW) A man was killed during an officer-involved shooting at an apartment in Ravenna. According to a press release from the police department, officers responded to 645 Hazen St. around 1:30 a.m. Sunday on reports of an armed man sleeping on the floor of an apartment. The person who called police was also inside the residence. Local pastor gives warning after email scam impersonated him Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrived at the room and knocked on the door, which was opened, the release said. Inside they could see a male suspect lying on the floor with a firearm in his waistband. Officers retreated and issued verbal commands for the man to drop the weapon. According to police, the door was then closed between the suspect and the responding officers. Police continued to give commands from outside the room. Moments later, police said, the suspect emerged from the room using another man as a human shield. Officers continued to tell the man to drop the weapon. The hostage was able to break free at which point the suspect pointed his weapon at police, the release stated. Both officers fired their weapons. hitting the suspect. According to the press release, officers attempted life-saving measures but the man died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers were not hurt. Daycare worker arrested after intentionally pulling out handful of toddlers hair The man was identified as Shawn Antonio Ware, according to Ravenna Police. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was called in to lead the investigation due to the involvement of Ravenna officers in the shooting. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Ravenna Police Department at 330-296-6486. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man and woman are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in the central Las Vegas valley, according to Metro police. On Saturday around 5:20 p.m., officers responded to a home in the 700 block of Bruce Street near Bonanza Road and Maryland Parkway after a report of a woman who was shot. When officers arrived and approached the home, they heard another gunshot, police said. Officers then entered the home and found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the woman was taken to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the man and woman had ended a long-term relationship and the woman had brought their children over for visitation. During the visitation, an argument ensued, during which the man pulled out a gun and shot the woman. When officers arrived, the man turned the gun on himself and took his own life, police said. Police said the children were unharmed during the incident. This is a very tragic, tragic event. We encourage anyone who has any type of domestic violence issues to reach out to support services, the FJC, the Family Justice Center. It does not have to end like this, LVMPD Homicide Lt. Robert Price said Saturday. Help is available via the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and the Domestic Violence Resource Center at 775-329-4150. 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. Its a new day in Europe. Gone are the halcyon years of unshakeable American commitment to Europes defense against Russia. Here to stay at least while Donald Trump is in the White House is something more transactional. And the stakes couldnt be higher. Europe must step up in a big way to provide for its own defense, US Vice President JD Vance told decision-makers in Munich in February. Europes answer so far has been to pledge to boost spending at home and for Ukraine, with an eye to buying European-made armaments. But a more radical solution has also been floated: a European nuclear umbrella. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the United States has always been Europes big brother, France and the United Kingdom are longstanding nuclear powers too and some European leaders are wondering whether the ultimate deterrence to Moscow could come from closer to home. While the bulk of the worlds nuclear weapons are US or Russian-owned, France has some 290 nuclear warheads, the UK 225 of the US-designed Trident missiles. Recent weeks saw a flurry of comments from European leaders looking to bolster their common defense under a British or French nuclear umbrella, as Washingtons reliability appears to waver. Britain's nuclear missiles are carried on its fleet of four Vanguard class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month promised to open the strategic debate on the protection by our deterrence of our allies on the European continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments came after Germanys presumed next Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for talks with France and the UK on extending their nuclear protection. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that the French proposal was not new and had come up several times in conversations, throwing his support behind the idea. Other leaders from countries historically averse to nuclear weapons, like Sweden and Denmark, also welcomed Frances overtures towards European allies. Since General Charles de Gaulle established Frances nuclear force in the late 1950s, in part to keep Paris at the heart of global decision-making, Frances program has been proudly sovereign French from end to end, as Macron described it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for decades during the Cold War, France also sought to bring European allies under its nuclear protection, Yannick Pince a historian at Frances Interdisciplinary Center for Strategic Studies (CIENS) told CNN. The UK hasnt made any public offer to further share or alter its nuclear protection. But its warheads remain pledged to the US-dominated NATO command, thus already offering a strategic protection to European allies. Some leaders are still hoping for reinforced US support though. On Thursday, Polish President Andrzej Duda called on Trump to deploy US nuclear weapons in Poland, likening the move to Russias decision to base some of its own nuclear missiles in Belarus in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its not only that the time has come, but that it would be safer if those weapons were already here, Duda told the Financial Times. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte holds a press conference with US President Donald Trump at the White House on March 13. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Pound for pound Without an arsenal on the scale of Russias, France has only been able to threaten strategic retaliation, thats to say, hitting the opponent very hard to act as a deterrent, nuclear historian Yannick Pince told CNN. The relatively diminutive size of Frances nuclear war chest compared to that of the US made it easy to dismiss, even among the Wests top generals, retired Gen. Michel Yakovleff, former deputy commander of NATO forces in Europe, told CNN. Aside from its huge power, the American arsenals size and diversity gives it another key advantage in nuclear war: the potential to minimize any thermonuclear exchange. The US, can use what we call a graduated response, Pince said, to perhaps even deliver a single strike, instead of unleashing its entire arsenal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, the French nuclear armory with missile-laden submarines and nuclear-armed bombers was historically intended as a last resort if Cold-War Russian forces threatened the French homeland, likely unleashing a barrage on key sites in territories of the Soviet sphere to force an enemy withdrawal. It is differences such as these that pose a key challenge to any European-centered nuclear umbrella. One thing that the Europeans dont have is nuclear culture. They dont understand it because theyve always presumed that the Americans would do it, Yakovleff said. I suspect that Macron is thinking of, if I dare say, educating whoever wants it, on nuclear dialogue. Macron has proposed having allies participate in the countrys secretive nuclear exercises, to see firsthand Frances capabilities and decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But hes also been clear that hes not yielding his nuclear button to allies or even to Brussels. The decision to launch a nuclear strike has always remained and will remain in his hands, he told France in a national address. The UK military has been very active in terms of increasing what its called the nuclear deterrence IQ at NATO, said Lukasz Kulesa, director of UK-based think tank RUSIs proliferation and nuclear policy program, thereby making sure that all the allies are aware and understand the grammar of nuclear deterrence. This means that if Macrons proposal became reality, France wouldnt be stepping in to a completely blank slate. These are countries that for decades have been covered by extended nuclear deterrence, Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNN. Crucially though, the US hasnt said its pulling out of its commitment to protect NATO allies, she stressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, a nuclear-capable US bomber flew over central Stockholm to mark the one-year anniversary of Swedens accession to NATO a highly symbolic choice. Meanwhile, a February report from the Federation of American Scientists pointed to, mounting evidence from three years of collection of documentation and observations that indicate that the US is preparing to redeploy nuclear warheads to its main airbase in the UK for the first time in over 15 years. CNN approached the US Department of Defense for comment. Such a move might signal how seriously Washington views the rising temperatures in Europe. Warding off Moscow A Russian nuclear missile complex arrives during military parade rehearsals, in the Red Square, on May 5, 2024. - Contributor/Getty Images Megaton for megaton, Europes arsenal bears no comparison with that of Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boosting Europes nuclear arsenal would be a question of years, if not decades, of investment and development, according to RUSIs Kulesa. But deterrence isnt just a question of the number of missiles; demonstrating the operational credibility of Europes nuclear forces is also essential. More cohesive cooperation with allies around nuclear forces would be a strong boost to deterrence, Kulesa said. That could entail air-to-air refuelling from allies in support of French bombers or anti-submarine warfare capabilities to protect British or French nuclear sub maneuvers. Given decades of shrinking investment in the British military, questions have been raised over the deterrence that Britains conventional and nuclear weapons offer, particularly given its reliance on a US supply chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last eight years, the UK has publicly acknowledged two failed nuclear missile tests, one of them in the waters off Florida, when dummy missiles didnt fire as intended. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month promised what the government described as the biggest investment in defense spending since the Cold War in an increasingly dangerous world. Other non-nuclear European allies are boosting their spending on conventional weapons and this also counts, analysts say. Fundamentally, nuclear weapons are not a magic instrument, said Kulesa. Any true deterrence to Russia will need conventional and nuclear forces, he said, and under Trump, the question is whether you can count on the American commitment and involvement. CNNs Serene Nourisson contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) The Marshall Fire Department responded to a fire which burned a familys Harper Drive home on Saturday night. East Texas officials warn of high fire risk The fire department said their firefighters responded to the 1100 block of Harper Drive at around 8:08 p.m. on Saturday night after they received a report of a structure fire. Photo courtesy of the Marshall Fire Department. Photo courtesy of the Marshall Fire Department. When firefighters arrived on scene they saw fire coming from the roof and officials reported that they immediately started spraying water into the attic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the fire department, the family living in the home was able to escape the fire uninjured thanks to their smoke detectors which alerted them to the smoke. No injuries were reported and the fire department has determined that the fire was unintentional. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) highlighted his concern for trade in his state after President Trumps tariffs went into effect, calling his behavior erratic. Moore joined CBS Newss Face the Nation on Sunday, where he pointed to the shipping port in Baltimore and Marylands role in international trade. Were already seeing the impacts of these . disastrous, and frankly, not very well thought out policies when it comes to tariffs, Moore said. You know, tariffs are a tool. Theyre not an ideology, but this administration is using it like an ideology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore noted that decisions are being made to us and not with thought about how they will impact Americans. Trumps 25 percent tariff plan went into effect earlier this month, impacting Canada and Mexico. China was also handed another 10 percent tariff, and the president has promised to impose reciprocal tariffs for other countries. Were already seeing how this is going to have a significant impact on the Port of Baltimore, which is really one of the countrys largest and most effective ports, he said. Moore also noted that there is an impact on farmers in his state. The president walked back tariffs for cars after big auto companies expressed concern over the plan. Canada has threatened to impose energy tariffs and restrictions in retaliation to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moves have plunged the country into a trade war and caused uncertainty as Trump has claimed its a flexible situation. This lack of predictability, this erratic behavior and the indecisive decisionmaking thats being made is already having a very real impact on costs, its having a very real impact on our business and our small businesses, its having a very real impact on our economic engines and American competitiveness, as well as our national security, Moore said. This erratic behavior is the thing that people were concerned about, and we are now seeing in real time in our states, he continued. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment. 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 Mattapan man has been indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on the charge of first-degree murder for a 1992 murder. Edward J. Watson, 65, is accused of killing Michelle Miller, a 29-year-old Somerville mother who disappeared in Cambridge back on July 28, 1992. Miller was found two weeks later in a vacant basement of an apartment complex in a Central Square neighborhood. Miller was a former United States Army enlisted soldier and the mother of two children Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case had been unsolved for over 30 years until 2024, when District Attorney Ryans Cold Case Unit uncovered archived records of Millers abuse from her partner, Daniel J. Innis. It was revealed that Watson was a part of a murder-for-hire plot that killed Miller on behalf of Innis. Innis was sentenced to 15-20 years in state prison for an unrelated manslaughter charge in 1994 and died in 2012. Edward J. Watson allegedly took the life of Michelle Miller, a mother and a soldier, with calculated premeditation, said District Attorney Ryan. Following her disappearance, not even a missing persons report was filed with police. Despite this, Michelle Miller was not forgotten by our Office. For three decades, this defendant kept his alleged role in the victims death a secret. This indictment is the next step in ensuring accountability for his actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson will be held without bail until further notice. The next date, in this case, is scheduled for April 16, 2025. 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 Mar. 15SANTA FE A bill intended to counter the shortage of health care providers in New Mexico by making changes in the state's Medical Malpractice Act failed to clear a Senate committee. Members of the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee voted 5-4 against the bill following a two-hour debate Friday evening. Senate Bill 176, which sought to limit attorney fees in medical malpractice cases, drew strong opposition from trial lawyers and patients injured by medical malpractice. It was the only one of the six bills before the Legislature that had a shot of passing at a time when New Mexicans are facing a critical shortage of doctors, in part because New Mexico is one of the most expensive states to insure for medical malpractice given the number of lawsuits filed here annually. Providers and insurers pay out over $100 million a year in medical malpractice settlements, as a percentage of premiums collected, far more than every other state in the union. And, as the Journal reported last week, Democratic state legislators are by far the biggest recipients of trial lawyer money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussion at times became emotional as lawmakers described personal health issues involving themselves and family members. Sen. Cindy Nava, D-Bernalillo, who voted against SB 176, wept as she described surviving a brain tumor removed by a surgeon who has since left New Mexico for reasons unrelated to medical malpractice. Nava said she favors legislation that would invest in physicians and encourage them to come to New Mexico. "I just don't see this piece of legislation doing that," she said. Senate Bill 176 would end lump-sum payouts from the state's patient's compensation fund, which helps providers pay for malpractice settlements. Instead, it would require that payments be made as expenses are incurred by patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, which had 24 sponsors as of Friday, also would cap attorney fees in malpractice cases at 25% in cases settled before trial and 33% if the case goes to trial. A third provision on SB 176 would dedicate 75% of punitive damages to a new patient safety improvement fund administered by the state Department of Health. Money from the fund would be appropriated by the Legislature to improve patient safety and health care outcomes. Nava and others expressed discomfort with the creation of the new fund that would receive the lion's share of punitive damages. "I'm really offended by the idea of taking 75% of a punitive damage award from an injured party and giving it to a state-run fund," said Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, D-Albuquerque, who voted against the bill. "It takes away a portion of the money that the victim should get to punish the hospital for outrageous behavior." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill's failure to emerge from committee essentially kills any chance of a medical malpractice measure passing in this session, said Sen. Martin Hickey, D-Albuquerque, a sponsor of SB 176. "I actually think that we were able to get the facts out, that trial lawyers are bringing cases without merit and getting settlements," said Hickey, who testified Friday in favor of the bill. The bill's failure will hamper the state's ability to expand the physician workforce, he said. Hickey told committee members that physicians and practice groups often feel compelled to settle lawsuits before trial to avoid the risk of a large punitive damage award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's what puts fear into the hearts of physicians in New Mexico," Hickey testified. Leaders of single-specialty practice groups say that "virtually every case now comes with the threat of punitive damages if they don't settle." All settlements are listed in a national database, which can make it harder for physicians to find jobs, he said. The number of reported payments made in medical malpractice cases involving New Mexico physicians have increased from 84 in 2020 to 130 in 2024, according to the National Practitioners Data Bank. Hickey also testified that several malpractice lawsuits have resulted in historically large jury awards in recent years, including a $412 million jury verdict in 2024 that he described as the largest-ever malpractice award in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That case involved a 66-year-old Rio Rancho widower who sued the now-closed NuMale Medical Center in Albuquerque after receiving alleged dangerous penile injections in 2017. The clinic was part of a Las Vegas, Nevada, chain that filed for bankruptcy in February, according to court records. The 2000 lawsuit alleged the widower sought treatment for fatigue and weight management, but was misdiagnosed and treated for erectile dysfunction, according to his lawsuit. As a result, he was left with a scarred and nonfunctional penis, the lawsuit alleged. A jury took less than four hours to award him $37 million in compensation for his lifetime medical needs and $375 million in punitive damages. Sen. Angel Charley, D-Acoma, said a 25% cap on attorney fees would put New Mexico patients in a situation similar to those who rely on care from the Indian Health Service, which is subject to federal tort claims laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That means attorneys will not take a medical malpractice lawsuit," said Charley, who voted against the measure. "I don't want this state to have the same kind of health care that we have on the reservation." Committee members who voted against the bill were Nava, Charley, committee chair Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, and Sen. Shannon Pinto, D-Tohatchi. Those supporting the bill were Hickey, Sen. Jay Block, R-Rio Rancho, Sen. Larry Scott, R-Hobbs, and Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice. Lisa Curtis, an Albuquerque medical malpractice attorney, cheered the bill's defeat following the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a horrible bill," Curtis said. "It does nothing to fix the problems." She blamed the malpractice suits on hospital corporations that engage in ruthless cost-cutting and pay physicians based on their productivity. "Nobody is willing to talk about the private equity guys that are choosing to put their money in the New Mexico health care system because it's so profitable," she said. Fred Nathan, executive director of Think New Mexico, which helped draft the legislation, said the bill received strong support from both Democrats and Republicans. "Naturally we're disappointed, but we remain encouraged by the support it garnered," he said. The bill ultimately had 24 co-sponsors, including 12 Republicans and 12 Democrats. "This is a solid foundation that we can build on going forward." The dog pack surveys the neighborhood from a large window in the living room. A gate keeps them away from the front door to fend off escape artists. When there is suspicious activity a neighbor walking by or a visitor at the door they sing their alarm song to anyone who will listen. As visitors approach, their chants quiet down, the sniffs and licks follow and the race for who gets more pets begins. The cats are a different story altogether. They are nowhere to be seen, lingering in doorways, under furniture, on kitchen counters and the fridge. The cats approach at their leisure, both curious and unfazed. Their temporary home is pristine. It smells like scented candles and the floors and countertops are clean, almost reflective. The house looks lived in a home but organized. You would never guess that three people live there with over 30 animals about 15 dogs and 17 cats though the number fluctuates often with new intakes and reunions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colby Love Can, a family-run nonprofit in Mesa, takes care of pets, mostly dogs and cats, while their owners undergo drug or alcohol rehabilitation. When the owners are ready to take care of themselves and an animal, theyre reunited, filling a gap that most treatment centers and animal rescues are unable to meet in the greater Phoenix area. In most cases, pet owners struggling with substance abuse are not allowed to bring their pets with them into rehabilitation centers. This poses a barrier to recovery, as many of them do not want to part ways with their animals and may not have a loved one who can care for their pet temporarily. And surrendering their pet to a traditional animal shelter can lead to them never seeing their friend again. We've been doing it for seven years. It became officially a nonprofit with the IRS in January of last year but we've always had a heart and a passion to help people and animals, said Colby Love, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Colby Love Can. How it all started The nonprofits name was inspired by the commitment to help people and animals in need. I help a lot of people on Facebook, and it's always like, well, Who can help? Colby Love can! I saw that all over Facebook, Love said about the names origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation is managed by Love, her husband Harry (Boo) Martin, her sister Whitney Taft and her two daughters, Liana and Kayla Rooney. Its run out of their two homes in Mesa one where Love, Martin and Liana live, and another where Taft lives. Some of the animals are their pets, but the majority belong to people getting treatment in substance rehabilitation centers in the Valley and other parts of Arizona. Between 2012 and 2021, the overdose death rate for synthetic opioids like fentanyl increased by over 6,000% in Maricopa County, and as of 2023, more than three people die every day on average due to fentanyl, according to the countys Office of the Medical Examiner. In a Maricopa County report that interviewed 300 patients suspected of nonfatal opioid overdoses between Sept. 2021 and Aug. 2022, one in three respondents reported currently being in substance use treatment or having an appointment scheduled for treatment. One of the barriers people face to accessing treatment is having pets. As a person with an addiction in recovery who has worked in the treatment space for years, Love knows this firsthand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm an alcoholic and a drug addict. I've been clean and sober for 13 years. While I was running the streets, I was always an animal person. I had cats that would pee in the bathtub, and I had dogs that would stay on the streets with me, Love said. Being on the receiving end of phone calls doing admissions for treatment centers, I've heard people say, I can't go. I won't go because of my animal, and it hit. My whole family has a big passion for animals, and we're all in recovery, so we do know that there's a big need for that My mom used to save everything, so it's just something that we've always been into, Taft said. Community partnerships Love is now self-employed running her own business, Colby Love LLC, a consulting group that helps design and revamp treatment center intake and outreach processes. But before that, Love worked for treatment centers in the Valley helping people access the care they needed. She made connections with facilities that she now partners with for her nonprofit. One of those centers is Crossroads, a nonprofit organization that has been around for over 60 years and is one of Phoenixs largest treatment centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we have people that come in and are needing treatment and have animals, we call Colby, and Colby comes down and gets the animals and houses them while they go to treatment, said Christin Day, communications and outreach manager at Crossroads. Day and Love go way back and are close friends beyond their professional relationship. Both are in recovery, and they understand each others pasts, struggles, and goals. Colby and I have known each other for six years. I met her when I was about a year sober, and just her energy and everything about her I was so drawn to her, Day said. Colby Love Can has also formed relationships with other nonprofits and government entities. I've gotten a couple calls from the Humane Society. I'm friends with Mesa Animal Control they do call me to help out, so people are starting to get to know me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of their most valuable partnerships are with volunteers who assist with the rescues day-to-day chores and individuals who foster animals with behavioral problems and are unable to live with other animals. Instead of turning these animals down, they do their best to match them with single-foster homes and remain involved in their care. The impact Meghan Sloan, a cat-lover and bartender from Scottsdale, transformed her life for the better by getting treatment at Crossroads. But her recovery journey at the facility wouldnt have been possible without Colby Love Cans help. It saved my life because I was going to leave rehab to take care of the cats. I was so stressed about them, Sloan said. Sloan lives in a studio with her four cats, Mimi, a tortoiseshell cat, and Jaime, Daisy Mae and Dandy Rae, all three orange tabby cats. Sloan is soft-spoken and laughs easily. She speaks of her cats with great tenderness: They lower my anxiety, and they're fun. I think they all have different personalities. They're so cute. Every single one of them is different. Yeah, (theyre) my family. Deciding to go to rehab was a tough decision for Sloan. She was in the middle of a divorce, moving out of the home she had shared with her wife in Tucson and struggling to keep a job due to her worsening alcohol addiction. Putting her life on pause to get better was exactly what she needed but not knowing how shed secure care for her cats her family was making recovery a daunting prospect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sloan shared her concerns with her case manager at Crossroads who recommended Colby Love Cares services. When I called [Love] I was like, I have four animals. We can split them up. Maybe you can take two, and I can find another home for the other two, and she stopped me right there. She was like, We're not splitting up your family. The cats live together. They go together. I can take all four, Sloan said. Sloan felt a weight lift from her body and mind; after that call, getting better felt like a real possibility. It was like the easiest phone call in my life. I thought it was going to be really difficult. I thought finding a place for my cats was going to be so hard, Sloan added. Love and Sloan kept in touch while Sloan was in the treatment facility. Once she transitioned to a sober-living house, Sloan would visit her cats at the nonprofit. Shed hang out and play with them in a room in Loves house, often overcome with emotion from getting to see them again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, all of Sloans hard work paid off; her addiction was no longer dictating her life and she was ready to live on her own and reunite with her four cats. Colby not only saved (my cats) lives but saved my life. Providing joy: Volunteer and her 3 dogs spread goodness through Hospice of the Valley's pet therapy program Addiction, homelessness and pets According to the Maricopa Association of Governments, there are more people entering homelessness than leaving homelessness. From July 2023 to June 2024, there were 19 new people experiencing homelessness for every 10 people finding housing. Unhoused people are more likely to struggle with substance abuse than their housed counterparts. About 38% of unhoused individuals suffer from alcohol dependency, and 26% abuse drugs, as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimated that roughly 12% of unsheltered adults experiencing homelessness owned pets. Most homeless shelters and rehabilitation centers for drug and alcohol abuse do not accept pets. Organizations like Colby Love Can ensure that individuals can access care while their pets are cared for, and can also help them secure stable housing post recovery. Maricopa County shares a list of temporary housing and foster resources for pets in the area, including Loves nonprofit, which is listed as Paws for Recovery." My favorite part of this is the day-to-day, spending the time with these animals and watching them connect and watching their little demeanors, Love said. During the interview, Love held Little Boy, a brown and white chihuahua wearing a grey, pink and white hoodie, in her lap. Aside from the manual labor involved in keeping the animals healthy, fed, groomed, happy and the house clean, the goodbyes are usually bittersweet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, seeing the owners and pets reunite is also heartwarming. It's awesome. Watching the animal go back to their loved one, and hearing the dog almost cry, like whimper, because it's so happy, is amazing, Love said. Managing the human component can be complex; every situation and reunion is different. Sloan is an example of a best-case scenario. She went to rehabilitation, got better, reunited with her cats and is now living a happier and more stable life with her pets. However, thats not always the case. Sometimes, treatment goes on longer than initially expected and the reunification has to be pushed out. Other times, they pick up their furry friend only to drop them off again a few months later after a relapse. The worst-case scenario is when the owner doesnt get better and cant come back for their pet, or they come back for their animal even though they wont be able to care for it properly. I do like reuniting, but it makes me feel uneasy because I hope that they're going to do the right thing. I hope that they're not going to drink tonight or whatever and put their animal in a bad situation, Love said. The Colby Love Can members have adopted animals whose owners were unable to take them back and adopted others out to stable homes looking for new companions. It's two things we do: We help animals and we help people, Martin said. Alessandra De Zubeldia is an investigative journalism master's student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mesa nonprofit offers hope to people in recovery and their pets HOUMA, La. (WGNO) After Fridays newscast, Good Morning New Orleans Meteorologist Carrigan Chauvin headed down the bayou to Oakshire Elementary to expand on the weather topics that kindergarten classes were learning about this week. Students were able to rewatch the newscast from that morning, then proceed to ask questions about what goes on behind the scenes. We spoke about the threat for severe weather this weekend including what types of weather are considered severe, and how to stay safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also reflected on the historic snowstorm from earlier this year and giggled about who got the opportunity to make a snowman in south Louisiana! Chauvin informed the classes on just how rare it was for that event to occur. We wrapped up the school day by making our very own thunderstorm! Classes worked together by snapping their fingers, clapping their hands and hitting the tables to mimic the forceful sounds of a strong thunderstorm! 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. India and New Zealand have launched negotiations for a "comprehensive and mutually beneficial" Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Union commerce ministry said in a statement Sunday, minutes after the Kiwi Prime Minister Christopher Luxon landed in New Delhi for a five-day official visit. "With bilateral trade continuing to grow steadily, surpassing USD 1 billion during April-January 2025, the FTA negotiations aim to unlock new avenues for businesses and consumers, fostering mutual growth and prosperity of our nations, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said in a post on X. The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. "This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity," the ministry said in the statement. India and New Zealand share a longstanding partnership founded on shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and economic complementarities. "Both countries have continuously worked towards building their bilateral relationship encompassing trade and investment," the commerce ministry said in the statement. A meeting was held between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay here in New Delhi, laying the foundation of a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries. In the year 2023-24, New Zealand exported a total of USD 0.84 billion in goods and services to India and imported USD 0.91 billion, for a total trade value of USD 1.75 billion. India primarily imports wool, Iron and Steel, fruit and nuts, and aluminium from New Zealand. Indian exports to New Zealand mostly consist of pharmaceuticals/medications, Mechanical Machinery, made-up textile articles, pearls, Precious stones, and Metals. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, is in India during March 16-20, 2025. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media and members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand. This is his first visit to India by Prime Minister Luxon in his present capacity. Prime Minister Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Monday, covering various aspects of India- New Zealand relations. Prime Minister Modi will also host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. On the same day, President Droupadi Murmu will be called. Prime Minister Luxon will be the chief guest and deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 in New Delhi. He is scheduled to visit Mumbai on 19-20 March 2025, where he will have interactions with Indian business leaders and representatives from various walks of life. (ANI) UPDATE: Around 9:15 p.m. Saturday Metro police said all reports of a shooting were unfounded. The story has been updated with the most recent information from Las Vegas Metro police. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Metro police said reports of a shooting at a Las Vegas Strip hotel Saturday were unfounded after detectives learned that the reports stemmed from a fight that broke out inside the property. Just before 5:40 p.m., police responded to reports of a possible shooting inside a hotel property in the 2800 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard near Circus Circus Drive. Around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, police said no victims or evidence of a shooting were found. The hotel property was evacuated out of an abundance of caution, and there was a heavy police presence in the area for hours following the reports, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro detectives said that a fight broke out inside of the venue, causing serval people to run out of the property. That caused panic amongst the crowd and several other fights broke out outside of the property, according to Metro police. This is an ongoing story, stay with 8 News Now 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 KLAS. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at March 15, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from March 15 drawing Midday: 3-8-2 Evening: 3-3-3 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from March 15 drawing Midday: 5-9-0-8 Evening: 5-8-0-0 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from March 15 drawing 09-12-30-39-41, Lucky Ball: 12 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from March 15 drawing QH-QS-AS-9C-5S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from March 15 drawing 21-23-26-30-32 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 01-18-22-31-37 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from March 15 drawing 08-13-14-16-22-23-30-34-35-39-47-49-50-52-58-64-65-68-69-72-75-76 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from March 15 drawing 04-09-12-14-16-33 Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from March 15 drawing 01-03-15-16-19-43 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 15, 2025 A Hmong American woman who is a mother of five has been deported from the Milwaukee area to Laos, a country she has never set foot in, according to a new report. Ma Yang, 37, is being held in a rooming house in Laos, surrounded by military guards, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. She does not speak the language, knows no one, and says the military is holding all of her documents. "The United States sent me back to die," Yang told the outlet. "I don't even know where to go. I don't even know what to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How do I rent, or buy, or anything, with no papers?" she added. "I'm a nobody right now." ICE deported Ma Yang, a mother of five, to Laos last month (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The 37-year-old is also without insulin for her diabetes and is running out of her medication for high blood pressure. Yang was born in Thailand and was a legal permanent US resident until she pleaded guilty to marijuana-related charges and served more than 2 years in prison. She took the plea deal after her attorney incorrectly stated it wouldnt affect her legal permanent residency, which was later revoked, the Journal Sentinel reports. Yang says she wouldve taken a longer sentence to keep her legal residency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I made a mistake and I know that it was wrong," she told the outlet. "But I served the time for it already." Ma Yang, pictured, was deported in February to Laos, a country she has never set foot in (Facebook) After her sentence, Yang was taken to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Minnesota. There, a new attorney told her to sign a document that allowed her to leave but required her to agree that a deportation order would be entered against her, according to the Journal Sentinel. Yangs attorney believed she would never be deported, as the US typically deports a small number of people to the country each year and Laos has typically refused to accept deportees, the Journal Sentinel reports. Yang also thought her case would be re-opened because she had poor representation. It wasnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just keep getting screwed in this system," Yang told the Journal Sentinel. In February, ICE agents asked Yang to report to their Milwaukee facility. From there, she was detained, sent to Indiana, transferred to Chicago, and finally put on a series of flights to Laos. Yang was removed from the US after President Donald Trump vowed to deport millions and millions and conduct the largest deportation operation in US history. The Trump administration has been ramping up deportation efforts, and the president has even attempted to speed up their efforts by invoking the rarely-used Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump signed an executive order Saturday invoking the act, which is intended to be invoked when the country is at war or if a foreign nation has invaded the U.S. or has issued threats that they will. However, Chief Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order on deportations under the wartime law on Saturday night. The order blocks the deportation of any non-citizens who are in custody and facing removal under the Alien Enemies Act for at least 14 days. The Independent has contacted ICE for comment. Update, 1:37 p.m.: SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4) Allen David Johnson, 65, has reportedly been found safe. No further information is available at this time. Original Story: SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4) A 65-year-old man has been reported missing out of South Salt Lake, according to South Salt Lake Police. At around 4:30 p.m. on March 15, Allen David Johnson, 65, reportedly voluntarily checked himself out of a medical rehabilitation facility in the area of 450 East 2700 South in South Salt Lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LDS Church announces General Conference dates and time schedule Allen David Johnson, 65 (Courtesy of South Salt Lake Police) Johnson told staff at the facility that he was going to visit an unknown relative at an unknown hospital, a statement from South Salt Lake Police reads. [Johnson] does not have a cell phone or vehicle that he uses for transportation purposes. Johnson is described as a White male, 59, 180 lbs, with gray hair and hazel eyes. His clothing at the time of disappearance is unknown, police said. If you have any information regarding Johnsons whereabouts, please call South Salt Lake Police at 801-840-400 and reference case number LK2025-7827. 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. Hi, Mom. All good. I will be offline, probably for a long time, maybe a week or month. Dont worry. That was the last message Nazar Ocheretnyi sent his mother, on March 30, 2022. Nearly three years later, he still hasnt been in touch. The Ukrainian combat medic disappeared aged 33 in Mariupol, the eastern Ukrainian city that was then under siege in one of the bloodiest chapters in the Russian war against Ukraine. On April 12, 2022, Ocheretnyis mother, Valentyna Ocheretnaya, was officially informed that her son was missing in action, possibly captured. Despite his 61-year-old mothers tireless search, as of March 2025 he remains neither confirmed dead nor known to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocheretnyi is one of the almost 60,000 military personnel and civilians recognized as missing under special circumstances in the governments Unified Register. However, the real number could be much higher. If the person is in the register - there are two main versions - the person either is in Russian captivity, or the person is dead, said Artur Dobroserdov, Commissioner for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances. But the longer the war continues, the more difficult it is for the Ukrainian government to find those who were captured or killed. A girl holds a poster during a rally by families of Ukrainian prisoners of war on March 17, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. - Yurii Stefanyak/Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images The way the war is fought has also changed since 2022. Both armies now use drones extensively, so returning bodies from the front lines is increasingly difficult which is why Russia and Ukraine regularly exchange bodies. Ukraine has managed to bring home more than 7,000 bodies since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All military units know that they have to take the bodies of both our defenders and the enemy. If taken, the enemys body is an asset for the exchange fund to be used in (a) repatriation procedure, said Dobroserdov. Mandatory DNA testing During the last such repatriation, on February 14, Ukraine brought home the bodies of 757 fallen soldiers. But for their relatives, that still wasnt the moment when they could finally bury their beloved according to Ukrainian traditions. I will tell you the bitter truth. You still have to be lucky to find your loved one and bury them, says a comment on social media in a discussion about soldiers who are missing in action. Identifying missing persons among repatriated remains is a long and complex process. Often, whats returned is just remnants of bodies, Dobroserdov said - mutilated, fragmented, rotted or burnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most difficult for an expert is when one package arrives and it contains a large number of body fragments. When you open it, you dont understand whether it belongs to one person or 10 to 20, said Ruslan Abbasov, deputy director of the State Scientific Research Forensic Center. Ukrainian service members who surrendered after weeks holed up at the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol are seen inside a bus which arrived at a detention facility in Olenivka in Donetsk, May 17, 2022. - Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters Experts say that sometimes, but not often, bodies are brought back with indications of their identity. This information needs to be cross-checked, however. There have been cases where a name was assigned to a body but, after DNA testing, it turned out to be that of a completely different person. Even if relatives recognize a fallen soldier, DNA testing is still mandatory for final identification. This is particularly essential in repatriation exchanges, said Dobroserdov, where the returned remains can belong to multiple people. We take a DNA sample from each body part and create a DNA profile. We release the body only after we have examined everyone from this repatriation. Because you cant make an identification order, bury a person, and then find some more remains after a while, explained Dobroserdov, adding that there were cases in which the remains of one body were delivered during different repatriations at different times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In cases where the missing person has no relatives, experts also analyze the belongings they left behind specifically items that have been in direct contact with their skin in order to search for a DNA match. Facial reconstruction techniques To speed up the search, the Ukrainian authorities are turning to advanced technologies. On February 20, the National Police of Ukraine posted computer-generated images on social media of five unidentified men who were killed in action. If you recognize any of your relatives or friends who went missing because of the war or know people who are looking for them, please contact us, said the message. It was the first time that Ukrainians had made use of 3D-reconstruction techniques for this purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are testing the technology for restoring facial features of unidentified bodies based on the shape of the skull and available genomic information, Khrystyna Podyriako, head of the National Polices war crimes investigation department, told CNN. This allows the restoration of distinguishing features such as hair and skin color, face shape, and approximate age. Ukrainians also use facial recognition software provided by Western partners and conduct searches in databases, social media, and online. One tool employed is the Clearview AI application, which allows users to recognize faces from photos posted on social networks and has enabled researchers to identify missing soldiers who are in captivity. According to Dobroserdov, Russia does not always keep accurate lists of prisoners of war, which means that the Ukrainians must find and confirm the identities of many of those held captive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN was granted rare access to one of the facial identification facilities in Kyiv, where a team of four people hunts for images of any captured soldier who appears on Russian Telegram channels or media, and tries to identify them. Such work requires special attention to detail; dozens of soldiers photos are on computer screens. If the team finds a match, it will notify the soldiers family that their loved one is likely in captivity. Valentyna Ocheretnaya is pictured near the presidential palace in Kyiv in March 2025, while attending a meeting organized by relatives of those missing in action. - Daria Tarasova-Markina/CNN Bring my son back to me In support of the government efforts, Ukrainians unite into so-called armies of families, searching across Russian TV channels, social media and news videos for signs of the missing. Families often also conduct their own investigations. Ocheretnaya obtained information from at least three different people that her son, the combat medic, had been seen in captivity in Russia. Everything matches what the eyewitnesses are saying. They recognized him from his photo, his callsign, told me where and what kind of tattoo he had. One guy said Nazar for two weeks gave him bandages on his arm after the Russians burned a tattoo of a Ukrainian emblem on his body, Ocheretnaya said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She learned of three locations where Ocheretnyi had likely been seen: in Russias Volgograd and Sakha regions, and in Olenivka prison in Russian-occupied Donetsk region. She gave all the information shed gathered to Ukrainian authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross. But her son is not on any official Russian list. Valentyna Ocheretnaya is pictured with her son, Nazar Ocheretnyi, before the full-scale invasion was launched. She looks at photos of her missing son almost every day, believing that he is alive. - Valentyna Ocheretnaya Ocheretnaya also provided her DNA, but the database has found no match. It means that he is alive; I know it. Maybe hes in a prison where they havent released the prisoners yet, so his names nowhere to be found, she said. Over the past three years, Ocheretnaya has attended many meetings held by relatives of those missing in action and joined almost every Telegram group where they talk. Shes contacted everyone from Ocheretnyis brigade, and is still searching for him everywhere. I have an old video with him in which he is driving, joking, and laughing with other guys. I watch this video several times per day. I know every second, every turn of the eye, every wave of the hand, said Ocheretnaya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said that Ukraine is ready for an all-for-all exchange. Russia releasing all the Ukrainian captives it holds would be a good step toward peace. That is exactly what Ocheretnaya, like thousands of other Ukrainian families, is waiting for. Im really asking God to bring my son back to me. I dont need anything else. Just to bring him back, she said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com "Visited the Navi Mumbai International Airport site today--a world-class airport taking shape. Set for inauguration this June, it will redefine connectivity and growth. A true gift to India!" Gautam Adani wrote on Instagram, sharing visuals from his visit to the airport. Adani Group earlier hinted that it plans to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai airport in the first half of 2025. The Navi Mumbai airport took a monumental step toward becoming operational with its first commercial flight validation test in December 2024. The greenfield Navi Mumbai airport will have two parallel runways, enabling two aircraft to land and take off simultaneously. The Navi Mumbai airport project is proposed to be developed in multiple phases. Once complete, the airport will have the capacity to manage over 90 million passengers per annum (MPPA). In the initial phase, it is implementing a passenger capacity of 20 MPPA and 800,000 tons per annum of cargo handling capacity. The Navi Mumbai airport will feature a 3,700-meter runway capable of handling large commercial aircraft. Adani Airport Holdings Limited was incorporated in 2019 as a 100 per cent subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, the flagship company of the Adani Group. The Adani Group made its maiden venture into the airports sector by emerging as the highest bidder for the operation, management, and development of six airports: Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram. It also signed concession agreements with the Airport Authority of India for all six airports. The already operational airport in Mumbai is also an Adani airport. According to the Adani Group website, the conglomerate "forayed into civil aviation with a vision to leverage its rich experience of building stellar infrastructure in transforming Indian airports." According to its website, Adani airports now handle 25 percent of passenger footfalls and 33 percent of India's air cargo traffic. (ANI) Federal food aid has dwindled after Gov. Tate Reeves opted out of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program for the second year in a row, leaving more families in southeast Mississippi struggling to put food on the table. Food banks are overwhelmed, and local groups are racing to help. With summer approaching, the need is growing but are there enough resources to fill the gap? A Petal Childrens Task Force employee sorts food donations at the facility in Petal, ahead of an expected summer surge in assistance requests, Feb. 25, 2025. Food banks feeling the strain I tell everybody its feast or famine, we never know what were going to have or when were going to have it, said Mary McMichael, office manager at Petal Childrens Task Force, which offers food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi is classified as one of the hungriest states in the nation. Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, reports that almost one in five Mississippians about 553,610 people dont have enough to eat. Feeding America also reports one in four children in Mississippi about 159,370 face hunger. That same report clarified it would take over $380 million to meet the food needs of every hungry person in the state. When you cant feed your children, you know, you panic behind that. So, the cuts have affected them, and it trickles down to us, said Pastor Arnold Larry with the Lords Pantry in Jackson. Although food pantries are feeling the pressure, they are showing empathy for those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The little thousand dollars a month that we put in is not quite enough to handle the load that we have or the demand that we have, Larry said. I like to make sure when people come if theyre three or four or five or six people within that family that they get enough to supplement them for at least a week or a week and a half. Petal Childrens Task Force, a food distribution center in Petal, prepares for a busy summer season as food insecure families reach out for support, Feb. 25, 2025. Why Mississippi opted out According to RHCJC News partner Mississippi Today, Reeves declined to opt into the federal summer food program, SUN Bucks, which helps families with school-aged children buy healthy food all summer long. Reeves rejected the program to avoid attempts to expand welfare in the state, according to Mississippi Today. However, in a 2024 report, representatives from the Mississippi Department of Human Services claimed they lacked the resources to adequately implement the program. Alongside Mississippi, 11 other states chose not to opt in SUN Bucks with the same reasoning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reeves decision to reject SUN Bucks is consistent with Mississippis history of declining federally funded assistance programs, including those related to welfare and health care. For example, the state has continued to opt out of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, which could extend health care coverage to thousands of low-income residents. RHCJC News partner The Pine Belt News reported the federal food program would have provided each eligible child $40 a month in grocery assistance, bringing an estimated $38 million into the state last year. Feeding America states that many grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores and online retailers accept SUN Bucks. Often, these are the same places that accept government programs SNAP and WIC. Other items you can use SUN Bucks to pay for include: Fruits and vegetables. Meat, poultry and fish. Dairy products. Breads and cereals. Snack foods. Non-alcoholic drinks. We see that the food prices have increased, and it is hard for families to purchase food, said Frances Nixon, a social worker and case manager at Salvation Army in Hattiesburg. What I have seen, especially with families with children (theyre) struggling in trying to make sure that their children are eating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that the number of people needing food has increased tremendously in recent months, and they are working tirelessly to ensure no one goes hungry. This chart shows the average meal cost in southeast Mississippi by county, using the most recent data from Feeding America, which is from 2022. Food insecurity in Mississippi Food insecurity the lack of access to sufficient, nutritious food has serious social and health consequences, often stemming from unemployment, poverty and financial instability. Mississippi residents spend a higher percentage of their income on groceries compared to other states. Factors such as a 7% tax on food sales the highest state-imposed grocery tax in the U.S. and lower median incomes contribute to this disparity. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 1% of households with children (374,000 households) had very low food security, a rate similar to 2022 (1.0%, 381,000 households) and 2021 (0.7%, 274,000 households). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In southeast Mississippi, thousands of people experience food insecurity with the issue presenting itself in several ways, including: Uncertainty about where the next meal will come from. Skipping meals or reducing portion sizes. Limited access to fresh produce and other healthy food options. Reliance on convenience stores due to the absence of nearby supermarkets. Facing difficult choices between paying for rent, medical care or food. Sometimes we do see some challenges and a demand for food especially when we (dont) have enough to meet the need of the people, Nixon said. Thats when I try to refer clients to other agencies that may have the assistance. This chart shows the food insecure population in southeast Mississippi by percent with the most recent data from Feeding America, which is from 2022. Preparing for the summer strain As food pantries prepare for summer, Larry said the need will only increase without summer feeding programs. Im getting more calls now, and theyre probably going to increase the closer we get to summer and everything, he said. Theyre going to increase, and I just hope that I can meet the demand of the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to national nonprofit Move for Hunger, without successful feeding programs, there is a greater burden on hunger relief organizations that are already stretched to their limits. There are also negative effects on those without access to nutritious food. The Center for American Progress, a public policy research and advocacy organization which presents a liberal viewpoint on economic and social issues, reports that hunger harms both mental and physical health, leading to higher rates of illness and developmental issues, especially in children. It lowers academic achievement, limits potential, and increases health care costs and dependence on government aid, ultimately weakening families and the economy. USDAs Food and Nutrition Services Sun Bucks (EBT) map shows states that chose to participate in the program in 2025. Seeking solutions Efforts are underway to decrease the number of food-insecure children. At the Salvation Army, Nixons team is prepared to do more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im anticipating that (the number of children served) will be spike since theyre at home. Working parents are working and trying to make sure food is on the table, Nixon said. In Jackson, Springboard to Opportunities, a non-profit organization that connects families with resources and programs, will again provide cash assistance to families over the summer. The organization launched the program in 2024 to meet increased need after the state opted out of the summer EBT program. The need is needed, said Nixon. Its drastic, and Im so glad that were able to work with other agencies to collaborate with other agencies to make sure that this need is met for the community. The Agriculture Departments Food and Nutrition Service oversees Summer Food Service Program sites, which provide meals to school-age children during extended vacation periods. This summer, locations include places where children gather like schools, playgrounds, community centers and churches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite efforts by food banks and community organizations, food insecurity in Mississippi continues to increase, particularly as summer nears. While nonprofits work to fill the gap, they also look for long-term solutions to offset food insecurity at the base level. Mar. 15BEMIDJI More than 1,500 miles from where 14-year-old Emily Pike was found dead, dozens gathered at Paul Bunyan Park on Friday afternoon to honor her memory and demand justice for the death that rocked the Indigenous community. Held by MMIW 218, the event aimed to raise awareness for the still-unsolved case and highlighted the violence Indigenous relatives face on a broader scale. Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona, was reported missing in late January. According to reports, she was last seen walking in Mesa, a Phoenix suburb, after leaving her group home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Gila County Sheriff's Office, her remains were found off U.S. Route 60 in eastern Arizona on Feb. 14. The sheriff's office noted in a Feb. 27 Facebook post that Pike's death is being investigated as a homicide, but no formal charges have been brought in the case. Dressed in pink, Pike's favorite color, each attendee was given a rose to hold as they gathered near Bemidji's Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. Ahead of the event, organizers provided cards for people to sign that would be given to Pike's family. After an opening drum song, Bemidji City Councilor At-Large Audrey Thayer brought attention to the oppression that Indigenous women and girls face every day. "I am tired of this. I'm tired that as women and as families, we do not know when this is going to happen to any of our families," she said. "I'm going to ask you all to be vigilant, take care of each other, know your neighbors and help those who are in need." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MMIW 218 organizer Simone Senogles welcomed attendees and expressed that Pike's family was aware of the event and thankful for their support. "I'm so happy to be here with you all and also so sad to be here with you all. Thank you for coming out to honor this young girl," she said to the attendees. "We're one of many other groups across the nation that are honoring her, and not just her but all of them, all of the people that we've lost, whether they're from our community or anywhere across Turtle Island." Senogles shared some alarming statistics from 2024, noting that Indigenous women face higher rates of violence, including murder, sexual assault and physical abuse, than other groups. "Some Indigenous women experience murder rates that are 10 times higher than the national average. Murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women," she said. "There are concerns about the lack of data and accountability in cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, with many cases not being reported or investigated adequately." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A family friend of Pike, Michelle Brun, attended the event and took a moment to read a message from Pike's family about the young girl. "Emily Pike is our daughter, our granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin," Brun read. "Her favorite color was pink and she loved to draw. She listened to Billie Eilish and played Roblox. She loved her family very much. "... Losing her is hard enough, but the way she was taken from us is even more traumatizing. Although the pain is unbearable, the outpouring of love and support has been amazing during this difficult time." As northern Minnesota faces its own missing person cases, MMIW 218 organizer Valahlena Steeprock drew a connection between Pike and the disappearances of two Indigenous teenagers in Bemidji: Nevaeh Kingbird, who went missing in October 2021 at the age of 15, and 17-year-old Jeremy Jourdain, who disappeared on Halloween day in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All over Indian country, some families don't get to bring their loved ones home and so I just want to remember all the missing and murdered Indigenous people today," she said. "This is for them. This is for Emily Pike, that poor baby didn't deserve what she went through. And when I look at her, I see Nevaeh, I see Jeremy, I see all the MMIW." Underscoring the emotion felt throughout the crowd, MMIW 218 organizer Audrianna Goodwin recited a poem written by Abigail Echo-Hawk, a poet who often writes about Indigenous experiences. "It's not the first time I've heard it. Story told with wet eyes of limbs scattered, of hearts broken, of mothers left behind, of fathers who weep, of family who scream," she read. "Too often the sounds echo canyons of nothingness. Of invisibility. Of apathy. Of a country whose been trying to kill us. Now, letting their predators do it. "Step into the canyon. Let their grief touch our skin. New ancestors swirling in winds, filling our throats, lifting our fists, printing new ink across our tongues that reads 'Justice, we will only accept justice.'" MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) The Mobile County Commission will conduct a public hearing to learn residents thoughts about the Alabama Bar & Lounge, News 5 has learned. Fairhope is one of two remaining single-tax colonies in the U.S. what it means The hearing is set for 10 a.m. on March 24 at Mobile Government Plaza. According to a public notice, the commission will consider whether Alabama Bar & Lounge is operating in a manner that is unsafe and or incompatible with the best interests of the residents of Mobile County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notice said the commission would evaluate whether the business poses a threat to the welfare, health, peace, temperance, and safety of the community as defined under Alabama Law. The notice said the commission has received several complaints about the business from Mobile County residents. In the past six (6) years, the Mobile Police Department documented many calls/incidents involving alleged, violent, or other serious crimes at the lounges location at 10071 Airport Boulevard, including two (2) homicides, the notice said. BUSINESS LOCATION On Feb. 1, 2025, a deadly shooting occurred in the Alabama Bar & Lounges parking lot. Matthew Sanders, 20, is accused of killing 22-year-old Hunter Lins after a fight broke out inside the bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fight eventually escalated and spilled outside, where Sanders pulled a gun out of his car, and allegedly said, I got something for yall. Coffee creamer shipped to Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, among other states, recalled Sanders has claimed self-defense, and the case 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Putting their skills to the test Saturday more than 1,000 students participated in the 2025 First Robotics Finger Lakes Regional, hosted at the RIT Gordon Field House. This years theme was reef-scape, challenging the 54 teams to explore the oceans eco-system. (WROC/Melanie Sosa) Students were tasked with designing, building and coding robots able to harvest algae and plant coral. In the past, the themes have touched on music, transportation and energy resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It means a lot just being at a competition, its like pure energy injected directly into your veins. Its super exciting and its really the culmination of a lot of weeks work, said Quinn Gaul, a Senior from Wilson High School. First Robotics is incredible for teaching STEM, and getting people ahead, but its also incredible for just building confidence and creativity and justit turns kids into leaders. A spectacular spectacle of shamrocks: The 2025 Rochester St. Patricks Day Parade Beyond the main awards from the competition, this year folks in attendance were also awarded Volunteer of the Year, Mentor Recognition. The team finalists will advance for a chance to compete in the national competition, which is scheduled for April 16-19. 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 RochesterFirst. MACKS CREEK, Mo. Around two dozen structures and hundreds of acres burned Friday afternoon in Camden County after several wind-driven wildfires crossed highways and charred dried-up vegetation. The Southwest Camden County Fire Protection District said they responded to a multi-fire event, all happening around the same time Friday afternoon. More than 500 acres burned, with fire officials saying perhaps as many as 25 structures were damaged or, in many cases, destroyed. Officials say they are still assessing the region for damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no reports of injuries. Weather conditions were primed for fires to spread rapidly. Even though thunderstorms were approaching Friday evening, relative humidity remained low. With low moisture content in the air, dried-up ground conditions like leaves and other combustibles mixed with gusty winds, the stage was set. FOX 2 arrived Friday evening before a line of powerful thunderstorms rolled through the area. Blackened grass was noticeable on both sides of U.S. Highway 54. There properties that had either lost every last sign of vegetation next to untouched, beige-looking plots of grass. Seemingly made to withstand the test of rigidness, a historic-looking train car was still burning on a large property that had already been completely inundated by fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smoke filled the fields north of Macks Creek as if it was the aftermath of a battle. Some residents were told to flee with barely a moments notice. Around two dozen structures and hundreds of acres burned Friday afternoon in Camden County after several wind-driven wildfires crossed highways and charred dried-up vegetation. (Photo: Mark Zinn/FOX 2) Around two dozen structures and hundreds of acres burned Friday afternoon in Camden County after several wind-driven wildfires crossed highways and charred dried-up vegetation. (Photo: Mark Zinn/FOX 2) Around two dozen structures and hundreds of acres burned Friday afternoon in Camden County after several wind-driven wildfires crossed highways and charred dried-up vegetation. (Photo: Mark Zinn/FOX 2) Around two dozen structures and hundreds of acres burned Friday afternoon in Camden County after several wind-driven wildfires crossed highways and charred dried-up vegetation. (Photo: Mark Zinn/FOX 2) As bad as it got, firefighters say they were thankful for that deluge of rainfall. The rain helped to stop some of the fires and slow them down enough for us to get ahead of them, the Southwest Camden County Fire Protection district said in a news release Saturday afternoon. Leading up to that line of strong storms, it was extremely windy. Weather data from the Camdenton showed sustained winds over 20 miles per hour, through much of the day, before strengthening in the afternoon with winds gusting well over 40 miles per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials say while the investigation into the multiple fires is underway, there is a common theme to each of them: Wind. Officials say a majority of fires started from winds knocking powerlines down. The Camden County Commission has also declared a state of emergency because of the widespread nature of the fires. Firefighters were called out for mutual aid with surrounding districts and counties rushing to fight one fire while protecting property from another. In addition to the four main fires, others started to flare up as drifting embers flared up new fires. While out with these major fires we were dispatched to, approximately 10 other natural cover fires or smoke investigations all stemming from these fires, their statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional agencies that responded included Prairie Grove, Dunnegan, Humansville, Northwest, Gravois, Pleasant Hope, Bolivar, Central Polk, Preston, Hickory County, Mid-County, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Camden County Sheriffs Department, Camden County Emergency Management and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Update, 5:10 p.m. Thousands of additional electric customers in the Twin Tiers have lost power since this story was originally published shortly after 3:45 p.m. According to the NYSEG outage list, 2,507 NYSEG customers in Chemung County, 526 in Schuyler County, and 3,414 in Steuben County were without power at 5 p.m. FirstEnergys outage map reported that 2,024 of its customers in Bradford County and 2,186 in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, were without power at the same time. There were several large outages, each impacting hundreds of customers, and dozens of smaller outages scattered across the region due to high winds causing downed wires, fallen branches, and fallen trees. Due to the volume of outages, NYSEG and FirstEnergy did not have estimated restoration times for most of their outages at about 5:10 p.m. TWIN TIERS REGION (WETM) More than 2,500 electric customers in the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York were without power during Sunday afternoons severe weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FirstEnergys outage map showed that 1,812 customers in Bradford County were without power at 3:45 p.m. on March, 16. At the same time, NYSEGs outage list reported that 156 of its customers in Chemung County and 370 in Steuben County were also without power. Most of the Bradford County customers that lost power were in Towanda. Towanda was experiencing three large outages, and at the time this story was published, FirstEnergy was preparing crews to assess them. Earlier in the afternoon: Hundreds lose power in Southern Tier during wind advisory FirstEnergy didnt have an estimated restoration time for its Bradford County customers at 3:45 p.m., and the company said its aware that severe weather is causing power issues in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 344 Corning and Hornby NYSEG customers were impacted by one Steuben County outage, and NYSEG estimates that power will be back in the area at about 5:30 p.m. The smaller outages scattered across the Southern Tier should be resolved no later than 5:45 p.m. Power restoration times are subject to change. NYSEG customers can check when their power is expected to be restored by using the companys outage map, and FirstEnergy can check for restoration times by using this outage map. The FirstEnergy outages should be sorted by location (not area) on the map to view restoration times. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (WATE) The Morristown Police Department has asked for the publics help to locate Misrrain Perez, 20. MPD said Perez was reported missing by his family on March 15. The department added his family said they have not seen or heard from him in 10 days. Perez is 54 tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. MPD said he may be using the name Efrain Rivas. Missing North Carolina teens truck seen near Harriman Anyone with information about Perezs location is asked to contact MPD at 423-585-2701. Investigators and family are concerned about his safety, reads a release from MPD. This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates. READ: More top stories on WATE.com 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. Patients have their blood pressure checked and other vitals taken at an intake triage at a Remote Area Medical (RAM) mobile dental and medical clinic in Grundy, Va. Potential cuts to Medicaid would hit working-age adults who live in small towns and rural areas especially hard. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Working-age adults who live in small towns and rural areas are more likely to be covered by Medicaid than their counterparts in cities, creating a dilemma for Republicans looking to make deep cuts to the health care program. About 72 million people nearly 1 in 5 people in the United States are enrolled in Medicaid, which provides health care coverage to low-income and disabled people and is jointly funded by the federal government and the states. Black, Hispanic and Native people are disproportionately represented on the rolls, and more than half of Medicaid recipients are people of color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, 18.3% of adults who are between the ages of 19 and 64 and live in small towns and rural areas are enrolled, compared with 16.3% in metro areas, according to a recent analysis by the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University. In 15 states, at least a fifth of working-age adults in small towns and rural areas are covered by Medicaid, and in two of those states Arizona and New York more than a third are. Eight of the 15 states voted for President Donald Trump. Twenty-six Republicans in the U.S. House represent districts where Medicaid covers more than 30% of the population, according to a recent analysis by The New York Times. Many of those districts have significant rural populations, including House Speaker Mike Johnsons 4th Congressional District in Louisiana. Republican U.S. Rep. David Valadao of California, whose Central Valley district is more than two-thirds Hispanic and where 68% of the residents are enrolled in Medicaid, has spoken out against potential cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard from countless constituents who tell me the only way they can afford health care is through programs like Medicaid, and I will not support a final reconciliation bill that risks leaving them behind, Valadao said to House members in a recent floor speech. U.S. House Republicans are trying to reduce the federal budget by $2 trillion as they seek $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. GOP leaders have directed the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and Medicare, to find $880 billion in savings. Trump has ruled out cuts to Medicare, which covers older adults. That leaves Medicaid as the only other program big enough to provide the needed savings and the Medicaid recipients most likely to be in the crosshairs are working-age adults. But targeting that population would have a disproportionate impact on small towns and rural areas, which are reliably Republican. Furthermore, hospitals and other health care providers in rural communities are heavily reliant on Medicaid. Many rural hospitals are struggling, and nearly 200 have closed or significantly scaled back their services in the past two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010, there were far fewer working-age adults on the Medicaid rolls: The program mostly covered children and their caregivers, people with disabilities and pregnant women. But under the ACA, states are allowed to expand Medicaid to cover adults making up to 138% of the federal poverty level about $21,000 a year for a single person. As an inducement to expand, the federal government covers 90% of the costs a greater share than what the feds pay for the traditional Medicaid population. States will not be able to cover those shortfalls. Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights at the State Innovation Exchange Last year, there were about 21.3 million people who received coverage through Medicaid expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One GOP cost-saving idea is to reduce the federal match for that population to what the feds give states for the traditional Medicaid population, which ranges from 50% for the wealthiest states to 77% for the poorest ones. That would reduce federal spending by $626 billion over a 10-year period, according to a recent analysis by KFF, a health research group. Nine states Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia have so-called trigger laws that would automatically end Medicaid expansion if the feds reduce their share. Three other states Idaho, Iowa and New Mexico would require other cost-saving steps. States will not be able to cover those shortfalls, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights at the State Innovation Exchange, a left-leaning nonprofit that advocates on state legislative issues. Its not cutting costs. It is putting people in real danger. Studies have shown that Medicaid expansion has improved health care for a range of issues, including family planning, HIV care and prevention, and postpartum health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another idea is to require able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work. That would affect an average of 15 million enrollees each year, and 1.5 million would lose eligibility for federal funding, resulting in federal savings of about $109 billion over 10 years. In heavily rural North Carolina, which has a trigger law, there are about 3 million people on Medicaid, and 640,000 of them are eligible under the states expansion program. About 231,000 of the expansion enrollees live in rural counties. Black residents make up about 36% of new enrollees under the states eligibility expansion, but only about 22% of the states population. Brandy Harrell, chief of staff at the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation, an advocacy group based in Cary, North Carolina, that focuses on rural issues, said the proposed Medicaid cuts would deepen the existing disparities between white people and Black people and urban and rural residents. It would have a profound effect on working families by reducing access to essential health care, increasing financial strain and jeopardizing childrens health, Harrell said. Cuts could lead to more medical debt, and also poorer health outcomes for our state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the North Carolina lawmakers with about 30% of their constituents on Medicaid, U.S. Reps. Virginia Foxx and Greg Murphy, represent heavily rural districts in western and coastal North Carolina, respectively. Foxx has supported GOP budget priorities in social media posts. Murphy, a physician and co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus in the House, has focused his statements on taking care of what he says is abuse and fraud in the Medicaid system. But North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein last week sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders of both parties, saying the states rural communities disproportionately rely on Medicaid and that cuts would upend an already fragile landscape for rural hospitals in the state. The damage to North Carolinas health care system, particularly rural hospitals and providers, would be devastating, not to mention to people who can no longer afford to access health care, Stein wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Nebraska, 27% of residents live in rural areas, and state lawmakers are already scrambling to make up for reduced federal Medicaid funding. Dr. Alex Dworak, a family medicine physician who works at an Omaha health clinic that serves low-income and uninsured people, said a dearth of health care options in rural Nebraska already hurts residents. He has one patient who drives up to three hours from his rural community to the clinic. It wouldnt be just bad for marginalized communities, but it would be worse for marginalized communities because things were already worse for them, Dworak said of proposed Medicaid cuts. It will be an utter disaster. Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein and Statelines Barbara Barrett contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story was originally published by Stateline. Like Maine Morning Star, 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a special message to congratulate the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards for completing 25 years, recognising IIFA's journey and role in taking Indian cinema to a global stage. He wished the award's body more success in the upcoming editions and to become an inspiration for the next 25 years of growth and achievement. The 25th edition of the IIFA Awards was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on March 8 and 9. Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar co-hosted the event. It was attended by superstars including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Shahid Kapoor, among others. Taking to their Instagram handle, IIFA shared a letter issued by PM Modi that lauds IIFA for completing 25 years in the Indian cinema industry. In a special note, the Prime Minister of India recognises the efforts of producers, directors, artists and other industry professionals in making IIFA a global phenomena. He wrote, "I am pleased to learn about the 25th edition of International Indian Film Academy (IFA) Awards. This two-and-a-half decade journey reflects the commitment of all those who have contributed towards making IIFA a truly global phenomenon: producers, directors, artists, musicians, technicians, and other industry professionals, and most importantly, audiences worldwide." PM Modi also acknowledged the role of IIFA in reinforcing India's standing as a powerhouse of artistic excellence on a global stage by hosting its award shows in different parts of the world. "Over the years, IIFA has not only celebrated the best of Indian cinema but has also played a crucial role in spreading its vibrancy to various iconic cities of the world. This has helped introduce the magic of Indian cinema to newer audiences while reinforcing India's standing as a powerhouse of artistic excellence," the letter read. The Prime Minister also recognised the efforts of the International Indian Film Academy in celebrating Indian films and encouraging new and young talents in the film industry. He wrote, "Platforms like the IIFA awards ensure that such cinematic brilliance is celebrated and encouraged. IIFA has also played a role in nurturing young and aspiring talent in the industry. By providing a platform where new artists, filmmakers, and technicians can showcase their craft alongside seasoned global professionals, IIFA has encouraged the next generation of artists to learn from the best as well as connect with them." PM Modi concluded the letter by wishing IIFA a huge success and serve as the inspiration for the next 25 years of growth and achievement. "May this 25th edition of IIFA awards be a huge success. May it be the inspiration for the next 25 years of growth and achievement," the letter read. https://www.instagram.com/p/DHNv0UqILVk/? At the 25th edition of the IIFA Awards, Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies emerged as the biggest winner of the night, sweeping awards in 10 categories. Kartik Aaryan bagged the Best Actor award for his performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. (ANI) NEW MEXICO (KRQE) After high winds and fire danger forced Xcel Energy to warn around 70,000 customers of power outages, the company says they have restored power to around 80% of those people. Weve made great progress since that time; the storm had to pass, says Wes Reeves with Xcel Energy. While Xcel says it did shut off power for some customers on its own, the wind is responsible for a majority of the outages. PNM and Xcel Energy prepare for potential power outages during high winds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the company, crews are working through the weekend, inspecting around 2,500 miles of de-energized lines while using drones and helicopters to speed up the process. With windy weather carrying dust around the region, Xcel says crews can work through it, but they will be taking more precautions. Our crews have worked in smokey conditions and dusty conditions. Theyre able to do that; we just have to put a little more effort into protecting their airway and protecting their hands and all the things that could be damaged by heat and smoke and dry air, says Xcel Energys Wes Reeves. The company says a majority of customers can expect their power to be restored by Sunday, but some areas with more extensive damage may still have an outage into Monday, but those are expected to be customers in 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Video above: The FOX 5/KUSI video above provides driving safety tips. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A 29-year-old motorcyclist is in critical condition following a Saturday evening crash in Sunset Cliffs, authorities said. According to the San Diego Police Department, the rider was operating a blue 2013 Harley Davidson Iron 883 southbound on the 1200 block of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. The man reportedly lost control while navigating a curve in the road and fell off the bike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rider, whose identity was not released, suffered multiple injuries, including scattered abrasions, a spinal fracture, a skull base fracture and a laceration to his leg. Police said his injures are considered life-threatening. SDPDs Traffic Division is currently handling the investigation into the incident. At this point, authorities believe that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. No further details have been released at this time. Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The unlawful detention and arrest of Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil could be the case through which fascism and totalitarianism are normalized across college campuses and the United States, under the guise of preserving law and order and combating hate, said MSNBCs Ayman Mohyeldin Friday night. Khalil was arrested by plainclothes policemen on March 8 after he and his wife Noor Abdalla, a US citizen, returned home from an Iftar dinner (a fast-breaking evening meal during Ramadan). Abdalla is 8 months pregnant with the pairs first child. Khalil, who has not been charged with a crime and who is set to graduate from Columbia this spring, is currently in a detention center in Louisiana. His green card was revoked in response to his political actions on campus, where he had joined protests against the Israel-Hamas war. The right to protest is protected under the Bill of Rights; the Bill of Rights applies to everyone in the United States, including green card holders, undocumented people, and visa holders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A green card holder such as Khalil can have their status revoked if they have violated the terms under which it was granted. The Trump administration has presented no evidence to support any allegation that Khalil violated those terms. Mahmoud Khalil is a Palestinian refugee raised in war-torn Syria who somehow made his way legally to an elite university here in the United States, where he was set to graduate with a masters degree, said Mohyeldin. He became a public spokesperson and leader on campus, challenging the US governments support for Israels onslaught on Gaza. To justify Khalils arrest, Mohyeldin continued, the Trump administration cited an obscure foreign policy clause that allows the Secretary of State to deport foreign nationals whom it deems basically threatened national security. A federal judge temporarily blocked Khalils deportation on Monday. The Trump administration has selectively targeted Mr. Khalil, a student, husband, and father-to-be who has not been accused of a single crime, to send a message of just how far they will go to crack down on dissent, said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we at the NYCLU and ACLU wont stand for it under the Constitution, the Trump administration has no basis to continue this cruel weaponization of Mr. Khalils life. The Court must release Mr. Khalil immediately and let him go home to his family in New York, where he belongs. Ideas are not illegal, and dissent is not grounds for deportation. Though the Trump administration has argued the case is not about free speech rights in the United States, it has the potential for far-reaching consequences for everyone in the country, Mohyeldin also said. First of all, and its important to be very clear about this, the U.S. government has not presented any evidence and there has been no evidence of this so far, he explained, and the conflation of those supporting Palestinian rights with being supportive of terrorism is an ugly rhetorical attack. Secondly, if someone were to vocally support Hamas or any other organizations deemed terrorist by the United States, that is protected by the First Amendment too, even if we dont like it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This name, Mahmoud Khalil, and the legal fight that it will certainly birth going forward, will define America for generations to come, Mohyeldin later added. It could be the legal case that forces our people, our institutions, and our judiciary to actually defend our country, our free speech, and our civil liberties from fascistic authoritarian rule, or it could be the case through which fascism and totalitarianism are normalized under the guise of preserving law and order on college campuses. Watch the entire segment from MSNBC in the video above. The post MSNBCs Ayman Mohyeldin Warns Mahmoud Khalils Detention May Be How Fascism and Totalitarianism are Normalized in America | Video appeared first on TheWrap. The hottest attraction on the Missouri Southern State University campus this week has been a singular steel beam. Students, staff and faculty gravitated to it to sign their names. It is the final beam for the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center under construction on the campus. Although high winds Friday canceled the physical topping off ceremony, the university marked the construction milestone at the nearby Billingsly Student Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student Senate President Dhvani Patel, a senior studying biomedical sciences, said she made it a priority to be one of the first students to sign the beam. As an MSSU presidents ambassador, shes been talking with donors about why its important from a students perspective. She also offered input into the design about what students need in the center. I think signing that beam is representative of my contributions, however small, to the building, said Patel. Im forever going to be memorialized in the building for the rest of time. Im very excited to see Missouri Southern expand in this direction. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe joined those who signed the beam before the celebration and assessed the buildings progress with MSSU President Dean Van Galen. Kehoe signed his name with a green pen, and then, after a moment, asked for another yellow pen. Below his signature, Kehoe wrote On behalf of RDB, for former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, the buildings namesake. When asked why I wanted to sign this, Ive said I wanted to complete the monopoly board across the state of buildings with Roy Blunts name on them, Kehoe joked. I figured now I can get past Go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Galen said the $42 million center scheduled to be completed in summer 2026 will help the region become a leader in health science. For Missouri Southern, this transformation project is part of a strategic focus to serve as a statewide leader in health science education, Van Galen said. This focus builds upon our strengths and addresses critical workforce needs in the region that is home to two outstanding health care systems and educational institutions. He went on to praise the collaboration thats gone into the center between Missouri residents, local and state officials and private donors. This project is going to help you roar into the future, Kehoe said, alluding to the MSSU lion mascot. It will provide a gateway for so many men and women who are considering what theyre going to do in the future. Its a fantastic day to be a part of a project thats a living example of how were going to provide the best place to live and work in the state of Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Hight, senior project manager with Crossland Construction, said despite a few challenges, mostly weather related, construction has gone well. In addition to steel beams on the building, students have watched this semester as cornerstones and masonry on elevator shafts have been constructed. Hight said now workers are starting on roughing in the interior, which means the start of mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire sprinkler systems. Around May 1, exterior facade work should begin, with brick, metal panels and glass wall systems. This building is considered a legacy project, Hight said. Its been designed, engineered and built to be a 150-year-plus building. Most buildings around here are designed to be 75-year buildings. It will outlast all of us and our grandchildren. Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Space Florida has reiterated its commitment to long-term strategic infrastructure investment at Cape Canaveral, to the tune of nearly $3 billion over the next 10 to 15 years, according to president and CEO Rob Long. Long told Orlando Business Journal during a March 13 conference call the states aerospace finance and development authority currently has a wetland mitigation environmental master plan in the draft phase that it is continuing to work through. And then weve kicked off the environmental assessment for the wharf space, what we call phase one, which is the immediate area right there in the port around the Department of Defense side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wharf, a docking structure for ships, will stretch along the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station shoreline in the Banana River. The cost for the project, one of the Big 6 unveiled by Space Florida last November, is estimated at $2.1 billion. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Following an active weather pattern across the nation over the weekend, AccuWeather meteorologists warn that another storm is on the horizon for the upcoming week that could spread a burst of snow, blustery winds and even the risk for severe thunderstorms. The storm's energy moved onshore along the West Coast on Monday, ushering in a wave of steady rain, coastal winds and high-elevation snow. Valley rain and mountain snow spread well inland as well Monday night with slippery to dangerous travel conditions over the higher elevations of the Intermountain West. Burst of snow across the Rockies, Plains As the storm traversed the Rocky Mountains Monday night, heavy snow developed across portions of Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado. The greatest snow totals observed occurred in the Beartooth Mountains near Yellowstone National Park in Montana and the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The system was emerged east of the Front Range on Tuesday, bringing accumulating snow to the Interstate 25 corridor of Wyoming as well as parts of interstates 70 and 80," AccuWeather Meteorologist Grady Gilman said. Gilman added that snow will total 3-6 inches, with 6-12 inches possible locally on the northern side of the storm across parts of eastern Nebraska into Iowa and Wisconsin. Though the exact track of the storm will ultimately result in the final location of the heaviest snow; the gradient between notable snowfall amounts and no snow will be sharp and significant. Gusty winds to spark fire threat for some, blizzard conditions for others Another important factor for this pattern will be the return of boisterous winds from the Rockies to the Plains into midweek. However, locations farther east will not escape the gusty pattern as the storm transitions across the Great Lakes and Northeast later this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, winds ramped up east of the Front Range in Colorado and New Mexico into Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. Widespread gusts upwards of 40 mph occurred across this zone, with a corridor of winds exceeding 50 mph across several states. The highest wind gusts developed across central and eastern New Mexico, where gusts to 60-70 mph occurred. Even a peak gust of 78 mph was recorded in Lubbock, Texas at 7 p.m. CDT on Tuesday. While the gusty winds will create areas of blowing dust that may impact travelers, they can also be strong enough to bring down tree branches and power lines, resulting in power outages for some. Where winds blow across the highways, the risk of trucks and other high-profile vehicles will be substantial. Tuesday into Wednesday, as the winds transition north and eastward into the Plains where accumulating snowfall is expected, forecasters also warn that blizzard conditions will be possible across a narrow corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER AP Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+ Across the South Central states, the combination of strong winds, dry conditions and low humidity levels resulted in a high fire risk Tuesday into Tuesday night, particularly across eastern New Mexico and West Texas. Satellite images indicated that a new large wildfire had broken out in the northwestern corner of the Texas Panhandle during Tuesday afternoon. This fire may spark new blazes from burning embers being carried quickly away downwind. Forecasters warn that residents should avoid outdoor burning and be mindful of anything that could potentially spark fires, as any that develop could spread rapidly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday is expected to be less windy across the southern Plains, but still windy enough to raise concern about the potential for new wildfires to ignite. This risk will extend to the Mississippi River as the storm tracks toward the Great Lakes. Severe thunderstorm risk along the warm flank of the storm Late last week and over the weekend, the intense storm activity resulted in devastating damage to the Central and Southeast states with at least 40 fatalities reported. The risk into midweek is not currently projected to compare to the destruction observed over the last several days, forecasters say, but storms that developed late Tuesday night over Iowa can still produce gusty downpours and hail as they sweep through parts of the central Plains. The risk of severe weather will broaden significantly on Wednesday and extend from the Great Lakes to nearly the northern shores of the Gulf. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A Bay Area artist who created a mural on San Franciscos Great Highway is getting support by community leaders after her artwork was heavily vandalized one day after the road was closed to cars to make way for a new oceanfront park. Thursday is last day to drive along SFs Great Highway Friends of Ocean Beach Park said the mural by Emily Fromm located at the Judah bathroom on the Great Highway was targeted by vandals Friday night (see photo below). In November, 55 percent of San Franciscans voted yes on Proposition K to permanently ban vehicles from a two-mile stretch of the coastal highway and convert it into a park. On Thursday, the road was closed to vehicles so that the area could be transformed and readied for its opening on April 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its painful to see something meant to uplift the community and celebrate our history be treated with disrespect, said muralist Emily Fromm in a news release. Public art is vulnerable by nature, because it exists out in the open for everyone to enjoy. But vandalism like this doesnt just damage a mural, it undermines the spirit of community that this project is all about. Officials with the park said a report was filed with park rangers on Saturday to investigate the incident. Anyone who witnessed the event or has information on the vandalism is urged to contact their nearest law enforcement agency. Vandalizing a beautiful mural to protest a park is a bit like slashing your own tires to complain about traffic. It just doesnt make sense, said Phil Ginsburg, the general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. The new oceanfront park belongs to all San Franciscans, regardless of how they voted on Prop K. These murals are beautifying public restrooms and celebrating the history and natural beauty of Ocean Beach, added Lucas Lux, president of Friends of Ocean Beach Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear what led to the incident. Fromm has said that she and other artists had previously faced verbal harassment several times from opponents of the park. This kind of vandalism and harassment has no place in San Francisco, said Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). Turning the Great Highway into a public park is a visionary project that reflects our citys values: access to open space, community, and imagination. Attacking artists and volunteers who are bringing this vision to life is shameful. KRON4 reached out to the San Francisco Police Department for comment but did not hear back in time for 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 KRON4. Rapper Kanye West dropped a new song apparently featuring Sean 'Diddy' Combs, his daughter North West, Diddy's son King Combs and artist Jasmine William. The rapper shared more than four-minute-long track titled 'Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine' on his X account. "LONELY ROADS STILL GO TO SUNSHINE new song by PUFF DADDY feat. His son KING COMBS my daughter NORTH WEST and new Yeezy artist from Chicago Jasmine William," West wrote in the post, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The song starts with a recording of a phone conversation between disgraced rapper Diddy and West. "I wanna just thank you so much for just taking care of my kids, man," a voice believed to be Diddy can be heard saying. "Ain't nobody reach out to them, ain't nobody call them." West responded, "Absolutely, I love you so much, man. You raised me. Even when I ain't know you, know what I'm saying?" North appears to rap, "Doing everything I wanted, that's the key to life / When you see me shining, then you see the light," as per the outlet. West shared screenshots of a text conversation between himself and North's mother, Kim Kardashian, which have since been deleted from the rapper's X account. In the text exchange, Kardashian allegedly told West that she trademarked their 11-year-old daughter's name in an attempt to stop 'Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine' from being released to the public, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sean "Diddy" Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering a day after federal agents arrested him in Manhattan in September. Prosecutors accuse Sean "Diddy" Combs of forcing women to take part in "highly orchestrated performances" that he called "freak-offs." These "freak-offs" allegedly involved male sex workers, and prosecutors claim that Combs arranged for women and sex workers to be flown to his location. The indictment also alleges that Combs made sure the women participated by giving them drugs, using his power over their careers, threatening to cut off financial support, and using violence and intimidation. Prosecutors say that since 2009, Combs has assaulted several women. One incident in 2016, at a hotel in Los Angeles, allegedly involved Combs "kicking, dragging, and throwing a vase" at a woman. According to the indictment, this was caught on camera, and prosecutors claim Combs tried to bribe a hotel staff member to keep quiet. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently in jail awaiting trial, which is set to begin in May. West, who has been criticized recently for his hate-filled rants on social media and for selling a T-shirt with a Nazi swastika on the front, has previously defended Combs, stating that the rapper should be freed from prison. The pair collaborated on music earlier in their careers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) NEW MEXICO (KRQE) A district court judge has ruled there is enough evidence to move forward with a murder case against an Otero County sheriffs deputy. In June of 2024, Deputy Jacob Diaz-Austin was responding to a welfare check after a 17-year-old was seen walking along the highway near Mescalero. Another Bernalillo County Sheriffs deputy placed on leave in connection to DWI dismissal scandal Deputy Diaz-Austin stopped to speak with the teen, later identified as Elijah Hadley. Dashcam video shows Hadley toss a BB gun to the side as the deputy opens fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bernalillo County District Attorneys office, which is prosecuting the case, says Hadley was shot 15 times and suffered multiple cuts. The DAs office presented video, photo, and testimonial evidence on Thursday, leading Judge Angie Schneider to rule there is enough evidence to proceed with the first-degree murder charge against Diaz-Austin. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) backed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) leadership on Sunday but said the caucus must change our tactics to be effective. I still support Senator Schumer as leader, Murphy told NBCs Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. But, I think the only way that we are going to be effective as a caucus is if we change our tactics, he added. And we have to have a conversation inside our caucus to make sure that we are going to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, a small group of Senate Democrats voted to advance a Republican-crafted funding bill despite intense opposition from many in their party. The group included Schumer, who received blowback from prominent progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) after he said he would vote to advance the bill. Murphy also said Sunday that Americans want Democrats to take risks right now to save our democracy after a group of upper-chamber Democrats helped avoid a government shutdown by voting to advance the funding bill. While I totally understand my colleagues who didnt want to catapult us into a shutdown, I actually think that the American people wouldve understood that Republicans have an obligation to negotiate with Democrats, Murphy said. This is the first full-year spending bill since Ive been in Congress that was written only by the Republican Party. So, yes, it wouldve been a risk. I understand the decision that many of my Democratic colleagues made, but I think the American people want us to take risks right now in order to save our democracy, the Connecticut Democrat added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) also said Sunday on NewsNation that he believes wanting to see Democrats stand their ground when this administrations doing dangerous things is common sense, and its not just good politics, its good policy for this country. And again, Im a guy who believes well find common ground when we can, but you got to stand your ground when its time to fight for your people, he added. The Hill has reached out to Schumers 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. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said on Sunday that Americans want Democrats to take risks right now to save our democracy after internal party divisions over a funding bill. While I totally understand my colleagues who didnt want to catapult us into a shutdown, I actually think that the American people wouldve understood that Republicans have an obligation to negotiate with Democrats, Murphy told NBCs Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. This is the first full-year spending bill since Ive been in Congress that was written only by the Republican Party. So, yes, it wouldve been a risk. I understand the decision that many of my Democratic colleagues made, but I think the American people want us to take risks right now in order to save our democracy, the Connecticut Democrat added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, a small group of Democrats voted to advance a Republican-crafted funding bill despite intense opposition from many in their party. The group included Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who received blowback from prominent progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) after he said he would vote to advance the bill. There is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal, Ocasio-Cortez said Thursday. And this is not just about progressive Democrats. This is across the board the entire party. President Trump praised the Senate minority leader for his decision Friday on his Truth Social platform. Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing Took guts and courage! The big Tax Cuts, L.A. fire fix, Debt Ceiling Bill, and so much more, is coming. We should all work together on that very dangerous situation. A non pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights, Trump said on the platform. 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. Elon Musks Tesla has been forced to halt sales of its electric Cybertruck pickup amid mounting concern about metal panels falling off the supposedly indestructible vehicles. Customers posting on the Cybertruck Owners Club website as well as on Mr Musks own X, formerly Twitter said they had been told by agents that deliveries were on hold. Electric vehicle-enthusiast website Electrek said the decision was taken amid increasing instances of trim and panels flying off the supposedly bulletproof electric truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such problem is afflicting the pickups cantrail, a decorative trim part that follows the edge of the Cybertrucks roof from back to front. The latest development adds to a litany of build-quality issues with the pickup, which entered production in 2023. While Tesla has made great play of the Cybertrucks ultra-high, stainless-steel exoskeleton in reducing chips, most of the visible panels are attached rather than being part of a combined body and chassis as they would be in a traditional car design. Social media users have posted videos of panels detaching from their Cybertrucks - Stunt Dummy/X Tesla has had to issue a number of recall orders for the Cybertruck, including one last year that concerned the detachment of a cosmetic exterior panel glued on to the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owners have reported that the issue is more acute in cold-weather conditions, suggesting that the low temperatures may be affecting the adhesive used. Other recalls have involved software fixes and an issue where the accelerator pedal could become stuck in the interior trim, potentially causing unintended acceleration. While the Cybertrucks distinctive wedge-shaped, paint-free design polarised reviewers, it initially garnered strong interest, with Mr Musk claiming that more than 1m people had reserved the vehicle. However, Tesla has increasingly resorted to discounts to support sales amid reports of large numbers of finished vehicles awaiting a buyer. The company is also said to have rebadged high-end Founders Series versions to market them as cheaper, standard models. Tesla has become a target for anti-Musk sentiment in the US and across Europe following the billionaires emergence as Donald Trumps closest adviser, his criticism of Ukraine, and his role in pushing for deep spending cuts via his brainchild, the Department of Government Efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teslas share price has crashed in the past few weeks amid concerns about dwindling sales, a backlash against Mr Musks politics and wider market chaos. Mr Trump last week accused radical Left lunatics of boycotting Tesla and said that people vandalising its sites would be regarded as domestic terrorists. European safety regulations mean the three-tonne Cybertruck is not allowed on UK roads, with its angular design and solid front falling short of requirements for protecting pedestrians. 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. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) A tragic 2017 crash that left a child in a wheelchair has prompted a recent outpouring of support from several East Texas organizations and businesses. IN FOCUS: Meet the animals of Caldwell Zoos Amazon Rivers Edge The Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation (NACLEF) recently shared the story of Cason Snider who was injured in a Nacogdoches County two-vehicle crash in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NACLEF, a nonprofit which supports law enforcement, the crash left then 5-year-old Cason with paraplegia, which means he has to use a wheelchair. Fast forward to 2024 and NACLEF wanted to let Cason and his family know that they havent been forgotten. In Feb. 2024, NACLEF revisited Casons story with the Charles & Lois Marie Bright Foundation. Cason, whose father Chris Snider is a Nacogdoches Police Department officer, was brought up as a way that they could help a law enforcement family and any future families that may go through similar tragedies. The foundations came together to donate a TerrainHopper off-road mobility vehicle to Cason along with an ADA-compliant bathroom vanity. They didnt want to end the kindness there so they got in contact with several other organizations and plans were made to get even more help for Cason. According to NACLEF, the following donations and opportunities were organized for Cason: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation shared the following photos of the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center event where Cason received his TerrainHopper and more, earlier this month. Cason and his family, photo courtesy of NACLEF. Cason and his family, photo courtesy of NACLEF. Photo courtesy of NACLEF. Photo courtesy of NACLEF. NACLEFs Board of Directors with Cason. From left to right, Gordon Reynolds, Chris Harkness, Cason Snider, Mike Kelly, George Barham and Korey Kahler, photo courtesy of NACLEF. The AWOL NWTF Chapter with Cason, photo courtesy of NACLEF. The Dallas Safari Club East Texas with Cason, photo courtesy of NACLEF. The Texas Game Warden Association with Cason, photo courtesy of NACLEF. The Charles & Lois Marie Bright Foundation with Cason, photo courtesy of NACLEF. A representative of Pineywoods Ambucs with Cason, photo courtesy of NACLEF. Over the past four months, many prayers have been answered, new friendships have been formed, and most importantly, Gods love has been shown to a family that has endured so much over the past eight years. This story is a testament to the power of our amazing Creator, community and the incredible ways we can come together to make a difference. Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation To learn more about how all these donations came together, visit NACLEF on Facebook. 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. Were at the point in new Democratic Gov. Josh Steins tenure that soon he wont be new anymore. In April, hell hit the benchmark of his first 100 days, and in the coming days hell make his first budget proposal to the Republican-controlled General Assembly. And he just checked off another first this past week, with his State of the State Address. Good Sunday morning to you and welcome to the Under the Dome newsletter focused on the governor. Im Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets delve into that Stein speech. With budget season begun at the Legislative Building, Steins coming budget proposal will be his biggest ask of lawmakers. His speech suggested some potential common ground on spending, but he hasnt given the detailed dollar amount yet of what he wants. Here are Steins big pitches to the General Assembly so far: Give teachers a real pay raise, though Stein did not specify how much of a raise hell ask the legislature to include in the state budget. He said he wants to reward experienced teachers and make starting teacher salaries the highest in the Southeast. Raises for teachers and state employees are one of the top negotiating issues in every state budget, not just between the governor and the legislature, but also between the House and Senate. A $4 billion public schools bond to fund safer, healthier and more modern schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free school breakfast for all students. He wants to sign the legislatures Helene recovery bill now. Both chambers passed their own versions, but its bogged down in final negotiations. Start a new Fentanyl Control Unit comprised of law enforcement officers and prosecutors who will work to get the drug off our streets. Free community college for students who are working on certifications in advanced manufacturing, health care and information technology. Stein is also creating a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships to bring together community colleges, public schools and local businesses. Gov. Josh Stein leaves the House chamber after delivering his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in the House chamber of the Legislative Building. Increase housing supply with different kinds of housing. Stein called for building more multi-family housing including duplexes, triplexes, condos and apartments as well as more special needs housing and single-family housing. Legislation could reduce regulations on types of housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cut taxes for middle class families. Stein called for tax cuts for parents, including on child care, and for working families, but did not give any specifics. Republicans have already cut, and are cutting again this year, the individual income tax rate and corporate income tax rate. Taxes are likely a key sticking point in the budget, with Republicans generally wanting an overall reduction. Create a new Impact Center in Steins Office of State Budget and Management to ensure our government is run effectively and efficiently, because people should know that their tax dollars are being well spent. Stein didnt directly refer to President Donald Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musks major cutting of federal employees and other spending, but added: Lets use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Efficiency is already a target of the legislature, including elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. No cellphones in classrooms, which has been the subject of two different bipartisan bills already working their way through the legislature. Just after Steins speech ended on Wednesday night, I asked Republican Sen. Bobby Hanig what he thought about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets get down to some details, Hanig said. Gov. Josh Stein delivers his State of the State address as House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger look on during a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in the House chamber of the Legislative Building. Stay informed about #ncpol Coming up Monday on our Under the Dome podcast, Im joined by politics reporter Avi Bajpai and higher education reporter Korie Dean. Bajpai and I break down the State of the State speeches and interactions, and Dean talks about the latest DEI-targeting at public universities. Not a newsletter subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily. Carson Cruse, a student activist at Loyola University, speaks at a rally held in front of the Poydras Center on March 11, 2025. (John Gray / Verite News) NEW ORLEANS Almost a year after hundreds of people occupied part of Tulane Universitys campus, two of the Loyola University students who participated in a pro-Palestine encampment are facing consequences from their school. Last month, Loyola suspended Carson Cruse from the university through May 10. He and Juleea Berthelot have been on disciplinary probation since June 2024. Cruse was slated to graduate from the university this spring but now has to delay his graduation to either December 2025 or May 2026, depending on when his required classes are offered. Berthelot, who has been on probation for most of the last year, told Verite News that they have to be cautious to not mess up in the slightest on or off campus to avoid facing further disciplinary action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruse and Berthelot are members of Liberate and Unite New Orleans Students for a Democratic Society, formerly known as Loyola SDS until the group lost its registered student organization status with the university and voted to disband in October 2024. The current organization exists off campus, although it is composed of students from Loyola. According to Loyolas Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary probation is the temporary suspension of a student or student organizations good standing with the University for a certain time period. Extra disciplinary actions can be given and once completed with the period of probation, a student or student organization is returned to good standing if they meet all probation terms. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Cruse and Berthelot are two of five students who Loyola disciplined last summer. They both said they received the harshest discipline from the school because administrators labeled them as leaders of the schools SDS chapter, alleging that they played a lead role in organizing the Tulane encampment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disciplinary actions like the ones taken against Cruse and Berthelot, and against Tulane students who participated in the encampment protest, are being handed down to students at universities across the United States for staging and joining pro-Palestine protests on campus. This past weekend, Columbia University pro-Palestine protester Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for his participation in a student encampment last spring. He is being held in a detention facility in Central Louisiana. Khalils case is a high-profile example of the consequences student protesters have faced in recent months. Free speech advocates say that the arrests and disciplinary actions taken against student protesters violate their First Amendment rights, while pro-Israel advocates have claimed the protests threatened the safety of Jewish students. Cruse said he was suspended after speaking at a Port of New Orleans board meeting last October, in which he said he was speaking on behalf of Loyola SDS, which had lost its status as a university-registered student group by then. Cruse told Verite News that he meant to say he was with the new organization he and schoolmates created after they disbanded as a university group, and that his incorrect naming of the group was simply a slip of the tongue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was there with other pro-Palestine activists in the city, including New Orleans Stop Helping Israels Ports, urging the port to cut its ties to Israel. He alleged that Port NOLA board secretary-treasurer Sharonda Williams, who is also Loyolas general counsel, reported him to the university for allegedly promoting an unregistered student organization. Such an act is in violation of the universitys student organization handbook. A Loyola spokesperson confirmed that Williams is general counsel but denied that she is a part of the administrative hearings, appeals process, decisions made or sanctions handed down. Williams told Verite News to refer to the information sent from the spokesperson. Pro-Palestine protestors set up an encampment on the Tulane University campus in April 2024. (Drew Costley/Verite) Loyola administrators then escalated Cruses disciplinary probation which stemmed from his participation in the late April 2024 encampment to a suspension in December, at the end of the semester. Cruse appealed the decision. He said he was banned from Loyolas campus over winter break, but that he was allowed to come back the following semester and attend classes until the student conduct department decided on his appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, in February, Loyola notified Cruse that his appeal was rejected and that he would remain suspended through the end of the spring 2025 semester. Cruse said he was removed from his classes and banned from the campus. I had already done two months of schoolwork, from January to February, Cruse said. As a result of the suspension, Cruse also lost his job working the front desk of the schools counseling center that he has had since his freshman year. He said he has had to pick up more hours at his off-campus job at a brewery. The school put Berthelot on probation through May 16. The university accused both of disruptive conduct and failure to comply with administrative instruction because of their involvement in the encampment. The university report cites Berthelots May 2024 arrest at the encampment for misdemeanor trespassing as proof that Berthelot failed to comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruse was also part of the group arrested. Both students were found not guilty in September 2024. Tulane University police and pro-Palestine protestors stand in opposing lines during a demonstration at Tulane University on April 29, 2024. (Drew Costley/Verite News) The university also rejected Berthelots appeal of their probation. Berthelot said probation meant that they cannot officially hold leadership positions in recognized student organizations and study abroad. Berthelot said probation has meant being unable to accept a student award they received last year and running for student government. I pay a lot of money to go to Loyola, and I really loved it and enjoyed it my first two years, Berthelot said. But the way that they handle students and dissenting opinions, its really upsetting and jarring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were able to keep their current on-campus research assistant job and attend classes, but they allege that they were fired from their previous job giving tours of the campus for participating in the encampment. Loyola denied this at the time, saying Berthelot resigned. Berthelot maintains that they were fired. In a response from Loyola, the university told Verite News that federal student privacy law prevents the school from commenting on specific student cases. A university spokesperson did provide information about how the cases are handled and said that every student has the right to appeal conduct decisions. The university also noted that Loyola SDS voluntarily dissolved and that the school is committed to ensuring that all students feel safe expressing their perspectives on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loyolas disciplinary actions run parallel to those taken by Tulane last year. The university disciplined seven students, among them former Tulane SDS members Rory Macdonald and Maya Sanchez, also labeling them as encampment organizers. Tulane officially suspended Tulane SDS; students have continued to run the group off-campus as Together United Students for a Democratic Society. Macdonald told Verite News at the time that Tulane used pictures of them at previous protests and their arrest from the encampment against them. Cruse said Loyola used pictures of him and Berthelot at the encampment against them. Both Cruse and Berthelot said they think Loyola is trying to make an example out of them. I think that Im a fine person to make an example of, Cruse said. I was helping lead this movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berthelot believes the university is trying to alienate them from the students so that we cant inspire them, encourage them to fight back, they said. Berthelot said that being on probation has meant watching every step they take and constantly worrying about messing up for fear of further discipline. I feel like its psychological terrorism, like Im constantly worried about every step I take, everything I say, Berthelot said. No student should have to fear the university like that. Im speaking up for what I believe is right. Berthelot also said it was very upsetting seeing Cruse, a friend, be suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruse said that he wants to go back to school at Loyola and finish his degree. He said it doesnt make sense to try and transfer elsewhere because of all the credits he has. But he also wont let his suspension stop him from standing up for the things he believes in. Its kind of my main purpose in life, honestly, he said. I want to serve the people. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. Ocean Drive and much of South Beach was again devoid of signs that spring break was in full swing Saturday no large party crowds, a minimum of loud music and families galore. Visitors to Miami Beach lauded the changes. But business people say they noticed a drop in sales. Despite the quieter commerce, they were more than happy to trade cash flow for safer environment. Crackdowns this year include extra police officers, DUI checkpoints, closed garages, limited beach access and causeway license tag scans. The city released a video warning spring breakers of all the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The manager of the La Trattoria in the Leslie and The Birdcage Cafe in The Carlyle, both on Ocean Drive, remembers how scary things became in years past when shootings and violence plagued Miami Beach during spring break. He watched families dive on the floor, ducking for cover, and looked back on how he saved a woman in a wheelchair from the chaos. MORE: Causeway delays. No parking. Blocked streets. What to expect on South Beach spring break Im a Miami Beach resident and Im happy to see the changes that have come, but there needs to be sacrifices, said Jefferson, who didnt disclose his last name. Fernie Humphrey of Boston reacts while drinking a watermelon and basel margarita at the La Trattoria restaurant at the Leslie hotel along Ocean Drive during spring break on Miami Beach, Florida on Saturday, March 15, 2025. A father of two children, the manager welcomed the increased number of police officers, barricades and strict enforcement that has come with spring break the last two years. He admitted there is a difference in sales now, but he said he didnt see a significant hit to business last year when many of the restrictions began and doesnt expect sales to suffer this year. READ MORE: Miami Beachs spring break kicks off quietly with sparse party crowds, more families We have to lose something to get families back to Miami Beach again and have a safe community. A biker makes his way down Ocean Drive during spring break on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Miami Beach, Fla. Claudia Morales, who manages Cafe Americano near Hotel Victor, is hoping that something will change with the citys enforcement because while its good for safety, its also taking a toll on her business by bottling up money-spending crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been very very slow. Were hoping that in two or three years, business will pick back up again, Morales said. If it doesnt, I dont know what will happen. READ MORE: Spring break is here. Check out the scene in South Beach Women wait for traffic before crossing Ocean Drive during spring break on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Miami Beach, Fla. Morales says shes grateful that the law enforcement has resulted in calmer crowds and a safer atmosphere, but is hoping that the city will eventually and loosen its grip to allow business to flow again. Compared to this time last year, the restaurant is already seeing thousands of dollars less in sales, she said. Nikola Rutovic, manager of Montanas Speakeasy in the Colony Hotel, also noted a dip in sales. The restaurant opened last year so he cant compare the decrease to past spring break periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything ... is great so far, he said of the safety measure, but we would really like to see the sidewalk cafes open next year. Midday at Montanas Speakeasy in the Colony Hotel along Ocean Drive during spring break on Miami Beach, Florida on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Next door, Havana Beach Cuban Restaurant in the Boulevard Hotel was booming with business, with almost every table occupied. Manager Magela Ramos confirmed that business has been great and that they arent seeing any significant effects from the stricter restrictions this year or last. We are doing great and enjoying the crowds this year, she said. JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he will seek to dismiss the head of the internal security service this week, deepening a power struggle focused largely on who bears responsibility for the Hamas attack that sparked the war in Gaza. Netanyahus effort to remove Ronen Bar as director of the Shin Bet comes as the security service investigates close aides of the prime minister. Netanyahu said he has had ongoing distrust with Bar, and this distrust has grown over time. Bar responded by saying he planned to continue in the post for the near future, citing personal obligations to finish sensitive investigations," free the remaining hostages in Gaza and prepare potential successors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bar also criticized Netanyahus expectation of a personal loyalty that contradicts the public interest. But he emphasized that he would respect any legal decision regarding his tenure. Attorney general says Netanyahu must explain legal basis for his decision Israels attorney general said Netanyahu must clarify the legal basis for his decision before taking any action. The Shin Bet is responsible for monitoring Palestinian militant groups, and recently issued a report accepting responsibility for its failures around the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. It also criticized Netanyahu, saying failed government policies helped create the climate that led to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the army concluded in a recent report that it underestimated Hamas capabilities, Shin Bet said it had a deep understanding of the threat. In veiled criticism of the government, the agency said its attempts to thwart the threat were not implemented. The investigation reveals a long and deliberate disregard from the political leadership from the organizations warnings, Bar's statement said. Deflecting blame for the Oct. 7 attack Netanyahu has resisted calls for an official state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack and has tried to blame the failures on the army and security agencies. In recent months, a number of senior security officials, including a defense minister and army chief, have been fired or forced to step down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bar has been one of the few senior security officials since the Oct. 7 attack to remain in office. If successful in removing him, Netanyahu would be expected to appoint a loyalist in his place, slowing any momentum for the commission of inquiry. The prime minister said removing him would help Israel achieve its war goals and prevent the next disaster. Netanyahus proposed resolution for Bars dismissal would need the approval of parliament, the Knesset, and it is likely he has support to pass it. However, a personnel decision of this magnitude must get the attorney generals approval, said Amichai Cohen, a senior research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her letter to Netanyahu warning he could not go ahead without clarification, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara added that he should pay attention to the fact that the role of the Shin Bet is not to serve the personal trust of the prime minister, according to a statement from her office. The two have a combative relationship, with the prime minister accusing Baharav-Miara of meddling in government decisions. Earlier this month, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, one of Netanyahus biggest supporters, initiated the process of firing her. Cohen also called Netanyahus decision very problematic." He said it illustrates the conflict of interest regarding the Shin Bet findings around the Oct. 7 attack and the agency's investigations into connections between the prime ministers office and Qatar, a mediator in talks on the war in Gaza. Netanyahu is angry that the Shin Bet is investigating members of his staff for their dealings with Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eli Feldstein, Netanyahus former spokesperson, was reported by Israels Channel 12 to have worked for a Doha-based firm that recruited Israeli journalists to write pro-Qatar stories. Israels left-leaning daily, Haaretz, has reported that two other Netanyahu staffers, Jonatan Urich and Yisrael Einhorn, allegedly built a campaign to bolster Qatars image ahead of the 2022 World Cup there. The Shin Bet, and Bar, have been closely involved with the Gaza hostage negotiations. Netanyahu recently removed Bar from the negotiating team and replaced him with a loyalist, Cabinet minister Ron Dermer. Israeli media have reported on policy differences between the negotiators, who have pushed for a hostage deal, and Netanyahu, who threatens to resume the war. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, a good-governance civil society group, called Netanyahus announcement a declaration of war on the rule of law and claimed that he does not have the authority to take the step against Bar because of the investigations into his office. The group's chair, Eliad Shraga, called the announcement unlawful and an extreme example of conflict of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition leader calls plans to dismiss Bar shameful Opposition leader Yair Lapid said he would appeal Bars dismissal, calling the resolution shameful and politically motivated. Since Netanyahu was indicted on corruption charges in 2019, he has claimed to be the victim of a deep state conspiracy by the media, judiciary and other unelected civil servants. He launched a plan to overhaul the countrys judicial system in early 2023, sparking months of street protests by demonstrators who accused him of trying to weaken the countrys system of checks and balances. Israeli media have said Bar was among top security officials warning ahead of the Oct. 7 attack that the strife was sending an image of weakness to Israels enemies. By Maayan Lubell JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service that he will ask the government to approve his dismissal this week, a statement from Netanyahu's office said on Sunday. Ronen Bar's sacking would be likely to draw widespread criticism as Israel faces the prospect of a renewal of fighting in Gaza with dozens of Israeli hostages still held there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu said he had long ago lost confidence in Bar and that trust in the head of the domestic security service, whose roles include counter-terrorism and security for government officials, was especially crucial at a time of war. Bar said the only confidence he was obliged to win was that of Israel's citizens, and that Netanyahu's expectations of "personal trust" went against state interests, with possible escalation in Gaza looming. The war was triggered by Hamas' surprise attack on October 7, 2023, one of Israel's worst security failures, which led to the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 who were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Bar's dismissal will be brought before government on Wednesday, according to an official close to Netanyahu, but could face legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shin Bet, the Israeli counterpart of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations, is part of a probe into possible links between employees in Netanyahu's office and Qatar, which has been mediating Gaza ceasefire talks. Appointed in 2021 by the previous government, Bar has acknowledged his responsibility for the October 7 failure, most recently this month in an investigation of its actions on the day of the assault and the time leading up to it. Bar said he had told Netanyahu he planned to step down, but only once the remaining 59 hostages were home and after completing "sensitive investigations". The Movement for Quality Government in Israel said firing Bar was meant to torpedo the probe into links with Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justice minister is separately trying to oust the attorney general, while Netanyahu sacked defence minister Yoav Gallant in November, and military chief Herzi Halevi stepped down in January over the October 7 security failure. Netanyahu himself has resisted calls to establish a state inquiry into the October 7 failure, or step down over it. Bar said a full investigation cannot stop with the military or the Shin Bet, but must also probe the government and the prime minister who, he said, had repeatedly ignored agency warnings, particularly in the year leading up to the attack. (Reporting by Maayan LubellEditing by Ros Russell and Kevin Liffey) Shero, a platform that aims at helping thousands of women earn through home-cooked meals, launched the logo for its new initiative, Mahaprasad By Shero, on Sunday. The initiative will offer women the opportunity to sell homemade sweets and snacks online. The Mahaprasad logo was unveiled by actresses Moubani Sarkar, Mumtaz Sarkar, Alvia Mukherjee, Dani Bose, Sneha Shah, and Preeta Mojender. FTPC India President Chaitanya Janga was also present at the event. While speaking to ANI, actress Moubani Sarkar shared her thoughts on Shero's initiative and mentioned how the platform enables women to earn by selling homemade food while promoting health and traditional Indian cuisine. "They have come up with this unique concept where food from homes can be catered to people for health reasons, and it will also carry the traditional soul of India. They've already introduced this amazing concept to many cities all over India, and the great work they're doing includes giving free cooking classes to women and empowering them," she told ANI. "I think it is a great opportunity for business, for people who are at home. Not only that, but it will also promote the concept of health and nutrition, along with the tradition of India, which is an amazing thing to start with. I wish Shero's home food all the very best, and I'm always there for them because they have a wonderful concept, and I truly wish them all the best for their future," she added. Meanwhile, Shero is a platform that provides women with an opportunity to earn from home by using their own kitchen utensils, without needing any investment. It helps women receive food orders online and ensures a stable income every month. The platform has already provided employment to over 3,000 women. (ANI) Documents uncovered by the Los Angeles Times show that electric utility Edison could have helped to prevent catastrophic wildfires if it had followed through on infrastructure upgrades. What's happening? Dramatic winds in January caused residents of Altadena, California, to request Edison turn off the power for fear of live wires starting a fire. Edison did cut power to some lines, per the Times, but that may have started a wildfire anyway due to an overload at a tower in Eaton Canyon. As of early March, the cause of the Eaton fire remained under investigation. However, even according to mid-February reporting by the Times, Edison had "acknowledged that evidence suggests its equipment may have played a role." The Eaton fire killed 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings in the area, as Cal Fire reported. The documents uncovered by the Times revealed that Edison was warned that its towers could overload and cause a fire risk in the event of a shut-off. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which manages aspects of the state's grid and electrical market, had issued a study on wildfire risks in 2022. That study flagged the transmission lines in Eaton Canyon as a risk and recommended "reconductoring" and other improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What they found was if they did the reconductoring project, they could de-energize the lines in Eaton Canyon [more safely]," said Cody Warner, an energy scholar at the Energy Institute at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, per the Times. Energy analyst Robert McCullough was able to identify the CAISO's stance in the 2022 report that "there might be some bad ramifications" from such a shut-off, including "a surge along these major transmission lines." Edison had even begun work on rectifying the issue with infrastructure upgrades but told the Times through a spokesperson that it was subject to "material delays," "outage coordination challenges," and "complexity around transmission and planning transmission through metro areas." These upgrades are expected to be completed in May. Edison noted that it is still unknown what started the fires, and a California Independent System Operator spokesperson said, per the Times, that its study assessed the potential benefit of the reconductoring project "under a different wildfire study scenario." Why is electrical grid management important? As extreme weather events increase in intensity, length, and frequency, infrastructure needs to become more resilient to help citizens maintain access to vital services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While electrical lines pose risks, they're also becoming more important as cities accelerate electrification. "We can look after the fact and see that the consequences of potentially not de-energizing the transmission lines are enormous," Warner told the Times. "It just shows that the margin of error is so small in these extreme weather events." What's being done about electrical grid management? Electrical regulators need the power to enforce higher standards in the face of growing wildfire risks. Thankfully, there have been some improvements in national grid regulation. Technological changes can help too. Researchers have shown that smart microgrid management can help remote areas with sporadic electrical access. 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. (WFRV) On this weeks Newsmaker Sunday, Tom Zalaski is joined by Judge Susan Crawford to discuss her campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Wisconsin State Supreme Court Race between Brad Schimel and Crawford is heating up before the Tuesday, April 4 vote, with the majority up for grabs. Newsmaker Sunday: Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel Tune in to Newsmaker Sunday every Sunday at 7:30 a.m. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its Sunday, March 16. Take a look at our top stories with KELOLAND On The GO. The Pennington County Sheriffs has a notable update about human remains discovered south of Hill City. Arrest made in Pennington County human remains case A southwest Minnesota man, already facing child porn charges, has been arrested again on similar charges. Southwest Minnesota child porn arrest The St. Patricks Day parade has been a longstanding March event in Sioux Falls since it began back in 1980, and some chilly weather wasnt about to deter tradition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chilly weather doesnt stop St. Patricks Day fun Our rollercoaster ride isnt quite done yet, but at least today will be a day where we get a small break from it all. Storm Center AM Update: Seasonable Sunday; Midweek System on the Way A Sioux Falls man earned a silver medal Saturday in the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Local Special Olympian brings home silver Check out our Boredom Busters Storm Center AM Update: Seasonable Sunday; Midweek System on the Way Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former New York Rep. Nita Lowey (D) died on Saturday, her family confirmed in a statement sent to CBS News. With great sadness, we announce that former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey died peacefully on March 15 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren, in her home in Harrison, NY, Loweys family said. Lowey, the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, was battling metastatic breast cancer in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She joined the committee in 1993 and became the ranking Democrat in 2013. She was the first woman to chair it after the party took control of the House in 2019. Her family said she was a beloved wife and best friend to her husband Stephen Lowey. They were married for 64 years and had three children. Nitas family was central to her life as she was to all of ours. We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort knowing that she lived a full and purposeful life, the family said. Lowey was largely viewed as a legislator, becoming known for her stance on womens issues and funding increases for breast cancer research, The Washington Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also was known for securing funds for hurricane rebuilding, strengthening enforcement of drunk driving laws and her foreign aid work for U.S.-Israel relations. She was first elected to Congress in 1988 after serving as an assistant secretary of state for the state of New York. Lowey, who also made history as the first woman to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, announced her retirement from Congress in 2019. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TUCUMCARI, N.M. (KRQE) Its been exactly one year since a New Mexico State Police officer was tragically shot to death in the line of duty. But his loved ones are making sure his memory will live on. He was a remarkable person, said Lt. Jery Hernandez of the New Mexico State Police. Organizers called it a day of celebration as dozens set out on a 5K race Saturday morning. All to honor the life of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. Today is one year to the day that we lost our brother Justin, said Hernandez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 15, 2024, Officer Hare went to help a man on the side of the highway near Tucumcari when that same man, Jaremy Smith, shot and killed him. While Smith was sentenced to life in prison, Hares former supervisor, Hernandez, said it would never be enough. Community mourns the loss of NMSP Officer Justin Hare He took our brother from us whether he pleaded guilty and is going to spend the rest of his life in jail. Theres still, theres never going to be closure theres never going to be justice for Justin. I mean, hes going to spend the rest of his life in jail and, you know, Im glad, said Hernandez. One of the racers had a sign attached to her bike with Hares end of watch date and told KRQE, I ride in memory of him. I was one of the EMTs on that call that day. This is just in memory of him because he was a really good friend and hes a brother. And he will never be forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day to honor Justin for making the ultimate sacrifice, said Hernandez. Its special. Its special not only for us, but for him, but especially for his daughters as they can see that hes never going to be forgotten, said Hernandez. The race raised nearly $6,000, which will all go to Officer Hares three daughters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While the economic chaos brought on by Donald Trump has untold amounts of support among the fringe online right, accelerationists who view burning everything down as the starting point for a supercharged libertarian technocracy, you'd expect the view to hold less sway in the halls of power built by the very stability that Trump undermines. But if you're expecting conservatives to stick to their long-held values and norms once Trump says jump, then you don't know MAGA. Republican lawmakers and Trump Cabinet members fanned out to talk shows on Sunday, arguing that Americans shouldn't fear a potential recession brought on by Trump's economic agenda. During a visit to NBC's "Meet The Press," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent refused to weigh in on whether a recession was in the cards for Trump's second term and questioned whether Americans shouldn't set their aspirations a little lower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are no guarantees," Bessent said. "I can predict that we are putting in robust policies that will be durable...We have to wean our country." Bessent repeatedly spoke of "adjustments" and "corrections" throughout the interview with Kristen Welker, waving away the stock market's reaction to recent Trump policies. "Corrections are normal," he said. "I'm not worried." Bessent said the administration is not concerned about driving up the costs of consumer goods, focusing instead on driving down the cost of housing and cars. While Trump did issue an executive order aimed at lowering housing costs, the directive offered few specifics at how the federal government would reduce the sticker price of the average home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The American dream is not 'let them eat flat screens,'" Bessent said on Sunday. "The American dream is not contingent on cheap baubles from China." On "Fox News Sunday," Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, said that analysts predicting "gridlock" in auto production and a potential contraction of the U.S. economy were merely pushing an anti-Trump agenda. "I don't think it's going to plunge the United States into a recession," Moreno said. "These experts are funded by lobbyists who have an agenda." WATCH: @berniemoreno says Trumps tariff war will ultimately have a positive impact on U.S. industry, as stocks tumble over economic uncertainty. pic.twitter.com/qtV2McAzlL Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) March 16, 2025 On "Face the Nation," Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump's retaliatory tariffs. "That's what happens in these trade exchanges. They already have high tariffs. They're going to add more to their tariffs? Fine," he said."Canada's going after whiskey and orange juice...that sounds pretty petty to me, as well." Ukraine is ready to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, but remains firm on several key areas, the U.K. news outlet the Independent reported on March 16, citing senior Ukrainian officials. Kyiv has agreed to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, provided Russia also abides by its terms. U.S. officials are currently negotiating with Moscow on the details of the proposal. "We are really willing to make peace, but we need a long-lasting peace, not a short ceasefire," a high-level Ukrainian source told the Independent, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do not want our children fighting this battle." Ukraine has four key terms that must be upheld in order for the full-scale war to end, sources said. These are: No further territory ceded to Russia , including territory in the partially-occupied regions of Ukraine The return of thousands of Ukrainian children illegally deported to Russia The return of thousands of civilians illegally detained by Russia International security guarantees in the event Moscow breaks the terms of any future ceasefire Kyiv is prepared to accept a freeze along the current battle lines, sources told the Independent, but will not surrender any more territory to Russia despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's goal of fully occupying Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is not reasonable to demand that, for example, Zaporizhzhia or Kherson be fully handed over that sounds like a f*** off to us," an official said. The White House has insisted that both Russia and Ukraine will have to make compromises in order to end the war, calling Ukraine's goal of restoring its pre-2014 borders "unrealistic." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the Ukraine-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11 included discussions about potential "territorial concessions" as part of a negotiated settlement with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 12 that Ukraine "will not recognize any occupied territories as Russia's" as a condition of any peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the most important red line," he said. Putin said on March 13 that Russia is ready to agree to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, but only if Kyiv accepts a series of oppressive demands. These include guarantees that Kyiv will not mobilize or train troops or accept any military aid during the truce. "Putin is playing games. We have made a strong move now it is his turn," sources told the Independent. We have proved we are reasonable; we are willing to have peace if Russia doesn't agree, the whole world will see they are liars." Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Sunshine Week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government. (SunshineWeek.org) The South Dakota NewsMedia Association is accepting nominees for the 2025 SDNA Eagle Award. This award is given to an individual, group or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts to protect and promote openness and transparency in government. Sunshine Week March 16-22, 2025, is Sunshine Week, a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SDNA First Amendment Committee welcomes nominees for the 2025 Eagle Award to honor the efforts of those who have demonstrated their commitment to the ideals of open government and the publics right to know. Any individual, group or organization that has demonstrated commitment to the ideals of open government in South Dakota is eligible to be nominated. Past recipients of the Eagle Award have included legislators, a governor, Supreme Court justices and citizens who have fought at the local level for the publics right to know. SDNA originated the award in 2002. Nominations for the SDNA Eagle Award should be submitted via email to sdna@sdna.com or mailed to SDNA Eagle Award, South Dakota NewsMedia Association, 1125 32nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 21. In Shreveport, Louisiana, one nonprofit is supporting young women in a big way by building a tiny-home village for those with no place to live after leaving foster care. As KTAL NBC 6 News explained, Christi Robinson, the executive director and founder of Faith and Fostering, said she felt called to create a safe, loving community for young women after seeing how hard it was for some of them to adjust to everyday life outside foster care. Robinson has always had a "heart to serve," according to the news outlet, and that calling led her to help women coming from difficult and often dangerous backgrounds, including trafficking and drug addiction. One experience in particular stuck with her. 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. After trying to help two young women transition to adult life after foster care and fearing the worst after not hearing from them again, Robinson knew she had to do more to support women in becoming self-sufficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was just heartbroken because I was afraid we were going to lose them. And sure enough when they aged out we lost them. So we don't know if we lost them to prostitution or drug distribution or even death," Robinson explained. "We don't know what happened to them." That experience, while heartbreaking, led to the creation of Faith and Fostering, which helps homeless young adults ages 18 to 24 achieve independence within two years. The organization connects them with the right people and resources to help them achieve their life goals and provides a volunteer-led support team to ensure they "not only survive but thrive," as the nonprofit's website says. Since opening in March 2020, Faith and Fostering has helped numerous young men and women get back on their feet by providing furnished housing and other basic needs, employment training, counseling, and more. Sponsors and partners have donated homes, apartments, and furniture for the young adults. In 2023, the support continued to pour in, as Faith and Fostering was blessed with another donated home and five acres to build the future tiny-house village, which will include 18 homes. The homes will benefit residents and the planet since they require far fewer resources to build and use less energy than traditional homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're going to be 500 to 600 square feet per unit and it will house one person," Barbara Lewis, community relations coordinator for Faith and Fostering, told KTAL. "We will have a couple of units that will be up to 800 square feet and have one-bedrooms for a mother that may have a child." The next step will be clearing the land for the tiny-home community, but that will require the assistance of a larger village. As the next chapter at Faith and Fostering unfolds, it will be exciting to see so many young people getting the help they need to reach their fullest potential. "It really takes a community to solve the problem," Robinson said. "Faith and Fostering is just one piece of the puzzle. But we need people. If they have a heart for this we have a place for them. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said on Monday it will steadily upgrade and bolster its nuclear armed forces and blamed the foreign ministers of G7 states for infringing on its sovereign rights by demanding the end of its nuclear weapons programme, state media reported. (Reporting by Jack Kim; editing by Diane Craft) Actress and film producer, Reese Witherspoon, shared a proud mom moment. In a video posted on her Instagram Stories, the 'Legally Blonde' star told a sweet story about a recent night out with her kids that made her feel good about her parenting journey, reported People. Witherspoon shared that she was out recently with a friend and her two "boys," 21-year-old Deacon Phillippe, whom she shares with ex Ryan Phillippe, and 12-year-old Tennessee, whom she shares with ex Jim Toth. Witherspoon stated that after dinner, a friend asked her sons whether there was one lesson their mother taught them that they would "always remember." The Big Little Lies star stated that one of them--she did not identify who--responded that she would always advise him that if he was given "the choice to be normal or the choice to be weird," he should always choose the latter. Also, it's "okay to stand out and be different," reported People. Witherspoon shared that it "filled my heart with the deepest joy that he learned that from me." She added, "It just meant so much to me that my kids know it's okay to be different and that it can actually end up being their superpower," as per the outlet. Actress Reese Witherspoon announced in February that Lexi Minetree has been cast as the young Elle Woods in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle. The series, which will follow Elle's high school years before she attends Harvard, is set to premiere on Prime Video. Witherspoon, who originated the role of Elle Woods in the 2001 film Legally Blonde and its 2003 sequel, took to Instagram to share the news with her fans.In a heartwarming video, Witherspoon is seen breaking the news to Minetree, who is overcome with emotion. "We had to make a really hard decision the other day, and we wanted to tell you in person because you've just worked really hard," Witherspoon said. "And we just wanted to tell you that you don't have to audition anymore because you got the part. You're Elle Woods," she added. Witherspoon has been actively involved in the search for the new Elle Woods and has been impressed by the talented young actresses who auditioned for the role. (ANI) BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) Northeast State Community College said it received a $233,376 grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) to support rural healthcare workforce development in the upper East Tennessee area. A release from the college said the TDLWD distributes these grants to help expand the states healthcare workforce by improving and funding existing training/higher education curriculums and programs. The release said the grant will run from July 1 to June 20, 2026. Debris, downed trees reported across the region after overnight storms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northeast State will use the grant to offer short-term healthcare training programs, covering tuition and providing support to meet labor market demands, the release states. Training courses range in subject matter, including Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Coding and Billing Specialist, and Peer Recovery Specialist. This will provide a tremendous opportunity for our adult education and workforce solutions students to pursue a healthcare pathway with no fees, said Northeast State Adult Education Director Anita Ricker. And ultimately, we are focused on providing training or apprenticeship opportunities to help students find jobs with livable wages. The funding will also cover expenses like transportation, childcare, and examination fees. 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. VIRGINIA (DC News Now) Some northern Virginia colleges are joining the extended list of places offering support or free deals to fired federal workers. Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University are now part of the support list. Many places in the DMV have been offering help in several forms to the thousands of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration. Northern Virginia Community College wants to help former federal workers transition to new careers with the help of a program called New Employment, eXploration and Transition program NOVAnext. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The college launched the program last week. How Virginians can check their flood risk level NOVAnext offers 14 certification and skills training classes in three main categories: information technology, human resources and project management and entrepreneurship. It also offers virtual workshops in interview techniques, resume writing and AI in the workplace. The college said its free for laid-off federal workers who live in northern Virginia and qualify. Here are the qualifications for the program: Be a displaced federal worker or contractor who was laid off on or after February 1, 2025. Reside within the NOVA service area (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park). Have lived in Virginia for at least one year to meet FastForward funding requirements. This applies to FastForward Programs only. Complete the application online. Virginia Career Works will review and confirm eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Mason University is offering something different. George Mason Universitys College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is offering free tickets to performances across Mason Arts venues for laid-off or fired federal employees and/or contractors. The tickets will be for professional and George Mason student performances. Fired federal workers can get either up to two or up to four tickets depending on the show. Here is the list of the shows. The earliest show for federal workers to take advantage of is Saturday, March 22. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PARIS (Reuters) -The stationing of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, as proposed by Britain and France as part of a ceasefire agreement with Russia, is a question for Kyiv to decide and not Moscow, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have been rushing to consolidate military support for Ukraine as U.S. Preident Donald Trump presses for a peace deal with Russia. Starmer hosted a virtual meeting on Saturday with Macron and other non-U.S. allies of Ukraine. "Ukraine is sovereign. If it asks for allied forces to be on its territory, it's not something for Russia to accept or not," Macron said in a joint interview with several French regional newspapers published late on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of soldiers from countries belonging to the NATO alliance being stationed in Ukraine. Macron said any peacekeeping force would consist of "a few thousand troops per country" to be deployed at key locations, adding a number of European and non-European countries were interested in participating. But like other aspects of a potential truce, the form of any peacekeeping force remains uncertain. Finland's President Alexander Stubb told BBC television that any firm commitments would come once there was a clear plan. "There are anywhere from zero to 50 different ways they can help, boots on the ground is only one way. You can talk about intelligence, you can talk about different types of things but it's too early to commit right now," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain and France both say they could send peacekeepers to Ukraine, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country was also open to requests. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supported in principle Washington's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine but that his forces would fight on until several crucial conditions were worked out. Russia and Ukraine continued aerial attacks on each other, inflicting injuries and damages, officials said early on Sunday. (Reporting by Gus Trompiz and Tangi Salaun; additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in London, Editing by Louise Heavens) Attorney Chris Bzdok talks to attendees at a Centerville Township meeting on March 12, 2025. (Photo: Izzy Ross/IPR News) This coverage is made possible through a partnership between IPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Centerville Townships hands are tied when it comes to stopping the use of septic tank waste on a local farm, according to Chris Bzdok, an attorney with the township, which is in northern Michigans Leelanau County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IPR first reported on this story earlier this week. Neighbors had concerns about the use of whats called septage to fertilize fields. Septage refers to sewage pumped from septic tanks. Officials and some community members wanted to stop the use of septage on lands in the area. The townships zoning ordinance requires a special permit for septage application on land. Bzdok said the township board asked him to look into what could be done. This is going to be a frustrating discussion, so Ill give you the bottom line up front, he said as he began his briefing. It is my legal opinion that there is nothing the township can do under its zoning authority at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the latest in the Centerville septage saga spurred by a farmer who began applying septage to his fields last year. The township sent a cease and desist letter to the landowner and Williams & Bay Pumping, the company doing the application. But the site falls under the purview of the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which had granted a permit to use septage at that site. Williams & Bay told IPR that it checked on its right to continue applying septage and that its complying with state septage application regulations, which are found in Part 117 of Michigans Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. In this instance, state law trumps the townships ordinances. Attendees at the Centerville Township meeting on March 12, 2025. (Photo: Izzy Ross/IPR News) Bzdok said that wasnt the case in the mid-2000s, when the zoning ordinance was amended to address septage application. Back then, the township had more authority to decide on such issues. But laws changed and placed that authority with the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The laws that govern these things severely curtail the townships zoning authority any townships zoning authority over the land application of septage waste in Michigan, he said. That explanation didnt go over well with those at the meeting. This is not acceptable on any level in my book, said Kama Ross, a former Leelanau County commissioner, who spoke during public comment. This is our groundwater. This is our groundwater. My well is within distance of this. Many people in this room live very close. Ross urged people to take action by forming a group and talking to regulators and other leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Township Supervisor Ronald Schaub asked whether she thought it was the boards responsibility to do that, she replied, I would love to see you take more of a position. Im not telling you guys what to do. Im saying as a concerned citizen, Im not taking this answer as the last say, its not acceptable. Its not acceptable. Its my home. Bzdok said if the township were to bring a lawsuit, it would likely fail, though he said the circumstances could change. And if they were to change, the township could pursue enforcement of its ordinance, he said. But I cant talk in public about any of the details of that, because that would sort of give the thing away. Bzdok recommended reaching out to the Michigan Townships Association to find out whether other townships were dealing with similar situations. And he said those who had questions about what they were seeing in the community should contact EGLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, people have concerns about what exactly is being put into the field, and about how the site is monitored. Its fully permitted by the state, and the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department signs off on the criteria and inspections. But resident Rolf von Walthausen was worried about the states capacity to enforce existing regulations. The one person that occupies the Cadillac office is in charge of the entire upper state of Michigan, he said. That one person I dont think can possibly keep up with everything thats going on, even just in our county. The Cadillac office covers 10 counties in the northwest Lower Peninsula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Scott Collins, who lives across the street from the property in question, said he will take his concerns to Lansing. Its out of the townships jurisdiction, and its out of the countys jurisdiction, he said. So the next place is, go to the state and see what our state representatives can do and make them aware that this is actually happening and being forced upon the residents of this county and this township. Collins said he plans to meet with state Sen. John Damoose and Rep. Betsy Coffia later this month. Editors note: Kama Ross, who was quoted in this story, is a member of IPRs Community Advisory Council. The council has no editorial control over stories. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger slammed California Gov. Gavin Newsom for bringing controversial MAGA acolyte Steve Bannon onto his podcast. Appearing on CNNs Table for Five on Saturday, Kinzinger accused Newsom of opportunism for hosting Bannona conspiracy theorist who continues to push the false claim that President Donald Trump won the 2020 election. I always thought he was kind of a hell be whatever he needs to be' politicianthis is way worse," said Kinzinger, who represented Illinois in the House of Representatives. There are many of us that actuallyIm not saying this for sympathybasically sacrificed a career taking on Steve Bannon. Newsom is trying to build a career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Observers have suggested Newsom may be positioning himself to run for president in 2028 by courting the ring wing. The Republican National Committee censured Kinzinger after he criticized Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election. He did not seek reelection in 2022. The former Illinois congressman argued that Bannon wasnt just a typical political opponent, listing conspiracy theories he has spread, his role in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection, and his jail sentence for defying a congressional subpoena. This is a bad man, and to platform him ... this is nuts, he said. On Newsoms podcast, Bannon reiterated his claim that Trump won the 2020 election. Newsom failed to challenge Bannons assertion and instead praised him for his efforts to get Trump back into office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate the notion of agency, that were not bystanders in the world, its decisions not conditions that determine our fate and future, he said. Newsom had previously faced backlash from progressives after breaking ranks on transgender rights and hosting another MAGA firebrand, Charlie Kirk, on his podcast. Challenged by Kirk on trans athletes participating in womens sports, Newsom said, I completely agree with you on that. Its deeply unfair. CHICAGO The National Weather Service has confirmed a total of at least four tornadoes from the severe weather system that moved through Chicagoland late Friday night into early Saturday morning. SEE ALSO: Historic suburban church damaged in overnight storms The confirmed tornadoes are as follows: EF-0 in Yorkville EF-0 in Bartlett and Hanover Park EF-1 in Cedar Lake EF-0 in Schererville and Merrillville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NWS said its damage survey teams also found multiple corridors of notable straight-line wind damage in the eastern portion of DeKalb County (including portions of DeKalb and Sycamore) western and northwestern Kane County (including the Maple Park, Burlington, Hampshire and Huntley areas) and Elgin. According to NWS, its possible there were more brief tornadoes that happened within the above straight-line wind corridors. However, surveyors at this time do not have enough evidence to make that conclusion. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines More information will be made available in the coming days. 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. More than 700 anti-Israel protesters marched from Times Square to Columbus Circle in Manhattan Saturday in support of rebel-rouser Mahmoud Khalil some of whom cursed out cops and got into a screaming matches along the way. Masked teens among the crowd waved multiple Hamas flags shouted at several Israel supporters waving Israeli flags at Columbus Circle. Over 700 anti-Israel protesters marched from Times Square to Columbus Circle in Manhattan on Saturday. James Keivom The protestors marched in support of the Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil. James Keivom Get the fk out of Palestine, one of the teens yelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does this look like America to anybody? What the fk is this? an Israel supporter responded, referring to the predominantly pro-Palestine crowd. Its garbage! replied another Israel supporter. Daniel Hollman was on his way to a local supermarket when he was singled out by the demonstrators. Some protestors got into screaming matches with cops patrolling the area. Aristide Economopoulos Pro-Israel protestors also showed up at the protest to support their cause. James Keivom They called me gay; Im not gay! Hollman, 57, declared. I have a wife. I think its because Im wearing a suit. They called me a Zionist. Im not a Zionist. Im not Jewish, but I support Israel and its right to defend itself. Columbia University student Khalil was grabbed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on March 8. via REUTERS Columbia University student Khalil who became a driving force behind many of the anti-Israel protests at the schools Manhattan campus after the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre in Israel was grabbed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents March 8 at his Columbia-owned apartment building and later transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana, where he faces deportation. He is now the poster boy for President Donald Trumps crackdown on antisemitic college protesters. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Rochester Police Department officer was hospitalized after being hit while inside a patrol car by a driver who ran a red light in the city Saturday evening, according to police. The officer was hit while driving down Mt. Read Boulevard in a marked patrol car around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. The driver of a Honda Civic passed through the red light while driving down Driving Park Avenue, colliding with the officer on Mt. Read, RPD announced. (WROC/Melanie Sosa) (WROC/Melanie Sosa) Drunk driver nearly strikes officers, arrested after chase: RPD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer was taken to the hospital to be treated for what were described as minor injuries. The driver of the Honda refused medical attention, and was issued several tickets, including one for failing to stop for the red light. Drugs and alcohol were ruled out as factors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Officers shot and killed an armed man Sunday morning who they said used another person as a human shield. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 1:30 a.m. Ravenna police were called to reports of a man with a gun sleeping on the floor of an apartment, according to CBS-affiliate WOIO. The call came from a person inside the apartment. When officers arrived, they knocked on the open door and saw a man lying on the floor with a gun in his waistband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers told the man to drop the weapon. TRENDING STORIES: Police said the door between the officers and the man closed as officers continued to give commands from outside. The man exited the apartment while using another man as a human shield, WOIO reported. The man being used as a human shield was able to break free. Police said the suspect then pointed the gun at the two officers, prompting both to shoot him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers attempted life-saving measures but the man was pronounced dead. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to investigate the shooting, and agents are currently interviewing witnesses. The identity of the man is being withheld pending further investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The arrest of Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh by Lakhimpur police in Guwahati has triggered a heated exchange between Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on X. While Jairam Ramesh condemned the arrest as an "abuse of police powers," CM Sarma defended the arrest, saying that it was related to a caste-based insult directed at a Dalit woman. Jairam Ramesh raised the issue on X, linking a media report about Singh's arrest and tagging Sarma. "The arrest of my young colleague Reetam Singh (@SinghReetam) for a perfectly reasonable social media post is worse than atrocious Mr. Chief Minister @himantabiswa," Ramesh wrote. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1900904978107015325 The Assam CM hit back, questioning Congress's stance and accusing Ramesh of justifying offensive remarks against a Dalit woman's husband. He also warned of an impending "big revelation" linking a senior Congress leader, Gaurav Gogoi, to ISI and Pakistan. "Sir, this case pertains to a caste-based insult directed at a Dalit woman. If you justify calling the husband of a Dalit woman a rapist as a 'perfectly reasonable' social media post, it speaks volumes about the direction in which you people have taken the Congress party. But, just wait--the big revelation is yet to come- The nexus of your senior leader with ISI and Pakistan will be exposed by September," Sarma replied. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1900937733323059445 Jairam Ramesh responded sharply, calling Sarma an "outgoing CM" and accusing him of using the police for political vendetta. "Mr Outgoing CM, stop diverting from the real issue - which is the abuse and misuse of police powers by you personally to favour your associates and fix your opponents," he wrote. Reetam Singh was reportedly arrested on Saturday by Lakhimpur police from his residence in Guwahati on the basis of a complaint about a social media post. "These culprits got punishment they deserved But what @BJP4Assam r@pe accused Ministers and MLAs like Manab Deka, Ex Party President Bhabesh Kalita, ex Minister Rajen Gohain? Is law equal for all?" Singh had posted on X on March 13. As police arrived at Singh's residence, he accused them of not following due procedure, claiming that they did not produce an arrest warrant. "A team of @lakhimpurpolice of @assampolice is here to apprehend me without warrant and notice. I showed them the recent Gauhati High Court Judgement making it compulsory for police to give Notice. @HardiSpeaks @DGPAssamPolice any arrest of mine without Warrant and Notice will be contempt of Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita Judgement," Singh posted on X. He further alleged that police officials were "threatening force and entry" into his residence and that he refused to go with them without proper legal documentation. https://x.com/SinghReetam/status/1900773444696133929 "The@assampoliceare threatening force and entry. When I have repeatedly stated that I want to see the Notice or Search Warrant under BNS," he added. Meanwhile, the Lakhimpur District Youth Congress protested in front of the Lakhimpur Sadar Police Station on Saturday in Guwahati against Reetam Singh's arrest. (ANI) La Crescent, Minnesota, is on a mission to reclaim its forests. What was once a lush hardwood forest was overwhelmed by aggressive invasive species, suffocating native biodiversity, according to Caledonia Argus News. But thanks to an ambitious restoration project, the city is transforming Stoney Point's ecosystem back to its natural state and the before-and-after results are striking. With the roar of heavy machinery, forestry crews have been working tirelessly to clear overgrown buckthorn, honeysuckle, and bittersweet vines from an 8.5-acre stretch of land. This is the first phase of a two-year project led by the city of La Crescent, following expert recommendations from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources forester Val Green. Supported by a $40,700 Conservation Partners Legacy Grant, the initiative combines forestry mowing, targeted herbicide treatments, and strategic replanting of native trees to reestablish a thriving hardwood forest. "For decades, invasive species have been outcompeting native vegetation, making it nearly impossible for wildlife to thrive," said Jason Ludwigson, the city's Sustainability Coordinator, per Caledonia Argus News. "The goal is reforestation with species that support wildlife." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What once looked like an impenetrable thicket is now open terrain ready for new life. Ku-Le Forestry, the company spearheading the invasive species removal, has methodically mulched dense undergrowth, restoring sunlight to the forest floor. This technique not only eliminates invasive species but also prevents soil erosion and enriches the land with organic material. "Forests require certain fungi to thrive, and leaving the chips behind helps maintain that environment," explained Erik Thomsen, owner of Ku-Le Forestry. "It's a much more sustainable approach than burning." Beyond eliminating invasives, incorporating native plants into landscaping offers numerous benefits. Native species require less water and maintenance than non-native alternatives, helping homeowners and communities save money on upkeep and lowering water bills. They also foster a healthier ecosystem by providing essential habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in food production by supporting the growth of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. With the land now cleared, the focus shifts to long-term management. Over the next two years, crews will monitor regrowth, applying targeted treatments to keep invasive species at bay. Then, in the spring of 2026, volunteers will plant native hardwoods including red oak, white oak, hickory, and sugar maple restoring essential habitat for local wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond ecological benefits, this transformation will also enhance recreational access. Plans are in place to reestablish public hiking trails designed with sustainability in mind to prevent erosion and minimize human impact. "While it may look different now, in a few years, this space will be a thriving forest once again," Ludwigson said to Caledonia Argus News. Residents eager to contribute can participate in the city's public tree-planting event, scheduled around Arbor Day in 2026. Those interested in volunteering can reach out to Ludwigson at jludwigson@cityoflacrescent-mn.gov. By restoring Stoney Point to its former glory, La Crescent is preserving its natural heritage and setting an example for community-led conservation. The work ensures that future generations will enjoy a thriving native forest that benefits both people and wildlife. 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) One person is dead following an officer-involved shooting in Christian County early Sunday morning. According to Kentucky State Police, the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. near Clark Store Sinking Fork Road. They say deputies responded to a physical domestic violence complaint and upon arrival, 39-year-old Patrick Martinez allegedly fired at law enforcement. Deputies say they returned fire and struck the Martinez, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an ongoing investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). SILVER LAKE (KSNT) One person is dead after a rollover crash near Silver Lake on Saturday. The Shawnee County Sheriffs Office reports that deputies were called about a rollover crash around 1 p.m. on March 15 near Northwest Hoch Road and Northwest 35th Street in the Silver Lake area. Deputies arriving in the area found a Ford F-150 was traveling east on Northwest 35th Street when it left the road and flipped into a ditch. The sheriffs office reports only one person was inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. The driver was ejected from the Ford F-150 and was declared dead at the scene. (Photo By: Nate Tacey) 8 people dead in massive western Kansas I-70 crash involving more than 50 vehicles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash is under investigation with more updates expected in the near future. 27 News will add more details here or in a later story as more information is made available. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) When Barb Shaw lost her son Chris in a car crash 18 years ago, she had no idea that a group of volunteers would become a vital source of support in the darkest moments. A photo of Chris Shaw shared by Barb Shaw. The victim advocates were very helpful for us, because they helped us take the first steps and figure out what to do next, Shaw said. When something like that happens, you go into shock. Your brain isnt functioning and you dont know what to do. Victim advocates are specially trained volunteers who help grieving families navigate a sudden loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They stayed for a couple of hours and did anything we needed them to do, she said. It is really something that families need, especially after the biggest tragedy when theyre most vulnerable. Shaw remembers her advocates providing emotional support and assisting with contacting funeral homes. She never forgot the impact of those moments. Calm, professional: Deputy praised for helping unresponsive 1-month-old A year later, she decided to become a victim advocate herself to help others. When tragedy occurs and your heart is broken, I know that good can come out of it, she said. I think its very important to give back. Im very blessed, and because of my experiences, I want to help others in similar situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her first call as an advocate, she had to notify parents about their son who had died in an industrial accident. He was just a couple of years older than my son was when he passed, she said, reflecting on their mutual understanding of just wanting their sons back. She says being a victim advocate not only allows her to serve others but has also helped her heal. You have to have a heart for it. You have to be compassionate, she said. Shaw helped out at Saturdays victim advocate training session at the Kent County Sheriffs Office. The Michigan Sheriffs Association hosts these trainings several times a year, bringing in new volunteers to learn how to provide support to these families. On Saturday, more than 40 people from across West Michigan packed a room for the training. (March 15, 2025) Kam Bradman, a statewide trainer for the Victim Services Unit, says the need for volunteers is growing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were covering 20 hours worth of multiple topics, he said. Scene assessment, grief and loss, how to work with somebody going through the stages of grief. The program relies entirely on volunteers, who donate their time and resources to be there for families in need. They drive their own cars to the scene. They use their own gasoline, their own cellphones, Bradman said. Program for women who are homeless yields staggering outcomes, nonprofit says The Michigan Sheriffs Association is constantly looking for new volunteers to ensure no family has to go through this kind of tragedy alone. The more advocates there are, the more we can help the community, Shaw said. There are plenty of families who are so grateful were there because we make things easier in those first few hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kent County Sheriffs Office is always seeking volunteers for several opportunities. All of our volunteers across the board have a heart for service, said volunteer coordinator Jessica Brinks. Theres a saying: You might not have the time, but you have the heart. And I think that summarizes our volunteers at Kent County Sheriffs Office. Residents of Kent County can join the Victim Services Unit, Courtesy Trail Patrol, Handicap Enforcement, Traffic Squad or Public Relation Specialists. If youre interested in volunteering, you can visit the offices 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 WOODTV.com. ENTERPRISE, Ala (WDHN) One person was injured during a shooting in the parking lot of an Enterprise gas station Saturday afternoon. At around 6:30 p.m., Enterprise Police responded to the Liberty Gas Station in the 900 block of Rucker Boulevard after receiving a call about a shooting. According to Enterprise Police, the shooting involved multiple people, and one person was shot in the chest. GALLERY: Severe weather damage across central Alabama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown. Enterprise Police are investigating the shooting and no suspects have been named. Police say there is no active threat to the community. Stay with WDHN 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. MOSCOW (Reuters) - One worker was killed and three other were injured in an explosion at an oil refinery in Russia's city of Ryazan, TASS and RIA news agencies reported. "During scheduled technical works at the plant, performed by employees of the contractor organisation... equipment depressurisation occurred," TASS cited the refinery's representative. The refinery, owned by Russian largest oil producer Rosneft, was several times targeted by Ukrainian drones. In February, it suspended operations after a drone attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryazan refinery processed 13.1 million metric tons (262,000 barrels per day), or almost 5% of Russia's total refining throughput in 2024. It produced 2.3 million tons of gasoline, 3.4 million tons of diesel, 4.2 million tons of fuel oil and 1 million of jet fuel, according to source-based data. (Reporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) One man was arrested following a shooting at a gas station in Marion, according to the Marion Police Department. Today, officers were called out to the Pilot Travel Center on Sugar Hill Road after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers say that the victim and suspect had already left the scene. Police stated that video footage revealed two individuals meeting in the parking lot at Pilot, when the suspect pulled out a handgun and began firing at the victim. The suspect and victim then both fled the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was allegedly shot twice in the legs, and was taken to Mission McDowell Hospital prior to police arriving. Police identified the suspect as Noah Dakota Ramsey. Ramsey was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in city limits. Ramsey was then sent to the McDowell County Jail. Police say that no other parties were injured in the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Brian Redd was sworn in as the new Chief of Police for the Salt Lake City Police Department on March 4. He spoke one-on-one with ABC4s Jordan Tracy about his new role and the future of public safety in the city. Redd was recommended by Mayor Erin Mendenhall soon after she released her public safety plan a plan that Redd will play a large role in helping implement. I was aware the public safety plan was being built and actually had some conversations on our part in the Department of Corrections of that when Salt Lake City was reaching out on that, Redd said. So, I was familiar with the plan, and of course, when I talked with the mayor about this position, that public safety plan came up. I fully support it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Redd sworn in as new chief of police The plan was developed when state lawmakers wrote a letter to the city asking for a plan, or else the state would get more involved. In that letter, they criticized SLCPD and Ex-Chief Mike Brown, saying they werent doing enough. Asked if he has to work to repair that relationship, Redd said, Were just going to work together. Im not going to get into the politics of all of these of these conversations and things My goal is to make this a safe community and work with all the partners to do that. The public safety plan calls for intensified patrols and higher consequences for repeat offenders. But can the department balance the heavier hand thats being called for and the compassion needed to address homelessness? Redd believes the answer is yes, but there needs to be accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its time: Mayor Mendenhall says SLCPD Police Chiefs resignation was her decision He detailed, You can still enforce the law and hold people accountable while treating them humanely and with dignity. The plan, though, goes beyond just enforcement. Redd continued, It goes beyond that to finding the treatment resources, connecting with the social services system, getting the funding for more affordable housing. All of those things play a key role. But there has to be accountability first, or nothing really works. The extended interview can be found below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A 41-year-old man was shot and killed Sunday morning at a Conway area motel, according to the Horry County Coroners office. Lakeen Ford of Conway died after the shooting, which authorities said happened at about 10:40 a.m. at the Budget Inn motel in the 600 block of Highway 501 East. News13 photo / Skylar Musick News13 photo / Skylar Musick News13 photo / Skylar Musick News13 photo / Skylar Musick News13 photo / Skylar Musick Ford was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound at Conway Medical Center, the coroners office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional information was immediately available. Horry County police are investigating. This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates on-air and online. * * * 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. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. 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. Fall River Police Department has announced that one person has been taken into custody following a fatal shooting earlier on Saturday. Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 900 block of Rodman Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 20-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to a nearby trauma center, where he was pronounced deceased. Initial investigations led to the arrest of a family member in connection to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers believe that the incident was an isolated event and that there is no threat posed to the public. This is a tragic loss of life, and our deepest sympathies go out to the victims family, The Fall River Police Department said on a Facebook post. We ask our community to come together in support of those affected during this difficult time. The 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 Following the Karnataka government's decision to provide 4 per cent reservations to minorities in government contracts, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday defended the move after being accused of appeasement politics by the Bharatiya Janata Party, clarifying that the reservation is not only for muslims, but for all minorities. Speaking to reporters at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee's office, Shivakumar said, "The reservation of contracts for minorities is only up to Rs 2 crores. In the past, similar arrangements were done for SC/STs. This is for all minorities and not just for Muslims." When asked about the BJP's accusation that the reservation was appeasement politics, he said, "They also need livelihood, right? The BJP must keep remembering us; then only will we become stronger." The Karnataka Deputy CM is also set to attend the meeting on delimitation called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on March 22 in Chennai. "The (Congress) High Command and the CM (Siddaramaiah) have told me to attend the meet. The CM is not attending as doctors have advised him to rest due to the knee pain. I will be representing the government," he said. The Tamil Nadu CM has invited the CMs of various states and leaders of multiple national and regional political parties to attend the meeting. The Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu has been protesting against the central government's three-language formula for national education policy and delimitation. The CM has called for a united political front against the proposed delimitation exercise, urging various parties to join forces in opposing what he termed a "blatant assault on federalism." Shivakumar also mentioned on Saturday that the state government is "of course ready" to conduct the delayed elections and that a meeting of the party's past BBMP candidates has been called to collect feedback. He said, "The government is, of course, ready. How long can it be postponed? We have called for a meeting of past candidates for BBMP elections from the Congress party to collect their feedback. Then, we will call for a meeting of candidates from all parties. We will collect the feedback from all of them." The dates for the municipal elections have not been announced yet. (ANI) At 15, I went on a cross-country motorhome trip with my family, which stalled in a small Texas town when the engine froze. While we were stuck for a week, two unforgettable events shaped my perspective. Early in the week, my father gave me cash and sent me with my brothers to get haircuts. I found a barbershop and waited, but after several others were served first, I asked when our turn would come. The senior barber, a Black man, gently told me he couldnt cut my hair because of segregation laws. He directed us to the white barbershop. Coming from a predominantly white Phoenix suburb, I had never faced such discrimination. It was an eye-opening moment. Later that week, my family gathered around a motel TV to watch the first moon landing. Seeing the American flag planted on the lunar surface filled me with pride and optimism about what our country could achieve together. Today, just like back then, there are deep societal divides in my country not just by race, but by gender, wealth, education, faith and political alignment. Americans are ridiculed and rejected for who they are and what they believe. Hatred has replaced compromise. But now government is not expected to help because it is seen as the enemy rather than a solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that at the heart of our crisis is the absence of care and compassion like that shown by that Black barber who wanted to help me but couldnt. We are collectively failing to live up to Abraham Lincolns admonition, delivered upon the occasion of his second inauguration, just as the Civil War was ending: With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nations wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. American society is ruled now with bipartisan force and harshness. We are on the left hand of God. We have not strengthened the diseased, healed the sick, bound up the broken or sought out the hungry, thirsty, estranged, unclothed or imprisoned. We are not enjoying the blessing of mercy in our collective lives because we are not merciful. We need a return to kindness, to truly caring for one another. Nowhere is this more evident than in our broken healthcare system, where hundreds of thousands die prematurely each year because they cannot afford care. Though we pay more for healthcare than any other country, too many are left to suffer. This neglect fuels resentment and division. When people see others getting care while their loved ones are abandoned, anger grows, and society fractures. If we want healing, we must start by helping those in need just as that barber tried to help me years ago. Join us in making a difference at www.utahcares.vote. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has made it clear that creating more affordable housing is a priority this legislative session. However, the owner of a manufactured home park for seniors in East Multnomah County says a bill being considered in Salem could jeopardize affordable housing that already exists. Deborah Romerein has this weeks Give Me a Minute. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sentence first verdict afterward. So cries the Queen of Hearts during the trial of the Knave of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. Stuff and nonsense! Alice says. The idea of having the sentence first! Alice seems to believe in due process. The Trump administration, judging by its decision to cancel $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University without a hearing, does not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 7, President Trumps Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced that it was penalizing Columbia due to the schools continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students and warned that additional funding cuts could be made swiftly. Columbia has more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments. The threat is existential. Neither that announcement nor an earlier press release declaring the task forces intention to review Columbias grants and contracts in light of ongoing investigations for potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act specifies which actions or omissions gave rise to potential violations; what evidence, if any, the task force considered; or even which grants and contracts are being canceled. On March 14, the government presented Columbia with a list of demands it must fulfill as a precondition for formal negotiations regarding Columbia Universitys continued financial relationship with the United States government, including centralizing all disciplinary processes under the Office of the President, providing a plan to hold student groups accountable, empowering internal law enforcement and placing the Department of Middle East, South Asian and African Studies under academic receivership for a minimum of five years. Columbia must feel like the Knave of Hearts. Investigations are ongoing, no judgment has been rendered and yet the sentence has already been pronounced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia has acknowledged that Jewish students there were targeted, harassed and made to feel unsafe or unwelcome as a result of pro-Palestinian protests on its campus last spring. But thats where the inquiry is supposed to begin. Under Title VI, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs, an institution is only liable if it fails to respond adequately to harassment that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that the victim-students are effectively denied equal access to an institutions resources and opportunities. An institutions response is inadequate if it fails to take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects, according to the Justice Departments Title VI Legal Manual. Columbia called in the police to arrest demonstrators, expelled students, strengthened its disciplinary policies, established a new office to combat antisemitism, implemented antibias training and restricted access to campus. Whether it has done enough, quickly enough, can be debated, but thats for the legal system to determine. Columbia is already subject to three separate federal investigations and multiple private lawsuits. Like any respondent, Columbia is entitled to due process, a core tenet of American law designed to protect against the arbitrary exercise of government power. At a minimum, due process requires reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard before an impartial decision-maker. It may also include a right to present evidence, to be represented by counsel, to receive a written decision with reasons based on the record and to have an appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration appears to believe no process is due because doing business with the Federal Government is a privilege, even though the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights, which handles most Title VI cases, has always provided due process in the past. When conducting a compliance review or responding to a complaint, that office typically notifies the institution, carries out an investigation and, if it finds a violation, proposes a resolution agreement. Under the Biden administration, the Office for Civil Rights entered into multiple resolution agreements with colleges and universities that it believed did not do enough to combat antisemitism, often requiring them to develop action plans, conduct climate assessments and offer antibias training. The Office for Civil Rights has never before taken away federal funding. By law, it can only do so following an administrative hearing and as a last resort, to be used only if all else fails, because cutoffs of Federal funds would defeat important objectives of Federal legislation, without commensurate gains in eliminating discrimination. The presidents antisemitism task force apparently sees cutting off federal funds as a first resort, a penalty that seems grotesquely disproportionate to Columbias alleged misconduct. This remedy will do little to dissuade the protesters who made Jewish students feel unsafe, while doing potentially irreparable harm to scientific research and the faculty, students and staff carrying it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alas, the lack of due process should not be surprising, since its absence characterizes many recent administration actions, from arresting and threatening to deport a pro-Palestinian protester who holds a green card to stripping the security clearances of lawyers opposing Trump in court. Notwithstanding the lawless nature of the task forces action, Columbia has declared its commitment to working with the federal government to address their legitimate concerns. Like other major research universities, Columbia was already reeling from the Trump administrations proposed cuts to federal science and health funding, and to proposals in Congress to lower the threshold for, and to sharply increase, the tax on large university endowments. The university cannot afford to lose hundreds of millions in federal funding. Columbia may soon have company. The administration has warned 60 colleges and universities that they may be subject to Title VI enforcement actions for failing to do enough to protect Jewish students. Many campuses have already cracked down on protest activity, illustrating the chilling effect Trumps sweeping campaign against higher education is having. On the last day of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what resulted, a republic or a monarchy? Franklin famously replied, a republic, if you can keep it. We will not keep it without due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glenn C. Altschuler is the Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Emeritus Professor of American Studies at Cornell University. David Wippman is emeritus president of Hamilton College. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Elon Musk is no ordinary billionaire. Hes the worlds richest man, the head of multiple frontier technologies, a chainsaw-wielding exhibitionist, and direct advisor to President Trump. That alone raises concerns. But add in his deep financial ties to China, his influence over U.S. defense infrastructure, and his alleged ketamine use, and those concerns increase exponentially. When we think of national security threats, we think of foreign adversaries, spies, rogue actors and hostile governments. We think of cyberattacks, intelligence leaks and backdoor deals made in smoky rooms. But what if one of the greatest risks isnt an outsider trying to break in, but rather an insider so deeply enmeshed in Americas technological and defense systems that his personal interests could compromise the entire structure? One could argue that this is the risk posed by Elon Musk. The 53-year-olds relationship with China is lucrative; its also dangerous. He has long heaped praise on the Chinese Communist Party, calling the Chinese smart and hardworking. Musk has even parroted Beijings talking points on Taiwan, likening it to Hawaii. Unlike other Western CEOs who take a more cautious stance, Musks demeanor is clearly deferential, even sycophantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? Because China holds significant leverage over him. Teslas Shanghai Gigafactory exists because the Chinese Communist Party greenlit it. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his colleagues offer Tesla rare privileges not afforded to other foreign automakers. In turn, Tesla relies on China for manufacturing, battery production and a massive chunk of its revenue. Teslas presence in China is a privilege, not a right; the moment Musk falls out of favor with Beijing, it can all be taken away. If the Chinese Communist Party were to pull the plug, Teslas valuation would plummet. That alone is concerning. However, as readers know all too well, Musk isnt just producing cars. His private ventures SpaceX, Neuralink, xAI control technologies with direct military applications. And according to the Financial Times, wealthy Chinese investors have been quietly pouring tens of millions into these firms. Theyre doing so through special-purpose vehicles, legal structures designed to shield their identities from scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three China-backed asset managers admitted to selling over $30 million worth of shares in SpaceX, xAI, and Neuralink to anonymous investors in the last two years. The real figure could be much higher. This should concern all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations. China operates under a fundamentally different economic mode to the U.S. One where private industry and state interests are deeply intertwined. Any Chinese investor, particularly those with access to significant capital, is subject to Beijings influence, if not outright control. If the Communist Party decides it needs access to a specific technology, it has ample tools legal and extralegal to extract cooperation from any company with Chinese funding. And Musks companies are particularly valuable targets. SpaceXs Starlink system has already played a critical role in military operations, most notably in Ukraine, where it has provided battlefield communications independent of terrestrial infrastructure. But Musk has also demonstrated a willingness to unilaterally restrict access, at one point denying Ukraine coverage near Crimea to avoid escalating tensions with Russia. If China gains even indirect influence over Starlink through its financial backchannels, it raises urgent questions. For instance, could Beijing pressure Musk to restrict or deny access to U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific during a conflict over Taiwan? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neuralink presents another, more insidious risk. Brain-machine interface technology is still in its infancy, but its potential military applications are profound from human performance enhancement to next-generation cyberwarfare capabilities. If China-backed investors have access, even peripherally, to Neuralinks breakthroughs, it could accelerate Beijings own bio-digital research, a field in which the Chinese military has already expressed interest. Then theres xAI. Artificial intelligence is fast becoming the new arms race. Musks ambition to challenge OpenAI puts him in direct competition with U.S. national security priorities. If Chinese money is filtering into xAI through shadow investments, it creates an unseen pathway for Beijing to influence the development of next-generation AI models ones that could be used in autonomous weapons systems, cybersecurity and intelligence gathering. To be absolutely clear, China doesnt just want to compete with the United States in these fields; it wants to dominate them. And it doesnt play fair. Beijing is notorious for forcing Western companies into joint ventures, extracting intellectual property and using economic leverage to manipulate decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Musk, for all his supposed brilliance, has positioned himself in such a way that China can exert enormous influence over his empire without ever needing to threaten or hack a single system. Then theres the personal issue. Musk has admitted to using ketamine to treat depression. But there are reports that his use extends beyond medical purposes and into recreational indulgence. The Atlantic recently explored the effects of long-term ketamine use, citing research from Celia Morgan, a leading expert in psychopharmacology. Her extensive study followed 120 frequent ketamine users over a year. The results were damning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every participant suffered profound memory issues. They became increasingly dissociated from reality. They exhibited signs of delusional thinking. Ketamine is not some mild, benign substance. Unlike traditional antidepressants, it acts on the brain in ways that can distort perception. Chronic ketamine consumption has been linked to extreme paranoia and even psychosis. Musk has direct influence over U.S. military assets, AI research and advanced neurotechnology. Suppose his ketamine use is anything beyond occasional therapeutic doses. In that case, it means Musk is functioning under the influence of a dissociative anesthetic while making decisions that could shape geopolitics, warfare and technological advancement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The precedent here is unthinkable. If a top general, a CIA director or a Cabinet-level official were known to be abusing a hallucinogenic drug, they would be immediately removed from their position. And for good reason. Yet, rather incredibly, Musk, a man with arguably more power than many high-ranking government officials, faces no such scrutiny. This isnt about moralizing drug use; its about the security of each and every American. A man whose mind appears to be chemically altered by a substance known to cause delusions should not be dictating the future of Americas most sensitive technologies. A mentally compromised individual with financial vulnerabilities tied to a hostile foreign power is not just a liability. Its a national security crisis waiting to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Mac Ghlionn is a writer and researcher who explores culture, society and the impact of technology on daily life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Recently, two events the second attempt by Intuitive Machines to land on the moon and the eighth test of the SpaceX Starship proved an old adage: Rocket science is really hard. Both of these examples took place on the same day, March 6. First, a Texas company called Intuitive Machines attempted to land its Athena spacecraft on the Mons Mouton region of the lunar south pole. However, the laser range finders of the vehicle failed, placing it 250 meters away from its intended landing site, in the midst of a sloped crater. Like Intuitive Machines first attempt, the Odysseus, this lander fell on its side. Although Athena returned some data and an image, it was unable to recharge its batteries and was therefore lost in short order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that day, SpaceX launched the eighth test of its Starship super rocket. At first, the flight went well, with the Super Heavy first stage separating from the Starship second stage and being caught on the ground by the Mechazilla chopsticks. Then things took a horrible turn. The Starship suffered a rapid unscheduled disassembly. In what seemed like a repeat of the previous test flight, pieces of the giant rocket streaked across the sky over Florida and the Bahamas. Space.com notes that several of the Starships Raptor engines failed, sending the vehicle into a tumble before it exploded. NPR has an analysis of the principle that with commercial companies like Intuitive Machines and SpaceX, failure is an option. That phrase is a play on words from a line from the movie Apollo 13 when Gene Krantz, the NASA flight director states Failure is not an option referring to the effort to get the crew of that stricken moon mission home. NASA attempts to execute projects that have to work the first time. This approach involves endless reviews and ground testing before anything is deployed in space. The disadvantage of this method is that it is often time-consuming and costly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The space agency built the International Space Station and the James Webb Space Telescope which, though billions over budget and years behind schedule, are returning great value. The Space Launch System, however, is proving to be an impediment to returning to the moon, despite the fact that it has flown once and is scheduled to fly again at least twice. The commercial sector, to which NASA has contracted projects such as spacecraft to take people and cargo to and from the International Space Station and lunar landers, robotic and eventually crewed, take a different approach. Failure is definitely an option. Indeed, it is a necessity. Only through failure does one learn the lessons that lead to success. The SpaceX Crew Dragon and the Firefly Blue Ghost lunar lander are successes that prove the efficacy of the commercial approach. Thus, Intuitive Machines must learn from its second incomplete success in a row and, hopefully, stick the landing on its third attempt, to take place as early as late in 2025 but probably in early 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX has a bigger problem. Starship, for all practical purposes, is on the critical path to returning to the moon and then going to Mars. For all the talk of a last-minute build of a smaller lunar lander, without Starship, astronauts are not going to walk on the moon or Mars anytime soon. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also has a public relations problem, brought on, in part, by ire against his DOGE operation to decrease the size of government. Whether its MSNBC personalities mocking the latest Starship failure or Micheal Myers being trotted out on Saturday Night Live to play him as a reboot of Dr. Evil, Musk has been on the receiving end of snark from certain quarters. The snark is over and above the fire-bombing of Tesla dealerships and the recent cyberattack on X. Even President Trump has taken notice. He has started to get wobbly on Musks most fervent desire to send humans to Mars. Fortunately, Musk can help himself and SpaceX by learning from past failures and racking up some successes. SpaceX already has mastered catching the Super Heavy with the Mechazilla chopsticks out of thin air. Now it needs to have the Starship fly to where its intended and not blow up. Starship needs to become operational to carry humankind to the moon, Mars and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has faced failure before and has overcome it. No one will likely make any money betting against him doing it again. Mark R. Whittington is the author of Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon? as well as The Moon, Mars and Beyond , and, most recently, Why is America Going Back to the Moon? He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While everyone was busy talking about antisemitism in the workplace, my workplace did something about it. They didnt just slap together a DEI panel, tweet out some vague solidarity statement, and call it a day. They helped me build an entire department to fight antisemitism and support Israel. And heres the kicker I dont work at a progressive nonprofit. I work at a Republican consulting firm. Thats what makes being a Jewish Republican so complex. On one hand, the Republican Party has delivered, time and time again, on Israel and combating antisemitism where it actually matters. On the other hand, weve got people on the right winking at antisemitic tropes like theyre auditioning for a 1930s propaganda reel. Its frustrating. Its infuriating. But at the end of the day, I have to ask myself: who is actually getting things done? President Trumps record on Jewish and Israeli issues isnt just strong its unmatched. He moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem while every other president just talked about it. He recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He brokered the Abraham Accords, making historic peace deals between Israel and Arab nations. He cut funding to UNRWA, an organization that has been spoon-feeding antisemitic propaganda to Palestinian children for decades. These arent symbolic gestures theyre actions that reshaped the geopolitical landscape and made Israel, and Jews, safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, American college campuses have become lawless free-for-alls of open antisemitism. Jewish students are harassed, assaulted and stalked in broad daylight. And yet, who is actually cracking down on it? Not Joe Biden. Not the progressives who claim to care about Jewish safety but cant bring themselves to condemn a single pro-Hamas mob. Its the Republican Party thats holding universities accountable, yanking federal funding from schools that refuse to protect Jewish students. And this isnt just about protests its about real, dangerous extremists operating on American soil with the backing of the Democratic establishment. Take Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist with a long history of pro-Hamas rhetoric and open incitement. Khalil has called for armed resistance against Israel. Yet when ICE arrested him, Democrats, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, rushed to his defense. They called his deportation proceedings authoritarianism, conveniently ignoring his ties to a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Let that sink in. The same party that claims to stand against antisemitism is going to bat for a Hamas supporter. The same Democratic leadership that talks a big game about fighting hate is bending over backward to protect an extremist who incites violence against Jews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, lets not pretend there isnt a problem on the right, and we need to call it out. Candace Owens, once a conservative star, has embraced rhetoric that sounds like it was ripped from the footnotes of an alt-right manifesto. Joe Rogan, one of the most influential voices in media, just gave a platform to a known antisemite, further mainstreaming the kind of conspiracy theories that have gotten Jews killed for centuries. And then theres Tucker Carlson who has spent years blowing dog whistles so loud, they might as well be foghorns. From peddling replacement theory to routinely featuring guests who blame Jews for, well, everything, Carlson has turned his brand of faux-populism into a gateway drug for antisemitic paranoia. But heres the thing: one side has a rhetoric problem, the other has a policy problem. And rhetoric, as dangerous as it can be, doesnt compare to policies that actively endanger Jews. The left loves to talk about antisemitism, but when it comes time to act, they bend over backward to protect the very people who hate us. They tell us antisemitism is bad, but theyre the ones funding the NGOs pushing anti-Israel blood libels. They say they care about Jewish safety, but theyre the ones making excuses for people who chase Jews through the streets. The right may have its issues, but when push comes to shove, they act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, talk is cheap. Action is what matters. And if I have to choose between a party with some bad rhetoric and a party with policies that put Jews in danger Im choosing the one on the right that has our back where it actually counts. Mor Greenberg is the vice president of public affairs at ColdSpark, a political consulting firm that runs winning campaigns nationwide. She has led award-winning persuasion campaigns for prominent organizations in the nonprofit and advocacy sectors, helping them expand their reach and enhance their 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 The Hill. In February 1933, the future Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring sent out telegrams to 25 of Weimar Germanys leading businessmen, inviting them to a secret meeting with Adolf Hitlerto discuss a potential alliance. Despite their growing success in the polls, the Nazi party was as good as broke, and desperately needed investment; Hitler was subsequently able to secure it by convincing his wealthy guests that they shared the same interestsstopping the spread of communism, protecting private enterprise and breaking up trade unions. More alluring still was his oxymoronic belief that private enterprise cannot be maintained in a democracy. The connection between German industrialists and Nazi leadersuntil recently a grossly overlooked aspect in World War II studiesresembles the relationship thats currently developing in the U.S. between MAGA Republicans and big tech CEOs, Silicon Valley elites and hedge fund moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, the latter of whom not only facilitated Trumps return to the presidency in part through his donations (and ownership of the social media platform X), but has since obtained a key role in the White House. As Musks DOGE continues to decimate the federal workforcegutting anti-Trump opposition under the guise of making the countrys political apparatus more productive and cost-effectivemany Americans are wondering what comes next. Historical precedent gives us a possible answer. It isnt pretty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The industrialists who answered Gorings call for help went on to benefit from the Nazi regime in three big ways. First and foremost, they received lucrative government contracts for the production of arms, chemicals, food and textilescontracts that grew in scale and scope once World War II got going. Gunther Quandt, whose ex-wife Magda married Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels and infamously poisoned herself and her children inside the Fuhrerbunker, provided the Third Reich with rifles, ammunition, and batteries. Pharmaceutical conglomerate IG Farben produced Zyklon B, the cyanide-based pesticide used in concentration camp gas chambers, while Pudding Prince Rudolf August Oetker, of Dr. Oetker fame, was the German armys go-to caterer. Crowds of Hitler Youth salute as they listen to a speech given by Adolf Hitler at a rally at Nuremberg Stadium in Germany, 1937. / Hulton Deutsch / Corbis via Getty Images Through Aryanization, the industrialists grew their empires, buying out Jewish competitorsat fractions of the companies actual worthand then folding them into their own. The twin heads of automobile manufacturer Porsche for example, used the Third Reichs antisemitic policies as a pretext to oust their Jewish cofounder, Alfred Rosenberger, before going on to develop the Volkswagen and, subsequently, military vehicles like the amphibious Schwimmwagen and armored Kubelwagen. And they were able to save vast amounts of money by replacing paid employees with slave labor from concentration camps and PoW prisons. Not only did these workers work for free, but they did so for longer hours and with minimal rations. Those who couldnt perform their duties due to exhaustion or illness were killedand replaced. While many Nazi leaders were executed at Nuremberg (or committed suicide to avoid such a fate), the vast majority of German industrialists were never brought to justice. Some, like Quandt, went on to claim that they, much like the German population in general, had been tricked or coerced. Others offered to make themselves useful to the Americans, who came to see German capital as a valuable asset in the looming Cold War with the USSR, by helping rebuild the West German economy and supporting transatlantic trade. (Porsche, for example, began selling Volkswagens in the U.S. as early as 1949.) As a result, many formerly pro-Nazi companies are still around today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite assertions like Quandts, or arguments that they had no choice, their relationships with the Nazi party were more than merely transactional, with many becoming honorary SS officers and entering the inner circle of Holocaust architect Heinrich Himmler. Musk and other big tech CEOs, meanwhile, are not just cozying up to Trump for financial reasons, but because they appear to genuinely share the presidents worldviewor, at least, are willing to make it seem like they do. In the U.S., Zuckerberg has firmly planted himself on the side of Trumps culture wars, axing Metas independent fact-checking services, loosening rules on hate speech, and claiming companies need more masculine energy. Musk, having secured his place at Trumps side, is using his wealth and influence to support far-right movements in other countries, notably Germany, where he urged supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AFD), which won a record 152 seats in the German Bundestag following recent elections, not to focus on past guilt. The story of the German industrialists, then, serves as a warning for todays America and the Western world at large. Despite their claims to the contrary, neither the German industrialists nor their 21st-century American counterparts seem to care much about free markets and capitalism, at least not in the contemporary, neoliberal sense of the word. (Certainly they seem indifferent at best to many of the democratic institutions that guarantee these systems existence.) Rather, their business practices and goals increasingly appear to be pushing for an economic order more akin to colonial-era mercantilism or a kind of technofeudalism, as the Greek economist Yanis Varoufakis argues in his 2023 book of the same name. Although they claim to champion meritocracy and free speech, the capitalists who have joined hands with Trumpwhether Musk, Zuckerberg or many othersappear to dream of a world thats more about a free-for-all than freedom for all. That comes with quite a cost. During President Trumps first administration and subsequently under former President Biden, the Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei was banned, sanctioned and charged with various allegations including espionage, racketeering and conspiracy to steal American trade secrets. Huawei has denied this and other allegations against it. The firm has been charged with violating U.S. sanctions by working with North Korea and Iran. Despite this and other accusations, Huawei is increasing its presence and power in Mexico, the largest U.S. trading partner. Just a few days ago, the European Parliament denounced a major infiltration of Huaweis lobbyists into one of the most important centers of political power in the region. Authorities reported cases of bribery and corruption involving the communist technological giant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Asian company has managed to position itself as a leader in 5G technology; however, it remains under the shadow of distrust due to allegations of control and collection of private and highly sensitive information. In 2019, the Trump administration instructed all government agencies to eradicate the use of telecommunication equipment made by Huawei because this technology presented a serious threat to national security. This Chinese company was officially launched in 1987 and over the years has gone from being a telephone importer to being a global conglomerate valued at $178 billion with a presence in 170 countries. For more than two decades, U.S. government officials have raised national and economic security concerns about Huawei, citing its ties to government and military, sanctions violations and unfair trade practices, preferential Chinese policies and potential for espionage or sabotage of U.S. and global networks. Despite this background, Huawei has increased its growth fivefold in Mexico since 2022, has invested $64 million and has installed a technical support data center that covers Mexico and the rest of Latin America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico has also welcomed a Chinese state-owned telecommunications company, Unicom, offering it a broad license to operate freely for 30 years. Huawei and Unicom maintain close cooperation in promoting AI in sectors such as government and manufacturing in different countries. Chinas security and defense agenda has been laid bare. The recent events involving bribes and gifts to high-ranking members of the European Parliament demonstrate not only Huaweis and Chinas interference in domestic political affairs but also their unwavering strategy to control and collect data and to influence the decisions of the free world. China and its spy bases in Cuba also ratified the strategy against the U.S. In recent years, Huawei and ZTE have been involved in Cuba, including in areas near the location of spy bases. The strategy aims to have several prongs to collect sensitive intelligence resources but also to create unprecedented cyber threats to U.S. national security. Huawei is not only a threat to national security but also to commercial activity. The economic integrity and supply chain security are often casualties of Chinas commercial ambition. All the so-called private companies in China have to submit to the unquestionable powers of the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico must cut ties with Huawei, Unicom and other Chinese companies that have been banned in the U.S. due to espionage and strong ties to the Communist Party. And the proximity of these companies to the border still represents a clear and present danger to U.S. and Mexican security. Mexico must reverse and review its relationship with China. This should not be negotiable or neglected. During the last few weeks, Mexico has increased cooperation with the U.S. on migration, drug trafficking and organized crime a historic change. In this new context, its relationship with Huawei sends a contrary message to building a stronger and more transparent relationship with the U.S. The threat is colossal, contentious and too close to being ignored. Chinas Trojan horse is at the door. It must be stopped, and it must be stopped now. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States, and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense Universitys Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course. 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. This is a big win for Christians, the Rev. Franklin Graham told the BBC shortly after Donald Trumps election victory in November. We believe the president will defend religious freedom where the Democrats would not. But the new Trump administrations focus on attacking diversity, equity and inclusion policies has begun to ensnare Christians and limit their religious freedom. Last week, for example, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia threatened to withhold job opportunities from Georgetown Law students unless the school scrapped DEI initiatives. 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, Dean William M. Treanor wrote back. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgetown isnt alone. Diversity, equity and inclusion are deeply rooted ideas in Christian teaching. You cant read the Gospels and not come away with a strong sense of Gods preference for diversity, equity and inclusion. Yet under the Trump administration, living out those ideas will now invite harassment and targeting of Christians and Christian institutions. DEI initiatives that promote religious inclusion in government agencies including for Christians have also been affected. During the first Trump administration, employees at the State Department formed GRACE, a resource group for Christian employees. Now, under Trump 2.0s anti-DEI crusade, GRACE has been instructed to pause its operations. Government and academia celebrating diverse religious expressions benefits people of all faiths. By dismantling these programs, Trumps policies, ironically, strip away layers of protection from Christians and leave them vulnerable. The irony only deepens when we examine the presidents public pronouncements. On one hand, Trump has vowed to eradicate anti-Christian bias and protect religious freedom. On the other, his aggressive dismantling of DEI initiatives has a chilling effect on institutions that have historically nurtured pluralistic dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same administration that claims to liberate Christians from woke interference is, in practice, dismantling the institutions that allow for a vibrant, contested and ultimately more robust expression of faith. When students and employees are forced to choose between their academic or professional futures and the diversity of thought that enriches their community, the promise of religious liberty becomes hollow. When federal agencies begin questioning the value of DEI even as they purport to protect religious liberty the result is a dangerous conflation of diversity with disloyalty. We live in times in which feelings that to many had seemed to be outdated appear to be re-emerging and spreading, Pope Francis said during Trumps first administration. These feelings, then, too often inspire real acts of intolerance, discrimination or exclusion that seriously harm the dignity of those involved, as well as their fundamental rights, including the very right to life and to physical and moral integrity. Unfortunately in the political world, too, it happens that one gives in to the temptation to exploit the fears and the objective difficulties of some groups and to make misleading promises out of shortsighted electoral interests. In Trumps second term, Francis words remain as true as ever. Exploiting racial and religious grievances for electoral interests is as essential to the MAGA movement as it is contrary to the Gospel. Its not just the White House targeting government and academic DEI programs. Far-right groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom are targeting corporate DEI programs. A loose confederation of conservative faith-based private funds and state pensions are marshaling half a trillion dollars of investments to influence company behavior, according to one estimate shared with Bloomberg News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, thankfully, other Christians are fighting back. The Rev. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Atlanta, and other Black faith leaders are calling on their congregants not to shop at Target during Lent because of the companys decision to end some of its DEI initiatives. Were going to break the spirit of racism and sexism, Bryant said. The spirit is encroaching back into our community, back into our country and back into our corporations who are intending to take us back into the 1950s. Attacking Christian institutions for their support of diversity, equity and inclusion strikes at the heart of what it means to follow Christ. The Trump administration shouldnt be surprised when Christians across the country stand up to this bullying. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Mike Waltz, President Donald Trump's national security adviser, on Sunday did not rule out the use of force against Iran, either in relation to its support for Yemen's Houthis or its potential development of a nuclear weapon. Speaking Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Waltz told host Martha Raddatz: "All actions are always on the table with the president. But Iran needs to hear him loud and clear." Waltz's remarks about Yemen followed Saturday's U.S. strikes against the Houthi rebels, who have disrupted shipping in the Red Sea and attempted attacks against Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, according to ABC News, Iranian Gen. Hossein Salami denied the Houthis are backed by Iran while also saying his country would offer a "decisive and devastating response to any threat" against it. Waltz characterized the strikes on Saturday as "an overwhelming response," as opposed to the "feckless" ones launched by the Biden administration. "The difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership and, two, holding Iran responsible," he told Raddatz. "It is Iran that has repeatedly funded, resourced, trained and helped the Houthis target not only U.S. warships, but global commerce, and has helped the Houthis shut down two of the worlds most strategic sea lanes." Waltz also made it clear that the Trump administration won't allow Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to have his "finger on the nuclear button." "All options are on the table to ensure it does not have one," Waltz said of a nuclear device. "And thats all aspects of Iran's program. Thats the missiles, the weaponization, the enrichment. They can either hand it over and give it up in a way that is verifiable, or they can face a whole series of other consequences." A total of 64 members of the banned CPI (Maoist) surrendered before the police in Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Saturday, choosing to abandon naxalism and reintegrate into society, police officials said. The surrendered CPI (Maoist) members included cadres from various ranks, including an Area Committee Member (ACM) from Chhattisgarh and members from bordering villages of Telangana. "64 Maoists of various cadres i.e. ACM (01), Party Members (10), RPC Committee (09), RPC Militia (19), RPC DAKMS/KMS (11), RPC CNM (06) and RPC GRD (08), decided to leave the path of Naxalism and lead a peaceful life with their family members have surrendered before the IGP Multi Zone -1 and District Police today," the police said in a statement. Inspector General of Police (Multi Zone-1) S Chandrasekhar Reddy, Kothagudem Superintendent of Police Rohith Raju, Bhadrachalam ASP Vikrant Kumar Singh, and CRPF officials were present during the surrender. Attracted by the Telangana government's rehabilitation policies for surrendered Maoists, more members of the banned group have been giving up arms. In the past two and a half months, 122 Maoist party members have surrendered before the Bhadradri Kothagudem district police. These surrenders are taking place here, realizing that the Police department is working on behalf of the Telangana government to ensure that they get their due rewards immediately after surrendering, said the police. "Those who have surrendered are living a peaceful life with their family members by enjoying the facilities provided by the Telangana government. This year so far, 122 Maoists of various cadres i.e., DVCM (01), ACMs (04), Party Members (14), PCCMs (02), Militia Members (44), RPC members (14), DKMS/KMS members (20), Courier (01), CNM Members (14), RPC and GRD (08) have surrendered before the district police," the police added. According to police, many surrendered members recognized that the banned CPI (Maoist) party is now working on outdated ideology and have lost all trust and support among the tribal people. They obstruct the development of the agency area and terrorise innocent tribal people. Recently, a tribal woman has lost her leg in an IED blasting planted by Maoists. Due to the misdeeds of the Maoist party leaders, the tribal people are facing difficulties in getting basic facilities, said the police. "We appeal to the party members who want to surrender and lead a normal life to contact their nearest police station or district higher officials, either through their family members or in person. The district police administration is always working hard to ensure to provide all kinds of benefits on behalf of the government for the livelihood and rehabilitation of the surrendered party members," the police added. (ANI) Orlando police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened overnight. Police say they responding to a shooting call in the 5200 block of North Orange Blossom Trail just after 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Officers say they found a male and female in the car, and the male had been shot. He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Police identified the victim as 26-year-old Jared A. Kinloch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A news release states the female told officers the shooting happened during a drug deal. No arrests have been announced. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-6477. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Russia's Ministry of Defence has claimed that 31 drones attacked four Russian oblasts on the night of 15-16 March. Source: Russia's Ministry of Defence Quote: "On-duty air defence units tracked and destroyed 31 Ukrainian uncrewed aerial vehicles last night." Details: The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that sixteen drones had been shot down over Voronezh Oblast, nine over Belgorod Oblast, five over Rostov Oblast and one over Kursk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) With a week left in the legislative session, a bill aimed at covering specific time off for medical leave in the state has died in committee. House Bill 11 was in the Senate Finance Committee Saturday morning, with many speaking in support of and against the bill. This is employee as well as employers. Employees need the money that they earn right now. They cant afford a tax no matter how low it is, said a member of the public. The council of Los Alamos believes this should be a benefit for all New Mexicans and that workers should not be disposable at the most life-changing points in their lives, said a council member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turquoise Alert System for missing Indigenous people moves through legislature House Bill 11 would allow workers six weeks of paid time off when having to care for loved ones and other situations like military requirements. New parents would be eligible for 12 weeks as well. Workers would be required to pay into a state fund, with a half-percent coming from their wages. Businesses with five or more employees would pay 4-tenths of the percentage. Supporters say its a safety net for our workforce. But critics have been arguing since the beginning that it would raise costs for small businesses, hurting them in the long run as well as posing legal issues. It sounds like an absolute employment nightmare. And I can see the lawsuit when employers fill out an employee and their wrong, said an opposing view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill failed to pass on an 8 to 3 vote. This would have been its last committee before heading to the Senate floor for a vote. Bill that would lower cap for medical malpractice cases fails in legislature Senate Republicans sent out a joint statement earlier Saturday saying: Every New Mexico small business owner, employer, industry leader, and employee can breathe a sigh of relief following todays vote. Progressive Democrat policies such as House Bill 11 would have destroyed our states economy and discouraged economic development in New Mexico. Stopping this dangerous bill was of highest priority for Senate Republicans; today, common sense prevailed. We will continue to stand united in opposition to progressive policies such as House Bill 11 while fighting for the real results New Mexicans need. Senate Democrats sent out a statement as well saying: New Mexicans deserve a program that supports families welcoming a new baby or dealing with health or safety issues that require time away from work. Weve been advocating for this for years, and it remains the right thing to do. However, House Bill 11 was not the right solution. The changes made this year resulted in a bill that no longer upholds many of the provisions we strongly supported in the original version. For example, the medical leave was reduced from twelve weeks to just six, which is insufficient for patients with serious illnesses like certain cancers. Additionally, the newly introduced Welcome Child Fund was structured more like a $3,000 rebate. It just doesnt quite work for what families really need or when they need it. Were not done yet. We will continue working to find a solution that benefits both New Mexico families and the businesses who support our workforce. Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart The legislative session ends next Saturday at noon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 City of Palatka may soon begin installing automated speed cameras in school zones around the city. At Thursdays City Commission meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to move forward with the proposal, which is being advocated for by the police department. This was only the first reading of ordinance 2025-10, meaning it has not yet received final approval. According to city documents, if passed, the speed cameras will be active and enforced on school days from 30 minutes before school starts until 30 minutes after school has ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone in the designated school zone caught driving 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit would receive a $100 civil violation in the mail. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Below is a breakdown of where the collected violation money would go: $20 must be remitted to the FL Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. $60 must be retained by the county and must be used to administer speed detection systems in school zones and other public safety initiatives. $3 must be remitted to the FL Department of Revenue for deposit into the Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund. $12 must be remitted to the county school district in which the violation occurred and must be used for school security initiatives, for student transportation, or to improve the safety of student walking conditions. $5 must be retained by the county for the School Crossing Guard Recruitment Retention Program Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of the automated systems in school zones was authorized in Florida law in 2023, with her passage of House Bill 657. Cities that use the systems are required to hold a public awareness campaign about the upcoming implementation at lease 30 days before beginning enforcement. Neptune Beach recently installed the speed detection systems and is currently only issuing warnings to violators. People in Neptune Beach will begin receiving tickets for violations April 14th, after the warning period expires. [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. Democrat Congresswoman Becca Balint took aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after his abrupt U-turn on the GOP-backed funding bill. The fact that the leader said one thing and then within 24 hours did an about face, it just looked pathetic, the Vermont representative told MSNBCs Katie Phang on Saturday. Schumer made a dramatic reversal by helping Republicans pass their funding bill on Friday after initially opposing it alongside other members of his party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were united, Balint said. This was a time to not blink. I think Schumer really missed the moment. She said Schumers about-face sent the absolute wrong message that Democrats are unwilling to fight. That is why I was so furious, and I know that that is true across my caucus and the House. Chuck Schumer at the U.S. Capitol on March 13, 2025. / Kayla Bartkowski / Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images Only one House Democrat voted for the bill, which keeps the government open for six months, while nine Democratic senators joined Schumer in pushing through the legislation. Schumer justified his reversal by claiming that preventing a government shutdown would minimize the harm that Trump could inflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a shutdown, Trump and Elon Musk would have carte blanche to destroy vital government services at a significantly faster rate than they can right now," he said in a speech on the Senate floor. Balint pushed back against his argument, saying the damage was already done. Were supposed to be a check on the system. Were supposed to be the bulwarkcan we please act like it? she demanded. Balint became a House Representative in 2023more than 40 years after Schumer was first elected to Congress. She argued that Democrats cant rely on the same strategies from two decades ago to counter Republicans, saying the GOP no longer respects checks and balances. We have to throw punches. We have to be able to go toe-to-toe and not blink. Because if we dont, where is the stop? Where is the pressure for them to back down? she said. When asked by Phang if its time for new Democratic leadership, Balint said the decision was up to the people of New York, and reminded Schumer that he doesnt own his seat. (FOX40.COM) Sacramento Metro Fire and American Medical Response Ambulance responded to an overturned vehicle that ended up in a canal on Saturday night in Sacramento County. What happens when you call 9-1-1? According to Sacramento Metro Fire, the incident happened on the 10570 block of Dolecetto Drive in Rancho Cordova at around 8:50 p.m. Vehicle accident at Lowes in Folsom; one person injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When crews arrived at the scene, they found one vehicle upside down in the water. The first responding company successfully and safely extracted the patient from the vehicle and assessed her condition, said authorities. Officials said that they provided necessary medical treatment at the scene and the patient was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. As of 10 p.m., Rancho Cordova police were still at the scene working to learn more about the incident. FOX40 will update this article as we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A hit-and-run suspect was arrested after a drone search in a Grand Rapids neighborhood Sunday afternoon, police said. Around 2:40 p.m., the hit-and-run happened on Giddings Avenue near Hall Street, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department. Officers launched a searched to track the vehicle with help from a drone. After 20 minutes, the suspect was found on Mackinaw Road and arrested, according to police. No one was injured in the hit-and-run, GRPD 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 WOODTV.com. Authorities are investigating after a man was fatally struck by a motorist in St. Paul early Saturday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol incident report, the driver of a Subaru Forrester was southbound on Highway 52 at around 2:15 a.m. when they struck a pedestrian near Alabama Street. The pedestrian, identified as 46-year-old Cher Vang of St. Paul, was killed in the crash. The incident report says Vang was "walking in the roadway" when he was struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 62-year-old Cottage Grove man driving the Subaru was uninjured. Road conditions were wet at the time of the crash. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. Across the 12 Penn State commonwealth campuses under consideration for closure, enrollment has declined by 39% over the last 10 years, according to university data. But enrollment decline is just one of the factors university leadership will use to ultimately decide which campuses should shutter. In a recent letter to the Penn State community, university officials said in addition to enrollment theyll also consider the universitys evolving land-grant mission, population shifts, student experience and success, and the higher education landscape in Pennsylvania while making their recommendation on which campuses should close. Still, public enrollment data doesnt paint a positive picture. All but two of the 12 campuses have seen more than a 30% decline in enrollment between 2014 and 2024, and 11 of the 12 have seen enrollment decline by 15% or more in the last five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a closer look at the data. Declining enrollment Penn State president Neeli Bendapudi announced last month that 12 of Penn States 19 commonwealth campuses are under consideration to be closed, although how many of those 12, and which ones, have not been determined. The campuses under consideration for closure are Beaver, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York. Bendapudi pointed to declining enrollments and demographic shifts as reasons why campuses will need to close. None of the 12 campuses that could close have more than 900 students enrolled as of the fall 2024 semester. A small portion of the 12 campuses have seen slight enrollment increases in the last couple of years. Schuylkill has seen a consistent enrollment increase since fall 2021 about 17.5%, or 104 students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between fall 2023 and 2024, DuBois saw about a 9% increase, or 32 students, and Mont Alto saw a roughly 4% increase, or 25 students. Hazleton also saw about a 9% increase, or 42 students, between fall 2022 and 2024. Still, in most cases the fall 2024 enrollment numbers are nowhere near what they were in the past. The 12 campuses heavily rely on residents in the home and surrounding counties to enroll at the campus. The letter from university officials cites a 2023 report from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Institute of State and Regional Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg that projects a 5.8% population decline for rural counties in Pennsylvania by 2050. Because of this important role of campus location, county-by-county population projections are also an important guide helping us think about long-term campus viability, the letter states. Campuses not at risk of closing Penn States seven largest commonwealth campuses Abington, Altoona, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg and Lehigh Valley, as well as the graduate education-focused campus at Great Valley will remain open and Penn State will continue to invest in them, Bendapudi previously said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enrollment at those campuses has declined over the years too but the overall enrollment is, for the vast majority, more than 1,000 at each campus. Fighting the closures The campuses considered for closure are spread out across Pennsylvania and the proposal has drawn criticism statewide. Petitions have been started to fight the closures, including at Penn State Shenango, Penn State Mont Alto, Penn State DuBois and Penn State Fayette. The committees closure recommendation should include a continued presence for Penn State in the Northeast and the Pittsburgh regions of the commonwealth, per Bendapudis request. Several of the communities that the campuses are located in have urged Penn State not to close their campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce asked Bendapudi to give the strongest consideration to keeping the campus open, the Republican Herald recently reported. In a letter written on behalf of the organizations 800 members, they said Penn State Schuylkill offers an affordable higher education experience in a county that has a lower than average median household income. The letter also noted the campus rising enrollment. Penn State-Schuylkill is the only Commonwealth campus with consistent rising enrollment, the letter stated, per the Republican Heralds reporting. Consistent and rising enrollment is not an accident, rather a result of a concentrated strategic direction to support its growth. Penn State Scranton has the highest enrollment of the 12 campuses at 827 students as of fall 2024. Scrantons mayor and council also asked Penn State to keep the campus open in a letter to the university, The Times-Tribune reported. The letter said more than half of Penn State Scrantons students are from Lackawanna County and many are first-generation college students who can only get a higher education because of the close proximity to campus and affordable tuition. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Minister Tej Pratap Yadav, amid backlash over his "dance or be suspended" remark to a policeman during Holi celebrations, on Saturday accused the BJP, RSS, and the media of "politicizing the festival and spreading hatred." "Don't mind, it's Holi... Even this festival of mutual brotherhood has been given a new color of hatred by the BJP, RSS, and their lapdog media...," Yadav posted on X in Hindi, along with a cartoon mocking media organizations. https://x.com/TejYadav14/status/1900957331497906668 "Doing politics over celebrating Holi with police personnel or any opposition leader has become their religion. The people of the country will soon teach them a lesson," he added. Yadav's remarks come amid backlash over a controversial video in which he was seen asking a policeman to "dance or be suspended" during a Holi celebration at his official residence in Patna on Friday, March 14. In the video, which went viral, Yadav could be heard telling a police officer: "Nahi thumka lagaoge to suspend kar diye jaoge" (If you don't dance, you will be suspended). The statement drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, including MP Dinesh Sharma, who slammed the RJD leader for disrespecting the police. "He (Tej Pratap) will never get the right to suspend anyone. And he belongs to a family that insults the police and the uniform... Inka gharana natak nautanki ke liye theek hai (their family is only fit for drama), they would be considered unfit to run the government," Sharma told ANI. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed that Tej Pratap made the law dance to his tunes. "Like father, like son. Father was the chief minister, the family was in power, and Bihar was kept in jungle raj. He made the law dance to his tunes. Now, he is out of power, but his DNA is the same: he wants to bring back Jungle Raj. Instead of respecting the law and the person wearing the uniform, the way Tej Pratap Yadav has insulted the person wearing the uniform shows that Jungle Raj is in his mindset and DNA, but he should understand that Bihar has changed now. Now there is good governance here," Poonawalla said. Retired senior police officers have also condemned the comments by the RJD leader, calling it an "insult" and demanding action against him. Ajay Kumar Singh, a retired Delhi Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), condemned the remarks, urging authorities to take action against the RJD leader while stressing that no action should be taken against the officer, as he was merely following orders. "The uniform has dignity, and we have a code of conduct. It is clearly mentioned in the police manual that police personnel must not act against the code of conduct. Tej Pratap is behaving like an imposter; saying such things to your own security is an insult to the police," the former Delhi ACP told ANI. Further criticizing Yadav's behaviour, Singh added, "We are hurt by this act...The policeman is not at fault--he simply followed orders. Taking action against him would be unfair and unacceptable." (ANI) CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) A 70-year-old woman was duped out of roughly $11,000 during a years-long romance scam, Pennsylvania State Police report. State police out of Rockview are investigating after a Milesburg woman reported that someone she thought was a companion ultimately scammed her. According to the police report, the woman gave the person roughly $11,000 worth of gift cards and checks over the past two to three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple arrested during Pennsylvania drug bust There are a few tips the FBI points out to protect yourself from romance scams. Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. Research the persons photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere. Go slowly and ask lots of questions. Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you. Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she cant. If you havent met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious. Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. If you feel like youre being scammed, you should contact your local police department. Many romance scams can move quickly to try and get money from you as early in the fake relationship as possible some, like above, may even drag it out to keep the finances coming in their favor. 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. US military officials believe Russia and China are aggressively testing new offensive space capabilities, pointing to a series of satellite training missions conducted by both countries in recent months as growing evidence of an effort to weaponize outer space. As recently as last week, Russian satellites were practicing attack and defend tactics, maneuvers intended to increase the proficiency of their space force, according to a US defense official. US officials watched multiple Russian satellites work together to surround and isolate another satellite that was positioned in low-Earth orbit, demonstrating how they could potentially target enemy spacecraft in a future conflict, the official added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias goal remains to put a nuclear weapon in space, the defense official said. Recent Russian satellite movements also suggest they are actively preparing for a potential armed conflict in space, the official added. Russia wants to take away our advantages in space and they dont care about collateral damage, the defense official said. Last year, CNN reported on Russias effort to develop a space-based nuclear weapon that would use a massive energy wave, known as an electromagnetic pulse, to potentially knock out a large swath of commercial and government satellites. In 2021, Russia also tested an anti-satellite missile that destroyed a Russian satellite, creating a massive debris field in space that forced astronauts on the International Space Station to scramble for safety. In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping attend an official welcoming ceremony in front of the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on May 16, 2024. - Sergei Bobylyov/Pool/Sputnik/Getty Images China has carried out similar training exercises in space over the last year. In December, Beijing demonstrated advanced capabilities by maneuvering multiple satellites in close formation raising concerns about potential military applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They practiced attack approaches those are advanced patrols and advanced tactics, the official said. These co-orbital satellites can directly hit another satellite or disable it, just one of a suite of such technologies that Beijing is developing. China is also developing anti-satellite missiles and directed-energy attacks that use lasers or similar systems to attack other satellites. This is a PLA space force thats being built, trained and ready to seize the ultimate high ground from the US, the defense official said. China has already shown its rapidly advancing technological prowess in space. The test of a space-launched hypersonic missile in 2021 caught the US by surprise. The top US general at the time called it a very significant technological event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US Space Force officials are focused on continuing to develop their own offensive and defensive space capabilities in an effort to ensure neither Russia or China can exploit mobility to gain a military advantage over American assets and conduct a blitzkrieg style attack, the official added. Mobility can lead to breakout, the official said, pointing to how the Germans took away the mobility of enemy tanks during World War II. The US still maintains an advantage over both Russia and China in space, the defense official noted, but both countries are developing new systems to enhance military effectiveness and end any reliance on American technology, according to US Space Forces intelligence headquarters. Trump touted the creation of the US Space Force during his first term in office but defense officials stress that increasing competition from Russia and China still poses a national security threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US needs to be ready to do more than protect and defend in outer space. Stories about playing defense are stories about losing, the defense official said. President Lyndon B. Johnson, right, watches as other nations, including the Soviet Union, signs an international treaty banning weapons in outer space on January 27, 1967, in Washington, DC. - Corbis/Getty Images The US, Russia and China are all signatories to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which bans weapons of mass destruction in space. But with growing concern of an outer space arms race, the treaty appears increasingly like a relic of the past. Last April, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have reaffirmed the opposition to nuclear weapons in outer space. China, in particular, has rapidly improved space capabilities that can be used to track and target US military forces, according to US Space Force officials. As of December 2024, China had more than 1,060 satellites in orbit, second only to the United States. US Space Forces intelligence arm has determined that Beijing expects space will play an important role in future conflicts by enabling long-range precision strikes, according to the latest threat assessments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2024, China launched a remote sensing satellite that Space Force military officials say could allow it to persistently monitor US and allied forces in the Pacific region. Intelligence suggests the PLA likely sees counterspace operations as a means to deter and counter US military intervention in a regional conflict, according to multiple US Space Force officials. Moreover, PLA academics stress the necessity of destroying, damaging, and interfering with the enemys reconnaissance and communications satellites to blind and deafen the enemy, they added. China conducted 66 successful space launches in 2024, placing 67 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capable satellites into orbit, according to US Space Force Intelligence Headquarters. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Recently, Reddit user catpunsfreakmeowt posted to the popular Ask Reddit page to ask people, "What's the first major news story you can remember living through as a child?" The answers range from pop culture to major events. I found it so fascinating to see what sticks with people, so I thought I'd share some of the best! 1."The Challenger explosion. I was 6 and I'd just gotten home from a doctor's appointment, and my mom turned on the TV and there it was: the Challenger exploding in the sky." Space shuttle launching with bright rocket flames, leaving a large smoke trail, against a clear sky above a forested area MushLampMaker "I was home and sick for this. One of those days you never forget. AND I was home on 9/11/01. I was moving my mom out of my childhood home because of divorce. Advertisement Advertisement Weird takeaway: the sky was SO blue that day. No planes, nor pollution. It was a surreal experience. 3,000 people died. Life-changing, completely. And nature still being beautiful." beachboyjedi "My dad let me stay home from school to watch it. I told him they launched fireworks instead because, at 6 years old, I didnt understand what had just happened." halfgrow 2."The death of Princess Diana." Person wearing a pearl and diamond tiara with earrings, gazing sideways. They are dressed in an elegant textured outfit FourLiveBears "Wow, same. We were camping, and my buddys dad came down from the lodge with the newspaper." thewhiteboytacos "Yep. It was surreal. I was 10. The impact it had on the adults around me was wild." Advertisement Advertisement Serious-Landscape-74 3."The assassination of President Kennedy. Yes, I'm old." Historic motorcade with President John F. Kennedy, in a suit, and Jacqueline Kennedy, in a stylish hat, seated in a convertible. Crowd in the background Lumpy-Visual-5301 4."JonBenet Ramsey and how much her case really upset my dad, and how serious he was about it towards me especially because I was his youngest and only daughter." Newspaper on the street showing a front-page photo of a young girl with headlines about a murder investigation. Pedestrians walk by holding drinks "I remember how much it really upset and shook him, but I was too young to really understand at the time. I have a vivid memory of us in a grocery store and him looking at one of those tabloid magazines with her on the cover and just how upset he was, and trying to explain stranger danger to me and stuff, but I was just a little, little child and really didn't comprehend what he was saying." Advertisement Advertisement luridweb 5."Apollo 11 landing on the moon." Astronaut stands next to a lunar module on the moon with the U.S. flag nearby prajnadhyana "I remember the moon landing. I didn't realize how big a deal it was, though. I was young. I can remember sitting with my cousins watching it on the black-and-white." MiaEmilyJane 6."The fall of the Berlin Wall. Alas, I've lived to see people wanting to build walls anew." medes24 medes24 "Same. My parents woke us up so that we could see. I still remember the PJs I was wearing and the fact that I brought my teddy bear along to watch." Reisefuedli 7."The day that Nixon resigned the presidency was my first real news memory." A man in a suit sits at a desk, holding papers, with an American flag in the background Brooklynalice75 8."The first major news story I remember was the Night Stalker, a serial killer whose real name was Richard Ramirez." A person in a courtroom making a hand gesture while wearing a collared shirt. Their expression is serious Advertisement Advertisement "It was the year 1984, when I was 10 years old, and I was extremely frightened that he would come and harm me and/or my family. I recall writing a prayer and taping it outside our front door so we'd be protected." catpunsfreakmeowt "My mom was about 13 and living in LA when the Night Stalker was at his height. Not only was she living in LA, but she lived in a yellow house next to the freeway he frequented. My grandparents insisted on keeping the windows open all night because it was summer and 'it wouldnt happen to them.' My poor mom slept with a knife under her pillow every night." aud4f7 9."The Iran hostage crisis being on the news and my family talking about it is very prominent in my memories about the time I was 4 or 5 years old." Group of people seated at a press event, posters with political messages and large portraits in the background Jellybeans74 Advertisement Advertisement 10."Tiananmen Square. I wasn't aware of how significant that was." Person stands in front of a line of tanks on a wide, empty street, blocking their path. Historic act of defiance in a public protest SomeGuyInSanJoseCa 11."The Mount St. Helens eruption." A large volcano erupts, with billowing ash clouds rising into the sky. The landscape around the volcano appears barren and desolate imawizardslp87 "Same! An early memory that I thought was a dream until my dad, years later, confirmed where we were at the time and that the cloud was visible. I was 5 years old." Snapesdaughter 12."Columbine. It was especially shocking since school shootings werent an issue before then. It seemed to inspire other disturbed students, so shootings became, sadly, pretty routine." People standing closely together, many with heads bowed and hands on each other's shoulders, appearing to be in prayer or reflection "Before, we had no real security. Over the years we began locking doors, using a metal detector to enter school, and getting school resource officers." Advertisement Advertisement WastingMyLifeOnSocMd 13."9/11. I got annoyed because I thought it was one of those action movies, but it was on every channel. I was 10." Pop TV / CBC Television Aggressive_Radish_13 14."I remember the JFK Jr. plane crash really well because it happened on my 8th birthday, and for some reason that really annoyed me, as if the news channels would have been covering my birthday were it not for this tragedy." ABC TripAway7840 15."The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (1968) and my mothers uncontrollable crying while she combed my hair; police attacking crowds of singing Black people with dogs and fire hoses on TV. It was a time of fear and anxiety for me. I was 7 years old." A man in a suit and tie sits indoors, looking at the camera with a serious expression Genealoga Advertisement Advertisement 16."The Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. As third-graders, we would practice crawling under our desks in case of a nuclear attack." A military airplane flies over a large cargo ship at sea, showcasing a coordinated maneuver between air and sea vessels Ok_Spare1427 17."The wedding of Charles and Diana." A bride in a ruffled wedding gown and groom in a military uniform sit in an ornate carriage, surrounded by attendants in ceremonial attire AussieBlondage "I remember my mom waking me up when it was still dark out to watch it. It was pretty cool watching a real-life princess as a little girl." Ambitious_Flower677 "I remember getting up really early to watch it. I had the flu that day so I was pretty miserable, but I was amazed by the whole thing." lylisdad 18."The shootings of John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. They were three months apart." Person in a suit with a patterned sweater and round glasses, standing indoors with framed items on the wall wharleeprof Advertisement Advertisement 19."The Port Arthur Massacre. I was 5. It was Australia's worst mass shooting in history and the catalyst for gun control being enacted in the country." Memorial cross surrounded by floral tributes placed on a sandy area, with a rocky backdrop Lunavixen15 20."The death of Michael Jackson. I remember it was all over the news and everyone at school was talking about it." Person in a shiny red jacket with shoulder embellishments, wearing a patterned T-shirt underneath, looks at the camera throwawaypatien "Same here. My aunt was treating us by taking us to a nail salon for pedicures and it was on the TV there. I remember it so vividly for some reason." twinsnakess 21."Probably Kurt Cobain's death." Person with shoulder-length hair gazing thoughtfully, wearing a casual knit sweater Consistent-Key-865 "I was a 10-year-old fan when that happened, and my stepdad told me through the bathroom door while I was pooping. Couldnt wait five fucking minutes." Advertisement Advertisement RequirementQuick3431 22."The war in Bosnia. Some of the images from the news still haunt me." Worn-out boots on ground surrounded by debris, including papers and burnt items satinsateesaltine 23."Polio in the early '50s. I was a little kid, and I remember how big that polio shot was! I was a happy little kid when they started using sugar cubes!" A man in a suit and bow tie assembles small bottles at a table, surrounded by many other similar bottles and caps Bubwheat "My parents took us to the junior high school gym to get a sugar cube. All the kids thought it was great to get a free sugar cube." throwaway281409 24."The Vietnam War. I remember Walter Cronkite on the news on Fridays saying how many Americans were killed that week. I will never forget it." A news anchor sits at a desk with a map of Cambodia and Vietnam projected behind them "My dad would always go silent and frequently just barely tear up and wipe his eyes a little. He didnt have to go because of me and my brother. I really didnt fully understand of course, but definitely understood '235 men died this week in Vietnam' from Walter. Makes me sad remembering that too. RIP vets." FurnitureMaker58 "Yes, we ate dinner watching the evening news. My Uncle was in Vietnam; I was pretty young, and I would always look for him even though, at the time, I barely knew him. He has taught me a lot through all these years." squidaor1 25."Reagan was shot when I was in fourth grade. They brought a TV into the classroom, and we watched it the rest of the day." A couple in a historic photo, with the woman in a suit and blouse, and the man in a robe. They are holding hands and smiling BennyG11 "I was 5 and was watching Tom and Jerry after school when the news bulletin came on." u/DeadMoneyDrew 26."The Kennedy assassination. I was 4. Mom was in the dining room listening to the radio, and I was in the living room playing with my toy cars. I'll never forget Mom suddenly screaming, crying, and running into the den to turn on our black and white television." Newspaper headline reads: "Kennedy is shot, reported dead." Its an edition of the New York Journal American dated November 22, 1963 "I remember being very confused and scared because she never behaved that way, not before or since. I had no idea what happened, only that something really bad must have happened and that maybe I did it." Artistewarholio 27.And finally: "The Rodney King riots. I lived in Los Angeles at the time and I remember seeing a lot of burned buildings. I was about 8 years old then." Group of people standing on a street watching a building fire, with a Sidle's Auto Parts Service sign visible sirleggy Let me know your thoughts down below! If you have your own historic memory you want to share, I want to hear that too. Or, if you want to share but prefer to stay anonymous, feel free to check out this anonymous Google form. Who knows your answer might be included in an upcoming BuzzFeed article! Note: some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity. Smugglers are telling migrants all they have to do is wave at Britain to be rescued in the Channel, as they lure people into crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world, The Telegraph has been told. Gangs are increasingly competing with each other for business as the authorities tackle small boats heading to Britain from France, and are resorting to giving false guarantees to persuade people that their operations are safe. One smuggler told me: Once you cross over the water border to the English side, raise your arms and just wave at Britain for help, said Zafer, 45, a Turk trying to get to the UK. Someone will come to rescue you. Thats what he told me, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zafer never made it to the UK. He was caught by the Italian authorities in 2024 and, rather than wait for his asylum claim to be processed in the European Union, he decided to return home to Turkey, save up money and try again, Smugglers are finding it more difficult to launch boats towards Britain as border enforcement has increased patrols. They are increasingly competing with each other to grab business, using methods revealed to an undercover Telegraph reporter who posed as an Afghan national looking for safe passage for his brother. Smugglers are trying a number of tactics to convince migrants that their boat crossings, which they nickname games to imply a mix of risk and strategy, are the safest option. This also includes charging higher prices than other smugglers, to suggest that the quality of their service is superior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, it is impossible and extremely misleading for any smuggler to provide safety guarantees, as crossings can be subject to unforeseen risks such as sudden inclement weather, a faulty engine or issues with the rubber dinghies which can puncture, deflate and sink. Migrants are desperate to cross but have told The Telegraph that they hope to do so in the safest way possible, especially as deaths have risen. Last year was the deadliest for Channel crossings on record, with at least 80 people dying including a four-month-old baby, according to the UNs migration agency. One Channel smuggler sent a 20-second video clip that showed migrants sailing in the dark, all of whom were wearing life jackets. The camera then panned to the bottom of the boat to show a large bag filled with extra life jackets, all made in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That smuggler sent the video to the undercover reporter, who told the smuggler he was worried about the risk involved in crossing the Channel. In the clip, the smuggler can be heard saying: Look at these boys, they are ready and we will send them now, they are all ready. In the previous days, the smuggler had sent multiple messages to the reporter to convince him of the safety of his games, saying his boats sailed with a maximum of 50 people, unlike other unscrupulous smugglers who would board up to 90 people on a single dinghy, increasing the risk of capsizing at sea. However, data show that the trend has been to cram more and more people onto each boat. In 2024, almost 37,000 migrants arrived in the UK on about 690 boats more than four times the number of people crossing the Channel in 2020, but on roughly the same number of vessels. I sent lots to England My friend, tell your brother to come here tonight; the situation [with the weather] is so good. Tell him to get here by 8pm and hell be on the boat, the smuggler wrote. I have sent lots of people to England. Dont worry about it at all. Hell be in Britain very soon; Ive done it a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another smuggler, who goes by the name of Salar, promises that he will alert the French authorities if the boat hits any trouble along the way. Its not known whether Salar informs emergency services, though if he does that means he is relying on international maritime law, which requires assistance to be offered to anyone in distress at sea, to support his illegal racket. On boats, however, our job is guaranteed, Salar said. I had an Afghan family client who had two family members paralysed and a 90-year-old man; one of them did not have a leg. They are in Britain now. Nothing will happen if you fall into water, we will call a French ship, and they will be taking care of you and escorting you until you leave French waters, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For women and children who are afraid of the water, theres no need to worry, you just need to sit on the boat with your feet in the water, up to your knees, until you cross. 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. Handout via Interpol / via Reuters Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, has had his passport confiscated by Dominican Republic authorities as they continue to investigate her disappearance. Riibe, a 22-year-old senior at Minnesotas St. Cloud State University, has been confined to a hotel in Punta Cana since Konanki went missing on March 6, according to his attorneys. In an exclusive interview with NBC News , Riibe stated, Im just trying to help them out, adding, The ocean is a dangerous place, as he explained the events that led to Konankis disappearance. Riibe claims that he and Konanki were in waist-deep water at the beach at around 4 a.m. when a wave swept them out to sea. Riibe said he rescued her, then collapsed on the beach due to exhaustion. However, CCTV footage showed Riibe walking alone back to the resort at 9:55 a.m., and Konankis friends reported her missing later that afternoon. This raised questions about Riibes account, and his lawyer confirmed that he has been under police surveillance. He has been confined to the hotel since the investigation began, his legal representative told NBC News on Saturday. He is permanently escorted by the police anywhere he goes. So no, he is not free to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being closely monitored, Riibe has not officially been named as a suspect in Konankis disappearance. Dominican authorities are working with U.S. law enforcement, including the FBI and Interpol, as they continue to search for Konanki. A yellow notice, a global missing person alert, has been issued. Authorities have not provided any new updates regarding her whereabouts. Konanki, 20, from Chantilly, Virginia, disappeared after spending the evening at the Riu Republica hotel with a group of friends, including Riibe. The Dominican authorities have pledged to continue their search, with global law enforcement agencies joining the investigation. PAITA, Peru (Reuters) - A Peruvian fisherman who spent 95 days lost in the Pacific Ocean, eating roaches, birds and sea turtles to survive, is returning home to his family. Maximo Napa had set off for a fishing trip from Marcona, a town on the southern Peruvian coast, on December 7. He packed food for a two week trip but ten days in, stormy weather threw his boat off course and he ended up adrift in the Pacific Ocean. His family launched a search but Peru's maritime patrols were unable to locate him until Wednesday, when an Ecuadorian fishing patrol discovered him some 680 miles (1,094 km) off the country's coast, heavily dehydrated and in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I did not want to die," Napa told Reuters after reuniting with his brother, in Paita, near the border with Ecuador. "I ate roaches, birds, the last thing I ate was turtles." He said he stayed strong thinking about his family, including his two-month-old granddaughter, even as he survived on rainwater he collected on the boat and ran out of food, ultimately spending the last 15 days without eating. "I thought about my mother everyday," he said. "I'm thankful to God for giving me a second chance. His mother, Elena Castro, told local media that while her relatives had stayed optimistic she had began to lose hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I told the Lord, whether he's alive or dead, just bring him back to me, even if it's just to see him," she told TV Peru. "But my daughters never lost faith. They kept telling me: Mom, he'll come back, he'll come back." Napa was scheduled for more medical checks in Paita before heading south to Lima. (Reporting by Anthony Marina in Paita; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Nick Zieminski) By Riham Alkousaa HAMM, Germany (Reuters) -A Peruvian farmer who says German energy giant RWE's emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home, took his case to court on Monday in a hearing that could set a precedent for climate litigation. The case, which began a decade ago and is now being heard in Hamm in Germany, could deliver a landmark ruling if the court holds the company accountable for past emissions and requires it to help fund climate adaptation for affected communities. Saul Luciano Lliuya, supported by the activist group Germanwatch, wants RWE to pay around 17,000 euros ($18,520) toward a $3.5 million flood defence project. "Because of the climate crisis in Huaraz, the mountains, the glaciers are melting ... I am here to ask for climate justice," Lliuya said ahead of the hearing as activists cheered in the background. In the mountains above Huaraz, glacier meltwater running into Lake Palcacocha creates a threat for the town, which has a population of over 65,000 people, he says. Lliuya, 44, whose family grows corn, wheat, barley and potatoes in a hilly region outside Huaraz, says he has chosen to sue RWE because it is one of the biggest polluters in Europe -- rather than any particular company projects near his home. Using data from the Carbon Majors database of historic production from major fossil fuel and cement producers, Lliuya says RWE has caused nearly 0.5% of global manmade emissions since the industrial revolution, and should cover a proportional share of the costs of the global warming they have caused. RWE, which is phasing out its coal-fired power plants, says a single emitter of carbon dioxide cannot be held responsible for global warming. "If such a claim were to exist under German law, it would also be possible to hold every motorist liable," it said in a statement. Sebastien Duyck, senior attorney with the Center for International Environmental Law, said: "Legal experts are watching closely to understand the extent to which this is going ... to set a strong precedent." FLOOD RISK? The case started in 2015 in the German city of Essen, RWE's home. It was initially dismissed, but the Higher Regional Court of Hamm let it go forward in 2017. The court must first determine whether melting glaciers are raising the water levels in Lake Palcacocha, over 4,500 metres (15,000 feet) above sea level, and pose a direct risk to Lliuya's home in Huaraz over the next 30 years. A packed courtroom listened as the hearing unfolded on Monday - outlining the case, presenting experts' findings, and examining the scientific geotechnical details of the report which found a 3% flood risk to his home over the next 30 years. MIDDLETON, Wis. (WFRV) A pet died due to smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at an eight-unit condo in southern Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon. According to the Middleton Fire District, crews were called to a fire in the 3400 block of Webber Road in Middleton around 4:35 p.m. on March 15. When crews arrived, heavy fire was seen coming from the exterior of a two story multi-family dwelling. Crews say the fire was being fueled by 25 mph winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin man convicted of bankruptcy fraud & contempt of court, had several million dollars in cashiers checks Fire crews were able to get inside for search & rescue operations and confirmed that all residents were able to safely evacuate. The fire was brought under control with no reported injuries to residents or firefighters. However, one animal was unfortunately found dead due to smoke inhalation. Heavy fire damage was caused to the outside, initial condo unit, and the attic space of the structure. Authorities say an estimated $250,000 of property damage was caused to the eight unit condo. Middleton Fire District Middleton Fire District All tenants of the structure were displaced and are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire was deemed to be accidental in nature and discarded smoking materials and heavy wind conditions were factors. Responding agencies included the following: American Red Cross Black Earth Fire Department Cross Plains Fire Department Dane Fire Department Maple Bluff Fire Department Middleton EMS Middleton Police Department Mount Horeb Fire Department Verona Fire Department Waunakee Fire Department No additional information was 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. PAYNE SPRINGS, Texas (KETK) Payne Springs Fire Rescue firefighters responded to a structure fire at a lake house near Cedar Branch Park on Friday. East Texas officials warn of high fire risk PSFR Engine 1 and 3 responded to reports of a structure fire at around 5:01 p.m. and when they arrived at the scene they found smoke coming out of a single-story lake house. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. Photo courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue. According to PSFR, firefighters forced in the door and were able to knock down the fire before searching the home. No injuries were reported by PSFR and luckily four dogs were able to escape from the house through a doggy door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gun Barrel City Fire Department, the Eustace Fire Department and the Long Cove Fire Department all assisted PSFR at the scene. PSFR reported that the fire is currently under investigation by an insurance 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. Nizam Baba, Janasheen Sajjada Nasheen Dargah Roza-e-Khurd Kalaburagi welcomed the Karnataka government decision to provide 4 per cent reservation for the 2B section of the Muslim community and demanded the cabinet to extend this to other sections of the society as well. "I am very happy. I would like to welcome the government's decision to provide 4 per cent reservation for the 2B section of the Muslim community....but it was a long-standing demand by this community, other communities got reservations since 2017-18, we should also have gotten reservation in 2017-18 itself. Though it's late, but we welcome the decision of the cabinet. In 2025, we got 4 per cent of the reservation. That will help the weaker section to grow...I would like to demand the cabinet that they should extend this to other sections of the society as well," Nizam Baba told ANI on Saturday. Earlier, Maulana Sajid Rashidi, President of the All India Imam Association (AIIA) said that it was not a good idea to provide "concession" in the name of religion. Instead, he added, reservations should be given to those who are in need of the same. "I don't think it is good to give concession in the name of religion. There should be no reservations on the basis of religion. No concession should be given to contractors in the name of religion. You should look at those who need it. Those who are poor should be given reservations regardless of their religion - be it Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, etc," Rashidi said. The decision was taken on Friday in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Cabinet Hall of the Vidhan Sabha. Official sources added that the amendment will be made after the KTPP act is tabled in the ongoing assembly session. Speaking to ANI, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday clarified that the state government's decision to provide a four per cent reservation in government contracts is not exclusive to Muslims but extends to all minority communities and backward classes. "Four per cent reservation is not just for Muslims but all minority communities and backward classes," he said. (ANI) WASHINGTON (DC News Now) HONK if you hate Fascism!, Fire Musk, End DOGE and Boycott Fascist Tesla were just some of the signs held by protestors Saturday afternoon outside the Tesla store in Georgetown. About 50 protestors gathered outside the electric vehicle dealership, holding signs and chanting as cars drove by on the busy street. (Zach Coleman/DC News Now) (Zach Coleman/DC News Now) (Zach Coleman/DC News Now) One protestor told DC News Now that she came out to the dealership after hearing about the protest online because she wanted to express her discontent with the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds in DC rally against Trump, Musk efforts to downsize federal government Theres a lot of terrible things going on that this administration is doing. I think Elon Musk is part of the face of all the terrible things happening, said Myke Held. I think this administration is trying to silence people and scare people into not speaking their mind, and luckily, I have the privilege to be out here, and I wanna speak on behalf of myself and other people who are too scared to be here. The protest is one of many that have taken place nationwide as Musk, Teslas billionaire CEO and Trumps senior adviser for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), works to reduce the federal workforce and cut government spending. Recently fired probationary employee says hes unsure of when reinstatement could come Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report from the Associated Press, DOGE officials have gained access to sensitive databases, directed thousands of federal job cuts, canceled contracts and shut down sections of the government, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). We are inundated with so much bad news every single day, and to be able to be out here in public hearing how many people who are honking who are against this administration and against Elon Musk, is really heartening. DC News Now reached out to Tesla for comment but has not yet heard 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. TEHRAN, Iran Theyve been hidden away in a vault for over three decades, but last week, more than two dozen masterpieces by Pablo Picasso were unveiled to the public for the first time in Iran. Spanning different periods of the Spanish painter and sculptors life, the new exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) comprises 26 iconic works including Portrait of a Man, Cry of War and Echo of Sorrow. The Painter and His Model, Picassos 1927 work and the largest canvas from his post-cubism period, is also on display, along with 53 other paintings. Twelve of the 26 aquatint prints from La Tauromaquia, a rare portfolio he produced in 1957, showcase his deep fascination with bullfighting culture in Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are part of a remarkable modern art collection of nearly 4,000 works held by the museum in Irans capital, most of which have remained out of the public eye since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Visitors observe a piece by Pablo Picasso at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art on March 12. The themes of our exhibitions often depend on showcasing part of our collection, and currently we are focusing on works by Picasso, a name that doesnt need an introduction, Hassan Nouferasti, TMoCAs public relations director, told NBC News on Wednesday. Alongside Picasso, the museum displays other works, including paintings by prominent American artists such as Alexander Calder, Nouferasti said. It cant be better than this, said Parisa Hosseini, a 33-year-old painter and musician who visited the exhibition after it opened to the public on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an event Tuesday evening, Nadereh Rezai, Irans deputy culture minister for artistic affairs, was quoted by the state-controlled Tehran Times newspaper as saying, artists like Picasso, with their unique styles, revolutionized global art. Contemporary art in Iran also holds a significant place, deeply influencing our culture and artistic identity, she added. The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as TMoCA, is among the largest art museums in Iran. Inaugurated in 1977 by Farah Pahlavi, Irans former queen, the museum was a pioneer in the region in collecting modern and contemporary art from Europe and America, according to Sussan Babaie, a professor of Islamic and Iranian arts at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. That collection was enormously important in bringing attention to the then-vibrant art scene in Tehran, she told NBC News in an email Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museums collection included paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and sculptures by the likes of van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Degas and Dali, housed in a purpose-built modernist structure, she added. But after the monarchy was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution and Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini became the countrys supreme leader, many of TMoCAs works were locked away as clerics deemed them inappropriate, citing nudity and other sensitive themes. The museum has slowly reclaimed its place in Irans cultural life, and in 2012, it put on a first-of-its-kind show featuring works by pop artists Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein, among others. Last year, TMoCA put on the highly successful Eye to Eye exhibition, extended twice due to public demand, where it showcased long-hidden works by Western artists from its collection, which was valued at somewhere between $3 billion to $4 billion in 2021 by the museums architect and former director, Kamran Diba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing a single Jackson Pollock piece that is estimated to be worth around $600 million to $700 million, Nouferasti, TMoCAs public relations director, said it was difficult to put a price on it. The significance of this collection goes beyond numbers, he added. For Americans, the new Picasso exhibition will remain out of reach. In addition to long-standing restrictions, the State Department issued a travel advisory in August warning citizens not to travel to Iran due to political unrest in the region. But in Iran, where there are strict laws regarding womens dress, including the mandatory hijab, and restrictions on music and public gatherings, the exhibition at TMoCA offers another perspective on Iranian society and culture, one rarely highlighted outside Iran, according to Hamid Keshmirshekan, an art historian at Londons SOAS University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it exhibited the energy and vibrancy of the countrys contemporary cultural scene, while underlining the younger generations determination to participate in global cultural dialogues, despite the significant challenges they face culturally, intellectually and economically. Amin Khodadadi reported from Tehran, and Astha Rajvanshi from London. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com ELKHART Part of Marion Street in downtown has changed permanently, and ahead of schedule, from a one-way street to a two-way, according to city officials. The reason that theyre re-striping right now is because they had room in the repaving schedule to do the repaving of it now, said Alex Otto, director of communications for the city. If theyre going to repave it, theyre not going to re-stripe it one way and then come back in four months and then stripe it two-way. The two-way conversion of Marion Street was not supposed to happen until later this summer, Otto said. He said there will be a handful of other two-way street conversions over the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otto said when the Benham Avenue project construction got underway and the Benham underpass closed, the city became aware that it was difficult to access some businesses on 2nd and 3rd street with how the one-way street was set up. He said after talking it through, the city decided to re-stripe part of Marion Street to make it more accessible for those businesses affected. Our downtown master plan is designed to support the existing businesses and residents downtown, while attracting more investment, Mayor Rod Roberson said in a statement. One way streets impede investment and make roads less safe. We are making our streets safer and attractive for living and conducting business. The Benham underpass closure also included closures on Harrison Street. The rest of Marion Street is getting milled and repaved sometime in the next 60 days, Otto said. When the street is repaved, it will be re-striped and will remain a two-way street. Otto said any one-way street to two-way street conversion is part of a larger project of traffic calming and making the city a place where a person can drive to and not drive through. One-ways are nice because you get through places quickly, Otto said. Theres no two-way traffic. The company we consulted with for our five-year master plan recommended that we eliminate one-ways since we dont want traffic to simply drive through downtown, we want traffic to be driving to downtown as a destination. MOON TWP., Pa. (WKBN) Its already feeling like summer with the temperatures warming up, and people are ready to jet-set off to vacation destinations. Those with the Pittsburgh International Airport say theyre more prepared than ever and have some new travel destinations. Public Affairs Director Bob Kerlik says the airports new terminal construction isnt putting a damper on summer travel. One of the great things about this new terminal is weve been able to build it with minimal impact to the passengers that are coming and going, Kerlik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerlik said theyre starting to prepare for summer travel, and theyre excited about what the airport has to offer. Were starting to see that spring break travel season really start to ramp up right into the busy summer travel season. So for us, that means more flights headed to leisure destinations, more flights internationally, Kerlik said. That includes a daily flight from British Airways at the end of the month, nonstop flights to Reykjavik through Iceland Air starting in April, new domestic flights to Los Angeles through American Airlines and additional flights to Florida. We are very excited about the option that people have, both with the legacy carriers and with the ultra low cost carriers, Kerlik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although both parking and TSA lines are expected to be vastly improved when the new Pittsburgh International Airport opens in the fall, right now, you can expect to wait. Krelik recommends booking your parking online, and if youre traveling between 5 and 8 a.m. or traveling internationally, arrive at least two hours early for your flight to deal with ticketing lines and TSA lines. Just arrive early, make sure that you reserve in advance if you can, and make sure you give yourself extra time, Krelik said. Kerlick says the fastest time of day to travel at Pittsburgh International Airport is generally in the afternoon. 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. Newly sworn in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday announced his first trips abroad since taking office would bring him to France and the United Kingdom, as well as the Arctic territory of Nunavut, and would bolster his country's sovereignty and security. Carney, who was sworn in a prime minister on Friday, was set to travel to Paris and London before heading to Canada's Nunavut from Sunday to Tuesday. The trip aims "to strengthen two of our closest and longest-standing economic and security partnerships, and to reaffirm Canada's Arctic security and sovereignty," his office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Paris, Carney was set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and discuss strengthening economic, commercial and defence ties as well as discuss artificial intelligence (AI). In London, Carney and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were to discuss strengthening transatlantic security, growing the AI sector as well as bilateral trade and the commercial relationship between the two countries. Carney was then due to travel to Nunavut, a sparsely populated Canadian territory which encompasses over 2 million square kilometres and forms most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. "Canada was built upon a union of peoples Indigenous, French, and British," Carney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My visit to France and the United Kingdom will strengthen trade, commercial, and defence ties with two of our strongest and most reliable partners, and my visit to Nunavut will be an opportunity to bolster Canada's Arctic sovereignty and security, and our plan to unlock the North's full economic potential." Carney's visit to Nunavut comes amid concerning rhetoric coming out of the White House since US President Donald Trump returned to power in January. Trump has been talking for months about wanting to take control of Greenland, which is part of the kingdom of Denmark, and expand US influence in the Arctic. Trump has also been publicly musing for weeks about annexing Canada as the 51st US state. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is getting a new and unique look with the addition of 10 Tesla Cybertrucks to its vehicle fleet, Electrek reported. Interestingly, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill shared that "this fleet was entirely donated by an anonymous supporter." The donors have since been revealed to be Felicia and Ben Horowitz, a married couple with deep roots in the philanthropic community, local station Fox 5 News reported. Ben is a cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz, a tech venture capitalist firm that has invested in SpaceX and some non-Tesla EV development opportunities. In their weekly State of the Department meeting, McMahill detailed more about how the vehicles would be used by the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These cutting-edge vehicles will be customized for LVMPD patrol and SWAT, helping our officers protect and serve with the latest technology," he said, per Electrek. Some of that technology includes what the department described as its "expanding use of semi-autonomous drones connected to shot-spotting technology." The LVMPD also released two mockup images of how the Cybertrucks would be customized and outfitted for police service. One looks more like a standard police cruiser while the other resembles a military vehicle. While video tests have shown the Cybertruck is not exactly bulletproof, the Fox 5 article noted McMahill believed the stainless steel body would stop bullets better than the average police vehicle, with McMahill saying, "The cop inside will be safe no matter what." One person commented on the Electrek article: "It certainly beats having to pay for new cars let's face it no police department is going to say no to American made cars being donated for law enforcement." According to the outlet, the LVMPD isn't the first law enforcement fleet to incorporate Cybertrucks, but it will probably have the biggest fleet. Recently, the Irvine Police revealed its own Cybertruck plans in an effort to, as the department phrased it, "support our Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts," per Electrek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electrek's own take on the news was that, for pro-Cybertruck and electric vehicle enthusiasts, "a fleet of police Cybertruck could help promote the vehicle," also noting the perspective that "the Cybertruck, and Tesla in general, have problems that a police fleet won't fix." Proponents of EVs generally point to their reduced maintenance and fuel costs and environmental benefits as key reasons to make the switch to electric. Over their lifetimes, EVs account for less than half as much planet-warming pollution as comparable gas- or diesel-powered cars, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, even when accounting for manufacturing, charging, and more. And because EVs don't produce any tailpipe pollution, they are much healthier for drivers and others, who can end up inhaling toxic pollutants from gas-powered vehicles. While getting an EV as a free donation is an unbeatable price, electric cars and trucks are becoming more and more affordable overall due to a myriad of factors. These include various tax incentives and rebates, an increase in used EV inventory, and technological advances that make EVs even more efficient and prolong their usable lifetimes. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) This week marked the 13th year of an unsolved double homicide that occurred when two cousins were gunned down in a North Linden home. According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, Antonio Bolden was visiting his cousin, Daniel Floyd, at an apartment near the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Eddystone Avenue, next to the New Salem Baptist Church. Columbus police reported at the time that an unknown person appeared at the kitchen door in the back of the apartment. When Bolden and Floyd opened the door, they were both shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groveports LeVeon Bell accused of sexual assault, victim awarded $25M in civil suit Bolden and Floyed died at the scene, but police still do not have any suspect information. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) A woman was taken to the hospital Saturday afternoon after a shooting in Wyoming, police say. Around 1:45 p.m., officers responded to the 1200 block of Rathbone Street SW, near Nagel Avenue SW, for a shooting, according to the Wyoming Police Department. There, police said they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was gone when officers arrived, according to the police department. No suspect information was released Saturday evening. Police did not specify what led up to the shooting. Police continue to investigate. If you know anything, youre asked to contact the Wyoming Police Department at 616.530.7300 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend a public gathering today, on the fourth and final day of the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at Bodofa Fwthar, Dotma, in Assam's Kokrajhar. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Pramod Boro will also be present at the event, along with Amit Shah. The conference is marked by insightful discussions, competitive events, and the commemoration of the organisation's legacy. The ongoing four-day conference, scheduled to conclude on March 16, has remained a crucial platform for fostering academic excellence, leadership, and cultural identity. The third day of the conference began with enthusiastic participation in an array of competitions. The final rounds of the debate and literary contests showcased students' intellectual prowess, while the Kabaddi and volleyball finals kept the energy high with spirited matches. A key highlight of the day was the Confluence of Former ABSU Leaders, which paid tribute to the pioneers who played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation and the broader Bodo movement. Surath Narzary, President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha and a founding member of ABSU, inaugurated "History of All Bodo Students Union and Bodoland Movement - 1967-1993" (Volume 1), a publication chronicling the movement's journey. Assam Cabinet Minister and former ABSU President Urkhao Gwra Brahma inaugurated the session with a keynote on "Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and the Dream for a Vibrant Bodo Community." Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of BTR and former ABSU President, along with several other esteemed former leaders, graced the occasion. The afternoon session saw a thought-provoking conclave on "Understanding Peace, Harmony & Prosperity for Community Development in BTR and Assam: The Way Forward." Prof. Ramesh Bhardwaj, Vice-Chancellor of MVSV, Haryana, inaugurated the session, which was chaired by Kati Ram Baro, Speaker, BTCLA. The forum facilitated meaningful exchanges among representatives from various student organisations, highlighting avenues for cooperation and collective progress. Dipen Boro, President of ABSU, emphasised the need to create avenues for young minds to excel in diverse fields. He stated, "The youth of our community hold immense potential in literature, sports, and the arts. It is our responsibility to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help them thrive. Events like this not only celebrate talent but also encourage the next generation to take an active role in shaping policies, understanding history, and contributing to governance. A society flourishes when its youth are empowered to lead, innovate, and preserve the legacy passed down by their predecessors." Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Assam Cabinet Minister, spoke of the importance of honouring past struggles while working toward a stronger future. He stated, "The legacy of our leaders has always been one of perseverance and progress. Their sacrifices have paved the way for our community to assert its identity and secure opportunities for growth. It is now the responsibility of the younger generation to take this forward by engaging in governance, policy-making, and preserving the values that define us. Strengthening our education, cultural institutions, and leadership will ensure a thriving future for Bodoland." Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of BTR, reflected on the evolving socio-political landscape and the role of youth in shaping a progressive future. He remarked, "The aspirations of our people have always been rooted in unity, development, and cultural resilience. By nurturing an ecosystem that encourages dialogue, boosts talent, and provides equitable opportunities, we can drive meaningful transformation. The ongoing deliberations are not mere discussions, they are the building blocks of a future where our community sustains through knowledge, inclusivity, and self-reliance." The third day concluded with the Last Delegates Sitting, a Special Session of the Bodo Mothers Association, and the adoption of resolutions, exhibiting another step forward in ABSU's commitment to advocacy and empowerment. As the conference approaches its final day, the focus remains on bolstering a strong and progressive roadmap for the Bodo community. (ANI) HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A Hartford man was shot and killed Friday night in the area of 2121 Main St. Myron Meyers, 35, was killed at around 11:27 p.m. on Friday, police say. Officers responded to a ShotSpotter notification, but when they arrived, they found Meyers unresponsive. 11 displaced after fire at multi-family home in Hartford Meyers was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family and friends gathered on Saturday to light candles and remember Meyers. Mario Marrero, a former Hartford, resident told News 8 that gun violence is claiming too many young lives. Anytime a young person dies you think about their future that they have their whole life ahead of them, Marrero said. For that to happen so early it has to be devastating for the family. A vigil for Meyers will be held on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at 2121 Main St. This incident is under investigation led by Hartford polices Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions. At this time, it is unclear if any arrests have been made. 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 WTNH.com. KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (WAVY) Police in Kill Devil Hills said their search for a 16-year-old boy who was reported as a runaway Sunday ended with the teen being found safe Monday. Christian Jenkins was located in Missouri with his dog and truck around 12:30 p.m.. Kill Devil Hills Police thanked the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their help. According to the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, Jenkins left his home on Saturday around 3:10 p.m., wearing a green t-shirt and khaki pants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said he was driving a 2006 brown Ford F350 with a North Carolina weighted truck registration plate VA7196. The truck was last seen in Haywood County, traveling west around 10:45 Sunday morning. According to police, Jenkins is accompanied by his dog. Christian Jenkins (Courtesy: Kill Devil Hills Police Department) Jenkins Vehicle (Courtesy: Kill Devil Hills Police Department) Christian Jenkins (Courtesy: Kill Devil Hills Police Department) If you have any information on his location, please contact the Kill Devil Hills Police Department immediately at 252-473-3444, or dial 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. NEW YORK (AP) Police in New York City are searching for a person they say set a man on fire near Times Square shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday morning near West 41st Street and 7th Avenue. Officers spotted the 45-year-old victim and extinguished the flames. He was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition, police said. Law enforcement officials say they believe the victim, who they have not named, knows the man who set him on fire. They declined to comment further, saying the case remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video and images from the scene show the victim walking along the sidewalk shirtless and accompanied by firefighters after the flames were put out. Footage of the man being treated in an ambulance showed burns to his face, neck, chest and arms. In December, Debrina Kawam, 57, of New Jersey, died after being set on fire in a New York subway train. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, has pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges in the Dec. 22 killing. Prosecutors say Zapeta set fire to Kawam while she was sleeping aboard a train stopped at a station in Brooklyns Coney Island, then fanned the flames with a shirt and watched her burn from a subway station bench. STURBRIDGE, Mass. (WWLP) The Massachusetts State Police, in collaboration with local police departments, is reopening a cold case from 2016 in a planned investigation. The Sturbridge Police Department said that on September 16, 2016, officers received a domestic dispute report in the area of 35 Vinton Road. Holland officers and state troopers also arrived at the location for assistance. Connecticut woman arrested after hitting state police cruisers with car Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, identified as Brent Young of Sturbridge (who was 42 at the time), allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and stabbed his 16-year-old son. The incident reportedly began in the home and extended into the lawn. Young then allegedly stabbed himself in the neck and ran into the woods behind the house. Courtesy of the Sturbridge Police Department. State troopers spent three days searching for Young, using all modern technology available at the time, such as Air Wing, Mounted Units, K-9 Units, and Drone Units. However, Young was never found. Sturbridge Police said that technology advancements in mapping software can now provide a more detailed analysis of the area and determine where Young may have escaped. The department said that the search is focused on locating human remains rather than a live individual, due to the date of the case and the nature of the injuries Young sustained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Friday, Sturbridge Police Chief Earl Dessert announced that on March 21, members of Sturbridge Police will be conducting a grid search in the Vinton Road area. The Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team, Mass. Search and Rescue K-9 Teams, CEMLEC Drone Units, and the Sturbridge Community Emergency Response Team will also be assisting the investigation. Residents in the area should expect heavy police presence in the areas of Old Sturbridge Village Access Road, Vinton Road Leadmine Road, and Haynes Street from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you have any information regarding the case or Youngs whereabouts, please contact 508-347-2525 ext. 315. 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. Massachusetts voters already indicated their support for empowering the state auditor to probe the Legislature at the ballot box last fall, and a new poll found they now overwhelmingly want Attorney General Andrea Campbell to get involved. Nearly 81% of likely voters polled earlier this month said they think Campbell should enforce the voter approved law to audit the [L]egislature, according to a survey Advantage Inc. conducted for the Fiscal Alliance Foundation. A bit fewer than 8% said they dont think Campbell should enforce the law, and 11% were unsure. Auditor Diana DiZoglios attempts to pull back the curtain on Beacon Hill using the new powers granted by voters have been stalled for months as House and Senate Democrats describe concerns about constitutional separation of powers. DiZoglio has accused Campbell of not enforcing the law, while the AG said the auditor has not provided information needed to intervene in the dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fiscal Alliance Foundation in December joined a coalition of groups that threatened a lawsuit to force the Legislatures compliance with the audit law, but members have not filed any legal action. The poll of 800 likely voters, conducted between March 6 and March 12 with a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points, took the temperature on other issues and politicians who could soon gear up for reelection. About 57% of respondents said yes when asked if they believe Massachusetts should repeal their estate tax, and 56% also supported eliminating the states vehicle excise tax. Big majorities opposed Gov. Maura Healeys proposal to add a local-option surcharge of up to 5% on motor vehicle excise tax bills (78% opposed) and a section of Healeys fiscal 2026 state budget that would impose a new pharmacy assessment (82%). The budget rider would require each pharmacy to pay $2 per prescription dispensed, or 6% of the revenues the pharmacy receives per applicable period, and use the revenue to help fund MassHealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Craney, executive director of the foundation, noted that support for enforcing the audit law and opposition to the pharmacy assessment were the only two questions where more than 80% of respondents agreed. These are very strong feelings by the voters. Its nearly impossible to hit 80% in a poll and the Governor and attorney general better pay attention, Craney said. The poll found Massachusetts voters still dislike Republican President Donald Trump, with about 65% viewing him somewhat or strongly unfavorably. Healey, a Democrat, fared far better than Trump. Fifty-six percent of respondents viewed her somewhat or strongly favorably, compared to 36.6% who viewed her unfavorably. Although more than 54% of voters signaled a favorable opinion of U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, a majority of about 55% said they do not think the 78-year-old should seek reelection in 2026 as he has said he will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Healey challenged Markey in a hypothetical 2026 Senate primary, 34.5% of respondents said they were more likely to support the governor, 20.6% said they were more likely to back Markeys reelection and nearly 45% said they are unsure. Voters were more split on another hypothetical primary between Markey and Congressman Jake Auchincloss, with the two about even and 50% of respondents unsure who they would pick. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Elon Musk has his chainsaw out and is coming for Social Security, which poses a particularly tough problem because it is the most popular federal program. In addition, there is no cash to divert, it is a pass-through system where revenue from worker payroll taxes is immediately paid out in scheduled benefits. There is, however, a bond fund earmarked to supplement the payroll tax. Can that be raided? To further reduce public confidence in the system, Musk has tried to diminish service quality through staff reductions and office closures, and by claiming that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme bound to collapse. What is a Ponzi scheme? In 1920, Charles Ponzi's "get-rich-quick" scheme started out small and legal. He promised investors a doubling of their investments in 90 days, and fulfilled that promise by buying International Postal Coupons, available at a low price in post-WWI Italy, and selling them in the US at a higher price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ponzi was quickly flooded with would-be investors; that's when he realized he needn't bother with postal coupons, or any real asset. Instead, he simply sequenced the investors, paying early investors their promised return from the money invested by later investors. Opinion: Backlash to Musk isn't imagined. When they slash Medicaid it will be worse. The inherent instability of such a scheme lies in the impossible requirement that each successive group of investors is sufficiently larger than the preceding group so that the promised returns can continue to be paid. Upon the inevitable collapse, unpaid investors sued, criminal law was applied, and Ponzi landed in prison. Here's why Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme By contrast to Ponzi schemes, Social Security relies on a real asset, the taxing authority of the US government, which in turn relies on the productivity of the nation. Most workers pay a payroll tax, plus the employer match, to insure against poverty in their old age. Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system: current workers pay for current retirees in the expectation that when they retire, future workers will do the same for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a reciprocal responsibility with an economic basis: the young pay for the benefits of the old out of the productivity made possible by the old when they were young. Over the decades, each generation has added to and passed on the physical and knowledge capital of the nation. As a result, worker productivity per hour has been increasing at a rate of roughly 1.5% annually. There is no similar asset-based reciprocity in a Ponzi scheme. A warning to baby boomers: Those bonds are for you The 77 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 were followed by the baby bust, with only 47 million born during the following eighteen years. President Reagan intervened to prevent a huge increase in the payroll tax rate to be paid by the busters when the boomers retired. Beginning in 1985, he forced the boomers to save by requiring them to pay more than enough to meet the scheduled retiree benefits. This extra cash, or "surplus," was used to buy bonds from Treasury during their work years to be repaid with interest during retirement as the bonds were to be sold back to Treasury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In principle, the Congress could have invested the cash in growth-enhancing assets like roads, bridges, broadband, and port facilities. The economic growth fostered by such productive public sector assets formed the economic basis for the reciprocal responsibility between workers and retirees. In Reagan's 1985 plan, the payroll tax rate was calibrated so that the bonds would run out around 2060, when the youngest Boomer would be 96 years old, and just a few hundred thousand would still be alive collecting benefits. However, the blessing of longer average life-span combined with slower-than-projected economic growth will now exhaust the bond fund around 2034. Today, $2.7 trillion in bonds remain in the Trust Fund and, according to plan, they are being sold to Treasury to finance 22% of retirement benefits. If Musk and President Trump were able to divert those bonds, retirement benefits would drop by 22%. Moreover, the national debt owed to the public would fall by that $2.7 trillion, increasing the difference between the debt ceiling and the debt owed to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In turn, that increased gap would allow Congress to borrow more from the public to finance its tax cut, and that, after all, is the purpose of the Musk/Trump Scheme. William L. Holahan, is an emeritus professor and former chair of economics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump wants tax cut. Social Security bonds could pay for it. | Opinion The National Weather Service is investigating property damage along the path of thunderstorms that blew through the St. Louis region and metro-east Friday night with high straight-line winds and hail. Investigators also will be looking for evidence tornadoes, including one believed by local authorities to have touched down near OFallon, said St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency Director Herb Simmons. Theyll go where the storm began and follow its path to assess damage and its characteristics, he said. We expect the National Weather Service will be in OFallon later Saturday or Sunday to confirm whether it was a tornado that touched down, or if the damage was from the wind gusts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meteorologists at the National Weather Services St. Louis office were not available for comment Saturday morning. Its website, however, confirms at least two tornadoes touched down in Missouri, where at least 10 people died in the overnight storms, according to KSDK-Channel 5 and other St. Louis media. Damage survey teams will begin investigating damage in Hillsboro, Missouri, according to a release from the National Weather Service. Linda Gaskill, a resident of Parkview Mobile Home Park, points out destruction after a suspected tornado passed through on Friday night. It was horrible, Gaskill said, this is just really sad. Destroyed homes inside of the Parkview Mobile Home Community in OFallon after a suspected tornado passed through Friday night. There is no way we will be able to survey all the suspected tornado damage today, so please be patient, it said. The process takes time and we will continue surveying as needed the next few days. There have been no deaths or serious injuries reported in the metro-east, Simmons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a report of a 9-year-old girl in Cahokia Heights injured when a tree fell into the family home, but it apparently wasnt serious, he said. I always say after incidents like that that property can be replaced, but you cant replace a life thats been lost. Property damage was widespread throughout the metro-east, but an area off Troy-Scott Road, just north of the city limits sustained more concentrated damage, said OFallon Director of Public Safety Kirk Brueggeman. Public safety authorities believe it was caused by a tornado. New Life in Christ Church, 689 Scott Troy Road, lost its steeple and some siding and was forced to cancel in-person services on Sunday. The nearby Keck Ridge subdivision suffered substantial hail and wind damage, he said. Saturday morning, the front of one house was still impaled by a recreational vehicle. Multiple trees were snapped at the roots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across Troy-Scott Road to the east, the entrance to Parkview mobile home park was blocked off by down power lines Saturday morning. Most of the mobile homes inside sustained some degree of damage, including three that were completely destroyed. Amanda Hargis cuts up a fallen branch after a suspected tornado passed through her OFallon neighborhood on Friday night. It took 10 minutes to do all this. It was that fast, Hargis said. The streets were littered with debris, including torn sheet metal, insulation, uprooted trees and limbs, and whole pieces of furniture. OFallon Fire Chief Brad White said two women at Parkview were rescued from their mobile home, which had rolled over in the storm. The call came in that a trailer had blown away with the family in it and that another was on fire, White said. Sheriffs deputies were able to help one lady out of the trailer before we arrived and we helped the other get out. There is significant damage, but no serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alisha Curtis, a resident of the neighborhood, identified the two women pulled from the overturned trailer as her mother and sister. She said her mother was treated at the hospital for lacerations to her legs, but is doing fine. The younger woman got out with minor cuts and bruises, Curtis said. I left my house because I didnt feel safe. I came to my brothers house, Curtis said. I kept calling them and calling them but didnt get an answer. When I came to check on them, the trailer was upside down and I think there was a tree inside, dont ask me how. Amanda Hargis, a resident of the Parkview neighborhood, said the storm hit hard and fast. Downed power lines preventing cars from accessing the Parkview Trailer Park in OFallon after a possible tornado passed through Friday night. It took 10 minutes to do all this. It was that fast, she said Saturday morning as she and neighbors stepped outside to see the damage in the daylight. It was like a freight train when it came through. Within moments, that power line was down, the sky was lit up blue, it sounded like aliens landing, and you could hear people stuck in there calling for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was lucky. There are a few of us in metal homes that got lucky. Anything made of plastic got beat the crap up. Jesse Annis trailer also rolled over and came to rest against his neighbors house. He and his wife spent part of the evening in the hospital emergency room. I hurt all over, he said Saturday. I heard the sound of a freight train and then, all of the sudden, (the trailer) started to roll. I came to and was underneath the TV, dresser and walls. It took me about 10 minutes to crawl out. Curtis, Hargis, Annis and others in the OFallon neighborhoods praised the responsiveness and professionalism of the first responders who helped them at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just waiting for the power company to come fix power lines and, hopefully, for somebody to come with some chainsaws to help us clear the branches, Hargis said. Damage in other parts of the metro-east were more spotty, Simmons said. Destroyed homes inside of the Parkview Mobile Home Community in OFallon after a suspected tornado passed through Friday night. There was a lot of wind damage and some hail, he said. We checked wind speeds at St. Louis Downtown Airport and they were clocking gusts at 77 and 78 mph. That was at about 9 p.m. Well be out to assess damage, but we had 51 reports of damage to property this morning. Simmons said Ameren Illinois had 44 power trucks staged for dispatch at Bell-Clair Fairgrounds early Saturday morning. More than 30,000 customers across the St. Louis area were without power at noon Saturday, the power company reported. West Belleivlle and Fairview Heights are among the areas reporting widespread outages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belleville avoided cataclysmic damage in the storm, said Police Department Lt. Col. Mark Heffernan. Fire took a few calls, but there was nothing really major and no injuries reported that have gotten back to us at this time, he said. I think St. Clair County EMA did a good job getting the word out and people listened. There are multiple power outages across both Georgia and Alabama, affecting thousands of customers. Here is a list of areas experiencing outages : Georgia Celia Drive, located in East Columbus, and the surrounding area are experiencing a power outage affecting over 800 customers. Areas located near Fort Benning Rd. are experiencing a power outage affecting over 700 customers. The surrounding areas of North Lumpkin Rd. are also dealing with power outages affecting over 100 customers. Areas near 40th Street and 42nd Street are experiencing a power outage affecting over 200 customers. Celia Drive Outage 40th St. & 42nd St. Outage West Georgia Power Outages Alabama Areas near Yarbough Elementary School in Auburn are experiencing a power outage affecting over 700 customers. Multiple areas located near the Smiths Station Sports Complex are experiencing a power outage affecting over 60 customers . Multiple power outages in Seale near Highway 431 are also affecting over 300 customers. Auburn Power Outages Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama Power Outages Outages in Seale, Ala. Alabama Power and Georgia Power are currently working to restore power in affected areas. The companies have not provided an estimated restoration time, as storms are still traveling through the area. Visit Alabama Powers and Georgia Powers Outage Map pages to get up-to-date information on power restoration times. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. TALLAHASSEE Nearly every spring the same battle plays out in the Florida Legislature over citizen-driven ballot initiatives, those measures that over the years asked voters whether to protect abortion rights, legalize marijuana or shrink public school class sizes. Republicans and business leaders come up with ways to make it harder to get proposals on the ballot, arguing those hurdles are needed to improve election integrity, fight fraud and stop the influence of outside corporations. Democrats and voting rights groups fight those measures, saying they limit access to the ballot and cripple direct democracy, something that has existed in Florida since 1886 the year Thomas Edison moved to Fort Myers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year is no different. Opponents of ballot initiatives, who include Gov. Ron DeSantis, are pushing legislation to make Floridas version of direct democracy almost undoable. This is a blatant attack on direct democracy, said Quinn Diaz, the public policy associate for Equality Florida. It is a clear dismantling of the public petition process. Another constant battle supporters of ballot initiatives face: lawmakers watering down or complicating successful amendments. In past years, they loosened rules on class-size caps, created a complicated licensing scheme for medical marijuana purveyors and required felons to pay their court-ordered fees and fines before they could vote again. Republican lawmakers this year are moving a bill that creates a loophole for businesses so they do not need to pay minimum wage to younger workers they classify as interns, an effort to scale back what voters approved in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day its that conflict between we the people and we the politicians, said Desmond Meade, a former homeless person and convicted felon who led the successful drive in 2018 to amend the constitution to restore felons voter rights. The petition process is a fail-safe to democracy. It allows citizens to take matters into their own hands. Florida is one of the few states that has a mechanism to let voters decide a broad band of policy issues, often ones the Legislature refused to touch. Among those adopted in recent decades: building a high-speed rail, imposing a mandatory statewide minimum wage, restoring the voting rights for felons, banning offshore drilling and prohibiting the cruel and unusual confinement of pregnant pigs. Floridas 1885 constitution required voter approval for all constitutional amendments beginning in 1886. In 1968, Florida voters approved an amendment that laid out a system that allowed citizens to place amendments on the ballot using the initiative process of gathering hundreds of thousands of signatures from residents in at least half the congressional districts in Florida and getting them certified by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature has been trying to curtail that practice ever since, saying that outside special interests with money have corrupted the process. The petition process is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right enshrined in our constitution, said Debbie Chandler, co-chair of the League of Women Voters of Florida. When legislators fail, people themselves can step in to make change, Chandler said. The Legislature has systematically made it harder, more burdensome and more expensive. To make the process harder is not a reform, its a suppression. Rich Templin, legislative and political director for the ACLU of Florida, said since 2004,146 bills have been filed to make the petition process harder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixteen have passed and each change made the process more expensive, he said. In 2005, the Legislature moved up the deadline for submitting petitions by six months. The next year, the Legislature placed a Chamber of Commerce-backed amendment on the ballot to raise the voter threshold for approving amendments from 50% plus one to 60%. It passed with only 58% of the vote. In 2019, the Legislature approved a sweeping overhaul that banned paying petition gatherers per signature, among other things, and also required petition gatherers to register with the Secretary of State. Over the years, the Legislature also imposed an expiration date for petition signatures and then shortened its lifespan from eight years to four years to two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, a bill by the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee drafted by Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, would make even more dramatic restrictions on the petition process. Grall cited an investigation by the Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security that alleged fraud in thousands of signatures for Amendment 4, which would have restored abortion rights in a state that now mostly bans the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. Democrats said the report was an attempt to intimidate voters, smear the Amendment 4 campaign and provide a basis for challenging it in court, if it passed. It won 57% of the vote, short of the 60% needed. Gralls bill would cut the deadline for submitting signed petitions from 30 days to 10 days after the signature is received, increase the fines against petition gatherers for late filing by 100-fold in some cases, impose $1 million bonds on organizations that want to start petition campaigns and charge them $50,000 for violations by their petition gatherers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And ordinary citizens who sign those petitions would have to provide more personal information than currently required. They would also be limited to submitting just two petitions one for themselves and one for a family member, regardless of the size of their family. If they are found in possession of more than two signed petitions they could face felony charges. These measures will increase election integrity, Grall said. We should all care about this. Meade understands the reasoning behind the bill, but it undermines the spirit of democracy. This legislation creates a huge barrier for citizens, he said. I would understand if they placed some of these same barriers in front of politicians, in the spirit of fairness, Meade said. Make candidates post a $1 million bond, especially if the underlying reason is to respect democracy and the integrity of elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Floridians for a Fair Democracy started its campaign to restore voting rights for felons in 2014, the organization had no money, Meade said. We were a grassroots movement. There was no way we could have posted a $1 million bond without any funding. It took the organization nearly three years to raise its first $1 million, a fraction of the amount needed to collect the nearly 800,000 signatures to get on the ballot. Eventually, the organization got the attention of philanthropists, social welfare organizations and most of all the American Civil Liberties Union, and raised $24 million. Most of that went to a nationwide petition consulting firm out of California that ran the campaign. Meade said the proposals being recommended this session will make it more likely that only big money interests will be able to launch initiatives. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed the Convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of equality and rejecting caste-based politics. Gadkari asserted that an individual's worth should be determined by their qualities rather than caste, religion, language, or gender. "A person is not known by their caste, sect, religion, language or sex, but only by their qualities. That is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on caste, sect, religion, language, or sex," Gadkari said, stressing the need for equality and fairness. Despite being in politics, a field where caste-based identity often plays a significant role, Gadkari reiterated that he would not engage in such practices, even if it might cost him votes. "I am in politics, and here all of this goes on, but I refuse this even though it may or may not get me votes," he stated. Gadkari further recalled how many people approached him based on their caste identities, but he remained steadfast in his principles. He shared an anecdote with the audience, saying, "I told 50,000 people, 'Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat,'" meaning he would not entertain caste-based discussions. "My friends told me that I may have caused self-harm by saying this. But I am not concerned about it; one does not lose his life if he loses elections. I will stick to my principles," Gadkari added. (ANI) DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) After a record-breaking 74 tornadoes in Ohio in 2024, officials want to make sure Ohioans are prepared for severe weather this spring and summer. March 16 through the 22 is designated by Gov. Mike DeWine as Severe Weather Awareness Week. After last years record-breaking storms, we push this a little harder this year because we never know what kind of weather were going to see throughout the year, Sandy Mackey, public affairs chief for the Ohio EMA, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spring and summer can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong wind, tornadoes and other types of severe weather. Those hazards have consequences, and there could be flooding, power outages, property damage, injury and even deaths, Mackey said. To avoid these dangers, Mackey recommends families make a plan that includes everyone in your households needs. And once you have a plan, make sure everyone knows what it is and practice it. The fact is you have that plan and you practice it, Mackey said. Because if you dont practice it, its it doesnt do any good to have the plan. Another way to be prepared is to build a preparedness kit. Some items to include are nonperishable food, bottled water, a weather radio, a flashlight and a first aid kit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can make that a backpack, it can be a tub that you carry things in, Mackey said. Everybody can have their own and it will have their needs set for them so if you have to evacuate or run into your basement, grab those, have them handy. As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Ohio will participate in a statewide tornado drill at 9:50 a.m. Households, schools and businesses are encouraged to participate to practice their tornado drill plans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Making the Depression great again If Trump, Musk and their merry band of destroyers arent stopped soon, then the 1930s will be looked at as a picnic. Don Hughes, Los Banos No mandate despite Trump rhetoric Mr. Trump said in his recent speech to Congress that he had overwhelmingly won the popular vote in 2024. He then went on to infer that the victory was a mandate from the people to make massive changes to our government and society. However, when you view the actual facts, Trump only received 49.81% of the popular vote in the election. Kamala Harris and the other presidential candidates received a combined 50.19% of the vote. The fact is that a majority of Americans did not even vote for Mr. Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion Given this information, it appears Trump has no popular mandate to do any of the drastic things he is now doing to our country. He has terminated thousands of federal jobs without regard to the employees job performance or importance to the government. Hes totally destroying our institutions without regard to their importance to our nation. Trump says he is eliminating fraud and waste. However, he has cut all funding to cancer and Alzheimers research as an example of waste. And I have seen no arrests for fraud. Most people voted for Trump to fix the economy. Why is he causing such chaos and trying to steal other countries? Brian Johnson, Fresno True values vs. Trump/Musk ethos My 5th great-grandfather, Adam Derryberry, bravely fought in the Revolutionary War, and through his legacy, I carry the honor of being a Daughter of the American Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The values I inherited courage, integrity, and a commitment to the greater good stand in stark contrast to the ethos of Trump and Musk. My familys tradition is one of sacrifice for a just cause, not the pursuit of power at any cost. Micki Archuleta, Merced Trump and sycophants take, never give The president tells people to shut up about egg prices. Elon Musk calls Sen. Mark Kelly a traitor for visiting Ukraine and saying we need to keep supporting it. The administration claims any recession that might happen is a readjustment period and thats a sacrifice theyre willing for us to make. The president bragged no wars were started during his first term. Yet, we have started wars with Canada, Mexico and China (trade wars are wars). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has pushed the ideas of leaving NATO and the UN. Only once in NATO history has Article 5 been invoked (if one country is attacked all must defend). And that was shortly after 9/11. Who invoked it? We did. And NATO responded by joining with us to invade Iraq. This president and his sycophants take and take and take, but never give back. They grab whatever money they can, whatever power, whatever influence. And live to humiliate, punish, dehumanize, denigrate anyone who disagrees with their greed and malice. Empty vessels all of them. Cowards, bullies, scared little empty vessels. What to you do for the least of my brothers you do, also, for me. The converse of that is true as well. Joel S. Dyer, Fresno Clovis Unified dress code needs fairness The recent article on Clovis Unified School Districts dress code highlights a troubling pattern of gender-biased enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data from CUSD show that female students received 81% of the 3,390 dress code citations in the fall semester, with the trend continuing at 77% for the 2023-24 school year. This clear bias leaves many students feeling discriminated against. I witnessed this same unfair enforcement in high school. Female students were frequently dress-coded for wearing tank tops in hot weather, while male students faced no consequences for similar attire. This double standard frustrated many, with some even considering transferring schools due to biased policies. Students have voiced concerns that these policies contribute to gender bias and the unnecessary sexualization of female students. A student in the article shared how an administrators comments over a minor violation left her feeling confused and unsupported an experience echoed by many. While dress codes aim to promote a focused learning environment, their enforcement must be fair. I urge CUSD to adopt a gender-neutral dress code, ensuring all students are treated equitably. Maribel Labra, Planada Say no to Fresnos SEDA plan March 24 is the last day to submit public comment about Fresnos proposed Southeast Development Area plan, which has the potential to harm Fresno businesses, neighborhoods, residents, and taxpayers for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It calls for annexing 9,000 acres into the city, requiring huge investments in new sewer, water, streets, police, and fire services for which the rest of us will have to pay. Read the plan: tinyurl.com/SEDAplan. Email comments to: longrangeplanning@fresno.gov. If you commented before 2025, know that all prior input is being disregarded. Submit again. My objections include: SEDA is based on a dangerously outdated presumed growth rate 10 times greater than our current, declining rate of population growth. Fresnos new budget is $20 million short of current needs. Approving SEDA would add significant additional debt with no guarantee of revenue to offset it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEDA will direct our limited resources away from existing neighborhoods, such as the West Area Specific Plan. SEDA will harm Fresno businesses. Fresno business owners ask for improvements to sidewalks, parking, drainage, traffic flow, and lighting. Thriving businesses support a thriving Fresno. They deserve better but if the city annexes SEDA, there will be no money for needed repairs. Erika Leonard, Fresno GREENBELT, Md. (DC News Now) Governor Wes Moore and members of Marylands Congressional delegation are vowing not to give up their fight to have the FBI headquarters in Prince Georges County. President Trump said on Friday he decided to keep the FBI based out of downtown Washington, DC to be closer to the Department of Justice, and would likely move into an old Department of Commerce building. We will continue working to bring the headquarters to Maryland, following the final decision that was made to do so in 2023, the political leaders said in a joint statement released Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD officer hit by ATV in Northwest DC The presidents decision reverses an announcement made in May 2023 that Prince Georges County would house the FBI in a new building based at the Greenbelt Metro Station, and house around 7,500 people. A lot of new change, they need a new location, said Deandre Santana of Silver Spring, who supports the move. Not everyone agrees. They belong in DC, said Maliyah Garza of Greenbelt. Theres nothing in Greenbelt for them, you know, this little old town. They should stay local. DC News Now reached out to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and acting Prince Georges County Executive Tara Jackson to comment on the presidents decision. Both declined. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. After months of legal wrangling, a Washington D.C. judge has ordered the U.S. government to make public much of Prince Harrys visa application next week, reigniting speculation over whether the Duke of Sussex received special treatment from the Biden administration. The ruling is in response to a case brought by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and revolves around Harrys admission of drug use in his bestselling memoir Spare. Heritage claims drug use should have disqualified Harry from obtaining a visa, and wants to know if he lied or received a special waiver from the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus far, the application has remained shrouded in secrecy. But that will all change next week, after a Donald Trump-appointed judge ruled, according to a report in the Daily Mail , that the government is now being ordered to lodge on the docket redacted versions of Harrys application documents by Tuesday. Trump recently said he would not deport Harry because hes got enough problems with his wife, however the visa application still has the potential to embarrass the Duke of Sussex. One possibility that has been floated is that Harry is on an A-1 visa, typically reserved for heads of state, which could make any concerns about drug use irrelevant. Harrys team has always said he was truthful in his application. An A-1 could render the Heritage Foundations challenge a moot pointthough it would certainly fuel further controversy over whether and why the Biden administration decided to accommodate the prince. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The think tank noted that Harry revealed he had used hard, soft, and psychedelic drugs in his memoir, Sparein which Harry, among other stories, wrote of the time he got high on mushrooms at Friends star Courteney Coxs house. He also revealed he had used cocaine at 17 to feel different. The Daily Beast has previously reported on the residency jeopardy Harry could face if Trump, who has a personal animus toward him and Meghan, were elected. An immigration lawyer told the Daily Beast that Harry could be vulnerable to a politically motivated attack on his residential status, saying: Department of State decisions are discretionary and very susceptible to political influence. His visa could be canceled. He could be denied entry upon return to the U.S. from foreign travel for inadmissibility due to prior drug usage, despite an unexpired visa in his passport. There are many scenarios where political influence could impact Harrys ability to re-enter the U.S. British TV star Nigella Lawson was denied entry to the U.S. over admissions of drug use in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sussex-Trump feud dates to a 2016 Comedy Central show in which Meghan, then an actress and not linked to Harry, expressed her contempt for Trump, labeling him misogynistic and divisive. Trump later referred to her comment as nasty and in 2022, Trump told Piers Morgan : Harry is whipped like no person I think Ive ever seen. He predicted the couple would divorce, saying, Itll end, and itll end bad I want to know whats going to happen when Harry decides hes had enough of being bossed around Or maybe when she decides that she likes some other guy better. I want to know whats going to happen when it ends, OK? Eric Trump earlier this year called the Duke and Duchess spoiled apples, adding, You can happily have those two. We might not want them anymore; it feels like theyre on an island of their own. Eight months after Donald Trump publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, the conservative blueprint appears to have influenced Trumps early decisions a reality that one of the authors says was beyond his wildest dreams. The 900-plus-page policy book details how a second Trump administration could overhaul the federal government as America knew it, like dismantling departments, expanding his executive authority, putting an end to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, and purging the federal workforce and replacing them with political appointees. On the campaign trail, Democrats warned about the dangers of Project 2025 while Trump repeatedly distanced himself from it. I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it, he wrote on Truth Social last July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that month, Paul Dans, a lawyer and chief architect of Project 2025, resigned. Now, he says he has no hard feelings and is thrilled that the second Trump administration appears to be following the controversial blueprint. Paul Dans, an author of Project 2025, says hes delighted that the Trump administration appears to be executing his vision (AP) Its actually way beyond my wildest dreams, Dans told Politico, when asked if Trump was diverging from his vision. Its not going to be the easiest road to hoe going forward. The deep state is going to get its breath back. But the way that theyve been able to move and upset the orthodoxy, and at the same time really capture the imagination of the people, I think portends a great four years. Trump, through the Department of Government Efficiency, has slashed departments and fired tens of thousands of federal workers. He has signed an executive order terminating DEI policies. He seems to be laying the groundwork to expand executive authority, suggesting that the president cannot violate the law, declaring himself a king while some of his closest allies have suggested impeaching judges who rule against his administration. He said Trump told the truth on the campaign trail, that he had absolutely nothing to do with the blueprint. Project 2025 was done outside of President Trump, Dans told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Dans disagreed that the Trump administrations plans and Project 2025 are one and the same, he believes directionally, they have a lot in common, but so do great minds. Dans continued, giving a nod to Elon Musk, the worlds richest man who has been tapped to lead DOGEs mass firings and slashed contracts: We had hoped, those of us who worked putting together Project 2025, that the next conservative president would seize the day, but Trump is seizing every minute of every hour. Im not sure that youd be able to implement Project 2025 without Donald Trumps ability to bring people together and Elon Musks ability to focus the direction of the work. He said hes not looking for a job, since he already works as an attorney and is a father to four kids. But he added: Should President Trump or his team need me, I will gladly answer the call. At least 1,000 people rallied outside the Idaho Statehouse on Saturday to protest President Donald Trumps administration. The protest was part of the 50501 movement, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. Organizers have held earlier protests as part of the movement. American dreams the way we planned them, sang 72-year-old Steve Bryan, in a reference to Wicked. If we work in tandem, theres no fight we cannot win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snow and wind blew through the crowd, surrounded by yellow police blockades. A rainbow-striped U.S. flag and a transgender flag fluttered on the Idaho Capitol steps. Bryan, who helped start the Idaho chapter of the 50501 movement, said he got involved because he couldnt stand by and watch the quick and chaotic changes to 250 years of law. I just have a new grandbaby shes only 6 months old, Bryan told the Statesman. He is originally from Ohio but has lived in Idaho for 18 years. I want her to be able to stand on the steps of the Capitol of Ohio and proudly say how much she loves being a citizen of America. Much of the conversation focused on national issues, but speakers also referenced one local topic in particular: The West Ada teacher who decided to keep her classroom posters up, including one that said, Everyone is welcome here. School administrators told her the signs could create division or controversy, according to previous Statesman reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If rules prevent welcoming messages to kids of all races, those rules need to be changed, Speaker Saumya Sarin, 20, told the crowd. One of the final speakers urged unity, asking the audience to afford grace to Trump voters who might change their minds. The crowd carried a wide variety of signs, referencing subjects from Russia to Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist who was arrested by immigration authorities. Virginia Gomez, 44, brought her 1-year-old daughter, Olivia, with their own posters. Were here for fighting for human rights, Gomez said. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A protest took place outside the Tesla dealership in northern San Diego County on Saturday as community members rallied against federal funding cuts while protests took place simultaneously across the country. A crowd lining the street outside the Tesla dealership in Encinitas could be seen holding signs with messages like boycott Tesla and save Social Security at 1302 Encinitas Blvd Saturday afternoon. The protest organized nationally by Tesla Takedown and co-sponsored locally by Swing Left/Take Action San Diego, The Democratic Club of Carlsbad and Oceanside, and Indivisible 49 was held in opposition to funding cuts and actions of Trump and Musk that they say are threatening Americans rights, services and welfare. Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Protesters rally outside Tesla showroom in San Diego County (FOX 5/KUSI) Hundreds of people were protesting outside Tesla dealerships across the country on Saturday, with the movement asking people to join them to sell your Teslas, dump your stock, and stop Musk now. The Hill reports 80 protests took place across the country just on Saturday. 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 5 San Diego & KUSI News. It all started with a public records request as some of The Enquirer's best work typically does. We wanted to know: What could repurposing Cincinnati's abandoned subway tunnels look like in the 21st century? The city's official call for ideas last fall resulted in 18 submissions that we obtained from the city manager's office. As a reporter who's studied architecture, I'd already concluded that some of the top design firms in the city would submit impressive and thorough concepts. (This is the kind of fun project architects love to tackle, even if they don't get paid for it.) My colleagues were quite surprised by how detailed the proposals were, but I was not. What did strike me, though, was the little attention paid to reviving the tunnels with transit. Our readers also wanted to know why transit wasn't given more thought, based on an unscientific January poll. Did everyone think it was impossible? That's the theme of my latest story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let's just say I received mixed messages in my attempt to answer that question. Cincinnati's abandoned subway tunnels on Central Parkway I started by speaking with two smart young students who put together subway-specific proposals for the city. One, a Louisville, Ky. native like me, studies regional transit in their spare time and is incredibly well-versed in Cincinnati's infrastructure issues. In fact, there was no discernable difference in the level of insight provided to me by this 18-year-old compared to the experts I talked to who've worked for our local transportation agencies. Don't be shocked if these students are the ones to finally usher in and complete a groundbreaking rapid transit plan for Cincinnati. Executing big dreams often relies on timing, after all. And local politics... something that's stopped previous efforts to complete the subway. Will Sundance come to Cincinnati? Is film festival still moving? Here's the latest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which brings me to the topic of light-rail. I didn't expect this article to turn into a story about our past attempts to get light-rail in Cincinnati, and whether we're ready to try again. In my reporting, I found some people think we're becoming more receptive to ambitious ideas like this, while others do not, citing taxpayers' concerns over major projects like the Brent Spence Bridge, building a new arena and renovating Paycor Stadium. But one thing is certain: These aging tunnels are worth a lot of money. (A 2007 study by city engineers estimated the tunnel's value to be upwards of $40 million that's $61.3 million in today's dollars.) So it's possible that they could be used as local leverage to get federal dollars for a region-wide transit system... one day. Until then, maybe the question we should be asking is: "What do we do with the tunnels right now?" Sydney Franklin, Real Estate Enterprise Reporter, at The Enquirer studio in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why Cincinnati's old subway tunnels are still considered for transit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "prolonging the war" and "ignoring" U.S.-led efforts to agree to a ceasefire, as a first step toward ending Moscow's three-year-old invasion of its neighbor. Recent weeks have seen Kyiv and Moscow frame each other as the main impediment to peace, maneuvering to win backing from President Donald Trump as the White House presses for an end to the conflict. Zelenskyy on Saturday reported a massing of Russian troops along the border with Ukraine's eastern Sumy region. "This indicates an intention to attack," Zelenskyy said. "We are aware of this, and will counter it. I would like all partners to understand exactly what Putin is planning, what he is preparing for and what he will be ignoring." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The buildup of Russian forces indicates that Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy," the Ukrainian leader wrote on social media. "It is clear that Russia is prolonging the war. We are ready to provide our partners with all the real information on the situation at the front, in the Kursk region and along our border." PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 15, 2025. (AP) MORE: Vladimir Putin says Ukraine must surrender after Donald Trump calls for soldiers to be spared Fierce fighting and long-range strikes continued despite the U.S. peace push. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 90 attack drones into the country on Saturday night. Forty-seven were shot down with 33 lost in flight, the air force said. "The Chernihiv, Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa regions were affected by the Russian attack," it added. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces shot down 31 Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators agreed to a 30-day ceasefire. Moscow was non-committal, Putin saying he was "for" the agreement but setting out additional conditions for its implementation. In Russia's western Kursk region -- where Ukrainian forces seized ground in a surprise August 2024 offensive -- Moscow is seeking to cut off and destroy Kyiv's troops. Russian officials have said no peace deal is possible until Kursk is recaptured. The fighting in the border region prompted Trump to warn of "a horrible massacre," adding he had asked Putin to spare the lives of the Ukrainian soldiers still fighting there. PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House, Mar. 13, 2025 in Washington. (Yuri Gripas/Pool/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) MORE: Putin responds to US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, says Russia 'for it' but has concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy, his officials and commanders denied the suggestion that Ukrainian troops were cut off. "Our troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings in the Kursk region," Zelenskyy wrote on social media on Saturday. "There is no encirclement of our troops." Trump last week touted "very good and productive" discussions between the U.S. and Russia, for which Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow and met with Putin. There is, Trump said, a "very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday, according to a State Department readout. The two officials "discussed next steps to follow up on recent meetings in Saudi Arabia and agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear whether Russia is willing to downgrade its long-held maximalist war goals. Trump has threatened to impose new sanctions and tariffs on Moscow if the Kremlin does not show a willingness to pursue a peace deal. Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide to Putin, said in an interview with state television aired on Sunday that Moscow views the proposed 30-day ceasefire an "an attempt to give a break to Ukrainian troops who are now enduring difficult times." "Russian troops are on the offensive on all fronts," Ushakov said in comments that appear to have been recorded on Thursday when Witkoff was in Moscow. "And in this situation, we can view it as a sort of attempt to give time to Ukrainian troops time to rearm and regroup." PHOTO: A Russian soldier walks along a ruined street of Malaya Loknya settlement, recently retaken by Russia's armed forces, in the Kursk region of Russia. (Russian Defence Ministry/via Reuters) MORE: Several Ukrainian drones intercepted overnight just 2 miles away from Kremlin, Russia says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine, meanwhile, appears to have somewhat repaired ties with the White House after a month of tensions culminated in a brief U.S. freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing. Still, Zelenskyy has repeatedly stressed the need for lasting Western security guarantees backed by the U.S. -- a commitment the Trump administration has so far dodged. "Peace will be more reliable with the presence of European contingents on the ground, supported by the American side," Zelenskyy wrote on social media on Saturday. The Kremlin has dismissed the proposal, a stance Zelenskyy suggested should be ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is also a very bad signal to listen to the opinion of the Russians regarding the contingent," the president wrote. "The contingent should be stationed on Ukrainian soil. This is a guarantee of security for Ukraine and for Europe." "If Putin wants to introduce some foreign contingent into the territory of Russia, that is his business," he added. "But it is not his business to decide something about the security of Ukraine and Europe." ABC News' Patrick Reevell contributed to this report. Putin 'prolonging' Ukraine war, Zelenskyy says after Trump peace appeal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com At least 59 people have been killed and more than 150 injured after on-stage pyrotechnics caused a major fire in a nightclub in North Macedonia. The blaze started at around 2.35am on Sunday morning during a music concert at the venue Pulse when a shower of sparks set fire to the roof, the interior ministry said in a press conference. Video footage circulating online appeared to show the moment when two flares went off close to the stage, with the sparks igniting the roof. In the video, the band played on unaware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another video showed people inside the venue trying to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, to little effect. Hristijan Mickoski, the prime minister of North Macedonia, said it was a difficult and very sad day as many of the victims were young people. MIA, a North Macedonian news agency, said the pop group DNK had been playing at the venue in the eastern town of Kocani. The groups fan base mainly consists of young people and there were as many as 1,500 people in the venue when the fire broke out, according to local news reports. The pop group DNK had been playing at the venue in North Macedonia before the fire broke out - Guy Elster/X I wish the injured a swift recovery and the families of the deceased the strength to endure this unimaginable loss, Mr Mickoski said in a statement on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people and the government will do everything in their power to ease their pain, even if just a little, and support them through these darkest moments, he added. Mr Mickoski said the government had been fully mobilised to do whatever is necessary to address the consequences and determine the causes of this tragedy. Panche Toshkovski, the interior minister, said that several people had been arrested in connection with the blaze - Stringer/AFP Panche Toshkovski, the interior minister, said that four arrest warrants had been issued in connection with the blaze. He said the authorities would determine exact responsibility for the fire and that those arrested were being questioned by police. We must remain calm while taking all these steps so that something like this doesnt happen again, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have arrested one man already, but did not provide further details. Friends and relatives of the victims gather outside hospital after the fire - Robert Atanasovski/AFP Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU Commission, said: I grieve the tragic loss of life in the fire in Kocani. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected. The EU stands in solidarity with the people of North Macedonia in this difficult time. North Macedonia, a landlocked Balkan state with a population of 1.8 million, has been seeking to join the European Union since 2005. The Pope sent prayers to victims and survivors from his hospital bed, in a message from the Vaticans secretary of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Holy Father wished to convey to the families of the dead, mostly young people, the expression of his deep condolence, signifying spiritual closeness to the wounded, wrote Pietro Parolin in a telegram addressed to the bishop of Skopje, Kiro Stojanov. 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. BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh condemned the grenade attack at the Thakurdwara temple in Amritsar, calling it a 'cowardly act' and slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government citing the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. Chugh criticised AAP in Punjab, alleging that the party failed to ensure the security of the people while being preoccupied with political engagements. Demanding a thorough investigation, Chugh called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the attack and stringent punishment for the accused. Speaking to ANI, Tarun Chugh said, "The grenade attack at the Thakurdwara temple in Amritsar on the night of the holy occasion Holi is gravely condemnable. This is a cowardly act. The incident is an alarm and a warning of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state." "Instead of providing security to the people of the state, the AAP government was focused on welcoming Sheeshmahal's Shehenshah (King) Arvind Kejriwal. The CBI enquiry should be ordered in the attack and the accused should be punished stringently. This incident indicates a deliberate attempt to disturb peace in the state," he added. After a grenade was lobbed at Thakurdwara Temple in Khandwala, Amritsar, on the night of March 14, a Forensics Team carried out an investigation and collected samples from the spot. Two motorcycle-borne masked men were captured on CCTV footage lobbing an object, suspected to be an explosive, at the temple after midnight. According to eyewitnesses, the two men were seen lobbing a suspicious object towards the temple. No injuries were reported, and police personnel rushed to the site and initiated an investigation into the incident. Harvinder Singh Randhawa, a BJP member said, "Every community member is present here. Even though no life was lost, an atmosphere of terror is being created in Amritsar. We all have come together and taken this decision because they have attacked our temple, we have given an ultimatum of 72 hours, if they do not do it then we will shut down the whole city." BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla lashed out at the ruling Aam Aadmi party for what he called a "terrible law and order situation." Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that two suspects have been identified behind the explosion outside Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar's Khandwala area. He said that two suspects were identified and assured the public that authorities were taking swift action. Police teams have seized the CCTV footage and according to a preliminary investigation, the youth on a motorcycle had a flag in his hands and the duo stood around the temple for some time before lobbing the grenade at it. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann earlier spoke about the incident and stated that there were many attempts to disturb the peace in the State. The Thakur Dwara Temple explosion comes after at least five people were injured after an assailant attacked people with an iron rod in the Golden Temple premises on Friday. The attack took place at Shri Guru Ramdas Sarai which is a lodging facility for pilgrims. (ANI) The Quad Cities Coalition for Palestine led a rally in Moline to protest the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE agents. Khalil is a former student at Columbia University known for leading pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The Trump administration says Khalil is a national security risk and distributed pro-Hamas fliers. His supporters say hes being held for exercising his right to free speech. Its our first amendment in this country, and if we dont take it seriously and we stand for it and defend it, no one will ever defend it, Quad Cities Coalition for Palestines Ahmad said at the rally. We will lose our rights and we will lose our freedom and ability to criticize any mistakes that this government or Israel is making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalils arrest comes as the Trump administration announces a move to revoke visas and green cards from people who they believe are showing support for Hamas. Khalil is being held in an immigration detention center in Louisiana. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images The Royal Family of Denmark has announced that Queen Mary is currently too sick to undertake any official engagements. Speaking to Danish publication B.T., the Royal Family's communications department explained (via HOLA!), "Her Majesty The Queen, like many others right now, has become ill, and therefore unfortunately cannot participate in the Heart Association's award ceremony." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary subsequently shared her own message about the cancellations on Instagram, writing, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness. What a lovely surprise to receive this bouquet and drawings, even though illness prevented me from participating in the Danish Heart Association's event 'Together for the Heart.' I had been looking forward to presenting the Heart Award together with the heart children Alma and Ellen and to meeting some of the young people living with heart disease. Hopefully we can meet again." The Queen of Norway was also forced to miss the opening of the National Knowledge Center for Early Intervention and Family Research at the University of Copenhagen and SDU, per HOLA! magazine. It's currently unclear when Queen Mary will be able to return to public duties, and it's unknown what the royal has been diagnosed with. The Queen of Denmark recently made headlines by giving Queen Caroline Amalie's 200-year-old tiara, which includes ancient stones, its public debut. Queen Mary chose to wear the incredible tiara at a dinner hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki during a state visit to Finland in March 2025. Queen Mary wearing Queen Caroline Amalie's 200-year-old tiara. | Credit: Getty Images Queen Mary wearing Queen Caroline Amalie's 200-year-old tiara. | Credit: Getty Images Per the Danish Royal Family, King Christian VIII, who ruled Denmark from 1839 to 1848, collected the ancient stones while visiting Italy with his wife Queen Caroline Amalie. Between 1819 and 1821, the couple visited Rome and the excavations at Pompeii. When Christian presented the jaw-dropping tiara to his wife, he did so with a note reading, "It is from the summit of the flaming Vesuvius that my heart flies to you. April 24, 1828." Last week, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II entered the weirdest Michigan gubernatorial race I can remember admittedly, I've only lived here since 2000, so I missed the year celebrity attorney Geoffrey Fieger ran against Gov. John Engler, which must've been a real trip. Why is 2026 so weird? Mostly because Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, an uber-Democrat until *checks watch* last Thanksgiving, is running as an independent, a strategy that I struggle to see working out for Duggan or the Dems. But also because former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox a Republican who has been out of public life since the last time he ran for governor back in 2010, when he got pasted by then-candidate Rick Snyder and then-U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, is "exploring" a run, using $1 million of his own money. And finally, because an EPIC-MRA poll last month testing the popularity of various Michigan figures who might run for various things next year included former Amway executive/Betsy DeVos husband Dick DeVos a Republican who ran for governor in 2006 and got pasted by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm. I hoped we were done with also-rans, oligarchs and oligarch also-rans. (And yes, we're talking about the 2026 governor's race in March of 2025, because that's just how it goes.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, by and large, did not fare well in Michigan in the 2024 election. President Donald Trump won the state by about 80,000 votes. Democrats also lost the state House and the competitive 7th District U.S. House race, but it's a little premature to declare Michigan a red state. Democrats hold the top three statewide offices and the state Senate and in a year that favored Republicans, Democrat Elissa Slotkin beat Republican Mike Rogers by about 20,000 votes to win the state's open U.S. Senate seat. Gilchrist is the third Democrat to join the race, preceded by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Benson has won statewide, twice, and has drawn national attention for her advocacy for voting access and fair elections. Two Republicans have officially announced: state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, and Grand Blanc resident and trucking company owner Anthony Hudson, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2024 and whose campaign materials suggested he favored disbanding the U.S. military. American politics are cyclical, and there's no reason to think that Democrats running in 2026 won't fare just as well as Democrats who ran in 2022, or 2018, particularly if they're buoyed by growing opposition to Trump's breakneck efforts to dismantle the American government. But that's another reason next year's election is going to be weird: Democratic candidates must court a conflicted electorate, including centrists who value bipartisan cooperation and hope elected leaders will work across the aisle to mitigate the harm Trump is causing, and a loud left wing demanding full-scale opposition to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, as candidates either lost or failed to engage key parts of key constituencies, the Democratic coalition wobbled, Gilchrist told me this week. And that's part of his argument: "I can hold the coalition together," Gilchrist said. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist makes his way towards the stage before announcing he will be running for Michigans Governor on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Jam Handy in Detroit. More from Freep Opinion: I'm a historic preservationist, but these RenCen towers have to go An identity apart from Whitmer For a candidate to declare that he or she is the only one who can win is standard campaign rhetoric. But in Gilchrist's case, it's worth considering. A former software engineer who left Michigan for a job at Microsoft, Gilchrist came back to work for Barack Obama's presidential campaign and the progressive group MoveOn.org. But as lieutenant governor, he's worked alongside the more-centrist Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 42, he's the youngest candidate in the race, but he's championed serious policy initiatives, chairing the Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration with former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormack, advocating for the addition of $50 million to the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund and championing clean slate legislation that offers Michiganders convicted of certain crimes automatic expungement. He's a native Detroiter with three school-aged children; his wife, Ellen, is accomplished in her own right, as a former public schools administrator and a nonprofit executive. Still, said Andrea Bitely, founder and principal of Lansing-based Bitely Communications and a Free Press contributing columnist, "It is incredibly hard for a lieutenant governor to separate themselves from the governor they have served with. Theres no mechanism for them to set their own path unless they go against the governor, which they are not inclined to do." A little, perhaps, like a vice president running to succeed her boss. Or, here in Michigan, former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, whose 2018 bid to follow Gov. Rick Snyder foundered in the GOP primary. But unlike Kamala Harris, whose campaign was inextricably linked to a deeply unpopular president or Calley, whose governor presided over the Flint water crisis Michigan voters like Gilchrist's boss. By November 2024, just 37% of respondents to a Gallup poll approved of Joe Biden. In last month's EPIC-MRA poll, Whitmer's favorability rating was 52% ahead of Donald Trump at 46% a position she's maintained for six years, winning re-election in 2022 by a comfortable margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That presents a second challenge, Bitely said: "If he wants to be his own man, he has to separate himself from Whitmer, and that could potentially mean picking a less popular position." Jocelyn Benson smiles and waves at a large crowd during the Michigan Democratic Party State Convention at the Renaissance Center in Detroit on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. More from Freep Opinion: Who's the target of Trump's disdain? Often, it's women. The moment Gilchrist doesn't see it that way. Instead, he said, he has an opportunity to build on what Whitmer has accomplished. "I'm really proud of what we've done," Gilchrist told me. "But the world has changed since 2018. We're in a different place, and we need a different set of skills to meet the moment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilchrist said he wants Michigan to be a state our kids won't want to leave. In the state he envisions, "You can be the professional you want to be, the person you want to be, in Michigan. And if that's true, then that means we've gotten a lot of other things right, too" like infrastructure, schools and a diversified economy. Whitmer has drawn fire from some progressive voters after last month's State of the State speech, in which Whitmer, who went head-to-head with Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, said she was willing to work with the president. "If Gov. Whitmer, as the sitting governor, is doing what she believes she needs to do to protect the interests of the people of Michigan, I understand," Gilchrist said. "For me, this moment requires making sure that we understand, and, frankly, name the very specific harms that are either already here or on the horizon for the people of Michigan, with what I think have been reckless and irresponsible actions taken by this administration." Like cuts to the federal workforce about 60,000 Michiganders work for the federal government, including, until 2016, his father, who worked for the Department of Defense the Department of Education or threats to Medicaid or Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You do not achieve efficiency through destruction," he said. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announces his run for governor at Mott Community College in Flint on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. But how does it play in Baraga County? Gilchrist likes to say that his height he's 6-foot-8 is the second thing people notice about him. The first, of course, is that he's Black. He's Michigan's first Black lieutenant governor, and if he's elected, would become only the fourth Black man elected governor of a U.S. state. Think about that for a minute. But in his travels across Michigan's 83 counties, Gilchrist said, his race is not what has mattered most to Michiganders. "I've been Black my whole life. I'm going to be Black my whole life. That's true. What is also true is that people have respected that I've put in the work to actually come and meet them where they are, and say, 'This person is different from me, but this person is willing to understand, willing to engage.' And that's been my experience in real time," Gilchrist said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People say, 'OK, you might be from downstate, but it does seem like you actually care. You can tell me who the largest employer is in Baraga County. And you were at the Keewanaw Bay Ojibwa Community College three weeks ago, meeting with us,' which is, down the street from Pettibone, which is their largest employer. ... I think if you meet people where they are ... you can build the trust that enables the person to open up and say, 'This is what's important to me, and this is what I need help with to be my best,' and then trust me to be the person to go home and do it." Of course, as Bitely reminded me, a lot can happen, when there are still 18 months before the 2026 election "In 2010," she said, "Rick Snyder essentially came out of nowhere." Let's hope, at least, it doesn't get that weird. Nancy Kaffer is the editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press. Contact: nkaffer@freepress.com. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online and in print. In front of the governor's residence in Lansing on Wednesday, June 8, 2005. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: In race to succeed Whitmer, Gilchrist says he can unite Dems | Opinion Stephen Capus, President and CEO of RFE/RL (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), has stated that the suspension of funding for the network, announced on Saturday, will ultimately benefit the governments of Iran, China, Russia and others. Source: Capus in a statement, cited by the media, as reported by European Pravda Details: The statement marks RFE/RL's first response to the funding cancellation announced on Saturday 15 March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the broadcaster's website later confirmed in a separate post the cancellation of the federal grant agreement that funds RFE/RL's global activities, Capus did not refer to this cancellation as a fait accompli in his public comment. Instead, he said that the US Global Media Agency's cancellation of the grant agreement "would be a massive gift to America's enemies". He noted that stopping the broadcasting of this media outlet, founded in 1949, has been the dream of dictators in different parts of the world all along. "The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years. Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capus also emphasised that RFE/RL enjoys the support of the US Congress. "We've benefitted from strong bipartisan support throughout RFE/RL's storied history. Without us, the nearly 50 million people in closed societies who depend on us for accurate news and information each week won't have access to the truth about America and the world," he added. Background: On Saturday evening, reports indicated that Trump had cancelled funding for the entire Radio Liberty network. Prior to this, media reports indicated that Voice of America was facing significant challenges, with journalists being suspended, effectively leading to the broadcasters shutdown. This week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 83% of USAID programmes would be curtailed following a six-week review. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A new cladding tax threatens to render swathes of land in the North and the Midlands unbuildable by piling costs on the industry, developers have warned. The 3.4bn levy, part of Angela Rayners plan to speed up remediation works on buildings with unsafe cladding, is set to be charged on all new residential buildings from the autumn this year. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) estimates that the tax could cost builders between 3,000 and 5,000 per house, with the upper end of those rates expected in higher value areas, particularly on greenfield sites and the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those forced to pay would include small family companies that have never built anything larger than a two-bed semi-detached house, and have never used cladding of any kind. While it is expected to cost developers less in the North, where prices are lower, the effect of the tax is deemed likely to be disproportionately felt across Britain. The HBF has raised concerns that, on top of the cost of meeting environmental requirements such as biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality, the extra tax will cripple the viability of numerous sites across Britain. Developers will not be able to reduce the cost of the land they buy for developments, the HBF said, but will instead be expected to absorb extra costs imposed on them. This in turn could make more areas of the country unviable because returns become too low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HBF has revised its estimates up from 2022, when it calculated that developers could be hit by an extra 2,000 to 3,000 in costs per new home from the levy, after it was proposed by the previous Conservative government in 2021. The effects of the tax would represent a significant setback for Ms Rayners ambition to build 1.5m homes by the end of parliament. A spokesman for the HBF said: Another new tax on new housing, this time of thousands of pounds on each new property will have a serious impact on site viability across swathes of the country and put a significant dent in the industrys ability to deliver new homes. Government officials have made a speculative guess that land values will adjust and delivery will rise, but that defies logic and its striking that the Government has refused to conduct an impact assessment. This is the latest in a series of new taxes, levies and policy costs on new homes so its inevitable that less land will come forward for new housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government said it does not recognise the figures. A spokesman said: We are committed to delivering 1.5m new homes as part of our plan for change and it is not the case that the Building Safety Levy will prevent us from meeting this target. It is right that we protect leaseholders and taxpayers from the costs of fixing unsafe cladding and that developers contribute their fair share. The Building Safety Levy was announced by the previous government and has been hard-wired into developer planning. We are working closely with industry on its design and will announce further details shortly. The Government also said it will aim to ensure the least affordable areas feel the smallest impact by setting variable levy rates at local authority levels, depending on average house prices in those areas and a 50pc discount on previously developed land. Exemptions will include affordable housing and projects with fewer than 10 homes. There are also industry concerns that the tax could be added to house prices, although the Government said it has not seen this play out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mounting costs have hit developers hard. West Sussex-based developer Sigma Homes is among those affected, having ceased its housebuilding operations last month on the back of growing financial pressures caused by planning delays, regulatory controls, rising build costs and challenges with utilities infrastructure. The news comes after Berkeley Group reiterated its warning that the impending tax will place significant pressure on housing delivery. The housebuilder cautioned on Friday that it remains concerned by the impact of the extent and pace of regulatory changes of recent years, as we now await details of the new Building Safety Levy. Berkeley said: Taken together, these incremental changes place significant pressure on the delivery of new homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also flagged concerns over the bottleneck created by so-called gateway two design checks by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), relating to high-rise projects that already have planning approval. These involve a rigorous inspection of buildings taller than 18 metres. The housebuilder said: We believe a review of this process is necessary to ensure it meets its objectives without incurring further delays to delivery, and thereby supports the Governments housing ambitions. 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. Biased media runs cover for Israeli atrocities Ambler, Pa.: Corporate state media and politicians describe what Israel has done in Gaza (photo) as a war rather than the slaughter and starvation of imprisoned Christian and Muslim refugees. They characterize a prison outbreak as an invasion, as if the people imprisoned in Gaza werent driven off their land during the Nakba of 1948; that peaceful demonstrations called the Great March of Return were stopped by Israeli snipers in 2018-19. They trumpeted unsubstantiated allegations of baby-killing and sexual violence by Hamas on Oct. 7 while downplaying substantial evidence of sexual violence and torture of Palestinians by Israeli forces. It reminds one that Black men were once seen as predators in America while white men raped Black women and lynched Black men with impunity. They are quiet about Israels long-term support for Hamas and warnings it had prior to Oct. 7. They dont mention the Arab Peace Initiative. Why does the media call those who protest apartheid, ethnic cleansing and genocide pro-Palestinian? Arent they simply human beings with a conscience, neither pro nor anti any tribe, religion or nation? White people who believed in human and democratic rights for all during the Civil Rights era were called N-lovers. American Christians believed slavery was biblical. Nothing has changed. Evangelicals today believe that its righteous for Israel, founded and led by non-religious people, to rob, oppress and kill its neighbors. Why do many Americans ignore, minimize or excuse the violence the ruling class has dealt to innocent people around the world? Corporate media, in a nation ranked 55th in the world for press freedom, peddles false narratives, minimizes our crimes and publishes without challenge lies by government officials, politicians and those paid to shape public opinion. It has become the voice of the ruling class, a mouthpiece for monsters, and the heralds of the gods of war. Rob Baker Partial quote Williamsville, N.Y.: Israels foes dont have a leg to stand on. How do we know? They advance anti-Israel arguments that are patently and demonstrably false because the truth doesnt support their positions. For example, Voicer Michele P. Brown misquoted former Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. His actual quote was: They [Arabs] only see one thing: We have come here and stolen their country. Brown deliberately left out the first part to make it appear that Ben-Gurion was admitting theft. This is false. He was referring to the unfortunate and false Arab perspective. Israel is fighting a seven-front war of self-defense against its mortal enemies. Brown and her fellow travelers are trying to pile on, but they only have the ammunition of falsehoods. Trying to kick the country while its down is morally bankrupt. Daniel H. Trigoboff Pro-state terror Bronx: To Voicer Rob Weissbard: You say that Mahmoud Khalil wholeheartedly supports Hamas and Hezbollah. Show me where he has said that. You, on the other hand, wholeheartedly support a country that bombed an American navy ship, the USS Liberty, during 1967s Six-Day War, killing 34 and wounding 171. W. Twirley In defense of life Bedford, N.Y.: Khalil, students and thousands of ordinary people throughout the world are not celebrating the killings of men, women and children on Oct. 7. Theyre protesting the slaughter of men, women and children by the Israeli army since Oct. 8, 2023 to date, more than 60,000 dead, including 17,000 babies and children, thousands buried under the rubble and thousands more taken hostage and disappeared in Israeli prisons. Celine Secada No clean hands Sunnyside: To Voicer Toby F. Block: I dont think it was accurate to say that 400,000-700,000 Palestinians left Palestine. The late, great Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin admitted in his autobiography that Ben-Gurion ordered the Israeli army to expel tens of thousands of Palestinians soon after Israel was established (maybe even more). Of course, we have to acknowledge that there were atrocities committed by Arabs against Jewish Palestinians, such as the massacres of about 70 Jews in Hebron in 1929 and about 80 Jews traveling in a caravan to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem in 1948 (in retaliation, the Irgun and the Stern Gang murdered an estimated 150-200 Palestinians in a village called Deir Yassin). We must always acknowledge that there have been innocent people killed on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, just as innocent people were killed by Irish Republican Army terrorists, Ulster Defense Association terrorists and the British Army. John Francis Fox Fear of falling Bellerose: On Tuesday, I fell again for the seventh time due to cancer and a knee that is bone-on-bone. This happens on my job at Northeast Plumbing in Mineola, L.I. This occurs at a number of different locations. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, friends and co-workers, they got me up and onto my feet, not to mention the EMS workers. I guess at 76, it is time for me to retire and take better care of my wife Eva, who is on an oxygen machine. I only work 14 hours a week now and have been with the company for 45 years due to caring and kind employers. Please keep me in your prayers. Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Funhouse maps Plainview, L.I.: Trump, who is well-known to be obsessed with the size of things, is probably driven to annex Greenland even by military force because he vaguely remembers how big it looked on the wall map in his 1950s third-grade classroom. As a schoolteacher, I know it looked as big as Africa, but that was because it was a Mercator projection flat map, which distorts the apparent size of land masses far from the equator. On those maps, Greenland looks bigger than South America (which is eight times larger) and as big as Africa (which is 14 times larger). Trump needs to take a look at Greenlands actual relative size on a globe. He says we need Greenland for national security purposes, but I believe he partly wants it for his big ego. If only Trump had been in one of my third-grade classes where each student had their own globe on their desk! Richard Siegelman Signing silly Ledyard, Conn.: Trump and the Magic Sharpie may make for a good book title but its useless as a policy strategy. Lisa Allen Hemming & hawing Manhattan: Our federal government has scrubbed the word climate from its records, but Americans know that climate warming is already getting us into serious trouble. In New York, which should be a climate leader, Gov. Hochul is delaying critical climate policy as if we had all the time in the world. Now she wants to put off the Advanced Clean Trucks rule under pressure from truck manufacturers and dealers, who would rather have us breathe dirty fumes than act responsibly to clean them up. Shes also balking at getting the All-Electric Buildings Act off the ground by making sure all the regulations for it have been updated. To be clear, ACT and AEBA are already law. Hochul just needs to take her foot off the brakes. Matthew Schneck Agile leadership Mineola, L.I.: Re The facts on Cuomo and the COVID nursing homes (op-ed, March 12): In judging Andrew Cuomos stewardship of the Empire State during the pandemic, one is compelled to paraphrase Mark Twain: There are lies, damn lies and media distortions. As Paul Francis notes, Statements that insinuate that Cuomo was responsible for unnecessary nursing home deaths in New York are demonstrably false. While he may never attain the rhetorical heights of his eloquent paterfamilias, Cuomo is a sui generis politico whose pragmatic approach to governance elided the differences between liberal orthodoxies and conservative principles. As governor, Sheriff Andy wielded power effectively, if pugnaciously. Whatever transpires in the mayoral race, he should heed Marcus Aurelius: Although others may at times hinder me from acting, they cannot control or impede my spirit and my will. Reserving its judgments and adapting to change, my mind bypasses or displaces any obstacle in its way. It uses whatever opposes it to achieve its own ends. Rosario A. Iaconis Blockheads Ocala, Fla.: I believe if the FDNY is blocked by a car illegally parked by a hydrant, the car windows should be broken immediately so hoses can be used. Too bad for the person endangering humans by blocking hydrants. Let them pay for their windows if they impeded our valiant firefighters from saving people. Lynn Miller Editor's note: This story is part of a series tracking the experiences of four graduating seniors at four different Michigan universities. It is a partnership between the Detroit Free Press, Michigan State University student reporters and the American Communities Project. Mohamed Diouf was only 5 years old when he realized he wanted to become a pilot. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Diouf spent the first 11 years of his life growing up close to the airport in Dakar, Senegal. He would often look up to the sky and wonder what it would feel like to fly in one of those planes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was exactly this curiosity that convinced him to pursue aviation. He knew he made the right decision when he took his first flying lesson years later. I was nervous but also really excited, he said. Because I am actually doing this and I am fulfilling my childhood dream. Student Mohamed Diouf stands next to a Western Michigan University College of Aviation airplane. He takes his final exam and commercial check ride this spring. Diouf is a student at Western Michigan University, a midsize public university with an enrollment of 16,617 students. Its main campus in Kalamazoo is located right between Detroit and Chicago and only a short drive away from Lake Michigan. Home of the Broncos, the university is a destination for students from all over the world. Recent enrollment data shows students from 76 Michigan counties, 49 U.S. states, and 94 international countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following years of decline, the university has been able to increase student enrollment for two consecutive terms now. Part of this growth is from international students, who make up 12.6% of the total student population. I think we are an attractive destination for international students because they are confident that they will get that support that is needed, Interim Provost Christopher Cheatham said. Efforts have also included increasing international agreements with other universities. The institution has made significant investments in recent years. In August 2023, the new student center became the heart of the main campus and was part of a series of renovation projects that gave the university its modern feel. It also allocates the funds received through a $550 million donation, which was the largest single gift ever given to any public university in the nation. Known as the Empowering Futures Gift, it aims to provide an inclusive education and help students succeed. This has in part funded the creation and expansion of experienced-driven learning projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university prides itself on this concept. Experience-driven learning was implemented to equip students for their future careers through practical coursework. The goal is to prepare them for their chosen industry while also teaching broader skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking and global awareness. I think that one reason students really come to Western is that idea that were going to focus on really giving you those experiences beyond the classroom but also integrated into the classroom, Cheatham said. The Western Michigan University campus in Kalamazoo. Being an aviation flight science student, Diouf certainly received such practical education throughout his past four years at the university. But a typical weekday in his major is perhaps a little different than that of other undergraduate students. The night before a training session, Diouf sets his alarm to about two hours before his scheduled flight. He wakes up, takes a shower, eats breakfast, checks the weather conditions and begins to prepare for his upcoming lesson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An hour before takeoff, he drives from Kalamazoo to Battle Creek, mentally preparing for another day in the air. Is he nervous knowing that he is about to fly a plane solo? Not really. After you do this for a while, it just becomes kind of like second nature, he said. At the College of Aviation, he checks in to grab a key to the plane, completes his preflight procedure, gets on the runway, and takes off. Todays destination, Pellston, is about two hours away by air. There, he lands, takes a quick lunch break at a nearby restaurant and is up in the air again. Back to Battle Creek. A few more hours of flight training logged. Western Michigan University is known for its College of Aviation. It is ranked among the best in the nation and is the only comprehensive program at a public university in the state, offering majors in management, maintenance and flight science. Despite a national trend that has seen a decline in male college enrollment, the aviation college has 77.1% male students, which is significantly higher compared with 44.9% at the university level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the difficulty youve had in aviation is, historically, it was a white, male-dominated, and the industry still is, Dean of the College of Aviation Raymond Thompson said. The only way you change that is to provide graduates with a greater set of gender and ethnic backgrounds. It just takes time, said Thompson. His goal for the college is to eventually mirror the makeup of the state of Michigan, which currently features an almost equal number of men and women. The aviation flight science program is competitive. Part of what makes it a top choice for students is the modern fleet of airplanes. The college recently invested in 32 new Cirrus SR20 Generation 7 training aircraft through a $20 million loan. The Western Michigan University campus in Kalamazoo. Its not the least expensive airplane to learn to fly in, there are lesser cost options. But the airplane requires a greater skill set that is similar to what you would need entering the industry as a commercial airline pilot, Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After four years in the program, Diouf feels properly equipped for a successful career start. He already walked at graduation at the end of last semester, but needs to round up a few more hours of flight training before officially completing his degree. His final examination will be a commercial check ride that consists of a ground discussion and flight portion and covers everything he has learned during his time in the program. Nervous? A little bit. But Im feeling good about it, he said. After passing and receiving his commercial pilot license, Diouf wants to gain even more experience as a flight instructor. But in terms of a 10-year plan, he dreams of working for a top airline like Delta or United Airlines as an international airline pilot. Ever since watching the planes fly over Dakar, Diouf knew he would not want to stay in one place for a long time. Flying across continents will let him explore the world and enjoy his destinations during layovers. Essentially, you get paid to travel, he said.Do you have feedback on this article or project? Contact Detroit Free Press State Government & Politics Editor Emily Lawler: elawler@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Western Michigan University trains next generation of pilots Groups of mourners gather for a prayer vigil after a mass shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis in 2021. Indiana is one of 21 states that have a red flag law, which allow police and family members to petition a civil court to remove a firearm from someone who may be a danger to themselves or others. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images) This story originally appeared on Stateline. Adriana Pentzs brother could be alive today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. In 2017, Luc-John Pentz was 30 years old and starting to struggle, burdened by lifes stressors and trying to cope by leaning heavily on alcohol. Adriana soon found out he had purchased a gun months earlier. Of her three siblings, she had the most in common with Luc growing up they were both academically driven and competitive swimmers. They remained close into adulthood, with Luc supporting her when she became a mother. So, when she noticed his behavior starting to shift, she was immediately troubled. I was scared when I found out that he had a gun, she said. I know that it offered him a sense of security, a sense of protection, which he felt like he needed at that particular point. But my siblings and my mom didnt feel comfortable that he was not in a good place, and we knew he had something at home that was dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her brother died by suicide May 23, 2017, in the woods near his home in Wallingford, Connecticut. What Adriana Pentz didnt know at the time was that Connecticut had a law that would have allowed her, her family or police officers to petition a civil court to seize his gun when it was clear he was a potential harm to himself or others. In 1999, Connecticut became the first state in the country to pass what is commonly known as a red flag law, which allows family members, law enforcement and sometimes health care workers, friends and co-workers to file what is often called an extreme risk protection order. After considering evidence and hearing from both the petitioner and the gun owner, a judge may temporarily take a persons weapon if they deem the gun owner to be a potential danger to themselves or the community. Orders usually last one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Now, 21 states and the District of Columbia have such laws. Voters in Maine will decide in November whether to join that list. The use of extreme risk protection orders has surged in recent years, with petitions filed across states that have such laws jumping by 59% in 2023 over the previous year, according to data collected by Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun control research and advocacy group. Luc-John Pentz, seen here with his sister Adriana on her wedding day, died by suicide in 2017. (Courtesy of Adriana Pentz) But the laws effectiveness relies on their implementation, supporters say: Law enforcement and judges must be trained properly and the public needs to be aware that the law exists. The challenge in this is that too many people, too many law enforcement people, too many families, are not aware that there is an extreme risk law in their state, Sarah Burd-Sharps, the senior director of research at Everytown, told Stateline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Stateline analysis shows the usage rates rose from six petitions filed per 100,000 residents in 2022, to 10 per 100,000 in 2023. The analysis used Everytowns petition data and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates for the District of Columbia and the 19 states with active red flag laws in 2023. In 2023, there were 46,728 gun-related deaths in the United States, including suicides, murders and accidents, with a national rate of 14 gun deaths per 100,000 people, according to the latest data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicides accounted for nearly 6 in 10 of the gun deaths. Recent research on the protection orders impact estimates that one suicide is prevented for every 17 to 23 petitions filed. Based on this estimate, nearly 990 lives could have been saved in 2023 for every 17 petitions filed. Pentz feels her brothers death every day. It was a horrible, horrible, horrible moment in our lives to have lost him, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know for sure that if it was something that I was aware of in 2017, I would have petitioned to have my brothers gun taken from him in that moment of crisis. I do believe it could have saved his life. Training the police As retired detective Christopher Carita travels around the country to meet with law enforcement agencies on how to better use their states red flag laws, he consistently hears one concern: Is this a gun grab? Law enforcement, were gun folks, said Carita, who worked for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in Florida. Theres always this hesitancy when it comes to risk protection orders and removing firearms that needs to be overcome. So, when he designed his training, he emphasized due process protections embedded in these laws: Gun owners get ample notice about the petition, and they have the right to defend themselves in court through multiple hearings. The laws are based off long-held domestic violence and other civil orders and are backed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More often than not, the respondent understands, said Carita, who works with 97Percent, a gun safety organization focused on including gun owners and non-gun owners in the conversation around policy solutions for gun violence. Even if theyre hesitant at first, he said, ultimately theyre appreciative that their family member cared enough to intervene, and that that intervention is something that is temporary and affords them some time and space away from the most lethal means to get the help they need. Carita encourages officers to build better relationships with their local Department of Veterans Affairs agency and area nonprofits, so they have someone they can refer the gunowner to when theyre removing a firearm for suicide risk. Even before New Mexico imposed a red flag law in 2020, some law enforcement officials opposed it, citing concerns over Second Amendment rights and potential government overreach. In its first two years, police in the state filed only 23 petitions. Then in 2022, Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham established a task force to raise awareness and improve enforcement of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of petitions has increased significantly, rising from 47 in 2023 to 96 in 2024, according to court data. More than half of last years petitions were in Bernalillo County, the states most populous jurisdiction and home to Albuquerque, the capital. In February, the New Mexico House passed a bill to streamline the process. The bill would clarify more clearly that police officers can directly file petitions and would remove the 48-hour waiting period for firearm relinquishment, addressing concerns that the delay could pose unnecessary risks. The legislation is now in the Senate. Gun violence experts say the goal of red flag laws isnt necessarily to increase their use for the sake of numbers, but to ensure they are applied in the most dangerous situations. We have to be realistic about expectations that [extreme risk protection orders] arent going to prevent all forms of firearm violence and lead to huge decreases in gun violence, said Stephen Oliphant, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention at the University of Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Maryland adopted its red flag law in 2018, Darrin Popkin, the executive director of both the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs Association, traveled the state to educate 17,000 law enforcement officers from 160 agencies on what he calls another tool in the belt for officers to save lives. In the first six months of having the law, Popkin said, law enforcement prevented several potential school shootings. Hes received phone calls from people who said that if they didnt have the gun-removal order, their family member would no longer be alive. In recent years, the state police academies took over that training, teaching officers how to apply for a petition, testify in court and carry out the gun-removal order. The state also is investing in media and advertising outreach for the public, along with training health care workers. According to data from Everytown, Maryland is a national leader in issuing extreme risk protection orders. In 2023, there were approximately 11 petitions filed per 100,000 Maryland residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popkin, who until 2022 served as Montgomery County sheriff across the border from Washington, D.C., attributes the high numbers to how the legislation was crafted, a process that included perspectives from law enforcement officers, health care workers and gun rights advocates. He also points to how the people granting the orders, Maryland District Court commissioners, are available 24 hours a day. There will always be people in crisis, Popkin said. There will always be a need for people to get help. The next step, he said, is to increase the laws usage among health care providers. The 'treatment and care' approach Whenever The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore treats someone who might be a danger to themselves or others and may own or be about to buy a weapon, the hospital contacts Quinita Garrett. Garrett, the director of call center and system coordination for Baltimore Crisis Response Inc., a nonprofit crisis center known as BCRI, is leading a pilot program to test a partnership between a local hospital and social workers. Shell go to the hospital and visit the patient at their bed, asking about their mental health, whether they have access to a gun at home or through others, their intent on purchasing a weapon, and their history of aggression, violence, homicidal thoughts, suicidal thoughts or any attempts. Shell also ask questions about their impulse control, if they want to hurt anyone and if they have a support system. Sometimes, a person is just having a bad day, and they have support in their life and dont own a weapon or plan on buying one. But other times, a person might have a history of aggressive or abusive behavior and may own a weapon, and shell quickly petition the Eastside District Court. Shell see the process through until the end, testifying before a judge shortly after filing the petition. It doesnt happen often; over the past year and a half, shes gone to the hospital around 15 times. But the number has been increasing recently to one or two requests a week, which she attributes to the hospital educating its staff. Garrett also might be referred to cases through calls coming into BCRIs local suicide prevention hotline. She recalled talking with one mother in 2023 who was scared to live in her own house, worried that her son was going to kill himself or someone else. Garrett walked her through the process, and the mother eventually petitioned the court. Although her son was mad at her, at least she knew he and those around him were safe, Garrett remembers her saying. It can really save lives, Garrett said. I definitely think that is good as a temporary option, so people can actually be linked to treatment and care. Combining a law enforcement response with one centered on behavioral specialists, social service workers and medical professionals has led to a paradigm shift in Maryland and New York, the only two states that allow health care workers to file extreme risk protection orders, said Shannon Frattaroli, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy. Shes led the nationwide effort for better implementation of red flag laws, training law enforcement or other government agencies that seek to further use extreme risk protection orders. When we think about how to make this accessible and less threatening, more therapeutic, starting the process with clinicians just makes a whole lot of sense, she said. In surveys that reached thousands of physicians, psychologists and clinicians, Frattaroli found that there is broad support for the idea of extreme risk protection orders. However, many think it is challenging to complete the paperwork and to get to court to see the process through on top of their full-time work. Thats where partnerships with people like Garrett come in, she said. Court data that Frattaroli has collected shows that less than 1% of petitions are filed by clinicians; theres vast room for improvement, she said. Tightening judicial procedures Indianas red flag law passed in 2005 came under scrutiny in 2021 following the mass shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, where a gunman killed eight people and wounded several others. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears declined to file a red flag case against the shooter, even after Indianapolis police had seized a shotgun from him a year earlier. Police criticized that choice, but at the time, Mears said loopholes in the law could have led to the shotgun being returned to the shooter. Without a court ruling barring the shooter from future gun purchases, he legally bought the Ruger AR-556 and the HM Defense HM15F rifles used in the attack. Marion County Superior Judge Amy Jones then issued new guidance requiring all red flag cases filed by law enforcement agencies in the county to go directly to the court rather than the prosecutors office. Under the revised process, police must file a case within 48 hours of seizing a firearm, and a judge then determines within 14 days whether a hearing should be held. Cases are now being filed and resolved much more quickly, Jones told Stateline, and respondents are ensured due process. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow some red flag records to be sealed and expunged, while still ensuring that people later found to pose a danger can still have their firearms seized. Maybe itll be seized or taken away for a period of time, but following these proceedings, it may not be all that long in the grand scheme of things, Jones said. You do have that protection to the public and the people that this individual is around. I know for sure that if it was something that I was aware of in 2017, I would have petitioned to have my brothers gun taken from him in that moment of crisis. I do believe it could have saved his life. Adriana Pentz Adriana Pentz, who lost her brother, knows family members often see troubling signs before anyone else. But whether they know extreme risk protection orders are available is another story. Average people need to know how to create a petition, she said, and states and communities must do a better job of promoting red flag laws. Love and support just isnt enough, she said. You absolutely need something that can help keep an individual and their surrounding community safe in a moment of crisis. Stateline reporter Matt Vasilogambros can be reached at mvasilogambros@stateline.org. Stateline reporter Amanda Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org. 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A cottage industry has grown up on TikTok that has nothing to do with dancing or cats. Earnest-looking men and women explain to thousands of people willing to watch ways to pass assessments for welfare benefits. You can spend hours scrolling through them. Uber receipts are, apparently, useful for showing that you find it difficult to walk outside. Takeaway bills show an inability to cook; grocery deliveries an inability to shop. It is seemingly important to explain that it takes you a long time to get into or out of the bath. Forgetting to go to the lavatory, or misremembering directions can also gain points. Viewers are urged to get a pen and paper and write this down. We spend more on incapacity and disability benefits than defence. About 3.7 million people who are of working age receive health-related welfare 1.2 million more than in 2020. If 400,000 of those people could find work, it would save 10 billion via higher tax revenues and lower benefits bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GPs who sign people off are not occupational therapists and know little about work. One Conservative official I spoke to, who was formerly a government adviser, told me that 94 per cent of fit notes were signed not fit. Doctors deal with illness, not employment. Once people are off work, capability assessments are de minimis. As a House of Lords report revealed in January, there is a disincentive for claimants to apply for and accept work. They languish at home and may receive a phone call every now and again the moment the TikTok advice kicks in. Young people in particular too often move straight from education onto sickness benefits. The grinding logic of the need for reform is unarguable. That does not mean demonising those who need support getting back to work, or who are dealing with conditions that mean they are incapable of work. Those who suffer most from our present malaise are those who most need the payments lost within an ever-increasing multitude of those who could work, but dont. The noise is drowning out the signal. Baroness Grey-Thompson has warned politicians to take care, linking the payment of disability benefits to the debate about assisted dying. If you are disabled and terminally ill and your benefits are cut, making life intolerable, its obvious more people will feel forced down this route to end their lives early, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some in Labour are suffering their usual fits of conscience over the issue, unable to distinguish between values and the practical reality. Continue as we are and the benefits bill will have risen to 100 billion by 2030. That is four times higher than the extra cash raised by the economy-sapping increases in National Insurance contributions. Imagine what a sliver of that money could do for schools and the health service. The public has had enough. Few want to return to the harsh language of scroungers and Peter Lilleys Ive got a little list of benefit offenders to the tune of Gilbert and Sullivan. But they do want action and what has been described to me by one person close to government as tough love. New research from the Good Growth Foundation, a think tank, reveals that 60 per cent of the public believe that benefits provide too much support to people who dont want to work. The figure is only marginally lower for Labour voters. Benefit reform is, rightly, popular. This is not a right-left issue, it is a right-wrong one. Is it worth going back to work?, said one Birmingham man interviewed for the research. People need to be given a liveable wage. 1,000 for sitting on my arse, or 1,050 for doing 40 hours a week? Ill-health benefits are 400 a month higher than job-seeker benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too often, people who want to work are written off by the welfare system. said Praful Nargund, director of the GGF. Our research shows that the vast majority of those on sickness and disability benefits want to work but feel unable to do so. There is nothing progressive about social isolation. The government has to lead, but business also has a role. Nargund suggests a NICs holiday for firms that help people off long term benefits and into work. In the 1970s a category of work called light duties was a less daunting on-ramp back to the factory or office. We should find a 2025 equivalent. A right-to-try approach would de-risk a return to work for those who fear a long term loss of support because they have attempted an often difficult move back to employment. They should be applauded, not penalised. Benefit reform is the latest test for a Labour government that has usefully a little more spring in its step. Difficult decisions are easier when confidence is flowing as it is in the partys upper echelons. Ukraine, higher defence spending and cuts in international aid are all popular with voters. The Left of the party is in retreat as Keir Starmer pushes rightward in the hunt for a political prospectus that works. Number 10 has also spotted something on the right which brings them a few smiles of satisfaction. Kemi Badenoch is facing a painful political squeeze as the government eats her lunch on benefits reform, a smaller state and a retooling of the NHS. Even Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, had to admit that the Conservatives should have rid the UK of the worlds largest quango, NHS England. It took a Labour Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting, to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big target, though, is still there for the Opposition leader, who is making a major speech this week on the future of Conservatism. The economy contracted in January and growth is the gnawing failure that the government has little prospect of reversing, benefits reform or not. Its lack of understanding of market dynamics and Milton Friedman principles have left it seeking state-led solutions where there are none. Capitalism has one talent creating wealth. It should be allowed to do so. The modern welfare state came into being after the Second World War, but its Labour founders would not recognise it now. This is the time for a reset, for a clearly set and enforced requirement for individuals to be supported on a path to work that is good for them and good for the country. The Labour Party is the party of work. Or it is nothing. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack on Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekhar Rao on Saturday. Reddy slammed Rao for attending the Assembly session only twice in the past 15 months despite being the Leader of Opposition (LoP). The Telangana CM claimed that KCR took a salary of Rs 57,84,124 from December 2023 to February 28, 2025. However, he has only come to the house twice. Reddy stated that MLAs are like government employees and that the Supreme Court has mentioned the same in its judgement. "Chandrashekhar Rao is the Leader of Opposition. As Leader of Opposition, he came to the Assembly only twice. Since December 2023 till date, he got Rs.57,84,124 as salary. As an Assembly member and as a Leader of Opposition, from December 1, 2023, to February 28, 2025, in approximately 15 months, the money he took from the government as salary is Rs.57,84,124. Assembly members are also government employees. The Supreme Court has given a verdict on this", Revanth Reddy said in the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Saturday. Furthermore, Revanth Reddy alleged that K Chandrashekhar Rao left the people of the state in the air and has prepared his party MLAs like him. The Telangana CM alleged that KCR has been threatened by his own family members, due to which he has kept security. "He(KCR) came here twice and never went anywhere else. By taking a government salary, leaving the people in the air, and the Telangana state to Karma, the Leader of Opposition has prepared them(BRS MLAs) like this. They are acting like they are getting a reaction from the rabies vaccine. What should I tell? The security and all are separate, I don't want to talk about it. He(KCR) has danger to his life from his family members, so he kept security. That is why he is staying away from them(family) in between police security. That is his problem, I don't want to talk about it", CM Reddy said. (ANI) Sir Keir Starmers announcement yesterday that planning for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine is moving to an operational phase was a welcome one. Credible guarantees of security for Kyiv are a necessary precondition for any peace deal, and the only way of ensuring that Vladimir Putin honours his promises. While the intentions of the Coalition of the Willing are admirable, however, questions over Britains ability to contribute remain. The Governments plan to raise spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027 will not be sufficient to provide the sort of mass our armed forces will need if they are to have a realistic prospect of sustaining prolonged combat operations against a peer-level adversary, particularly if those operations are to be undertaken without the assistance of the Americans. The gap between Sir Keirs admirable intentions and his spending policies is marked, and must be bridged. Raising the necessary funds will not be easy. There is no dispute that the Government is in a tight fiscal bind. There is little disputing, either, that this is partly an issue of its own making: there is an obvious link between the tax rises in the Autumn Budget and Ed Milibands rush towards net nero, and Januarys fall in GDP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir appears to have grasped that further tax rises are not the answer here, even if some of his Labour colleagues have been slower to catch on. We will not be able to provide adequately for our own defence unless we confront the issue of economic growth. This, in turn, will require reining in the Labour partys regulatory zeal, and addressing the fiscal burden of the incentive-sapping welfare state. To date, some small movements in this direction have been made. Reforms that would see minor mental health problems ruled ineligible for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been mooted, as have steps to ease the transition of benefits claimants into work. These steps are important in fiscal terms PIP is set to cost 21.8 billion this year and economic terms; tackling the crisis of worklessness will be core to boosting growth. There is also a moral case to be made. While activists will no doubt trot out tired canards about austerity and insist that any cuts to welfare will fall upon the most vulnerable in society, it is precisely because many of those claiming do not seem to be amongst the most vulnerable that cuts are needed. A system set up to help those genuinely in need has left itself open to abuse through lax assessments and too-broad criteria. This is not right, and it infuriates taxpayers to see their money frittered away in this manner. The planned reforms appear to be sound in intention, and it is remarkable to see a Labour Government show a willingness to confront these issues so early in its term. With this said, it is also the case that we need greater change than we have seen planned so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This applies equally to healthcare, where Sir Keir and Health Secretary Wes Streeting deserve credit for the abolition of NHS England, and for going further than the most recent Conservative government ever dared. The idea that oversight of the performance of a 171 billion budget should rest with democratically elected MPs rather than unaccountable bureaucrats is obviously correct. Look beneath the headline waiting lists and indicators point to a sharp drop in productivity, with increases in staff numbers since the pandemic failing to translate into higher output. Addressing this would both release funds for defence and ease the burden on the taxpayer, boosting growth in the process. There remains, however, the question of how the Government will use its new freedom of manoeuvre to achieve these goals. Mr Streetings statement in these pages today that scrapping NHS England is the beginning, not the end displays a refreshingly reformist attitude, as does his identification of hundreds of bodies which clog the arteries of the health system. It is now incumbent on the Government to show how these intentions and observations will translate into improved performance. There remains a prospect that the end result of Labours reforms will be to put the same sort of people in place to make the same sort of decisions that led to the current dysfunction, with the abolition of NHS England merely distracting from the underlying malaise. If this is to be avoided, Sir Keir and Mr Streeting will need to show a willingness to make far bolder changes to the fundamental structure of the health service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a marked improvement in rhetoric and policy in recent weeks, the reality is that the scale of the reforms required to prevent the welfare state all but bankrupting Britain, and to get our military fighting fit, are daunting, and the the deadlines implied by the growth of the debt or the the time taken for Putins Russia to rearm after any cessation to hostilities will not be easily shifted. As the tech founder Reid Hoffman has remarked, starting a company is like jumping off a cliff, then trying to assemble a plane on the way down. The British state is no start-up, but the volume of broken systems and junk regulations that impede its basic functions make this a useful metaphor for the challenge of repairing it. A confrontation with reality is looming, and Sir Keir must cobble together a workable solution before the impact. 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. ANDERSON Indiana has enough water resources to handle increased demand, two recent studies have suggested. Both studies looked at future water demand in the North Central and Wabash headwater regions. The North Central study, which includes portions of Kosciusko, Boone, Tipton, Howard and Vermilion counties, was conducted by Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. The Wabash study includes portions of Grant, Blackford, Jay and Wabash counties, and was conducted by Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authors reported that 70% of water use in the Wabash region whether residential, agricultural, or industrial is from groundwater. Groundwater is water found underground in saturated areas and in materials like sand and gravel, according to the United States Geological Survey. Researchers consider the states supply of groundwater to be stable. However, amounts do vary by season. In the North Central region, the studys authors predict that supply will far outweigh the demand, but that availability will also vary by season; summer and fall are typically the driest seasons. The authors predict that the availability of water in those seasons will greatly decrease in future years. Those changes will likely result from continued incremental increases in the temperature of the earths atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Future conditions in spring are anticipated to be wetter, while conditions in the fall are anticipated to be drier, the report reads. Alternative storage methods such as reservoirs and dams may help to mitigate the imbalance. The studies were commissioned by the Indiana Finance Authority, which has been conducting these types of studies since before pandemic. Officials have said they are key components in creating a comprehensive state water plan. A state water plan would be used in similar fashion to a municipal comprehensive plan, with collected data being used to make decisions about how Indianas water resources are tapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana Chamber of Commerce touted the idea of water plan in a 2014 report and reiterated its necessity last year. The current approach is simple and economical, but it cannot address the questions of long-term regional water availability or water management, a passage in the 2024 Chamber report reads. By waiting for consequences before acting, the impacts of new development in the basin may not become evident until investments have already been made. The Chamber proposed that water policy be prioritized at the regional level. Stakeholders would comprise a regional board, Theresa Landewe, one of the reports authors, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regions would likely not be based on geographical location, but on the path of an areas major waterway. Ultimately, the Indiana General Assembly will decide how regions are divided. Details of a state water plan were discussed during a water summit hosted by the White River Alliance in June 2024. Many of those discussions centered on the LEAP Innovation District in Boone County, a project in which water would be pumped in from a neighboring county. Some feared the project would deplete water resources in the neighboring county as resources are not evenly distributed throughout the state. Citizens Action Coalition Indiana, an environmental advocacy group, chided the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for pushing development plans for the district, which would bring high-tech companies to populate a 70-mile corridor along Interstate 65 between Lafayette and Indianapolis, for being too hasty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its evident that the IEDC and the state put the cart before the horse, said Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizens Action Coalition. We urge the state to hit the pause button and conduct a robust and transparent process with communities, the public, and all interested stakeholders to fully vet how the LEAP district will impact water availability and quality, and utility bill affordability for Hoosier communities and consumers now and in the future. The LEAP project is proceeding and is expected to include pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly as a prime tenant. Spending on the project had approached $1 billion as of March, according to an analysis by the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism and the Indiana Capital Chronicle. GOAT? Government Operations, Accountability and Transparency? (Efficiency committee takes on telework, March 14) What does it say about the party that has been in charge in Madison for almost two decades that they need a committee to review accountability and transparency? Talking about transparency, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos must think the people have forgotten his attempt to drop an iron curtain on information coming from Madison over a July Fourth holiday in 2015. The legislature can start accountability and transparency by publishing the amount of per diem money they each take, the rules for getting that stipend and the checks and balances in place to prevent fraud with it. They can also tell us how many legislative aides each legislator has and their pay and benefits. After all, Rep. Amanda Nedweski said there is increased demand from the public for more information. This would be a good start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: I'm the father of son with Down syndrome. Using the 'R' word is never acceptable. Opinion: On Wisconsins glacial lakes, wake-enhanced boating damaging and dangerous Finally, stop talking about the will of the people. This Legislature doesnt care about the will of the people. Maybe they should give the people what they really want, and that is the ability to amend the state constitution according to their will. Wayne Meyer, Oak Creek 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: GOP has held power for decades. Now it wants transparency. | Letters By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) filed a lawsuit challenging as unconstitutional the Trump administrations actions to deport international students and scholars who protest or express support for Palestinian rights. The lawsuit, filed on Saturday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, seeks a nationwide temporary restraining order to block enforcement of two executive orders signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in the first month of his second term earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit comes after the detention of a Columbia University student, Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old permanent U.S. resident of Palestinian descent, whose arrest sparked protests this month. Justice Department lawyers have argued that the U.S. government is seeking Khalil's removal because Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reasonable grounds to believe his activities or presence in the country could have "serious adverse foreign policy consequences." Rubio on Friday said the United States will likely revoke visas of more students in the coming days. Trump vowed to deport activists who took part in protests on U.S. college campuses against Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza following the October 2023 attack by the Palestinian militants. Rubio defended the decision to revoke Khalil's green card on Sunday, saying that the Trump administration was revoking visas on a daily basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you tell us when you apply for a visa, 'I'm coming to the U.S. to participate in pro-Hamas events,' that runs counter to the foreign policy interest of the United States of America," Rubio said on CBS News' "Face the Nation." "If you had told us that you were going to do that, we never would have given you the visa." The ADC lawsuit was filed on behalf of two graduate students and a professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who say their activism and support of the Palestinian people "has put them at serious risk of political persecution." This lawsuit is a necessary step to preserve our most fundamental constitutional protections. The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech and expression to all persons within the United States, without exception," said Abed Ayoub, national executive director of the ADC. Chris Godshall-Bennett, the group's legal director, said the litigation seeks immediate and long-term relief "to protect international students from any unconstitutional overreach that stifles free expression and deters them from fully engaging in academic and public discourse." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit centers on three Cornell University plaintiffs: a British-Gambian national and PhD student with a student visa; a U.S. citizen PhD student working on plant science; and a U.S. citizen novelist, poet, and professor in the Department of Literatures in English. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Additoinal reporting by Ted Hesson; Editing by Mark Porter) Ukrainian emergency workers reported on the night of 15-16 March that the rubble was being cleared at the site of a Russian strike in the city of Chernihiv. Source: Ukraine's State Emergency Service Quote: "Firefighters have extinguished a fire in an apartment block in Chernihiv. The rubble is being cleared." Details: The SES noted that three cars had been damaged in the attack. Quote: "There have been no casualties so far. One elderly woman has been evacuated. Emergency services are working at the scene and psychologists from the State Emergency Service are assisting the people affected by the attack." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Emergency workers reported that invincibility centres had been set up in the city to provide residents with warmth, essential aid and communication access. [An invincibility centre is a heated premises stocked with food and power banks to assist residents facing hardships due to power cuts ed.] The aftermath of a Russian strike on Chernihiv. Photo: Ukraine's State Emergency Service The aftermath of a Russian strike on Chernihiv. Photo: Ukraine's State Emergency Service Background: Russian loitering munitions were reported to have damaged a five-storey apartment block and two houses in Chernihiv. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Sunday that hundreds of members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, even as a federal judge ordered the removals to be temporarily stopped. Under the Presidents direction, his administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to initiate the removal of hundreds of dangerous members of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a vicious and violent Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), which has been threatening our nation, conducting irregular warfare, and terrorizing Americans, Rubio said in a statement Sunday. Hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country. This crucial step would have never happened under any other U.S. president. President Trump is following through on the promises he made to the American people, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubios announcement comes a day after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered the Trump administration to halt deportations for individuals deemed eligible for removal under Trumps order for 14 days, as a result of the lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward and the American Civil Liberties Union. But Boasberg, in a virtual hearing on Saturday, signaled that two planes with immigrants were in the air already, at the time of the order one headed for El Salvador and the other for Honduras, The Associated Press reported. Boasberg verbally ordered that the planes be turned around, according to the AP, but they apparently were not, and the directive was not included in the written order. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States, Boasberg told Justice Department officials on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration formally acknowledged the flight to Boasberg in a Sunday court filing but insisted the plane had already left U.S. territory by the time he issued his order. Federal Defendants further report, based on information from the Department of Homeland Security, that some gang members subject to removal under the Proclamation had already been removed from United States territory under the Proclamation before the issuance of this Courts second order, the Justice Department wrote. The immigrants were deported under an agreement Rubio negotiated with El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, who agreed to imprison the deported alleged gang members in exchange for the U.S. returning two top leaders of MS-13 and 21 of its most wanted alleged criminals to face justice in their homeland, according to Rubio. President Bukele has shown he is not only the strongest security leader in our region, hes also a great friend of the United States, Rubio said in a statement, thanking Bukele for playing a pivotal role in this transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 5:18 pm EDT. 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. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision to detain a green card holder over his involvement in last years pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University on Sunday, saying that pro-Hamas protesters who hold student visas will be forced to leave the U.S. If you tell us when you apply for a visa, Im coming to the U.S. to participate in pro-Hamas events, that runs counter to the foreign policy interest of the United States If you had told us you were going to do that, we never would have given you the visa, Rubio said on CBS' "Face the Nation." Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian originally from Syria, was arrested by immigration officials on March 8 for his involvement as a key negotiator during Columbias protests over the Israel-Hamas war last year. While he entered the country on a student visa, he had eventually obtained legal permanent U.S. residency, commonly referred to as a green card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump touted Khalils detainment on social media last week as part of his effort to combat antisemitism on college campuses, saying the arrest was the first of many to come. However, a federal judge blocked Khalil's deportation last week. The legal battle has since spurred a debate about the First Amendment rights of foreign nationals and immigrants. Over 100 House Democrats signed a letter to the Department of Homeland Security on Friday, condemning the arrest as a violation of free speech rights and demanding the Trump administration provide evidence to justify Khalils detainment. But legal issues and criticism havent deterred the Trump administration. Immigration officials arrested a second protester of Palestinian descent from Columbia on Friday for allegedly overstaying a student visa that was terminated in 2022. Every day we are approving visa revocations, Rubio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by CBS moderator Margaret Brennan if there was any evidence of Khalils link to terrorism or if the arrest was based merely on ideology, Rubio couldnt point to a specific example that backed the administrations claims that Khalil has shown material support for a terrorist organization. You should watch the news. These guys take over buildings. They vandalize colleges, Rubio said. We don't need these people in our country. We never should have allowed him in He is going to leave. Also asked if it is only pro-Palestinian protesters who will have their visas revoked, Rubio said others whose actions threaten the countrys foreign policy interests will be subject to deportation. We don't want terrorists in America, Rubio said. I don't know where we have gotten it in our head that a visa is some sort of birthright. It's not... If you violate the terms of your visitation, youre going to leave. Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on March 15 as Washington attempts to persuade Moscow to accept a 30-day ceasefire deal. According to a statement by the U.S. State Department, Rubio and Lavrov discussed steps to restore contacts between the U.S. and Russia. "Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Lavrov discussed next steps to follow up on recent meetings in Saudi Arabia and agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia," State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio also informed Lavrov of the United States' operation on Houthi militants in Yemen. U.S. President Donald Trump announced earlier on March 15 on Truth Social that the U.S. had launched "decisive and powerful Military (sic) action" against the group. No additional details were provided on the call by the U.S. State Department. A similar readout by the Russian Foreign Ministry provided no additional details. Following talks with U.S. officials on March 11, Kyiv agreed to a temporary ceasefire, as long as Russia also abides by its terms. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 13 that Russia is ready to agree to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine but demands guarantees that Kyiv will not mobilize or train troops, nor receive military aid during it. Putin's hesitation to implement a ceasefire comes as the United States resumed security assistance and intelligence sharing to Ukraine following breakthrough high-level talks in Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As negotiations continue, Trump claimed during a speech at the Justice Department on March 14 that the White House has received "some pretty good news" regarding its attempts to secure a 30-day ceasefire agreement without specifying what the news was. Earlier on March 14, Trump claimed he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to "spare" Ukrainian troops he said were surrounded by Russian forces in Kursk Oblast a claim he repeated during his speech. Kyiv has denied reports that its troops are encircled in Kursk. Rubio said on March 14 said that the administration was "cautiously optimistic" about progress towards a ceasefire, but added that the situation remains "complex." Read also: With Putin demanding new concessions for a ceasefire, all eyes are on Trumps next move Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday defended the Trump administrations push to target and cancel the visas of individual students living in America for participation in protests against the government of Israel. Rubio deflected questions from CBSs Margaret Brennan about Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and legal US permanent resident (green card holder) who was arrested and immediately targeted for deportation last weekend after the Trump administration canceled his visa and arrested him with plainclothes officers at Columbia. Khalil was a leader in the student protests that developed around campus but was also outspoken against antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His arrest has outraged Democrats and civil rights advocates; Khalil is not charged with a crime and did not enter the US illegally. His removal has been temporarily blocked by a judge. The head of the US State Department would not say, when pressed by Brennan, whether the government would attempt to accuse Khalil with a crime. Instead, he offered a defense of the effort that conceded that visa holders did not have a right to free speech at all. When you apply to enter the United States and you get a visa, you are a guest, Rubio claimed. If you tell us when you apply for a visa, Im coming to the U.S. to participate in pro-Hamas events, that runs counter to the foreign policy interest of the United States. BRENNAN: Can you substantiate any form of material support for terrorism specifically to Hamas from this Columbia student, or was it just that he was espousing a controversial political point of view? RUBIO: We're gonna do more. When you apply to enter the US and you get a visa, pic.twitter.com/pOApnsU7A3 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 16, 2025 Khalil and other student protest leaders at Columbia and other universities say they have gone to great lengths to include Jewish organizations and students in their movements and spaces; nevertheless, the protests that occurred in late 2023 and throughout 2024 occurred amid a rise in both fake and real instances of anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deportation of Khalil has even been cheered on by one Democratic senator as the rest of his party warns of the clear curtailment of free speech rights that the case presents for people living in America on various types of visas. John Fetterman, the loudest and most conservative pro-Israel voice among the Senate Democratic caucus, is reported to have flagged Khalils involvement in the protests to federal immigration authorities at the behest of a pro-Israel activist. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a Janata Darshan at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur and addressed the public's grievances on Sunday morning. Chief Minister listened to the grievances of the people and gave instructions to the officials to resolve their problems in the 'Janata Darshan' program, conducted on the premises of the Gorakhnath Temple. People shared their problems and issues as the CM listened to their grievances and issued necessary directions for the swift and satisfactory disposal of their issues. After being elected as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath frequently conducts the 'Janata Darshan' program. He started the Janta Darshan soon after becoming the chief minister in 2017, with the primary aim of swiftly resolving the public's complaints and grievances. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister stressed the importance of national unity, stating that India can only develop when its people are united. He added that no power in the world would be able to prevent India from becoming a developed nation if it is united. Addressing the public in Gorakhpur on the occasion of Holi, CM Adityanath said, "Sanatan Dharma has only one proclamation, and that proclamation is that where there is Dharma, there will be victory." "PM Modi has given a resolution of developed India to the country. India can develop only when it is united, if it is united then it will be the best, if it is the best then no power in the world will be able to stop it from becoming developed. Therefore, all our efforts should be dedicated to the nation. The message of Holi is simple: this country will remain united only through unity," said CM Yogi. Holi, was celebrated across the country, and Jumma namaz (Friday prayers) was also held peacefully. Authorities fortified sensitive areas to monitor antisocial elements in parts of the country.This year, Holi was celebrated on March 14, coinciding with the Friday prayers in the month of Ramzan. (ANI) One week after federal agents abducted Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil for leading last years student protests at Columbia University and sparking nationwide anger over free speech rights Secretary of State Marco Rubio still refuses to say whether the government even has any evidence to legally justify revoking the mans green card and deporting him. Khalil remains detained in Louisiana as of Sunday, a week after plainclothes federal immigration agents arrested him without a warrant while he was coming back to his university-owned apartment with his pregnant wife, who recorded the interaction. The Columbia graduates lawyers are working to get him transferred back to New York City. Rubio has admitted to revoking Khalils green card because of his role peacefully negotiating with Columbias administration on behalf of the students nonviolently protesting Israels U.S.-funded military campaign against Palestinians. The secretary equated the anti-war protests with antisemitism and support for Hamas, an excuse that many Jewish protesters have called bullshit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiating on behalf of people that took over a campus, that vandalized buildings? Negotiation over what? the secretary told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday. Thats a crime in and of itself, that theyre involved in being the negotiator, the spokesperson, this that the other. We dont need these people in our country. We never should have allowed them in in the first place. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with reporters following the G7 foreign ministers meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, on March 14. Saul Loeb/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Khalil has no criminal history, and has not been charged with a crime in this incident. The White House itself said that Khalils green card should be revoked because he organized student protests, not because he has committed a crime. Rubio defended Khalils treatment over the past week by citing a rarely-used provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which vaguely states that the federal government can deport someone if the secretary of state personally believes there are reasonable grounds to infer their presence would have potentially serious foreign policy consequences for the United States. On Sunday, Rubio could not provide any evidence that would prove Khalil supports Hamas and therefore is eligible for deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you substantiate any form of material support for terrorism, specifically to Hamas, from this Columbia student? asked host Margaret Brennan. Or was it just he espoused a controversial political point of view? Were gonna do more. In fact, every day now were approving visa revocations and if that visa led to a green card, the green card process as well, Rubio said, not answering the question. When Brennan asked twice more if there is any evidence linking Khalil to terrorism, or whether his arrest is just based on his point of view, Rubio told the journalist she should watch the news. If you are in this country to promote Hamas, to promote terrorist organizations, to participate in vandalism, to participate in acts of rebellion and riots on campus, we never would have let you in if wed known that, he said. And now that we know, youre gonna leave. Pro-Palestinian activists participate in a "Fight for our Rights" rally in support of Mahmoud Khalil, in New York's Times Square on Saturday. Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty Images Everyone in the U.S. is covered by the Constitution, including visa holders and permanent residents like Khalil. The activists lawyers say his detention violates his First Amendment and Fifth Amendment rights, and supporters who have protested daily for his release say that this opens the gates for the Trump administration to continue weaponizing immigration and higher education to crush constitutionally protected free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubios comments on Sunday are just the latest in administration officials dodging questions about what specific terror-supporting actions Khalil committed to justify green card revocation and deportation. Troy Edgar, the Department of Homeland Securitys deputy secretary, was grilled about the issue for five minutes Thursday by an NPR reporter. When NPRs Michel Martin asked what specific terrorist activity Khalil was supporting, Edgar said the activist was agitating and supporting Hamas. When Martin asked how exactly Khalil supported Hamas, Edgar said, I think you can see it on TV, right? Edgar did not directly answer whether it is a deportable offense if someone is criticizing or protesting Israel or the U.S. government. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) described Khalil as the mastermind of last years protests, but could not say what specific crimes the activist committed that would justify deportation. In the days after immigration officers detained a pro-Palestinian activist on campus, the head of the Immigrants Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School has been inundated with inquiries from students seeking answers to basic questions. I have been individually counseling students on whether or not they should travel abroad, on whether or not they should be posting on social media, on whether or not they can and should participate in a demonstration, said Elora Mukherjee, a law school professor and clinic director. Activities that were taken for granted just a week ago are now questions that students are asking: Should I do this? Should I do that? What are the risks? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last weekends arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee whose green card was revoked over his involvement in demonstrations at Columbia University, is having a chilling effect on college campuses across America, where students say theyre being forced to think carefully before exercising their constitutionally protected right to free speech. This case sets a terrifying precedent for all students, particularly international students, particularly those on visas and green cards, but I think students in general should be horrified, said Zaid, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, who asked that his full name not be used for fear of retribution. What precedent are we setting for this entire nation, and for our First Amendment, if Khalil is deported, and who will be the next group targeted? At Columbia, which has nearly 24,000 international students, Mukherjee said the Immigrants Rights Clinic is advising concerned students to keep a low profile to avoid the attention of the Trump administration. International students as well as those who are undocumented or have tenuous immigration status are now terrified about what might happen to them, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These feel like very dangerous times. Im inviting students to think through factors that may put them at heightened risk and encouraging and trying to empower people to make the decisions that will be best for their lives, Mukherjee said. For some people, that means staying off social media. For others, that mode of expression is core to their identities, and theyre willing to take the risk. But what I am emphasizing is that there are risks that were unforeseen and unprecedented. Concerns of ripple effect on future students President Donald Trump on social media described Khalil as a radical foreign pro-Hamas student who engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity. His detention, Trump warned, is the first arrest of many to come. Khalil, who completed his masters degree from Columbia in December, is married to an American citizen who is eight months pregnant. A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked his deportation and he remains in ICE custody in Louisiana. Trump said he would be stripped of his green card and deported. He has not been charged with any crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governments case has no basis in law, Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union and part of his legal team, told CNN on Friday. She said Khalil was essentially kidnapped based on an accusation that he has the wrong political ideas, and he has expressed them. She called his detention an attempt to bully the universities into submission and intimidate students and faculty from speaking out. On Thursday, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested another person involved in Pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia, citing immigration violations related to overstaying her visa. Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank, had her visa terminated in January 2022 for lack of attendance. She was arrested by local law enforcement last year for her involvement in what the Department of Homeland Security described as pro-Hamas protests. A separate Columbia student has self-deported to Canada, the department said. While Columbia and its students have been targeted so far, concerns extend far beyond the Ivy League school. Theres people in our community who are particularly vulnerable in this moment, Zaid said, referring to the UC Berkeley campus. Theres a fine line most people are toeing right now between being paralyzed with fear, such that they dont go out, they dont protest, they dont engage in any activism, at the same time taking legal precautions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement College students and educators across the US are closely watching the Trump administrations escalating crackdown on Columbia over allegations of antisemitism. The actions by Washington against Columbia include the detention of the prominent pro-Palestinian student activist, the cancellation of $400 million in government grants and contracts, as well as making federal funding contingent on the banning of masks at protests, giving the university president sole disciplinary power over students and empowering campus police to make arrests. The dismantlement of the First Amendment and of federal funding will have a ripple effect on generations to come, said Zaid, the UC Berkeley student. Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia, on social media described the Trump administrations demands as basically saying, Well destroy Columbia unless you destroy it first. Jaffer was referring to a joint letter to Columbia from the US Department of Education and other agencies outlining preconditions for formal negotiations regarding Columbia Universitys continued financial relationship with the United States government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Columbia spokesperson said the university was reviewing the letter, adding that its committed at all times to advancing our mission, supporting our students, and addressing all forms of discrimination and hatred on our campus. Robert McCaughey, an emeritus professor of history at Columbia-affiliated Barnard College and author of a history of Columbia, said the Trump administrations tensions with the university are just about unique, and that it turns so quickly on finances is also a suggestion of its uniqueness. And when theyre coming after the students, theyre coming after the money, too, he said. There, I think Columbia has maybe a slightly outsized vulnerability because it has a substantial number of foreign students who, if they were cut off from attending, they couldnt get visas or whatever, that would be a substantial financial hit on the university as well. It does make me want to raise my voice At Harvard University on Thursday, nearly 200 faculty members, staff and students held a rally in support of Khalil and to call out the Trump administrations actions against colleges. Violet Brown, a junior whos an organizer with Harvard Jews for Palestine as well as other pro-Palestinian groups, was among them one of the largest campus protests, she said, since last spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its definitely scary watching what is happening at Columbia, she said. Columbia showed us, and I hope that it showed our administrators, too that no level of acquiescence or obedience to a frankly fascist administration is going to do you any good because Columbia took arguably the strictest, most violent approach to cracking down on protests. Last spring, the student coalition Columbia University Apartheid Divest demanded the university divest from its financial ties to Israel and a call for a ceasefire in Gaza. After the university missed its deadline for an agreement on divestment, students and people unaffiliated with the school entered Columbias Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves inside. The university called the police to remove the protesters and more than 110 people were arrested, according to the NYPD. Columbia said on Thursday that it has expelled, suspended or temporarily revoked the degrees of students who occupied Hamilton Hall in April 2024. Its unclear how many students were suspended or expelled. A university spokesperson said student privacy obligations prevented them from confirming how many were disciplined. Tensions flared at US universities last spring as some administrators called in law enforcement to break up protest encampments and arrest students participating in campus demonstrations that erupted after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For international students, there might be a reason to be extra careful about kind of being seen, Brown said of protest activity this spring. But if anything, I think the attack on free speech were seeing right now is mobilizing people in a way that the genocide in Gaza or the West Bank never has, which is really unfortunate. Richard Solomon, a doctoral student in political science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an organizer for the MIT Coalition for Palestine, called Khalils detention a pathetic attempt to criminalize free speech and said the arrest has actually galvanized our community. People are more engaged, angry, and ready for concrete action, he said. Every official who called the cops on their own students every colleague who encouraged others to keep their heads down, shares responsibility for the Trump administration disappearing a student. Benjamin Kersten, a UCLA doctoral student and member of the pro-Palestinian group Jewish Voice for Peace, said even some international and undocumented students not involved in the anti-war movement pushing for divestment from Israel are staying away from the Los Angeles campus after Khalils detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does sort of like up the stakes for people within the movement but also for people beyond the movement, he said. Now this sort of work to free Mahmoud Khalil is very much a part of calling on universities to not comply with the orders of the Trump administration and to take measures to protect students, to commit to protecting the freedom of speech, the right to protest It makes the urgency all the more clear. It does make me want to raise my voice louder. Students urged to focus on course work Members of the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, including Sueda Polat, second from left, and Mahmoud Khalil, center, outside the Columbia University campus on April 30, 2024. - Mary Altaffer/AP Three days after Khalils arrest on March 8, Columbias Journalism School held a meeting with students to talk about concerns over free speech and reporting at a time when federal immigration agents removed the recent graduate from university housing. Jelani Cobb, the journalism school dean, wrote on social media that one question raised was what the department was doing to protect visa-holding students from potential arrest and deportation. I went on to say that I would do everything in my power to defend our journalists and their right to report but that none of us had the capacity to stop DHS from jeopardizing their safety, Cobb wrote, noting the importance of offering an honest rendering of the risks and threats in reporting about the situation on campus. Stuart Karle, an adjunct professor and media law expert, told CNN that he urged international students at the meeting to focus on completing their course work and graduating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And to make sure they can do that, theyre far better off not making themselves a target for enforcement, he said, adding they should refrain from commentary on social media about topics such as the Middle East or Ukraine. There is no point to being the person they pick to make an example of Every clue says that the administration is focused on Columbia, Karle said, referring to Khalils arrest. The shocking part is that he has a green card. Hes not even on a student visa. Thats the part that cautions to be really aware that the rules arent clear anymore. Theyre different. CNNs Chelsea, Bailey, Gloria Pazmino, Dalia Faheid, Priscilla Alvarez, Angelica Franganillo Diaz, Jennifer Hansler, Karina Tsui, Elizabeth Hartfield, Jeff Winter, Alaa Elassar, Michelle Watson and Lauren Mascarenhas contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia will have no say in whether foreign troops are deployed to Ukraine to ensure a future ceasefire. France, Britain, and other Nato countries, including Turkey, have expressed their willingness to contribute to a peacekeeping force to protect peace in post-war Ukraine. If Ukraine asks allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or not, Mr Marcon told local press late on Saturday, ahead of another heavy round of aerial attacks between Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has repeatedly rejected the idea of Nato soldiers being stationed in Ukraine, saying such a move would be a major escalation. Mr Macron clarified that any peacekeeping force would consist of a few thousand troops per country, to be deployed at important locations. He added that a number of European and non-European countries were interested in participating. Emmanuel Macron said a number of European and non-European countries were interested in participating in peacekeeping - KIRAN RIDLEY/AFP/Getty Images Anthony Albanese, Australias prime minister, reiterated on Saturday that Australia is open to contributing troops, while Canada has also indicated it would consider such a request. However, the details of how such a force would be deployed remain unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexander Stubb, Finlands president, said that any firm commitments would only come once there was a clear plan in place. There are anywhere from zero to 50 different ways they can help. Boots on the ground is only one way. You can talk about intelligence, you can talk about different types of things but its too early to commit right now, he told the BBC on Saturday. In a rush to consolidate military support from Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer hosted a virtual meeting on Saturday with a coalition of the willing involving 26 nations, including Ukraine. The Prime Minister revealed that Western military chiefs would meet in London on Thursday to plan for a peacekeeping force that was now entering an operational phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir stressed once again that Britain was ready to play a leading role and put troops on the ground and planes in the sky. However, sources suggest the group of allies has yet to reach a formal agreement to deploy forces in Ukraine. Fighting continues Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russian troops continue to rapidly retake territory from Ukraine in Kursk. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, warned that Russia is preparing for a fresh invasion of Ukraines north east. Russian troops are massing across the border from Ukraines Sumy region, which borders Kursk, Mr Zelensky said. Any new incursion or major escalation in fighting would severely rile Washingtons efforts to secure a 30-day truce in Ukraine, a proposal Kyiv has accepted, but which the Kremlin has so far resisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Vladimir Putin claimed in principle that he supported Washingtons ceasefire, but stated that serious questions remain, and that his forces would continue fighting until certain conditions were addressed. I would like all partners to understand exactly what Putin is planning, what he is preparing for, and what he will be ignoring, Mr Zelensky said, accusing Putin of trying to delay a ceasefire to improve his troops battlefield position. He added: The build-up of Russian forces indicates that Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy. It is clear that Russia is prolonging the war, 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. Russian leader Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have been reinforcing a false narrative, accusing the Ukrainian military of alleged war crimes during operations in Russia's Kursk Oblast in an attempt to derail negotiations on a 30-day ceasefire. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Quote: "The Kremlin is likely preparing to intensify a narrative that accuses Ukrainian forces of war crimes in Kursk Oblast in an attempt to discredit the Ukrainian military, erode Western support for Ukraine and spoil or delay straightforward discussions about the 30-day ceasefire that US President Donald Trump proposed to Putin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Analysts observe that Putin, along with other pro-government Russian officials and state-owned and pro-Kremlin media outlets, has recently escalated rhetoric accusing Ukrainian forces of committing war crimes in Kursk Oblast during the seven-month incursion. On 13 March, in response to a proposal for a temporary ceasefire between the US and Ukraine, Putin questioned whether Russia should allow Ukrainian troops to leave Kursk Oblast "after they committed a lot of crimes against civilians". On 14 March, he reiterated claims that Ukrainian troops had engaged in "terrorism" in the region. Quote: "Russian ultranationalist voices, including those with Kremlin affiliations, have been amplifying Putin's statements and Russian state media claims accusing Ukrainian forces of war crimes, including executing civilians in Kursk Oblast, more frequently in recent days. Russian state media has amplified pro-Kremlin voices, including Acting Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Khinshtein, accusing Ukrainian forces of war crimes in Kursk Oblast since the start of the incursion in August 2024 but has intensified these efforts since February 2025. These claims are unsubstantiated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Analysts suggest that Putin is likely attempting to use this narrative, falsely branding Ukrainian forces as "brutal war criminals" a tactic the Kremlin employed in late 2021 and 2022 to justify Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in order to derail or delay negotiations on a 30-day ceasefire. This move contrasts with Putins efforts to present himself as a "merciful leader". Quote: "Russian ultranationalist voices used Putin's and Russian state media's allegations of Ukrainian war crimes to support their calls for Russia to reject any ceasefire in Ukraine whatsoever and to justify the brutal treatment of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield." Details: ISW has frequently reported a significant rise in the number of Russian-confirmed executions of Ukrainian POWs on the battlefield in 2024 and early 2025, likely carried out under the orders of Russian military commanders. Additionally, ISW has noted reports of Russian forces executing Ukrainian POWs near the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast on 13 March. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 15 March: Russian milbloggers and Ukrainian officials continue to deny Russian leader Vladimir Putin's unsubstantiated claim that Russian forces have encircled a significant number of Ukrainian troops in Kursk Oblast. Russian forces continued offensive operations in Kursk Oblast but have not completely pushed Ukrainian forces out of the area as of this publication. Ukrainian officials expressed concern about Russian ground operations in northern Sumy Oblast but doubt Russia's ability to conduct an effective concerted offensive operation against the city of Sumy. The Kremlin is likely preparing to intensify a narrative that accuses Ukrainian forces of war crimes in Kursk Oblast in an attempt to discredit the Ukrainian military, erode Western support for Ukraine and spoil or delay straightforward discussions about the 30-day ceasefire that US President Donald Trump proposed to Putin. Russian forces conducted drone and missile strikes against Ukraine on the night of 14-15 March, including conducting their third double-tap strike against Ukraine in the past week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed the official Ukrainian delegation to "engage with Ukraine's international partners" in the negotiation process to end the war on 15 March. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia and Ukraine traded attacks over the weekend, just shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. officials about a ceasefire deal. Both sides reported more than 100 enemy drones over their territories, The Associated Press reported. Putin said Thursday that he supported a truce but outlined numerous details that need to be negotiated before the deal can be completed. Hes said he was open to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. but offered vague terms for his support, raising questions about what the Kremlin wants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Keir Starmer challenged Putin to sign up for the ceasefire deal if he was serious about finding peace. He said allied countries will continue to increase pressure on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced support for the plan and said the country wants to work toward a longer, definite ceasefire deal. Zelensky has expressed concern about Russias activity in recent days, particularly along its border. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, where they discussed next steps after U.S. officials met with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia last week. 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 The Hill. A Russian ballistic missile, likely an Iskander, crashed outside a populated area in the Semenivka hromada during an air raid on the morning of 16 March. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration Details: Ukrainian authorities have reported that a Russian First-Person View drone attack is currently underway near the town of Semenivka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The premises of the town council were hit in the morning. A partial power outage has occurred in the town. Power engineers are currently working to repair the damage. Early reports indicate no casualties. Earlier, two Russian drones were reported to have struck the city of Chernihiv. They directly hit an apartment block. Two flats were destroyed and a further twelve were damaged. Background: Russian loitering munitions damaged a five-storey apartment block and two houses in Chernihiv. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia battled on Sunday to drive the last Ukrainian soldiers from western Russia, Russian officials said, after a seven-month incursion by Ukraine that aimed to distract Moscow's forces, gain a bargaining chip and rile President Vladimir Putin. In one of the most striking battles of the three-year-old Ukraine war, Ukrainian forces smashed their way across Russia's western border in Kursk last August, marking the biggest attack on sovereign Russian territory since the Nazi invasion of 1941. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a lightning offensive this month has reduced the area under Ukrainian control to about 110 square km (42 square miles), down from the more than 1,368 square km (528 square miles) claimed by Kyiv last year, according to open source maps. Yuri Podolyaka, one of the most influential pro-Russian military bloggers, said Russia had pushed back Ukrainian forces to the border in some areas, though intense battles were underway and that Ukrainian forces were fighting back as they retreated. Battlefield maps from both Ukraine and Russia showed two joined pockets of Ukrainian forces on the Russian side of the border in Kursk. Russia said it was clearing large numbers of mines in the area. After a public appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump last week to spare "surrounded" Ukrainian troops, Putin said on Friday that Russia would guarantee the lives of Ukrainian troops in the region if they surrendered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday his troops were not surrounded but sounded the alarm over what he said could be a new Russian attack on Ukraine's northeast Sumy region, which borders Kursk. The influential Two Majors pro-Russian military blogger said the battlefield gains of Russian forces had allowed Russia to threaten Sumy, but cautioned that Ukrainian forces had been bolstering defences there for some time. Putin has accused Ukrainian troops of carrying out crimes against civilians in Kursk, something Kyiv denies. Ukraine says as many as 11,000 North Korean troops are fighting with Russia in Kursk, though Russia and North Korea have refused to give any details on North Korean troops there. The fierce battle for the Kursk region has framed efforts by Trump to end what he says is a "bloodbath" war that could escalate into World War Three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CEASEFIRE? Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has left hundreds of thousands of people dead and injured, displaced millions, reduced towns to rubble and triggered the sharpest confrontation for decades between Moscow and the West. The U.S. agreed on Tuesday to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after Kyiv said it was ready to support Washington's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Putin said on Thursday Russia supported the truce proposal in principle, but that fighting could not be paused until a number of crucial conditions were worked out or clarified. Putin has repeatedly said that he is ready to talk about peace though Ukraine will have to declare it will not seek NATO membership and Russia will keep all of the land that it claims in Ukraine, including some it does not control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has paid a heavy price for the invasion. U.S. intelligence estimates say more than 100,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured, according to a 2023 assessment, while the economy has been heavily distorted by record defence spending and the toughest Western sanctions ever imposed. Ukraine has also seen more than 100,000 troops killed or injured, according to leaked U.S. intelligence estimates. Its economy has been shattered. One-fifth of its territory is under Russian control, and Kyiv has been unable to defeat Russia's forces despite receiving more than $260 billion in Western aid. Neither side discloses current death toll figures for the war. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Helen Popper) Russian forces launched a drone attack on the city of Izium in Kharkiv Oblast on the evening of 15 March, killing one person. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram Details: Three people were injured, including two teenagers. One person was killed. The aftermath of the Russian attack Photo: State Emergency Service in Kharkiv Oblast Three strikes hit a residential area, setting houses on fire over areas of 80 and 200 square metres. Dry grass covering one hectare also caught fire due to the attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Osmania University has prohibited agitations, dharnas and demonstrations within its departments, colleges, centres, and administrative buildings. The University authorities said they have viewed the matter seriously and decided to prohibit trespassing, staging dharnas and agitations, raising slogans etc in the premises of the Departments/Colleges / Centres / Administrative Building of the varsity. The University has also prohibited preventing administrative authorities and staff from discharging their official duties and using "unparliamentary and filthy language" against University staff and authorities. As per an internal document of the University, they sais it was observed there are several incidents of students/student groups have been entering the Departments /Colleges, Centres / Administrative Building, Osmania University and staging demonstrations and dharnas, resulting in disruption of the administrative work and giving a wrong perception of the University to the Society. Such incidents, they said are causing adverse effect on the smooth functioning of the University, leading to delay in administrative and academic progress. On certain occasions, these incidents also raised security issues and concerns. The University further said that if any person is found involved in the above "activities, serious action will be initiated" against such person as per law. The varsity also said that stakeholders (i.e., Students on rolls) with a genuine grievance in the University system, if any, may first approach the concerned Official at the institution level, and thereafter may represent to the Registrar and the authorities, with prior permission. (ANI) Russian troops attacked the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast on the afternoon of 16 March, injuring four people. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "At approximately 15:40, Russian forces struck the town of Kupiansk. A house was destroyed as a result of the attack. The type of weapon used by the enemy is being determined. Preliminary reports indicate that there were no casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another strike on the town was carried out by the occupiers using a guided aerial bomb. As a result of the explosion, a 56-year-old man was injured but refused hospitalisation. In addition, Russian forces shelled the village of Velyka Shapkivka in the Kindrashivka hromada of the Kupiansk district. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.]. As a result of the attack, three people were injured and were taken to a medical facility." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Sunday threatened to go to war against NATO if European countries stick to their plans to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer "are playing dumb," Medvedev, who is the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, wrote on X. "Time and again they are told that peacekeepers must be from non-NATO states," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You want to give military aid to the neo-Nazis in Kiev. That means war with NATO. Consult with [US President Donald] Trump, scumbags," he added. Starmer has suggested establishing a "coalition of the willing" to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine to secure an eventual ceasefire. Medvedev, who was considered a liberal politician during his time in office from 2008-12, has repeatedly made headlines since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine with sharp threats such as the use of nuclear weapons against the West. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Sunday threatened to go to war against NATO if European countries stick to their plans to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer "are playing dumb," Medvedev, who is the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, wrote on X. "Time and again they are told that peacekeepers must be from non-NATO states," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You want to give military aid to the neo-Nazis in Kiev. That means war with NATO. Consult with [US President Donald] Trump, scumbags," he added. Starmer has suggested establishing a "coalition of the willing" to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine to secure an eventual ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed to a US proposal of a 30-day ceasefire, provided Moscow complies. Russia, however, opposes an unconditional ceasefire. The Kremlin has shown a preference for engaging directly with the United States in peace negotiations, often sidelining Ukraine and European states in the process. Finnish president says Putin 'doesn't want peace' Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the chances of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine are "abysmal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin doesn't want peace," Stubb said during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired on Sunday. Putin's original goal was for Ukraine to "cease to exist," Stubb said, adding that the Russian president "has not changed his goal." After a meeting via videolink of 29 world leaders on Saturday, Starmer too accused Putin of trying to "delay" a ceasefire. On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also accused Russia of showing no interest in ending the war, pointing to the continued wave of airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. "Those who want the war to end as soon as possible do not act this way," Zelensky wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, has been a NATO member for almost two years. Stubb argued that the international community must maximize the pressure on Putin. The Finnish president advocated for more sanctions, the use of frozen Russian assets and "militarizing Ukraine to the teeth" to help bring the conflict to an end. The last direct Ukrainian-Russian ceasefire negotiations took place in 2022 shortly after the start of the war, but ended without results. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion with Western support for more than three years. Drone strikes continue: Ukraine and Russia report casualties Earlier on Sunday, authorities in both Ukraine and Russia reported casualties from airstrikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one person was killed and three others injured in fresh Russian drone attacks on the town of Izyum in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region. Among the injured in Izyum were two young people, Ukrainian civil defence officials said on Sunday. The attacks caused damage to a house, they reported. Ukrainian air-defence forces reported a total of 90 drone strikes across multiple regions. More than half of the drones were intercepted, and dozens were destroyed, it added. The Kharkiv region, in particular, has been repeatedly targeted. Authorities also confirmed damage in the Kiev and Odessa regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that it destroyed 31 Ukrainian drones overnight. In the Belgorod region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that a drone struck a residential building in Gubkin, injuring a woman and a 7-year-old child. In the village of Dolgoye in the Kursk region, a woman was injured when a drone dropped an explosive device on her home. The information provided by both sides could not be independently verified. Zelensky appoints new chief of armed forces The Ukrainian General Staff announced on Sunday that General Andriy Hnatov, previously its deputy chief, was now the new head, following an order by Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hnatov is to renew and improve the command structure of the armed forces at all levels, it said on Telegram, adding that the former chief of the General Staff, Anatoliy Barhylevych, will become the new inspector general in the Defence Ministry. No official reasons were given for the reshuffle. However, the Ukrainian armed forces have suffered significant setbacks in the fight against Russia in recent weeks. In addition to territorial losses in the east of the country, Ukrainian troops have also recently been pushed back in the western Russian region of Kursk. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. From the 'unlikely' setting of a Norfolk guest house, a Russian-backed spy ring hatched plans to 'burgle, honey-trap, murder and kidnap' across Europe. | Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor When counter-terrorism police raided a "modest" former guest house in Great Yarmouth, in 2023, they found a trove of spy gadgets, said Mark Hollingsworth in The Independent: bugs, signal jammers, cameras hidden in glasses and ties and stuffed toys. From this "unlikely" setting in Norfolk, Orlin Roussev, a Bulgarian national, had been running a Russian-backed spy ring: he and his accomplices had hatched plans to "burgle, honey-trap, murder and kidnap" across Europe. Their paymaster was Jan Marsalek, a fugitive Austrian businessman wanted for his role in the 1.9 billion Wirecard fraud, who now lives in Moscow and who told them that he was working for Russian intelligence; their targets included Russian dissidents and the journalist Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian who had exposed Kremlin links to the Salisbury poisonings. Last week, three members of the ring were convicted in London of spying for Russia. Roussev and two others had already pleaded guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian espionage has always been a dirty business, said Owen Matthews in The Spectator. But in the past it was at least effective and ingenious. Today, it seems to be "pathetic" and "amateurish". Roussev assembled a "motley group" of Bulgarians a medical courier, a beautician, a decorator whom he nicknamed his "minions" after the sidekicks of the villain Gru in the children's film "Despicable Me". They used silly code names: Mad Max, Jackie Chan. Three of them were involved in a tawdry love triangle. When Roussev was arrested, thousands of incriminating messages were found on his phone, which he hadn't even thought to erase. The reason for the decline is that, since Salisbury and the Ukraine War, scores of Russian diplomats and spies have been expelled from the UK so Moscow has resorted to "recruiting criminals". They may have been stupid, but Roussev's gang were still dangerous, said Daniel Boffey in The Observer. They tracked Grozev across Europe. Their handler, Marsalek, proposed killing the Russian journalist Roman Dobrokhotov: "Maybe burn him alive in the street, spray him with some super-strong acid," he suggested. For Putin's enemies, nowhere in Europe is safe. (FOX40.COM) Sacramento Metro Fire responded to a residential structure fire in Rancho Cordova on Sunday morning. Video above: What happens when you call 9-1-1? According to officials, the incident happened on the 2900 block of Joerger Street at 3 a.m. Increased police presence in Rocklin due to road rage incident investigation Officials said that when they arrived at the scene, units found a well-involved attic fire with flames through the roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said fire crews were able to knock down the fire quickly, conduct a primary search, and save most of the home. A spokesperson from Sacramento Metro Fire said that no one was home when the fire started, and officials are investigating the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) Santa Fe Public Schools is searching for a new superintendent and wants the communitys input on their possible selection. Last month, then-Superintendent HIlario Larry Chavez resigned from the position, with the Board of Education voting unanimously to accept it. Chavez was accused of sexually harassing a former assistant principal and city councilor. The district previously said they had already begun the process of finding a new superintendent. Now, they have announced several forums open to the community to give their input. The first of those forms will be on Wednesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Pinon Elementary School. The board is hoping to find a replacement by July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education secretary: Mass layoffs first step toward total shutdown The full list of dates for the community and SFPS to weigh in are below: Community, Parent & Student In-Person Forums (Open to the Public) March 19 6:00 PM Pinon Elementary School Gym March 20 6:00 PM Milagro Middle School Cafeteria April 3 6:00 PM Nina Otero Community School Gym April 4 6:00 PM Capital High School Cafeteria Faculty & On-Site Staff In-Person Forums March 21 5:30 PM Santa Fe High School Library April 3 6:00 PM Cesar Chavez Community School Gym District Staff In-Person Forum April 4 6:00 PM SFPS District Office Board Room 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. Santa Fe Public Schools has announced it will invite community members to weigh in on a search for a new district superintendent. While the qualifications for the job are already decided applicants must have at least five years of experience teaching K-12 students, 10 years in school administration and a masters degree the planned community forums and online surveys will give members of the public a chance to present the qualities they see as important in a superintendent. Caroll Strategies, a public relations firm, will head the community engagement effort for the district. The community sessions are expected begin a couple of days after the job is posted Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort will include an online survey in Spanish and English sent directly to school stakeholders and accessible elsewhere online; in-person, open-to-the-public forums; in-person forums for school staff; and a finalist town hall-style forum for community members to ask questions of candidates who made the shortlist. The following public forums have been scheduled: * Pinon Elementary School gym, 6 p.m. Wednesday * Milagro Middle School cafeteria, 6 p.m. Thursday * Nina Otero Community School gym, 6 p.m. April 3 * Capital High School cafeteria, 6 p.m April 4 Faculty and staff forums are planned at 5:30 p.m. Friday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement in the Santa Fe High School library and 6 p.m. April 3 in the Cesar Chavez Community School gym. An in-person staff forum also is planned at 6 p.m. April 4 in the boardroom of the district office. Additional key dates in the superintendent search process: * April 25: Special school board meeting, with an executive session to review packets * and select candidates to interview. * April 29: School board interviews with candidates; finalists will be selected. * April 30: Finalist in-person forums. * May 1: Special board meeting with an executive session to select the new superintendent. * May 6: Announcement of the new superintendent We are committed to an open, transparent, and community-driven search process, school board President Roman Abeyta said in a statement. This is a critical opportunity for our district, and we want to ensure that the voices of our students, families, and staff are heard every step of the way. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that Russia must now take steps towards peace. Source: Scholz on X (Twitter) following an online meeting of world leaders on further support for Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Details: Scholz stressed that Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace. "It is up to Russia to end the attacks and finally make peace possible," he tweeted. The German chancellor noted that he would continue to provide support together with European and international partners. Background: Following the online meeting on 15 March, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the coalition of the willing was entering an operational phase. Military officials are set to meet in the UK on Thursday to consider ways to reinforce the future peace agreement. Starmer also mentioned two pressure points that could compel Russia to enter negotiations. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Moscow to "give a clear answer" on the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying that "Russia does not give the impression of a country that sincerely wants peace". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! As thousands of revelers line the streets of downtown Kansas City for the annual St. Patricks Day parade Monday, they will be again surrounded by a strong police and law enforcement presence. Increased security is in response to ongoing concerns about public safety a year following the mass shooting that took place outside Union Station during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration. A bevy of Irish-themed celebrations and activities are scheduled throughout the metro area and organizers continue to work to ensure the large crowds are safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas City Police Department officers and other law enforcement personnel will be placed at various points along the parade route, said Capt. Jacob Becchina, a police spokesman. Should there be a need for police intervention, our officers are highly trained and ready to respond to a multitude of possible scenarios, he said. Police had a heightened presence Sunday, March 17, 2024, during the Kansas City St. Patricks Day parade. The parade celebrated its 50th anniversary as it marched south on Broadway Boulevard from Linwood Boulevard to 43rd Street. Becchina said that KCPD does not publicly release the details of its law enforcement strategies ahead of a large event. Security plans for the parade can vary slightly from year to year based on the route, Becchina said. Our mission of protecting the tens of thousands of parade-goers never changes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas Citys St. Patricks Day parade has an estimated attendance of up to 400,000, according to Irish Road Trip Guides rankings. A strong police presence last year helped keep parade-goers safe, according to Jean Dalrymple, a parade organizer. We had very, very little problems, said Dalrymple. Theres always a large police presence up and down the parade route, not only helping people with traffic control but ensuring that all the families and everybody who attends are able to do so safely. The St. Andrew Pipes and Drums made their way south on Broadway Boulevard Sunday, March 17th, 2024, during the 50th annual St. Patricks Day parade. In the weeks following the mass shooting at a rally celebrating the Chiefs Super Bowl win, the citys sense of security was shaken. A dispute between two groups of people led to an eruption of gunfire that wounded 22 people and killed Lisa Lopez Galvan, a 43-year-old mother of two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gunfire sent nine children to the hospital with bullet wounds. Since that day, three men and three juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting. Jury trials for two of the accused men are set for March and September. A month after the shooting last year, St. Patricks Day festivities organizers increased police presence along the parade route. Participants voiced their concern for safety to event organizers, who met with law enforcement regularly leading up to their events. While caution was high, the events were enjoyed without confrontation or violence, organizers said. It was so great last year. We were relieved that we had a nice, beautiful, safe parade, and the weather looks even better this year than it was last year, Dalrymple said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, law enforcement advised organizers what to look for along the parade route and how to best prepare volunteers. This included how to identify suspicious activity and how a large police presence can be a key deterrent at any large open-air event, police told the Star last year. Decked out in his Irish gear, Patrick McCaffery, 10 of Shawnee, watched as the parade headed south on Broadway Boulevard Sunday, March 17th, 2024, during the 50th annual St. Patricks Day parade. Some organizers revamped safety and emergency plans, adjusting procedures as recommended by law enforcement. In its 51st year, the annual St. Patricks Day parade is expected to feature more than 100 entries, including floats and marching bands, from community organizations, businesses, government officials, families and individuals. During pre-parade planning each year, organizers meet with city leaders to confirm the route and allow law enforcement to implement security plans, Dalrymple said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, organizers said, they have not heard any safety concerns from participants, she said. In addition to the parade, attendees can enjoy a variety of Irish celebrations with vendors at each end of the parade and along the route. Some local businesses, including Brownes Irish Marketplace, will be hosting breakfasts and other ways to celebrate Monday morning. Were just happy and excited that we can have this event for all of Kansas City and certainly honoring the Irish community, Dalrymple said. Were looking forward to a really good day. Previous reporting by the Stars Laura Bauer contributed to this report. The annual tradition, deeply rooted in the region's history, drew large crowds as the village echoed with celebratory gunfire. According to locals, the festival traces its origins to a historic battle, where Menar's warriors defeated Mughal forces. To commemorate their victory, they started the tradition of celebrating Holi with gunpowder, symbolising their valour and resistance. This distinctive practice has continued, making it a highlight of the region's Holi festivities over time. Menar village, known for its warrior legacy, upholds this event with great enthusiasm. While participants engage in vibrant celebrations, authorities ensure safety measures are in place to prevent any mishaps. The spectacle of 'Gunpowder Holi' has gained attention beyond Rajasthan, attracting visitors keen to witness this extraordinary fusion of history and festivity. Rajasthan witnesses royal and warrior-themed Holi. Jaipur and Pushkar draw large crowds for Gunpowder Holi with colourful processions and folk performances. The festival of Holi in India is celebrated in each state with a unique cultural touch to the festival of colours. In Uttar Pradesh, Holi is most famously celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon with Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks. Mathura and Vrindavan host week-long celebrations, including Phoolon Ki Holi (Holi with flowers) and Widow's Holi, attracting thousands of devotees. In Punjab, the Sikh community observes Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib, where Nihang warriors perform horseback stunts and display martial arts like Gatka, showcasing Sikh valor and heritage. Bihar and Jharkhand celebrate Phaguwa, marked by folk songs, bhang consumption, and Holika bonfires, while in Maharashtra, Matki Phod traditions see young men breaking pots of buttermilk, inspired by Lord Krishna's childhood. West Bengal celebrates Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan, initiated by Rabindranath Tagore, where Holi is observed with cultural performances and dry colours. The state also marks Dol Jatra, where idols of Radha-Krishna are paraded with devotional singing. In Gujarat, Dhuleti sees massive colour play, especially in Dwarka, while in Madhya Pradesh, Hori Festival in Bundelkhand and Rang Panchami in Malwa extend Holi festivities for days. Southern and Northeastern states also embrace Holi in unique ways. Karnataka observes Kamadahana, symbolising the burning of desires, while Goa celebrates Shigmo with processions and folk dances. Odisha and Assam observe Dol Purnima and Yaosang, blending Holi with regional traditions. Despite diverse customs, Holi remains a festival of joy, unity, and cultural vibrancy, bringing people together across the nation. (ANI) An elephant seal pup curled up on a heating pad at the Marine Mammal Center on Tuesday morning, flashing large, shiny eyes at passersby before flopping down to continue her nap a peaceful sight compared to the day of her rescue. On March 8, an off-leash dog rushed the pup, since affectionately nicknamed Rumple, at Hearst State Beach just as first responders arrived to rescue the malnourished animal. Luckily, neither Rumple nor the dog were injured in the incident but Rumples chaotic rescue provided a snapshot of a far-too-often challenge faced by sick and injured marine life beached in San Luis Obispo County, Marine Mammal Center spokesperson Giancarlo Rulli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 407 animals the Center responded to last year, 20% had been disturbed by people or dogs before being rescued, according to data compiled by the nonprofit. That means individuals or dogs got within 20 feet of 80 animals rescued by the Center. Marine mammal disturbance is a real issue along the Central and Northern California Coast, Rulli said. This seal pup named Pogo is severely underweight. Central Coast sea lions fought a surge of domoic acid poisoning last summer. From August to September, the Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay responded to 200 sea lions with domoic acid poisoning. The percentage of disturbances dropped slightly since 2023, when 27 animals or 22% of those rescued by the Center had been disturbed. At first glance, that number is a good thing, Rulli said. But in 2023, the Center responded to 124 animals far less than in 2024. So there were fewer opportunities for people to disturb marine mammals stuck on the beach, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, hot spots for disturbance were Oceano, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and Morro Bay. The Centers responders have seen people try to chase animals back into the water because they think its unhealthy for the animal to rest on land. Thats not always the case: Chasing a sea lion sick with domoic acid poisoning could trigger a seizure and cause further harm to the animal, for example. We know from our data that the archetype of the person thats here in the Central Coast is somebody that cares about marine life, but theyre often taking the wrong action, Rulli said. Central Coast sea lions fought a surge of domoic acid poisoning last summer. From August to September, the Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay responded to 200 sea lions with domoic acid poisoning. Marine Mammal Center treated domoic acid poisoning The Marine Mammal Center fought a surge of domoic acid poisoning in California sea lions last summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From August to September, the Marine Mammal Center responded to 200 sea lions infected with the naturally-occurring toxin. Last year was very severe, Rulli said. 200 sea lions in a two-month span is really intense. Domoic acid accumulates in fish eaten by the sea lions, then attacks their brain causing seizures and heart failure. Sea lions rely on fish for water as well as nutrients, so when theyre eating fish that are impacted by this toxin, unfortunately, theres no way for them to flush that toxin out of their body, Rulli said. The seal pup named Pogo has seen better days. Hes severely underweight. Central Coast sea lions fought a surge of domoic acid poisoning last summer. From August to September, the Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay responded to 200 sea lions with domoic acid poisoning. Sea lions with domoic acid poisoning are transported to the Marine Mammal Centers Sausalito hospital, where they receive lots of fluids to flush out the toxin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domoic acid poisoning was first identified in sea lions in 1998. Back then, sea lions really only got infected during the summer. Now, the Marine Mammal Center is seeing it year-round. That should be a concern for all of us, because California sea lions are near-coast foragers, Rulli said. They eat the same food that we do, and theyre sentinels for ocean health, and so when theyre coming ashore sick, we really need to be paying attention about what theyre telling us. The cages used to temporarily house sick or injured seals before they are shipped to their Sausalito facility. Central Coast sea lions fought a surge of domoic acid poisoning last summer. From August to September, the Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay responded to 200 sea lions with domoic acid poisoning. Central Coast marine animal rescue looking for a new home For the past 20 years, the Marine Mammal Center been allowed to operate rent-free on the retired Morro Bay Power Plant property. However, the current property owner Vistra Corp. informed the nonprofit that their license to operate on site will eventually expire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, the Marine Mammal Center is looking for a new home. Were part of the fabric of this community, and we want to stay here, Rulli said. He invited the public to reach out to the Center about commercial properties that could accommodate enclosures for the animals and office space for the staff. Somewhere that gives us the opportunity to continue to respond to these animals and also educate the public about how important ocean conservation is, he said. Colorful coats and rain gear used by the Marine Mammal Center staff. Central Coast sea lions fought a surge of domoic acid poisoning last summer. From August to September, the Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay responded to 200 sea lions with domoic acid poisoning. What to do if you see a sick marine animals When people spot sick or injured marine mammals, they should keep at least a 20-foot distance and call the Marine Mammal Centers hotline at 415-289-7325. For more information, you can also visit marinemammalcenter.org. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins MSNBC's Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss the division between Senate Democrats over the passing of the spending bill, the criticism of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from some Democrats, President Trump's message in relation to the Department of Justice, and many more. DENVER (KDVR) After an explosion at an assisted living center this week forced nearly 90 seniors from their homes, a similar facility not far away jumped into action to put a roof over many of their heads, and the staff there needs your help to make them feel comfortable. It started when one Harvard Square by Cogir employee saw the news on their phone. Immediately ran in, interrupted a meeting we were in, and it was not even a second thought. We just jumped into action, said Phyllis DeLaricheliere, Harvard Squares executive director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbine survivor dies from colon cancer, community rallies around her husband They didnt know exactly what happened, but they knew they wanted to help. We just heard that there was a major catastrophe, she said. DeLaricheliere said Cogir, Harvard Squares parent company, told them to get whatever they needed. We all went out to Walmart, I think they thought we were crazy. You know, like, 40 shampoos, she said. All of the necessities needed to take in as many of the displaced people as they could, 13 so far and up to five more next week, all while ensuring their families took on no financial burden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to do the best we can because they dont know when they can go back, said DeLaricheliere. She said all parts of the community have stepped up, including businesses like Denver Mattress, who she said gave them a discount to buy extra beds. The current residents at Harvard Square have pitched in, too. They actually have been putting together bags of donations. Clothes, socks, said DeLaricheliere. Now, theyre asking for more donations from the community, everything from table lamps and bedside tables to any item of clothing you can think of. Underwear, t-shirts, bras, underpants, bath robes, slippers, said DeLaricheliere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xcel Energy: Proposed natural gas, energy prices may add more than $2.50 to Colorado residential bills All with the goal of making the people who lost everything gain just some of it back. These residents are pretty grateful that they are alive and have a warm place to live, but its still not their home yet, right? said DeLaricheliere. Its not where they chose and where theyve been spending the last few years. Donations are being accepted at Harvard Square, theres a donation box right up front in the lobby. They said they dont have a timetable for how long the displaced residents will be here, instead focusing day-to-day on their current needs. 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. BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Serbian officials denied Sunday that security forces used a military-grade sonic weapon to disperse and scare protesters at a huge anti-government rally in the capital. Opposition officials and Serbian rights groups claimed the widely banned acoustic weapon that emits a targeted beam to temporarily incapacitate people was used during the protest Saturday. They say they will file charges with the European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts against those who ordered the attack. Serbia has not denied that it has the acoustic device in its arsenal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 100,000 people descended on Belgrade on Saturday for a mass rally seen as a culmination of monthslong protests against Serbias populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The rally was part of a nationwide anti-corruption movement that erupted after a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Serbias north in November, killing 15 people. Almost daily demonstrations that started in response to the tragedy have shaken Vucics decade-long firm grip on power in Serbia where many blame the crash on rampant government corruption, negligence and disrespect of construction safety regulations, demanding accountability for the victims. Footage from the rally show people standing during 15 minutes of silence for the rail station disaster while suddenly experiencing a whooshing sound that immediately triggered panic and a brief stampede. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Associated Press photographer at the scene said people started scrambling for cover, leaving the middle of the downtown street almost empty as they started falling over each other. Those exposed to the weapon experience sharp ear pain, disorientation and panic, military experts say. Prolonged exposure can cause eardrum ruptures and irreversible hearing damage. The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, a non-governmental organization, condemned the unlawful and inhumane deployment of prohibited weapons, such as acoustic devices, against peaceful protesters. This act represents a blatant display of force and an attempt to incite chaos, aiming to delegitimize protests and criminalize peaceful citizens, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serbian police and the defense ministry denied that the illegal weapon was used. The Serbian president on Sunday urged judicial authorities to respond to the information "that sonic cannons were used during the protests," the state RTS broadcaster reported. I am asking the ministry of justice and the prosecutors office to react, either to prosecute those who used it, and we know they didnt but lets check," Vucic said. Let there be a proceeding but then they should also prosecute those who went public with such a notorious lie. Belgrades emergency hospital has denied reports that many people sought help after the incident and urged legal action against those who spread untrue information. Mar. 16Alaska lawmakers are showing renewed interest in addressing a backlog in school building maintenance in the wake of a report detailing the costly ramifications of years of underfunding school infrastructure in rural Alaska. An investigation published by KYUK and ProPublica earlier this month highlighted the impacts of neglect of state-owned schools in predominantly Alaska Native communities, including one in Sleetmute that has been condemned after the state failed to fund its 19-year-old maintenance request. The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development broadly recommends that 3% of building values be allotted annually to meet capital renewal needs. Since 2020, the state has spent less than a fifth of that recommended amount annually, leading to a maintenance backlog that likely amounts to billions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The backlog has also had a chilling effect on school districts' willingness to apply for funding from the state as administrators know their costly proposals could languish, unaddressed, for years. Alaska legislators largely pinned the blame for recent underfunding on Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his administration. This year, Dunleavy's budget draft includes no proposed funding to cover the $333 million in appropriations recommended by the education department for school maintenance. "Has the governor's lead agency, the Department of Education, really been the strong voice that's been necessary in terms of the ranking and the putting forward of these projects into the governor's budget submission?" asked House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Dillingham independent. "I can look back in time and tell you the Legislature should have done more, but so should the executive branch." [A rural Alaska school asked the state to fund a repair. Nearly two decades later, the building is about to collapse.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Lyman Hoffman, a Bethel Democrat, pointed to St. Paul, where he said a problem in the HVAC system led more than half the students in the school to become ill. A $4.2 million request from the Pribilof Island School District to replace the system was ranked sixth on the state maintenance list and granted no funding in Dunleavy's budget draft. "I believe it is the governor's intent that the Legislature evaluate the fiscal situation and provide what it can," Lori Weed, school finance manager for the state Department of Education and Early Development, told the Senate Finance Committee on Friday. Sen. Bert Stedman, a Sitka Republican, pointed out in response that though the governor did not include funding for school maintenance, he did ask for $6.5 million to purchase a new airplane for the Department of Public Safety. "My concern is that the priorities of the request to the Legislature are questionable," said Stedman. "I personally would put the HVAC system substantially higher than the airplane." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor did not respond to an interview request and a list of written questions about his approach to school maintenance funding. The state for years has underfunded its aging school infrastructure. Unaddressed, small repairs have become massive expenses. The problem has been exacerbated during Dunleavy's tenure, according to Sen. Jesse Kiehl, a Juneau Democrat. "This has been building for a very long time," he said, but "it seems to be intensifying in the last six or seven years." In the five years between 2011 and 2015, the state spent 111% of the recommended amount on school building maintenance. In the most recent five years, that has dropped to 19%. And the schools are not getting any easier to maintain: The average age of Alaska's school buildings is 45 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunleavy has regularly vetoed school maintenance funding from the budget, including a $21.6 million appropriation in 2021; $62.5 million in 2022; and a $10 million appropriation in 2023. Asked if he was worried about Dunleavy again vetoing funding for school maintenance, Kiehl said he is "often concerned with this governor's veto decisions." Still, lawmakers were noncommittal about the amount of school maintenance funding they would be able to fit into this year's budget, amid a tight fiscal outlook that has left lawmakers balancing education funding against the size of the Permanent Fund dividend. Kiehl said he hoped to address "the top rural schools" on the major maintenance list. He also said he wanted to lift a moratorium on school bond debt reimbursement, which was first imposed in 2015 and is set to expire this year unless renewed by lawmakers. Dunleavy has proposed extending the moratorium until 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School bond debt reimbursement allows the state to help local jurisdictions including Anchorage by covering half the cost of school building construction and maintenance through bonds. The program also sends funds to unincorporated areas of the state that do not have the ability to issue bonds. By eliminating the state's share of bond debt payments, "we're just shifting costs 100% to local taxpayers and pretending that we're not raising everybody's taxes," said Kiehl. 'Kasayulie 2.0' Hoffman said that without a broader solution to the problem of maintenance in Alaska's rural schools, the state could again face a costly lawsuit over its unequal treatment of education in rural, largely Indigenous communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2011, the state announced a $146 million settlement in a 14-year-old lawsuit, known as the Kasayulie case, that alleged funding inequalities for rural public schools. "I would assume that we are on the brink of another Kasayulie 2.0 coming to us that may be more costly to the state than if we came forward and tried to do something about the condition of these schools," Hoffman said Friday. Weed, with the education department, said it would take "a significant investment" to bring all school buildings across the state up to industry standards. She said that maintenance backlogs were exacerbated by stagnant funding for school operations. Dunleavy has repeatedly resisted and vetoed requests to increase overall education funding for public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many school districts' in the last decade financial situation has gotten tighter," Weed said. "Districts want to keep money in the classrooms. Maintenance personnel are often not emphasized in the budget, so things do play a losing catch-up process." Jim Anderson, the chief operating officer for the Anchorage School District, said the district would have had to lay off 300 additional teachers in order to meet its recommended building maintenance target this year. Lawmakers last year attempted to significantly increase permanent operational funding for what would have been the first time in years. Dunleavy vetoed the bill. As the Legislature has again taken up the task this year, Dunleavy has warned he would again veto funding boosts if they were not tied to policy changes. 'Serious condition of dilapidation' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is up to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to rank the requests submitted to the state. Rural district administrators say the system, as it is currently designed, heaps obstacles on schools that don't have the resources to navigate a cumbersome application process. The St. Paul HVAC replacement is ranked sixth on the major maintenance list, behind a roof repair for a high school in Anchorage and a Soldotna high school exterior repair, among other projects. Weed said the education department does not currently evaluate its list ranking to ensure it complies with the Kasayulie settlement. The settlement requires the state to adequately maintain rural schools. "It would seem to me that the department should do that evaluation because I think there has been discussion that many of the schools in rural areas of the state are in serious condition of dilapidation," said Hoffman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some long-unaddressed projects from rural districts have dropped over time in the state's ranking as other projects take top spots, according to data from the Alaska Council of School Administrators. The Yupiit School District's request to replace a fuel tank for the Tuluksak school was ranked 42 in 2018, and 57 in 2025. A Kake High School plumbing replacement went from 70 to 73. Lisa Parady, director of the council of school administrators, said that disincentivizes school districts from investing the staff time and funds in putting together applications. "New entryways in urban Alaska sometimes are scoring higher than roof replacements in rural Alaska. Maybe somebody's consultant dollars are paying off a little too well," said Kiehl. "But rural Alaska still has the needs." Rod Morrison, superintendent of the Southeast Island School District, said the district for 18 years has been requesting funding to replace underground storage tanks for the school in Thorne Bay, a community of 470 residents. In 2008, the request was for $152,686. This year, the request is up to more than $1.1 million. The project is ranked 75th in the state's maintenance list. The district has also been requesting funding to upgrade a school in Port Alexander for 18 years. In 2008 the district requested just over $110,000. This year, it is requesting more than $1.8 million. The project is ranked 60th. The funding application "is almost impossible for our smaller schools," said Morrison. He said that it is up to him the superintendent to fill out the funding applications to get on the list. "We cannot afford to spend $20,000 or $30,000 or $40,000 to have an engineer come in," he said. "Because that's $20,000 or $30,000 or $40,000 that I have to take from somewhere else." Weed, with the state education department, said some project requests have been successful even if the district has not hired outside engineers or other contractors to help with the application process, "but probably the best practice would be to go out and get a professional option done, just for the certainty." During a hearing held by the State Board of Education earlier in the week, board chair James Fields requested that the state education department prepare possible recommendations to make the funding application process easier for rural school districts to navigate. "Obviously, our system is problematic," Alaska Education Commissioner Deena Bishop said during the board meeting. "We would be, I think, positioned in a very good place to be able to see the troubles that others are finding and be able to recommend solutions." However, board members all of whom were appointed by Dunleavy did not discuss the long-term impact of the apparent lack of funds to cover the projects that do make it onto the list, nor the governor's repeated decisions to veto funding for school maintenance. "It's been a problem that rural legislators have been all too familiar with," Edgmon said Friday. "We have done everything we possibly could to steer money towards school maintenance and construction. I feel a little bit defensive in any sort of portrayal that rural legislators are just ignoring this problem. We are not." 'The step-child' The state-owned Mt. Edgecumbe High School, a residential school in Sitka serving students from predominantly Alaska Native communities, is the only school facility operated directly by the state education department. It is also the only school facility that is not funded through the ranked school maintenance list. The school requested $22 million in maintenance funding this year. Stedman, who resides in Sitka, said that the school is at a unique disadvantage because it is funded through a separate appropriation process, and is typically lumped together with requests from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. When asked by lawmakers, Weed did not know how the transportation department had ranked the school among road and facility projects. Funding for the school's maintenance is not included in Dunleavy's budget request. "DOT has never in my 20 years advocated for Mt. Edgecumbe," said Stedman. "It's all about, you know, a mechanic station on the Dalton Highway or road problems down on the Kenai or in Anchorage." The Legislature has repeatedly added specific line items to the budget to address requests from Mt. Edgecumbe, only for the funding to be cut by Dunleavy. Dunleavy vetoed $2.8 million in maintenance funding for Mt. Edgecumbe in 2024; $1 million in 2023; $6.1 million in 2022; and $7.8 million in 2021. "Mt. Edgecumbe ends up being the step-child of the entire school system in the state," said Stedman. Daily News reporter Sean Maguire contributed to this report. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Several residents are without a place to live after a fire broke out at a residential complex in Suitland on Saturday night. According to the Prince Georges County Fire Department (PGFD), just after 10 p.m. on March 15, firefighters responded to a fire at a 3-story residential building in the 4400 block of Arnold Road. There, they found a fire coming from the buildings terrace level. (Courtesy: Prince Georges County Fire Department via X/@PGFDNews) Man arrested for killing father in Prince Georges County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews quickly extinguished the blaze; however, residents from 12 units were displaced as a result. Fire officials said the Red Cross was assisting those impacted. In a post on X, the Red Cross said its disaster response team and vehicle were on the scene to support residents with water, food, emotional support, financial assistance and recovery resources. The agency added that anyone with disaster-caused needs can call 1-800-REDCROSS for 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. Several shelters in Oklahoma remain open to those affected by wildfires, the American Red Cross stated in a news release Sunday. "With residents allowed to return to areas under threat of wildfires, all evacuation centers are now closed. Several shelters remain open for Oklahomans displaced from their homes or in need of services," the company said in the release. The nonprofit is offering a place for displaced residents to sleep, meals, snacks, water, health services, spiritual care, connecting to loved ones and information about community disaster-related resources at the following locations: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Payne County Fairgrounds Community Building at 4518 Expo Circle E in Stillwater Luther Community Center at 18120 Hog Back Road in Luther First Methodist Church of Mannford at 100 Greenwood E Ave. in Mannford Grand Casino Grand Eagle Room at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. in Shawnee The Red Cross reported around 160 people stayed overnight at local shelters since Friday and has sent over 50 workers to devastated communities. As wildfire risks continue this week, the Red Cross shared some safety tips. You may have to leave your home quickly to stay safe. Have a to-go kit with at least three days' worth of supplies ready. Have a location and route planned ahead of time. Map out different escape routes from your home and community, and practice them with your family to become familiarized. Stay informed about how your community responds to wildfires. For more information, go to http//www.redcross.org/wildfire. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Red Cross lists shelters still open to wildfire victims What unites Texans of all political persuasions is the nonpartisan principle that our government must operate in the sunlight. We have the right and responsibility to keep watch on how tax money is spent and how public officials make decisions. But it takes access to information to do it. Our state transparency laws envision citizens having power over government. Every legislative session, updates and improvements are needed so that the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act function as intended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Sunshine Coalition, representing 16 organizations with varying interests, works to protect the publics right to know. Supporters of the coalition testified this month before a key Texas House committee on enhancing public information laws. As we embark on national Sunshine Week (March 16-22) and call attention to open government, lets embrace these bipartisan sunshine proposals in the Texas Legislature: Enforcement. When governments dont respond to information requestors or dont provide all the releasable records, common sense enforcement is necessary in the Public Information Act. Requestors deserve a solid system for filing complaints with the attorney general, and government officials found to have acted wrongly should face consequences such as additional open government training. Senate Bill 919 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and HB 4219 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, would achieve this. If a requestor must file a lawsuit to force release of information, there should be a way to recover attorneys fees if the requestor prevails. Texas appellate court decisions have made that difficult, allowing governments to hand over records at the last minute often after costly litigation and avoid paying legal fees. Those who successfully sue a government to obtain information need to recover attorneys fees or, as Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, recently pointed out, thats not a fair fight. Pending legislation would clarify legal fee provisions. SB 824 by Middleton, HB 2248 by Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, and SB 1291 by Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, address the issue. User friendly Initiatives. Legislative proposals to help citizens and governments better use and carry out the Public Information Act include requiring that the attorney generals office operates a toll-free open government hotline; ensuring that the government official or outside legal counsel who responds to citizens requests completes open government training; and allowing for mediation between a requestor and a government. These are contained in SB 1294 and SB 1295 by Johnson and SB 1130 by Middleton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disclosing basic information. Some governments store information in electronic spreadsheets but convert these documents to PDF images before producing them to the public. This conversion is unnecessary and makes it difficult to search and sort information. The attorney generals office has recommended producing documents in their original format, including spreadsheets. SB 50 by Zaffirini and HB 4218 by Capriglione would place this in law. Ensuring that dates of birth are available in public records helps verify the identification of people with common names, whether in news reporting on crime or background checks conducted by lenders, landlords and employers. Dates of birth on applications by candidates for office help voters understand who is on the ballot. Birthdate disclosure is done in patchwork fashion across Texas following an Austin appellate court ruling a few years ago. HB 3719 by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and SB 1293 by Johnson would eliminate confusion and restore access to this basic information. All these sunshine proposals center on preserving our rights, and the free flow of information goes hand in hand with the First Amendment liberty to freely speak out about government. Its about truth, Middleton said, noting the Texas Public Information Act states that citizens grant powers to the government, not the other way around. The rights belong to the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley Shannon is the executive director of the nonprofit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. The Sunshine Coalition also includes the Texas Association of Broadcasters; Texas Press Association; Texas Public Policy Foundation; Institute for Justice; ACLU of Texas; Every Texan; Common Cause; Grassroots America; League of Women Voters of Texas; SMU School of Law First Amendment Clinic; Texas Appleseed; Texas Association of Licensed Investigators; Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom; Public Citizen; PublicData.com. Kelley Shannon is the executive director of the nonprofit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Shining a light on government brings Texans together | Opinion SHINNSTON, W.Va. (WBOY) Harrison County first responders took center stage Saturday as Shinnston rolled out its annual Saint Patricks Day parade in their honor. Downtown Shinnston transformed into a sea of green, celebrating both the dedication of emergency personnel and the rich Irish heritage woven into the community. Spectators lined the streets, cheering as St. Patricks Day-themed floats rolled by to the sounds of bagpipes and the rhythmic beats of Irish step dancers. Chief of the Shinnston Fire Department Matt Bartlett felt very honored at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Pattys Day has always been something big for Shinnston from the fire department for the town, Bartlett said. A lot of the fire fighters in the past always celebrated a strong history with St. Patricks Day. The parade route kicked off at the Shinnston Bridge, winding through downtown toward Clarksburg and ending near Walgreens. Law enforcement officials, including the Shinnston Police Department, highlighted their strong collaboration with county sheriffs and area police departments, emphasizing their shared commitment to public safety. Were trying to keep continuously growing the department, its hard to compete with everybody elses funds. We are now at three K-9s, we have two shepherds and a bloodhound, Chief of the Shinnston Police Department Jon Harbert said. My shepherd within another year or so is going to be retiring due to his age and I have one of his sons that Ive bred. And he will be taking over for dad at the point he gets trained. Ireland, WV hosts 43rd annual Irish Spring Festival Parade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the initiatives spotlighted was the departments growing K9 training program, which provides specialized training for police dogs from across the region. Officers noted that the program has expanded each year, with K9 units playing a crucial role in monthly drug seizures, thanks to coordinated efforts with the sheriffs department. Its an honor to be a part of the community and an honor to be a volunteer fireman. So, its very cool to be able to give back to the community and be a part of this to get out there and show the people that we serve and just to support them, Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny II said. What is nice about being a volunteer fireman is its not only just for Shinnston but its for the first dues around the area like Spelter, Hebzibah, we help out Marion County when they have a fire. Councilman Rodney Strait of the City of Shinnston highlighted the dedication of the areas first responders, emphasizing the extensive training and effort required for their roles. He also noted that this is a valuable opportunity for the city to honor them and for residents to show their appreciation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) had a heated exchange with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other Democratic Party members who she said switched their stance on support for the filibuster in the upper chamber. Change of heart on the filibuster, I see, Sinema wrote on social media with a screenshot of a post from Ocasio-Cortez shaming the Arizona lawmaker for not supporting ending the filibuster in order to pass Roe v. Wade protections. Sinemas comments come as Democrats urged their counterparts to use a filibuster to prevent the House-GOP led government spending bill from advancing. Circumventing the filibuster requires the Senate to obtain 60 votes to approve legislation, but some Democrats in the past have argued the strategy, which is often used to delay votes, should be abolished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, many were calling for its use this week to avoid cuts to health care and research featured in the continuing resolution (CR). Ocasio-Cortez said she felt a deep sense of outrage and betrayal over Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) decision to vote in favor of the bill. When pressed for changing her stance on the filibuster by Sinema, the New York representative defended her views, claiming Democrats dont use the filibuster when its warranted. Still no. In fact, the same Dems who argue to keep the filibuster for when we need it do not, in fact, use it when we need it, Ocasio-Cortez fired back in response to Sinema. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its only used to block Dem policies. Never to block harmful GOP ones. Could have proved us wrong. Instead they proved the point. Sinema still argued some showed a change of heart during votes this week. Literally zero Senate Democrats support the filibuster. 38 voted to filibuster the continuing resolution yesterday. 8 who previously voted to eliminate the filibuster (1/19/22) did not filibuster. 1 who previously campaigned against the filibuster did not filibuster, Sinema said. It was followed by a sarcastic post targeting Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). Popular take from the Left:If u had eliminated the filibuster & voted for everything that the Left wanted, the threat of the filibuster being used by Rs would never happen bc Ds would win every election & have a permanent majority, Sinema wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What a breathtakingly undemocratic take. Sinemas posts are another sign of the fracture in the Democratic Partys approach to legislative measures. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh has written a letter to Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking detailed information regarding the funds allocated and spent by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on the maintenance of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, located in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district. The letter dated March 15, reads, "I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to seek detailed information regarding the funds allocated and spent by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on the maintenance of Aurangzeb's tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambha ji Nagar district, Maharashtra." In the letter, Singh sought detailed explanation on the total amount spent by the ASI on the tomb over the years, year-wise expenditure details incurred on maintenance, security, and other related aspects. The BJP MLA further sought justification for continued government spending on the tomb of Aurangzeb, a ruler who was responsible for the "destruction" of our temples, the killing of Hindu kings, and the "suppression" of culture In the letter, the BJP MLA said, "The justification for continued government spending on the tomb of Aurangzeb, a ruler who was responsible for the destruction of our temples, the killing of Hindu kings, and the suppression of our culture." Singh urged the Central government to consider halting any further expenditure on Aurangzeb's tomb immediately. The letter stated, "It is my strong belief that not a single rupee of taxpayer money should be spent on maintaining the tomb of a tyrant who caused immense suffering to our ancestors. The government should consider halting any further expenditure on this site immediately, as it holds no relevance to our cultural heritage and history of valor." "I request your prompt response and necessary action on this matter. Looking forward to your reply," it added. (ANI) The Long March began at Stalag Luft III, in what is now Zagan, Poland. Stalag Luft III was a prisoner-of-war camp built by the Luftwaffe in March 1942 to detain captured airmen who were part of the Allied coalition at war with Nazi Germany. At its peak, the camp housed approximately 49,000 prisoners of war, with around 11,000 of those men participating in the Long March in late January and early February of 1945. During their taxing journey, the soldiers faced freezing temperatures, snow and starvation, and many suffered from illnesses. The Luftwaffe also constantly threatened them. While marching through their ordeal, the soldiers had little chance to sleep or rest. One of the first stops they made was at a church in Halbau, Germany, which is now Iowa, Poland. This is where soldiers from Stalag Luft IIIs Center Compound stayed the night. The soldiers crowded into the church and other nearby buildings. Some could not find shelter and had to stay outdoors in the cold. When we arrived at the church, we saw its large clock tower and beautiful stained-glass windows. A plaque inside commemorates a donation made by Maj. Gen. Delmar Spivey and a few others 30 years after the war. This donation paid for one of the windows. The inscription reads, Dedicated to the glory of God, donated by grateful American Air Force POWs (from) Stalag Luft III who found shelter here during the night of (Jan.) 28, 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Richard Butler, whose father was Flight Officer Richard Butler, the experience was especially profound. He was able to sit in the same spot where his father sat 80 years ago. His father had been in a battle over Italy, where he destroyed another aircraft but flew through debris that damaged one of his engines. This caused a fire, forcing him to parachute and land in the Bay of Naples. After escaping Italian forces, Butler was later captured by the Germans. Butler was processed at Stalag VII A before eventually arriving at Stalag Luft III. He participated in the Long March and was among those who stayed in the church. For Richard Butler, revisiting the places where his father had been evoked a deep connection. He said, It makes me feel very close to him. I read his journals, and published them, and did a lot of research for background. And I thought about what it was like but to actually be in this place takes that intellectual knowledge a step further, or several steps, and I feel like hes there beside me. Another place we visited was the barns in Lipna, Poland, formerly Selingersruh, Germany. Many POWs spent a frigid night there during the Long March. A restoration of the barns is being done by Wawo and Anya Putkiewicz, along with their two little girls. They are dedicated to keeping the history of the barns alive. They have completed the restoration of one out of the four buildings on the property. Their goal is to maintain historical accuracy while also ensuring safety for visitors. They have also incorporated new elements, including a plaque recognizing the soldiers who stayed there overnight. Bullet holes nearby serve as a reminder of the events that occurred there. Wawo and Anya aim to preserve history and enhance peoples understanding of not only the Long March but the impact that communism had on Lipna, Poland, after World War II. To achieve this, they will hold events and exhibitions to educate the public about the history of their city. During the POWs stay at the barns, we were told, they encountered a German count and his wife. While there, the count provided them with hot water. One family member who was moved by the experience at the barns was Judith Carey Moore. Her father, Staff Sgt. Gerald J. Carey of the U.S. Army Air Corps, stayed in one of the barns while on the Long March. Carey served as a tail gunner on a B-25 aircraft. His plane encountered heavy flak near Bologna, Italy, causing one of its engines to catch fire. As a result, the pilot issued the order to bail out. After his capture, he was sent to Stalag Luft III. Throughout his Long March experience, Carey slept in many barns, including the one at Lipna. He also believed that he had stayed at a pottery factory. On the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Long March, Judith discovered that it was actually the glass factory in Bad Muskau, Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I asked her how it felt to be in the places where her father and his fellow POWs had slept, Judith replied that it was emotional to actually see the places and be near the places that they were because these men didnt say anything when they came home. They kept it quiet, they never talked about it. Its good to find out more about what they went through. This experience allowed her to gain a deeper appreciation for her fathers strength. The McCaleb Initiative for Peace has allowed students to travel to many locations where significant wars occurred. This was the first time students have visited sites related to Kenneth McCalebs wartime experience. In McCalebs memoir, he recounts being crammed into barns with only straw to sleep on. One night in a barn, he was suffering from a hernia and struggled to move his left leg. The other POWs he was with during the Long March were like family, and they assisted McCaleb while he was injured. Eventually, they all arrived at Bad Muskau, Germany, where they sought shelter. Some people found refuge in glass warehouses, stables and barns in the area. McCaleb ended up in a warehouse, where they were able to build a fire. During this time, everyone in McCalebs group developed sinusitis. Fortunately, the warmth inside the glass warehouse helped McCaleb recover from his hernia and regain feeling in his leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCalebs experiences, including these sleepless nights, motivated him to gain a deeper understanding of war and emphasize the importance of striving for peace. Judith Carey shares that motivation. (People) dont grasp the total picture of what it is to be without your freedom and what these men went through to give us our freedom. When asked if she had any concluding thoughts, Judith said, I would like to say thank you to the German people who helped them along the way. I like to thank all the churches that gave them shelter. Editors note Kylee Trevarrow is a senior at Missouri Southern State University who will graduate this spring with a bachelors degree in history and a minor in anthropology. She recently traveled to Germany and Poland to participate in an event commemorating the Long March of 1945 with her professor, Steven Wagner, and a classmate, Raylynn Downey. The opportunity was given to them by the McCaleb Initiative for Peace at MSSU. This initiative was established in 1998 by Kenneth McCaleb and his wife, Margaret Baughman McCaleb, to examine the causes of war and discuss ways in which war can be prevented. Since its establishment, the initiative has provided many students with the chance to travel to sites of past wars, study the devastation they caused, and report their findings to promote peace and help prevent future wars. McCaleb was one of the prisoners of war who survived the 62-mile Long March. During this trip, the MSSU group had the chance to meet the family members of several of these POWs and learn the stories of their fathers and grandfathers. This is the fourth article in a series on their trip. The city of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly made prevention of property destruction at the hands of St. Frattys Day partiers a priority this year and on the morning of the big celebration, the famously large crowds failed to materialize in the neighborhoods around campus. In the weeks leading up to Saturdays festivities, the city and university officials teamed up to introduce enhanced enforcement measures after last years party drew over 6,000 people. In January, the city expanded the usual safety enhancement zone which previously ran on St. Frattys Day only to include the weekend before and the days surrounding the event as well, while the university staged a 5,000-person concert with headliners Zhu and Galantis on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the sun rose over the neighborhoods surrounding the university, crowds flocked to the on-campus music festival, then trickled out to the streets as the concert wore on. I would say its good enforcement, but they should have gave a better option for all the students, third-year student Emily Lopez said while hanging out on Hathway Avenue at 8 a.m. I like the concert idea, but they should have made it available to all students. Four people were arrested Saturday in relation to St. Frattys Day party, San Luis Obispo Police Department said in a news release adding that it was less than expected. It will release full totals for the two weekends it instituted heightened fines. The year before garnered 18 arrests on the party day and 35 total for the weekends with higher fines.. Police told students gathering on Hathway Avenue in San Luis Obispo to go home or get arrested on the morning of March 15, 2025. The area is usually home to a raucous block party for St. Frattys Day. Police disperse partiers, push students from streets In 2024, Hathway was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with partiers, with little breathing room and crowds covering more than two blocks of streets, sidewalks and yards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, scattered groups of people searched the street for places to party as police officers set up checkpoints throughout the neighborhoods nearest Cal Poly and patrolled the area on foot, bike, motorcycle and horseback, keeping crowds from accumulating. Law enforcement appeared to place an emphasis on keeping crowds from collecting in the street, corralling the masses onto the sidewalks and away from any one neighborhood. Police told students gathering on Hathway Avenue in San Luis Obispo to go home or get arrested on the morning of March 15, 2025. The area is usually home to a raucous block party for St. Frattys Day. Though law enforcement permitted students to walk through the neighborhoods that have historically been home to the party, they gave the crowds a short leash when it came to lingering anywhere. Their message: Go home or you get arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Luis Obispo Police Department spokesperson Christine Wallace told The Tribune that it looked like the citys work to prevent street partying appeared successful as of Saturday morning. Police told students gathering on Hathway Avenue in San Luis Obispo to go home or get arrested on the morning of March 15, 2025. The area is usually home to a raucous block party for St. Frattys Day. We are appreciative of the support of the agencies that came in to assist, she said. We were able to manage the people who were in the neighborhoods looking to create a street party and disseminate them (before) anything could really get going. San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica Stewart told The Tribune the St. Frattys Day management was heartening but also asserted that it was not over yet. She credited local police as well as the law enforcement that traveled from around the state to help the city and university prevent the block party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Stewart said the city was moving forward with heightened awareness. Were still all very aware that St. Patricks Day is not done and the safety enhancement zone is still here throughout Tuesday, she said. As of mid-morning on Saturday, Cal Poly spokesman Matt Lazier said there had been no major incidents of on-campus vandalism or damage related to partying. Some partying activity with minor damage, Lazier told The Tribune around 7:30 a.m. So far, nothing on the order of what we saw last year. Law enforcement patrolled in the neighborhoods surrounding Cal Poly and stopped students from gathering in streets like Hathway Avenue that were the site of heavy partying in previous years, pictured March 15, 2025. Students, neighbors respond to SLO enforcement San Luis Obispo resident Kathie Walker, who lives in the vicinity of the traditional block party, told The Tribune she was happy with the neighborhood management Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker is active in Residents for Quality Neighborhoods, a community group that has advocated for better management of St. Frattys Day partying. The response by law enforcement exceeded our expectations and we are really happy with how everything was handled this morning, she said. We all hope this continues in future years. Cindy Vix, another San Luis Obispo resident and Residents for Quality Neighborhoods affiliate, owns a rental home on Bond Street that was vandalized during last years block party. She had concerns about this years celebration, but was ultimately happy with how the city and university managed the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just thrilled, she told The Tribune on Saturday after the bulk of the celebration wound down. She said she would remain cautiously optimistic this weekend and hoped law enforcement would maintain a strong presence in the neighborhoods. Many students said while they understood the reasons for the enhanced enforcement measures, they were disappointed that the mass party was off the table. Being a criminology major, I understand the conflict, second-year student Scott Craig said. I think the law enforcement want everyone to have a good time but they want to keep the street safe, and I understand why theyre trying to stop it, but at the same time its Cal Poly. Let the kids live and have fun. Two dozen agencies helped with St. Frattys response San Luis Obispo Police Department spokesperson Christine Wallace told The Tribune that nearly 300 officers from agencies across several counties helped with the response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, Wallace said, 24 law enforcement agencies worked the event. At least eight of those agencies were local to San Luis Obispo County: the San Luis Obispo Police Department, San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office, police departments from Arroyo Grande, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and Grover Beach, the San Luis Obispo County Probation and Atascadero State Hospital. Six were state agencies: the California Highway Patrol, State Fish and Wildlife, State Parks, the California Deptartment of Alcohol Beverage Control, the Department of Corrections and the California National Guard. The National Guard was not in the field but was assisting with technology related to field deployment, Wallace said. The other out-of-county agencies were the sheriffs offices from Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and Kings County and police departments from Guadalupe, San Francisco, Shafter, Oxnard, Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Barbara. Kings County and Santa Barbara County sheriffs offices both provided equestrian units. In its 122nd year, the South Boston St. Patricks Day/Evacuation Day parade took off from Broadway Station on Sunday morning. An earlier start time was agreed upon by city leaders to help curb public drinking and rowdiness that occurred during 2024s event. Today, everybody is Irish, said Brian Yanovitch, one of the parade operations directors. The annual tradition celebrates the rich Irish heritage that permeates the city, and it also honors the day in 1776 when British troops left Boston after a lengthy attack during the Revolutionary War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its historical, its cultural, and were just happy to be part of the fun, explained John Axiotakis who was participating in the parade with his crew from Boston Schmuck Tours. While celebration is a key ingredient to the event, Paulie Veneto, behind the Paulies Push nonprofit, participates to ensure people dont forget the flight crews who died in 9/11. He was working as a flight attendant on United Flight 175 the night before it hit the second tower. It was pretty special for me to do this last year, said Veneto. Just like Veneto, the parade holds special significance to countless people who have attended over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love seeing the Boston community come out and just celebrate St. Patricks Day, said Miss Massachusetts 2024 Melissa Sapini. On Sunday afternoon, Boston police announced alcohol had been seized due to underage drinking and or public drinking, urging parade guests to respect the neighborhoods where the celebrations are taking place. Since 1948, the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council has been organizing the parade. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (NewsNation) NASA and SpaceXs mission to relieve Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been in orbit for nine months,has officially launched. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 is expected to dock at the International Space Station on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. Watch: American Airlines plane evacuated after fire Once on board the ISS, there will be a handover period, which has been shortened due to concerns about commodities on the ISS after an upcoming supply mission experienced an issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Crew-9 will then return, along with Wilmore and Williams. Theyre expected to depart the ISS no earlier than March 19, pending weather at the splashdown locations off the coast of Florida, NASA said. SpaceX fixes launch pad hydraulics issue NASA astronaut Anne McClain is leading the Crew-10 mission, accompanied by NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Crew 10, from left, cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, astronaut Nichole Ayers, astronaut Anne McClain and JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi leave the Operations and Checkout building before heading to Launch Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., for a mission to the International Space Station on March 12. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) The mission was originally set to blast off Wednesday night, but the launch was canceled because of a hydraulic ground issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket, NASA said. Blood moon visible across North America in total lunar eclipse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA has reported SpaceX successfully flushed a suspected pocket of trapped air in the system. The mission was originally scheduled for a Crew Dragon spacecraft, but due to delays, NASA instead opted for the Dragon Endurance. Starliner astronauts stuck in space for 9 months Wilmore and Williams blasted off on Boeings Starliner last summer for a mission initially meant to last two weeks. However, after multiple issues, including helium leaks in the service module and docking issues, NASA deemed it unsafe for them to return. FILE In this photo provided by NASA, Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams pose for a portrait inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Stations Harmony module and Boeings Starliner spacecraft on June 13, 2024. (NASA via AP, File) The two have pushed back against claims that they are stranded in space and have said they are thrilled to spend more time in orbit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Starliner returned to Earth safely in an autonomous flight, but its unclear if NASA will move forward with plans to use the spacecraft for future crewed missions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WKBN) Ohio hunters and anglers can now apply for this years special spring trout fishing dates and wild turkey hunts. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife allows wild turkey hunting at Mosquito Creek in Trumbull County this spring. Residents can apply for special turkey hunts and trout fishing access online via the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or through the HuntFish OH mobile app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All hunters are required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and wild turkey permit. For more information on obtaining these materials and other special hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the state, visit ODNRs website. Applicants will be selected through a random, computer-based lottery system. A nonrefundable $3 fee is charged for each application. Applicants must have all required licenses and permits before submitting their information. People can also apply over the phone by calling 1-866-703-1928 with a service fee of $5.50. The application period is open until Monday, March 31. 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. A police official was killed, and several other police personnel were injured in a mob attack in Madhya Pradesh's Mauganj district. The incident occurred on Friday in the Gadra village of Ramnagari Panchayat of Mauganj district when a police team went to a village to intervene in a clash between two groups and rescue a man who had been held hostage and later killed. The injured officials have been receiving treatment at Civil Hospital and Ashirwad Hospital, Mauganj. According to the police, there was a dispute going on between two groups in the village, which the police had reached to calm down. But the villagers suddenly took an aggressive stance and attacked the police team. During this, the policemen were attacked with sticks and stones, due to which many of them were injured. Speaking to ANI, the Superintendent of Police of the Rewa district stated that the situation is now "under control," and heavy forces have been deployed in the area. The official also said that the injured police officials have been receiving treatment at the hospital. Vivek Kumar, SP Rewa, said, "In Shahpur police station of Mauganj district, there was a clash where some people were held hostage and police went to intervene in the matter. In the fold of the incident, stones were also pelted." "In the incident, one police officer and a civilian died. Apart from this, many police personnel are injured. They have been admitted to the hospital, and their treatment is underway. As of now, the situation in that village is under control, and a heavy police force has been deployed there," he added. Further details are awaited into the matter. (ANI) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The streets of downtown Rochester were filled with green on Saturday for the annual St. Patricks Day Parade! Folks from across the area showed up and showed off their spirit, decked out in green attire and waving their Irish flags with pride. The team from News 8 WROC attend the festivities every year, and just as they look forward to the tradition, so do many families in our community. I love that Rochester has so many opportunities for people to get out, get together and have a good time, Roc Around Events organizer Robyn Karma said. This parade is definitely one of my favorites. I was out here last year too, and it always blows a fresh breeze of air into my sails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade stepped off at the corner of East Avenue at Alexander Street at 12:30 p.m., stretching along Main Street and ending at Main and Fitzhugh Streets. WATCH: Full 2025 Tops St. Patricks Day Parade Some folks, including Nick Benes, enjoy the positivity festivities like this radiate. This is what brings everyone together, this is what we need in the world is everyone coming together and just celebrating, having a good time and enjoying themselves, Benes said. Along the parade route, local vendors sold merchandise, many bars around East and Alexander opened early for patrons and restaurants were packed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many, the St. Patricks Day Parade marks the start of festival season in the community, and theyre looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and celebrate. I love interacting with the people of our community and getting to meet everyone, Benes said. I love getting to talk to them, hear their stories and get a piece of the culture around here. Its awesome! Some upcoming festivities in the Rochester area as the weather warms up include the Rochester Jazz Festival and the Lilac Festival. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) This week on The Spectrum: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says the state of Ohio is strong, but there is room for improvement. What are the policies he wants lawmakers to take action on? Theres a new leader at the Columbus Business Partnership. What is his vision for the city and what does he say are the biggest challenges facing the region? Its been five years since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lasting scars a new study shows the virus and the response to it left on the countrys political system. Republican strategist Bob Clegg and Democratic strategist Morgan Harper weigh in on DeWines State of the State address and whether or not lawmakers will take action on his priorities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As spring arrives, many people eagerly anticipate buying colourful tulip bouquets, but rising prices are likely to dampen their enthusiasm. A spokeswoman for major flower retailer Blume 2000 in Germany reported that a 10-stem bunch of tulips now costs about 1 ($1.09) more than last year, with some varieties seeing price increases of 30% to 50%. Despite the higher prices, the quality of the tulips has reportedly decreased, and supermarket chain Rewe has reported similar difficulties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The price increase is mainly due to poor harvests. Industry experts explain that the last two years of wet weather and frost have hampered tulip bulb growth. Consequently, only 70% to 80% of the usual supply is available, leading to higher prices. At retailers such as Blume 2000 and Blumen Risse in Germany, tulip bunches are currently priced at about 4.99, with premium varieties like parrot tulips costing up to 7.99. In a Rewe supermarket in Dusseldorf, tulips are available for 4.79. Prices vary depending on the region and variety and the number of stems per bunch can range from seven to 10. Some retailers also note that they are not passing the full price increase on to customers. Germany is largest importer of Dutch tulips Tulips are typically available from mid-January to July, with most of the bulbs and cut flowers sold in Germany coming from the Netherlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tulip cultivation is the largest segment of flower and bulb farming there, covering over half of the countrys 28,000 hectares of flower fields. Dutch traders export around 10 billion tulips annually to markets worldwide, including Germany, which is their largest customer. Mark-Jan Terwindt, director of the flower bulb trade association Royal Anthos, noted that tulip harvests this year are significantly lower than in previous years. However, traders are not expecting a major downturn. In January 2025, Dutch flower and plant exports rose by 7% compared to the previous year. Why are tulips are so popular? According to Nicola Fink from the Association of German Florists, tulips symbolize the arrival of spring, offering much-needed colour after the winter months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the dark winter months and at the start of the new year, people crave colour which is why tulips are so popular," she said. In addition to tulips, other spring flowers like daffodils and hyacinths have also faced poor harvests, though these varieties are generally less sensitive to weather conditions. In recent years, prices for cut flowers in Germany have risen significantly. The Federal Statistical Office, or Destatis, reports that consumers paid 31.3% more for flowers in 2024 than they did in 2020. Nearly six weeks into her tenure, Attorney General Pam Bondi finds herself in the unenviable position of being the sole Trump Cabinet member absorbing consistent political heat from critics on both the left who are decrying cuts to the nations top law enforcement agency and on the right who remain furious about her failure to deliver on one of their great white whales: The Jeffrey Epstein files. By all indications, Bondis position remains secure with President Donald Trump, who called her fantastic on Thursday and gave her a glowing review during a visit to the Justice Department Friday. The longer-term question is how much more patience and grace Trumps base will grant Bondi, who already bears scars as the central figure in arguably the administrations earliest blunder. Shes not typically rolling with people like us, said Steve Deace, a host on Glenn Becks BlazeTV network who built a national following through his Christian-rooted conservative commentary in Iowa. I think she got caught, frankly, playing a role that maybe she doesnt sincerely understand, believe in, and got way over her skis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seated at the center of his assembled four-person panel, Beck had concluded the nations top prosecutor was out of step with Trumps Cabinet and uncoordinated with a surprisingly cohesive White House staff. What else, he wondered, could explain botching a high-profile promise to the partys base to release never-before-seen flight logs, names and other potentially incriminating details about those who associated with Epstein, who killed himself in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Deace offered Bondi an instant path to redemption: A single name in the yet-to-be released trove of documents surrounding the infamous suspected sex trafficker who died in prison under mysterious circumstances. Give us one confirmed name, Deace proposed, something that demonstrates that she is going to follow through on this, this time. The Epstein files: What is public, and what is still secret? More than a week since the segment and two weeks since Bondi teased the great Epstein release, the Department of Justice says its still in the process of reviewing thousands of pages of documents that arent quite ready for the publics eyes. Were not trying to win a race here, were trying to protect victims, said a Department of Justice spokesman, who did not have a timeline for public release. But transparency will lead the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House officials wont even speculate when they might be coming. The FBI declined to comment on the report Bondi ordered up to determine why certain Epstein files have been withheld for so long, but its expected to be made public. She thought it was more together than she discovered it was, said Adam Goodman, a longtime adviser who helped launch Bondis political career in Florida. At the same time, theres a legion of former Department of Justice officials who fear Bondis unique obeisance to this president is undermining the foundation of an independent Justice Department. During her confirmation hearing, Bondi said she would urge the president to review pardons for Jan. 6 rioters on a case-by-case basis, but said nothing when Trump issued blanket clemency for all 1,500 charged or convicted in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even when they are trying to stick to norms, Donald Trump is saying, No, Im in charge. I make the decisions, said Anthony Coley, a former senior advisor to Merrick Garland, the Biden administrations attorney general. And Pam Bondi is careful enough that she wants to stay in Donald Trumps good graces unlike her two predecessors. They both had lines they would not cross with Trump. Jeffrey Epstein in custody in West Palm Beach in 2008. Stepped on a rake At the moment, Bondis position is much more politically precarious with the right, which might explain her omnipresence on Fox News and Fox Business programming, where shes repeatedly turned to safely articulate her explanation for the Epstein files mishap Everythings going to come out to the public, she assured host Sean Hannity and return to her preferred message of cleaning up the Biden era Justice Department and prosecuting violent crime. Ask a connected Florida politico to explain Bondis ascendance and it usually returns to this: Shes always lit up a camera and knows TV talent is a strength that still sells with this president, even as other conservative luminaries have decamped to podcasts and online media. Shes doing a great job, offered Megyn Kelly, a loyal Trump administration cheerleader, on her podcast, but the Epstein file thing was a disaster. They embarrassed themselves. They stepped on a rake for no apparent reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epsteins connections to powerful and wealthy politicians and celebrities fueled deep and widespread speculation about who exactly was caught up in his web. His death in prison in 2019 during the first Trump administration supercharged conspiracy theories among the right that he was murdered to prevent high-profile names from being exposed. And the conviction of longtime Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell of child sex trafficking left many on the right demanding to know to whom she was trafficking. Relishing an element of surprise, Bondi unexpectedly busted into a White House meeting called by press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Vice President JD Vance with a group of MAGA-friendly social media influencers on Feb. 27 to distribute binders with Epstein documents, which were hoisted in the air for triumphant photos before anyone realized they contained essentially no new information. Conservatives are so used to being out of power and complaining about it that they dont always know how to behave when they cant just blame everything on the people in charge, said Robby Soave, the libertarian host of the online show Rising. The people in charge is you. If the Deep State is getting in the way, expose them, fire people, name names, do what your base wants. Steve Bannon, a top adviser during Trumps first term and one of his most powerful outside agitators, told his legions of viewers the release was a fiasco with one culprit to blame. Pam Bondi oversold this, he said. Steve Bannon, former advisor to Donald Trump, on Dec. 17, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. Worrisome cuts Among the close-knit legal intelligentsia and former Justice Department officials, the Epstein files are a MAGA-fueled urban legend. Its Bondis department-wide firings that have them more troubled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis move to quash the corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams caused a half a dozen resignations of senior department officials, including the Southern District of New Yorks top federal prosecutor. But Bondi is also overseeing cuts within her building, including to the Public Integrity Section that takes on corruption cases against public officials, according to multiple media reports and confirmed by a former Justice Department official. Bondi told Hannity one of her goals is to root out DOJ and FBI employees who despise Donald Trump. There are scores of career folks who were canned or transferred to some sanctuary city task force, said the former DOJ source, granted anonymity to speak about a sensitive topic. The personnel decisions seem quite worrisome dismissing senior career professionals who have served DOJ honorably regardless of who is president and who is attorney general. The Justice Department spokesman said while its true Bondi is overseeing a broad review of Department resources, no reductions have been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are also highlighting that among the prosecutors Bondi has put on leave is Andrew Rohrbach, who worked on the successful prosecutions of Maxwell, crypto wunderkind Sam Bankman-Fried and attorney Michael Avenatti. But some Trump-aligned influencers see Rohrbach as part of a bureaucratic blob that stymied the publication of Epsteins client list. Coley compared Bondi to Janet Reno, another Florida-born female prosecutor who became President Clintons attorney general. Whereas Reno was the countrys first female attorney general, Bondi is the first Republican female U.S. attorney general. Neither woman was the first choice of their president. The similarities though, stop there. Reno was fiercely independent of the Bill Clinton White House. Loyalty isnt a strong enough word of Bondis fidelity to Trump. She is blindly obedient, Coley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That intense devotion to Trump is the ultimate political shield, but conservatives say the MAGA movement has much higher expectations for substantive accomplishments for Trumps second term, indicating their pressure campaigns will only alleviate when they see deliverables. And pressure is still festering within her own party, even from her home state. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who has been one of the loudest elected officials on the Epstein files, told reporters on Capitol Hill if Bondi ultimately brings charges shell turn out to be one of the best attorney generals in U.S. history. If she doesnt do this, Luna shrugged, then it is what it is. How many immigrants has Trump deported? The numbers are fuzzy. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is cutting 12% of its workforce or about 7,000 jobs. But what does that mean for retirees and other Social Security beneficiaries? The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created under the Trump administration, is tasked with cutting out government fraud and waste. While Amy Gleason is acting administrator of the task force, its unofficially spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, consistent with recent executive orders issued by the White House, the SSA is cutting its workforce from 57,000 to 50,000 employees. It has also closed its Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunities. Because of the massive government cuts, some Americans are starting to worry about potential cuts to programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. DOGE has already taken aim at several other agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Education. Almost 69 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits, including retirees, veterans and people with disabilities. Its one of the nations most popular programs, with a recent AP-NORC poll finding that two-thirds of American adults think the U.S. is spending too little on Social Security. But, if no interventions are made, Social Security will run short of funds and be unable to pay full benefits as early as 2033. The Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds report states that, at that point, it would only be able to pay 79% of retirement benefits. How Social Security is changing The SSAs prior acting commissioner, Michelle King, was recently replaced after clashing with DOGE over access to Social Security records. She was replaced by Leland Dudek, a mid-level SSA employee who had been on administrative leave for aiding DOGE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, the SSA announced in a press release. The release also said its regional structure of 10 offices is no longer sustainable, and it will reduce the regional structure in all agency components down to four regions. While the SSA is offering early retirement and voluntary separation incentives (also known as buy-outs) to employees, its likely that some workforce reductions will come from layoffs. For example, by shuttering its Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, 140 workers have been placed on administrative leave. Musk said on X that his goal of auditing the SSA was to stop the extreme levels of fraud taking place, so that it remains solvent and protects the Social Security checks of honest Americans! As an example of fraud, hes pointed to Social Security recipients in the SSA database who are 150 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in a 2023 report, the SSAs Office of the Inspector General found that although there were 18.9 million Social Security numberholders in the database over 100 years old with no data about their death dates almost none of the 18.9 million numberholders currently receive SSA payments. Another goal of the Trump administration is to crack down on overpayments to save an estimated $7 billion over the next decade, with the SSA announcing that it would withhold 100% of benefits from overpaid beneficiaries until they paid back their debt even if the overpayment was a mistake on the part of the SSA. Previously, the SSA withheld 10% of benefits for overpayments. Read more: An alarming 97% of older Americans are carrying debt into retirement heres why and 4 simple things you can do if youre stuck in the same situation What does this mean for you? The SSA is already plagued with long wait times and those are expected to get even longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were at a 50-year staffing low, and were serving the highest number of beneficiaries weve ever had in the history of this agency, Rich Couture, a spokesperson for the American Federation of Government Employees Social Security General Committee, told CNN. All of this will adversely undermine the ability of SSA to fulfill its responsibilities to the American people for the provision of Social Security benefits. For example, any beneficiaries being overpaid by the SSA who suddenly stop receiving checks will have to contact the SSA to negotiate paying back their overpayment either via the toll-free number or at their local office. But as the workforce is reduced, local offices shutter and hold times increase for the toll-free number, it could take much longer to resolve such issues. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the program, said in a statement that these reductions will deny many Americans access to their hard-earned Social Security benefits as field offices close and wait times for the 1-800 number soar. Musk has also indicated he wants to replace workers with AI chatbots. Contrary to what Elon Musk and his acolytes may believe, AI chatbots are no substitute for in-person service from a human being, said Altman in her statement. Americans apply for Social Security benefits at the most vulnerable times of their lives. Moreover, many people who seek information may have trouble articulating or even knowing what questions they need to ask. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with its headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland and 10 regional offices, the SSA has a nationwide network of about 1,200 field offices. On average, 170,000 Americans visit and 250,000 call a field office every day, whether its to file a claim, ask questions or update information. Its safe to say countless Americans will feel the impact of the SSA staff cuts, with the potential for many questions to be left unanswered. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. The Crew 10 Dragon capsule caught up with the International Space Station and moved in for a textbook docking early Sunday, bringing four fresh crew members to the lab and clearing the way for the Starliner astronauts to return to Earth after nearly 300 days in space. Approaching from behind and below, the Crew Dragon, launched Friday evening from the Kennedy Space Center, passed 1,300 feet directly under the station before looping up to a point 720 feet directly ahead of the outpost. From there, it glided straight in for docking at the Harmony module's forward port at 12:04 a.m. EDT. Motorized latches then engaged to pull the capsule into the docking mechanism for an airtight structural seal. After standard leak checks and umbilical connections, the crew opened the Dragon's forward hatch at 1:35 a.m. and floated into the space station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crew 10 commander Anne McClain, an Army colonel and former combat helicopter pilot, told flight controllers she and her fellow fliers had a "great trip" from the launch pad to the space station, adding "I cannot tell you the immense joy of our crew when we looked out the window and we saw the space station for the first time." This image made from video by NASA shows the docking of the SpaceX capsule to the International Space Station Sunday, March 16, 2025. / Credit: NASA via AP "Let me tell you, that is such an amazing journey, you can hardly even put it into words," she said. "The ride up on the Falcon 9, orbiting the Earth for the last couple of days, it's been absolutely incredible ... Thank you very, very much." "Thank you to SpaceX for the awesome ride up here," said co-pilot Nichole Ayers, an Air Force major and F-22 Raptor pilot. "As a (space) rookie, that was one of the coolest things I've ever done. I can't wait to get to work up here." McClain, Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov -- both veteran commercial airline pilots are replacing Crew 9 commander Nick Hague, cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, Starliner commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and his pilot, Sunita Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three other crew members, cosmonauts Aleksey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit, were launched to the station last September aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. They're scheduled to return to Earth next month. The Crew 10 Dragon on final approach to the International Space Station. / Credit: NASA Wilmore and Williams were launched last June 5 on the first piloted test flight of Boeing's Starliner astronaut ferry ship. The flight was originally expected to last about eight days. But during rendezvous with the space station, the Starliner experienced propulsion system problems and NASA eventually ruled out bringing the crew down on the Boeing spacecraft. Instead, the astronauts were told to remain aboard the station while the Starliner returned to Earth on its own. NASA then bumped two astronauts from the next station flight Crew 9 freeing up two seats for use by Wilmore and Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Hague and Gorbunov reached the station, Wilmore and Williams joined them to become part of Crew 9 for a normal six-month tour of duty. Now that Crew 10 has arrived, Hague, Gorbunov, Wilmore and Williams will help familiarize their replacements with space station operations before undocking and returning to Earth next week with a splashdown in the Gulf near the coast of Florida. NASA announced on Sunday it was targeting Tuesday for the return journey, with undocking scheduled for 1:05 a.m. ET and splashdown at around 6 p.m. "NASA and SpaceX met on Sunday to assess weather and splashdown conditions off Florida's coast for the return of the agency's Crew 9 mission from the International Space Station," NASA said in a statement. "Mission managers are targeting an earlier Crew 9 return opportunity based on favorable conditions (predicted) for the evening of Tuesday, March 18. The updated return target continues to allow the space station crew members time to complete handover duties while providing operational flexibility ahead of less favorable weather conditions expected for later in the week." A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon capsule Endurance carrying the Crew-10 mission lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 14, 2025. / Credit: GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images If all goes to plan, Wilmore and Williams upon landing will have logged 286 days in space since launch last June. While a long flight by any standard, it's still well short of the U.S. record for a single flight 371 days set by astronaut Frank Rubio in 2022-23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, Rubio's record was the result of another extended mission, this one the result of a major coolant leak in the Russian Soyuz he launched aboard. The Russians decided not to bring the crew down aboard their original spacecraft and instead launched a replacement. Rubio ended up spending a little more than a full year in space, twice as long as he originally expected. Given Williams' two previous stays aboard the space station, she will move up to No. 2 on the list of most experienced U.S. astronauts with around 570 days in space overall, depending on the actual launch date. Only former astronaut Peggy Whitson has more time aloft among U.S. astronauts: 675 days over four flights. U.S. Marine Band forced to cancel concert with students of color after Trump DEI order Restoring classic cars in the classroom How DOGE cuts are jeopardizing our national parks March 15 (UPI) -- Foreign officials who enable the forced return of Uyghurs and other ethnic or religious groups to China face visa restrictions in the United States, Sec. of State Marco Rubio announced Friday. "We are committed to combating China's efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subject to torture and enforced disappearances," Rubio said Friday in a prepared statement. Rubio announced visa restrictions on current and former government officials in Thailand who are responsible for or complicit in the forced return of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China on Feb. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In light of China's longstanding acts of genocide and crimes against humanity committed against Uyghurs, we call on governments around the world not to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China," Rubio said. The U.S. Department of Labor says China has subjected Uyghurs and members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic minority groups in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to "genocide, state-imposed forced labor and crimes against humanity." The People's Republic of China has a Han majority and recognizes 55 other ethnic groups but subject Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and other Muslim minority groups to "abuse and discrimination" in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and other parts of China. "Uyghurs detained in camps and forced to work in factories must endure oppressive conditions," the Labor Department says. "They receive little pay, are not allowed to leave and have limited or no communication with family members." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they aren't working, Uyghurs are forced to learn the Mandarin language and "undergo ideological indoctrination," the Labor Department says. The Chinese coastal province of Fujian likewise subjects Uyghur workers to abuses, including forcing them to live in separate dormitories from Han workers. The dormitories are surrounded by an iron gate and monitored by security cameras while Uyghurs are forced to work longer hours that Han workers. "When finished for the day, the Uyghur workers are escorted back to their dormitories by provincial police officers from the XUAR - not Fujian," the Labor Department says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local police conduct a roll call to ensure no Uyghur workers are missing. The workers are not allowed to leave on their own free will and have had their identification materials confiscated by local police. The Labor Department says China imposes forced labor in prisons, re-education centers and by forcing rural "surplus" laborers to work in factories. China also provides companies with subsidies when they open facilities in XUAR and when they employ Muslim-minority workers. "These practices heighten demand for members of Muslim and ethnic minority groups that the governments wants placed in work assignments where they can be controlled and watched, receive Mandarin-Chinese language training and undergo political indoctrination," the Labor Department says. Millions of mostly Muslim-minority populations, such as the Uyghurs, are subjected to such forced labor, according to the Labor Department. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Sunday condemned the decision to ban protests at Osmania University, calling it a "direct attack on democracy." Attacking the State's ruling Telangana Congress government, the BRS leader questioned whether this was the "spirit of democracy" that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had repeatedly spoken about while advocating for the right to protest. "Is this the democratic right of protest that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress claimed to uphold? If Congress truly believed in democracy, why is it resorting to authoritarian measures to silence student voices?" KTR asked. Slamming the Congress' double standards, KTR reminded the public that the party, during its election campaign, had promised the right to protest as part of its 'Seventh Guarantee.' "However, in just over a year, the same Congress government had betrayed that promise by imposing restrictions on student protests," it added. Osmania University is a collegiate public state university located in Hyderabad. KTR also pointed out the repeated instances of BJP-led Union and state governments cracking down on student movements in universities across the country. He accused the Congress of following the same dictatorial approach in Telangana, proving that it was no different from the BJP when it came to suppressing dissent. "Suppressing student voices is a clear symbol of dictatorship. The Congress government in Telangana is now revealing its true colours by curbing students' fundamental right to protest. Osmania University, which played a crucial role in the Telangana movement, is now being turned into a prison under this oppressive rule," he said. He further criticized the government's misplaced priorities, highlighting that instead of addressing serious issues like contaminated food in university hostels, where students reporedly found insects and even razor blades in their meals recently, the Congress government was focused on crushing student dissent. KTR warned that the Congress government's undemocratic actions would not go unchallenged and that students and people of Telangana would soon give a fitting response to its betrayal. He reaffirmed that BRS would stand by students and fight against any attempt to suppress their voices. In an internal document, Osmania University has prohibited agitations, dharnas and demonstrations within its departments, colleges, centres, and administrative buildings. The University authorities said they have viewed the matter seriously and decided to prohibit trespassing, staging dharnas and agitations, raising slogans etc in the premises of the Departments/Colleges / Centres / Administrative Building of the varsity. The University has also prohibited preventing administrative authorities and staff from discharging their official duties and using "unparliamentary and filthy language" against University staff and authorities. As per an internal document of the University, they said it was observed there are several incidents of students/student groups have been entering the Departments /Colleges, Centres / Administrative Building, Osmania University and staging demonstrations and dharnas, resulting in disruption of the administrative work and giving a wrong perception of the University to the Society. Such incidents, they said are causing adverse effect on the smooth functioning of the University, leading to delay in administrative and academic progress. On certain occasions, these incidents also raised security issues and concerns. The University further said that if any person is found involved in the above "activities, serious action will be initiated" against such person as per law. The varsity also said that stakeholders (i.e., Students on rolls) with a genuine grievance in the University system, if any, may first approach the concerned Official at the institution level, and thereafter may represent to the Registrar and the authorities, with prior permission. (ANI) The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging fisheries to "exercise extreme caution" after finding a whale entangled in fishing gear, which keeps causing problems for marine animals and people in coastal towns. What's happening? In late January, wildlife officials discovered a humpback whale on the central coast entangled in commercial crabbing gear. The first entanglement victim of the year, the whale didn't survive. This marks a concerning continuation from 2024, when Oregon fisheries were linked to four whale entanglements, according to Environment America. ODFW officials responded by asking fishers to clean up leftover gear and keep a closer eye on their fishing lines to avoid hurting more whales. Why are whale entanglements a big deal? When whales get hurt or sick, it doesn't just affect the animals. Local economies feel it too. The World Wildlife Fund says whales entangled in fishing gear can suffer injuries for months or even years. That makes it harder for them to survive and reproduce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marine conservationists have noted that Oregon's record-high whale entanglements match a regional trend. According to KOIN 6, the National Marine Fisheries Service reported that Oregon commercial crabbing gear entangled three humpback whales and one fin whale in 2024 both endangered species. Oceana campaign director Ben Enticknap told KOIN that Oregon officials need tougher rules, including limits on crabbing gear when whales are most at risk and safer options such as "pop-up" gear. There's also a clear plastic pollution problem. Fishing gear is usually made from plastic, so when it's lost at sea, it adds to the growing pile of ocean waste that is warming our planet and harming ecosystems. NOAA Fisheries says plastic eventually breaks into small bits known as microplastics, which can end up in the seafood people eat. What's being done to protect whales? ODFW suggests fisheries switch to ropeless gear, including pop-up buoys and inflatable lift bags, to reduce whale entanglements. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says checking gear often for damage can help avoid whale entanglements. Coastal cleanups and sustainable fishing campaigns have already helped communities such as Monterey Bay, California, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Joining local cleanups, switching to ropeless fishing gear, and cutting back on plastic can improve ocean health, keeping whales and coastal towns safe. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A helicopter carries a water bucket to fight a wildfire near Richfield, Utah. (Getty Images) An annual wildfire briefing last week between staffers for Southwestern members of Congress and Forest Service officials was unusual for two reasons, according to a congressional aide in attendance: First, the private briefing happened about a month earlier than is typical, a sign of the acute risk of wildfires this season in New Mexico and Arizona amid years of climate change-caused drought and especially low snowpack this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, even as Forest Service officials laid out alarming weather forecasts and wildfire predictions, they refused more than 10 times in the meeting to say how many Forest Service employees had been fired, how many resigned and what might come of wildfire dispatch centers if the Trump administration terminates their leases. Well have to send this to Washington and they will get back to you, was the standard response, according to a Congressional aide who asked to remain anonymous to preserve the aides ability to have candid conversations with government officials. A slide from the presentation Forest Service officials gave to staffers for Southwestern congressional staffers. An aide told Source NM that officials refused more than 10 times to say how many Forest Service employees were fired in the region. (Slide obtained by Source NM) The meeting embodied how fraught the relationship has become between Forest Service and congressional staff amid President Donald Trumps blunt efforts to slash federal spending. New edicts require D.C.-level officials to approve all communications, including those with members of Congress or their staffs. As a result, the aide said that what has for years been a free-flowing conversation about the upcoming fire season, with candid discussions of staffing levels and the effect of climate change on the regions snowpack and forests, instead unfolded as a tense and frustrating 2.5-hour lecture during which the word climate was never mentioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unique wildfire risk in the Southwest this season made the change in tone all the more stark, the aide said. According to the Forest Services powerpoint presentation, which Source NM obtained, above-normal temperatures, prolonged drought, proliferation of fine fuels and near-record-low snowpack will all factor into an early overall start to the large fire season. A slide summarizing the factors leading to an early start for the spring wildfire season. (Slide obtained by Source NM) The hazardous conditions present so early this fire season mean there will be few opportunities and resources to conduct prescribed burns, according to the presentation. Frustration among the 50 or so staffers on the call grew and even spread to some lower-level Forest Service employees who could be seen on video holding their faces in their hands or throwing their arms up, the aide told Source New Mexico. Stonewalling is the best way to put it, the aide said. As the call went on and Forest Service officials continued talking through the latest forecasts, anger spilled into the chat feature of the virtual Teams meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have been in touch with your Washington DC office and they would not speak to any personnel issues, one staffer wrote, according to screenshots of the chats Source NM obtained. They will not give anyone information as to how many staff have been fired. Dont we have someone from the Washington Office on the call? another staffer wrote. This is unheard of, the first staffer added, to not communicate important issues that put our communities at risk. Another staffer noted in the chat that the questions about regional staffing and recent terminations are easily anticipated, and have already been asked by multiple Congressional offices. The information is readily available to the [Forest Service], prompting four staffers to like the comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Forest Service officials noted on the call, New Mexico and Arizona face a potentially devastating wildfire season. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture fired nearly 5,700 probationary employees, an estimated 75% of whom had red cards, meaning they can be recruited to help suppress wildfires if needed. A summary slide showing the window closing for prescribed burns this spring, including the Southwest encountering resource challenges due to expected national fire activity. (Slide obtained by Source NM) Two judges last week ruled the Trump administrations firing of probationary employees illegal and the federal Merit Systems Protection Board had previously paused the firings for 45 days. The status of those employees, and whether theyve been able to return to work as ordered, remains uncertain, the aide and other sources told Source. In addition to the firings, two New Mexico offices housing interagency wildfire dispatch centers may close due to federal lease terminations. The Albuquerque Interagency Dispatch Center monitors for blazes in Central New Mexico and parts of Oklahoma and Texas, and the Silver City center covers most of Southwestern New Mexico, including the Gila National Forest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Source requested an interview with New Mexico State Forester Laura McCarthy, who said she attended the first hour of the meeting. She responded to a list of questions via email, in which she said she believes staffing, aviation and ground resources will be adequate this fire season. Still, The conditions are formidable, with abundant fine fuel that will carry fire if it starts on a windy day, she told Source New Mexico in an email Thursday. The aide who spoke to Source New Mexico said most staffers were concerned about whether the Forest Service would have enough personnel to adequately respond to one or more big wildfires in the Southwest this season. A Forest Service official said in the presentation that 1,500 personnel will be available in the Southwest region at the peak of the fire season, and that those numbers will be similar to 2024 capacities. The slide also said that onboarding efforts are ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that claim in the presentation, staffers remained skeptical after several follow-up questions, the aide said. Even if the answer was, We are fully staffed in that one specific area, they still couldnt say, We dont anticipate operations being impacted, the aide said. The pre-fire season briefing occurs every year, usually with less tension, the aide said, and is vital for keeping members of Congress up-to-speed on where things stand and what to expect if and when the first spark ignites that year. Congressional offices often stay heavily involved in emergency response, including helping constituents obtain disaster assistance. Weve never had issues with communication and correspondence, because this is something that the congressional delegations, just across the board with the Forest Service, we are all invested in making sure that we are able to respond to fires the best way possible, the aide said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that collaboration was completely absent Tuesday. The officials from Washington, D.C. on the call, while they rarely spoke, made their presence well-known, the aide said. The aide has participated in these briefings for years and said, Its the first time thats happened. The individuals on the call from the Washington office also would not answer questions. They were ultimately there to make sure that those questions werent answered. Are you an employee or former employee at dispatch centers or other national forests in New Mexico? Reach out to reporter Patrick Lohmann securely on Signal at Plohmann.61 or by using this link. Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Source New Mexico maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Goldberg for questions: info@sourcenm.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Two astronauts trapped in space are finally set to return home after a capsule docked on the International Space Station on Sunday, ending nine months orbiting the Earth alone. Sunita Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore embraced the saviours who floated into the space station on a mission launched by Elon Musks SpaceX. As they arrived, Mr Wilmore swung open the space stations hatch, then rang the ships bell as Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi and Kirill Peskov floated in one by one and were greeted with warm hugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was great to see our friends arrive, Ms Williams told Mission Control to Earth. She and Mr Wilmore, along with Nasa astronaut Mr Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are now expected to return home on Wednesday. Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore were launched into orbit on June 5 for what was meant to be an eight-day mission aboard the orbiting observatory, but after their Boeing spacecraft malfunctioned, they have been left stranded for nine months. But their ordeal looks like it is finally about to come to an end thanks, in part, to Mr Musk. In August last year, Nasa announced that Mr Musks SpaceX Dragon capsule would bring the two trapped astronauts home after the space agency said it had lost confidence in Boeings troubled Starliner capsule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Donald Trumps inauguration, the mission was given fresh impetus after the president and Mr Musk claimed that efforts to rescue the astronauts were blocked by the former administration for political reasons, without going into detail. The Space X capsule is seen in orbit above the Earth as it docks with the International Space Station - Nasa via AP Mr Trump claimed last week that he had asked the Tesla billionaire to complete the mission as a special favour amid allegations that Joe Biden had left the astronauts in space because he was embarrassed by what happened. In an in-orbit press conference earlier this month, Mr Wilmore appeared to back up the allegations, claiming: I can only say that Mr Musk, what he says, is absolutely factual I believe him. Addressing Mr Trumps claims that the astronauts had been abandoned by his predecessor, Ms Williams told CNN: It was a little bit longer stay than we had expected, but weve made the most of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SpaceX rescue mission took off from Nasas Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 7.03pm ET on March 14. After a handover period, Ms Williams and Mr Willmore are scheduled to board the SpaceX Dragon to undock from the ISS as early as 4am ET on March 19 before splashing down off Floridas coast, according to Nasa. The return mission is weather dependent, the agency said, but Wednesday is expected to be a clear day in the sunshine state, with highs of 26C. The two astronauts blasted off last year on a mission to test the Boeing Starliner, in what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. But from the very start, the shuttle was beset by technical issues. The mission was delayed a total of three times in the lead up to the June launch, and when it arrived a day afterwards, the Starliner experienced malfunctions to its thrusters as well as helium leaks, delaying its return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After weeks of problems, Nasa decided last August that the Starliner could not be used to return the astronauts in a humiliating setback for Boeing, which had hoped the mission would serve as a springboard for the craft to join the SpaceX Dragon in shuttling Nasa astronauts into orbit. The astronauts were then supposed to leave in September, but plans fell through because of a lack of an emergency pod required for the remaining crew aboard the ISS. According to Nasa, Ms Williams and the three other crew members had conducted 900 hours of research during their mission, including on garden watering and exercises to keep astronauts fit in space. Addressing the personal impact, Ms Williams said that uncertainty is probably the most difficult part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a rollercoaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us. We are here. We have a mission. We are just doing what we do every day. Every day is interesting and its a lot of fun, she told CBS. 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. CAIRO (AP) Sudanese authorities said Sunday many bodies have been found at the bottom of a well in the capital, Khartoum, a few days after the military cleared the area from a notorious paramilitary group. The bodies of 11 people, including women and children, were recovered Saturday from the deep well in the Fayhaa neighborhood of the city, according to police. Col. Abdul-Rahanan Mohamed Hassan, head of the civil defenses field team in Khartoum, said a search of the the area was mounted after residents reported that they found a dead body in the well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We found inside this well different characters (bodies), males and females, adults and children, Hassan said, adding that authorities were still searching the well. Police say the victims were killed by the Rapid Support Forces before being thrown into the well when the paramilitary force was controlling the area. The military retook the area earlier this month as part of its sweeping advances in Khartoum and its sister city of Omdurman. There was no immediate comment from the RSF. Afraa al-Hajj Omar, a resident of the nearby Hajj Youssef neighborhood, said that the RSF killed many people in the area and their bodies were left for days in the streets. She said many bodies were thrown in the well. They robbed us, beat us, and tortured us, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan was plunged into chaos in April 2023 when simmering tensions between the military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open warfare across the country. At least 20,000 people have been killed, though the number is likely far higher. The war has driven more than 14 million people from their homes and pushed parts of the country into famine. The fighting, which wrecked Khartoum and other urban areas has been marked by atrocities including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in the western region of Darfur, according to the United Nations and international rights groups. The war has intensified in recent months, with the military making steady advances against the RSF in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country. DEADWOOD, S.D. (KELO) Back in late 2023, a popular western South Dakota restaurant burned down. After over a year of planning and building, the Sugar Shack is closer to opening back up. The Sugar Shack is known for having some of the best food the Black Hills has to offer, and it could be back open just in time for the summer rush. A couple of weeks ago the Sugar Shack didnt even have walls and now they have a roof over their head. And while this is going to be a complete rebuild, they are still working to make sure that the Sugar Shack has the same authentic feel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milbank natural gas leak They are even working to have the outside resemble parts of the old building. I made it bigger so we have more room to work, a little more seating, nothing crazy. Were kind of going for that old-school look and feel. So like the siding on the front will be that board and batten kind of looks old-school. I mean its modern but Ive tried to keep it as true to the old building as I possibly could, Owner Trevor Kautzman said. Customers and staff will also enjoy a lot more space. The new restaurant will be more than three times larger than the original. Our staff are going to love it. So we have a huge prep area now in the back, before we prepped up in that tiny little kitchen. I mean, so now just a lot more room, easier to walk around, we were always on top of each other. We made it work, I mean my staff is awesome, we always made it work but a lot more room now, Kautzman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kautzman said that soon people will be able to enjoy the same food that put this place on the map. The current timeline is for the Sugar Shack to be up and running around Memorial Day 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 KELOLAND.com. SUMMITVILLE An 84-year-old rural Madison County man died in a Friday fire. Madison County Coroner Adam Matson identified the deceased as James Dunham. The fire took place at Dunhams home in the 1800 block of County Road 300 East near the border with Grant County, several miles northeast of the fire department headquarters in Summitville. Matson said his office was alerted about the fire at 12:35 a.m. Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Van Buren Township/Summitville Fire Department responded to the scene, along with officers from the Madison County Sheriffs Department and the Indiana State Fire Marshals office. The cause of the fire, which destroyed the house and several vehicles, remains under investigation, according to firefighters. Dunham was a longtime farmer in northern Madison County. Matson said the cause of death is pending an autopsy and toxicology results. Republicans scored a major win on Friday as the Senate approved the House-GOP crafted spending bill, largely authored without input from Democrats. The new piece of legislation boosts defense spending by $6 billion and reduces expenditures outside of that category by $13 billion, ensuring lawmakers are able to keep the government open until Sept. 30 when the package expires. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) will likely recap discussions leading up to the bills passage and the surprising support from a small delegation of Democrats, which included Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), during his appearance on CNNs State of the Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump signed the bill on Saturday, in the face of trade wars with several countries and two international conflicts that require U.S. intervention. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will likely address pushback from Mexico, Canada and Chinas leaders regarding tariffs on steel and aluminum imports during his appearance on CBSs Face the Nation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent may double down on the levies proposed benefits to the U.S. economy, despite concerns about price increases for consumers, during his Sunday appearance on NBCs Meet the Press. Both the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas battle remain unsolved despite in person negotiations undertaken by Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy to the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday days after hosting Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar. He will likely update Americans on the status of Hamas hostages and their potential release in addition to outlining the timeline for peace in Ukraine during his scheduled appearance on CNNs State of the Union. National security adviser Mike Waltz said Thursday Ukraine likely would have to cede some of its Donbas region to Russia if it hopes to end the war against the Kremlin three years after invasion. Waltz may speak to Putins progression toward signing the proposed 30-day armistice with Ukraine during his appearance on ABCs This Week. These topics and more will be explored during Sunday shows. See the full list of appearances below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNations The Hill Sunday: Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins; Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.); Robert Shibley, Special Counsel, Campus Advocacy for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) ABCs This Week: National security adviser Mike Waltz; Diane Swonk, KPMG LLP chief economist and managing director; Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health CNNs State of the Union: Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy; Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.); Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) CBS Face the Nation: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick; Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.); Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBCs Meet the Press: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) Fox News Sunday: Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio); Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), National Security Adviser Mike Waltz; Kirsten Hillman, Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Fox News Sunday Morning Futures: Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary; Peter Navarro, White House Senior Counselor For Trade And Manufacturing; Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.); Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Miranda Devine, New York Post Columnist, Fox News 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. The work of whitewashing of Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh' Sambhal has begun after the Allahabad High Court granted permission on March 12. Speaking to ANI, the contractor assigned by the ASI to whitewash the Sambhal Jama Masjid, stated that the work is likely to be completed within a week and a total of eight people have been working on it. "A total of eight people are at work. The work of whitewashing has been started... We will finish the work within a week. We have been only directed to whitewash the mosque. We have been assigned by the ASI," he said. While hearing the case of the Sambhal Jama Masjid on March 12, the Allahabad High Court gave permission to whitewash the mosque from the outside and also decorate it with lights without tampering with anything. The next hearing in the case is on April 8. Meanwhile, security was heightened 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. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal mandated a panel consisting of officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a scientific expert, and a local administration representative to ensure the work was conducted without causing structural damage to the mosque. Sambhal ASP Shrish Chandra told ANI that heavy security arrangements have been put in place around the site. "Tight security arrangements have been made around the disputed site. An adequate police force has been deployed... Peace will be maintained... Surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones," he said. Earlier in February, the Uttar Pradesh police's SIT filed a chargesheet of over 4,000 pages in six of the 12 cases in the November 24 Sambhal violence that erupted during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque. The violence resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. According to the chargesheet, 80 arrests have been made, and 79 are still pending. There are 159 total accused in the case. The chargesheet also mentioned that the weapons recovered from the site of violence and other places were manufactured in the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. (ANI) Serhii Shalaiev, the man detained and charged with the killing of Ukrainian activist Demyan Hanul, pled guilty to the murder in a closed court hearing on March 16, according to regional prosecutor Ruslan Veremchuk. Hanul, 31, was shot dead in central Odesa on March 14. Hanul was well-known for his public activism, including his participation in Ukraine's EuroMaidan Revolution and the May 2 clashes against pro-Russian forces in Odesa. The suspect, 46-year-old Serhii Shalaiev, pleaded guilty to Hanul's murder in a closed court session, the news outlet Suspilne reported, citing Veremchuk. Shalaiev was detained hours after the shooting and identified as a deserter by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors charged Shalaiev with premeditated murder committed under order and illegal handling of weapons. Veremchuk, deputy head of the Odesa Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Defense of the Southern Region, said the hearing was held in a closed session to protect the identities of testifying witnesses. He also said investigators are still working to determine who else may have been involved in Hanul's murder. "The perpetrator of this crime has been detained," Veremchuk said. "One of the versions of the investigation is that it was a contract killing. Measures are being taken to identify the customer and other accomplices in the crime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shalaiev has been wanted for military desertion since February 23, according to the SBU. He reportedly served as commander of a platoon in the 28th separate mechanized brigade. The court has imposed a pre-trial detention order on Shalaiev, who will be held in custody for 60 days without possibility of bail. Andrii Nebytov, deputy head of the National Police, previously said during a television broadcast on March 15 that investigators were considering three possible versions of the crime: a contract killing linked to Hanul's political activism, a crime of personal animosty, and an assassination linked to Russia. Hanul was a public figure and blogger who founded the Street Front NGO. He was active in rallies supporting Ukraine, charity fundraisers for the military, and campaigns to dismantle the city's Soviet and imperial monuments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The activist had previously reported threats against his life. In July 2024, Hanul claimed Russian sources had leaked personal information about his relatives and that a $10,000 bounty was offered for an attack on him. In reaction to the murder, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that dozens of law enforcement officials are involved in the investigation. "I have instructed the interior minister, the head of the Security Service, the acting prosecutor general to throw all the necessary forces and means to establish all the facts," Zelensky said. Read also: Everyone is really shocked and upset Trump administration puts Voice of America journalists on leave, cuts funding to Radio Free Europe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SWATARA TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) Fire police were sent to power outages at certain areas in Swatara Township, Dauphin County today. According to Swatara Township EMA on Facebook, power and traffic lights are out in the area of Chambers Hill Rd. & High Pointe Blvd. Fire Police are arriving at the scene to assist. The township is urging citizens to use caution in the area, 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 ABC27. A damning report into misbehaving Eurocrats has revealed a swathe of sexual and psychological harassment, religious abuse and fraud within the European Unions top institution. The internal report, obtained by The Telegraph, highlights almost 100 investigations into European Commission officials for a wide range of misdemeanours, many of which were punished with a mere slap on the wrist. There were probes into a money-laundering scheme, an official stealing cash from colleagues and dozens of cases of sexual and psychological harassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, which is usually hidden from the public by Eurocrats, was only released as part of a Freedom of Information request. Frank Furedi, of the MCC Brussels think tank, which helped unearth the documents, said: The numerous cases of disciplinary proceedings serve as testimony to the poor standard of behaviour inside the institutions of the EU. Yet we know from anecdotal evidence that far too many examples of inappropriate behaviour do not become targets of disciplinary proceedings. He added: The real problem is the lack of decisive and ethical leadership from those in charge of EU units. Frank Furedi, of the MCC Brussels think tank, said the report serves as testimony to the poor standard of behaviour inside the institutions of the EU The Investigatory and Disciplinary Office of the Commission (Idoc) investigated 88 new cases last year, resulting in only one dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegations of either sexual or psychological harassment featured in 21 of the investigations. In one case, an official was penalised with a 2,000-a-month (1,700) deduction from their overall pay package for 18 months after they were found to have adopted seriously inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment. The unusually high penalty was justified because the misconduct was recurrent and that it seriously disrupted the working environment. The official in question had attempted to justify their behaviour as a result of a medical condition, but this excuse was thrown out by investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another anonymous official working at an overseas EU delegation was given a mere warning after being accused of inappropriate behaviour towards colleagues, including investigating about colleagues lives and whereabouts, threatening them to obtain private information about them, questioning their religious choices and commenting on their looks. The perpetrator was let off without any serious punishment because they owned up to their actions, apologised and improved behaviour at work, the report said. In another case highlighted by Idocs report, a senior member of staff was reprimanded for having intimate relationships with two juniors under his command. The head of unit a middle manager role in the Commission failed to report the relationships as a conflict of interest even after he was alerted to the misdemeanours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report reveals how officials stole from both their colleagues and the EU taxpayers who fund the Commission. One official was demoted a grade which could result in the docking of thousands of euros in wages for having stolen cash from colleagues. A contractor was reprimanded after they transported their family in a EU-owned service vehicle, broke public parking rules and enabled, through this negligent behaviour, the theft of the said vehicle. A retired official had their pension reduced to the minimum amount for a period of 10 years because they were found guilty of being involved in a money-laundering scheme involving mainly a company which benefited from EU funds and its owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as the more serious offences, there were slaps on the wrists handed out for more petty behaviour. One official, who had 20 years service, got away with a warning after they deliberately deleted a folder that was necessary to organise the daily work of the unit from a shared drive. Five officials were ticked off for leaking non-public information, 12 for breaches of loyalty and two in cases of inappropriate use of social media. In one case, an official was demoted by one grade for being found guilty of a crime by a court in an EU member state. They had also published articles in an online newspaper relating to Brussels without prior authorisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of Idocs work last year, it launched an outreach campaign titled: Say no to temptations, they might have disciplinary consequences! It featured seven training sessions available to EU officials, with case studies based on anonymised Idoc cases given to raise awareness on what is appropriate or forbidden to pursue as EU staff members. HR personnel also gave tailor-made presentations to officials being handed high-ranking jobs, such as heads of units or heads of overseas delegations. 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 teenager ate gummies that might have been laced with hallucinogenic drugs before shooting two people, killing one of them, at a South Carolina home, the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office said Saturday. The shooting happened Friday at 336 Cardinal Road, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Thats in Elloree, in area of Calhoun County thats between Interstate 26 and Lake Marion. On Friday, deputies responded to a report of a shooting at the home, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were two victims, and one died at the scene, the sheriffs office said. The Calhoun County Coroners Office said 19-year-old Darius Aiken was the victim who died, WLTX reported. The other victim was flown to Prisma Health Richland hospital, according to the release. Further information on the surviving victims condition was not available. No other injuries were reported. At the home, deputies made contact with a man and his 16-year-old son, the sheriffs office said. Deputies determined that the teen ate marijuana gummies that possibly were laced with a hallucinogen, and he was taken to the sheriffs office headquarters to be interviewed, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the interview, the teen told deputies that he began feeling hot after eating the gummies, and when he entered the kitchen, he believed that he saw two individuals wearing white masks, according to the release. Although the teen thought the individuals were in masks, their faces actually were not covered, the sheriffs office said. The teen then said that he went to his fathers bedroom and got a shotgun, cocked it, and returned to the kitchen where he shot one of the individuals and also fired at the other who was then running away, according to the release. The teen, whose name was not made public because hes a minor, will be charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent offense, the sheriffs office said. There was no word if the teens father, or anyone else, would face charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information about the victims connection, if any, to the teen and his father was not available. There was no word if the teen is being held at a South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice facility, or another jail, or if he was released to his fathers custody. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been allowed to temporarily leave France, where he is accused of multiple violations related to promoting organised crime. Source: AFP, citing sources Details: A source revealed that the investigating judge approved Durov's request to change the conditions of his supervision a few days ago, granting him permission to leave France for "several weeks". Other sources indicated that he had already left the country and was en route to Dubai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Durov acknowledged the seriousness of the charges during his statements to the investigating judges in France. Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris in August 2024 and charged with multiple violations related to Telegram. As part of the conditions, he had been banned from leaving the country. Background: During a court hearing in France, Durov promised to take all necessary measures to enhance content moderation on his platform. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police are investigating after a Tesla was vandalized in Northeast on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that someone wrote, Go Doge I support Musk killing the dept of Education, on the cars windshield at some point between 12:30 p.m. and 1:40 p.m. The car was in the 600 block of G St. NE, at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School. PHOTOS: Protestors gather outside Tesla dealership in Georgetown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD was looking for the suspect, who is pictured in the below image. Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department. Anyone with any information is asked to text 50411 or call 202-727-9099. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TEXARKANA, TX (KTAL/KMSS) On Saturday, Texas High softball hosted Mount Pleasant in district matchup, where the Lady Tigers held on to its lead to claim the 5-4 victory. Most of the Lady Tigers runs came in the bottom of the second inning, getting a 3-0 advantage. In the top of the fourth, a Mount Pleasant home run put its first run on the board. In the bottom of the fourth, the Lady Tigers came up with two more runs to extend its lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Mount Pleasant Lady Tigers were able to crawl their way back, Texas High held them off for the victory. Texas High improves to 11-5-1 and will play next on Tuesday, March 18 at Marshall. First pitch set for 6 pm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER, Colo. (WFLA) A terrifying scene unfolded as an American Airlines flight erupted in flames after landing in Denver. A Tampa Bay woman who was on board American Airlines flight 1006 from Colorado Springs to Dallas described the chaos, fear and the desperate fight to escape. Spring break travel: Tampa International Airport expects a record 3.3 million passengers I was extremely nervous and scared, and I really thought that the plane was going to blow up and we were going to die, passenger Marisol Cohen said. Cohen said the plane was already in the air when the flight attendant made an alarming announcement. We were having some rattling in the engine, Cohen said. So they were going to divert the flight to Denver so that they can get a new plane or fix the rattling. But as soon as the plane touched down, chaos erupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone in the plane screamed fire, which was the worst thing that could have happened because everybody lost control, Cohen said. In seconds, thick smoke-filled cabin. Were trapped there as we see the flames just billowing and the windows are melting, were trapped, Cohen recalled. Many passengers scrambled to the emergency exit, but Cohen felt some seated in that row werent prepared to act. The regulations that they have to sit an emergency exit, I think we really need to rethink that, she said. Cohen said flight attendants did their best for the back and front of the plane. But in the middle, where she was, people were stuck. She managed to get to the wing, then a stranger on the ground offered to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a tall gentleman that just looked up at us and said, Jump, I got you, and we jumped, Cohen said. American Airlines issued the following statement on the incident: After landing safely and taxiing to the gate at Denver International Airport (DEN), American Airlines Flight 1006 experienced an engine-related issue. The 172 customers and six crew members deplaned and are being relocated to the terminal. We thank our crew members, DEN team and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority. American Airlines Cohen suffered a minor cut while jumping from the wing, but she said the emotional scars from this flight will last much longer. She hopes this experience leads to changes in emergency procedures, especially for those seated in emergency exit rows. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Thousands of people in Mexico took to the streets in nationwide vigils for the many missing people in the country. Demonstrators in cities across the country laid 400 pairs of shoes and 400 candles on the ground. This was a reference to the recent discovery of hundreds of shoes and clothing believed to have belonged to possible victims of a drug cartel on a ranch in the west of the country. Posters read slogans including "Mexico is a mass grave" and "We demand answers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mexico City, the rally took place in front of the National Palace, the official residence of President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to local broadcasters, vigils were also held in cities such as Guadalajara, Puebla, Veracruz, Cancun and Colima. More than 124,000 people are officially listed as missing in the country. At the beginning of March, a collective of relatives of the disappeared found numerous shoes, items of clothing and bone fragments at the Izaguirre ranch in the municipality of Teuchitlan in the western state of Jalisco. The group has said it believes the clothes and bodies belong to disappeared people and that the ranch was used by a drug cartel as an operations centre where kidnapped people were forcibly recruited and killed. The discovery of burnt human remains was officially confirmed. Following the discovery, Sheinbaum ordered an investigation since the ranch had already been searched and confiscated by the police in September but no evidence was collected. By Luciana Magalhaes and Rodrigo Viga Gaier RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -Thousands of people gathered on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach on Sunday in a show of support for former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges of leading a plot to topple the government and undermine the country's democracy after he lost a 2022 election. Charges against the former army captain and several key allies will go before a five-judge panel at Brazil's Supreme Court on March 25. If judges agree to hear the trial, Bolsonaro and others will become defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolsonaro and his representatives have denied wrongdoing. "The President never condoned any movement aimed at dismantling the democratic rule of law or the institutions that support it," his defense attorneys said in a statement. Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet filed the charges last month against Bolsonaro, a veteran politician with nearly three decades in Congress, accusing him of organizing a criminal group trying to break with the country's democracy. The alleged plans included a plot to poison President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who won the 2022 race and succeeded Bolsonaro in office. In Sunday's demonstration, people demanded a pardon for supporters of the former president, who were accused of ransacking government buildings days after the inauguration of da Silva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was in Brasilia on a vigil before January 8 participating in prayers," said Monica Alves, a Bolsonaro supporter. "I know the people. There are no troublemakers or criminals there." Alessandra Mello, another supporter of the former president, said, Brazil has lost the right to freedom of expression and to demonstrate. There must be amnesty for these people who do not commit crimes." Bolsonaro told supporters that a bill proposing a pardon for people who participated in the January 8 riots has enough support to be approved in the lower house. "We are talking about innocent people who have no idea or power over what they were doing," he said during his speech, which was interrupted after some people felt sick from the heat. "What democracy is that which arrests the innocent. ... Without freedom of expression there is no democracy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paulo Kramer, a political scientist who worked on Bolsonaro's 2018 presidential campaign, said the former leader's strategy now relies more than ever on seeking support directly from voters. "We believe the battle in the Supreme Court is essentially lost, given the majority justices are opposed to Bolsonaro," Kramer told Reuters, adding: "Taking the streets is a way to reassert his leadership." The Supreme Court did not respond to a request for comment. Bolsonaro is also fighting a ruling by Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE), which has barred him from running for public office until 2030. In spite of the ban, he has repeatedly expressed his desire to seek the presidency again in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whenever a politician faces a legal issue, he orchestrates a public demonstration," said Thiago de Aragao, CEO of Washington-based consultancy Arko International, who said he doubted the tactic would sway the court's decisions. "No one underestimates Bolsonaro's strength. The march will not come as a surprise to the justices or anyone else." (Reporting by Luciana Magalhaes and Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Additional reporting by Ana Mano and Fabricio de Castro, Editing by Brad Haynes and Mark Porter) "No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi govt's march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs88 crore is seized, and 4 members of the international drug cartel are arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones," Shah said in a post on social media platform X. "The drug haul is a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation," he noted. The Minister reiterated that the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking will continue. "Our hunt for drugs continues," he added, emphasizing the commitment to tackling illegal drug trade and maintaining national security. Earlier on March 3, the Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Mizoram Police, seized methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 60.63 crore in the Champhai district of Mizoram. The operation was conducted on February 28 in the general area of Crossing Point One, Zokhawthar. In a post on X, the official wrote, "AssamRifles, along with Mizoram Police, recovered Methamphetamine Tablets weighing 20.209 Kgs Worth Rs 60.627 Crores in general area Crossing Point One, Zokhawthar, Champhai District, Mizoram on 28 Feb 2025." On February 28, Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police conducted intelligence-based joint operations in Mizoram, leading to the apprehension of three individuals and the recovery of arms and ammunition. On February 27, security forces launched an operation based on specific intelligence inputs in Lawngtlai town, Lawngtlai district. This operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of ammunition. (ANI) Three men are facing robbery and kidnapping charges after allegedly stealing a 14-year-olds cell phone on an MBTA train last week, the Suffolk County District Attorneys office said Sunday. Michael Cole, 23 of Boston, Derrick Eures, 25, of Dedham, and Nathan Moorewhite Jr, 19, of Dorchester are accused of harassing and threatening to beat up a juvenile on an Orange Line train headed to Forest Hills on March 7. Three juveniles told authorities that the three men, all wearing black face masks, grabbed one of their friends and pulled him back onto the train and stole his cellphone, the Suffolk County DAs office told Boston 25 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After exiting the train at Stony Brook Station, the teen victim was able to contact his friends and tell them the three men stole his cellphone, the DAs office said. The victim told police that one man threatened to beat him up and made gestures as if he had a weapon. Two other men allegedly assaulted him and took his phone, removed his phone case and handed him back his CharlieCard. The DAs office says video surveillance corroborates the victims story. Hours later, transit police saw Cole, Eures and Moorewhite, determined they matched the victims description and video surveillance and placed the three men under arrest. Investigators found the victims cellphone from Moorewhites possession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) query revealed Cole had an outstanding warrant out of BMC Central. All forms of bullying and violence are intolerable, but this conduct toward a 14-year-old boy is particularly deplorable. All our residents deserve to go about their daily lives safely, peacefully and without fear of harassment or violence. I thank the Transit police for their work in quickly identifying the individuals involved, Hayden said. The three men were all charged with kidnapping, armed and masked robbery and disorderly conduct on public conveyance in Roxbury Boston Municipal Court on Monday and were ordered held without bail until a dangerousness hearing on Thursday. At the Thursday hearing, a judge all three dangerous and released them to GPS monitoring with home confinement. The three men were ordered to stay away from MBTA public transportation while their cases are ongoing. They will return to court on May 20 for probable cause hearings. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Mark Carney, the new Canadian Prime Minister, has pledged continued support for Ukraine and urged Russia to come to the negotiating table. Source: Carney on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Carney noted that on Sunday 16 March he spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and "many of our closest allies this morning to discuss Ukraines path to peace". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that Canada supports the proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. "Now, Russia must stop stalling and launching its attacks. Its time for Russia to come to the table in good faith. As the G7 agreed at Charlevoix, we will tighten the monitoring of sanctions to encourage compliance," Carney said. He stressed that Canada is a steadfast ally of Ukraine. "We will make sure Ukraine has the military support it needs to defend itself now and into the future," the Canadian prime minister added. Background: Following the online meeting on 15 March, Starmer announced that the coalition of the willing was entering an operational phase. Military officials are set to meet in the UK on Thursday to consider ways to reinforce the future peace agreement. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Moscow to "give a clear answer" on the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying that "Russia does not give the impression of a country that sincerely wants peace". German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Russia should now take steps towards peace. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! On March 15, 1875, the Common Council of the City of Marysville, after receiving a numerously signed petition from a large majority of our prominent citizens, approved a new alignment for the ring levee around the city. In January of 1875, a levee at the north end of F Street failed and flooded the city, resulting in the death of a Marysville boy. Following the flood, the city engaged a surveyor to study the elevations of the January flood and recommend a new alignment that might better protect the city from another disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the survey and the councils decision, the levee was pulled back from the edge of the Feather River on the west. Essentially, the city pulled the levee back to K Street, leaving L, M, and N streets outside the ring of protection (I the area known today as Beckwourth Riverfront Park). The levee was also pulled back from the north, exposing the Marysville City Cemetery to episodic flooding. At the March 15 meeting the council adopted a resolution instructing the surveyor to estimate the cost for enclosing the city cemetery by a good and sufficient levee to protect the same from injury and damages by water. However, the cemetery continues to flood when the water backs up on the north levee. Essentially, Marysville constructed one of the first set back levees in Californiagiving the river more space. There have been no levee failures at Marysville since. HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) Attorney General Jeff Jackson has released a warning for North Carolina residents about a scam that demands money for unpaid tolls. In a media release, Jackson shared that the scammers will usually contact a person via text or email, telling them that they owe an outstanding amount for using a toll road. The scammer will then try to direct you to a fake website that would ask for personal information. Jackson stated that a government agency would never notify people of bills via text or ask you to pay for them over text. Official businesses and government agencies will also never ask for payment through unconventional methods such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you believe that youve been a target or victim of a scam, notify your local 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 WSPA 7NEWS. TOOMBS COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Two people face multiple charges in Toombs County after the death of a 4-year-old girl Friday. On Friday, Toombs County Sheriffs Office received a call for an unresponsive child. The caller said she was on the way to the hospital with the child. Toombs-Montgomery EMS intercepted the vehicle and began to administer live saving treatment. Shortly after arriving at the Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, Ga., the child, a 4-year-old girl, was pronounced deceased. Seth Hunter Brown, 26, and Taylor Marie Hughes, 29, both of Lyons, Ga., were charged with cruelty to children in the first degree, aggravated battery, felony murder, and malice murder. Both were taken to the Toombs County Detention Center. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Toombs County Sheriffs Office at (9212) 526-9292. 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. A top Commerce Department official sent a blistering email to his former colleagues on his way out the door Sunday warning that the Trump administration is poised to unduly enrich Elon Musk's satellite internet company with money for rural broadband. The technology offered by Starlink, Musk's company, is inferior, wrote Evan Feinman, who had directed the $42.5 billion broadband program for the past three years. Stranding all or part of rural America with worse internet so that we can make the world's richest man even richer is yet another in a long line of betrayals by Washington, Feinman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key context: Feinmans lengthy email, totaling more than 1,100 words and shared with POLITICO, is a sign of deep discomfort about the changes underway that will likely transform the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently pledged a vigorous review of BEAD, with an aim to rip out what he sees as extraneous requirements and remove any preference for particular broadband technologies like fiber. Musk, who runs the Starlink satellite broadband service, stands to reap a greater share of these subsidies under the revised rules. Musk and Starlink did not respond to requests for comment. The program, created in the 2021 infrastructure law program, became a source of partisan fighting last year on the campaign trail as Republicans attacked the Biden administration for its slow pace. No internet expansion projects have begun using BEAD money, although some states were close at the beginning of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feinmans critique: In his email, Feinman notes Friday was his last day leading BEAD and that hes disappointed not to be able to see this project through. Commerce Department spokespeople didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on Feinmans email or the circumstances of his departure. Feinman's email warns the Trump administration could undermine BEAD and he encourages people to fight to retain its best aspects. Feinman said the administration should NOT change it to benefit technology that delivers slower speeds at higher costs to the household paying the bill, adding that this isnt what rural America, congressional Republicans or Democrats, the states or the telecom industry wants. Reach out to your congressional delegation and reach out to the Trump Administration and tell them to strip out the needless requirements, but not to strip away from states the flexibility to get the best connections for their people, Feinman wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said hes not worried about the Trump administration nixing requirements around climate resiliency, labor and middle class affordability, saying those issues were inserted by the prior administration for messaging/political purposes, and were never central to the mission of the program. Let projects go forth: Feinman is worried about the Trump administration killing state progress through changes to BEAD. Three states Louisiana, Delaware and Nevada are currently in limbo due to their final approvals caught in National Institute of Standards and Technology review, Feinman noted. Louisiana had previously anticipated it would begin executing internet projects within the first 100 days of 2025. Feinman said these states should be allowed to proceed and let other states ready with final proposals under the old rules, like West Virginia, move forward if they want. Shovels could already be in the ground in three states, and they could be in the ground in half the country by the summer without the proposed changes to project selection, Feinman wrote. Whats next: Lutnick has yet to release specific guidance around changes to BEAD nor presented any timeline for doing so. The Senate also still needs to confirm Arielle Roth, Trumps nominee to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Commerce Department agency overseeing the BEAD program. She is awaiting a Senate Commerce confirmation hearing. Top fashion models face being hauled into court over a risque fashion show in the mountains of Muslim Kashmir. Scantily dressed male and female models in bikinis, pants and fitted ski-wear strutted on a snow-covered catwalk for a fashion show involving the Indian arm of Elle magazine. The show by Shivan & Narresh, the well-known fashion brand, was held last Friday at Gulmarg, one of Indias top ski resorts. Scantily dressed male models strutted on a snow-covered catwalk But organisers have been forced to delete pictures and videos of the event, which local opposition groups condemned as soft porn and mocking the faith of the local population during the holy month of Ramadan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kashmir is majority Muslim but administered by India, which has a strong Hindu nationalist government that has long been accused of cultural imposition. The fashion show has opened up deep divisions in the region, which is also claimed by Pakistan. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmirs chief cleric, questioned how the show was allowed to go ahead in Kashmir, which is known for its Sufi culture. The fashion show has opened up deep divisions in the conservative region Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated, Mr Farooq said. Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, an Indian parliamentarian from Kashmir, said: This is what cultural invasion in the disguise of tourism looks like. They show an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elle was the first non-local brand to host a fashion show in restive Kashmir disputed between India and Pakistan, but claimed by both. The fears of cultural imposition by India run deep in Kashmir, which has seen decades of violence and protests against Indian rule. These fears have been growing after New Delhi abrogated the regions semi-autonomous status in 2019, prompting months of internet clampdown, curfews, and mass arrests, many of whom remain in Indian prisons. As the pressure mounted on the local government Omar Abdullah, the regions chief minister, distanced himself from the show, saying it was organised by a private party and his administration was not involved. After decades of protests against Indian rule, the fears of cultural imposition by the country run deep in Kashmir Mr Abdullah blamed the organisers for their failure to exercise sound judgment, disregarding the sensitivities of the people, the significance of the location, and the timing of their event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been concerns that such an event should not have taken place during Ramadan. I completely agree. Such an event should not have been held at any time of the year, given the cultural and social ethos of our region, he said. Designer duo Shivan & Narresh, who hosted the show on March 7 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their label, issued an apology after Elle India deleted a video of the event from its Instagram account. We deeply regret any hurt caused by our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. Our sole intention was to celebrate creativity and the ski and apres-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments, the designers said. Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A local politician approached a court in Srinagar, Kashmirs largest city, calling for action against the organisers. Faizan Nazar, special mobile magistrate, has summoned the organisers, models, and editors of Elle India on April 8. 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 police officials have also recovered Rs 17,60,000 (USD 4,000) and a laptop with critical transaction records. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sukhjit Singh and Ranbir Singh. These arrests follow the ongoing investigation into the seizure of 561 gm of heroin by Amritsar Rural Police, where the accused exposed their links to Hawala financing and other drug supply chains. In a social media post on X, DGP Punjab Police wrote, "Zero Tolerance for Drug Financing! In a decisive crackdown on drug networks, Amritsar Rural Police apprehends two Hawala operators, Sukhjit Singh & Ranbir Singh, who were facilitating illegal financial transactions linked to drug trafficking. These arrests follow the ongoing investigation into the 561 gm heroin seizure by PS Gharinda, @AmritsarRPolice where the accused exposed their links to Hawala financing and other drug supply chains." https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1901140709912293735 "Recovery: Rs17,60,000/- (Indian Currency) $4,000 (US Dollars) Laptop with critical transaction records @PunjabPoliceInd is systematically dismantling the drug ecosystem--targeting traffickers, their financiers, and enablers. Anyone involved in this dirty trade will face severe consequences," the social media post reads. Earlier, on March 14, BSF troops conducted an extensive search operation, leading to the recovery of three packets of suspected heroin from a farming field in the border area of Amritsar district. BSF Punjab Frontier said in a press release, "BSF troops recovered three packets of suspected heroin (gross weight: 1.678 kgs) at about 04:30 am from a farming field near village Awanbasu of district Amritsar. Two packets were wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, while the third one was wrapped with transparent plastic. Improvised copper wire loop was found attached to each packet." Earlier, the BSF and Punjab Police recovered over 500 grams of heroin from the Tarn Taran border area, officials said on Thursday. (ANI) RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN/AP) Amid storms that killed more than 30 in areas of the United States on Saturday, a tornado watch was issued for several areas, including central North Carolina. The violent, deadly tornadoes were also destructive Saturday as whipping winds moved east into Kansas, the Mississippi Valley and Deep South, with nearly three dozen people killed and scores of homes decimated. A Weather Alert day is set for Sunday in N.C. as the storm heads this way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALERT DAY: Severe storms, tornado risk Sunday in Central NC Debris covers the road during a severe storm passed the area north of Seymour, Mo., in Webster County late Friday, March 14, 2025. (Trooper Austin James/Missouri State Highway Patrol via AP) Destruction from a severe storm is seen Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) People work through the debris of the Cave City Auto Parts store on Saturday, March 15, 2025 after a severe weather storm Friday night in Cave City, Ark. (Staci Vandagriff/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) A vehicle sits in front of a damaged home and debris from a severe storm Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) Tim Scott, right, gets a hug from friend Jorden Harris outside Scotts home he was inside when it was destroyed during a severe storm the evening before Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) The number of fatalities increased after the Kansas Highway Patrol reported eight people died in a highway pileup caused by a dust storm in Sherman County on Friday. At least 50 vehicles were involved. In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves announced that six people died in three counties and three more people were missing. There were 29 injuries across the state, he added in a nighttime post on the social platform X. Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as scattered twisters overnight killed at least 12, authorities said. The tornado watch was issued just before 6 p.m. Saturday and will last until 1 a.m. Sunday, The National Weather Service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible, the watch said. The tornado watch in North Carolina until 2 p.m. Sunday is for the following counties: Cumberland Harnett Hoke Lee Moore Sampson Scotland Stanly Widespread damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75 mph likely, the tornado watch said. Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible. There are 18 eastern Tennessee counties and 10 north Georgia counties in the tornado watch. A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. 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 CBS17.com. Mar. 15North Alabama was in the path of severe and potentially damaging storms, including possible tornadoes, throughout the day Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. NWS meteorologist Andy Kula in Huntsville said the storms could arrive during the late morning hours and into the evening, and they could include tornadoes, hail or high winds. "We'll have multiple waves of thunderstorms," Kula said. "The last wave (Saturday) evening might pose the worst threat, but I don't want to rule out anything during the day, either." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kula said all counties in north Alabama are in the risk area, with the highest risk west of Interstate 65. "The highest risk (Saturday) will be south of the Tennessee River, but I don't want to demark that because anywhere is moderate or high or level 4 or 5 out of 5 risk at this point," Kula said. "It's one of our highest risk categories, and that's what we're saying at this point with all forms of severe weather possible." Kula said the first storms were predicted to travel east from Mississippi and hit the Decatur area between 3 and 6 a.m. Saturday morning, "if they get that far." Kula said north Alabama is also under a flood watch with a potential for 3 to 7 inches of rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we get all that rain within a short period of time, we are going to have some flash flooding issues," Kula said. Kula said things should clear up Sunday with high temperatures in the 60s. Limestone County Emergency Management Agency officer Caleb King said his department has been opening storm shelters all day and communicating with the National Weather Service. He said they repaired two weather sirens on Friday and all sirens should be fully operational. "As far as expectations, who knows," King said. "It could do a whole lot, but it may do a whole lot somewhere else, but it's a prepare-for-the-worst kind of thing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King encourages residents to have a plan ahead of time and to have multiple ways to receive warnings rather than relying solely on sirens, which are intended for outdoor alerts. Irene Cardenas-Martinez, Decatur police spokeswoman, said Decatur police would monitor weather conditions and announce if or when school shelters at Austin and Decatur High are opened Saturday. wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. President Donald Trumps policies and rhetoric have driven some international tourists to cancel their trips to the United States. International travel is expected to dip by 5 percent this year as Trumps trade policies, proposed handling of Russias war in Ukraine, and threats to absorb both Canada and Greenland into the U.S. have stoked tensions abroad. Combined with an anticipated slide in domestic travel spending, these factors could contribute to a predicted $64 billion in losses for the U.S. travel industry in 2025, according to travel research firm Tourism Economics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a report published late last month, Tourism Economics predicted that domestic travel will be negatively affected by slower income growth and higher prices while international travel to the U.S. will be hit by a trifecta of slower economies, a stronger dollar, and antipathy towards the US. Compared to last February, inbound travel to the U.S. last month dipped by 2 percent, preliminary U.S. government data shows. Trump has demanded that Canada become its 51st state and has imposed levies on the country. International travelers are scrapping their plans to visit the U.S. in light of Trumps policies and rhetoric (REUTERS) Now is also the time to choose Canada, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a speech in February following Trumps initial tariffs. It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some north of the border now appear to be taking him up on that idea. Canadians, the most common international visitors to the U.S., have stopped coming to the country. in droves. Last month, visits by car from Canada to the U.S. plummeted by 23 percent compared to February 2024, Statistics Canada data shows. Similarly, U.S. car trips to Canada decreased by 7.9 percent from the year prior. Bertha Lopez, a 54-year-old who lives near Toronto, told the Washington Post she used to routinely drive across the U.S. border to buy staple foods, but that habit has come to a screeching halt in light of Trumps recent rhetoric. Lopez canceled a trip to Arizona to visit her friends sick husband and instead plans to buy her friend a ticket to visit her in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this talk of making Canada the 51st state has been upsetting. Its just incredibly offensive, she said. So Im doing what I can: No more Tide. No more Coca-Cola. No more Disney. And barring a funeral or someone in the hospital, I am not going to the United States. Protesters in Canada hold up signs saying the country is not 4 sale as Trump demands it become the U.S.s 51st state (AP) Trump has also renewed calls from his first term, saying he wants the U.S. to buy Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The Danish government and the Greenlandic government have both said that the territory is not up for sale. Overall travel from Western Europe was down 1 percent in February compared to the same month last year, while travel specifically from Denmark dipped by 6 percent in February compared to the same month in 2024, according to U.S. government data. Travel from Western Europe, which represented 37% of overseas travel to the U.S. last year, is susceptible to declines as a result of both tariffs and the administration's perceived recent alignment with Russia in the war in Ukraine as sentiment towards the U.S. is damaged, the Tourism Economics February report warns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Trump threatened a 200 percent tariff on alcoholic beverages imported from the European Union, which he called one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World. Jens Muellers, 31, and his father were planning to travel from Germany to Seattle over the summer to go on a road trip to see some of the national parks in the western U.S. Trumps recent remarks about the E.U. on top of his layoffs at the National Park Service and budget cuts to other departments overseeing federal lands prompted Muellers to shift gears and head to Canada, he told the Post. This trip would have marked his fifth trip to the United States. Its a real shame and breaking my heart to see what is happening with the national parks and [its] employees right now, he said. We wont come back to the U.S. until things change significantly. Trader Joes has recalled 61,500 bottles of sparkling water over a laceration hazard, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The grocery store chain issued a recall for its 750 ml bottles of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, an imported German product sold for around $3. According to the companys news release, certain lot codes may have the potential for cracked/damaged bottles. The affected lot codes are either 2024/28/11 24 2027/19/12 or 024/271/11 24 2027/18/12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue was identified by research related to bottle breakage during production and potentially affects 1% of bottles in the lot codes above, the news release read. The bottles were sold from December 27, 2024, to January 28, 2025, in 12 states. The states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. No customers have reported injuries or any damaged bottles, according to the news release. No injuries have been reported over the glass bottles (Trader Joe's) Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Gerolsteiner sparkling water bottles, and return the bottles from the affected lots to the store where they were purchased for a full refund, the CPSC states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Trader Joes recalled their Organic Acai Bowls over the concern that the bowls may contain plastic. The grocer recommended throwing away or returning the boxes to a Trader Joes location for a full refund. Out of an abundance of caution, please discard any Trader Joes Organic Acai Bowls, as the product may contain foreign material (plastic), or return them to your neighborhood Trader Joes store for a full refund, the company said. The recall did not contain information detailing the lot numbers affected or specifying a range of dates when the affected products were produced or sold. Earlier this week a coffee creamer brand recalled over 75,000 bottles after receiving complaints of spoilage and illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danone, the parent company of International Delight coffee creamer, originally issued a voluntary recall on February 21. On Wednesday, the United States Food and Drug Administration upgraded the recall to its second-highest risk level, a Class II recall. According to the FDA, a Class II recall means using or being exposed to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. The recall only applies to two specific flavors of the coffee creamer: 32-ounce bottles of Hazelnut creamer and 32-ounce bottles of Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll. The total number of recalled creamer bottles was 75,054. Their expiration dates are listed as July 2, 2025, and July 3, 2025, respectively. Both recalled bottles have a producing plant code of 51-4114 R-S. Thirty-one states received shipments of the creamer bottles: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The News US President Donald Trump moved to gut federally funded media outlets that for decades have promoted American values around the world. More than 1,300 Voice of America employees were put on leave, while funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia which broadcast inside countries like Russia and North Korea was terminated. Beginning with the formation of VOA in 1942, the outlets were formed to counter Nazi propaganda and communism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise [of the outlets], the head of RFE/RL said in a statement Saturday, describing it as a massive gift to Americas enemies. The cuts extended the administrations attacks on US media: The administration is investigating public broadcasters, and Trump on Friday suggested that negative cable coverage cannot be legal. The administration of US President Donald Trump has provided a list of claims against the Voice of America broadcaster, explaining its decision to cease funding for the network. Source: European Pravda, citing the White House press service Details: The Trump administration made several claims against the Voice of America on Saturday 15 March. The administration used quotes from various media outlets to accuse the broadcaster of violating journalistic standards and constantly avoiding responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump claimed that several Voice of America reporters had posted anti-Trump comments on their professional X (Twitter) accounts despite the platforms policy of impartiality. In particular, the White House published the following arguments in favour of Trump's decision: In 2020, the Voice of America reported on a possible Russian role in the scandal involving the laptop of Hunter Biden, a son of former US President Joe Biden, which the Trump administration perceived as an attempt to "hide the truth". The Voice of America's management instructed its employees not to refer to Hamas and its members as terrorists "except when quoting statements". In 2019, the broadcaster aired a story about transgender migrants seeking asylum in the United States. Background: On the evening of 15 March, reports emerged that a significant number of Voice of America employees had been placed on "administrative" leave, including restrictions on accessing emails and carrying out work essential to the broadcasters operations. Multiple European Pravda sources confirmed that, alongside the suspension of many Voice of America employees, the Trump administration also announced the full cancellation of funding for the RFE/RL network (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty). Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has already described the decision as "a massive gift to America's enemies". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Special envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Russian officials about continued peace negotiations, and he said the meeting was positive. This morning, I met with President Putin, Witkoff said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. I think the meeting was somewhere between three and four hours. It was positive. Witkoff said the conversation was a solution-based discussion with Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting comes after weeks of attempts from the U.S. to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. U.S. officials met with Russian affiliates, essentially sidelining Ukraine and causing international concern. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with President Trump in Washington, D.C., to aid the situation, but the meeting ended in shouting between the leaders. Ukraine and Zelensky have sought to repair relations with the U.S. after Trump paused aid for the war-torn country. Officials have pressed ahead with peace talks, including Witkoffs meeting. The two sides are today a lot closer, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had some really positive results coming out of [the] Saudi Arabia discussions led by our national security adviser Mike Waltz and our Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Witkoff added, pointing to the recent U.S.-Ukraine meeting. Witkoff said that meeting was positive and that the discussion with Putin was equally positive. The two sides, we have narrowed the differences between them, and now were sitting at the table, 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. WASHINGTON Trump administration officials Sunday announced the deportations of hundreds of immigrants the White House alleges are members of a Venezuelan gang to El Salvador under the wartime Alien Enemies Act after a judge temporarily blocked the effort Saturday. The president invoked this authority to deport nearly 300 of them who are now in El Salvador, where they will be behind bars where they belong, rather than roaming freely in American communities, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Vice President JD Vance added in a post on X Sunday night that President Donald Trump deported "violent criminals and rapists." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear how the government determined the nearly 300 men were part of the gang or whether they had U.S. court hearings or immigration hearings, as the Alien Enemies Act allows the government to deport certain nationals in times of war without trial. A judge Saturday ordered any deportation flights that were carrying anyone subject to the presidential proclamation to return to the United States if they were currently in flight. The ruling, however, did not apply to migrants who had already landed in foreign countries before the court order or those subject to removal from the country for reasons separate from Trump's proclamation. The government said in a filing Sunday afternoon that some gang members subject to removal under the Proclamation had already been removed from United States territory" before the court order was issued. It is unclear, however, whether any of the deportees had already landed in El Salvador before the judges ruling or whether the Trump administration defied the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt denied in a statement Sunday that the White House defied the court order and said the judge's ruling barring all deportation flights under Trump's proclamation was issued after "terrorist [Tren De Aragua] aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory." The written order and the Administrations actions do not conflict," Leavitt said. "Moreover, as the Supreme Court has repeatedly made clear federal courts generally have no jurisdiction over the Presidents conduct of foreign affairs, his authorities under the Alien Enemies Act, and his core Article II powers to remove foreign alien terrorists from U.S. soil and repel a declared invasion." The plaintiffs submitted an overnight filing asking the judge to direct the government to provide more details about the timing of the flights and transfer of custody of the deportees. An alleged Venezuelan gang member is escorted from a plane in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador after being deported by the U.S. on Sunday. Two senior Trump administration officials told NBC News they expect the court fight over the presidents use of the Alien Enemies Act to ultimately head to the Supreme Court, where they believe the administration will win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used authority, on Saturday in an effort to deport immigrants he alleged were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. But ahead of his proclamation, the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit saying the administration was preparing to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport five Venezuelan men. A federal judge initially issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the administration from deporting the five men under the Alien Enemies Act and later blocked its use for deportations of all non-U.S. citizens who were in custody and subject to Trumps proclamation. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States, James Boasberg, chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., said Saturday. Those people need to be returned to the United States. Two flights holding Venezuelans were in transit during the judges ruling, according to a source familiar with the matter. NBC News could not confirm whether the flights turned around following the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A blue Global X plane took off from Harlingen, Texas, on Saturday afternoon, landing at El Salvador International Airport about an hour after the judges ruling, according to an NBC News analysis of flight tracking databases. El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele posted a video to X on Sunday that appeared to show several deportees being taken off of a blue Global X plane and taken into the custody of heavily armed Salvadoran authorities. NBC News cannot confirm whether the flights that landed in El Salvador carrying Venezuelans were the two flights that were in the air at the time of the judges order. In the overnight filing, the plaintiffs also pointed to two Global X flights that departed from Harlingen and arrived in Honduras and El Salvador, saying it appears that there were at least two flights that took off during the hearing but landed even after this Courts written Order. Lee Gelernt, a lawyer arguing the case for the ACLU, said Sunday that his team asked the government to assure the court that nobody was removed in violation of the order. The government had not responded as of early afternoon, Gelernt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University, said that if the administration is allowed to violate a court order with impunity, the nation could barrel toward a constitutional crisis. Now that Congress has shown itself subservient to the wishes of the White House, the judiciary is the last check against the exercise of autocratic power in the president, Gillers said. The question before the country is whether the judges will use their contempt and other powers to resist the elimination of checks and balances in order to protect the rule of law. Trump administration officials touted the deportations Sunday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Bukele, saying in a statement that he has volunteered to imprison these violent criminals. Rubio said that hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country. Leavitt also praised the deportations on X, saying that thanks to the great work of the Department of State, these heinous monsters were extracted and removed to El Salvador where they will no longer be able to pose any threat to the American People. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Rubios nor Leavitts statements referred to the judges order or detailed whether the administration was in compliance. Rubio also referred to wanting to get rid of Tren de Aragua members in an interview with CBS News Face the Nation. Asked about the arrest of activist Mahmoud Khalil and whether only people who express support for Palestinians could have their visas revoked, Rubio pointed to actions taken against Tren de Aragua. We want to get rid of Tren de Aragua gang members. Theyre terrorists, too, Rubio said. The president designated them asked me to designate and I did, as a terrorist organization. We want to get rid of them, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bukele said Sunday on X that 238 members of Tren de Aragua arrived in the country today. The United States also deported 23 MS-13 members to El Salvador, Bukele added. Also Sunday, Bukele posted an image of a headline about the judges order, writing Oopsie... Too late with a laughing emoji. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Kylie Mohr High Country News Successfully fighting a wildfire requires more than people digging line or cutting fire breaks with chainsaws. It also involves people who call grazing lessees to tell them to evacuate their cows, provide food for firefighters in the field and map the resources that the firefighters need to protect. People filling all these positions were recently terminated on one national forest a problem that spans forests across the West. We lost the whole suite of support, a Forest Service fire management officer, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from their employer, told High Country News. It is leaving us woefully unprepared for fire this summer. Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency claimed that firefighters were exempt from its purge of at least 2,000 employees from the U.S. Forest Service along with 800 others from the Bureau of Land Management on Valentines Day and Presidents Day weekend. Hiring freeze exemptions exist for critical health and safety positions, meaning wildland firefighters, U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson Audra Weeks told High Country News via email. But public-land management employees say this is not the whole story, because it leaves out collateral-duty firefighter positions. These are the employees whose primary job isnt fire. Maybe they work on trail crews, or study soil, or communicate information with the public. But many of the people in these non-fire positions also train to earn and maintain certifications colloquially called red cards that qualify them for helping with wildfire fighting. Collateral duty firefighters make up a significant portion of the wildland firefighting force, the fire management officer said. The scope of the problem became clear Thursday. More than 75 percent of the recently fired probationary employees nationwide had red cards, according to testimony provided by Frank Beum, a retired regional forester and board member of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, during a Senate Agriculture subcommittee hearing. Beum said these collateral fire duty positions are the backbone of fire suppression and prescribed fire. Senator Michael Bennet, D-Colorado, called the situation an emergency. Everyone keeps saying, Well, were not firing firefighters, the fire management officer said. But thats not the truth either. It takes a village to fight fire. Some of these crucial employees may, at least for now, be getting their jobs back. An independent federal board, the Merit Systems Protection Board, ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, to temporarily reinstate almost 6,000 employees on March 5, because there were reasonable grounds to believe the terminations were illegal. We have not had any direction/interpretation from anyone on the court decision, the fire management officer told HCN on the evening of March 5. But those positions may still not be safe, as the Trump administration has repeatedly called for massive workforce reductions in the federal government and is exploring other, potentially legal, options to do that. Furthermore, the temporary reinstatement is only for 45 days. Immediately after the order, current Forest Service employees said they were still in the dark as to what this means, while fired employees took to social media to say that they had yet to be offered their jobs back. A Region 1 Forest Service employee in Montana who asked for anonymity to protect their job said that 30% of their district staff were terminated. Many of them had red cards or worked other fire support jobs without them. In a busy season, we would definitely be leaning on those people that were terminated, they said. They could help with evacuations, post information at trailheads, shuttle people or supplies to a trailhead, or take stuff back and forth to the airport for helicopters to deliver to on-the-ground firefighters. It is leaving us woefully unprepared for fire this summer. Federal firefighting on public lands in the U.S. works like this: Resources rotate as the fire season progresses regionally. For example, Western firefighters and support teams are currently being sent to the East Coast and Texas, where wildfires are burning. Theyll head to the Southwest in the spring, and then, in the late summer and fall, theyll go to the Northwest. Normally Id have a couple (people) down in Texas right now helping out, the fire management officer said. But because they no longer have all those red-card-holding, collateral fire-duty workers, there arent enough people available to respond to a local fire if the primary firefighters are gone. I dont see us having the ability to help outside of our own forest nearly as much as we have in the past, they said. During the Senate hearing on Thursday, Beum said 1,000 Forest Service employees including many who worked on wildfires incident management and command teams, hand crews, operations, logistics and more took the administrations deferred resignation offer, further crippling the Forest Services ability to fight fire. All of this could have a cascading effect this summer, if forests are forced to keep their primary firefighters close to home and larger fires in other regions are unable to summon the usual number of shared resources. Severely understaffed districts may also require employees to stay in the area to complete basic functions. We might be spending more time cleaning toilets, building trails or whatever we need for the district that usually is done by those other people, the Region 1 employee said. If we have a busy fire season locally or nationally, were not going to have the support that were accustomed to. Though snow is still on the ground in many parts of the West, the effects of federal directives are already being felt. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington rely on Bureau of Indian Affairs funding to employ tribal members as wildland firefighters. According to reporting by Stateline, Trumps freeze on federal hiring has halted the onboarding process for those staffers. The Bureau of Land Managements fire resources are also being impacted by the mass layoffs. A BLM employee who works in fires and fuels planning, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, said most if not all the employees in BLM field units are red-carded and able to contribute to local fire response. Its common for these employees to work as resource advisors, protecting species, cultural items and other natural resources from wildfire and fire-suppression activities. The timing of the government chaos and uncertainty couldnt be worse, the BLM employee said: The disruption happening at this time of year is taking attention away from fire season preparation. And a busy fire season is already stacking up. The National Interagency Fire Centers Predictive Services has forecast above-normal temperatures for the Southwest and Great Basin starting this month, meaning these regions have an above-normal potential for wildfires. Meanwhile, above-average potential for wildfires in Alaska is expected to start in April, and come May, Southern California is predicted to have increased potential for wildfires, too. This story was originally published in High Country News. Boarding Air Force One on March 12, President Donald Trump quipped, Were going to raise hundreds of billions in tariffs; were going to become so rich were not going to know where to spend that money. Despite hand-wringing from CEOs, the stock market tanking, and widespread condemnation from our trading partners, the President is forging ahead with his trade war. In doing so, he's counting on big windfalls from these import taxes, along with the savings he boasts will flow from Elon Musks DOGE campaign, to fulfill his promise of sharply reducing Americas yawning fiscal deficits. But in examining five facts about how tariffs actually work, it's clear that they will have a huge effect on the economyjust not the one the President is projecting. Fact 1: Tariffs are a tax that will be mainly, if not wholly, borne by U.S. consumers Trump has always insisted that other nations or foreign companies will pay the full cost of the tariffs that the U.S. collects on imports. During campaign stops in September, he stated, Its not a tax on the middle class. Its a tax on another country, and Its not going to cost you, it going to be a cost to another country. As a first step, its important to understand who actually makes the payment. When a Chinese or Canadian exporter ships components or finished goods to one of the 328 US ports of entry, the U.S. importer purchasing the goodsnot the exporter or another nationpays the tariff, also called an import tax, to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. The tariff is assessed as a fixed percentage of the price the exporters charges pre-tariff. That charge gets added to the price the U.S. importer pays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real cost of the tariff, however, can fall in part or whole on three parties. If the U.S. just increased tariffs on auto parts by 10%, the overseas producer could reduce its price by a like amount to maintain its sales to Ford or GM. Or, if the exporter tacks the 10% duty onto its selling price, the automakers could absorb the extra expense; theyd keep their car prices the same, and accept lower margins. In theory, if between them, the foreign exporter and the U.S. importer swallow the tariff, the cost wont fall on the U.S. consumer. On the other hand, a U.S. importer shouldering the charge would be making a lot less money, and gain less earnings for building new plants and expanding its workforce. But thats not how it works in practice, according to studies of the real-world impact of past tariff increases. In a paper on the Trump tariff regime of 2018 and 2019 published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, the four economist-authors analyzed the effect of the increase in tariffs during Trumps first term from an average of 3.7% to 26.8% on almost 18,000 products including many types of steel, aluminum, and appliances, and covering $421 billion or over 18% of all U.S. imports. Their review found that for steel, exporters actually dropped their prices to U.S. importersa group that would encompass builders, wholesalers, canners, and other customers, fully offsetting the tariffsthereby ducking a big blow to their U.S. sales. But that was an outlier. Overall, prices for the targeted goods rose 21.9% on average between the time the tariffs struck in 2018 and the close of 2019. The study found that, steel aside, U.S. consumers have borne the entire incidence of U.S. tariffs. Americans at the auto lots and supermarkets shouldered what's known as a "one hundred percent pass-through" of the tariff tax. A second analysis of the first Trump wave from the National Bureau of Economic Research, Whos Paying for the Tariffs? (2020), reached a similar conclusion, noting: We have found that in most sectors, tariffs have been completely passed on to U.S. firms and consumers. The article doesnt posit how much goes to consumer prices versus lower margins, but finds the U.S., not foreign companies, felt the full force of Trumps first round to import taxes. Fact 2: Tariffs dont accelerate growth in output and employment, they throttle both President Trump often trumpets that tariffs are going to be the greatest thing weve ever done for our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the experience from his first term doesnt confirm this confidence, according to The Return of Protectionism, as updated in January 2020. The paper details that tariff increases do indeed create winners and losers, but on balance, they hurt the economy more than they help. The authors estimate that domestic producers gained $24 billion in sales per year in 2018 and 2019, as tariffs raised prices for competing imports, making U.S.-produced goods more attractive to consumers and businesses. The duties also generated $65 billion in annual tax revenue. Downside: The tariffs raised prices to U.S. customers by $114 billion each year. Hence, according to the reckoning in the Journal of Economics, the U.S. economy suffered a net loss from the first big experiment of $25 billion (the $114 billion extra spent by consumers less the $89 billion from taxes and increased revenues by U.S. companies). Domestic producers, the study estimates, would have benefited much more if they hadnt lost $8 billion of their own export sales due to retaliation from abroad. All told, the authors estimate that tariffs shaved 0.13% from annual GDP in 2018 and 2019. Upshot: Sans tariffs, our output would have averaged 4.9% over the two-year span instead of the 4.75% the U.S. achieved. Keep in mind that a tariff increase thats a fraction of what Trumps envisioning drove this meaningful zap to GDP. The most in-depth, historical analysis on the topic, an IMF working paper from 2019, appeared too early to assess the duties imposed in Trumps first term. But they were a harbinger for what happened thenand whats ahead. The four authors studied the impact of tariff increases from 1963 to 2014 across 151 nations. Their finding: a rise of 3.5% in import duties shaved 0.4% from annual GDP growth after five years, and led to a 1.5% increase in unemployment. And the authors didnt calculate the extra pounding from our producers' loss of exports triggered by retaliation. Fact 3: Big tariffs will not reduce the Trump-hated trade deficit A White House fact sheet from February 14 states that the major goal of Trumps Fair and Reciprocal Plan for widespread tariffs is to reduce our large and persistent annual trade deficit. Trump talks constantly about how the import duties will narrow the lopsided exchange of goods between the U.S. and our foreign cohorts, rhetorically multiplying the size of the ravines to bolster his case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Presidents offensive wont work, because it collides with a basic law of economics. The annual trade deficit by definition must match the difference between all U.S. savings and all U.S. investment. For many years, American taxpayers and businesses, all in, havent been saving nearly enough to fund the huge demand for our stocks and privately issued bonds, new factories and data centers, housing project and stakes in PE funds, and sundry other profit-spinning ventures. The reason: gigantic budget deficits expected to reach a staggering $1.9 trillion this year at the federal level. Uncle Sam is paying high rates to hoover up a huge share of Americas savings that would otherwise flow into private investments. The U.S. shortage of savings to investment last year hit $971 billion, and it precisely equals the trade deficit in goods of $1.2 trillion, less our services surplus of roughly $300 billion. That savings less investment and the trade deficit must match is called an identity in economic jargon. (Services usually arent subject to tariffs, so its the duties on goods that are will reshape the economy moving ahead.) Why must the numbers equal out? Because foreign nations amassed net proceeds of $971 billion selling stuff to the U.S. in 2024. All that money is denominated in dollars, and those dollars are only good Stateside. Hence, foreigners send all that cash back across our borders to fund all the investments we cant cover, mainly because such a big chunk of our savings go to funding the ravenous budget deficit. Foreigners are willing to keep accumulating all those greenbacks because they richly prosper investing in the nation thats generating the worlds highest returns. As a result, says economist Steve Hanke of Johns Hopkins, The U.S. has been able to finance the difference between our low savings, driven by the budget deficit, and big investments because of our vibrancy, with relative ease. The big inflows from abroad are a boon to America, he says, because they allow our citizens to spend a lot more than if we had to balance our own federal budget, and at the same time pour money into new factories, fabs, and transforming old-line family outfits into models of modern efficiency. We have the reserve currency and biggest and best capital markets, says Hanke. If you can finance deficits with money from abroad, they can be a wonderful thing. Theyre allowing America to consume much more than we produce. Hanke adds that Trump has gotten the trade issue topsy-turvy. Trump can moan all he wants about foreigners causing our trade deficits, says Hanke. But theyre not caused by foreigners engaging in unfair practices. Theyre homemade. Any country posting a savings-investment deficiency will post a trade deficit the same size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upshot: Tariffs could lower imports, but unless the U.S. either saves a lot more or invests far less, the trade balance wont change. In fact, the big legacy from the original Trump tariffs is just that: Exports to China dropped sharply, and overall export expansion lagged the rise in imports. But the trade deficit (including services) expanded 63% since 2019. Fact 4: Tariffs will do little if anything to shrink the federal budget deficit The independent, nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimates that tariffs, if enacted as currently planned, would raise around $300 billion in 2026. Thats big money, equivalent to about one-eighth of what the US collected in personal income taxes last year. The question is whether the downdraft on GDP would flatten or lower folks incomes to the point where less cash would flow to the Treasury in total than if U.S. didnt resort to tariffs. Most likely, theyre a false panacea for our fiscal profligacy. For example, the Tax Foundation predicts that the Trump tariffs would shave around $2 trillion from where annual GDP would be without them by around the late 2020s. That drag on growth could easily reduce the growth in tax receipts by more than the tariffs would collect. Besides, tariffs are widely regarded as a poor tool for raising revenue. They dont raise much money unless theyre really high, says economist Andrew Rose. And when theyre really high, that just encourages smuggling. Tariffs are a really inefficient means of taxation. In the past 70 years, the world has turned to income and VATs to fund their budgets. No large country uses tariffs. Fact 5: Were not getting fleeced by conniving, protectionist trading partners Trumps view that America is getting unjustly skewered by nations that hobble our imports while profiting richly from Americas wide-open markets doesnt align with the data. Of course, all of our trading partners impose some especially high charges or technical barriers to protect their favorite products. Canada, for example, deploys a supply management system to keep dairy prices high within its borders, a system that puts an effective limit on U.S. imports. But the U.S. harbors its own market-closing practices as well, including a quota system for sugar imports and barriers shielding many dairy products, including powdered milk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in general, of our major counterparts mainly embrace free trade just as ardently as we door as we used to. For example, pre-Trump and retaliation, the EU put an average charge of 1% on US imports, exactly the same toll we imposed on its exports. Last year, the bloc collected just $3 billion in tariffs on U.S.-made goods, less than half what we charged the EU. Canada and Mexico both exact somewhat higher tariffs on the US than the other way around. The average rate on US goods entering Canada is 3.1%, compared to 2.0% for their products flowing south across our borders. We pay 5.2% to sell stuff in Mexico, 1.8 points more than we our take on goods crossing the Rio Grande. Closing these differences would greatly benefit our exporters. But theyre far too slight to justify a trade warespecially since the backlash from both nations could prove a killer for our producers whose fortunes rely heavily on sending the likes of heavy machinery, chemicals, and plastics to those countries. Even China exacted just 2.7% on average pre-trade war, while the U.S. since the Trump bumps in 2018 and 2019 was squeezing 10% on imports from its giant rival, a toll he just doubled. Look at what Trumps announced, and assume he does all of it. Trumps planning 25% across-the-board tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and the EU, except for a 10% charge on Canadian energy imports. Hes already doubled the rate on China to 20%. The charge on autos, steel, aluminum, and autos from around the globe, set at the familiar 25%, is already in place, and Trump promises the same rate on all cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. Lumber, copper, and ag products are also in his sights. This immense list covers an astounding $2.1 trillion in imports or around half the 2024 total of $4.1 trillion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the average tariff charged across all U.S. imports is 2.5%, about double the number before Trump imposed his first round in 2018 and the Biden administration kept most of those levies in place. Now the Tax Foundation estimates that on whats already been announced, the norm will rise by over 11 points to 13.8%. The long-term cost, it forecasts, will be immense, amounting to a 0.55% reduction in annual GDP, about a one-eighth reduction in what the CBO views as our probable rate of expansion in the years ahead. Someone may get rich from this trade war, but it's not going to be America. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Zafar Ali, the Jama Masjid Sadar Chief and Shahi Mosque Committee Chief of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday stated that they will try to complete the whitewashing task as per the court orders. The Jama Masjid Sadar Chief stated that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken the work and appointed all labour. "The whitewashing work has begun. Around 9-10 people are working. More people may be put to work if needed... We will try to complete the task as per the court orders... There are 9-10 people assigned by the ASI. Another 10-20 people may be called... The task has been undertaken by the ASI; all the labour has been appointed by them. The work will continue till 5 pm today..." Ali told ANI. Speaking on the whitewashing work of Sambhal Jama Masjid, Jama Masjid Committee Secretary Masood Farooqui said, "Labourers have come for whitewashing... The outer part will be painted." The work of whitewashing of Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh' Sambhal began on Sunday after the Allahabad High Court granted permission on March 12. Speaking to ANI, the contractor assigned by the ASI to whitewash the Sambhal Jama Masjid, stated that the work is likely to be completed within a week and a total of eight people have been working on it. "A total of eight people are at work. The work of whitewashing has been started... We will finish the work within a week. We have been only directed to whitewash the mosque. We have been assigned by the ASI," he said. While hearing the case of the Sambhal Jama Masjid on March 12, the Allahabad High Court gave permission to whitewash the mosque from the outside and also decorate it with lights without tampering with anything. The next hearing in the case is on April 8. Meanwhile, security was heightened 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. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal mandated a panel consisting of officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a scientific expert, and a local administration representative to ensure the work was conducted without causing structural damage to the mosque. Sambhal ASP Shrish Chandra told ANI that heavy security arrangements have been put in place around the site. "Tight security arrangements have been made around the disputed site. An adequate police force has been deployed... Peace will be maintained... Surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones," he said. Earlier in February, the Uttar Pradesh police's SIT filed a chargesheet of over 4,000 pages in six of the 12 cases in the November 24 Sambhal violence that erupted during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque. The violence resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. According to the chargesheet, 80 arrests have been made, and 79 are still pending. There are 159 total accused in the case. The chargesheet also mentioned that the weapons recovered from the site of violence and other places were manufactured in the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. (ANI) President Donald Trump took aim at the Fake News again Friday and called journalists sick degenerates for suggesting that his special envoy Steve Witkoff waited eight to nine hours to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Several outlets reported that Witkoff left Moscow on Friday without a ceasefire deal after Putin rejected Trumps proposal. Trump has said that hes working to get Russia and Ukraine to end the war, and that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined a proposal earlier this week. Although Trump claimed that the discussions were productive, Putin voiced doubts on Thursday, leaving Ukrainians to worry that the Kremlin wasnt going to agree to lasting peace. Those reporting on the story looked at flight tracking data and Russian reports to discover that Putin met with Witkoff late Thursday, even though the envoy arrived hours before. Photos prove that Witkoffs motorcade arrived around midday, but he did not end up fully delivering the proposal until that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, however, took to Truth Social to call the reporting dishonest; he said there was no wait whatsoever. The president conceded that there were in fact meetings with other Representatives of Russia that took some time, but that they were very productive. From there, things went quickly and efficiently, and all signs seem to be, hopefully, very good! he wrote. In conclusion, there was no nine-hour wait, or any wait at all! He added that journalists made up the story to try and DEMEAN, because they are sick degenerates, that have to start reporting the News correctly. The accusation follows Trumps controversial move to determine which journalists will make up the White House press pool and to ban legacy outlets like the Associated Press (AP) for refusing to comply with his orders. The AP was specifically barred after journalists continued to call the southern body of water the Gulf of Mexico instead of Gulf of America, as Trump demanded. New media outlets are invited instead in order to spread President Trumps message, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has launched a significant assault on news outlets since he first took office in 2016. His criticisms have left many journalists and free press organizations concerned about how his policies may violate the Constitution. He expanded his attacks Friday by insinuating that some press actions should be deemed illegal. I believe that CNN and MS-DNC, who literally write 97.6% bad about me, are political arms of the Democrat [sic] party and in my opinion, theyre really corrupt and theyre illegal, what do they do is illegal, Trump said during a speech at the Department of Justice. He added that CNN and MSNBC are corrupt and no different than a highly paid political operative. The Trump administration also put government-employed journalists at Voice of America (VoA) on administrative leave after eliminating the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) on Thursday. Donald Trump has been upending the world order since his return to the White House in January. In the second instalment of a three-part series on the implications of Trump's foreign policy, we look at his move to halt aid to South Africa. US President Donald Trump's order to cut off aid to South Africa amid a row over Pretoria's new land reform law could push the continent's most advanced economy towards China and alienate much of the Global South. That is the assessment of observers, who say it could also signal a shift in the battle for influence in Africa - where China's Belt and Road Initiative has given it the upper hand - with the US moving from soft power to hard power in Trump's second term. 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. Relations between the United States and its largest trading partner in Africa soured after South Africa adopted the controversial land expropriation law in January, part of the country's efforts over decades to right the historical wrongs of apartheid. In an executive order on February 7, Trump instructed the US government to "stop aid and assistance" for South Africa, accusing Pretoria's mainly black leadership of taking an anti-American, anti-white stance and supporting "bad actors on the world stage" - notably Iran and Palestinian militant group Hamas. South Africa has denied the allegations about "unjust and immoral" racial discrimination, calling Trump's order "a campaign of misinformation and propaganda" against the country, with President Cyril Ramaphosa vowing that the country would "not be bullied". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump doubled down earlier this month - accusing Pretoria of confiscating land and treating white Afrikaner farmers "terribly" - the South African government said last week that it would not take part in "counterproductive megaphone diplomacy". Pretoria plans to send a delegation to Washington to clarify its approach, and is reportedly working on a new trade deal to ease tensions with the Trump administration. White South Africans supporting US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk hold a protest in front of the United States embassy in Pretoria on February 15. Photo: AFP alt=White South Africans supporting US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk hold a protest in front of the United States embassy in Pretoria on February 15. Photo: AFP> The aid freeze is expected to deal a heavy blow to South Africa's health sector - particularly the HIV treatment programmes that received most of the US$440 million assistance from the US last year, leaving the country's 8 million people living with the disease the worst hit by the feud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ovigwe Eguegu, a policy analyst at Development Reimagined, a Beijing-headquartered consultancy, said the row over land distribution would further complicate South Africa's ties with the US. "The ongoing strain in relations over land expropriation is not just an attempt to coerce Pretoria from addressing land ownership inequality, it can also be seen as Washington signalling discontent over South Africa's recent foreign policy decisions vis-a-vis the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel's war on Gaza," he said. According to Eguegu, Washington was "on the wrong side of history" for its continued support for South Africa's apartheid regime led by an Afrikaner nationalist party until it ended in 1994, which was "very much in living memory" for Africans. In the post-apartheid era, while trade and economic relations between South Africa and the US have generally been good, their political and diplomatic ties remain complicated - especially as China expands its presence in Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eguegu said there had been diplomatic flare-ups that could often be traced to Washington's discontent over Pretoria's increasingly close ties with Beijing and its refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. South Africa is part of the Brics grouping of 10 emerging economies led by Beijing and Moscow and a key partner of China's belt and road infrastructure investment scheme. In a joint statement signed during President Xi Jinping's visit to Johannesburg in 2023, the two sides said the belt and road programme had been a mutually beneficial platform for international cooperation in the past decade. They said they were committed to strengthening cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, trade and investment, manufacturing, agricultural processing, energy resources, finance and the digital economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China overtook the US as South Africa's top trading partner in 2008, while South Africa has been China's largest trading partner in resource-rich Africa for 13 straight years. Bilateral trade reached almost US$55.6 billion in 2023. Chinese firms held stock in South African businesses - from mining and cars to finance and media - worth US$10.1 billion by the end of 2023, according to China's foreign ministry. South Africa's cumulative actual investment in China stands at about US$900 million and spans the media, mining, chemicals, food and other fields. That includes the 24 per cent share of Chinese tech giant Tencent held by South African technology investor Naspers via an investment subsidiary. Pretoria has also drawn Washington's ire by bringing a genocide case against Israel to the International Court of Justice over its military offensive in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhiqun Zhu, a professor of international relations at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, said Trump's stance was "unnecessarily" creating tensions with South Africa. "This is the latest case of how the Trump administration's self-centred foreign policy, based on poor judgment, may hurt America's global standing and soft power," he said. "If the main US concern is about competition with China, then what the Trump administration is doing now is counterproductive since it will push many countries - including some US allies and friends - closer to China," Zhu said. "South Africa, like many Global South countries, is naturally more attracted to China's win-win diplomacy. Trump's foreign policy will alienate many countries and may be a boon for China in the US-China rivalry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's top diplomat Wang Yi offered Beijing's support for South Africa when he attended a Group of 20 meeting in Johannesburg last month - talks that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted over Pretoria's alleged "anti-American" agenda. Without naming the US, he said multilateralism faced threats amid the rise of unilateral bullying and protectionism and pledged to support Pretoria's G20 presidency, saying Beijing would remain a "trustworthy and reliable" friend and partner. Trump's move against South Africa came after his billionaire adviser Elon Musk denounced the "racist ownership laws", and having amplified far-right conspiracy theories over the years about a "white genocide" in the country. "I cannot imagine that the issue of alleged mistreatment of South Africa's Afrikaner minority popped up in Donald Trump's brain without a dedicated push - and not just mere sensitisation - from [South Africa-born] Elon Musk," said Sourabh Gupta, a senior policy specialist with the Institute for China-America Studies in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is Elon Musk's agenda that Trump is unwittingly, but not unreluctantly, peddling." Land inequality has been a contentious legacy issue since the end of the racist apartheid system, under which land was taken away from black people who were forced to live in designated areas for non-whites. The country's white minority, which makes up around 7 per cent of the population of 62 million, own approximately 70 per cent of the private farmland and on average earn three times as much as black South Africans. Trump's attacks on South Africa were probably partially aimed at Brics, according to Liu Zongyi, director of the Major Power Relations research office at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies' Institute for International Strategic and Security Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grouping was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China and expanded the following year to add South Africa. It has increasingly been seen as a geopolitical counterweight to the US-led West - despite signs of division and economic weakness - following the recent inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "Trump's primary concern is the de-dollarisation proposed by Brics nations and in particular Russian President Vladimir Putin, who raised the issue at the grouping's summit in Kazan last year," Liu said. "South Africa is the weakest link among the original Brics countries in terms of its political influence and economic strength," he added, pointing to the country's dismal economic performance in recent years. Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs against Brics nations if they try to replace the US dollar, warning last month on social media not to challenge the dominance of "the mighty US dollar" or "face 100 per cent tariffs". Joseph Asunka, chief executive of Afrobarometer, a non-partisan research network, said if Brics was in his sights then Trump would negotiate directly with its members. "Trump believes in deal-making," he said. "If he's looking to undermine the Brics, I think he'd likely resort to making deals with the more powerful members like Russia and the Gulf states to convince them (or force them) to drop the idea of a common currency, which is what Trump has openly opposed." Asunka said the US spat with South Africa suggested that Washington may follow Beijing's approach to engaging with African nations. "We will likely see the competition for commercial deals - especially around natural resources - intensify between China and the US in the coming years," he said. "The US has traditionally provided aid but that is going to give way to commercial deals instead. Soft power will gradually give way to hard power," Asunka said. "Once both powers resort to commercial deals exclusively, the stakes will be very high." Liu from the Shanghai think tank said Trump's "America first" policy could backfire in the long run. "Countries will have to make concessions reluctantly, under pressure from the US - and they may still choose to resist," he said. "These reckless pressure tactics are shortsighted and disruptive. They will squander America's soft power and cast a long shadow over its future ties with these countries." Gupta said there was "absolutely no chance" that South Africa would cave in on the land reform issue. He said the White House, meanwhile, could remove South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunities Act - a 2000 trade agreement that has given thousands of South African exporters duty-free access to the US market. "With neither an aid, preferences or trade (liberalisation) option available and with very little leverage on hand or 'tribute' to offer to the American president, South Africa might as well sit out its relations with the US during the Trump years and look forward to renewing ties with a more amenable successor," Gupta said. "Of course, such a stance would tilt the balance further in Beijing's favour." For Washington, South Africa holds limited geopolitical, national security and economic value. By contrast, Pretoria is key to Beijing's global agenda, for which it needs support - especially from the Global South. "China's support for South Africa, and by extension through the latter's outsize influence in sub-Saharan Africa, also helps in the numbers game in keeping Taiwan out (in terms of the latter's internationalisation drive) and Japan down (in terms of obtaining a permanent seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council)," Gupta said. He added that close ties with South Africa would also enable China to access the commodities and resources it needs to compete in many green industries of the future. But Pang Zhongying, a visiting senior fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, noted that Beijing was seeking to stabilise its own ties with Washington while grappling with economic woes. "It will be quite challenging for Beijing to assist Pretoria significantly or fill the void left by Washington," he said. Yun Sun, director of the China programme and co-director of the East Asia programme at the Stimson Centre in Washington, also said Beijing was likely to make limited gains from the feud. "Overall, the more the US pushes the Global South away from the US, the more likely they will pursue cooperation with China," she said. "But the caveat is that with the US' overwhelming power and influence, no country is willing to be on the completely hostile or opposite side of the US, so in the end we see a balancing act," she said. "The answer is not 'either the US or China' ... [but] 'we will take our own side'." 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. U.S. President Donald Trump on March 15 denied reports that his special envoy Steve Witkoff had waited for hours for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Sky News reported on March 14, citing footage, that Witkoff had waited at least eight hours for Putin while the Russian leader was meeting Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, in what appeared to be a classic power play. Witkoff paid a visit to Moscow on March 13 for talks on the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine had accepted after a U.S.-Ukrainian meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fake news, as usual, is at it again!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "Why can't they be honest, just for once? Last night I read that President Vladimir Putin of Russia kept my highly respected Ambassador and Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, waiting for over nine hours when, in fact, there was no wait whatsoever." Trump attacked the media that reported the story, saying that their purpose is "to demean" and calling them "sick degenerates." He claimed that "other meetings with other representatives of Russia did take place and, obviously, they took some time, but they were very productive." "From there, things went quickly and efficiently, and all signs seem to be, hopefully, very good!' Trump added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin said on March 13 that Russia was ready to agree to the U.S.-backed 30-day-long ceasefire in Ukraine but then followed by listing a number of demands a ban on Ukrainian mobilization or training of troops and a halt on Western military aid for Kyiv. Putin also hinted that Ukrainian troops in Russia's Kursk Oblast must surrender. Talks on a potential ceasefire come as Trump pushes for a rushed peace deal to end the war at any cost, keeping European and Ukrainian officials on alert. Read also: Conditions for Ukraines surrender Why Putins demands for ceasefire make no sense Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Trump administration deported to El Salvador hundreds of immigrants it accused of being members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang or MS-13, and the deportations may have taken place after a court explicitly ordered they be halted and any planes in the air turn around. On Friday, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that allows summary deportations of individuals hailing from nations at war with the U.S., to deport alleged Tren de Aragua members. The Alien Enemies Act has only ever been used in war, including during World War II to intern Japanese Americans. As President of the United States and Commander in Chief, it is my solemn duty to protect the American people from the devastating effects of this invasion, Trump said in the Friday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to a lawsuit filed Saturday by The American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward seeking to block the deportations of five Venezuelans for two weeks, Judge James Boasberg ordered their deportations be halted and later expanded the order to include anyone covered by Trumps Alien Enemies Act declaration. According to NPR, another hearing in the case will take place March 21. It is not yet clear whether the deportations happened before or after Boasberg issued the temporary restraining order. The judge wrote that the Alien Enemies Act does not provide a basis for the presidents proclamation given that the terms invasion, predatory incursion really relate to hostile acts perpetrated by any nation and commensurate to war. This proclamation is as lawless as anything the Trump administration has done, ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt said in an interview with Reuters. We are on very dangerous ground when the administration is going to try to use wartime authority, when were at peace, for immigration purposes or any other non-military purpose. The Trump administration brokered a deal with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele who agreed to take the immigrants and hold them in a notorious mega-prison, the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), for one year with the possibility to renew. The Republic of El Salvador confirms it will house these individuals for one (1) year, pending the United States decision on their long term disposition, said a memo from El Salvadors ministry of foreign affairs that was obtained by The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post, Bukele shared a screenshot of a news story on the judges ruling, writing, Oopsie Too late . Bukele also posted a video showing immigrants in chains being marched off a plane in El Salvador with their heads down before entering custody where prison guards shaved their heads and ordered them into a cell. We have sent 2 dangerous top MS-13 leaders plus 21 of its most wanted back to face justice in El Salvador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X (formerly Twitter). Also, as promised by @POTUS, we sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars. The U.S. agreed to pay El Salvador $20,000 per prisoner to hold them for a year and, per the AP, a State Department document suggested the government has another $15 million available to pay for additional gang members to be imprisoned there. Bukele said in February that he would accept deportees from any country to hold in the Salvadoran prison system. Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan criminal organization associated with violence, including robberies, kidnappings and contract killings. Because of Venezuelas failing economy, the gang has expanded operations to other countries in recent years. The Biden administration last year designated Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization. On Trumps first day in office, his White House declared the gang was a foreign terrorist organization. MS-13 is a gang created by Salvadoran immigrants to the U.S. The Justice Department describes the gang as well-organized and heavily involved in lucrative illegal enterprises, being notorious for its use of violence to achieve its objectives. 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. A ceasefire deal for Ukraine could be reached within weeks, a senior US envoy has said, ahead of talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin later this week. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps envoy to the Middle East, who met with Putin several days ago, told CNN on Sunday: I think the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week. This is a highly... complicated situation, and yet were bridging the gap between two sides [Mr Trump] really expects there to be some sort of deal in the coming weeks, maybe, and I believe thats the case, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration agreed last week on the outline of a 30-day ceasefire plan with Ukraine during talks in Saudi Arabia, but Putin has so far refused to accept the terms. Mr Witkoff also told CNN it was a little premature to discuss the US being required to recognise territory seized by Russia, a condition that is likely being demanded by Putin to legitimise his invasion in 2022. It came as US officials suggested that Kyiv would have to make land concessions to secure a ceasefire, while Ukrainian forces in the Russian region of Kursk withdrew from a key logistics hub, after Russia claimed control of the town. Michael Waltz, Mr Trumps national security adviser, said on Sunday that Ukraine would probably need to give up eastern territories lost to Russian invaders and abandon hope of joining Nato in order to get a deal over the line. Russian soldiers walk past a destroyed building in the town of Sudzha - Russian Defence Ministry/Reuters Responding to speculation that Ukraine would have to surrender its Donbas territory, which Russia first invaded in 2014, he said that this is going to be some type of territory-for-future-security guarantees [deal]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for joining Nato, he added: A permanent pathway into Nato, or permanent membership into Nato for Ukraine, is incredibly unlikely. Mr Waltz insisted that Mr Trump was not being manipulated by Putin, despite the US president adopting a harsh, combative approach to Ukraine since taking office. Thats almost laughable, he told Fox News. Ill take president Trump dealing with the likes of Xi [Jinping], of Kim Jong-un, of Putin and others certainly ahead of his predecessor. On the battlefield, analysts said that Ukraines long counter-offensive in Kursk seems to be drawing to a close as its forces now only hold around 30-40 square miles and a handful of villages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine invaded Russias western border region of Kursk last August, in the largest attack on Russian territory since the Second World War, and seized around 528 square miles of land. The Institute for the Study of War think tank confirmed that Russia has not yet recaptured Kursk entirely and denied reports that Ukraines troops were surrounded, as Mr Trump has claimed. Volodymyr Zelensky is warning that Putin is preparing for a renewed ground invasion of Ukraines Sumy region - Shutterstock In a major loss, Ukraines military command on Sunday reported its troops had retreated from the key logistics hub of Sudzha, three days after Russia claimed control of the town. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has warned that Putin is preparing for a renewed ground invasion of Ukraines Sumy region, bordering Kursk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Sunday, Russian state media said one worker had been killed and three others injured in an explosion at an oil refinery in Russias city of Ryazan. During scheduled technical works at the plant, performed by employees of the contractor organisation... equipment depressurisation occurred, the refinery said in a statement carried by Russian media. The refinery, owned by Russian largest oil producer Rosneft, has been targeted several times by Ukrainian drones. In February, it suspended operations after a drone attack. Ryazan refinery processed 262,000 barrels per day, or almost 5 per cent of Russias total refining throughput in 2024. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. For the first time in the 140-year history of the Gridiron Club Dinner, those gathered did not offer the traditional toast to the sitting U.S. president. Instead, leading members of the Washington press corps paid tribute to the First Amendment. The broken ritual, which came after President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance declined to attend, capped off a night of ominous signs about the state of the Washington media's fraught relationship with the Trump administration. At the annual white-tie, off-camera and bipartisan dinner, where the guidance for jokes is to singe, not burn, a coldness marked the moment instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gridiron members drew applause for stating their support for the Associated Press, currently barred from covering official White House events, and the Voice of America, which the White House Saturday said would be stripped back by executive order to "ensure taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda." Meanwhile, the White House recently kicked HuffPost out of the press pool for an event last month, the newswires Reuters and Bloomberg have been forced to share a spot, and the White House Correspondents Association is reeling after the White House took control of the pool from it. Planning for the event in the days before led to an evening unlike anyone in the room could recall, according to two people closely involved. By Friday before the dinner, Judy Woodruff, the PBS journalist, announced to club members that the Trump administration would not have a speaker at the dinner, and the toast would be to the First Amendment instead. The two people involved in the planning said Trump and Vance both declined invitations last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody went because either we were busy working or we just dont care to be recognized by that crowd, one White House official said Sunday morning. A spokesperson for the vice president did not return a request for comment Sunday. The snubs were, in many ways, mutual. In addition to inviting Trump and Vance, the Gridiron Club also invited Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Communications Director Steven Cheung, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, among others. The administration didnt send a representative to speak for the first time in recent memory. It's usually the president or the vice president: During Trumps first term, the duty fell to former Vice President Mike Pence in 2017, Trump himself in 2018, senior adviser Ivanka Trump in 2019, and wouldve included former National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien in 2020 before the dinner was canceled due to the pandemic. Trumps own remarks in 2018 are a time capsule of just how much the rift between him and the press has grown. Back then, he thanked the press for all you do to support and sustain our democracy. I mean that. I mean that. Some incredible people in the press. Really, I don't get to say it often. But you have some incredible, brilliant, powerful, smart, and fair people in the press. And I want to thank you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last night, that wasnt the case. Traditionally dozens of White House advisers fill the room, but there were scant few in attendance. The dinner still featured a Cabinet secretaryHUD Secretary Scott Turner as well as speakers and lawmakers from both parties, as well as skits skewering Democrats and Republicans maintaining a long tradition on each of those fronts since 1885. To substitute for an administration speaker, Woodruff went into the Gridiron archives to show a video featuring comments from the last four Republican presidentsincluding Trump speaking to the importance of a press in democracy. Asked why Turners presence at the event as a member of the administration wasnt enough to toast, Woodruff said the Gridiron Club was "delighted" to have him attend, but that he only RSVP'd a few days before the dinner and was not there to speak on behalf of the president. At most of the Gridiron Clubs Spring Dinners, the President of the United States has spoken. In some years, the Vice President has filled in, and on occasion a high-level Administration figure, she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I invited the President, the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, and the Interior Secretary all declined. I was told the Secretary of State would not be available. To close the evening when the sitting President usually speaks we showed video and audio excerpts of the past four Republican presidents, starting with President Trump in 2018. These demonstrated the good humor and fellowship this dinner is all about. A spokesperson for HUD said in a statement: "HUDs mission touches every American and the mainstream media need to recognize that. Secretary Turner took this opportunity to show up and show how the administration is committed to reaching the record number of Americans who voted for President Trump, including some who still read mainstream news. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), who chairs the House Republican Conference, and Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore were the headliners of the event. In her remarks, Woodruff thanked her predecessor, the Washington Posts Dan Balz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boy has this city changed. Last year, we were celebrating the accomplishments and leadership of Dan Balz, she said. Today, were trying to figure out just how our government came to be run by a 19-year-old who goes by Big Balls, she said of the now infamous DOGE staffer. Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, a friend of Vances, walked out during Moores jokes, some of which included ribald punchlines at Vances expense. Speaking of couches, Moore said, after referencing Secretary of State Marco Rubios Oval Office meeting with Trump, Vance and Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy, I hear JD Vance was supposed to be here tonight. But I heard he pulled out at the last minute. A spokesperson for the Army inside the Pentagon said they could not provide comment by the time of publication. The vibes inside the Grand Hyatt Washington were some of the weirdest anyone in the room could recall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the evening, journalists and their guests had uncomfortable conversations about the jarring environment in which they operate, with media organizations being blocked across the Trump administration. All of this comes just weeks ahead of the White House Correspondents Dinner on April 26, an event that Trump did not attend throughout his presidency breaking tradition from his predecessors. Already, Leavitt said on The Sean Spicer Show Friday that she will not attend. (The Hill) President Trump invoked the Aliens Enemies Act (AEA) of 1798 on Saturday, fulfilling a campaign promise and GOP party platform point by initiating a concerted effort to remove Venezuelan undocumented immigrants believed to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a newly designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to provide a copy of the invocation to the Supreme Court Chief Justice, all governors in addition to the highest-ranking judicial officer for every state and territory in the United States. I proclaim that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of TdA [Tren de Aragua], are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies, Trump wrote in the proclamation, which grants Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the authority to enforce deportation measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents move comes hours after a judge temporarily blocked the removal of 5 Venezuelans who the Trump administration says are members of Tren de Aragua. The Justice Department has argued the individuals should be removed under the Aliens Enemies Act although they were detained by immigration officials prior to President Trumps decision to invoke the act. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg is presiding over a Saturday emergency hearing to decide if the administration will have to postpone all potential deportations of individuals expected to be repatriated under the Saturday proclamation for a period of two weeks. The AEA was last invoked under former President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II to detain people of Italian, German and Japanese descent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is best known for its role in Japanese internment, a shameful part of U.S. history for which Congress, presidents, and the courts have apologized, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. It is the last remaining pillar of the four Alien and Sedition acts. The three others were either repealed or have expired. The Alien and Enemies Act is also only applicable under the conditions of war, which has not yet been declared by Congress, according to the Brennan 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 Queen City News. The News The US deported hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador even as a judge sought to block the move. The deportations came after US President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798: The law has been used just three times, all during wars, and requires an invasion or predatory incursion by an enemy government. It was last employed during World War II to target Japanese, Italian, and German nationals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House said the Venezuelans were gang members; the law could help speed up deportations, according to some legal scholars, although there are questions over whether it applied in this case. In an appeal motion, the government argued an invasion covered any people or things who are not wanted a ludicrously low bar, one constitutional law expert wrote. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, inspected the Barapulla drain towards the Yamuna River at the Barapula Bridge on Sunday. After the inspection, Rekha Gupta interacted with the reporters and said that the previous governments never took these drains seriously. She said that they were never cleaned, and the agencies were unclear as to who would clean them. "These are the drains that were never taken seriously by the previous governments. The drains were never cleaned. There was no clarity among the agencies as to which agency would clean them... We have given the responsibility of desilting to the irrigation and flood control department", Rekha Gupta said. Further, Gupta said that the government will have to ensure that no waterlogging happens in the upcoming rainy season, for which the work is being done on a war footing. "We have to ensure that there is no waterlogging during the rainy season...The work is being done on a war footing...We will ask the MLAs in writing about the works being done about the desilting of drains and sewage," she added. Earlier on Saturday, Rekha Gupta held a meeting with farmers and took their suggestions for the upcoming Delhi budget 2025-26. Gupta said that the farmers have high hopes from the New Delhi government and emphasised that the that the Central and the Delhi governments, as a "double-engine government," would work together to resolve farmers' issues. "We called the farmers from every corner of Delhi to consult about the budget. They have shared their suggestions with us," Gupta said. She noted that in the last 15-20 years, villages in Delhi saw little development, leading to heightened expectations from the newly formed Delhi government. "We called the farmers from every corner of Delhi to consult about the budget. They have shared their suggestion with us," Gupta said. She noted that in the last 15-20 years, no work has been done for villages. "They are now having a lot of hope from the new Delhi government. I assure them that all the problems they have put before us will be solved. Today, there is a double-engine government. The Central and Delhi governments together will solve every problem of the farmers," she added. (ANI) President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law previously used when the US was at war. The law has been invoked three times before most recently as a justification for some internments during World War II. This time, Trump says hes targeting Venezuelas Tren de Aragua gang, declaring that its members have unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move to invoke the 1798 law is already facing a legal challenge. A federal judge said Saturday that he was temporarily blocking the administration from conducting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that more than 250 Tren de Aragua members had been transported to El Salvador after Trumps proclamation. Heres a look at some key questions and answers about the Alien Enemies Act: What circumstances allow the president to invoke this law? The text of the Alien Enemies Act says it can be invoked whenever: A war is declared between the US and any foreign nation or government OR Invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government AND the President makes public proclamation of the event Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, if the US is at war with another country, or a foreign nation or government has invaded the US or threatened to, a president can invoke the Alien Enemies Act. The US-Mexico border fence stretches through rough terrain on September 20, 2024, near Jacumba Hot Springs, California. - John Moore/Getty Images But the US isnt at war with any other nations. Can this law still apply? In his proclamation invoking the act, Trump states that Tren de Aragua, which his administration has also designated a foreign terrorist organization, is perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States. The proclamation also asserts that this is occurring directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela. A lawsuit filed Saturday by the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward disputes that claim. Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization, is not a nation or foreign government and is not part of the Venezuelan government, (nor) does it receive support from the government, the lawsuit says, arguing that the US cannot declare war against Tren de Aragua because it is not a nation. And neither Venezuela nor Tren de Aragua have invaded or threatened to invade the United States. Why would Trump invoke this law rather than turning to the laws typically used for immigration enforcement? Trump said in October that he wants to use the 1798 law because it gives tremendous authority to everybody to straighten out our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to go back that far, because as weve grown and grown, our politics and politicians have become weaker and weaker, he said at an October rally in New Mexico. Our laws dont mean anything. Trump speaks during a campaign rally on October 13, 2024, in Prescott Valley, Arizona, where he emphasized the importance of a secure border. - Rebecca Noble/Getty Images Detentions and deportations that occur under the Alien Enemies Act do not go through the immigration court system, which provides immigrants the chance to seek relief and make their case to stay in the country. Experts have noted that the backlogged court system, where cases can take years, could be a significant obstacle to Trumps mass deportation plans. So thats where I think the Alien Enemies Act comes in, Jean Lantz Reisz, co-director of the immigration clinic at the University of Southern Californias Gould School of Law, told CNN last year. I think that Trump is citing this as a way to kind of bypass all of that due process and make it easier to arrest and deport people. Katherine Yon Ebright of the Brennan Center at New York University also said the president was using the Alien Enemies Act to dispense with due process. He wants to bypass any need to provide evidence or to convince a judge that someone is actually a gang member before deporting them, she said in a news release. When Trump talks about this act, hes frequently referencing gangs and cartels. Does focusing on those groups change things? A cartel member, a gang member isnt going to be a foreign government, USCs Reisz said. If the Trump administration wanted to designate (a cartel) as a foreign government, that would run into problems, because there can only be one government of a nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Fishman, a former Department of Homeland Security deputy general counsel in the first Trump administration, authored an analysis in 2023 arguing the 18th-century law needs to come out of retirement and should be considered a valuable war-fighting tool during future conflicts. But Fishman told CNN last year he thinks the law couldnt be used for a general deportation plan targeting undocumented immigrants. I think that wouldnt stand up in federal court, because I dont think their actions can be attributed to those governments. And even if they could, then the question comes up of whether mass illegal immigration constitutes an invasion, he said. That argument has been made but no federal court has yet accepted it. So that would be another hurdle. Overcoming these hurdles would be an uphill climb in federal court, Fishman argued in the analysis he wrote for the Center for Immigration Studies. Fishman is a senior legal fellow at the think tank, which supports curbing immigration to the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its possible, he says, that officials could try to make the case that certain nations are effectively mafia states where organized crime has infiltrated the government. I think a very strong argument could be made that in those situations, the Alien Enemies Act can be employed, he says. But, you know, it would be a case-by-case situation. Why was this law created? French nationals were the original target lawmakers had in mind when they passed the Alien Enemies Act. It was informed by the French Revolution It was aimed at quashing political opposition from immigrants who were sympathetic to France, said Mae Ngai, a history professor at Columbia University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, lawmakers thought giving the president broad authority to detain and deport enemies made sense, according to the Brennan Centers Ebright. We were in this undeclared naval conflict with France, and the Congress was very worried that naval conflict could escalate into another major ground war with a European power, andwe have none of these tools for prosecuting espionage (or) sabotage, for trying to take people who are maybe trying to injure the national security and removing them from the country. None of that exists, Ebright told CNN last year. Other laws passed at the time collectively known as the Alien and Sedition Acts expired a few years later, Ngai says, but the Alien Enemies Act had no expiration date and remains on the books. This portrait shows interned men in a dormitory at Fort Douglas, Utah, in 1918. The site housed German and German American civilians perceived to be potential threats during World War I. It also housed German prisoners of war and American conscientious objectors. - Buyenlarge/Archive Photos/Getty Images When has the Alien Enemies Act been used before? The law has been invoked three times before always in connection with a declared war: during the War of 1812, during World War I and most recently as a justification for the internment of German, Italian and Japanese nationals during World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt a blanket roundup, but they investigated people, and they had the authority to detain them for the period of the war, Ngai said. Detentions connected with the Alien Enemies Act were separate from the internment of more than 100,000 Japanese Americans that occurred as a result of an executive order from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. More than 30,000 people were detained under the Alien Enemies Act during World War II in a program overseen by the Department of Justice, according to the National Archives. It was very broad, Ngai said. They were newspaper editors, martial arts instructors, Buddhist priests community leaders who were singled out as enemy aliens. While Japanese internment is more widely known, Ebright said its also important to recognize other communities were impacted. The laws sordid history, she argued, clearly shows why it shouldnt be used in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were over 15,000 internees of German and Italian descent, and hundreds of thousands of non-citizens of Italian and German descent who were heavily regulated under the Alien Enemies Act regulations during World War II And so there are many stakeholders in this history, and there are many reasons to look at this law and say, never again, Ebright said. We should not be using this to target any group. Rather than targeting people based on their conduct or the threat they posed to national security, Ebright said, the Alien Enemies Act has allowed presidents to discriminate against people based on their identities. Would an immigrant have any way to challenge their detention or deportation under the law? Yes, but its complicated, according to experts. The Alien Enemies Act does allow individuals to bring lawsuits challenging their detention, Reisz said. But unlike typical Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests, which trigger lengthy immigration court proceedings, there would be no automatic judicial review process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only procedural protection is, you have time to settle your affairs before youre deported, Ebright said. Historically courts have deferred to the president during past challenges, Ebright said. She hopes this time will be different. My hope is the courts will realize it is so manifestly a bad faith mistake of a move to say that migration is an invasion, or that non-state actors are foreign governments, she told CNN. Customs and Border Patrol agents load migrants into a vehicle after groups of migrants walked into the US from Mexico at Jacumba Hot Springs, California, on June 5, 2024. - Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images If courts find the Alien Enemies Act cant be used to detain and deport suspected gang or cartel members, could there be other options for Trump to invoke the law? Fishman, the senior legal fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, has argued the law could be invoked by Trump or President Biden against Iranians in the US in response to an alleged thwarted Iranian plot to kill Trump. Hes also recommended invoking it in the future to expel Chinese students from the US if the country becomes embroiled in a war with China. Is it possible to repeal the law? Some Democratic lawmakers have tried to repeal the Alien Enemies Act in recent years. The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 is a xenophobic law that has been used to unjustly target immigrants in the US and should have been repealed long ago, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said last year. So far, repeal efforts havent made it out of committee. Versions of this story published in November and January. The story has been updated to reflect Trumps proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act and the legal challenge filed against it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump launched large-scale air strikes on Yemens capital city of Sanaa on Saturday, in response to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, killing at least 24 people. This is the start of what is expected to be a campaign that will last for several daysor weeks. In addition to the strikes, Trump warned Iran, the Houthis main state backer, that it needed to cease its support for the group, otherwise America will hold you fully accountable and we wont be nice about it! To the Houthis themselves, Trump issued a message on his Truth Social platform, writing, To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DONT, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strikes represent the largest U.S. military operation since Trump took office in January, and come as the U.S. increases pressure on Iran over its nuclear program. At least 13 civilians were killed, and nine injured, in strikes on Yemens capital city of Sanaa. At least 11 others, including four children and one woman, were killed, and 14 injured, in a strike on the northern province of Saada. The Houthis political bureau described the attacks as a war crime and said in a statement, Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation. The group has launched several attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, in what it characterizes as a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza affected by the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Pentagon spokesperson said the Houthis have attacked U.S. warships 174 times, and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023. As part of Trumps ongoing efforts to align the U.S. with Russia, Reuters reports that secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to inform him of the presidents plans. Russia enjoys what has been described as a growing and unprecedented level of cooperation with Iran in regard to the supply of weaponry. This proposal comes two months after Trump signed an executive order directing officials to identify countries with deficient vetting procedures. The White House says no final decision has been made. President Donald Trump has ordered the dismantling of the parent agency of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which oversees Radio and Television Marti, a Reagan-era effort to promote democracy and the free flow of information to Cubans on the island. In an executive order late Friday to continue the reduction of the federal bureaucracy, Trump mandated the U.S. Agency for Global Media and six other small agencies to reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law. On Saturday, all full-time employees and some contractors at the Marti stations, which are based in Miami-Dade County, were placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits, according to sources familiar with the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the period that you are on administrative leave, you are not to enter USAGM premises, the email obtained by the Miami Herald said. Since you will not have any official business during this time, on request, you will be immediately expected to surrender your official USAGM identification badge, press pass, telephone devices, and other equipment. The executive order also affects other U.S. government media outlets overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America. According to media reports, the agency also placed all VOA full-time staffers, including journalists with the Haitian Creole service, on leave and ended all contracts for the private nonprofit broadcasters it funds, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. The Office of Cuban Broadcasting had an annual budget of $12 million, after reductions in recent years. Previously, it received more than $20 million annually from Congress. The gutting of the stations is good news for Cuban authorities. Since its creation in 1983, Cuban diplomats regularly requested their dismantling during talks with their American counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, the Marti stations weathered budget reductions, controversies surrounding their directors, plans to fuse with the Voice of America, and criticism about their journalistic standards. At every turn, Cuban-American members of Congress from South Florida helped them survive. Its television programming was kept running for decades, even if it could not be watched on the island because signals were jammed. However, Radio Marti could be heard in many parts of the country and succeeded in breaking the information monopoly of the Cuban state media for many years before Cubans could consume news online and on their cellphones. In recent years, television programming, which was mostly watched locally in Miami, was discreetly shut down as the office focused on promoting the online news site Marti Noticias and video content for social media. Its unclear how the cutbacks will affect the radio and online efforts. The director of the Office of Cuban Broadcasting, Sylvia Rosabal, did not immediately reply to a request for comment. US President Donald Trump ordered massive attacks on the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen on Saturday that led to the deaths of 31 people and injured about 100 others, according to reports. The Houthis claimed that US-British airstrikes targeted residential areas north of the capital, Sana'a. However, according to reports by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), it's unlikely that Britain was involved in the attack. Al-Araby, an Arabic-language TV station, reported 31 fatalities and 101 injuries on its X platform, citing the militia-controlled Ministry of Health, with most of the casualties being women and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Central Command, or CENTCOM, spoke of a series of "precision strikes" throughout Yemen. The attacks are likely to continue for days or perhaps even weeks, US media quoted military representatives as saying. According to the Wall Street Journal, the targets also included the homes of Houthi leaders in Sana'a. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the US is carrying out airstrikes against Houthi bases, leaders and missile defence sites in order to protect US shipping and restore freedom of navigation. "They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones," Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington reclassified the Houthi militia as a foreign terrorist organization in early March. Addressing Iran, Trump wrote that the country's support for the Houthis must end immediately. Tehran should not threaten the American people, its president or global shipping routes, Trump said. If Iran does, it should "BEWARE because America will hold you fully accountable, and we won't be nice about it!" he added. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi replied on X that the US government "has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy. That era ended in 1979." He called for a stop to the killing of people in Yemen. Furthermore, the state-run ISNA news agency reported that Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said, "These attacks, which led to the deaths of dozens of innocent Yemenis, are a blatant violation of the UN Charter and will endanger the region's security like never before." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthi militia meanwhile in response to the strikes said that "the aggression will not go unanswered, and [its] armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation." The Houthi rebels control large parts of Yemen. Following the outbreak of the Gaza war between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in October 2023, they began launching missiles and drones at Israel in support of Hamas. They also targeted ships, particularly those with alleged ties to Israel. Yemen's coastline borders one of the world's most vital shipping routes, where vessels travel from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean via Egypt's Suez Canal a critical corridor for global trade. According to the Pentagon, since 2023, the Houthi militia has carried out 174 attacks on US warships and 145 attacks on commercial vessels. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to speak with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin this week on ways to end the three-year war in Ukraine, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday after returning from what he described as a "positive" meeting with Putin in Moscow. "I expect that there will be a call with both presidents this week, and we're also continuing to engage and have conversation with the Ukrainians," said Witkoff, who met with Putin on Thursday night, adding that he thought the talk between Trump and Putin would be "really good and positive." Trump is trying to win Putin's support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine accepted last week, as both sides continued trading heavy aerial strikes through the weekend and Russia moved closer to ejecting Ukrainian forces from their months-old foothold in the western Russian region of Kursk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said in a social media post on Friday that there was "a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." He also said he had "strongly requested" that Putin not kill the thousands of Ukrainian troops that Russia is pushing out of Kursk. Putin said he would honor Trump's request to spare the lives of the Ukrainian troops if they surrendered. The Kremlin also said on Friday that Putin had sent Trump a message about his ceasefire plan via Witkoff, expressing "cautious optimism" that a deal could be reached to end the conflict. In separate appearances on Sunday shows, Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, emphasized that there are still challenges to be worked out before Russia agrees to a ceasefire, much less a final peaceful resolution to the war. Asked on ABC whether the U.S. would accept a peace deal in which Russia was allowed to keep stretches of eastern Ukraine that it has seized, Waltz replied, "Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil?" He added that the negotiations had to be grounded in "reality." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio told CBS a final peace deal would "involve a lot of hard work, concessions from both Russia and Ukraine," and that it would be difficult to even begin those negotiations "as long as they're shooting at each other." ADDITIONAL MEASURES Trump has warned that unless a ceasefire is reached, the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv has the potential to spiral into World War Three. His administration took steps last week to induce further cooperation on a ceasefire. On Saturday, Trump said that General Keith Kellogg's role had been narrowed from special envoy for Ukraine and Russia to only Ukraine, after Russian officials sought to exclude him from peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A license allowing U.S. energy transactions with Russian financial institutions expired last week, according to the Trump administration, raising pressure on Putin to come to a peace agreement over Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury Department is looking at possible sanctions on Russian oil majors and oilfield service companies, a source familiar with the matter said, deepening steps already taken by Biden. (Reporting by David Ljunggren and Julia Harte; Editing by Michelle Nichols, Mark Porter and Andrea Ricci) U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to hold a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin this week, Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, said on March 16. I expect that there will be a call with both presidents this week, and were also continuing to engage and have a conversation with the Ukrainians, Witkoff told CNN after meeting Putin in Moscow on March 13. Witkoff also said that the U.S. hopes to "see a ceasefire within weeks," as cited by Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expected phone call comes as Trump tries to end the war at any cost. European allies and Ukraine have warned that a rushed peace deal without adequate security guarantees won't result in lasting peace. Witkoff said the talks with Putin lasted a few hours and went well. He added that he expected the phone call between the two presidents to be "really good and positive." "We're bridging the gap between two sides," he said. "The four regions are of critical importance here," Witkoff said, referring to Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, which are partially occupied by Russian troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff also said that the U.S. is holding discussions with Ukraine, Russia, and European allies, including France, the U.K., Finland, and Norway. He claimed that Putin accepts "Trump's philosophy" on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, Axios reported. "The two sides are a lot closer today than they were a few weeks ago. We narrowed the differences," Witkoff said. Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. during talks in Jeddah on March 11, after which Washington resumed military and intelligence support for Ukraine. Russia is ready to agree to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine but demands guarantees that Kyiv will not mobilize or train troops or receive military aid during the truce, Putin said on March 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on March 16 that Ukraine was expected to exchange territories for security guarantees. "This is going to be some type of territory for future security guarantees, the future status of of Ukraine," Waltz said on ABC News. He also said that "a permanent pathway into NATO, or a permanent membership into NATO for Ukraine is incredibly unlikely." Read also: Painful for Russia: What new U.S. sanctions on Russian energy mean for Moscow Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Krishank on Sunday attacked the Telangana government for banning agitations, dharnas, and demonstrations at Osmania University and said that the Congress government is so "intolerant" that they can't even take criticism. "The Congress government in Telangana which claims to be the democratic government and their leader Rahul Gandhi holds a red Constitution across India and flashes it but surprisingly, the historic Osmania University campus which has been the epicentre of protests for the Telangana agitation which brought the statehood also, the Congress government has banned democratic protests," Krishank told ANI. "The Congress government is so intolerant that they can't even receive criticism...The Osmania University ban on protests and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy threatening journalists, social media users (who post on social media platforms against the Congress government) that he would ask his Congress people to attack social media users shows that the Congress government does not believe in democracy," he added. This comes after Osmania University prohibited agitations, dharnas and demonstrations within its departments, colleges, centres, and administrative buildings. The decision comes citing disruptions to academic and administrative activities. The University authorities said they have viewed the matter seriously and decided to prohibit trespassing, staging dharnas and agitations, raising slogans etc in the premises of the Departments/Colleges / Centres / Administrative Building of the varsity. The University has also prohibited preventing administrative authorities and staff from discharging their official duties and using "unparliamentary and filthy language" against University staff and authorities. As per an internal document of the University, they said it was observed there are several incidents of students/student groups have been entering the Departments /Colleges, Centres / Administrative Building, Osmania University and staging demonstrations and dharnas, resulting in disruption of the administrative work and giving a wrong perception of the University to the Society. Such incidents, they said are causing adverse effect on the smooth functioning of the University, leading to delay in administrative and academic progress. On certain occasions, these incidents also raised security issues and concerns. The University further said that if any person is found involved in the above "activities, serious action will be initiated" against such person as per law. The varsity also said that stakeholders (i.e., Students on rolls) with a genuine grievance in the University system, if any, may first approach the concerned Official at the institution level, and thereafter may represent to the Registrar and the authorities, with prior permission. (ANI) All full-time staff at the USs biggest international broadcaster have been placed on leave after Donald Trump ordered the government-funded agency to be scaled back for being radical and anti-Trump. The 1,300 Voice of America (VOA) employees were informed of the decision via email on Saturday, US media reported. Staff have been blocked from accessing the broadcasters offices in Washington, DC, meaning freelancers and stringers worldwide have had to stop working as there is now no way to pay them, an insider told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Abramowitz, Voice of Americas director, said nearly his entire staff of journalists, producers and assistants had been suspended, crippling the broadcaster that operates in almost 50 languages. I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced, Mr Abramowitz said on LinkedIn, adding that the broadcaster has played an important role in the fight for freedom and democracy around the world. Michael Abramowitz, Voice of Americas director, said nearly his entire staff had been suspended The US president issued a sweeping executive order on Friday gutting the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Voice of Americas parent agency and several other government departments. USAGM has also terminated its grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which was set up during the Cold War and continues to broadcast to countries in Eastern Europe, including Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Radio Free Asia, which broadcasts to China and North Korea, was also targeted in the order. A White House statement said that the order will ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda. It included a link to a report alleging that VOA reporters had posted anti-Trump content on social media. VOA was founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda and reaches 360 million people a week. As a group, USAGM employs roughly 3,500 workers with an $886 million budget in 2024, according to its latest report to Congress. Experts have warned that the presidents directives could devastate an organisation that is intended to be a source of reliable news in authoritarian countries. Shoot straight and tell the truth William Gallo, VOAs Seoul bureau chief, said on Sunday he had been locked out of all company systems and accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Ive ever wanted to do is shoot straight and tell the truth, no matter what government I was covering. If thats a threat to anyone, so be it, he said on social media. Jan Lipavsky, the Czech foreign minister, said Radio Free Europe had been a beacon for populations under totalitarian rule. From Belarus to Iran, from Russia to Afghanistan, RFE and Voice of America are among the few free sources for people living without freedom, he wrote on X. Bay Fang, Radio Free Asias president, said the cancellation of its funding was a reward to dictators and despots, including the Chinese Communist Party, who would like nothing better than to have their influence go unchecked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Kari Lake, a former news anchor nominated by Mr Trump to be director of VOA, issued a statement describing USAGM as a giant rot and burden to the American taxpayer and said it was not salvageable. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, who has spearheaded government cuts as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, wrote on X: While winding down this global government propaganda agency, it has temporarily been renamed the Department of Propaganda Everywhere (DOPE). 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 story is reported by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit news organization. Find more in-depth reporting at www.sdnewswatch.org. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (SDNW) During his March 4 address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, President Donald Trump defended his use of tariffs as a core economic and political strategy, adding a message to the agricultural community. Our farmers are going to have a field day right now, Trump said during the speech. So to our farmers, have a lot of fun. I love you too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Dakota, a state whose reliance on agricultural trade makes it more susceptible to the risks of tariffs and trade wars, the presidents words were viewed as hopeful but not entirely reassuring. Farmers have sturdy memories. They recall the volatility of commodity prices and exports during Trumps first White House stint, when much of the states soybean flow to China was halted due to tariff retaliation and has struggled to recover. (Tariffs) will hurt our pocketbooks, obviously, said Rodney Koch, who grows soybeans and other crops north of Garretson, about 20 miles northeast of Sioux Falls. But will we come out of it better in the long run? Thats the hope. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds echoed that sentiment in a statement to News Watch, saying that there needs to be an end game, and I believe the president is working with that same goal in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the only certainty is uncertainty. On March 4, Trump slapped 25% tariffs on almost all imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on imports from China, rattling stock markets and triggering retaliatory actions from the countries involved. Two days later, the president announced that he was postponing 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some imports from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout. Corn, wheat and soybean prices dropped in the days following the trade shakeup, and farmers weighed the impact of more expensive machinery and fertilizer coming down from Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing the market doesnt like is uncertainty because uncertainty means risk, said Jared McEntaffer, CEO of the Dakota Institute, an economic research and analysis organization in Sioux Falls. If farmers are concerned that theyre going to see lower commodity prices in the future, then naturally, theyre going to start pulling back on their spending. And it becomes a ripple effect. News Watch talked to farmers, business leaders, economists and politicians to try to clear up some misconceptions about tariffs and examine how South Dakotas farm economy could be impacted in the coming months and years. What are tariffs exactly? Tariffs are a tax on imports, in which the buyer pays a foreign seller an established tax rate based on what is being sold. Percentages are generally lower for countries with which the United States has a favorable trade agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money is collected by Customs and Border Protection agents at 328 ports of entry across the country. Because companies are paying more for the goods, that extra cost frequently gets passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. Theres a narrative out there that were going to be imposing these taxes on Canada and Mexico, said McEntaffer. Thats not the case. The tax will be paid by American companies and consumers. Spring Creek Recreation Area restaurant in jeopardy? Before the federal income tax was established in 1913, tariffs were a major revenue source for the United States. That changed as global trade grew after World War II and the government needed larger revenue streams to support its operations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the government collected about $80 billion in tariffs and fees. That pales in comparison to the $2.5 trillion from individual income taxes and the $1.7 trillion from Social Security and Medicare taxes. How do tariff policies impact South Dakota? Farming helps drive the state economy, with agricultural production and processing accounting for about 14% of South Dakotas gross domestic product (the total value of all goods and services produced). The wholesaling of corn, wheat and soybeans brought in $10 billion in overall revenue in 2024, second among South Dakota industries to credit card issuing ($18 billion). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though many of these farm goods are sold domestically, a large percentage (including 60% of soybeans) are sold to international buyers. South Dakota is the countrys 12th largest agricultural exporting state, shipping $5.4 billion in farm goods abroad in 2022, led by soybeans, corn, feed grains, beef, veal and wheat. The largest international markets for these exports are, in order, Canada, Mexico and China, which are the three countries that Trumps administration has placed tariffs upon. Dont tariffs impact U.S. imports, not exports? The thing about tariffs is that there is almost always retaliation, as weve seen with Canada, Mexico and China. Thats what is meant by trade wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, when Trump slapped a 25% tariff on goods from China, the Chinese government responded in kind. That greatly reduced the exporting of soybeans into China as that country looked to Brazil to fill the void. As of November 2024, China accounted for only 44% of total U.S. soybean sales, down from 62% in 2016. From 2019-2023, an average of 73% of Brazils exported soybeans went to China. Following Trumps 2025 tariff announcement, Beijing retaliated with levies of up to 15% on various U.S. agricultural exports, including soybeans, wheat, meat and cotton. Mexicos response will be watched closely, since that country is the top destination for United States corn exports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre our No. 1 customer, and we value our customers, said DaNita Murray, executive director of South Dakota Corn, which represents the interests of corn producers across the state. Theres a balance between wanting to negotiate strong trade agreements and asking those countries to come to the table to negotiate in good faith while theyre being slapped with tariffs. What is President Trumps reasoning for the tariffs? The economic reasoning revolves around boosting revenue and addressing trade deficits as well as trying to incentivize American companies such as automakers to shift manufacturing back to the United States. But Trump has also talked of using tariffs as a bargaining tool to strengthen border security. During his March 4 address, he said that Mexico and Canada have allowed fentanyl to come into our country at levels never seen before, killing hundreds of thousands of our citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there were 87,000 fentanyl-related U.S. deaths between October 2023 and September 2024, down from 114,000 the previous year. Critics have questioned equating the northern border with the southern border on the subject of drug smuggling. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared to 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. We understand that the president is using (tariffs) as a negotiating lever to stop the flow of fentanyl into the country, said Scott VanderWal, president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. Usually he gets what he wants by doing things like that. But VanderWal, a third-generation family farmer from Volga, just west of Brookings, is also concerned about the fragile state of South Dakotas farm economy so soon after the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts and flooding as well as uncertainty about a new farm bill and federal spending cuts. Nationally, net farm income decreased 4% in 2024, following a 19% drop the year before. VanderWal met with South Dakota Republican and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune on March 4 in Washington to urge caution on trade policies as Trump acknowledged in his speech to Congress that there could be a little disturbance in the markets before the strategy bears fruit. What we hear from our members is that they can handle some temporary pain as long as theres some benefit on the other end, VanderWal said. But weve been careful to help the administration understand that with the current ag economy, we would prefer that the president uses the tariffs sparingly. What are South Dakota politicians saying? Tariffs present a political quandary for South Dakotas congressional delegation, which is caught between Trumps enduring popularity (he carried the state with 63% of the vote in 2024) and the economic needs of their ag-based constituents. So far, Thune, Rounds and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson have publicly backed Trumps aggressive trade strategy while also calling for reasonable time limits and parameters. Unlike former President Biden, who didnt negotiate any new trade agreements which led to lower commodity prices, President Trump is a businessman and uses tariffs as leverage in negotiating important issues such as border protection, Rounds told News Watch. Hes pretty clearly expressed his desire for us to be patient as he works through those issues. Naturally, those of us that have always promoted free trade continue to look for progress. Johnson told News Watch in February that fair trading relationships and stopping the flow of fentanyl across the border are important priorities and it seems to me that the president has been very clear that these are areas where he wants to have leverage in conversations with these countries. Kristi Noem, former South Dakota governor and U.S. representative whos now secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has ardently supported the trade measures as a means of securing the border. Thune told CNN that Trumps actions are an attempt to use (tariffs) in a targeted way to achieve and accomplish something that I think a lot of the Americans expect him to address. Those statements illustrate a much different political climate than South Dakota Republican leaders operated under in 2018, when Trump levied tariffs against China during his first term in office. At that time, Thune, Rounds and Noem sent a public letter to the president expressing serious concern over the tariffs and other trade policies that they said could push an alarming number of South Dakota farmers and ranchers to the brink of economic collapse. Please keep in mind that U.S. export market share is diminishing daily at an alarming rate, and history has proven that once lost, export markets can take years, even decades to recapture, read the July 2018 letter. How will tariffs impact current trade agreements? One of the concerns is that igniting a tariff battle will reverse recent gains in the trade relationship with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was signed during Trumps first term. Mexico repealed its ban on importing genetically modified (biotech) corn from the U.S. in February after a favorable ruling in an arbitration case brought by American trade representatives. We had some ups and downs with the previous Mexican administration, but things seem to be headed in the right direction, said Murray of South Dakota Corn, which monitors policy for a state ranked sixth in overall corn exports. I know that the current administration (in Mexico) is interested in looking at USMCA and possibly making some improvements, and it could be a tough conversation with tariffs in the picture. On March 6, Trump announced that imports from Mexico that comply with USMCA would be excluded from the 25% tariffs for a month. He also stated that potash (fertilizer) that U.S. farmers import from Canada would be tariffed at 10%, the same rate at which Trump wants to tariff Canadian energy products. As for changing the dynamic and exploring global markets for corn exports, Murray noted India as a possibility and also various countries in Africa. You have mature corn markets like Mexico and Japan, she said. And then you have new emerging possibilities, like India and, frankly, the continent of Africa. What are their protein needs? And can U.S. corn compete on a quality basis, as well as price, to make sure that its U.S. corn thats feeding those chickens and pigs. Will there be a farm bailout coming this time? The temporary pain of U.S. farmers during the first go-round of Trump tariffs in 2018-19 was addressed by authorizing payments to U.S. farmers of $28 billion to offset their losses from Chinese trade retaliation. That was more than the $21.8 billion that the Department of Defense spent in fiscal year 2019 for nuclear delivery systems and weapons, including ballistic missile submarines, intercontinental ballistic missiles and bombers, according to Forbes. Taxpayers are going to be asked to initial checks to farmers in lieu of having a trade policy that actually opens and expands more markets, Thune said at the time. There isnt anything about this that anybody should like. Given the state of the federal deficit and the administrations focus on cutting government spending, it seems unlikely that a similar round of farm bailouts will be offered this time around. That could make the sting felt by farmers more long-lasting if trade wars linger and tariffs become the norm, said Doug Sombke, president of the South Dakota Farmers Union. We havent gained markets back from the last time, and we probably never will, said Sombke, a fourth-generation Brown County farmer. The only reason we made it through last time was that we got substantial payments from the government, which contributed to the current budget deficit. Tariffs on Canada could make it more expensive to buy farm machinery and other equipment, Sombke said, worsening an already difficult cycle of farmers struggling to make ends meet without government support. In 2023, South Dakota received $1.23 billion in farm subsidies, which ranked fourth behind Texas, Kansas and North Dakota. If you ask any CPA (certified public accountant) who is doing taxes for farmers, theyll tell you the same thing farmers are making it on the payments, Sombke said. If it wasnt for the subsidies and tax breaks and other payments they receive, they wouldnt make anything. Thats how tight things are right now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is facing closure due to budget cuts by US President Donald Trump, the Prague-based station said on Saturday. RFE/RL's parent company, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has informed the broadcaster that the agreement that provides funding for RFE/RL's global operations, has been terminated. Trump ordered massive cuts to USAGM, which oversees all state-funded foreign broadcasting programmes in the United States that are not run by the military and had already cut funding for US foreign broadcaster Voice of America on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RFE/RL Chief Executive Stephen Capus criticized the decision, saying it would be "a massive gift to Americas enemies." He added that the Iranian ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the end of RFE/RL after 75 years. Capus highlighted the bipartisan support for the broadcaster among both US Republicans and Democrats. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky also voiced his opinion, stating on Saturday evening that Radio Free Europe and the Voice of America (VOA) are among the few free sources of information for people living under oppression from Belarus to Iran and from Russia to Afghanistan. RFE/RL, founded in 1949 at the height of the Cold War, produces the Russian-language radio programme Radio Svoboda (Radio Liberty) and the TV news channel Current Time. In 1981, its headquarters in Munich were bombed and RFE/RL moved to Prague in 1995 at the invitation of then Czech president Vaclav Havel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The station also airs programmes in numerous other languages, including Ukrainian, Belarusian, Hungarian and Farsi. According to its own reports, RFE/RL reaches nearly 50 million people in 23 countries each week. Russia declared RFE/RL an "undesirable organization" in February 2024, exposing those working with it in Russia to heavy fines or even imprisonment. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said he thinks President Trumps tariffs on other countries are the only shot at getting our country back. Tuberville joined John Catsimatidis for his radio show Cats Roundtable, where he weighed in on the administrations international efforts. I know people are complaining about these tariffs right now, but ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you something, this is the only shot we got to get our country back, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps tariff plan went into effect earlier this month. He introduced a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico and an additional 10 percent tariff on China. The decision was met with uncertainty and concern as Americans feared prices of everyday goods would spike. Trump then exempted car parts from the tariffs after automakers expressed concern about the trade war. The president also imposed broad steel and aluminum tariffs. He threatened to double the tariff on Canadian imports but pulled back after the Ontario government backed down on its own surcharge on electricity exports to three U.S. states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president disputed that there was inconsistency with his policy, despite the changes and amendments to his original plan. He called it flexible and highlighted his ability to adjust. Tuberville argued that the tariffs would be helpful for the American economy and bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. He criticized people who are on welfare and use food stamps, and he tried to share a call to action to save the country. Without the tariffs, he believes the country would not be recognizable. Anything else is not going to work in this country itll be the United States of America, but itll be totally different than what you and I grew up in, Tuberville said. So, keep your fingers crossed with President Trump. Hes trying hard. 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. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with US counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday 16 March, which also touched on the Russo-Ukrainian war. Source: press service of the Turkish president, as reported by European Pravda Details: It is noted that during their conversation, Erdogan supported Trump's "decisive and direct initiatives to end the war between Russia and Ukraine". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erdogan also emphasised that Ankara "has been striving for a just and lasting peace since the beginning of the war and will continue to do so". Other topics discussed between Erdogan and Trump included the situation in Syria, with Erdogan urging the lifting of sanctions, as well as Turkiye's return to the F-35 fighter jet programme. Turkiye has consistently supported Ukraine's territorial integrity, but despite Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it has continued to engage in trade with Russia. Background: Recently, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Turkiye could play an important role in achieving a just and comprehensive peace in Ukraine. Earlier, Turkiye's Defence Ministry said that it is ready to send troops to Ukraine "if necessary" to ensure peace. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) Two children were reportedly killed early Sunday morning after a tree fell on their house in western North Carolina. According to Connestee Fire Rescue, at 3:38 a.m. Connestee Fire Rescue along with Transylvania County EMS were called to Okies Drive in Brevard after a tree fell onto the home. At the scene firefighters located a single wide trailer with an approximately 3-foot-diameter uprooted tree through the center of the trailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Firefighters) saw a single wide trailer that for lack of a better term had been cut in half with a tree and the survivors in the house indicated that there were two children that were trapped inside a house, Chase Owen, Fire Chief at Connestee Fire Rescue said. The trailer was reportedly home to five people. Three of them were located by firefighters and reported two children trapped in their bedroom by the fallen tree. First and foremost, we have to locate the victims, so they worked on gaining access to the bedroom they were in. Whenever they gained access to that bedroom it was immediately apparent that their injuries were not compatible with life, Owen said. The fire department said the children, ages 11 and 13, were found under the tree and other debris but had succumbed to their injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Connestee Fire Rescue, it took an additional three hours to cut the and lift the tree enough for firefighters to recover the bodies of the children. Transylvania County Sheriffs Office and the North Carolina Medical Examiners Office are handling the investigation into this matter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) Two individuals are displaced and a firefighter was injured due to a structure fire in Manchester on Sunday, according to fire officials. The Manchester Fire Department responded to a house on Highland Street where a fire was found on the first floor. Sauna catches on fire in Marlborough The house was unoccupied during the fire, and the firefighter was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Calling the Karnataka government's approval of a 4 per cent minority quota in contracts as "anti-constitutional and anti-democratic," BJP MLC N Ravikumar said his party will raise the issue in both the Houses in the State on Monday. "It is not right to give 4 per cent reservations to Muslims and minorities in government contracts. It is anti-constitutional and anti-democratic. The BJP will oppose it. We ask Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar what others will do?... On Monday, the BJP will raise the issue in both the Houses," a BJP leader said on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the state government's decision to provide a four per cent reservation in government contracts is not exclusive to Muslims but extends to all minority communities and backward classes. "Four per cent reservation is not just for Muslims but all minority communities and backward classes," he said. The decision was taken on Friday in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Cabinet Hall of the Vidhan Sabha. Official sources added that the amendment will be made after the KTPP act is tabled in the ongoing assembly session. The Cabinet has approved the presentation of the obedience in the same session, likely on Monday. Earlier on March 7, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that four 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. (ANI) (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) reported that a shooting that took place in a neighborhood near South Academy Boulevard and Hancock Expressway led to two people injured and taken to the hospital on Saturday, March 16. According to CSPD, around 8:30 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Sonoma Drive on reports of a shooting, and when they arrived, they found a victim with a gunshot wound. Officers gave the victim aid and when medical personnel arrived, they took the victim to the hospital. Around 8:20 p.m. officers responded to the hospital where they received reports of another person who had been taken there after being shot, according to CSPD. As officers gathered information, they determined that the incidents were related and both happened on Sonoma Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both victims are expected to survive. This is an active investigation, but at this time there is no suspect information 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 FOX21 News Colorado. Saying the restriction is consistent with our historical tradition of firearm regulation, a federal appeals court on Friday upheld the constitutionality of a Florida law that raised the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 18 to 21. The 8-4 ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals came after seven years of legal wrangling in the National Rifle Associations challenge to a 2018 law passed after a mass shooting at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 students and faculty members. Nikolas Cruz, who was 19 at the time, used a semiautomatic rifle to gun down the victims at his former school. The NRA filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the gun-age restriction shortly after the law passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays ruling by the full Atlanta-based appeals court upheld a three-judge panels decision and outlined the history of the nations gun laws, from its founding to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions setting guidelines for determining how to apply the Second Amendment. While the law barred people under 21 from buying rifles and long guns, they still can receive them, for example, as gifts from family members. From this history emerges a straightforward conclusion: the Florida law is consistent with our regulatory tradition in why and how it burdens the right of minors to keep and bear arms, Chief Judge William Pryor wrote. Because minors have yet to reach the age of reason, the Florida law prohibits them from purchasing firearms, yet it allows them to receive firearms from their parents or another responsible adult. Judges Adalberto Jordan, Robin Rosenbaum, Jill Pryor, Kevin Newsom, Britt Grant, Nancy Abudu and Charles Wilson joined the majority opinion. Judge Andrew Brasher wrote a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Judges Elizabeth Branch, Barbara Lagoa and Robert Luck. The majority ruling relied heavily on U.S. Supreme Court standards, established in recent cases, saying that Second Amendment restrictions must be rooted in the prevailing understanding of gun rights from the nations founding era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The founders generation shared the view that minors lacked the reason and judgment necessary to be trusted with legal rights, William Pryor wrote. The chief judge noted that, at the time of the founding, minors generally could not purchase guns because they were deemed to lack the judgment and discretion to enter contracts and that minors were subject to the power of their parents. The opinion noted that the Florida law also is consistent with the countrys regulatory tradition because it allows minors to possess rifles and long guns although they are prohibited from purchasing them. The 2018 law burdens the right no more than historical restrictions because it prohibits purchase but preserves access to firearms with parental consent, William Pryor wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the founding to the late-19th century, our law limited the purchase of firearms by minors in different ways. The Florida law also limits the purchase of firearms by minors. And it does so for the same reason: to stop immature and impulsive individuals, like Nikolas Cruz, from harming themselves and others with deadly weapons. Those similarities are sufficient to confirm the constitutionality of the Florida law, the majority ruling said. But Brasher, in a dissent, disputed the historical roots of the age restriction. There were no age-based limitations on the right to keep and bear arms either before, during, or immediately after the adoption of the Bill of Rights, Brasher wrote. This is where the majority opinion loses its bearings. Simply put, there is nothing in our nations historical tradition of firearm regulation that resembles Floridas complete prohibition on an adults ability to purchase a firearm based only on that adults age. Nothing in the founding-era legal landscape is analogous to the challenged law. To the extent the history says anything about age and firearms, it says that the states and federal government expected all men over the age of 18 to be armed. But William Pryor called the dissents characterization of people between the ages of 18 and 21 as adults as unavailing, arguing that it discounts the key fact that, at the founding and until the late 20th century, the age of majority was 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority opinion also questioned whether the dissenting judges would support any age restriction for firearm sales as constitutional. If they do not, their position would require enjoining the enforcement of numerous federal and state laws, including a federal law that prohibits licensed sellers from selling any firearm or ammunition to an individual under the age of 18, the majority opinion said. The full appeals court decided to take up the issue after the three-judge panels ruling. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker also upheld the law. But Fridays decision likely will not end debate about the law, which could go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the ruling, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who took office last month, said he would not defend the law. Gov. Ron DeSantis tapped Uthmeier to replace former Attorney General Ashley Moody after DeSantis appointed her to the U.S. Senate. Men and women old enough to fight and die for our country should be able to purchase firearms to defend themselves and their families, Uthmeier posted on social media. Also, a state House panel on Wednesday approved a measure (HB 759) that would repeal the age restriction. The House passed such bills in 2023 and 2024, but the Senate refused to support the proposals. DeSantis this month signaled that he would support revising state gun laws, including the gun-age restriction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But state House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, praised Fridays ruling. I am thrilled the 11th Circuit confirmed what weve been saying for years, that reasonable, responsible gun laws are both constitutional and appropriate to help keep us safe. We can, and should, limit someone from being able to purchase an AR 15 until they are at least 21 years old, Driskell, D-Tampa, said in an email. Any question about constitutionality has now been clearly settled. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act is lawful and should continue to protect our communities as it has since 2018. Florida is safer for it. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. (iStock / Getty Images Plus) This article was first published by KFF Health News and Politifact. The prospect of deep Medicaid cuts has become a flashpoint in Congress, with leaders of both parties accusing their counterparts of lying. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Feb. 27 that a Republican budget measure would set in motion the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, and that Republicans are hiding the consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republicans are lying to the American people about Medicaid, Jeffries said. I cant say it any other way. Republicans are lying. Prove me wrong. Republicans said Democrats were distorting the Republican budget. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) said, The word Medicaid is not even in this bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on CNN that Republicans dont want to cut Medicaid, and the Democrats have been lying about it. Republicans are looking for massive budget savings to meet their goal of fully extending President Donald Trumps 2017 tax cuts. This is a separate process from Congress need to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running by March 14 or face a federal government shutdown. Heres what we know so far about potential Medicaid cuts. The House GOP Budget Plan Seeks $880 Billion in Cuts Medicaid serves about 1 in 5 Americans. The health care program for low-income people is paid for by the federal government and partly by states. Louisiana, home to Johnson and Scalise, has one of the highest state proportions of Medicaid enrollees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Republican budget plan adopted Feb. 25 opens the door to slashing Medicaid, even though it doesnt name the program. The plan directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to find ways to cut the deficit by at least $880 billion over the next decade. The committee has jurisdiction over Medicaid, Medicare, and the Childrens Health Insurance Program, in addition to much smaller programs. CHIP offers low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. Republicans ruled out cuts to Medicare, the health insurance program for seniors that leaders cut at their political peril. Medicare is about 15% of the federal budget, and Medicaid is about 8.6%. When Medicare is set aside, Medicaid accounts for 93% of the funding under the committees jurisdiction, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found in a March 5 analysis. That means it is impossible for the committee to find enough cuts that dont affect Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a fantasy to imply that federal Medicaid assistance wont be cut very deeply, said Allison Orris, an expert on Medicaid policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank. After Medicaid, the next-largest program under the committees jurisdiction is CHIP. Lawmakers dont appear to be planning to wipe out CHIP, but even if they did, they would be only a fraction of the way there, said Joan Alker, an expert on Medicaid and CHIP at Georgetown University. If Medicare cuts are off the table, the only way to achieve $880 billion in savings is through big Medicaid cuts, said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, the health policy research, polling, and news organization that includes KFF Health News. Andy Schneider, a professor at Georgetown University who served in the Obama administration as a senior adviser at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said even if the committee eliminated all those other programs entirely it could achieve only $381 billion in savings about 43% of the target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, if they dont want to cut Medicaid [or CHIP], and they dont want to cut Medicare, the goal of cutting $880 billion is impossible, Schneider said. The $880 billion cut is not a done deal. House Republicans were able to pass their budget package, but Senate Republicans are taking a different approach, without proposing such significant cuts. Any finalized budget blueprint would need Senate Republicans buy-in. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is among Republicans who have spoken against potential cuts; he told HuffPost, I would not do severe cuts to Medicaid. The numbers are starting points that may lead to negotiation among at least Republicans, said Joseph Antos, a health care expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. We are a long way from final legislation, so its not possible to predict how much any program will be cut, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the bill also includes extending the [Trump 2017] tax cuts, we are probably months away from seeing real language, Antos said. Once the House and Senate have reached an agreement on language and the resolution passes both chambers, the committees will work on detailed cuts. To enact such cuts, both chambers would need to approve a separate bill and receive Trumps signature. Why Eliminating Fraud Doesnt Solve the Problem Republican leaders have deflected concerns about Medicaid cuts by talking about a different target: Medicaid fraud. Im not going to touch Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Now, were going to get fraud out of there, Trump told Fox News Maria Bartiromo on March 9, in keeping with his campaign rhetoric that he would protect those programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Trump on his Truth Social platform praised the House resolution that would make cuts highly likely: The House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda, EVERYTHING, not just parts of it! Would eliminating fraud solve the Medicaid problem? No. On CNN, Johnson said cutting fraud, waste, and abuse would result in part of the savings to accomplish this mission. He said the government loses $50 billion a year in Medicaid payments just in fraud alone. Johnson conflated fraud with improper payments. The Government Accountability Office, the nonpartisan investigative arm that examines the use of public funds, found about $50 billion in improper payments in Medicaid and the same amount in Medicare in fiscal 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those improper payments were made in an incorrect amount (overpayment or underpayment), should not have been made at all, or had missing or insufficient documentation. But that doesnt mean that there was $50 billion in Medicaid fraud, which would involve obtaining something through willful misrepresentation. The system used to identify improper payments is not designed to measure fraud, so we dont know what percentage of improper payments were losses due to fraud, said Schneider, the former Obama administration health adviser. Plus, its a drop in the overall bucket of the potential $880 billion in cuts. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Subscribe to KFF Health News free Morning Briefing. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented plans to send 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine at a high-level virtual summit in London on March 15. The summit, which included 29 international leaders, was organized by the U.K. with the purpose of creating a "coalition of the willing" that could secure Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia. Starmer's proposed peacekeeping contingent would include around 10,000 troops, mostly provided by the U.K. and France, U.K. military sources told the Sunday Times. Thirty-five countries have agreed to supply the peacekeeping mission with weapons, logistics, and intelligence support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The peacekeeping mission will be "a significant force with a significant number of countries providing troops and a much larger group contributing in other ways," a senior government source said. In addition to European nations, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand joined the call, as did NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The proposed force of 10,000 is significantly smaller than the 30,000 troops Starmer reportedly pitched to U.S. President Donald Trump during their White House meeting on Feb. 20. Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that European partners would need to station 100,000 to 150,000 troops on Ukraine's front lines to effectively deter Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.K. defense sources told the Guardian on Feb. 18 that a much smaller European-led peacekeeping force could instead rely on intelligence, surveillance, and long-range monitoring to enforce a ceasefire. Following the virtual summit, Starmer announced that "troops on the ground and planes in the sky" would provide security guarantees for Ukraine following a future peace deal. The allied coalition will hold a second round of military talks on March 20, Starmer said. While France and the U.K. have been the most vocal about sending troops to Ukraine, some countries, including Italy and Finland, have expressed reservations. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the summit and vocalized support for Ukraine, but said that Italy does not plan to participate in the proposed peacekeeping force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The summit followed an eventful week of diplomacy, as Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. on March 11. While the the Kremlin said it was ready to agree to the U.S.-backed ceasefire, it demanded that Kyiv limit military mobilization and training in addition to the West halting military aid to Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold a call this week to discuss the terms of the ceasefire, Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on March 16. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented plans for a Western peacekeeping force of over 10,000 soldiers for Ukraine during a meeting of the leaders of the coalition of the willing on 15 March. Source: The Times, citing sources in the UK government, as reported by European Pravda Details: Sources cited by The Times indicated that the total size of the peacekeeping force for Ukraine will "definitely exceed the 10,000 troops" that London is prepared to contribute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, at the meeting on Saturday, London gained the backing of "considerably more" countries beyond the three that had previously supported the deployment of ground troops. Overall, around 35 countries agreed to supply weapons, logistical, and intelligence support for the potential peacekeeping mission during Saturdays meeting, The Times reports. However, the UK and France are expected to contribute the majority of the troops. "It will be a significant force with a significant number of countries providing troops and a much larger group contributing in other ways," another source told The Times. Background: Following the online meeting on 15 March, Starmer announced that the coalition of the willing was entering an operational phase. Military officials are set to meet in the UK on Thursday to consider ways to reinforce the future peace agreement. However, Starmer added that any post-ceasefire plans for Ukraine would need to involve cooperation with the United States. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine on March 16 appointed Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of the General Staff, promoting the major general as part of what Kyiv hailed as "a military reform." Hnatov, who was formerly appointed as the deputy chief of the General Staff in February, will be replacing Anatolii Barhylevych, who took the role in February 2024. "We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness," Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a Facebook post, applauding a promotion that he said came at his recommendation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hnatov has over 27 years of experience in the military. He previously commanded a marine brigade, Operational Command East formation, and the Joint Forces of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Umerov added that Ukraine appointed Lieutenant General Barhylevych as the Defense Ministry's chief inspector. His role is to oversee military standards and boost discipline in the Armed Forces, according to the minister. More than three years into the full-scale war, Ukraine is slowly withdrawing on multiple fronts amid a critical manpower shortage. Kyiv is trying to modernize the army in an attempt to solve long-standing issues, such as command culture and resource management. Drawing on the experience of NATO partners, Ukraine is currently trying to implement a corps system instead of a brigade one, in an effort to improve cohesion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Transformation continues," Umerov wrote in the same Facebook post. Read also: Ukraine confirms withdrawal from Sudzha in Russias Kursk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's General Staff on March 16 confirmed Ukrainian troops' withdrawal from the logistics hub of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk Oblast, days after Moscow claimed its capture. Without confirming the withdrawal with a statement, the General Staff posted the latest battlefield maps on social media, which showed a complete retreat from Sudzha. The confirmation comes as Russian troops scale up their offensive in the Russian border region, where Ukraine launched a surprise cross-border incursion in August 2024 in hopes of using the captured territories as a bargaining chip for potential peace negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has held on to its gradually shrinking foothold in Kursk Oblast despite a deteriorating logistics situation caused by Russia's intense use of artillery, drones, and glide bombs. As unconfirmed reports of a Ukrainian encirclement circulated online, U.S. President Donald Trump urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on March 14 to "spare" allegedly surrounded Ukrainian troops. Ukraine has denied the claims of encirclement. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on March 13 that its troops had captured Sudzha. The claim came a day after Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed ongoing battles in the suburbs of Sudzha and the surrounding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the most difficult situation, my priority has been and remains to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. To do this, the units of (Ukraine's) Defense Forces, if necessary, are maneuvering to more favorable positions," Syrskyi said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv denies Trumps claims of Ukrainian encirclement in Kursk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Michael Waltz, US President Donald Trumps National Security Advisor, has said that Ukraine could lose territory as part of the agreement to end the war in exchange for "future security guarantees, the future status of Ukraine". Source: Waltz on air with ABC News, as reported by European Pravda Details: The host asked Waltz about the possible outlines of an agreement to end the war, specifying whether it would include Ukraine's loss of territories "heavily populated by people from Russia". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waltz replied that these were elements of a future agreement that had been discussed in 2022 [he did not specify, but probably meant the talks in Turkiye ed.], "and even before then". Quote: "This is going to be some type of territory for future security guarantees, the future status of of Ukraine." Details: Waltz did not specify what these security guarantees might be, but recalled the Trump administration's position that Ukraine's accession to NATO is very unlikely to happen. The host clarified whether this meant that Russia would get the territories in Ukraines east and Crimea, even though it was Russia that invaded Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to ask ourselves, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic? Weve talked to the Europeans about this, and the Ukrainians. Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea?" he replied. He then criticised the strategy of the previous administration, which, in his opinion, led to endless fighting and increased the risk of World War III. "We can talk about whats right and wrong. And we also have to talk about the reality of the situation on the ground. And thats what we are doing through diplomacy, through shuttle diplomacy, through proximity talks," Waltz added. Background: This is not the first such signal from the Donald Trump administration. For example, earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Ukraine would have to make concessions on the territories that Russia has seized since 2014 as part of any agreement to end the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key developments on March 15-16: Ukraine confirms withdrawal from Sudzha in Russia's Kursk Oblast Ukraine appoints Andrii Hnatov as new chief of General Staff Russia readying to attack Sumy as Donbas front stabilizes, Zelensky says Trump-Putin phone call expected this week, US hopes for ceasefire within weeks, envoy says UK proposes Western peacekeeping mission of 10,000 troops in Ukraine Ukraine's General Staff on March 16 confirmed Ukrainian troops' withdrawal from the logistics hub of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk Oblast, days after Moscow claimed its capture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of confirming the withdrawal with a statement, the General Staff posted the latest battlefield maps on social media, which showed a complete retreat from Sudzha. The confirmation comes as Russian troops scale up their offensive in the Russian border region, where Ukraine launched a surprise incursion in August 2024 in hopes of using the captured territories as a bargaining chip for potential peace negotiations. Kyiv has held on to its gradually shrinking foothold in Kursk Oblast despite a deteriorating logistics situation caused by Russia's intense use of artillery, drones, and glide bombs. As unconfirmed reports of a Ukrainian encirclement circulated online, U.S. President Donald Trump urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on March 14 to "spare" allegedly surrounded Ukrainian troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has denied the claims of encirclement. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on March 13 that its troops had captured Sudzha. The claim came a day after Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed ongoing battles in the suburbs of Sudzha and the surrounding areas. "In the most difficult situation, my priority has been and remains to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. To do this, the units of (Ukraine's) Defense Forces, if necessary, are maneuvering to more favorable positions," Syrskyi said. Ukraine appoints Andrii Hnatov as new chief of General Staff Ukraine on March 16 appointed Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of the General Staff, promoting the major general as part of what Kyiv hailed as "a military reform." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hnatov, who was formerly appointed as the deputy chief of the General Staff in February, will be replacing Anatolii Barhylevych, who took the role in February 2024. "We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness," Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a Facebook post, applauding a promotion that he said came at his recommendation. Hnatov has over 27 years of experience in the military. He previously commanded a marine brigade, Operational Command East formation, and the Joint Forces of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Umerov added that Ukraine appointed Lieutenant General Barhylevych as the Defense Ministry's chief inspector. His role is to oversee military standards and boost discipline in the Armed Forces, according to the minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than three years into the full-scale war, Ukraine is slowly withdrawing on multiple fronts amid a critical manpower shortage. Kyiv is trying to modernize the army in an attempt to solve long-standing issues, such as command culture and resource management. "Transformation continues," Umerov wrote in the same Facebook post. Read also: Painful for Russia: What new U.S. sanctions on Russian energy mean for Moscow Russia readying to attack Sumy as Donbas front stabilizes, Zelensky says Russian soldiers are amassing at the border to prepare to launch an attack on Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said in a post on Telegram that Ukraine has observed areas along its eastern border where the Russian army is amassing force. "This speaks to a desire to deliver a strike to our Sumy Oblast," Zelensky wrote. "We understand this and will take countermeasures." The Ukrainian president also wrote that he hopes foreign leaders would note "that in Moscow they are preparing to ignore diplomacy." U.S. diplomats were in Moscow this week to hash out a ceasefire deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who remains maximalist in his public demands for concessions from Ukraine. After talks in Saudi Arabia between the U.S. and Ukraine, Kyiv said it was ready to move forward with a ceasefire, provided Russia did the same. Zelensky also wrote that "the situation on the Pokrovsk front has stabilized" after several months during which the city in Donetsk Oblast had been at the center of fighting and periodic threats of Russian encirclement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thanks to our Ukrainian forces, a significant quantity of Russian forces were pulled away from other fronts to Kursk Oblast," Zelensky wrote. Trump-Putin phone call expected this week, US hopes for ceasefire within weeks, envoy says U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to hold a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin this week, Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, said on March 16. "I expect that there will be a call with both presidents this week, and we're also continuing to engage and have a conversation with the Ukrainians, Witkoff told CNN after meeting Putin in Moscow on March 13. Witkoff also said that the U.S. hopes to "see a ceasefire within weeks," as cited by Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expected phone call comes as Trump tries to end the war at any cost. European allies and Ukraine have warned that a rushed peace deal without adequate security guarantees won't result in lasting peace. Witkoff said the talks with Putin lasted a few hours and went well. He added that he expected the phone call between the two presidents to be "really good and positive." "We're bridging the gap between two sides," he said. "The four regions are of critical importance here," Witkoff said, referring to Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, which are partially occupied by Russian troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff also said that the U.S. is holding discussions with Ukraine, Russia, and European allies, including France, the U.K., Finland, and Norway. He claimed that Putin accepts "Trump's philosophy" on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, Axios reported. "The two sides are a lot closer today than they were a few weeks ago. We narrowed the differences," Witkoff said. Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. during talks in Jeddah on March 11, after which Washington resumed military and intelligence support for Ukraine. Russia is ready to agree to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine but demands guarantees that Kyiv will not mobilize or train troops or receive military aid during the truce, Putin said on March 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on March 16 that Ukraine was expected to exchange territories for security guarantees. "This is going to be some type of territory for future security guarantees, the future status of of Ukraine," Waltz said on ABC News. He also said that "a permanent pathway into NATO, or a permanent membership into NATO for Ukraine is incredibly unlikely." Read also: Trump denies reports on his envoy waiting for Putin, calls media sick degenerates UK proposes Western peacekeeping mission of 10,000 troops in Ukraine U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented plans to send 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine at a high-level virtual summit in London on March 15. The summit, which included 29 international leaders, was organized by the U.K. with the purpose of creating a "coalition of the willing" that could secure Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia. Starmer's proposed peacekeeping contingent would include around 10,000 troops, mostly provided by the U.K. and France, U.K. military sources told the Sunday Times. Thirty-five countries have agreed to supply the peacekeeping mission with weapons, logistics, and intelligence support. The peacekeeping mission will be "a significant force with a significant number of countries providing troops and a much larger group contributing in other ways," a senior government source said. In addition to European nations, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand joined the call, as did NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The proposed force of 10,000 is significantly smaller than the 30,000 troops Starmer reportedly pitched to U.S. President Donald Trump during their White House meeting on Feb. 20. Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that European partners would need to station 100,000 to 150,000 troops on Ukraine's front lines to effectively deter Russia. U.K. defense sources told the Guardian on Feb. 18 that a much smaller European-led peacekeeping forcec ould instead rely on intelligence, surveillance, and long-range monitoring to enforce a ceasefire. Following the virtual summit, Starmer announced that "troops on the ground and planes in the sky" would provide security guarantees for Ukraine following a future peace deal. The allied coalition will hold a second round of military talks on March 20, Starmer said. While France and the U.K. have been the most vocal about sending troops to Ukraine, some countries, including Italy and Finland, have expressed reservations. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the summit and vocalized support for Ukraine, but said that Italy does not plan to participate in the proposed peacekeeping force. Read also: Conditions for Ukraines surrender Why Putins demands for ceasefire make no sense Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has been invited to attend a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 17 March. Source: Sybiha on X, as reported by European Pravda Details: Sybiha thanked Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, "for inviting [him] to tomorrows EU Foreign Affairs Council". Quote from Sybiha: "Our top priority is Europes unity, strength, and resolve. No time for narrow interests, petty blackmail, or Trojan horses. Its an existential moment for Europe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The EU Council said Sybiha will address the meeting via videoconference. The foreign ministers are expected to discuss Russias war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, developments in Syria, and relations with the United States. Background: European Pravda reported that the meeting may also consider ways to support projects in Ukraine that have been left without funding following the US administrations decision to scale back USAID operations. Additionally, Czechia intends to raise the issue of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, whose US funding was recently cut off. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Calling the Mauganj incident which claimed the life of a police official, "unfortunate" Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday stated that the perpetrators of the incident will not be spared. The Chief Minister stated that the senior police officials are present at the spot and the situation is under control. Speaking to ANI, MP CM Mohan Yadav said, "The Mauganj incident is unfortunate. The perpetrators will not be spared... My condolences to the bereaved family. Senior police officials are at the spot, and the situation is under control..." Earlier, CM Yadav instructed officials to take strict action against all the accused of the "inhuman" and "unfortunate" Mauganj incident. Taking to social media post on X, the Chief Minister also expressed his condolences on the demise of the ASI (Assistant Sub-Inspector) Ramcharan Gautam. Yadav stated that to maintain law and order, Section 163 has been imposed in the area. Senior police officials, including DIG Rewa, SP Mauganj, and others have reached the scene to control the situation. The Chief Minister further informed that the other injured policemen in the incident had been sent to Rewa Hospital for treatment. "An ASI of our police, Ramcharan Gautam, died in retaliatory action in an unfortunate attack on the police team including the Tehsildar, SHO, who had reached Gadara village of Shahpur police station area in Mauganj district on the information of a dispute between two groups. My deepest condolences are with the bereaved family. Other injured policemen in the incident have been sent to Rewa Hospital for treatment. Immediately after the incident, Section 163 was imposed in the area and DIG Rewa, SP Mauganj and other police officers reached the spot and controlled the situation. ADG Rewa Zone is reaching the spot, along with that I have directed DG Police to reach the spot and supervise. Instructions have been given to take strict action against all the accused of this inhuman and unfortunate incident," CM Yadav posted on X. A police official was killed, and several other police personnel were injured in a mob attack at the Gadra village of Ramnagari Panchayat of Mauganj district when a police team went to a village to intervene in a clash between two groups and rescue a man who had been held hostage and later killed. The injured officials have been receiving treatment at Civil Hospital and Ashirwad Hospital in Mauganj. According to the police, there was a dispute going on between two groups in the village, which the police had reached to calm down. But the villagers suddenly took an aggressive stance and attacked the police team. During this, the policemen were attacked with sticks and stones, due to which many of them were injured. Speaking to ANI, the Superintendent of Police of the Rewa district stated that the situation is now "under control," and heavy forces have been deployed in the area. The official also said that the injured police officials have been receiving treatment at the hospital. Vivek Kumar, SP Rewa, said, "In Shahpur police station of Mauganj district, there was a clash where some people were held hostage and police went to intervene in the matter. In the fold of the incident, stones were also pelted." "In the incident, one police officer and a civilian died. Apart from this, many police personnel are injured. They have been admitted to the hospital, and their treatment is underway. As of now, the situation in that village is under control, and a heavy police force has been deployed there," he added. (ANI) Ukraines General Staff has released a map showing the complete withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the town of Sudzha in Russias Kursk Oblast. Source: Ukraines General Staff on Telegram Details: The map was released in the morning report. By comparing it to Google Maps, it is clear that Ukrainian forces are now far outside the town Territories in blue are Russian territories controlled by Ukraine Map: Ukraines General Staff Background: Earlier, analysts from DeepState reported that Russian troops had taken over the town of Sudzha. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine has set several red lines for negotiations on a possible peace deal, The Independent has reported. These include refusing to cede any additional territories beyond those currently occupied, demanding the return of Ukrainian children and civilians, and insisting on international security guarantees. Source: The Independent, citing Ukrainian officials Details: Senior Ukrainian sources familiar with the talks warn there is little faith that Russia will accept a reasonable deal. "We expect another trick," a source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newspaper also set out Ukraine's red lines in possible negotiations: "Refusing to give up further territories, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's desire to take back four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Russia [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda doesn't recognise Putin as president ed.] No further territory to be ceded, despite Putins desire to take four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by the Russian military since 2014 The return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia The return of thousands of civilians illegally held by Russia, who are not considered Prisoners of War and so would not be included in PoW exchanges A need for international security guarantees, should Putin infringe any ceasefire deal." Ukrainian officials told The Independent that while they have agreed to freeze the current front line in order to negotiate a ceasefire, losing any additional territory would be a red line. "It is not reasonable to demand that, for example, Zaporizhzhia or Kherson [oblasts ed.] be fully handed over," the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sources said the fate of the Russian-occupied territories has not been decided. "We will do our best to retake it with diplomacy," a source said. The newspaper reports that Ukraine is deeply concerned about how the ceasefire and freezing of the contact line could impact the fate of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who have either been forcibly taken to Russia or have remained in the occupied territories throughout the full-scale invasion. One of the key requirements for any deal is for these children to return and the Russification policy, which includes re-education camps and the forced issuance of Russian passports, to end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: A European Pravda source said Kyiv had informed its US partners of its red lines at the meeting in Jeddah. "For Ukraine, there are red lines including that there can be no restrictions on the size of the defence forces and no prohibitions on Ukraines participation in international organisations, including the EU and NATO. The issue of NATO was also mentioned by [Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office Andrii] Yermak, who stressed that Russia must not have a veto," the source emphasised. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday appointed Major-General Andriy Hnatov as Ukraine's chief of the general staff as Kyiv seeks to speed up army reform. A decree published on the presidential website said General Hnatov, a deputy chief of staff, would replace Lieutenant-General Anatoliy Barhilevych. "We are consistently changing the armed forces to make them even more combat ready. To achieve it, we are changing the management system and introducing clear standards," Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hnatov has 27 years of military experience, having risen through the ranks from marines brigade commander to leading troops in the eastern Donetsk region. Barhilevych would now oversee military standards and strengthen discipline in the army, the minister said. With the war against Russia in its fourth year, Ukraine is seeking to restructure and strengthen its military as it fights the much bigger enemy. Ukraine is on the back foot on the battlefield, with Kyiv's troops retreating from Russia's Kursk region and battling under growing pressure in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have been advancing for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military analysts estimate that about 880,000 people currently serve in the Ukrainian armed forces. Despite the wartime challenges, the country has implemented changes to shed the Soviet legacy and make its military more efficient, appointing younger commanders with combat experience and supporting innovations. Last year Ukraine introduced a dedicated unmanned systems force. At the start of this year, Ukrainian military officials said the country would move away from its brigades-based system towards a "corps" system of larger units, aiming to improve coordination among its forces spread along more than 1,000 kilometers of frontline and speed up decision-making. One of Ukraine's top fighting units - the 3rd separate assault brigade - announced on Friday that it was reorganized into a corps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We plan to change the principles and methods of this war," Commander Andriy Biletskyi said in a video announcing the change. "This means changing the course of the war in favour of Ukraine." (Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by David Holmes) During scheduled power outages earlier in the war, Ukrainian artist Maryna Lukach adapted her work schedule to the sporadic availability of electricity. I set my alarm clock for whenever the power was supposed to come on, she said. If she knew the power was slated to be restored at 2 a.m., Lukach, who creates intricate textile and mixed-media artworks, would sleep until then, waking up to work in her workshop for a few hours until the next outage. During the powerless stretches, she slept. It was a really interrupted schedule my head hurt, Lukach told me over Zoom from her workshop in Chabany, a rural settlement about 18 miles from Kyiv. Switching between the practical and creative aspects of life was possible because Lukach essentially lives in her workshop the space is attached to the home where she lives with her husband, Rostyslav. During nights interrupted by thundering air raids, this proximity to a workspace also turned out to be useful. Air sirens wake you up, she explained. Then they stop, but you cant go back to sleep. Youre already awake, so what do you do? She would head into her workshop and begin sewing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lukachs life offers a glimpse into the daily reality of ordinary Ukrainians and their resilience as they continue to adapt under the unforgiving strain of war, three years after Russias invasion upended their sense of normalcy. In what she sees as an answer to prayer, her work caught the attention of a Ukraine supporter in Las Vegas a pediatric surgeon drawn to its cultural depth and intricate storytelling. Although her art had already been exhibited in the U.S., it has recently reached a wider international audience, serving as a bridge between Ukraine and those who stand in solidarity with its people. Almost as a counterbalance to the brutality of the war, Lukachs art bursts with color and texture silk, lace, felt, ribbons, colorful dyes, beads, photography, embroidery, collage. While her earlier work leaned toward home decor, her recent pieces depict themes from Ukrainian history, important cultural and historical figures, traditional motifs and cityscapes. Some take months to complete, with prices ranging from $300 to $2,000. Her work has garnered numerous awards and many of her artworks are now on display in Las Vegas. The Church History Museum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has acquired two of her works. And in May, her work will be on display at the Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., a red-brick cultural hub opened in 2021 by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska. Earlier in the war, an explosion shattered the doors of Lukachs house and damaged the windows and roof. The roof of her neighbors home was destroyed. Three years into the war, even when the power stays on, its still hard for her to sleep: It was really loud the other day. Everything was shaking and trembling, she told me recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, amid the uncertainty and chaos of war, Lukach finds solace in her workshop. I come in, and here I have French lace, beads, fabric scraps, an iron, my computer, she said. Here, I work with beauty. Amid ongoing war, Ukrainian artist Maryna Lukach creates textile and mixed-media artworks, inspired by Ukrainian history. Begging to be preserved As we talk over Zoom, I can see behind Lukach a towering two-story rack that holds thousands of fabric pieces. She inherited the collection, sourced from across Europe, from a fabric business that was discarding its collection of sample materials. When I was looking through them, I was so happy, she recalled. In her workshop, Lukach is surrounded by her materials: spools of thread, boxes with labels like sea and sky, scraps of textiles, frames, jars with beads. Im sorry for the little bit of an artistic mess, she tells me, tilting her camera so I can get a view of the space. Previously a director and photographer, Lukach was drawn to a new medium during the Maidan Revolution, also known as the Revolution of Dignity a series of protests that erupted in the citys center in 2013 in response to the Ukrainian governments decision to suspend an association agreement with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. More than 100 people died in the violent clashes. Maidan in those days was like a movie set, Lukach recalled. It was an epicenter of action, with clashes between the police and the citizens, a surreal scene, she said, that blended a striking mix of festivity and death. Just a few blocks away from the violent commotion, cafes and restaurants operated as if nothing had changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that moment, Lukach felt compelled to capture what she was witnessing in art. I dont know how I got this idea, but I wanted to preserve all the artifacts in the form of a painting, she said. She began gathering remnants from the streets rocks, pieces of burnt tires, paving stones, fragments of fabrics she even picked up a piece of an EU flag stained with blood. It was like they were museum artifacts begging to be preserved, she told me. She placed them all in a bag and took them home. Mass protests grew into a nationwide movement for democratic reforms, an end to corruption and Ukraines former president Viktor Yanukovychs resignation. Yanukovych fled the country in February 2014, marking a pivotal moment in Ukraines struggle for sovereignty and alignment with the West. The material Lukach collected became part of her first mixed-media artwork, The Price of Freedom, a vibrant collage with poppies, bucolic scenes, a female figure and black silhouettes of the policemen. I was figuring out all the technologies the right thickness levels of fabrics, when to use chiffon fabric, when to use cotton, said Lukach, who was skilled in sewing and embroidery, but refined her technique through research and online YouTube tutorials. It took her 530 hours over a period of six months to complete her first piece, which is now displayed at the Ukrainian Center in Las Vegas. Unexpected buyer from Las Vegas Lukach soon discovered, however, that the general public was drawn to lighter subjects flowers, jellyfish, nature, cats and dogs and other playful themes that brighten a home. Occasionally, she received unexpected requests through her online shop like the time a woman commissioned a Jamaican flag. Over time, Lukachs clientele expanded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, one day, a stranger from Las Vegas bought one of Lukachs works through her Etsy shop (which she has since closed due to the war). He made several purchases and, eventually, ended up buying most of the Ukraine-themed pieces in her online shop. I was confused, Lukach told me. I thought, maybe Im missing something. Soon after, she received a message from Dr. David Stewart, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, who said he wanted to support Ukraine and was committed to buying more of Lukachs work. Ukrainian artist Maryna Lukach and David Stewart in her workshop in Chabany, Ukraine, in June of 2024. | David Stewart Stewart had discovered Lukach on Facebook and was stunned by her embroidery and technique, which paid homage to Ukraines rich and ancient history of the craft, he told me. She weaves these amazing tapestries that tell a story, he said. Stewart, whose wife is from the Odesa region in Ukraine, had served a mission in Russia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and yet he wanted to do his part in supporting Ukraine in the tumultuous times. Since 2010, Stewart has traveled to Ukraine two to three times a year for a collaboration with an orthopedics and traumatology group in Kyiv. Stewart commissioned Lukach to create a series of works on Ukrainian history and culture, providing her with a list of over 100 themes, including Ukrainian ancient Trypilia culture and early Slavic traditions. Lukach researched the subjects in depth, visiting museums and gathering as many details as possible right down to the hair color of historical figures. Filling in the details about early cultures is particularly challenging due to limited historical and archaeological records, Stewart said, and the two collaborate on their research to get those details right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the summer of 2024, Stewart visited Lukachs workshop in Chabany. One of the Russian myths about Ukrainians is that they are kind of illiterate country people who are backwards, Stewart told me. But Ukrainian culture is high culture and much of what Muscovite Russia claims to be its own culture is actually appropriated from Ukraine, so part of the conflict is that Russia is laying claim to a false history. About 50 of Lukachs works are now displayed at the Ukrainian Center in Las Vegas, founded by Stewart and his wife in a space thats connected to his medical practice. Lukach traveled to the U.S. for the opening of the center and spoke at Utah Valley University. It was the first time I saw 40 of my paintings all in the same room, said Lukach, whose daughter served a mission in Salt Lake City and studied at Brigham Young University. Her son is studying at BYU online. Fighting destruction with creation For Lukach, Stewarts interest in her art felt like the answer to prayers. I prayed for someone who would love and buy one of my paintings, and that he would buy my whole store and would continue commissioning for years, Lukach told me. Shes now at work on a new series commissioned by Stewart, a project that she predicts will likely take two or three years to complete. Lukach joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1998, after her husband hired a church member as an employee for his business. Lukachs daughter began attending English classes taught by missionaries and converted. At first we were really nervous about her joining the church, so we went with her to save her, she told me. And then we ended up saving ourselves. (Lukachs 45-year-old daughter now lives in Utah, and her 25-year-old son lives in Ukraine.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For nearly 30 years now, Lukach has been teaching institute of religion classes and Sunday school. She teaches the institute of religion classes online about 120 people tune in to the classes, some in Ukraine and others who left home after the invasion. Most days, when the power stays on uninterrupted, Lukach comes to her workshop early in the morning and works until late at night, when shes ready to go to bed. To unwind, she reads the news on her phone, and when despair sets in, she listens to classical music. Amid destabilizing and relentless war, her workshop feels like a safe cocoon. I basically live in the workshop, she told me, I love this work. On her Facebook profile, she wrote the words: How do I fight destruction? Only by creating. A woman said her car has been gone for a week and shes running out of options. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Brittany Ealey told CBS-affiliate WOIO that she manages a property on Clevelands east side. The morning of March 7, a tow truck came and took her 2015 Nissan Rogue. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not sure if its a company, Ealey told WOIO. It looks like a private vehicle. Ealy captured the crime on video. Its not under repossession, also its not in the impound, said Ealey. I thought the city thought the property was vacant and they removed it. Ealey said she called Cleveland police and filed a report, hoping they could track down her car or the tow truck. I dont care if they leave it on the corner somewhere, said Ealey. I would like my vehicle. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The U.S. launched airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on March 15 as President Donald Trump ordered "decisive" military action against the group. Trump also said that the U.S. would hold Iran "fully accountable" if it didn't end support for the Houthi rebels "immediately." The U.S. attack against the Houthi rebels and the threat to Iran come as Moscow continues to expand its partnership with Tehran. Iran has provided Russia with thousands of Shahed drones used in attacks against Ukrainian cities, as well as short-range ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strikes on the Houthis also come amid increasing tensions between their main backer, Iran, and Israel, which is supported by the U.S., including a controversy over Tehran's nuclear weapons program. "Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, claiming that his predecessor Joe Biden's approach was "pathetically weak." "They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones." Trump said the U.S. would deploy overwhelming lethal force against the rebels until we have achieved our objective." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN reported, citing the Houthi-run health ministry, that at least 31 people had been killed and 101 injured in Yemen by the U.S. strikes, and that most of the casualties were women and children. The Kyiv Independent could not verify this information. Despite worsening relations between the U.S. and Iran, Trump's team is trying to resume the long-frozen diplomatic relations with one of Tehran's backers, Russia. On March 13, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff paid a visit to Moscow for talks on the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine had accepted after a U.S.-Ukrainian meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 11. Read also: Conditions for Ukraines surrender Why Putins demands for ceasefire make no sense Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Sunday has lashed out at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, accusing them of defaming Bihar. Speaking to media, Rai stated, "Today there are some people in Bihar who are engaged in defaming Bihar, that is, the rule of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, who had made Bihar sick and kept it far away from development." Rai further criticized the leadership of RJD and Congress for hindering Bihar's growth and development. He claimed, "RJD and Congress people are trying to defame Bihar," emphasizing that the state was on a positive path under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Minister highlighted the progress made in the state, pointing to the increasing availability of employment opportunities. He also acknowledged the central government's role in the state's development. "Bihar is on the path of development... employment opportunities are being found here and Nitish Kumar is implementing all the schemes of the central government," Rai said. Rai went on to assert that the people of Bihar were disillusioned with the "jungle raj" and caste-based politics, which he attributed to the RJD's and Congress's leadership. He expressed confidence that in the upcoming elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure a decisive victory. "The people of Bihar are now fed up with 'jungle raj' and casteism, so in the coming days, RJD, Congress will be wiped out and NDA will form the government here with a huge majority," Rai said. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Minister Tej Pratap Yadav, amid backlash over his "dance or be suspended" remark to a policeman during Holi celebrations, on Saturday accused the BJP, RSS, and the media of "politicizing the festival and spreading hatred." "Don't mind, it's Holi... Even this festival of mutual brotherhood has been given a new color of hatred by the BJP, RSS, and their lapdog media...," Yadav posted on X in Hindi, along with a cartoon mocking media organizations. "Doing politics over celebrating Holi with police personnel or any opposition leader has become their religion. The people of the country will soon teach them a lesson," he added. Yadav's remarks come amid backlash over a controversial video in which he was seen asking a policeman to "dance or be suspended" during a Holi celebration at his official residence in Patna on Friday, March 14. (ANI) President Trump said the United States has launched decisive and powerful strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen, warning that the military will use overwhelming lethal force until the Iran-backed rebels stop their attacks on cargo ships and free up shipping lanes in the region. Trump wrote that the aerial attacks targeted Houthi bases, leaders and missile defense systems to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets and to restore Navigational Freedom. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World, Trump said in a Saturday post on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks were carried out by Air Force attack jets and armed drones that took off from various bases in the region, along with fighter planes from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, a source familiar with the matter told The Hill. The source added that this is not a one-day event. This is the first of many days if not weeks of strikes. The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt, and attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends, the president said. In late January, Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to redesignate Houthis in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), pointing to the groups attacks on commercial vessels, U.S. Navy ships and civilian infrastructure in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Saturday attack also damaged several residential buildings in the Shaub district, north of Yemens capital Sanaa, the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported. On Tuesday, the Iran-backed group said it will resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Arabian and Red seas, the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that if any vessel breaches the groups ban on the passage of all Israeli ships, it will become a target. The Houthis will keep it up until the crossings to the Gaza Strip are reopened and aid, food, and medicine are allowed in. Israel paused aid flowing into the war-torn Gaza Strip earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited the war in the region, the Houthis have shot at ships with drones and missiles. The U.K., U.S. and Israel retaliated against the Houthis several times last year, with the U.S. striking 15 targets in early October last year. Trump warned the Houthis on Saturday that their attacks on cargo ships have to stop or HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE! The Saturday attacks represented the first confirmed U.S. strikes against the Iran-backed group since Trump took office in January. The commander-in-chief also cautioned Iran, who he told to begin fresh negotiations regarding a new nuclear deal, that Tehrans support for the Houthis must end IMMEDIATELY! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes, Trump said. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we wont be nice about 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 The Hill. A bipartisan group of American lawmakers on Saturday called for US President Donald Trump to address pending adoptions from China when he next meets President Xi Jinping, urging the US leader to press Beijing to uphold commitments made before a recent policy change. Last September, China abruptly ended its decades-long international adoption programme, leaving nearly 270 American families who had already been in the adoption process for years in a state of uncertainty. "We urge you to elevate this engagement and press the Chinese government to finalise pending adoption cases so these children may finally be united with their adoptive families in the United States," said the letter to Trump, led by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, a bicameral caucus, and Senator Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa. 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 caucus is co-chaired by two US senators - Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat - and two US congressmen - Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican, and Danny Davis, an Illinois Democrat. US senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, co-chairs a bipartisan congressional effort asking China to revive its international adoption process. Photo: Getty Images via AFP alt=US senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, co-chairs a bipartisan congressional effort asking China to revive its international adoption process. Photo: Getty Images via AFP> The letter, signed by 105 lawmakers, stated that most of the affected children have special healthcare needs and that some would soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is particularly critical that these children have access to the care and support that they need - which hundreds of American families approved for adoption are willing to provide," it stated. Lawmakers highlighted the largely unsuccessful efforts of the US State Department under the previous administration of Joe Biden to seek clarity from China. They said families seeking to unite with their adoptive children had been "devastated" by China's decision. According to people familiar with the effort, Beijing has largely remained unresponsive. "We request that you act in the best interest of these children and engage the Chinese government to finalise these pending adoption cases," the letter continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers further pledged to work closely with the US president to "ensure these children are welcomed into safe and stable homes". Most families say they had been years into the adoption process and just weeks away from receiving travel permits to bring their adoptive children home when the coronavirus pandemic led China to suspend international travel in 2020. Their hopes were briefly revived in 2023 when China reopened, but families say they received no updates until Beijing officially announced in September last year that it would halt foreign adoptions altogether. Two separate letters signed by 100 lawmakers and 33 governors were sent to Biden last year. However, the issue did not come up during Biden's meeting with Xi in Peru later that month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Trump took office in January, US lawmakers and families have pinned their hopes on him to resolve the crisis. "For the sake of these children who were promised permanent families years ago, we are hoping with all our hearts that President Trump might be able to bring a quick resolution," said Aimee Welch of Kentucky. Welch was in the process of finalising the adoption of a girl with special-care needs in March 2020 and is still waiting. "We weren't able to get movement the past four years," said Welch, who leads an organisation called Hope Leads Home that advocates for completing the pending China adoptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sometimes President Trump thinks outside the box," she added. "Maybe he can negotiate the completion of these agreements as others have been unable to do." As the Trump administration has settled in, the families say they have yet to receive any updates on their cases from the State Department. The White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. US senator Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, raised the issue on the floor of the Senate just days after Trump's inauguration. "I've been told families from other countries have been invited to travel to complete their adoptions but not Americans," he said on January 23. "Why not Americans?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grassley noted that Trump "talks about wanting to meet with Xi, have more friendly relationships with President Xi" and expressed hope that such an "environment" could bring the children to their adoptive families. Earlier this week, the Post reported that Chinese and American officials were in discussions to arrange a meeting between the presidents as early as April. Welch voiced hope that if the meeting occurred the issue would "touch the hearts of both presidents" and that they would collaborate to unite the children with their American adoptive families, fulfilling promises made long ago. The first official international adoption approved in China was in 1985, and in 1992 a law formalised the process by setting out a framework allowing foreign families to come to China to adopt children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since that time, tens of thousands of Chinese children have been adopted by foreign families, with the US leading the list. 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. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, discussing the "restoring communication" between the two countries. Source: US Department of State Quote: "The Secretary informed Russia of US military deterrence operations against the Iran-backed Houthis and emphasised that continued Houthi attacks on US military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Rubio and Lavrov also discussed the next steps following recent meetings in Saudi Arabia and "agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia". Background: On 13 March, Witkoff visited Moscow. The Kremlin stated that "additional signals" had been transmitted to Trump through him. On the same day, Putin responded cautiously to the US proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine, neither rejecting it outright nor accepting it, but suggesting that Moscow might set its own conditions. Trump said Putin had made a promising statement but insisted it was incomplete. He also said that if Russia did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire, it would be "a very disappointing moment for the world". On 14 March, Trump announced that Washington had had "very good and productive discussions" with Putin. Rubio said there were "reasons to be cautiously optimistic" regarding the negotiations on a ceasefire in Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Kirsty Needham PERTH (Reuters) -In the control room of the American Virginia class attack submarine USS Minnesota, off the Western Australian coast, sonar operators adjust to the chatter of dolphins in new waters where the U.S. submarine presence will soon grow significantly. On a training exercise from its home port in Guam, USS Minnesota is a forerunner to four Virginia class submarines that will be hosted at a Western Australian naval base from 2027, under the AUKUS partnership to transfer nuclear submarine capability to Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crew use video game joysticks to interrogate screen images from a photonic mast that has replaced a periscope. Life aboard can mean up to 100 days without seeing sunlight, and intermittent communication with families via email to maintain stealth. Commanding officer Jeffrey Corneille says the Virginia class submarine is "the most advanced warship in the world". "If someone wakes up and they say 'Is today the day?', we make sure that they say 'Maybe not'," he says, describing its deterrent role. Around 50-80 United States navy personnel will arrive by the middle of the year at Western Australia's HMAS Stirling base, which is undergoing an A$8 billion ($5 billion) upgrade to prepare for the "Submarine Rotational Force West", Australian officials have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In two years, those numbers will swell to hundreds of U.S. navy personnel and support crew. The location of HMAS Stirling, closer to Asia and the Indian Ocean than the U.S. Pacific fleet headquarters in Hawaii, is strategically important to the United States, said Peter Dean, director of Foreign Policy and Defence at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. "Defending the Indian Ocean against rising Chinese capabilities and power is important," he said. The Virginia submarine program has been exempted from Pentagon budget cuts as the Trump administration focuses less on the Middle East and Europe, and more on the Indo Pacific, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration's number three Pentagon official, Elbridge Colby, told a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing this month the attack submarines are "absolutely essential" for making the defence of Taiwan viable, and production rates must be lifted to first meet U.S. needs and also to fulfill its obligations to sell submarines to Australia under the AUKUS pact. The USS Minnesota moved its home port from Hawaii to the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, closer to Taiwan and the only forward-deployed U.S. submarine base, in November. A Chinese navy task group that circumnavigated Australia in February and March, holding unprecedented live fire drills off the east coast that disrupted commercial airlines, before passing Western Australia to coincide with the USS Minnesota's port call and heading into the Indian Ocean, has highlighted China's ambition to operate more frequently in Australia's neighbourhood, Australian officials said. Under AUKUS, Australias most expensive defence project, Australia will buy two used Virginia class submarines next decade, and build a new class of nuclear powered submarine with Britain, to replace its ageing diesel powered fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In preparation, there are 115 Australians in the U.S. nuclear navy training pipeline or on Virginia submarines, plus 130 training for nuclear submarine maintenance at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, U.S. navy officials said. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Perth; editing by Giles Elgood) NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The USS Truxtun and a force of nearly 300 sailors departed Saturday from Naval Station Norfolk for deployment. The ships departure comes following months of training, maintenance, and certification events, which ultimately prepared the ship for a multitude of operations. This will enhance the Navys ability to detect and counter threats when directed. USS Truxtun is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer capable of air warfare (AW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), naval surface fire support (NSFS) and surface warfare (SUW). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioned on April 25, 2009, USS Truxtun is named after Commodore Thomas Truxtun, one of the U.S. Navys first six captains. This is the sixth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Utah lawmakers came close to matching last years record of 591 bills passed during the recent legislative session, but nearly just as many proposals didnt make it across the finish line before time expired Friday night. Some high-profile bills to eliminate daylight saving time, allow 18-year-olds to openly carry loaded weapons in public and increase the number of businesses required to use the E-Verify system were voted down during the 45-day session. Many others simply ran out of time to pass both the Senate and House, even if they received votes of support from lawmakers. Here are some of the issues that were hung out to dry as the Legislature adjourned last week which could serve as a way-too-early preview of the 2026 legislative session: Splitting Salt Lake County? Rep. Jordan Teuscher, a Republican from South Jordan, floated a proposal late in the session to make it easier for several municipalities to break off from Salt Lake County and form a new county. The bill would let cities with about a third of the total population of the states largest county band together and propose a split. The question would then go to voters across the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teuscher said his bill, HB533, was proposed to start a conversation around splitting the states largest county but was never meant to move forward this year. Well probably have several committees over the interim before this comes back next session, he told KSL.com. Counties have been split before, but the most recent change occurred over 100 years ago. Teuscher argued Salt Lake County is growing too big, and said splitting it could potentially bring constituents closer to their local government. HB533 would impact any county with more than 1 million residents, meaning it could also pave the way for a split of Utah County when its population reaches that threshold. Even if the bill passes next year, cities would be hard-pressed to put a proposal to split the county on the 2026 ballot, which would be the earliest possible option. Ballot question reversal Top House and Senate leaders rarely sponsor bills of their own, but when they do, they are generally seen as priorities that are all but guaranteed to pass. Not so for HB563, one of two bills introduced by House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and the only bill with Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, as the floor sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was meant to reverse a change made last year, when lawmakers empowered the speaker and president to write the ballot question language for proposed constitutional amendments instead of legislative attorneys. That policy quickly blew up in lawmakers' faces, when the state Supreme Court invalidated Amendment D in part because it said the question written by Schultz and Adams does not accurately reflect the substance of the amendment. Speaking to reporters after winning reelection last fall, Schultz said he probably (has) a regret in using the word strengthen in the ballot question, and said we could have been a little more clear on what it meant. He said last month lawmakers made a mistake in changing who writes ballot questions last year and said HB563 would return the power to legislative attorneys. Adams appeared to agree, telling reporters the bill may be a better way to go. HB563 passed the House with near-unanimous support and was introduced in the Senate at the start of the last week in session, where it never came up for a vote. Because lawmakers can only put proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot in even years, the proposal could resurface next year ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Other bills fall short Here are other proposals that failed to get a final vote before the session ended: Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Jennifer Gledhill, the Utah woman accused of killing her husband Utah National Guardsman Matthew Johnson was in court for a pre-trial hearing on Friday, March 14. Gledhill, 41, was first arrested in October 2024 for the alleged murder of her husband. On Friday, the judge set a date for her trial: Jury selection is expected to begin on Dec. 8, with the trial following immediately after, and possibly running through Dec. 15, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 28, 2025, Gledhill was in court, asking to be released on bail. Jeremy Deus, Gledhills attorney, said that both Cottonwood Heights police and the Army Reserve have searched for Johnson with both drones and manpower. Still no body, no weapon, Deus said. Prosecutor Emily Paulos mentioned that the search for Johnsons body is still ongoing. His family just wants to bring Matthew home, Paulos said. And they have concern that if the defendant is released, she will continue to obstruct those efforts. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New items collected as potential evidence in alleged murder of missing Utah guardsman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge denied Gledhills bail request in February. Ahead of the December trial which is scheduled to take place more than a year after the case was started there will be two pretrial conferences: One on Nov. 6 and one on Dec. 4. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill told ABC4.com that the case started with the Reserve and the Guard after Johnson was last seen in September 2024. They started looking for him. They were concerned because if they couldnt find him or find out what was going on, he was going to be listed as AWOL, Gill said. The day after Gledhill was initially arrested, law enforcement began searching for Johnsons body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would really like to get this resolved. We would really like to find the victim, Sgt. Gary Young with the Cottonwood Heights Police Department said. Our hearts go out to the family. Its got to be trying for the children and family members and friends. Our community has suffered a loss. The search for Johnson eventually ended up in the wetlands surrounding the Farmington Bay area. Officials said they are looking for a needle in a haystack, and are hoping to find a shallow grave. In Davis County, police found a mattress, pillows, and bloodstained carpet, which all used to be in the couples house. Johnsons body has not yet been found. Gledhill is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and abuse or desecration of a dead body, among others. Background Gledhills husband, Matthew Johnson, was last seen on Sept. 20, 2024, according to the Cottonwood Heights Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Sept. 20 and Sept. 21, 2024, police said witnesses reported an argument between Johnson and Gledhill. Officials believe Johnson died of a gunshot wound, and the alleged crime was first reported on Sept. 28. Gledhill was taken into custody on Oct. 2, 2024, on preliminary charges of murder and obstruction of justice. On Oct. 3, court documents said Gledhill openly admitted to a third party (a man with whom she was allegedly having an extramarital affair) that she had shot Johnson while he slept on Sept. 21. However, Gledhill did not confess anything to police as of Oct. 3, 2024. On Oct. 15, Gledhill was charged with nine felonies including first-degree murder and obstruction of justice based on the testimony of the informant she allegedly confessed to earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on initial details from that informant, after the incident, Gledhill reportedly put Johnsons body in a storage container and slid it down the stairs and into the back of their minivan. Authorities then said Gledhill is accused of driving Johnsons body north and burying it in a shallow grave. On Oct. 24, Gledhills parents were both arrested for obstruction of justice after they allegedly came over to her home to help clean up in late September. On Oct. 25, Utah courts ruled to uphold a No Contact Order between Gledhill and her children. In November 2024, additional items were turned over as potential evidence in the case. Among the items included for discovery in the case were Jennifers Phones, Misc. Cell Phone Data, photos and videos of several guns, and black boxes. Aubree Jennings contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Just weeks ahead of the international trade tumult that dragged down U.S. investment markets and sparked new recession worries, Utahns were feeling fairly optimistic about their household finances and the direction of their states economy. But not so much when it comes to where they believe the overall U.S. economy is headed. And the new data, gathered in a statewide Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics survey conducted Feb. 18-25, comes amid other state and national readings that show consumer sentiment is on the decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phil Dean, chief economist at the University of Utahs Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, told the Deseret News that the poll results reflect a running trend among Utahns who typically register higher confidence in their local economy than nationally. He said he believes its a view that is well-founded, even as worries continue to rise about a potential looming recession. Theres definitely a risk of recession out there right now, said Dean, who co-chairs the Utah Economic Council. I dont think theres a guarantee but definitely a risk with all of the different challenges emerging. But we continue to trend better than the U.S. in sentiment and I think theres good reason for that given our economic performance. Were continuing to do well as a state. A plurality of Utahns surveyed, 41%, say their personal financial situation is currently steady while 31% report things are getting worse on the personal financial front and 26% say its improving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was only a small partisan difference among those who said their finances were the same, with that group made up of 44% Republicans and 39% Democrats. A similar partisan divide was present among respondents who said their finances were improving, 31% Republican versus 26% Democrats. For those who reported their financial situations were worsening, the political divide widened with 24% of Republicans in that camp along with 35% Democrats. Right track or wrong track? The drumbeat of political affiliation sounded a bit louder, however, when it came to poll Utahns' views on the current economic tides for the state and the nation. When asked, In general, do you think Utahs economy is on the right track or is it off on the wrong track?, 51% of respondents said the state was on the right track, 32% said wrong track and 17% werent sure or said they didnt know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided on the right track view, with 67% of the group identifying with the GOP and 34% with the Democratic Party. Among those who said Utah was on the wrong track, 19% were Republicans and 44% Democrats. DN-rightwrong3 Views of Utahs economic path were also markedly different among income groups with 67% of those who earn over $100,000 per year deeming the states economy on the right track with only 30% of those earning under $50,000 sharing the same feeling. When asked the same right track/wrong track questions about the American economy, nearly half of respondents, 47%, said the countrys economy was off course, 39% believe its on the right track and 15% werent sure or didnt know. Partisan disparities were profound on national economic views as well, with those who say the right track made up of 57% Republicans and 19% Democrats. Conversely, 30% Republicans and 71% Democrats say the economy is on the wrong track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll was conducted by HarrisX Interactive of 805 registered Utah voters. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. DN-rightwrong1 Sentiment breaking toward bleaker Earlier this week, another measure of Utahns' collective economic outlook was released by the Salt Lake Chamber in partnership with the Gardner Policy Institute. Data from the February 2025 Roadmap to Prosperity Dashboard reveals that Utah consumer sentiment fell 3.5% in January, while U.S. sentiment declined at a steeper 9.8% rate. While economic uncertainty took a toll on consumers in January, with U.S. sentiment falling to its lowest level since November 2023, Utah sentiment also trended downward, but remains higher than the average 2024 sentiment (81.1) at 88.1, according to the new report. Economic indicators appear mixed in the early months of 2025, underscoring the uncertainty being felt about the state of the economy, said Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, in a statement. While Utahs economy continues to be top tier among states, declining consumer sentiment, slowed job growth and concerns over federal trade policies are tempering expectations for the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest national reading from the University of Michigans closely watched Surveys of Consumers released Friday, finds U.S. consumer sentiment declined even further in the first part of March, down 11% from February. Many consumers cited the high level of uncertainty around policy and other economic factors; frequent gyrations in economic policies make it very difficult for consumers to plan for the future, regardless of ones policy preferences, wrote Surveys of Consumers director Joanne Hsu in Fridays report. Consumers from all three political affiliations are in agreement that the outlook has weakened since February. DN-rightwrong2 Utah still outperforming the nation Dean said Utahs economy was still outpacing most of the country but was showing some signs of cooling down. Dean said rising economic uncertainty was being driven, in part, by international trade issues and that element of the current economic environment puts business operators and consumers on shaky ground when it comes to planning for their financial futures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have certainty, you feel confident, one way or another, knowing what to do. You have firm guideposts showing you direction, Dean said. It just amazes me how inventive, how solution-oriented people are when they know what the parameters are. But when those are up in the air, its hard to determine a clear direction forward. Dean said that Utah continues to run on strong economic momentum but noted some indicators reflect a cycle of moderation could be in the offing. He noted that while the state is outperforming most areas of the country, the Utah economy is not immune to the impacts of national economic dynamics. While our state economy is strong, were not an island, Dean said. Were deeply connected to the rest of the country and national policy issues that disrupt the overall economy impact us as well. Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins on Sunday said he will make decisions best for employees of his department and veterans when asked about recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). When you hear recommendations from DOGE, how do you receive them? NewsNations Chris Stirewalt asked Collins on The Hill Sunday. I receive it as, Im the secretary of VA,' Collins responded. And at the end of the day, Im gonna make decisions best for my employees and best for the veterans, and theyre giving us some good advice, looking with fresh eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech billionaire Elon Musk and DOGE have been taking intense aim at the federal government, offering buyouts to and laying off workers en masse. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed in a recent Cabinet meeting, with Musk going after Rubio for not firing a large portion of the workforce at the State Department. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also alleged during the same Cabinet meeting, according to the Times, that DOGE staffers had tried to terminate air traffic controllers. A number of notable plane crashes in the last few months have resulted in increased conversations about the importance of air traffic controllers to aviation safety. Were going to do everything we possibly can to make sure that the veteran experience gets better, Collins also said Sunday, adding that he believes thats the biggest issue that we have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the way Elon Musk and DOGE are dealing with workers employed by the federal government, a recent Quinnipiac University poll found that 60 percent of surveyed registered voters said they were not supportive of it. Thirty-six percent said they supported how Musk and DOGE were dealing with federal workers. The Hill has reached out to the White House 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 Vatican released on Sunday the first photo of Pope Francis in more than a month. Pope Francis, 88, is facing health challenges. The leader of the Catholic church has been recovering from pneumonia, after he was admitted to the hospital with the illness on 14 February. This weekend, for the fifth Sunday in a row, Pope Francis was not present for his weekly in-person blessing. However, he did reference his health in his message to parishioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me," the Pope said in his statement today. "Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war: tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo." Meanwhile, the Vatican has released on Sunday the first photo of Pope Francis in more than a month. Pope Francis sits down amid his health illness. The Vatican. The Associated Press had more on the photo: The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of pope in more than a month, showing Francis co-celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel. The photograph is taken from behind, and shows Pope Francis wearing a purple stole sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar. The Vatican said he was participating in the celebration of the Mass with other priests. No one else is visible in the photo. It is the first photograph of the pope since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14 with a severe case of bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. It is also the first time the Vatican mentions that the pope has participating in celebrating a Mass in the period. BREAKING: The Vatican releases the first photograph of Pope Francis in more than a month, showing him co-celebrating mass in a hospital chapel. https://t.co/BOiJk4Afox The Associated Press (@AP) March 16, 2025 The Vatican announced on Saturday that Pope Francis was making improvements, though they are gradual. "The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements," it said. The Bihar Police on Sunday removed Constable Deepak Kumar from duty as the bodyguard of RJD MLA Tej Pratap Yadav after a purported video of him dancing in public on the MLA's instruction went viral on social media. An official press release dated March 16 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Patna, read, "When the matter of bodyguard (constable) Deepak Kumar dancing in a public place in uniform at the behest of Tej Pratap Yadav, MLA, Bihar Legislative Assembly, which went viral on social media, came to light, bodyguard constable Deepak Kumar was sent to Police Station, and an order was given to depute another constable in his place as bodyguard." Meanwhile, the traffic police also took stern action against the MLA for not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler and issued a Rs 4000 challan. The vehicle in which Tej Pratap Yadav was riding had failed insurance and pollution test RJD MLA Tej Pratap Yadav faced backlash after he was seen asking a policeman to "dance or be suspended" during a Holi celebration at his official residence in Patna on Friday, March 14. In the purported video of the incident that went viral on social media, Yadav could be heard telling a police officer: "Nahi thumka lagaoge to suspend kar diye jaoge" (If you don't dance, you will be suspended). BJP leaders, including MP Dinesh Sharma, slammed the RJD leader for disrespecting the police. "He (Tej Pratap) will never get the right to suspend anyone. And he belongs to a family that insults the police and the uniform... Inka gharana natak nautanki ke liye theek hai (their family is only fit for drama), they would be considered unfit to run the government," Sharma told ANI. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed that Tej Pratap made the law dance to his tunes. "Like father, like son. Father was the chief minister, the family was in power, and Bihar was kept in jungle raj. He made the law dance to his tunes. Now, he is out of power, but his DNA is the same: he wants to bring back Jungle Raj. Instead of respecting the law and the person wearing the uniform, the way Tej Pratap Yadav has insulted the person wearing the uniform shows that Jungle Raj is in his mindset and DNA, but he should understand that Bihar has changed now. Now there is good governance here," Poonawalla said. Retired senior police officers have also condemned the comments by the RJD leader, calling it an "insult" and demanding action against him. Ajay Kumar Singh, a retired Delhi Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), condemned the remarks, urging authorities to take action against the RJD leader while stressing that no action should be taken against the officer, as he was merely following orders. "The uniform has dignity, and we have a code of conduct. It is clearly mentioned in the police manual that police personnel must not act against the code of conduct. Tej Pratap is behaving like an imposter; saying such things to your own security is an insult to the police," the former Delhi ACP told ANI. Further criticizing Yadav's behaviour, Singh added, "We are hurt by this act...The policeman is not at fault--he simply followed orders. Taking action against him would be unfair and unacceptable." (ANI) The Vatican press office released a photo of Pope Francis on Sunday in a private chapel of Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment. The photo shows the 88-year-old pontiff seated in his wheelchair in front of an altar. It is the first photo released of the pope since he entered the hospital on Feb. 14 and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. PHOTO: Pope Francis on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in his private chapel in his 10-floor apartment in Rome's Gemelli Hospital. (Vatican) The photo was taken in the private chapel of the pope's 10-floor apartment in Gemelli, according to the Holy See, the Vatican's press office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vatican press office said the pope had no visitors on Sunday. The pope continued with respiratory and motor physiotherapy and "benefitted from it," according to the Vatican. MORE: Pope Francis through the years The pope also "did a bit of work" on Sunday, according to the Vatican. Sunday marked the 31st day the pope has been in the hospital. MORE: Pope suffers 2 episodes of respiratory failure, Vatican says The Vatican press office previously released an audio recording of the pope made on March 6, which was broadcast that day at the start of the rosary held in St. Peter's Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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," the pope said in the recorded statement made in Spanish. Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said the pope was celebrating Mass when the photo was taken. Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Vatican on Sunday released the first photo of Pope Francis since he was admitted to hospital in mid-February. The image taken from behind him shows Francis seated in a wheelchair, wearing a cassock and stole. "This morning Pope Francis concelebrated Holy Mass in the chapel of his apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic," said the caption distributed by the Holy See press office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The head of the Catholic Church has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 and has not been seen in public since then. Francis expressed his compassion to all those who are unwell, according to a transcript published by the Holy See earlier on Sunday. "I am going through a time of trial, and I join many sick brothers and sisters," the pope said. As on the four previous Sundays, he had to forgo the traditional prayer before tens of thousands of believers in St Peter's Square in Rome. "Our body is weak but even so, nothing can stop us from loving, praying, giving ourselves and being there for one another in faith," the text further states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 88-year-old called for prayers for peace, particularly in countries "wounded by war" like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pope Francis is suffering from a complicated case of pneumonia in both lungs. On Saturday evening, the Holy See described his health condition as stable, confirming the progress made last week. The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis in hospital since the 88-year-old pontiff began treatment for double pneumonia. The photograph, shared on Sunday, is taken from behind and shows the Pope wearing a purple stole sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar. This morning Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic, the Vatican press office wrote in the photographs caption. Concelebration is the joint celebration by senior clerics of the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, Pope Francis acknowledged being fragile and facing a period of trial, as he thanked well-wishers for prayers in a message from hospital, where he has been slowly recovering from pneumonia. The 88-year-old Pope, who has weathered setbacks along with periods of improving health since being admitted to hospital on Feb 14, sent a particularly personal message to the faithful that referenced both his faith and his frailty. I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick, fragile at this time, like me, wrote the Pope in the message published by the Vatican. Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope, added the Argentine pontiff in the message marking the second Sunday of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and reflection leading up to Easter. A nun prays with a rosary in St Peters Square at the Vatican on Sunday - Vincenzo Livieri Sunday was the fifth time in a row that the popes illness had prevented him from personally giving the Angelus prayer, usually delivered to a crowd gathered in St Peters Square following mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Francis has yet to appear at the window of his papal suite on the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital, this has not dissuaded a steady stream of well-wishers from gathering, including tango dancers and dozens of children on Sunday. Under grey skies, about a dozen couples in street clothes danced the tango in front of a throng of cameras as the Argentine pontiff recuperated inside. With this tango, he must be discharged, enthused dancer Daiana Guspero, 38, who like the pope hailed from Buenos Aires. I want him to feel our energy, our love for tango and for an Argentine pope, she told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, a group of young scouts from a Catholic group stood at the foot of a statue of former Pope John Paul II at the hospital entrance, holding yellow and white balloons and vainly striving to catch a glimpse of the pope. You see the pope there! shouted one of them eagerly, before being set straight by the group leader, Valerio Santobonio, 23: I dont think thats him. Santobonio told AFP the five to seven-year-olds dont quite yet grasp who the pope is, nor his health situation. Nevertheless, their visit was a bit like giving them a window onto a wider stage of Christian life, Santobonio said. A group of dancers performs the tango outside Gemelli Hospital as a gesture of support and well wishes for the Pope - Matteo Minnella Other children had arrived in the early morning from an impoverished town near Naples to deliver a letter to Francis, said Andrea Lacomini from Unicef, which organised the excursion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He loves children, he is the pope of the children, so we are waiting for him. Were sure he will get better, Lacomini told AFP. We need an important leader like him, because at this time there arent many heroes in the world, he added. Hes the only one who talks about peace. Despite failing to appear at the window, Francis addressed his youngest well-wishers in his message. I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness, Francis wrote. Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you. Last week the Vatican signalled that Francis was out of immediate danger after a series of breathing crises earlier in his hospitalisation had sparked fears for the Jesuits life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, the Vatican said his condition continued to be stable and showing progress, but cautioned that he still needed therapies administered within the hospital setting. The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements, it said. The holiest period in the Christian calendar That message appeared to quash speculation that the popes progress could signal an imminent release from hospital. Although the Vatican has said he continues to work from his hospital suite when able, Franciss absence is particularly felt as Easter approaches, the holiest period in the Christian calendar just five weeks away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The head of the worlds nearly 1.4 billion Catholics traditionally presides over a busy programme of events during the period, including a Good Friday evening procession and Easter mass in St Peters Square before tens of thousands of faithful. In his written message Sunday which also called for peace in war-torn countries including Ukraine, Myanmar and Sudan Francis once again thanked his caretakers and those who have been praying for him. How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of care! How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the humblest services are performed! he wrote. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. It's been just over a month since Pope Francis was first hospitalized due to respiratory issues, leading to a bilateral pneumonia diagnosis, and the Vatican finally released the first new photo of Francis. Over the past month, the 88-year-old dealt with various health setbacks, including the development of steroid-induced diabetes, suffering a respiratory crisis, and temporarily going through slight kidney failure, among other things. Recently, Francis is said to be improving steadily. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox The official Instagram account for Vatican News shared the first new photo of Francis since his hospitalization. In the picture, Francis sat in a wheelchair in the private chapel of Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated. View the original article to see embedded media. According to Vatican News, the Pope has gone to this chapel on the 10th floor of the hospital to pray every day since his health recovery allowed it. Francis reportedly did not receive visitors on Sunday, March 16, and spent part of the day completing some work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 12, the Vatican shared a thorough health update on Francis' status, saying, "The clinical condition of the Holy Father has remained stable, in the context of a complex overall medical picture." A chest X-ray confirmed respiratory health improvements, while the Vatican shared that he "continues to undergo high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation during nighttime rest." There have been no major developments since then, with the latest word from the Vatican saying that the Pope's "recovery is slow," but his condition has been stable. On Thursday, March 13, while still receiving care at the hospital, Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary since he was elected to be the pope, with a cake with candles brought to his room to mark the occasion. Next: Internet Stunned by the Jobs Pope Francis Had Before Becoming Religious Leader CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's government on Sunday blasted the U.S. implementation of a rarely used wartime law, rapidly blocked by a U.S. judge, to deport over 200 alleged members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador. "Venezuela rejects the application of an anachronistic law, illegal and in violation of human rights, against our migrants," Venezuela's government said in a statement, adding its "profound indignation at the threat of kidnapping 14-year-old children." El Salvador's presidential office did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment and it was not immediately clear what charges the alleged gang members face in El Salvador, or whether children are part of the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said in a post on X early on Sunday that it had received the first 238 alleged members of Tren de Aragua, and they had been immediately transferred to a terrorism detention center for a period of one year, subject to renewal. This was a day after the Associated Press reported, citing an internal memo, that the United States would pay El Salvador $6 million for the arrangement. "The United States will pay a very low fee for them, but a high one for us," Bukele said in the post, adding that the country had also sent 23 members of the Salvadoran gang MS-13. Venezuela's government called on the international community, especially the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), to mobilize against what it called a dangerous precedent against the entire region. (Reporting by Vivian Sequera in Caracas; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Mark Porter) HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Following the weekend severe weather, Verizon customers are reportedly unable to call 911 in the Tri-State. According to the Daviess County Sheriffs Office, Verizon customers are not able to call 911 at this time. They say this issue is through Verizon Communications and not Central Dispatch. Although no reports have been made to officials in Vanderburgh, Gibson or Warrick Counties, Henderson County Dispatch tell us this is a nationwide issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are encouraging Verizon customers in an emergency to either text 911 or reach out to Central Dispatch if 911 is not working. Eyewitness News has reached out to Verizon for a statement. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Two local businesses have joined forces to put on charity car washes to benefit the families of Virginia Beach Police Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese. For us, having it happen as close as it did just really hit home, you know? said Brandon Gazzanigo, co-owner of ShinePro VA. Just its just sad, you know? I know one of them had a kid on the way that his wife was expecting, and its just, its crazy. Previous Coverage: Two VBPD officers killed in the line of duty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ShinePro VA and 17th Street Automotive partnered up in an effort to bring the community together. Stuff like this really kind of makes a difference. We may be an automotive detailing company, but that doesnt mean we cant do things for certain other demographics or other industries just because were locked in on detailing, Gazzanigo explained. So just helping in any little way we can. They held a car wash at 17th Street Automotive on Saturday, March 15, and another one Sunday, March 16, at ShinePro. As of Sunday at 10 a.m., they had raised around $2,000. They said all donations from sales from both days will be split and donated between both families using the GoFundMe links provided by VBPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To donate to the families, click here. Stay with WAVY.com for more local news, weather and traffic. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Voice of America may not live up to its ambitious name for much longer. Michael Abramowitz, the director of VOA, said in a Facebook post on Saturday that he was placed on leave, along with virtually the entire staff of 1,300. The announcement comes one day after President Trump signed an executive order to gut VOAs parent agency. Some of VOAs local-language radio stations have stopped broadcasting news reports and switched over to music to fill the airtime, according to listeners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even top editors at VOA have been ordered to stop working, so employees expect the broadcasters worldwide news coverage to grind to a halt, according to half a dozen sources who spoke with CNN on the condition of anonymity. The Voice of America has been silenced, at least for now, a veteran correspondent said. Voice of America is part of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which also runs networks like Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Those networks are also on Trumps chopping block, as networks contracts with the operators have been terminated. While Trump allies argue that the broadcasters are bloated and outdated, advocates say that by dismantling the networks, the United States is ceding the airwaves to China and other world powers, thereby harming American interests abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has been funding international news and current affairs coverage intended for global audiences for decades. Both Republican and Democratic leaders have supported the attempts to promote accurate news and democratic values in places that are saturated by foreign propaganda. The agencys mission statement, codified in law, is to inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. But the Trump administration has different expectations. An internal memo earlier this month said the mission is to clearly and effectively present the policies of the Trump Administration around the world. Trump appointed conservative media critic Brent Bozell III to run the parent agency and tapped election-denying former TV anchor Kari Lake to run VOA. Bozells Senate confirmation hearing is months away, with Lake serving as a senior adviser. Lake signed some of the emails announcing Saturdays cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake tweeted that the dismantling was taking effect because the president has issued an Executive Order titled Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy. Trumps order said affected agencies should stop performing all work that is not statutorily mandated, and do the rest with as few people as possible. The order was in line with Elon Musks declaration in February that government-funded international broadcasters should be shut down altogether. Nobody listens to them anymore, Musk posted on X. Its just radical left crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1B/year of US taxpayer money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates for the outlets strongly disagree, pointing to the broadcasters as a bulwark for democracy. Those voices include Republican lawmakers. Gutting Radio Free Asia and other U.S. Agency for Global Media platforms counters the principles of freedom our nation was founded on and cedes leverage to the Chinese Communist Party, North Korea and other regimes, Rep. Young Kim, a California Republican who chairs the House Select Committee on East Asia and Pacific, told Politico last week. It is unclear what will happen next to the USAGMs various platforms. In addition to the employees who were put on leave Saturday, some contractors who were working for VOA were told to hand in their badges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other staffers went to VOA offices on Saturday to gather their belongings because they feared being locked out altogether, sources said. But in a recent memo, before Trump signed his order, Lake made it sound like the broadcasters will continue to exist in some fashion going forward. It is critical we recognize our agency is funded by hardworking American taxpayers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, Lake wrote earlier this month. That means we have an added responsibility to restore their trust while working efficiently and honestly to cover this consequential moment in our nations history. Lake said she would modernize the agency into something the American people are willing to support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abramowitz said in his Facebook post that VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard, but sidelining the staff means that VOA wont be able to carry out its mission. That mission is especially critical today, he wrote, when Americas adversaries, like Iran, China, and Russia, are sinking billions of dollars into creating false narratives to discredit the United States. The American Foreign Service Association released a statement Saturday that it will mount a vigorous defense of USAGM and the Foreign Service professionals whose expertise is indispensable to its mission. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Despite the absence of an official announcement regarding the shutdown of the international broadcaster Voice of America, journalists confirm that the suspension of its staff is nearly total. Source: former Voice of America journalist Ostap Yarysh on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: Yarysh stated that nearly all employees have been suspended, effectively shutting down the broadcaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Yarysh: "Practically everyone I know at Voice of America, from various departments and language services, received emails today informing them that they are being placed on involuntary leave for an indefinite period. This means that, as of now, Voice of America, which broadcasts in 49 languages worldwide, has ceased operations. It is not clear when and in what form it [the work ed.] will resume and whether it will resume." Details: Ostap Yarysh was a leading journalist in the Ukrainian service of Voice of America until last week when he was laid off as part of a reduction by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As a result, he is not subject to the non-disclosure restrictions imposed on current employees. Other independent sources confirm the same information. The NRP reports that all full-time employees of Voice of America, including the Office for Cuba Broadcasting, have been suspended affecting over 1,000 people. Background: Previously, reports indicated major problems at Voice of America, with mass suspensions of journalists. On 15 March, it was revealed that the Trump administration cut funding for the entire Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty network. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has already described the decision as "a massive gift to America's enemies". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! He received a rousing welcome from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi and other dignitaries. The Home Minister has now departed for Kokrajhar, along with the Assam CM. Amit Shah will attend a public gathering on the fourth and final day of the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at Bodofa Fwthar, Dotma, in Assam's Kokrajhar. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Pramod Boro will also be present at the event, along with Amit Shah. The conference is marked by insightful discussions, competitive events, and the commemoration of the organisation's legacy. The ongoing four-day conference, scheduled to conclude on March 16, has remained a crucial platform for fostering academic excellence, leadership, and cultural identity. The third day of the conference began with enthusiastic participation in an array of competitions. The final rounds of the debate and literary contests showcased students' intellectual prowess, while the Kabaddi and volleyball finals kept the energy high with spirited matches. A key highlight of the day was the Confluence of Former ABSU Leaders, which paid tribute to the pioneers who played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation and the broader Bodo movement. Surath Narzary, President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha and a founding member of ABSU, inaugurated "History of All Bodo Students Union and Bodoland Movement - 1967-1993" (Volume 1), a publication chronicling the movement's journey. Assam Cabinet Minister and former ABSU President Urkhao Gwra Brahma inaugurated the session with a keynote on "Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and the Dream for a Vibrant Bodo Community." Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of BTR and former ABSU President, along with several other esteemed former leaders, graced the occasion. The afternoon session saw a thought-provoking conclave on "Understanding Peace, Harmony & Prosperity for Community Development in BTR and Assam: The Way Forward." Prof. Ramesh Bhardwaj, Vice-Chancellor of MVSV, Haryana, inaugurated the session, which was chaired by Kati Ram Baro, Speaker, BTCLA. The forum facilitated meaningful exchanges among representatives from various student organisations, highlighting avenues for cooperation and collective progress. The third day concluded with the Last Delegates Sitting, a Special Session of the Bodo Mothers Association, and the adoption of resolutions, exhibiting another step forward in ABSU's commitment to advocacy and empowerment. As the conference approaches its final day, the focus remains on bolstering a strong and progressive roadmap for the Bodo community. (ANI) The death of a 5-year-old boy inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in Troy highlights failure at nearly every level of government to regulate an industry that too often preys on vulnerable people desperate to find alternative treatments for conditions they haven't been able to relieve with conventional medicine, said John Peters, executive director of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society. And the result, Peters said, is that people die. People like Thomas Cooper, who wore his Super Mario Bros. pajamas as he underwent his 36th treatment inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at the Oxford Center on Jan. 31 in Troy, when what appeared to be static electricity sparked a "fireball," killing the Royal Oak child in a span of 3 seconds, Troy police said in court documents obtained by the Free Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas was being treated for ADHD and sleep apnea, said his family's attorney, James Harrington, managing partner at Fieger Law. Neither of those conditions is among those the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says are authorized for treatment using hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Thomas Cooper, age 5, died at The Oxford Center in Troy after a hyperbaric chamber he was in exploded. Peters, who leads the international nonprofit association that provides accreditation for hyperbaric oxygen therapy programs, said the lack of oversight and regulations to ensure that hospitals, health centers and medical spas adhere to safety standards is "atrocious." "This is a watershed moment," he said. "This is an inflection point for everybody: that's government, that's payers, that's regulators, that's the physicians, patients, nurses. "Are we going to continue to repeat history and not accept accountability and not do what's right and not be transparent? If we do, then the next time somebody dies in an event like this, we're saying it's OK." No laws in Michigan require oversight of hyperbaric chambers Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, in her public comments on the tragedy, laid out a loosely knit web of licensing requirements and accreditation recommendations for the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers in Michigan. Peters described them as being rife with holes, "like Swiss cheese" that creates a dangerous situation for consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan law doesn't require any oversight over the use of hyperbaric chambers," Nessel said Tuesday, when she also laid out the criminal charges against Oxford Center CEO Tamela Peterson, 58, of Brighton, and three other employees in the child's death. All have pleaded not guilty. The Oxford Centers CEO and founder Tamela Peterson, 58, of Brighton, listens as a prosecuting attorney speaks about charges as she is arraigned in front of Magistrate Elizabeth Chiappelli at the Oakland County 52-4 District Court in Troy on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in 5-year-old childs hyperbaric chamber death. Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press Nessel said her office doesn't have authority to inspect all of the facilities that provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Michigan to ensure they are operating safely. The only time she could do inspections would be when there is "probable cause to believe that there are crimes being committed involving hyperbaric chambers." The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs "does not have the capability to do that, either, because (hyperbaric oxygen chambers) are not licensed within the state," Nessel said. She urged all Michiganders to "exercise caution before engaging in any unapproved therapies. ... Hyperbaric chambers are not an approved therapy for ADHD, but the Oxford Center boasted over 100 diagnoses that (hyperbaric therapy) could help with," she said. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel holds a news conference at M-Brew in Ferndale on Monday, March 16, 2020, to clarify new rules put forth to protect the community from the spread of coronavirus. The FDA regulates the oxygen used in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It also authorizes the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers as medical devices to treat the following specific conditions: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decompression sickness Severe anemia when blood transfusions can't be used Severe and large burns Carbon monoxide poisoning Crush injuries Air and gas bubbles in blood vessels Gas gangrene Hearing loss that occurs suddenly and without a known cause Radiation injuries Severe infections of the skin and bone Radiation injury Skin graft flap at risk of tissue death Vision loss when it is sudden and painless in one eye due to the blockage of blood flow Nonhealing wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers. Peters said the FDA should stop alternative healing centers, medical spas and wellness facilities from using these devices to treat conditions not on that list, as the Oxford Center did. "It's going to take the FDA doing their job with regard to the wellness centers," he said, which are treating conditions that haven't been proven to help the myriad problems some purport to treat, and "serves no purpose other than to suck the money out of people's pockets, vulnerable people. ... I think it's health care fraud." Peters said anybody can buy a hyperbaric chamber and start using it, even people without any medical training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You could buy one right now online," he said. His organization has evidence people are doing just that. "We can trace them from the manufacturer in China, to the U.S. port, to the buyer, to the distributor, to the end user. And we've given all that information to the FDA, and they're doing nothing about it," he said. "Nothing. And so whenever there's somebody who dies in these chambers, I feel like they are responsible." In an emailed response to questions from the Detroit Free Press, the FDA said hyperbaric oxygen chambers "are cleared as prescription-only devices ... (that) should only be operated by an appropriately licensed medical practitioner." "The FDA recommends patients check with their health care provider before using a (hyperbaric oxygen therapy device) to make sure they are pursuing the most appropriate care. If a health care provider recommends HBOT, the FDA advises patients go to a hospital or facility that has been inspected and is properly accredited by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a general matter, if the FDA becomes aware of an incident involving a device failure or malfunction, the FDA follows appropriate processes to review and gather information on the incident to determine appropriate next steps, including but not limited to a device recall or a safety communication." 42 Michigan hospitals got paid; just 2 were accredited While the FDA and Nessel encouraged patients to seek treatment only at sites with UHMS accreditation, there aren't many options in Michigan including at hospitals that meet the criteria. That's because accreditation is not required for medical facilities to provide hyperbaric oxygen treatments in Michigan. It's entirely optional. Of the 42 medical facilities in Michigan that billed the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in 2023, only two had UHMS accreditation, said Dr. Helen Gelly, who serves on the UHMS Board of Directors and works as a regenerative and hyperbaric medicine specialist in Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are: Corewell Healths Lakeland Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine in Niles. Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Barclay. The other 40 Michigan hospitals that got Medicare payments for hyperbaric oxygen treatments that are not accredited include others within Corewell Health, and some affiliated with Ascension Michigan, Bronson Healthcare, Covenant HealthCare, the Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health, the University of Michigan Health, McClaren Health Care, Munson Healthcare, Trinity Health Michigan, MyMichigan Health and the UP Health System, Gelly said. The UHMS accreditation process is rigorous, includes on-site inspections and it isn't free. It costs $10,000, which accredits the organization for three to four years, depending on the level, Peters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When somebody says, 'I can't afford it,' ... what I hear is 'I don't care enough about my patients' safety to invest in an external review.' That's what I hear. "I know that approximately 37% of hospitals today are operating in the red. I understand that ... but you need to prioritize. ... If you're delivering patient care, you need to make sure that the patient care that you're delivering is the safest possible care that you can deliver." The Oxford Center wasn't accredited by the UHMS, Nessel said, adding that its leaders also didn't have current certifications. No licensed physician was on-site to administer the treatments on the day Thomas died, either, she said. Officials respond to an incident at the Oxford Center in Troy on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Peters said in addition to having only two accredited sites in Michigan, the state also doesn't require hyperbaric oxygen chambers to meet safety standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Eleven other states do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you're going inside of a pressure vessel, wouldn't you want it to meet code?" Peters asked. "Well, then why don't the other 39 states have the same mandate?" Calls grow for hyperbaric oxygen therapy regulation Thomas Crites, 73, of Jonesville, spent about 40 years working in the commercial diving industry on drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Alaska, California, Brazil and in the North Sea. Some of his training was at Duke University Medical Center's F.G. Hall Laboratory and with the U.S. Navy. He said he has seen hyperbaric oxygen therapy work wonders for people who need treatment of wounds that won't heal and for decompression sickness and other conditions that have FDA authorization. But, he said, those who operate wellness centers that promote it as a therapy for dozens of conditions that are not FDA-approved are "charlatans." "They're only in it for the bucks," he said. "There's a right way to do it, a safe way to do it, and there's a wrong way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: CEO, safety director charged with 2nd-degree murder in child's hyperbaric chamber death Crites would like to see a U.S. ban on all monoplace hyperbaric oxygen chambers that are compressed with pure oxygen, like the kind Thomas used. He called the chambers, which have room for just one person, "potential death traps" because of the fire risk they pose "because there's no way to get out of there." Rather, he supports multiplace air chambers that allow medical facilities to treat several people at once in a larger room with special hoods or masks. He'd also like to see more regulation, training, certifications and other safety protocols. Peters would like to see that, too. "Let's do the right thing," Peters said, suggesting that state and federal governments: Create a registry of businesses that operate hyperbaric chambers along with a registry of equipment so chambers can't be bought, sold and reused unsafely. Mandate accreditation through the UHMS to ensure the proper training and safety measures are in place. Require all programs to have a physician certified in hyperbaric treatment on-site when a chamber is in operation. Require the FDA to enforce restrictions on wellness centers, alternative medical spas and other health centers from promoting the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for conditions that are not FDA-approved and providing those treatments. Harrington, the Cooper family's attorney, said he's hopeful that the Michigan Legislature and governor will act to protect the safety of Michiganders. "We need swift action from the lawmakers of the state of Michigan and a bipartisan effort to propose and introduce and sign law ... that provides oversight, regulation, training, adherence to safety standards, and criminal penalties for violations. "This needs to be done immediately, in light of the fact that there are ... thousands of Michigan citizens that are receiving treatment on literally a weekly basis. ... This is just a recipe for disaster for something like this to happen again." Peters acknowledged hyperbaric chamber fires are rare there is roughly one incident every two or three years worldwide. But when they occur, they are almost always fatal, he said. Thomas Cooper, age 5, died at The Oxford Center in Troy after a hyperbaric chamber he was in exploded. More: Lawyer questions oversight of hyperbaric oxygen chambers after fire kills 5-year-old boy Annie Cooper, who watched her son die in the fire at the Oxford Center, suffered severe burns when she tried to save Thomas from the fiery chamber, Harrington said. "The scarring is going to be permanent, and it will be a reminder of what happened on that day. ... If the emotional wounds aren't enough, every time she looks at her arms, that's what she's going to remember," Harrington said. "By the grace of God, little Thomas' mother is still alive and nobody else was hurt. I just ask everybody to pray and send prayers to the family." Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Calls for regulation rise after child dies in hyperbaric chamber Two state lawmakers are proposing a bipartisan bill that would crack down on repeat drunk drivers a response to last summer's horrific Park Tavern Restaurant crash in St. Louis Park. Bring Me The News The August 31 incident, in which 56-year-old Steven Bailey who already had a criminal record for drunk driving, with five previous DWIs crashed into the restaurant's patio, killing two people and injuring nine others. Those killed were Park Tavern server Kristina Folkerts, 30, of St. Louis Park, and Methodist Hospital employee Gabe Harvey, 30, of Rosemount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey was found to be four times over the legal limit at the time of the crash. On Friday, Representative Larry Kraft and Senator Ron Latz, two DFLers whose respective districts include St. Louis Park, announced the new legislation in a press conference at Park Tavern. The bill, which will soon be introduced in the legislature, would do the following if approved, according to a news release: Significantly increase the amount of time drivers with multiple offenses are required to be on ignition interlock a breathalyzer device connected to a car's ignition Remove obstacles for offenders to use ignition interlock systems, encouraging more to sign up for the program Double the lookback period for DWI, meaning DWI convictions would stay on an offender's record for 20 years instead of the current 10 in Minnesota; this, in turn, would allow prosecutors to argue for enhanced penalties against repeat drunk drivers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since this tragedy, it has been a top priority of mine to try and stop people who have a recurring problem with drinking and driving from killing or injuring Minnesotans," said Rep. Kraft in a statement. "This bipartisan legislation is focused on improving public safety and is a critical step toward prevention and safer roads for everyone. A tragedy like the one we saw last September should never happen again in any community in Minnesota. This bill takes meaningful action that will help keep recurring offenders from getting behind the wheel when theyre inebriated, said Senator Latz. This proposal will have an immediate, positive impact on our state, and I believe it will help save lives. The release notes that the legislation is being proposed "together with workers, advocates, and family members of victims." The lawmakers say the bill is expected to receive hearings "in the coming week," in committees of both the state House and Senate. You can watch the full press conference below: China is expected to redefine its Arctic policy - including an ambition to become a great polar power by 2030 - amid growing scrutiny from far northern countries and a possible US-Russia cooperation deal for the region, according to experts and insiders. Beijing put forward its plan for a "Polar Silk Road" - as a complement to its massive infrastructure scheme, the Belt and Road Initiative - in a 2018 white paper that envisioned greater access to the Arctic's rich natural resources and a bigger role in its governance. China's description of itself in the plan as a "near-Arctic state" - despite sitting 1,400km (870 miles) south of the Arctic Circle and having no territory in the region - raised the suspicions of the US and its allies, in the midst of intensifying geopolitical rivalries. 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. It also provoked a backlash from the Arctic countries - including Russia, which stretches across more than half of the region's coastline and has long prioritised maintaining its sovereignty there. Since then, China has put more emphasis on science diplomacy - including a focus on building heavy icebreakers and carrying out polar observations - while largely toning down its other ambitions. According to Marc Lanteigne, a professor of political science at the Arctic University of Norway, "China has been trying to rework what the Polar Silk Road is all about and it has also started to take a more practical approach to the Arctic". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An insider with direct knowledge of the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that Beijing's interest in continuing its Arctic push had appeared to decline in response to the geopolitical tensions. "The Chinese interest was really first announced quite aggressively in the white paper [with] the term near-Arctic state that everybody seems to have had problems with," the insider said. "Now the Chinese have stopped using that term and I think we've seen a withdrawal, or a significantly lower Chinese interest in the Arctic." However, Duncan Depledge, an Arctic expert and lecturer in geopolitics and security at Loughborough University in Britain, noted the continued emphasis on building heavy icebreakers. "I'm not convinced that China's interest in the Arctic has declined," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe China is still very interested in many of the opportunities that exist to become more involved in Arctic science and commerce." The commitment to carry out polar observations and develop heavy icebreakers is part of China's national development strategy, written into the 14th five-year plan for 2021-25. China now has four of the sturdy vessels, of which the latest is the Jidi, which means "polar region". It was completed last year to support research in the Arctic alongside the Xuelong 1 and Xuelong 2 icebreakers. In an interview with People's Daily in October, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation's chief expert Wu Gang said that "the key technical challenge now for China is to build heavy icebreakers". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With expertise concentrated in the Arctic nations and only Russia possessing nuclear-powered icebreakers, China still faced a "long and difficult road ahead", according to Wu's remarks in the report. China and Russia have been working together to develop the sea routes that are opening up as a result of global warming, raising the possibility of a lucrative permanent sea lane that would slash shipping times between Europe and Asia. In August last year, Premier Li Qiang and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin signed a joint communique in which the two countries agreed to develop Arctic shipping routes. State-owned Chinese companies have also been exploring the region's natural resources. In December, the China Oilfield Services rig COSL Prospector discovered up to 52 million barrels of oil in an appraisal well in Norwegian Arctic waters. China's fourth polar icebreaker Jidi has undertaken several research missions since it was delivered for service in June 2024. Photo: CCTV alt=China's fourth polar icebreaker Jidi has undertaken several research missions since it was delivered for service in June 2024. Photo: CCTV> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nato has been concerned about China's activities in the region, including its collaboration with Russia, the only non-member of the military alliance that sits on the Arctic Council, the inter-governmental organisation established in 1996. The other members of the council are the United States, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden. China and 12 other countries - including France, Germany and Japan - have observer status and can take part in its discussions. In 2022, Nato's then secretary general Jens Stoltenberg stressed the need for the alliance to establish a stronger presence around the North Pole, where Russian military activities were on the rise. There are signs that China-Russia cooperation in the region is extending to military operations. In October, the Chinese coastguard joined its Russian counterpart on patrol for the first time, sailing from the North Pacific into the Arctic Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without naming China directly, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in December that Ottawa needed to be "tough" in its response to growing Arctic competition because "many countries, including non-Arctic states, aspire for a greater role in Arctic affairs". Canadian concerns were also raised in 2020, when Ottawa blocked Chinese state-owned Shandong Gold Mining from acquiring a Toronto-based firm that runs a gold mine in the Arctic, on national security grounds. But Beijing's collaboration with Moscow should be viewed as "more occasional than strategic", according to the anonymous insider. "I think it's very important that we distinguish clearly between Russia and China," the source said. "Russia poses an immediate military threat and the Chinese goals are more long term - focused on research and shipping - and [China's] military interest tends to be quite far away [from Nordic countries]." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sudden warming of the relationship between Russia and the US since President Donald Trump's return to the White House may also affect China's Arctic ambitions, according to Loughborough University's Depledge. China's bilateral ties with Russia have deepened significantly over the years, strengthened by their shared view of the US as a rival, and culminated in Beijing's pledge of a "no-limits" partnership with Moscow, days before the invasion of Ukraine. But Washington's sudden shift on its Ukraine stance under Trump has created uncertainties for Beijing, with the US pursuing a ceasefire while also looking to restore relations with Russia. Trump has already expressed an interest in the Arctic and a deal between the US and Russia that includes cooperation in the region could get under way after their discussions on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think China for now will struggle, particularly in a scenario where Trump and Putin made a deal on the Arctic, which was explicitly trying to exclude China from the region," Depledge said. "If all of that happens, then it becomes a question of who would Russia rather work with? Would they rather work with China or would they rather work with Trump? Or will they seek to maintain a balance between the two?" Given the shifting dynamics between Washington and Moscow, China's reliance on Russia for its access to the Arctic could be "a risky strategy", according to Depledge, who also noted that "it would be quite hard for China to find other ways in". Lanteigne, from the Arctic University of Norway also noted that China remained dependent on "Russia's goodwill" to access the polar region, while pointing out that there was added uncertainty for Beijing arising from a less functional Arctic Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to its role in negotiating treaties - such as search and rescue agreements and scientific collaborations - the council is tasked with addressing the implications of climate change, which could lead to tensions with a climate-sceptic Trump White House. Russia's presence on the assembly has been weakened by the war in Ukraine, while there are already strains in US ties with council members Canada and Denmark - over tariffs and the future of Greenland, respectively. The anonymous insider described the Arctic Council as a "struggling" organisation, adding that - given the geopolitical circumstances - "to keep it alive alone is probably going to be hard". A dysfunctional Arctic Council could lead to China losing its platform to build collaborative partnerships with the far northern countries, take part in scientific research, and channel its influence in the region. This could be seen as one of the most urgent significant issues facing Beijing as it considers the changing Arctic landscape and broader geopolitical shifts that are taking place, according to Lanteigne. "Right now, the biggest question is how the council will be able to function under these circumstances. And if it's not able to function, this will probably cause a lot of debate within China about, what do we do next." 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. Tyler Wolf was laid off last week from his job as an employment attorney at the US Department of Health and Human Services. The 32-year-old had been saving up to buy a home and planned to move in with his girlfriend this year. Wolf is now planning to move out of his apartment near The Wharf, a trendy waterfront business district in the city, by early April to live with his parents in Virginia. He has also cut back on his spending. The Trump administrations overhaul of the federal government, carried out in large part by Elon Musks government efficiency team, has left tens of thousands in Washington without a job. Thats threatening a key economic engine of Americas capital city consumer spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And with signs of strain already showing, economists at Moodys say DC could slip into a recession as soon as this year. Wolf has already adjusted his behavior accordingly as he looks for a new position in a competitive job market. Im lucky that I dont have children or a mortgage because it gives me a bit more flexibility, but this is definitely going to set me back quite a bit, Wolf said. Now Ive been cooking at home, I try not to go out for drinks, and its been a bit disheartening seeing most open attorney positions here asking for a lot more experience than I have. Economic pain in the DC metro There are about 2.4 million federal workers in the United States, excluding those employed by the military and the Postal Service 17% of whom live in the DC metropolitan area, according to government data. So far, the Trump administration has fired at least 103,452 workers across the federal government nationwide (though some of those cuts are being challenged in the courts). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-time applications for unemployment benefits in Washington spiked throughout February, likely reflecting contractor job losses, according to economists. That might just be tip of the iceberg: Forecasters at Oxford Economists project 33,700 federal job losses in the DC metro in 2025. And this years job market likely wont be able to absorb all of those federal workers who are expected to be out of work, said Allison Shrivastava, an economist at jobs site Indeed. The job cuts Oxford Economics forecasts for the DC metro would amount to $4.9 billion in lost wages this year; federal workers paychecks account for 1.6% of the total wages earned in the metropolitan area, according to the groups analysis. Contractors and others who indirectly depend on the government add more, as well. A sign that reads "NIH Employees Only" stands near an entrance at the National Institute of Health on February 10 in Bethesda, Maryland. - Alex Wong/Getty Images North America/Getty Images People tend to pull back on spending when they no longer have steady income, and nonessential goods and services typically get hit first ultimately generate a ripple effect throughout the economy. Alexandra Reid, who lives in Washington with her husband and dog, was laid off last month from her program specialist job at the National Institutes of Health. The 30-year-old said losing her job halved her households income; the couple will likely need to dip into their savings just to get by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have stopped pretty much all spending on nonessentials since I received the termination notice, only making food, grocery, and transportation purchases as a protective measure, Reid said. And this is just a terrible job market right now to be in. On Thursday, a second federal judge ruled that that thousands of probationary employees who were laid off by the Trump administration must get their jobs back temporarily. Reid told CNN that the ruling would apply to her and is hopeful shell get her job back soon. The impact on businesses and housing Miloud Benzerga, owner of Timgad Cafe in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, told CNN that he estimates foot traffic to his shop is down about 25% to 30% compared to January, before the Trump administration began to fire workers. He said his cafe, which employs nine people, managed to survive the Covid-19 pandemic, but hes not so sure that will be case this time around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It make me sad that a lot of people are losing their jobs, and of course, that has something to do with my business, too, Benzerga said. If it gets worse, well have to close, and I am not the only one. Ive talked with other business inside food court. Commuters cross Pennsylvania Avenue near the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 12, 2025. - Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images Were hearing concerns from businesses about the overall reduction in local business activity but also about the federal cuts, Chinyere Hubbard, president of the DC Chamber of Commerce, told CNN. She said the chamber has started to see a lot of interest from businesses in its resources and events, such as an upcoming small-business expo. Adam Kamins, director of regional economics at Moodys, said that the impact of President Donald Trumps layoffs will be immediately felt by consumer-facing industries, such as retail and hospitality, and that the economic pain is expected to be more widespread later in the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recession in DC will be noticeable during the second half of this year, but I wouldnt be surprised if it actually started in March because weve already seen little indications of weakness, Kamins said, adding that theres always a lag between when things are happening in the economy and when the data reflect those events. The metros housing market also suggests more people might be leaving the metro area amid Trumps layoffs: Homes listed for sale began to pick up in late January, according to Realtor.com data, and were 56.2% higher in the week of March 8 compared to the same week a year earlier. That reflects a sharp acceleration from the second half of last year, when inventory growth hovered between 20% and 30%. So far, were seeing more homes on the market, and modestly lower asking prices, but the situation continues to evolve, Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement. While I expect many households will choose to stay in the area and pivot to find new job opportunities, some will likely choose to leave and retire or find a job elsewhere. Im more upset than anything because of the arbitrary nature of all this, but I do feel confident that Ill get back on my feet with time, said Wolf. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WEBSTER COUNTY, Mo. People living in Webster County are still assessing the damage from a tornado that struck the rural parts of the county. The Amish community in the area suffered much of the damage. The Webster County Director of Emergency Management says he is still trying to figure out how much was damaged. I estimate probably 40 barns, outhouses, windmills, silos. Homes Id say probably closer to 12 that have some kind of damage, says Nat Raines, who runs Webster County Emergency Management on his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also explained that the cleanup and assessment process left him with his hands full since the tornado struck the evening of Friday, March 14. It got dark really fast. Plus we had those other cells moving in behind the initial storm, says Raines. So when we were out trying to do our initial damage assessment, we were getting hit with hail multiple times. So that slowed things down a little bit. Confirmed tornado north of Seymour Regina Cole lives less than a mile from the Amish property that was damaged. She is new to Missouri and says she is not used to seeing this kind of damage. Your stomach was in knots and I was very tearful for what theyve lost, says Cole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tornado hit rural areas outside of Marshfield and Seymour. Because of this distance, Cole says she didnt hear any sirens. We didnt hear anything. It was just all of a sudden and there was no time. We did go visit the Amish that are our neighbors close to us and they said they had absolutely no warning, says Cole. Raines confirmed that no one was injured and encouraged anyone living far away from the sirens to get a severe weather radio to stay updated on tornado risk. Rolla community faces aftermath of severe storms and damage Cole is thankful she and her family are alright and says Friday night was a learning experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a safe room. We built a basement and a safe room. Well, we didnt have time to go down there like they were saying. We didnt expect it to come so fast, says Cole. Raines is no stranger to tornadoes but says being familiar with them doesnt make it easier. Weve had our share of tornadoes here, but its every time, it kind of blows your mind what it can actually do, says Raines. If you have any information on severe weather damage, you can call Webster County Emergency Management at (417) 859-7959. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) wants more from Gov. Ned Lamonts budget proposal, saying it isnt ideal for cities and towns. On This Week in Connecticut, Dennis House spoke with the head of CCM, Joe DeLong. THIS WEEK IN CONNECTICUT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. (WHTM) On This Week in Pennsylvania, Congressman and Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee Brendan Boyle (D-PA) joins Dennis Owens to discuss efforts by the Trump administration to cut spending and taxes. Boyle highlighted his efforts to protect Medicare and Medicaid, saying the potential for cuts to either program would be devastating. Im going to do everything I can to oppose this, promised Boyle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny), a member of the state legislatures Irish Caucus, also joins the program to discuss the importance of the caucus on St. Patricks Day weekend. Robinson also reacted to President Trumps calls to reduce the federal workforce, which could impact many across the state, saying hell be watching closely. This week, analysts JJ Abbott of Commonwealth Communications and Christopher Nicholas of Eagle Consulting discussed Senator John Fettermans comments on a potential government shutdown and the ongoing battles over spending cuts in Washington D.C. Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the weeks biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Check your local listings for weekly air times. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office is investigating a shooting that happened early Monday morning at a residential trailer park located on Lobdell Highway. According to Sheriff Jeff Bergeron, deputies responded to reports of gunfire just before 7 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. Further investigation revealed that a male victim had also been shot but was no longer on the scene. Authorities later confirmed that both individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Through the course of the investigation, deputies determined that an altercation inside the residence led to the shooting. The incident involved Tony Nguyen, 26, of Baton Rouge and Courtney Rice, 20, of Port Allen, along with the two victims. According to WBRSO, a physical fight broke out between Nguyen and the male victim, during which Nguyen allegedly shot both the male and female victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before deputies arrived at the scene, investigators say Nguyen gave the firearm to Rice, who then concealed it. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested and booked them into the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center. Nguyen was charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and obstruction of justice. Rice was charged with obstruction of justice. WBRSO said that the investigation remains ongoing. 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. Kyiv does not need Russia's permission to invite peacekeeping troops to its territory, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with French regional newspaper Le Parisien on March 15. "Ukraine is sovereign if it requests allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or reject it," Macron told Le Parisien. Macron has been at the forefront of plans to deploy Western peacekeepers on the ground in Ukraine. Along with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron has championed the idea as an alternative security guarantee for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has repeatedly rejected the notion of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. In the interview, Macron reiterated the importance of supporting Ukraine and confirmed that European forces would be deployed only at Kyiv's request. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and dialogue with key international allies. In the coming days, Macron will meet with newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss Ukraine. Macron's remarks came shortly before he participated in a virtual summit of the "coalition of the willing," a group of countries who have pledged to help secure a future peace in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the summit, participating international leaders expressed their support for Kyiv and discussed plans to send 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. While the peacekeeping plan is still being finalized by the U.K., France, and other partners, the contingent would likely involve "a few thousand troops" from each country, deployed at "key points" in Ukraine, to conduct training and demonstrate long-term support. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine confirms withdrawal from Sudzha in Russias Kursk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After ensuring a peaceful Holi celebration across the district, police personnel in Sambhal took time on Sunday to mark the festivities themselves. Sambhal Police said that security forces were on duty for long hours on March 13 and 14 to maintain law and order, working shifts of 14 to 16 hours to ensure that the festival passed without incident. Superintendent of Police (SP) KK Bishnoi and Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, along with other police personnel, played with colours and danced as they celebrated Holi today. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia noted that their efforts led to a smooth and peaceful celebration across the district and spoke to ANI, "In the last 15 days, Police and administration made all the needed preparations. On March 13-14, all our personnel worked almost for 14-16 hours, and the festivals were celebrated peacefully." "All were happy as the hard work they had done paid off. Today, we are celebrating Holi in the police line - that is a tradition. All our tiredness has now gone after playing Holi," said the DM. Speaking to ANI, SP KK Bishnoi said, "Police are celebrating Holi in the district today. All are celebrating as they have put in hard work and facilitated the festivals to be celebrated peacefully." Holi, known as the festival of colours, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. Given the large gatherings and processions associated with the festival, the police intensified security arrangements across the state, deploying forces to prevent any untoward incidents. With law and order successfully maintained, the police personnel gathered to celebrate Holi in a relaxed environment, marking the occasion with traditional festivities. Amidst tightened security, and the Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh witnessed peaceful Holi celebrations. Friday prayers were also performed peacefully on the occasion of the second Jumma of the holy Ramzan month at the Shahi Jama Masjid here. Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra said that the processions celebrating the festivities were carried out peacefully, as everyone cooperated, which sent a message of peace. "Along with Holi, the Jumma namaz was performed peacefully. We have managed to celebrate both things peacefully. The processions were also carried out peacefully. Everyone cooperated. This gives the message that peace remains in Sambhal. Force was deployed to manage the crowd and maintain peace. Everything happened properly," SDM Mishra told ANI. Circle Officer Anuj Chowdhary led a flag march along with other police personnel to ensure the law and order situation in the district. Other than police, paramilitary forces also conducted a flag march in Sambhal, whereas the administration is using drones for proper monitoring of the situation in the district. Sambhal was affected by violence in November last year. (ANI) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) On Saturday West Virginia University held a White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027. The ceremony marks the transition of students learning mostly in the classroom to learning in clinical care. More than 100 second year students got their white coats, a symbol of the medical professions ideals of professionalism and compassion. 12 News spoke to Phillip Englund, a student from Winfield West Virginia studying at WVU, about what he expects after receiving his white coat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know there will be challenges of just learning how a hospital operates but I think its going to be really exciting and a neat experience to start using all the stuff we learned over the past few years and seeing it, applying it, and helping the state of West Virginia. Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates life saving equipment 12 News also spoke with Dr. Clay Marsh, the Dean of the School of Medicine. When asked about the future of the medical field that these students will face, he invoked Dr. Francis Peabody, a celebrated teacher at the Harvard Medical School known for his work on polio and typhoid fever, saying, The secret in the care of the patient is caring for the patient, Dr. Marsh said. The details will change but those foundational elements of professionalism and humanism never will. Along with studying, WVU ask that their medical students do 600 hours of volunteering to show their commitment to service. Furthermore, they had to get into medical school in the first place. WVU said this year 6,300 people applied to their medical school for 115 spots. 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. ALLEGANY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association penned a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump Saturday asking them to reinstate National Fire Academy training. In the letter, President Jonathan Dayton expressed the organizations concerns after FEMA canceled National Fire Academy classes earlier this month. These classes helped train 90,000 to 100,000 firefighters each year in person and online. It offered free training programs that aimed to reduce the number of deadly fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA cancels National Fire Academy classes, affecting thousands of firefighters While we understand the Administrations goal of improving efficiency, however, halting these critical programs jeopardizes the safety of our first responders and the communities they serve. These training courses are vital to ensuring that firefighters have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage emergencies, especially in light of growing disasters and wildfires. Jonathan Dayton I have joined lawmakers and other emergency services leaders in urging FEMA to reverse this decision. We respectfully request that you take immediate action to reinstate these essential training programs, the letter continued. The Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association represents more than 30 volunteer fire departments in Allegany and Garrett counties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While Delaware may not be widely known, you cant say the same for some of the inventions coming out of the First State. From cutting-edge technology to out-of-this-world apparel to tasty foods, these innovative products are known far and wide and might even be some of your favorites. Contenders have been battling head-to-head bracket-style this March to unveil this years Coolest Thing Made in Delaware Contest winner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the elite eight remaining in this years competition and how you can vote on your favorite. Coolest Thing Made in Delaware Contest The Coolest Thing Made in Delaware Contest is organized by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Manufacturing Association to highlight the diversity of Delawares manufacturing sector. DSCC reports that Delawares manufacturing industry supports 29,000 jobs and is a vital component of the states economy. This years competition started with 51 inventions from 44 companies, which competed in the initial round of voting. The competition was condensed to 16 products (one per company) eligible to participate in the bracket-style matchups. Eight products continue the quest to be crowned the coolest thing made in Delaware, and they are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Resolve Handheld Raman Spectrometer from Agilent Technologies. This Wilmington-made invention used innovative technology to detect hazardous substances through barriers, making it especially useful for first responders dealing with explosives, chemicals and narcotics. The 60-Minute IPA is from Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton. This brew created the continual hopping process, which is now a flavor found all over craft beer. Apple pie ice cream from Hopkins Farm Creamery on Freen Acres Farm in Lewes. The farm has been operated by four generations of the same family since 1942, and the ice cream is a staple for many Delawareans and tourists. Spacesuits made by ILC Dover in Frederica. These suits have been worn on six moon landings, experienced 250 flights and endured 3,000 hours of spacewalks without a single failure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicken wings from Mountaire Farms. Americans eat an estimated 1.47 billion chicken wings during the Super Bowl each year, and plenty of those are processed right here in Delaware at one of Mountaire Farms several locations in Sussex County. Rapa Scrapple. Whether you love it or hate it, you cant deny that its a Delaware staple and has been since 1926. This Bridgeville-made scrapple is the best-selling scrapple brand in the U.S. and still uses the same original recipe. The Hot Wheels Double Dare Loop from New Castle-based Staging Dimensions. The companys life-sized loop is a 66-foot-tall stunt track that raced cars at 52 mph and 7 Gs at the X Games in Los Angeles, California. Sumuri LLCs TALINO Forensic Workstations. This product is designed and built in Magnolia to help law enforcement, military and top corporate firms solve digital crimes with standout speed and efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you love one of these products or find something unique? Voting for this round is open until March 19 at 4:30 p.m. To vote, visit www.dscc.com/mfg.html. Votes can be cast once a day per device. Random Acts of Kindness: 'An answer to a prayer': Woman shares how a father saved her from car troubles The final four will be announced on March 20. The last round of voting open will be open until March 27, when the winner is announced at the Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference at Delaware Technical Community Colleges Terry Campus in Dover on the same day. The 2024 winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Delaware Contest was Hologic Inc.s 3Dimensions Mammography System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hologic is a medical technology company focused on improving womens health and well-being through early detection and treatment. When it moved production from Danbury, Connecticut, to Newark, the company brought 120 jobs to Delaware, and its winning invention helps save the lives of around 27,300 women on average per year. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Coolest Thing Made in Delaware Contest reaches top 8, cast your vote COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Parts of central and southern Ohio are set to be invaded by a constant din this year. Brood XIV of cicadas is set to hatch across parts of 13 states, the second-largest brood of cicadas, according to the University of Connecticut. According to the USDA Forest Service, in Ohio, the brood is expected to emerge in parts of Brown, Highland, Fayette, Ross, Pike, Scioto and Lawrence counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Connecticut said the area affected by the brood stretches from southern Ohio through Kentucky and Tennessee, with parts of West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts expected to see the harmless insect as well. Since the area borders parts of Maryland, Indiana, and New Jersey, some of the bugs can make their way there, too. More a nuisance than a threat, the large bugs usually emerge either on a 17- or 13-year cycle depending on the brood. The cicadas emerge sometime around May or June when the ground temperature hits 64 degrees, and they last for about 4-6 weeks. The constant, loud hum of the bugs mating song and somewhat odd appearance are no reason to be alarmed theyre harmless. All they do is just climb up on trees and pee. Thats as much damage as they do, said Saad Bhamla, a professor at Georgia Tech College of Engineering. Bhamla went on to explain the insects urine is just water and poses no threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, cicada-geddon took over a large swath of the Midwest, when Broods XIII and XIX emerged at the same time. For Franklin County and most of central Ohio, the next brood Brood X is expected to emerge in 2038; a good part of the eastern half of Ohio, however, will be dealing with the bug in 2033 when Brood V is set to return. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. President Trump has repeatedly said hell take on toxic chemicals but many of his administrations actions are expected to allow for more pollution, not less. During his joint address to Congress earlier this month, Trump talked about a boy whose cancer he blamed on a chemical exposure, saying that reversing the rise in child cancer rates in recent decades is one of the top priorities for our new presidential commission to Make America Healthy Again. Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply and keep our children healthy and strong, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More broadly, Trump has adopted his Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Make America Healthy Again slogan saying hell take on toxic substances that threaten Americans well-being. President Trumps agenda is proof that we can restore American energy dominance while advancing environmental stewardship. President Trump is committed to replacing unclean foreign energy with the liquid gold under our feet while Making America Healthy Again by ridding our environment, water, and food supply of dangerous toxins, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in an email. Weeks into Trumps second term, the Department of Health and Human Services does appear poised to move toward chemical regulation in food. Kennedy said this week that the administration would explore potential rulemaking in response to a loophole that currently allows companies to put chemicals in food without telling regulators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the administration has also taken significant steps to abandon or roll back efforts to reduce exposure to potentially toxic substances. Last week, it dropped a lawsuit that aimed to force a company to reduce its emissions of a substance the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers likely to cause cancer in an already highly polluted area. The administration also indicated that it is likely to reduce the stringency of safety screenings for potentially harmful chemicals. Among the chemicals that are currently undergoing the screening process is vinyl chloride, a toxic substance used to make PVC plastic that was released, along with other chemicals, in a train derailment in Ohio in 2023. Trump repeatedly bashed the Biden administrations response to the crash on the campaign trail last year. The administration also signaled plans to roll back Biden-era rules that aim to prevent chemical disasters at 12,000 industrial facilities, including chemical manufacturers and distributors, oil refineries, food and beverage manufacturers and agricultural supply distributors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the EPA also announced a broad slate of environmental rollbacks. Among the regulations the agency says it may reverse is a Biden-era rule regulating emissions of the carcinogen ethylene oxide, which is used to sterilize medical devices. In January, the EPA also withdrew Biden-era plans to put a limit on the amount of forever chemicals that manufacturers are allowed to release into the water. These chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which can last for a very long time in the environment instead of breaking down are found in common products like nonstick pans and waterproof clothing and cosmetics. They have also been linked to a wide range of illnesses including cancers and immune system and fertility issues. In addition, the administration has appointed a number of former chemical industry insiders to key roles within the EPA. The top official currently listed in the agencys office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention used to work for a chemical industry trade and lobbying group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps pick for the No. 2 role at the EPA represented opponents of a ban on asbestos in court. His nominee to lead its air and radiation office has lobbied on behalf of makers of forever chemicals and users of ethylene oxide, among others. The administration has also hired a 30-year veteran of chemical company DuPont, which has historically made and used forever chemicals. A spokesperson for the EPA argued that the administration can balance environmental protection and the economy. No longer will the EPA view the goals of protecting our environment and growing our economy as binary choices. We will and we must choose both, the spokesperson said. This week, Administrator [Lee] Zeldin participated in the first meeting of the Make American Healthy Again Commission led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and our team at EPA looks forward to closely collaborating on ways to fulfill President Trumps goal of removing toxins from the environment and our food supply and keeping our children healthy and strong. Environmental advocates, however, have sounded alarms about the potential impact of the administrations moves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Rosenberg, director of federal toxics policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, described the appointment of industry-tied individuals to high ranking positions as equivalent to allowing a fox to guard a hen house. Every fox guarding the hen house or the chicken coop is a problem, he said. Eve Gartner, director of crosscutting toxics strategies at advocacy group Earthjustice, said that the administrations likely reduction of the stringency of chemical safety screenings would impact reviews for chemicals like that released in the East Palestine, Ohio, train crash though whether vinyl chloride itself would be subject to a looser review would depend on how long it takes the administration to finish the rollback. She said that if the Trump administration makes the changes it has signaled, it may ignore the impact of vinyl chloride on fence line communities and communities along transportation routes that are vulnerable to that kind of disaster that we saw in East Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More broadly, she warned that the administrations pro-industry policies could result in significant damage to Americans health. We know that the rules that were adopted in the Biden administration would result in significant health benefits for communities including lower cancer rates and rolling back those rules inevitably will result in more cancer, including more children with cancer, Gartner 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. The software company Oracle is accelerating talks with the White House on a deal to run TikTok, though significant concerns remain about what role the apps Chinese founders will play in its ongoing U.S. operation, according to three people familiar with the discussions. Vice President JD Vance and national security adviser Mike Waltz, the two officials President Donald Trump has tasked with shepherding a deal to bring TikTok under U.S. ownership, are taking the lead in negotiations, while senators have voiced a desire to be read in on any talks, two of the people said. A third person described the White House discussions as in advanced stages. The people who were granted anonymity were not authorized to discuss sensitive details of ongoing negotiations publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes amid ongoing warnings from congressional Republicans and other China hawks that any new ownership deal if it keeps TikToks underlying technology in Chinese hands could be only a surface-level fix to the security concerns that led to last years sweeping bipartisan ban of the app. Key lawmakers, including concerned Republicans, are bringing in Oracle this week to discuss the possible deal and rising national security concerns, according to four people familiar with the meetings. One of the three people familiar with the discussions with Oracle said the deal would essentially require the U.S. government to depend on Oracle to oversee the data of American users and ensure the Chinese government doesn't have a backdoor to it a promise the person warned would be impossible to keep. If the Oracle deal moves forward, you still have this [algorithm] controlled by the Chinese. That means all you are doing is saying trust Oracle to disseminate the data and guarantee there is no back door to the data, the person told POLITICO. If, for instance, the algorithm isnt entirely rebuilt by its U.S. owner or if TikToks Beijing-based parent firm ByteDance retains a role in its operations, it could retain vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the Chinese government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data security company HaystackID, which serves as independent security inspectors for TikTok U.S., said in February that it has found no indications of internal or external malicious activity nor has it identified any protected U.S. user data that has been shared with China. Spokespeople for Oracle, TikTok, ByteDance and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The deal is being billed as a Project Texas 2.0, a nod to a previous agreement between TikTok and Oracle to relocate American users data to servers in Texas and block ByteDance employees in China from accessing it, according to the first person. But that agreement, which also required Oracle to review TikToks source code to determine its safety, failed to assuage congressional and Biden administration concerns that the app is being used by China as a spying and propaganda tool. The tech-focused outlet The Information reported Thursday that Oracle is a leading contender to run TikTok, with ByteDance preferring it for the role. The details about the White Houses approach and the seriousness with which White House officials are considering the proposal have not previously been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as Trump stares down an April 5 deadline to secure a new owner for the Chinese video-sharing company after he signed an executive order in January delaying enforcement of Congress ban on the app for 75 days. The app briefly went dark for about 12 hours in January after TikToks parent company ByteDance failed to meet the deadline to sell its stake and the Supreme Court upheld Congress ban. Vance, during an interview with NBC News on Friday, said he was hopeful a TikTok deal would be reached by the early April deadline. Last week, Trump said that his administration was in talks with four different groups about a deal. Trump told reporters in January that he was open to Oracle founder and executive chairman Larry Ellison buying TikTok. Ellison is a longtime Trump supporter, and hes part of the so-called Project Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative that also includes OpenAI, SoftBank and MGX. While Trump during his first administration sought to ban TikTok over national security concerns, he embraced the app last year on the campaign trail. In December, he told throngs of young conservative supporters at a Turning Point rally in Phoenix that he has a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because of the outpouring of support he received from younger voters in the 2024 election. Trumps campaign-trail reversal came after a meeting with Jeff Yass, a Republican donor who owns a large share of ByteDance. (Trump has denied the issue was discussed.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether the deal the White House eventually reaches will satisfy China hawks on the Hill, though they may have little power to complain. Trumps executive order extending the initial deadline in the face of concerns from GOP lawmakers and legal experts about the orders legality showed his willingness to defy Congress will. And the decision on whether ByteDance sells TikTok or licenses its use by a U.S. company ultimately rests with the Chinese government. Beijing wants to protect TikToks monopoly access to its user data and is hostile to any suggestion that Chinese firms bend to the will of suspicious foreign governments. Over the past year, authorities in Beijing and in the Chinese embassy in Washington have mostly dodged questions about the status of possible talks for the purchase of TikTok by a non-Chinese firm. What little Beijing has said about that possibility hasnt offered much hope that its in favor of such an agreement. The Chinese government will firmly oppose any forced sale of the company and require ByteDance to seek governmental approval in accordance with Chinese regulations for any potential foreign ownership deal, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson Shu Jueting told reporters in March. That same month Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin accused Congress of resorting to hegemonic moves to try to take control of the app. In January, the Chinese government deployed more conciliatory language about a possible TikTok sale but offered no clues on whether it would approve such a deal. Any such transactions should be independently decided by companies in accordance with market principles, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in January. Phelim Kine contributed to this report. President Donald Trumps White House is celebrating his use of a rarely invoked wartime authority to carry out the mass deportation of hundreds of alleged gang members to El Salvador in an episode that fueled doubts about the ability of the U.S. court system to constrain the Trump administrations actions. After a federal judge issued an unusual order Saturday evening that required all planes carrying those covered by Trumps Alien Enemies Act declaration to return to the U.S, at least one planeload of Venezuelan deportees continued on to San Salvador and discharged its passengers to a waiting brigade of Salvadoran soldiers, police and videographers. Grim video posted on X by El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, contained movie-like scenes set over a music soundtrack and depicted soldiers leading tattooed men off an airplane, forcing them to bend toward the ground as they were frog-marched to waiting buses and had their heads shaved by hooded prison guards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statements from Bukele and from Trump allies mocking the court order issued by the chief U.S. District Judge in Washington, James Boasberg, contributed to an air of fecklessness around the U.S. legal system in Trumps second term. OopsieToo late, Bukele posted, along with a tears-of-joy emoji, just above a New York Post headline about a judge in Washington ordering the plane bound for El Salvador to return to the U.S. Bukele, in another post, said the prisoner transfer was part of an agreement with the United States following discussions last month with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He said for a low fee paid by the U.S, the alleged Tren de Aragua gang members will be housed in the countrys notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, a mega prison built to house over 40,000 people that has been at the center of concerns from human rights groups over violence and overcrowding. Justice Department lawyers submitted a vague two-page filing to Boasberg on Sunday afternoon that appeared to assert that planes carrying the deportees were outside the judges jurisdiction by the time he ordered them to turn back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some gang members subject to removal under the Proclamation had already been removed from United States territory under the Proclamation before the issuance of this Courts order, Justice Department lawyers wrote. The DOJ submission also suggested Boasbergs order wasnt effective until it was noted in the courts electronic docket at 7:26 p.m., even though the judge issued the order verbally about 45 minutes earlier and said it had to be complied with immediately. In a statement Saturday night, Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized Boasberg, saying that he supported Tren de Aragua terrorists over the safety of Americans. She added that the DOJ would be undeterred in its work with the White House and the Department of Homeland Security to stop this invasion. In a statement Sunday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt touted the success of the operation and said it had saved countless American lives by sidelining the alleged TdA members, although all were housed in immigration detention in the U.S. for some period prior to being deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the great work of the Department of State, these heinous monsters were extracted and removed to El Salvador where they will no longer be able to pose any threat to the American People, Leavitt said. She later addressed reports suggesting the administration defied the order, saying the ruling had no lawful basis and was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory. The judges order on Saturday came as a plane-tracking database showed a deportation flight that left Harlingen, Texas in the afternoon was about an hour and 15 minutes from landing in San Salvador. The plane departed the United States during a break Boasberg called in the hearing in order to allow a Justice Department lawyer to check on whether any deportation flights were imminent or underway. Elon Musk, who runs Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, replied to several posts on X criticizing the judges ruling and calling for his impeachment. Necessary, Musk said, responding to a post from Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) that said he was filing Articles of Impeachment against activist judge James Boasberg. Musk also replied to Bukeles post with his own tears-of-joy emoji. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer who made arguments for halting such deportations at the Saturday court hearing said the images released by Bukele confirmed that such transfers needed to be stopped pending further court action. The video of these men in El Salvador starkly reinforces that the Court was correct in moving quickly to stop any further flights until the legal issue could be fully considered, Lee Gelernt of the ACLU said. While Trump and other officials asserted that the men deported Saturday were all gang members, its unclear how the administration made those determinations. Lawyers for some deportees said they had no gang affiliation and some had no final orders of removal from a U.S. immigration judge. Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act a 1798 law enacted during John Adams presidency and only used three times in American history and all during times of war in an attempt to bypass federal immigration law and override asylum claims or other legal protections the alleged gang members could pursue in U.S. immigration courts or ordinary federal courts. The Justice Department argued that Trump can determine unilaterally who poses a significant risk to the United States given his inherent authority as president over national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasbergs ruling came in response to a lawsuit, brought by on behalf of five named Venezuelan immigrants. Earlier Saturday, the judge blocked the deportation of the five named plaintiffs in the suit. A Justice Department lawyer said the government complied with that order and did not deport those individuals. However, after the hearing held by videoconference, the judge broadened his order to cover anyone being deported under Trumps alien-enemies proclamation. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States however that is accomplished, Boasberg directed at about 6:45 p.m. Saturday. Make sure its complied with immediately. The judge, an appointee of President Barack Obama, imposed the temporary restraining order for 14 days in order to grant enough time to advance the litigation of the legality of Trumps invocation of the centuries-old law. The Justice Department immediately appealed Boasbergs two orders to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and sought an emergency stay. The appeals court did not immediately act on that request but issued an order Sunday setting a schedule for further filings in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump officials have been planning for months to deploy the proclamation, which was signed Friday by the president and released publicly on Saturday. It relies on the Alien Enemies Act as a mechanism to quickly remove foreigners during wartime and allows the government to arrest, detain and deport undocumented migrants over the age of 14 who come from countries threatening an invasion or predatory incursion of the United States. I find and declare that TdA is perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States, Trump wrote in his declaration. The precise number of prisoners deported pursuant to Trumps declaration is unclear. Leavitt said almost 300 deportees were involved, while Bukele gave a figure of 238. However, they included some alleged members of a different gang not covered by Trumps proclamation, MS-13. The video posted by Bukele appeared to show three American-registered passenger jets being unloaded in San Salvador. Plane tracking databases showed at least one of the planes traveled to El Salvador via Honduras. That would mean it landed and took off again for nearby San Salvador after Boasberg ordered the deportees returned to the United States. Two 19-year-olds are recovering after being involved in a shootout in Daytona Beach on Saturday. In a video shared with Channel 9, witnesses are singing and enjoying their karaoke night with family when suddenly, shots are fired, coming from near the boardwalk. All of the sudden, everything got crazy, and people were running, and you hear the shots, said Linda Wright, whos visiting from Baltimore. Why would you do that? On spring break, in such a gorgeous place? Why would you even bring a gun to the beach in the first place? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daytona Beach police said the shooting happened around 7-30 pm, and they said the people involved in the case were likely attending an unsanctioned beach day event in the area. The incident unfolded right next to the Ocean Walk Resort. I heard the sirens out the door, Im on the fourth story, and I looked out and saw a bunch of cop cars in the area, and the ambulance came through, said Kenneth Tomczak, whos visiting from Michigan and staying at the resort. Talk about bad timing the shootout is happening just as Central Florida kicks off spring break when roughly 8 in every 10 Floridians are expected to take some time off, according to AAA. When that happened, I told them straight up, ' Lets go in the lobby, then the SWAT team showed up. They were screaming to get us into the rooms, said Lana Prytuliak, an Orlando resident on a staycation with her son and nephew. We stayed in the room until this morning. Daytona Beach is known for being a top destination all year, especially around this time. Now, visitors and residents are concerned the shooting could impact tourism in the area. If I was the mom, watching this video, seeing this unfolding on TV, it probably wouldnt be my best choice to come here with the family, said Hughes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daytona Police have been in the area throughout Sunday morning, talking to people and searching for more information regarding the shooting. Both 19-year-olds are expected to be ok. Police say the suspect and victims likely knew each other, but theyre still looking into the motive behind the shooting. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, more than 3,000 acres have burned in the fire that destroyed homes and structures southwest of Stillwater. Stillwater Communications Director Dawn Dodson said Gov. Kevin Stitt was touring the affected areas this morning. Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties: Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills and Stephens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stillwater Emergency Management reports that evacuation areas have been initially re-assed but are only residents may return to mandatory evacuation areas and have been closed to the general public. "Primary concerns for residents returning to their homes, include possible fires that may rekindle, nearby hotspots, open gas lines, down power lines, unstable structures (ex. chimneys) that could fall, and other unsafe conditions," SEMA wrote. "If these conditions are observed or an emergency response is needed, please call 911. Please exercise extreme caution in fire-affected areas." SEMA also wrote that it could use the public's help in identifying damaged electric infrastructure, "such as poles that are broken or leaning, and lines down." Those with information should contact Electric Utility at 405-372-3292. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Primrose Retirement Community, one of the first places evacuated, has said temporary placement has been secured for residents and it will let family know when it is safe to return. Rep. Trish Ranson (D-Stillwater) wrote a message this morning thanking the first responders and expressing sympathy for those who were affected. I am grateful for the brave men and women at Stillwater Emergency Management, Stillwater Police Department and Stillwater Fire Department for evacuating folks safely and quickly during yesterday's fires, Ranson said. Their efforts to get neighbors out of harm's way saved lives. Although several homes and neighborhoods were lost and severely damaged, relief efforts are underway by the State, City and County officials. I am praying for Stillwater and urge everyone to utilize the resources available to them. We must continue to look out for one another and support each other where we can. We will do whatever we can to heal from this devastation. We are Stillwater strong. Payne County is still at an elevated risk Saturday for fire danger, according to the National Weather Service in Norman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planes or other aircraft that might have assisted with the fires, were grounded due to high winds. Wind "Fire behavior and demands for protection of values at risk outpaced suppression capability of resources on the ground while the strength of the windstorm prohibited utilization of firefighting aircraft," the OFS report reads. "While the fire weather will be less intense (Saturday) there remains a Red Flag Warning in effect for part of Oklahoma, and new wildfire activity will continue to occur compounded by a tremendous workload containing the active fires. Incident commanders are encouraged to communicate needs and initial damage assessments to emergency managers facilitating timely communication developing statewide situation awareness. "The fire environment will continue to present very challenging conditions through next week as very-high fire danger indices persist head of another period of fire-effective weather over very receptive fuels Monday through Wednesday and little or no optimism for meaningful rainfall in sight. Heavy initial attack and persistent large fire potential will remain in place this weekend with increasing likelihood of another period of significant fire occurrence (>5,000 acres) and wildfire outbreak potential early next week." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 5 a.m., the Oklahoma Department of Transportation reported that all highways and turnpikes affected by Friday's windstorm and grassfires are now open. The Mid South Endurance Festival, which has drawn thousands of runners and cyclists to Stillwater, announced late Friday night that Saturday's events were canceled. "We have been in constant communication with our city and county emergency services and we are announcing that Mid South 2025 is officially canceled," Founder Bobby Wintle wrote. "All efforts, support, and energy are being sent to fight this wildfire tragedy in our home that we love so much. Friends and family have lost their homes in Stillwater and the work to fight this fire is ongoing. Thank you for understanding. Our only hope is that the damage can be minimized and that everyone and their loved ones are safe tonight." House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson encouraged Oklahomans lean on each other for support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My deepest gratitude to all of the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep Oklahomans safethank you, Munson said in a press release. As more information on the aftermath of yesterdays devastating fires is shared, I am praying for those who are without their homes and businesses and who are injured. Please remember you are not alone in this. I urge Oklahomans to look out for one another as we experience more weather today and continue to recover from yesterday. There are resources for Oklahomans who need them. Please take advantage of them. In times like these, it is important we stick together and help our neighbors. Residents impacted needing non-emergency services can call 211 for things related to the disaster or health and human services. Bradley Bartell and Camila Munoz had a familiar small-town love story, before they collided with immigration politics. They met through mutual friends, had a first date at the local steakhouse, married after two years and were saving to buy a house and have kids. Munoz was already caring for Bartell's now 12-year-old son as her own. But last month, on their way home to Wisconsin after honeymooning in Puerto Rico, an immigration agent pulled Munoz aside in the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Are you an American citizen?" asked the agent. She answered no, she wasn't. She's from Peru. But she and her husband had taken the legal steps so that one day she might get U.S. citizenship. Millions of Americans, including Bartell, had voted for President Donald Trump's promise to crack down on "criminal illegal immigrants." But eight weeks in, the mass deportation effort has rapidly expanded to include immigrants whose application for legal status in the country is under review. Even those married or engaged to U.S. citizens are being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, USA TODAY has learned. In addition to Munoz, USA TODAY has confirmed through attorneys, family members and documents that ICE has detained for weeks: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement a woman in her 50s who has lived in the country more than 30 years and is married to a U.S. citizen; a woman in her 30s with proof of valid permanent legal residency, whose father and siblings are U.S. citizens, and who first came to the U.S. as a teen; a European woman in her 30s engaged to a U.S. citizen who overstayed her visa when she was 21; a woman engaged to a U.S. legal permanent resident, with whom she has lived for nine years. None of the women has a criminal record, according to a USA TODAY review of national law enforcement records. All were in an ongoing legal immigration process and felt comfortable enough boarding a domestic flight. Immigration agents swept each of them up at airport checkpoints in mid-February, in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Neither ICE nor its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, responded to multiple requests for comment. Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, said immigrants in legal limbo of any kind should take precautions if they plan to travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The unfortunate answer is they have to be worried," she said. "If you are not a citizen of the United States, and you are going through an immigration process, your first thought needs to be: How can this process be weaponized against me?" David Rozas, an immigration attorney representing Munoz, agreed: Anyone who isnt a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen is at risk period." Bartell and Munoz wore their wedding rings for the flight home, secure in the knowledge that the U.S. government knew they had applied for her green card. She had overstayed her original visa but, they reasoned, she had been vetted from the start, worked on a W-2 and paid her taxes. Before agents led her away, Munoz pulled off her wedding ring, afraid it might get confiscated. She shoved it into her backpack and handed it to Bartell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He shook as he watched her disappear. He thought, "What the f do I do?" Looking for something lasting Overstaying a visa is considered an administrative, not criminal, violation of U.S. immigration law, immigration attorneys say. It can result in a bar to returning to the U.S. for up to 10 years, or it can be lawfully forgiven, under a "waiver of unlawful presence," if the immigrant's spouse or immediate relative is a U.S. citizen. But the U.S. government also has broad authority to detain immigrants, even when they have an application in progress with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. "If an individual is overstaying their visa, they are therefore an illegal immigrant residing in this country, and they are subject to deportation," Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said in a January news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bartell didn't see it that way. Not when he met Munoz in the small Wisconsin town where she had worked lawfully on a temporary visa. Not after they spent months filling out the USCIS paperwork to apply for her legal permanent residency. He saw her as a funny, caring, hard-working woman who came legally, not one of the "illegals" who the president he supported promised to deport. The town where they met, Wisconsin Dells population 2,942 draws tens of thousands of tourists each summer to a constellation of water parks, including one billed as the nation's largest, Noah's Ark. Bartell grew up nearby, stayed and got a job with decent pay working maintenance in a factory. For Munoz, the Dells region was an adventure. As a college student in Peru studying human resources management, she applied and was accepted to a work-study program, secured a U.S. visa and got a job picking up towels at one of the Dells waterparks in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When COVID-19 hit the following winter, with flights canceled and borders closed, she couldn't get home, and she overstayed her visa. She stayed in the Dells, packing vegetables for a local farm and working food service at hotels. When they met, Bartell gave her his number on a scrap of paper. She threw it away. But they connected a few days later on Facebook. He invited her to dinner. Munoz teased that it better not be at McDonalds. On their first date they both confessed: They were looking fora relationship that could last. Ramping up enforcement ICE is under extreme pressure from the White House to ramp up enforcement. Top ICE officials, including the newly installed acting director, were re-assigned within weeks of Trump taking office, allegedly over frustrations that detentions and deportations weren't rising fast enough. The reality of immigration enforcement is that targeting convicted criminals requires time and manpower; it can take half a dozen agents to arrest a single person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An airport checkpoint like the one at the San Juan airport in mid-February can quickly round up multiple people whose immigration status may be in limbo. "ICE is really widening the net in a really chilling way in terms of who they are going after," said Jesse Franzblau, senior policy analyst for the National Immigrant Justice Center. "People who generally dont fit the profile of who they picked up before are being picked up now." It took days for Bartell to find his wife after she was detained at the airport. It was nearly a week before Munoz appeared in the ICE detention system. Her name finally turned up in an online locator, assigned to a privately run detention center in Louisiana. On a video call, her black curls hang askew. She wears a tan uniform, reflecting her lack of criminal record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are nearly 80 other women in the dormitory. The cost to taxpayers for detaining an adult was $282 per day in 2020, according to the American Immigration Council, a nonpartisan research organization. Bartell worries about his wife. "Emotionally, I'm concerned for her," he said. "It can't be easy being trapped in a room with 100 other people. They don't have anything in there. It's just so wasteful." They keep in touch on 20-cents-a-minute phone calls. She worries about Bartell's son, whether he is eating well or misses her Peruvian cooking. The money the couple saved for a down payment on a home has evaporated into attorneys fees and savings to pay a bond for her release, if she's given that chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both of them have been thinking a lot about Bartell's vote for Trump. "I knew they were cracking down," he said. "I guess I didnt know how it was going down." He imagined the administration would target people who snuck over the border and weren't vetted. But his wife, "they know who she is and where she came from," he said. "They need to get the vetting done and not keep these people locked up. It doesnt make any sense." Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: He voted for Trump. Then ICE detained his wife. Kejriwal was also accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Kejriwal arrived in Amritsar after a 10-day Vipassana meditation session in Hoshiarpur Today marks the completion of the chief minister Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab. Punjab Health Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Balbir Singh also extended greetings to Mann. "Three years of good governance Arvind Kejriwal model, 3 years of change! Better schools, revolutionised primary health care via mohalla clinics, upgraded hospitals, free power, and corruption-free governance. AAP continues to put people first. A journey of progress, transparency, and transformation led by CM Bhagwant Mann", Balbir Singh's 'X' post read. Mann took over as 17th Chief Minister of Punjab on March 16, 2022, when the Aam Aadmi Party secured a more than two-third majority in the previous assembly elections. The party went on to win 92 seats out of 117 and dethroned Congress from power. AAP had secured a majority in Patiala and Jalandhar in the December municipal elections. In Delhi Assembly elections held last month, BJP's Parvesh Verma emerged as a giant-killer in the assembly election with a decisive win of over 4,000 votes over Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat. Congress' Sandeep Dikshit came third getting over 4500 votes. Bharatiya Janata Party won 48 seats in a historic mandate, returning to power in the national capital after 27 years. (ANI) MADISON, Wis. (AP) The high-stakes race for Wisconsin Supreme Court has gotten most of the attention leading up to the April 1 election. But it is not the only issue voters will decide when early voting begins Tuesday. Also on the ballot is a race for the battleground state's top education official who will guide policies affecting K-12 schools during President Donald Trump's second term. There is also a measure that would place the state's voter ID law into the state constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both of those contests have sharp partisan divisions, even though the spending and national attention have been far less than those for the race for control of the state's highest court. Here is a closer look at what's at stake as voting begins Tuesday: Education race pits union-backed incumbent against GOP choice The race to lead the state education department pits the teachers' union-backed incumbent, Jill Underly, against consultant Brittany Kinser, a supporter of the private school voucher program who is endorsed by Republicans. A third candidate lost the February primary, unable to chip away enough at Underly's key support. The day after her victory, the state teachers' union, which did not endorse in the primary, came out in support of Underly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underly's education career began in 1999 as a high school social studies teacher in Indiana. She moved to Wisconsin in 2005 and worked five years for the state education department. She also worked as principal of Pecatonica Elementary School for a year before becoming the district administrator. Underly was elected as state superintendent in 2021 and is endorsed by the Wisconsin Education Association Council, which is the state teachers union, as well as the Wisconsin Democratic Party and numerous Democratic officeholders. Kinser, who is backed by the Wisconsin Republican Party, touts her past as a public school principal in her first television ad. But she doesn't mention it was a charter school. She worked for Rocketship schools, part of a national network of public charter schools and became its executive director in the Milwaukee region. In 2022, she left Rocketship to work for City Forward Collective, a Milwaukee education nonprofit that advocates for charter and voucher schools. She also founded a consulting firm that year where she currently works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin is the only state where voters elect the top education official, but there is no state board of education. That gives the person who runs the Department of Public Instruction broad authority to oversee education policy, which includes dispersing money to schools and managing teacher licensing. Voucher schools, education funding are key issues in the race Kinser has tried to brand Underly as being a poor manager of the Department of Public Instruction. She has keyed in on Underly's overhaul of state achievement standards last year. Underly said they better reflect what students are learning now, but bipartisan opposition included Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who served as state superintendent before being elected governor in 2018. Evers has not endorsed in the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kinser said the new standards lowered the bar for students and made it more difficult to see how schools and districts are performing over time. Underly tries to portray Kinser as nothing more than a lobbyist who doesn't care about public education. Kinser supports the state's private school voucher and charter school program, which Democrats and Underly are critical of. Opponents say those programs siphon money away from public schools. Instead of fighting for students, Kinser is standing with the far-right politicians who are trying to rip resources away from our schools," Underly said. Underly, who casts herself as the champion of public schools, also has tried to make the possible elimination of the U.S. Department of Education an issue in the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underly opposes dismantling the federal agency, while Kinser has said as long as the state continues to receive federal education funding, I am confident in our ability to navigate whatever changes Washington sends our way. Placing voter ID law in the constitution is on the ballot Wisconsins photo ID requirement for voting would be elevated from a state law to a constitutional amendment under a proposal on the ballot. Even if voters reject it, the voter ID requirement that has been in state law since 2011 will remain in place. The law didn't go into effect permanently until 2016, after a series of unsuccessful lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans put the measure on the ballot, pitching it as a way to bolster election security and protect the law from being overturned in court. But Democratic opponents argue photo ID requirements are often enforced unfairly, making it more difficult for people of color, the disabled and poor people to vote. If voters agree to place the photo ID requirement in the constitution, it would make it more difficult for a future Legislature controlled by Democrats to change a law they have long opposed. Any constitutional amendment must be approved in two consecutive legislative sessions and by a statewide vote of the people. Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters must present a photo ID to cast a ballot and its requirement is the strictest in the country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thirty-six states have laws requiring or requesting that voters show some sort of identification at the polls, according to the conference. Trump administration special envoy Steve Witkoff highlighted his recent negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine but noted that President Trump is the ultimate decisionmaker in the process. Witkoff joined CBS Newss Face the Nation on Sunday, where he was asked by host Margaret Brennan about the 30-day ceasefire agreed to by the U.S. and Ukraine, but not Russia. Well, President Trump is the ultimate decisionmaker, our decisionmaker, he said. And President Putin for the country of Russia is their decision maker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a very positive sign that the two of them will be talking at some point, Witkoff added. Witkoffs meeting came weeks after attempts from the U.S. to end the war. U.S. officials met with Russian affiliates early on, causing concern for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky then met with Trump to reach a mineral deal that would push negotiations forward. The meeting ended with shouting, and Trump halted aid to Ukraine. Zelensky has sought to repair the relationship, and the ceasefire deal was agreed to by both U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Witkoff has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who hasnt confirmed whether he would agree to the deal. Some are questioning whether he is delaying ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff said that his meeting went well and theres positive momentum and an inclination from both Russia and Ukraine to end the war. I think those are all very, very good trends and hopefully inform on the possibility of a near-term peace agreement, Witkoff 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. CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) A Clearwater woman was arrested after police said she spit on a McDonalds worker over a refund. The Largo Police Department said Amy Hoyte ordered food at the McDonalds at 2300 East Bay Drive on Friday night. Police said Hoyte was unhappy with how a McDonalds worker handed her the food. Officers said Hoyte started to make racial comments about how people treat others while being in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id kill you if I could get away with it: Spring Hill man accused of attempted murder of ex-wife Hoyte then argued with an off-duty manager and demanded a refund for her food. Officers said the manager tried to tell employees to give Hoyte a refund, but Hoyte continued to yell at her. Hoyte got very close to the managers face and spit on her, according to an affidavit. Officers said the manager then struck Hoyte on the left side of her face in self-defense. Hoyte reportedly grabbed the manager and dragged her outside to continue the altercation. Police said the managers 16-year-old child, who also works at McDonalds, had to step in and separate her mother and Hoyte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Largo officers said the incident was captured on McDonalds surveillance cameras. Hoyte told officers that the employees werent treating her right as a customer and told them that the manager hit her. However, officers said Hoyte was the primary aggressor in the incident. Hoyte was arrested on a simple battery charge, according to an affidavit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SOUTHBURY, Conn. (WTNH) A woman attempted to cash a stolen check with a stolen ID at the Ives Bank drive through in Southbury Saturday morning. At about 11:31 a.m., Southbury Police officers said they were dispatched to the bank on Main Street South. After further investigation, officers said they confirmed the ID and the check to be stolen. 50-year-old Vanessa Rodriguez 22-year-old Kahlaya McAlphin Police identified the operator of the vehicle as 50-year-old Vanessa Rodriguez, after she provided a fake name and date of birth. Rodriguez confessed to wearing a wig to resemble the person on the stolen ID, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez was charged with Forgery, Identity theft, Criminal Attempt at Larceny, Criminal Impersonation and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. East Haven man arrested at YNHH, loaded gun found, police say The passenger in the vehicle was identified as 22-year-old Kahlaya McAlphin who was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Larceny and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Police said the women were both released on $5,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear at Waterbury Superior Court on March 20 at 9 a.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 WTNH.com. WHITING, Iowa (KCAU) One woman has been charged with first-degree murder after deputies found an unresponsive man in a home in Whiting, Iowa. In a press release sent by the Monona County Sheriffs Office police said around 12 a.m. the Monona County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to 16757 County Highway K42 in Whiting, Iowa from a 911 call. 3 dead in Lawton Iowa house fire When deputies arrived they found an unresponsive man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veronica Kluge, a resident of the home, was charged with first-degree murder. A joint investigation was conducted by members of the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation and the Monona County Sheriffs Office. No other 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. A woman was doused in a flammable liquid and set on fire by an unknown assailant on a tram in the eastern German city of Gera on Sunday, a police spokeswoman said on Sunday. The 46-year-old woman was flown to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, she said. The motives behind the act remain unclear. The suspected perpetrator managed to escape. Police were deployed in large numbers. Police are investigating for attempted murder, according to the spokeswoman. The suspect has "not yet been definitively identified by name." A search for the perpetrator is under way. No other individuals were injured in the incident, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact nature of the liquid used by the man to douse the woman is still under investigation, the police said, updating earlier reports that mentioned petrol. Tram passengers pressed the emergency button after the incident, bringing the tram to a halt. "The perpetrator took this as an opportunity to flee towards Gera's Langenberg [district]," the police spokeswoman said. The tram driver reacted immediately and started to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher. The woman initially received medical treatment and was then flown to a hospital by an emergency rescue helicopter. Support has been offered to the passengers and the tram driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tram remained stationary at the scene for forensic investigation. The criminal investigation department is on-site, according to the police spokeswoman. Photos showed soot and blackened areas inside the tram. A Yarmouth man is facing a murder charge after allegedly shooting a man in a Hyannis parking lot early Sunday morning, according to Barnstable police A Barnstable police officer responded to the North Street parking lot near Washington Street around 1:00 a.m. to find a man had been shot in the head, a department spokesperson told Boston 25 News. The officer began to perform life-saving measures before Hyannis Fire and Rescue personnel arrived and rushed the 41-year-old Hyannis man to Cape Cod Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital. A witness nearby told police they saw a dark-colored pickup leaving the area after the shooting. Police stopped the truck a short distance away from the shooting and took the suspect, a 36-year-old Yarmouth resident, into custody. The suspect, whose name has not been released, was charged with murder. He is currently being held at the Barnstable Police Station. The Cape and Islands District Attorneys Office told Boston 25 the shooting was an isolated incident. He will be arranged in Barnstable District Court on Monday morning, the DAs office says. 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 This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. Pushing back against Gov. Kathy Hochuls proposal to ban cellphones from bell-to-bell in schools, New York lawmakers want to give districts more flexibility in setting their policies and guarantee that students will not face suspensions due to cellphone violations. The proposed changes came Tuesday as Senate Democrats unveiled their response to Gov. Kathy Hochuls $252 billion executive budget , which would send $37.4 billion to schools across the state a nearly $1.7 billion increase from the prior years budget. The governors budget proposal includes a $13.5 million plan to help school districts implement smartphone bans, amid growing concerns over their impact on student learning and mental health. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Under the governors proposal, students would be required to disconnect from their devices from bell to bell, including during classes, lunch, and in the hallways. School districts would have discretion over how to ensure compliance, but all would be required to identify at least one method through which students can store their devices during the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Alarming National Data: Teens Use Cellphones for Quarter of School Day However, lawmakers in the state Senate are seeking changes to the proposed legislation that would give districts leeway to allow students to use their devices during non-instruction time. Lawmakers also want districts to be required to consult local representatives and families, as well as be prohibited from suspending students over violations of the cellphone policy. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said lawmakers agreed with Hochul that getting cellphones out of the hands of our children is a benefit to everyone. Weve heard from superintendents who want a little bit of flexibility, so we have injected that into the conversation, Stewart-Cousins added during a Tuesday press conference. But there is no doubt that we know that students will be better off if their phones are not with them and theyre able to concentrate on their lessons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed changes to Hochuls cellphone policy came as part of the Senates one-house budget resolution, its rebuttal to the governors executive budget. (The state Assemblys one-house budget resolution did not address the issue). Senate lawmakers also proposed changes to the states school funding formula that would see additional dollars sent to schools across the state up $680 million from Hochuls Foundation Aid proposal. Those changes would drive additional money to city schools, with lawmakers proposing an update to how the formula accounts for regional costs in the Hudson Valley and New York City. Despite concerns from the Senate, Hochul said Tuesday she remained committed to pushing for a bell-to-bell cellphone restriction. Ive not had time to digest every part of what the one-houses show, but Im committed to fighting for bell-to-bell, she said. This is what the experts say, this is what the parents want, this is what the teachers want. I mean, our teachers are saying if a student has it banned during a class, then they have it during recess, and then they come back, the next teacher has to be the enforcer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York City, principals currently can set their own cellphone policies during school hours. Among those with restrictions in place, some schools collect devices at the start of the day, while others store them in cubbies or locking pouches. And though the citys Education Department seemed poised to implement a systemwide policy last year, it stalled after intervention by Mayor Eric Adams. When schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos testified at a budget hearing in Albany earlier this year, she urged lawmakers to allocate more funding to implement a statewide school cellphone ban, arguing $13.5 million was insufficient to cover statewide costs. Roughly 800 of our schools have already signed up to do this work, she told lawmakers in January. What we dont want to tell them is, Continue to self-fund while we pay for other schools to get on the bus. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. As an infant, Connor Phillips was born three months premature with cerebral palsy. The science that saved his life was the inspiration that led to his role studying brain processes as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health. He had hopes of continuing his work at NIH through a partnership with Brown University, where he was invited to interview for a program that would lead to a doctorate in neuroscience. But training programs at the NIH have been suspended, a casualty of funding cuts by the Trump administration. He is applying to other programs and hoping policies putting strains on science might be reversed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont take these jobs that pay worse and have insane hours and are really stressful unless you care about helping others and taking our love for science and translating that into something that can improve peoples lives, Phillips said. Reductions to federal support for research at universities and other institutions under President Donald Trump are dimming young scientists prospects, cutting off pathways to career-building projects and graduate programs. Universities are cutting back offers of admission for graduate students due to the uncertainty. Many also are freezing hiring as the Trump administration threatens to take away federal money over their handling of a wide range of issues from antisemitism complaints to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Students are pivoting from carefully laid plans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mira Polishook, a Duke University research technician, recently heard from one of the programs she applied to that "government decisions had left it unable to offer her admission. She applied to the National Science Foundations Graduate Research Fellowship which would guarantee three years of graduate school funding, but lately NSF has been silent on timing for awards. She's uncertain the agency will have funding at all. Its beyond frustrating, she said. Its made me feel like I am in limbo. Cuts to NIH funding have been delayed by a legal challenge from a group of 22 states plus organizations representing universities, hospitals and research institutions. But the uncertainty already has put some projects on hold as universities deal also with delays or cuts in grants from other agencies including USAID and NSF. Admissions in some graduate programs have have been cut in half or paused altogether, said Emilya Ventriglia, president of UAW 2750, the union representing around 5,000 early career researchers at NIH facilities in Bethesda, Maryland, and elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this rate, with the hiring freeze, there may be no Ph.D. students next year if its not lifted soon, because usually people make their decisions by April, Ventriglia said. Ventriglia's research focuses on how the brain responds to anti-depressants. But now she is unable to continue recruiting another researcher she planned to mentor this spring. She said she also is worried that new purchasing restrictions, and firings of employees who processed those purchases, mean she will be unable to acquire reagents she needs for experiments. Were expecting this to play out for generations, said Levin Kim, the president of a union that represents 8,000 academic workers at the University of Washington. The financial and emotional toll on those navigating the uncertainty is mounting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love the work that I do. Its all I want to do, said Natalie Antenucci, a first-year graduate student at the University of North Carolina. Her work at a lab researching the ways social experiences can impact health is funded by an NIH grant. Im not in a financial position where I could continue to do it if there wasnt funding available for this sort of work. Scholars see impact for the U.S. as a destination for researchers Some American students are looking to institutions overseas. Marleigh Hutchinson, who will graduate from Kansas State University in May with an undergraduate degree in environmental engineering, said getting hired in the U.S. as a graduate teaching assistant or researcher seems unlikely because of the uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive always told people I do want to work in the international development space. I want to work on food security and water security issues, she said, and if thats something that the United States is no longer going to value, then I would like to go somewhere else. Hutchinson was notified last month that funding was slashed to a USAID-funded lab where she was working. Its focus was making crops more resistant to drought in places like Africa as the world grows warmer. At the University of Nebraska, an institute that works to improve water management for agriculture offered to host a doctoral candidate in hydrology from Ghana and was talking to three other international students. But it had to rescind the offer after it lost USAID funding, said Nicole Lefore, associate director of the school's Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. She now worries about the diplomatic fallout, noting she has met with agriculture ministers in other countries who were educated at land grant universities in the U.S. through USAID programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university you go to, people have a loyalty to it. And so bringing in generations of students for education and agriculture in the U.S. helped to create those personal connections and then later scientific and diplomatic connections. Thats really important to the soft diplomacy side of what the innovation labs were doing. She said she is barraged with emails asking what this will mean. The only winner out of this is China, she said. Because the countries that are being cut off there, I think they will turn to someone. ___ The Associated Press education 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. A Yulee man is under arrest, accused of possessing child sexual abuse material. Mark William Renner, 68, was arrested on March 10 as a result of a years-long sex crimes investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In Dec. 2022, agents received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC) about files depicting the sexual abuse of children being uploaded from a peer-to-peer website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Local IT specialist accused of secretly recording female coworkers at non-profit The investigation revealed the uploads originated from Renners home on Lumber Creek Boulevard. Forensic analysis revealed more than 480 files of child sexual abuse material on Renners electronic devices. He is now awaiting trial on 26 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material. Read: Traffic alert: St. Marys Bridge to close daily for maintenance [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. The complainant has accused five individuals of duping 25 celebrities in the name of an energy drink advertisement, Mumbai Police said. The accused, identified as Tanish Chhedja, Manu Srivastava, Faisal Rafiq, Abdul, and Hrithik Panchal, allegedly lured the complainant, Roshan Bhinder, into arranging promotions for the energy drink brand. Bhinder, a 48-year-old Andheri-based event and celebrity manager, claimed that the accused contacted her in July 2024, seeking 25 celebrities for a promotional campaign. As per the complaint, the accused initially promised an advance payment of Rs 10 lakh but never transferred the amount. Later, they convinced Bhinder to bring artists to a party in Dadar which was attended by 100 actors and influencers. From this pool, 25 celebrities were shortlisted for the campaign, with an agreed payment of Rs 1.32 crore. To assure payment, the accused allegedly sent a fake cheque image of Rs 15 lakh. The campaign proceeded, and promotional content was uploaded on social media, with an agreement that payments would be settled within 35 days. However, when cheques of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 90,000 were issued to the celebrities, both bounced. The accused later claimed that Rs 22.5 lakh had been transferred from Dubai, but no money ever reached Bhinder's account. On October 18, 2024, the accused issued two more cheques of Rs 35 lakh and Rs 45 lakh, promising to clear the dues. However, when the Rs 80 lakh cheque also bounced, Bhinder, who had already made an advance payment of Rs 35 lakh to several celebrities, suffered heavy financial losses. In total, Bhinder claims that Rs 1.32 crore of celebrity payments and Rs 16.91 lakh of her personal funds were defrauded. The Mumbai Police registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and is currently investigating the accused, including one suspect from Madhya Pradesh. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of showing no interest in ending the war, pointing to the continued wave of airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. "Those who want the war to end as soon as possible do not act this way," Zelensky wrote on X, referring to Moscows claimed willingness to halt the fighting. Over the past week, "the Russians launched over 1,020 attack drones, nearly 1,360 guided aerial bombs, and more than 10 missiles of various types," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Zelensky has agreed in principle to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed conditions on the deal and has not eased his demands. The Russian Ministry of Defence has also reported that Ukraine has launched repeated drone strikes against Russia. Zelensky called on Ukraine's international allies to continue providing air-defence systems to better protect the country, while urging Europe and the US to exert unified pressure on Russia to end the war and work toward a just, lasting peace. "Decisive measures are needed, including sanctions that must be not only maintained but also continuously strengthened," he added. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for more than three years with significant Western support. Ukraine is preparing for the next Ramstein summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in his evening address on March 16. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is now in the process of organizing the next Ramstein-format meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG), Zelensky said. "We are preparing for Brussels," he said. The last Ramstein-format UDCG meeting took place in Brussels on Feb. 12 under the chairmanship of the U.K. a position previously held by the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leadership over Ramstein transitioned following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting focused on coordinating support for Ukraine, including expanding defense production, financing new enterprises, and increasing arms supplies through European defense industry capacities. While specific dates have yet to be confirmed, the next Ramstein summit will likely take place in late March or early April. Zelensky also said that Ukraine is acquiring more ammunition, including artillery shells and additional missiles for its IRIS-T, NASAMS, and SAMP/T air defense systems. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine confirms withdrawal from Sudzha in Russias Kursk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered a change in the leadership of the country's armed forces, the Ukrainian General Staff said on Sunday. It announced on Telegram that General Andriy Hnatov, previously deputy chief of the General Staff, is now its new chief. Hnatov is to renew and improve the command structure of the armed forces at all levels, it said. The former chief of the General Staff, Anatoliy Barhylevych, will become the new inspector general in the Defence Ministry, the post said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No official reasons were given for the reshuffle. However, the Ukrainian armed forces have suffered significant setbacks in the fight against Russia in recent weeks. In addition to territorial losses in the east of the country, Ukrainian troops have also recently been pushed back in the western Russian region of Kursk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein format) in Brussels. Source: President's evening address Quote: "The Minister of Defence [Rustem Umierov] also informed us about the organisation of the next Ramstein [meeting], we are preparing for Brussels. We are also working on a specific system of security guarantees for Ukraine. This week we had a meeting of military representatives in France. We are preparing a meeting in the UK. The first steps on security guarantees are being taken." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy also noted that Umierov reported on "the fulfilment of air defence tasks", including missiles for the IRIS-T, NASAMS and SAMP/T systems. "There are good results in the contracting of artillery there will be additional shells for our army," the president said. Background: The previous meeting in the Ramstein format was held on 12 February. Following the meeting, Umierov said that Ramstein would continue to be held, with the place and time, as well as the host country, to be announced later. At the previous meeting, the UK announced a 150 million (about US$186 million) military aid package for Ukraine. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that in the future, Europe should take over providing Ukraine with most of the lethal and non-lethal aid. On 6 March, Germany said that the next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defence could take place in late March or early April. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Andrii Hnatov as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, replacing Anatolii Barhylevych. Source: Defence Minister Rustem Umierov on Facebook Quote: "Today, on my recommendation, the president of Ukraine has appointed Major General Andrii Hnatov as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He has more than 27 years of military experience and has commanded a marine brigade and troops of Operational Command Skhid (East) and the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By his order, he also appointed Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych as Inspector General of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. His task is to monitor compliance with military standards and strengthen military discipline." Details: Umierov thanked Barhylevych for his service as Chief of the General Staff and stressed that he "remains in the team". "Today, his expertise is needed to reform the Main Inspectorate and introduce modern oversight mechanisms in the defence forces, which will improve the discipline, efficiency and combat capability of our troops," the minister said. The decrees dismissing Barhylevych from his post and appointing Hnatov to this position have been published on the presidents website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that Hnatov has been tasked with "increasing the efficiency of the management vertical of the Armed Forces, in particular in the process of reorganising and implementing the corps structure, efficiency in making and implementing decisions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff, and implementing combat experience in planning and commanding troops". Background: On 26 February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Andrii Hnatov from the post of Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On 27 February, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov, by agreement with the president, appointed Hnatov as deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday appointed Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of the general staff of Ukraines armed forces, as the country looks to restructure and strengthen its military while its engaged in combat in Russias Kursk region and facing increasing pressure in Donetsk. Hnatov replaced Anatoliy Barhylevych, who held the position since February 2024. The appointment was announced by the general staff via its Telegram channel Sunday. We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barhylevych will now serve as the general inspector of Ukraines Defense Ministry. Umerov emphasized that Barhylevych would remain part of the team, overseeing military standards and strengthening discipline in the army. Oleksandr Syrskyi remains in place as commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces. Zelenskyy has made frequent personnel changes within the Ukrainian government and military since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. This change in personnel comes as fighting continues in Russias Kursk region, where Ukraines General Staff said that Ukrainian troops had been involved in eight combat clashes on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of land, but Ukraines forces are now in retreat meaning Ukraine has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia. On Friday, Russia claimed control of Sudzha, the largest town that Ukraine had occupied in the Kursk region. Ukraine is also battling under growing pressure in its eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have been advancing for months. South Africas Zulu king has scandalised his more conservative subjects and set off a months-long royal soap opera, after taking the unprecedented step to openly divorce his first wife. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini earlier this year overturned generations of Zulu royal tradition and family discretion to publicly file for a split from the mother of his children. While Zulu kings have traditionally practised polygamy, with no limit to the number of wives they might have, divorce did not take place and if it did, it was kept out of the public eye making the kings recent announcement such a bombshell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the months following his decision, the kings difficulties juggling different wives and fiancees have been thrust into the spotlight of social media, both fascinating and dismaying his subjects. Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela has not taken her dismissal lightly, going to court to stop her husband holding another wedding in late January. Looking for clues Royal watchers have since eagerly tried to decode the significance of royal appearances and utterances, looking for clues as to which of the kings partners might be in his favour. Cultural experts say the furore has highlighted the evolving position of indigenous marriage laws and the growing tensions between customary and civil unions as times change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the king has no legislative power, he acts as the custodian of traditions and customs for 12 million Zulus, with many looking up to him as a moral authority. The royal household also receives a hefty annual subsidy of more than 3 million from the provincial government for upkeep and cultural activities. Community left stunned Anthony Diala, a scholar of African customary law, said that the 50-year-old king, having grown up in neighbouring Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and studied in America, was seen as a monarch for a new generation. He said: As a significant cultural authority, it is understandable why his family are in the headlines about a divorce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Professor Gugu Mazibuko, a cultural expert at the University of Johannesburg, the announcement left the community stunned. She said: When the news came, it came as a shock. There was outcry, because according to Zulu practices in the olden times, you were not supposed to divorce your wife. If the wife misbehaved, or did something unacceptable, you were supposed to build a hut at the edge of the homestead. The reason was not to isolate them but to ensure she was always taken care of. Divorce may have become increasingly common among ordinary Zulus, but the kings role as a cultural leader left many shocked. Irretrievable breakdown in the marriage The king met Queen Ntokozo in 2009 at his sister Princess Bukhosibemvelos wedding. They had been together since then and had two children, but only officially married in 2021 as he prepared to ascend the throne. They chose a modern marriage over a traditional wedding, and she sat beside him at his state coronation in October 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, papers filed for the king at the start of the year cited an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage, claiming the pair had not lived together as man and wife for more than a year. The divorce papers were quickly followed by palace invitations for the kings traditional wedding to a new bride, Nomzamo Myeni. Nomzamo Myeni is expected to marry the Zulu king in a traditional ceremony to become his third wife - Darren Stewart/Getty Queen Ntokozo went to court to stop the wedding, which was postponed as a result. She argued that the king would be committing bigamy since they remained married under civil law. While the judge threw out her case, the marriage to Ms Myeni remains on hold and the king has reportedly sent her family a cow as a gesture of appeasement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the king also married Nozizwe kaMulela, a prominent banker in Eswatini, though they are seldom seen together, fuelling speculation about whether the marriage was completed and whether they are still in a relationship. Nozizwe kaMulela, a prominent banker in Eswatini, married the king in 2022 and became his second wife The kings marriages are not the only difficulties he has faced during his short reign. Another faction of the family has challenged his right to the throne in a bruising succession battle, and he has clashed with the government over his stewardship of a financially lucrative land trust. In the latest twist to his tangled marital life, the king formally acknowledged Queen Ntokozo last weekend when she attended a traditional festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His actions were seen by many as potentially showing she was back in favour. Prof Mazibuko said: She attended and he introduced her as his wife. Social media was buzzing. She added: We expected that the journey [of the kings reign] would not be smooth in the beginning, maybe now it will become much better. The king will always have enemies anyway. 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. CNET recommends AT&T Fiber as the best internet provider in Louisville, Kentucky. It's not hard to see why. The ISP offers the fastest average speeds in the Louisville area but it can go as high as 5 Gig for $245. With its speedy plans, you'll have little trouble doing most things, whether streaming your favorite show on Netflix or working remotely. However, other solid providers exist for those who can't get AT&T Fiber at their home address or area. According to Ookla, Louisville is 19th among the top 20 US cities regarding median internet download speeds, at just 258Mbps. That's much faster internet than some of the bigger cities such as Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and New York. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Louisville has several internet service providers throughout the area, including big names like AT&T, Spectrum (aka Charter Communications) and T-Mobile. Options include fiber, 5G, cable connections and even unlimited data plans. Best internet providers in Louisville We're calling the race for AT&T Fiber as the best ISP in Louisville. Even if it's not available at your address, CNET can help you choose the right internet provider for your needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Note: The prices, speeds and features detailed in the article text may differ from those listed in the product detail cards, which represent providers national offerings. Your particular internet service options -- including prices and speeds -- depend on your address and may differ from those detailed here. All available Louisville residential internet providers The providers listed above aren't necessarily the only ones you'll come across in Louisville, just the ones we'd recommend most. Here's a quick look at all Louisville ISPs that may be worth your consideration. What other internet options are there in Louisville? Louisville has several other ISPs available. If you're shopping for a particular price or you just want to weigh all of your options, consider the following providers who didn't make our best list. Earthlink : This provider has DSL, fiber and 5G internet plans available across Louisville. Plans start at $60 per month and speeds vary by available connection type. Kinetic by Windstream: Windstream high-speed internet is not widely available in Louisville but if you can get it at your address you may enjoy download speeds up to 1Gbps. bookwyrmm/Getty Images Pricing info on Louisville home internet service Most providers in Louisville start their internet plans at about $50 per month. Some providers will offer a lower introductory rate, so be sure to check out the long-term pricing when you're shopping for plans. Fortunately, few require an equipment fee. Louisville cheap internet pricing If you already have service with a specific phone company or television provider, you can often take advantage of cheaper internet rates in Louisville. For instance, Verizon 5G Home Internet offers the best bang for your buck at just $35 per month for up to 300Mbps, but you need to have an eligible Verizon mobile plan to take advantage of the deal. Similarly, the best Spectrum and Viasat plans come by way of bundled services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For customers who only want internet coverage and need a lot of speed to work at home and stream video, AT&T Fiber is the best option. The speeds are far superior to other options with a price tag that is competitive to other providers. For basic internet service, satellite service offers rural customers an affordable option. Fastest internet providers in Louisville Thanks to AT&T's multigigabit plans, Louisville has access to some of the fastest residential internet speeds you'll find anywhere, up to 5,000Mbps. AT&T won't be your only option for high-speed internet in the area, as Spectrum and Verizon 5G offer speeds up to 1,000Mbps as well. What's the final word on internet providers in Louisville? Louisville offers some of the fastest average internet speeds in the country, much of that because of AT&T Fiber, although Spectrum is more than capable of delivering fast speeds in the area as well. Other options, particularly 5G home internet from T-Mobile or Verizon, are a little less enticing for speed potential but the low cost and high availability make the two worth a look. How CNET chose the best internet providers in Louisville Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, its impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. Whats our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We then go to the FCCs website to check our data and ensure were considering every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to yes on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from Ookla and FCC reports. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. Louisville internet FAQs Which is the best internet service provider in Louisville? AT&T Fiber offers the fastest internet service for your money, although Spectrum boasts greater availability throughout the Louisville area and offers competitive pricing. Either is a decent option for internet service, but AT&T Fiber's likely to be the better value due to faster download and upload speed potential, lower equipment fees and more stable pricing. Is fiber internet available in Louisville? Yes. AT&T offers fiber internet service in Louisville. The provider offers speeds up to 5,000Mbps. Can I get free Wi-Fi in Louisville? There are locations in Louisville with free Wi-Fi, including the public libraries. AT&T also offers an internet plan for qualifying Louisville residents in low-income households that costs $30 per month. AT&T and Spectrum are CNET's top picks of the best internet providers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AT&T Fiber is our pick because it offers faster speeds and a fiber connection with plans ranging from $55 a month to $245. It offers all of this at a price that's comparable to Spectrum -- our second choice for Milwaukee residents. If you're a heavy internet user, whether it's for working from home, just browsing or to keep your kids entertained -- Milwaukee has several solid options. The latest Ookla data says that the city has a median download speed of 351Mbps, which is a great number. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) You'll need your ISP to provide fast and reliable speeds at an affordable price, and also offer good customer support. You also want the provider to service your area, so coverage also factors into the decision. Although AT&T and Spectrum are the best options for many residents, other ISPs like T-Mobile, Verizon and EarthLink might serve you better depending on your address. The rates for these start at $50 per month. Our methodology CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Milwaukee across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details. Advertisement Advertisement Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in Milwaukee. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. Best internet providers in Milwaukee Spectrum Charter Communications' internet service has an impressive near-100% availability in Milwaukee at 93%, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Availability: One of Spectrum's features is its near-total availability in Milwaukee. It's easy to sign up for the internet service, transfer it if you move, and know you can get coverage anywhere in the city. Plans and pricing: Spectrum internet speeds range from 500 to 1,000Mbps throughout most of Milwaukee. Monthly rates start at $50 to $70 for the first year or two, then increase by around $30 per month. An entry level 100Mbps plan is also available priced at just $30 a month for the first year. Fees and service details: Spectrum plans have no data caps, contract requirements and a free modem. However, you'll pay $10 a month for a router rental (or you can provide your own) on lower plans. Spectrum AT&T Fiber AT&T Fiber offers the best plan variety and value of any major Milwaukee area internet service provider. AT&T Fiber offers upload and download speeds faster than the other service providers in Milwaukee, up to 5,000Mbps. Advertisement Advertisement Availability: AT&T offers internet service in most areas of Milwaukee. However, you'll need to make sure you can access AT&T Fiber. More than half of Milwaukee consumers can access AT&T Internet, the company's DSL option and less desirable service. Plans and pricing: You'll have up to five plans to choose from with AT&T Fiber. Pricing for these plans ranges from $55 for the entry-level 300Mbps plan to $245 per month for speeds up to 5Gbps. In between, you'll find a 500Mbps plan for $65 a month, and 1000Mbps plan for $80 that offers good value for most users. There's also a 2000Mbps plan for $145 a month which might be a good fit for larger households. Fees and service details: AT&T Fiber plans do not have equipment fees or an annual contract. AT&T Fiber features unlimited data and no set price increase after 12 months. AT&T Verizon 5G Home Internet If AT&T Fiber isn't available and you're not sold on Spectrum, consider Verizon 5G Home Internet as the best alternative. Speeds vary by location, but if they meet your household demands, the price and service terms are tough to beat. Advertisement Advertisement Availability: Verizon has great 5G availability in Milwaukee. Just because you can get Verizon 5G cell service doesn't mean you'll be eligible for its 5G home internet. Plug in your address on Verizon's check availability site to determine serviceability. Plans and pricing: Verizon 5G Home Internet offers two plans: Verizon 5G Home and Verizon 5G Home Plus. Home starts at $60 monthly for an expected speed range of 50 to 300Mbps while Home Plus offers 85 to 1,000Mbps starting at $80 a month. You can bring that down to $35 and $55 monthly by bundling it with a cellular plan. Fees and service details: Verizon 5G Home Internet aims for simplicity. All equipment, taxes and fees are included in the monthly price. Plus, customers do not have to sign an annual contract. You receive unlimited data and get a price guarantee of two or three years, depending on your chosen plan. Verizon Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Other Milwaukee residential internet providers Internet service providers in Milwaukee range from large telecom companies to satellite providers. When deciding which internet service provider to choose, knowing your options and how to get the fastest and most reliable service for your home is important. Advertisement Advertisement EarthLink is available in 45% of Milwaukee, has speeds up to 5,000Mbps, and has DSL, fiber and satellite connections. T-Mobile Home Internet also offers 5G wireless internet in Milwaukee. It has three plans between $50 and $70 a month and speeds ranging from 87Mbps to 415Mbps. Satellite internet is available virtually everywhere, including Milwaukee, thanks to providers like Hughesnet, Starlink and Viasat. Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Source: CNET analysis of provider data. How to find internet deals and promotions in Milwaukee The best internet deals and top promotions in Milwaukee depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. Milwaukee internet providers, such as Spectrum may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including AT&T Fiber and Verizon 5G Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Fastest internet providers in Milwaukee Speed test results for the Brew City put the median fixed download speed at 278Mbps. Remember that several factors go into speed test results, such as the time of day it's run and whether you run it from an Ethernet connection or using your Wi-Fi. Advertisement Advertisement Several internet service providers in Milwaukee offer fast speeds throughout the city. Spectrum offers speeds up to 1Gbps, with AT&T's Fiber offerings featuring up to 5Gbps in some areas. These speeds allow you to work remotely, game online and have multiple people on the network streaming. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. What's the final word on internet providers in Milwaukee? Many fast, affordable and available options exist throughout the city of Milwaukee. Most importantly, you can find home internet plans without contracts or data caps, like AT&T, Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet. How CNET chose the best internet providers in Milwaukee Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, its impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. Whats our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from FCC.gov. Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt end there. We use the FCCs website to check our data and ensure were considering every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, but the providers who come closest to yes on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. To explore our process in more depth, visit our page on how we test ISPs. Milwaukee internet provider FAQs Which is the best internet service provider in Milwaukee? Overall, AT&T Fiber offers the best home internet service in Milwaukee. Where available, the company's plans offer speeds from 300Mbps to 5Gbps. The service also boasts no annual contracts and no additional equipment rental charges. Is fiber internet available in Milwaukee? Yes. Fiber internet is available in the area with AT&T. Plan options range from $55 to $245 a month, and the speeds run up to 5Gbps. Who offers the cheapest internet plan in Milwaukee? Spectrum has the cheapest internet in Milwaukee at a starting price of $30 for 100Mbps. Which internet provider in Milwaukee offers the fastest plan? AT&T Fiber offers the fastest internet speeds in Milwaukee. You can purchase a plan of 5Gbps for $245 a month. Can I get free Wi-Fi in Milwaukee? Milwaukee offers free Wi-Fi in its parks using the "City of Milwaukee Wi-Fi" network. There is no free Wi-Fi in your home. You'll need to purchase an internet plan with one of the providers mentioned in this guide. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. ChatGPT maker OpenAI has hit out at Chinese AI lab DeepSeek, alleging it could be compelled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to manipulate its models to cause harm." In a letter to the US Office of Science and Technology Policy, OpenAI calls for a ban on China-produced equipment and AI models "that violate user privacy and create security risks such as the risk of intellectual property (IP) theft" in "Tier 1" countries like the UK, Canada, and Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firm alleges that there is significant risk in building on top of DeepSeek models in critical infrastructure and other high-risk use cases due to the potential for Chinese government interference. OpenAI compares the risk to that posed by Chinese telecom and consumer tech giant Huawei, which is heavily sanctioned in the US and much of Western Europe. In trying to ban TikTok, the US government also argued that parent company ByteDance could be compelled to hand over control to the CCP. DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng reportedly met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during an AI summit. But, to be fair, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also appeared at the White House alongside President Trump to champion his company's participation in Project Stargate. Banning DeepSeek and other Chinese AIs would likely benefit OpenAI's business, so the letter may be a tad self-serving. OpenAI voicing concern about the "risk of intellectual property (IP) theft" is also a little rich given that it's currently embroiled in several lawsuits that accuse it of scraping copyrighted content without permission to train its own models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeepSeek hit the headlines at the start of this year, drawing attention for its impressive performance and low cost, with some commentators dubbing it a Sputnik moment in the technology race between China and the US. It quickly became one of the most downloaded AI apps in the US. OpenAI's letter was in response to the AI Action Plan, a US government initiative aimed at maintaining American dominance in AI, which called for proposals from AI firms like OpenAI. OpenAI also petitioned for several other measures it claims will speed up American AI dominance. These include making it easier for government agencies to use the services of "frontier AI" companies and applying "fair use doctrine" to AI training data. "While America maintains a lead on AI today, DeepSeek shows that our lead is not wide and is narrowing," says Chris Lehane, OpenAI's VP of global affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of OpenAI's requests, many parts of the US government are already pushing for a hardline approach on DeepSeek. The House introduced a bill last month that would ban DeepSeek on government devices, with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) calling the AI model "a five-alarm national security fire." Meanwhile, DeepSeek has already been banned on government devices in Texas and New York. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that the current administration is mulling an outright ban on DeepSeek in the US, though discussions are reportedly "still at an early stage" and a crackdown may only cover government devices. Other countries have already blocked DeepSeek on government devices, including South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar, drew a comparison between the progress of India and Pakistan, and said that while the former emerged as a global power by choosing the path of peace and development, the latter embraced division and terrorism. "Everything that is born will eventually perish. The same will happen with Pakistan. But India is eternal, unborn, and immortal. By choosing the path of peace and development, India has emerged as a global power, whereas Pakistan embraced division and terrorism, leading to its current struggles with separatism and internal rebellion," Indresh Kumar said at an Iftar gathering in New Delhi on Saturday. He further said that due to its "brutality and internal instability", even Pakistan's identity politics is now at risk. "Even Muslims in Pakistan do not feel safe in the country that was created in the name of their identity. Ordinary Pakistanis fear that China will take over their land, and this fear is deeply troubling them. While all religions and communities in India promote brotherhood and peace, Pakistan is nearing its natural demise and is on the verge of breaking into four parts," he added. Reacting on the recent hijack of the Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Indresh Kumar said that Pakistan's military and government policies have completely disillusioned its citizens, with terrorism and military dictatorship making life unbearable for the common man. "In India, people of all religions come together to celebrate each other's festivals with love and harmony. Meanwhile, Pakistan is engulfed in hatred, terrorism, and radicalism. This proves that India's path is the right one, while Pakistan is paying the price for its mistakes," he said. The Iftar gathering was attended by Iqbal Singh Lalpura (Chairman, National Commission for Minorities), Dr. Shahid Akhtar (Acting Chairman, NCMEI), Senior Journalist Shahid Sayeed, Jhandewalan Temple Trustee Ravindra Goyal, and Amin Syed Afsar Ali Nizami (from Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah), among other religious and social leaders. Before the Iftar, Imam Umair Ilyasi led a special prayer for peace and harmony, which filled the atmosphere with positive energy. Iqbal Singh Lalpura remarked, "India's strength lies in its diversity. We celebrate all festivals together--be it Ramzan, Holi, Eid, or Easter." Acting Chairman, NCMEI, Shahid Akhtar stated, "True progress and harmony come only through education and awareness. When we embrace each other through knowledge and understanding, real development becomes possible." (ANI) Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. Mumbai: Vicky Kaushal has created a new benchmark of success with his latest release, "Chhaava". He brought Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life on screen with his impeccable performance. Vicky took to his Instagram handle and dropped a couple of stills from his look tests for "Chhaava". The first picture of the post showed Vicky giving a side profile dressed as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Up next was a picture of him drenched in blood, wearing nothing but a dhoti. This was followed by an image of Vicky's blooded face, which is sure to give you chills. The last pic featured him standing tall as the Maratha ruler. "Some stills from the look tests of #Chhaava! These look tests were the first step in bringing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life. Every scar, every detail crafted with deep respect for his legacy. Honored to walk this path. Har Har Mahadev!", Vicky wrote in the caption. Vicky has received a lot of praise for his performance in "Chhaava". Acknowledging the nationwide buzz surrounding the film, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked, In dino to Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai (Chhaava is making waves throughout the country these days)" Addressing the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, PM stated, It is Maharashtra and Mumbai which has given a new height to Marathi as well as Hindi cinema. These days, Chhaava is making waves throughout the country (In dino to Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai). The introduction of Sambhaji Maharajs valour in this form has been made by Shivaji Sawants Marathi novel" Additionally, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the makers for sharing the true tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj through "Chhaava". He said, "Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj knew 11 different languages. He was a poet, and a writer as well. From the 'Chhaava' movie, many people in India have come to know more about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and I thank the 'Chhaava' crew members and the whole team. They perfectly portrayed the history in the film. I thank producers, directors, distributors, actors, and actresses. This team brought Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj into our lives. Thanks to Aditi Tatkare for the wonderful arrangements." New Delhi: The rise of quick commerce has caused a significant decline in the sale of food, beverages and confectionery in urban centers, as 52 per cent of physical store retailers reported experiencing the drop, according to a report by global consulting firm PwC. The report says that beyond food, personal care (47 per cent) and household cleaning (33 per cent) are also experiencing significant sales reductions. This suggests that quick-delivery models are more disruptive for consumables that consumers frequently purchase in-store. Quick commerce, also known as q-commerce or on-demand delivery, is a type of e-commerce that can deliver orders in 10 to 30 minutes or less. However, the report added that despite the downturn in essential categories, niche markets such as childcare, beauty, and wellness appear to be less affected. This could point to the fact that these categories often involve more considered purchasing decisions, where customers may prefer to shop in-store or may have less immediate need for quick delivery services. On the flip side, q-commerce's expansion into tier 2 and tier 3 regions, as per our research, reveals a contrasting narrative as non-metro cities' retailers remain largely unpressured by Q-commerce's entry. On the other hand, q-commerce's growth in tier 2 and tier 3 cities tells a different story. Retailers in the non-metro areas are largely unaffected by q-commerce.The challenges in these regions include high delivery costs due to longer distances and inefficient inventory management caused by scattered demand, the report added. The report adds that despite the aggressive expansion of quick commerce businesses in India, brick-and-mortar retail remains a robust channel in the tier 2 and tier 3 cities. While several striking findings emerged in the survey, one that caught PwC's attention was the continued success of brick-and-mortar retail in tier 2 and 3 cities. The retail market in India is expected to grow to USD 1,892 billion by 2029-30, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3 per cent, with e-commerce, the fastest growing channel, notching a CAGR of 22.5 per cent and touching USD 220 billion by 2029-30, as per the report. The PwC report found that nearly 50 percent of Indian consumers prefer a hybrid model, including both online and offline options, when making purchases. At least 31 people were killed as US President Donald Trump initiated extensive military strikes against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Saturday, accusing them of piracy, violence, and terrorism targeting Americans, Indian Today reported. This comes almost two weeks after the US reclassified the Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist organization. "Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones," Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform. Trump stated that the US would employ "overwhelming lethal force" against the Houthis, accusing them of 'choking' transportation through the Suez Canal, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden, disrupting trade and commerce and "attacking" the principle of Freedom of Navigation. "The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective. The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt, and attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends," Trump said. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday lashed out at the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government in Assam over the arrest of a party spokesperson in Guwahati and asserted that CM Sarma should remember that his days on the Chief Minister's chair are "limited". He also alleged that Himanta is 'scared' of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. Drawing a comparison, Khera said that even "10,000 Himanta can't scare one Gaurav Gogoi". Speaking over the arrest of a Congress spokesperson in Assam, Pawan Khera said, "This reminds us of the way various Congress leaders have suffered at the hands of Assam police, myself included. The CM should not forget that his days are numbered as the Chief Minister and one day, he will also sit in the opposition." "How will he protect his own rights if he violates ours? It shows how scared Himanta Sarma is of Gaurav Gogoi. He is trying to scare Gaurav Gogoi. Gogoi is a blue-blooded Congressman, he can never get scared of him. Ten thousand Himanta Biswa Sarma cannot scare one Gaurav Gogoi," said Khera. Earlier, the arrest of Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh by Lakhimpur police in Guwahati triggered a heated exchange between Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on X. While Jairam Ramesh condemned the arrest as an "abuse of police powers," CM Sarma defended the arrest, saying that it was related to a caste-based insult directed at a Dalit woman. Jairam Ramesh raised the issue on X, linking a media report about Singh's arrest and tagging Sarma."The arrest of my young colleague Reetam Singh (@SinghReetam) for a perfectly reasonable social media post is worse than atrocious Mr Chief Minister @himantabiswa," Ramesh wrote. The Assam CM hit back, questioning Congress's stance and accusing Ramesh of justifying offensive remarks against a Dalit woman's husband. He also warned of an impending "big revelation" linking a senior Congress leader, Gaurav Gogoi, to ISI and Pakistan. "Sir, this case pertains to a caste-based insult directed at a Dalit woman. If you justify calling the husband of a Dalit woman a rapist as a 'perfectly reasonable' social media post, it speaks volumes about the direction in which you people have taken the Congress party. But, just wait--the big revelation is yet to come- The nexus of your senior leader with ISI and Pakistan will be exposed by September," Sarma replied. Jairam Ramesh responded sharply, calling Sarma an "outgoing CM" and accusing him of using the police for political vendetta. "Mr Outgoing CM, stop diverting from the real issue - which is the abuse and misuse of police powers by you personally to favour your associates and fix your opponents," he wrote. Reetam Singh was reportedly arrested on Saturday by Lakhimpur police from his residence in Guwahati on the basis of a complaint about a social media post. On the delimitation issue, Pawan Khera said, "Our stand is clear, states that have done well in social indicators and controlling their population should not be punished for doing so (by reducing seats in Lok Sabha)." Congress leader Pawan Khera defended the Telangana government's reported inclusion of foreign experts in its caste survey panel, arguing that geographical boundaries should not limit the exchange of expertise. "We live in a global environment. I don't think geographical boundaries matter when borrowing expertise from other countries," Khera said. He further challenged the BJP-led central government to declare that it had never sought the services of foreign experts during its three terms in power. "I challenge the BJP government to claim that they have not taken services of any foreign national during NDA 1, NDA 2, or NDA 3. They should also give us a commitment that they will never do so," he added. The BJP has slammed the Telangana government for reportedly involving international experts in its caste survey panel, questioning the need for foreign involvement in a matter of domestic policy. Following the arrival of New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon to New Delhi for his first official visit to India, the two countries on Sunday announced the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Luxon received a warm welcome as he arrived in Delhi. According to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the significant step was marked by a meeting between Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, laying the foundation for a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries. Wonderful to meet my friend, Mr. Todd McClay, New Zealands Trade Minister. We are delighted to announce the launch of India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. This marks a significant milestone in our partnership, reflecting our shared vision to deepen trade pic.twitter.com/d4WkV7fVWg Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 16, 2025 Both the countries "share a longstanding partnership founded on shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and economic complementarities", the ministry stated. The two nations have continuously worked towards building their bilateral relationship encompassing trade and investment. The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity. On the occasion of the proposed meeting between the Honble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, and in the spirit of deepening our economic co-operation, the two nations are pleased to announce the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. This significant step was marked by a meeting between Hon'ble Shri Piyush Goyal, India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, and Hon'ble Mr. Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, on March 16th, 2025, laying the foundation of a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries, the statement released by the Ministry of Commerce said. The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity, it further stated. Luxon, who will be in India until March 20, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. During his visit, Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, focusing on various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. Following their discussions, PM Modi will host a lunch in his honour. Luxon will also call on President Droupadi Murmu on the same day. Additionally, as the chief guest, Luxon is set to attend the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17, where he will deliver the keynote address. On March 19-20, he will visit Mumbai to engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors. He is scheduled to depart for Wellington from Mumbai on March 20. A police team investigating a local dispute in Kasri village under Antichak police station in Bihar's Bhagalpur district was attacked by villagers, resulting in injuries to five personnel, including a sub-inspector, said an official on Sunday. Police said that in the attack on Saturday night a sub-inspector, three police jawans, and a watchman sustained injuries. Following the incident, late-night raids were conducted in the village, leading to the arrest of five accused. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) has taken cognisance of the incident and formed a special team to investigate the matter. Speaking to ANI, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kalyan Anand said, "Some villagers pelted stones at a police vehicle in Kasri village under Antichak police station. The police went there to solve a dispute when they were attacked. Five police personnel, including a sub-inspector, three police jawans, and a watchman, have been injured." "The SSP has formed a team. Five people have been arrested in a raid last night. An FIR has been registered against 24 people and 10-15 unidentified people," said the DSP. Recently, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Santosh Kumar Singh in the Munger district was attacked on Holi. Seven people were identified as accused in the murder of ASI Santosh Kumar Singh, with five already in police custody. Speaking on the incident, DIG Kumar stated that ASI Singh had gone to pacify a dispute between two parties when he was attacked. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment in Patna. Guddu Yadav, one of the accused in the murder of ASI Santosh Kumar Singh, was shot in the leg by police after he snatched a constable's weapon during an operation. In another similar incident earlier on March 13, ASI Rajiv Ranjan posted at Fulkaha police station of Araria died after a clash broke out between the police team and villagers who went to arrest a criminal at a wedding ceremony in Laxmipur village. As per the information from the Police, ASI Rajiv Ranjan, along with his team, went to Laxmipur village to arrest Anmol Yadav. The police went there and arrested him, but the local villagers entered into an altercation with the police, and they managed to release Anmol Yadav. During the altercation, ASI Vijay Kumar fell down and got severely injured. Later, when he was brought to the hospital, he was declared dead by the doctors. Six people were arrested in connection with the murder of the ASI. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday claimed that the crimes are increasing in Bihar and most number of police personnel have been murdered under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He accused CM Nitish Kumar of being "unconscious" and alleged that those in power are protecting criminals, leading to a breakdown in law and order. "Crimes are increasing, the government has fallen asleep, and the CM is unconscious. Even the police are not safe under the rule of CM Nitish Kumar. Criminals are uncontrolled as people in power are protecting them. Many such incidents took place during Holi. The CM says what the officers around him give to him in writing. The people in power are changing rules to favour criminals. It's on record that under CM Nitish Kumar, the most number of police personnel have been murdered. Now, the law & order of Bihar is out of the CM's hands," the former Bihar Deputy CM said. (ANI) The Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, in an address at the Convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur on Saturday, strongly opposed caste-based politics. He said, Jo karega jaat ki baat, usko kas ke marunga laat (Whoever talks about caste, I will kick them hard). Talking about APJ Abdul Kalam and stressing the need for equality, Gadkari said, A person is not known by their caste, sect, religion, language, or sex, but only by their qualities. That is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on caste, sect, religion, language, or sex. The Minister reiterated that he would not engage in the practice of caste-based discrimination, even if it might cost him votes. He said, I am in politics, and here all of this goes on, but I refuse this even though it may or may not get me votes. Gadkari further recalled how many people approached him based on their caste identities, but he remained steadfast in his principles. He reiterated that he would not entertain caste-based discussions and shared an anecdote with the audience, saying, I told 50,000 people, 'Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat. My friends told me that I may have caused self-harm by saying this. But I am not concerned about it. Gadkari said, Agar chunav jitta nahi hai toh admi marta thodi hai... par mai apne usulo ke sath inpe kayam rahunga (one does not lose his life if he loses elections. I will stick to my principles). The former BJP President and the three-time MP from Nagpur, Gadkari, also talked about his academic accolades in the address. (with ANI inputs) Kerala Lottery Results Sunday 16-03-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "AKSHAYA AK-693" Lucky Draw Result today Akshaya AK-693, March 16, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Akshaya AK-693" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Akshaya AK-693 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-693 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 16-03-2025 March: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-693 Draw LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: AF 498089 LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: AF 197487 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: AA 403694 AB 887738 AC 694043 AD 434043 AE 964944 AF 794926 AG 753763 AH 925281 AJ 133165 AK 845820 AL 396185 AM 779988 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: AA 498089 AB 498089 AC 498089 AD 498089 AE 498089 AG 498089 AH 498089 AJ 498089 AK 498089 AL 498089 AM 498089 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0678 0769 1372 2280 3007 3360 3938 3958 4274 4755 5007 5381 5891 6979 8119 8920 9511 9993 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 1265 1949 4758 4853 7640 8320 9889 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0400 1072 1081 1248 1385 1632 1873 2331 2975 3216 3430 3498 3662 4910 4950 5040 5242 6234 6502 6943 7038 8257 8752 9256 9347 9575 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0306 0354 0586 0703 1024 1028 1427 1453 1625 1879 2134 2187 2268 2407 2703 2799 2820 2963 3018 3228 3495 3501 3573 3595 3671 4060 4132 4230 4254 4256 4659 4706 4712 4745 4923 4969 5121 5136 5154 5275 5400 5528 5603 5887 6203 6210 6218 6339 6400 6428 6760 6868 6890 6963 7215 7218 7322 7440 7511 7636 7681 7700 8057 8279 8306 8481 8511 8603 8748 8873 9059 9299 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 3623 8558 6362 3171 5585 8665 1692 8192 5630 2012 1264 8465 1286 4310 9332 5751 7369 2526 5431 0169 6499 7074 3423 5036 0824 0107 6017 0807 9749 8913 8156 2640 1564 4239 7663 5705 3864 1623 2504 0331 6960 2364 2266 0866 7676 0876 5755 1462 8291 2290 7166 5605 7898 1431 9475 2624 4777 2022 4284 9322 9129 4107 9666 4114 7992 2546 8756 5656 4878 2282 2710 1906 0721 7588 1219 5645 1678 8347 6035 8480 4827 7662 6952 2121 1434 8189 1608 7393 8293 2368 8992 8030 3042 5878 1341 1699 3786 1800 7831 4920 7812 5899 5839 0163 3440 7857 5367 4465 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 16-03-2025 March TODAY: AKSHAYA AK-693 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) PM Modi Podcast: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday opened up on his bond with United States President Donald Trump and hailed him for his courage in making decisions for his country. He also spoke on Trumps return as US President and said that he is more prepared this time. In a podcast with Lex Fridman, PM Modi said that he shares a bond of mutual trust with US President Donald Trump and they connect well because they believe in putting their respective national interests above everything else. While lauding the US President for his courage, the Prime Minister said that the same was on display when he was shot at by a gunman on the election campaign trail last year. PM Modi also said that President Trump appeared far more prepared than before in his second term. "He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals," Modi said on Trump's second term as President. He also threw light on his recent visit to Washington saying that he had the chance to meet members of Trump's team during his recent visit to the US. "I truly believe he has put together a strong, capable group. And with such a strong team, I feel they are fully capable of implementing President Trump's vision," Modi said. PM Modi Recalls Howdy Modi Event During the podcast, the Prime Minister recalled the 'Howdy Modi' community event at the packed NRG Stadium in Houston in September 2019 and how Trump listened to his speech by sitting among the audience. "Now, that's his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage, that was a remarkable gesture on his part," Modi said. PM Modi also recalled how the US security detail went into a tizzy when he casually asked Trump to take a round of the packed stadium to greet the audience and he had agreed without hesitation. "His entire security detail was thrown off guard, but for me that moment was truly touching. It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but also he trusted me and my lead in that moment enough to have walked with me into the crowd," he said. "It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day. And the way I saw President Trump that day walking into a crowd of thousands without even asking security, it was truly amazing," the prime minister said. Modi said he saw the same resilient and determined Trump when he was shot at during the US election campaign. "Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life was for his nation. This showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in nation first ' India first," the prime minister said. "I stand for India first and that's why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate," Modi said. The Primesaid politicians across the world get so much media coverage that people mostly perceive them through its lens. "People rarely get the chance to truly meet or personally know one another and perhaps third-party intervention is the real cause of tensions," Modi said. A group of tribals allegedly kidnapped and killed a man, then attacked a police team that attempted to rescue him, resulting in the death of a cop in Madhya Pradeshs Mauganj district on Saturday, an official said. The incident took place in Gadra village, about 25 km from the district headquarters and police have taken five persons into custody in connection with the violence, he said. Two persons including an ASI (assistant sub-inspector) have been killed and other policemen have sustained minor injuries, Rewa Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Saket Pandey told PTI. Police had to fire in the air after being surrounded by the mob to move to safety, sources said. Asked about the police firing, Pandey said that he was on his way to the spot. Let me reach there and check it out, he said. Local sources said a group of Kol tribe members kidnapped a man named Sunny Dwivedi on Saturday suspecting that he had killed a tribal, Ashok Kumar, some months ago. As per police records, Kumar was killed in a road accident. After being alerted about Dwivedis abduction, a team headed by Shahpur police station house officer Sandeep Bhartiya rushed to Gadra village to rescue him. But by that time, Dwivedi had allegedly died after being beaten in a room, police said. When the policemen opened the room, a group of tribals attacked them with sticks and stones, injuring some of them. The injured policemen and officers were rushed to hospitals, but ASI Charan Gautam of the Special Armed Force succumbed to his injuries during treatment, an official said. A heavy police force has been deployed to bring the situation under control, he said. Meanwhile, Mauganj Collector Ajay Shrivastava and Superintendent of Police Rachna Thakur in a video message said that section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which relates to maintaining public order and preventing disturbances, has been clamped in the area. The collector said the situation is fully under control. Both officials have appealed to the people to let police and authorities do their work and help them maintain peace in the area. Lashkar-e-Taiba's most wanted terrorist, Abu Qatal, was reportedly killed in Pakistan on Saturday night by unknown assailants. He was a key operative of the terror group and was infamous for masterminding several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Abu Qatal, a close aide of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was a key figure in orchestrating terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. He played a crucial role in the June 9 attack on a bus carrying pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district. The attack, which targeted innocent civilians, including two children, was carried out under Qatal's direct leadership. Connection To Rajouri Attack The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had included Abu Qatals name in the charge sheet for the Rajouri attack that took place in 2023. The attack occurred on January 1, 2023, in the Dhangri village of Rajouri district, where militants targeted innocent civilians. The following day, an IED blast resulted in the deaths of seven people, including two children. Several others were critically injured in the attack. The work of whitewashing Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal has begun after the Allahabad High Court granted permission on March 12. Speaking to ANI, the contractor assigned by the ASI to whitewash the Sambhal Jama Masjid, stated that the work is likely to be completed within a week and a total of eight people have been working on it. "A total of eight people are at work. The work of whitewashing has been started... We will finish the work within a week. We have been only directed to whitewash the mosque. We have been assigned by the ASI," he said. While hearing the case of the Sambhal Jama Masjid on March 12, the Allahabad High Court gave permission to whitewash the mosque from the outside and also decorate it with lights without tampering with anything. The next hearing in the case is on April 8. Meanwhile, security was heightened 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. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal mandated a panel consisting of officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a scientific expert, and a local administration representative to ensure the work was conducted without causing structural damage to the mosque. Sambhal ASP Shrish Chandra told ANI that heavy security arrangements have been put in place around the site. "Tight security arrangements have been made around the disputed site. An adequate police force has been deployed... Peace will be maintained... Surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones," he said. Earlier in February, the Uttar Pradesh police's SIT filed a chargesheet of over 4,000 pages in six of the 12 cases in the November 24 Sambhal violence that erupted during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque. The violence resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. According to the charge sheet, 80 arrests have been made, and 79 are still pending. There are 159 total accused in the case. The charge sheet also mentioned that the weapons recovered from the site of violence and other places were manufactured in the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a special message to congratulate the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards for completing 25 years, recognising IIFA's journey and role in taking Indian cinema to a global stage. He wished the award's body more success in the upcoming editions and to become an inspiration for the next 25 years of growth and achievement. The 25th edition of the IIFA Awards was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on March 8 and 9. Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar co-hosted the event. It was attended by superstars including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Shahid Kapoor, among others. Taking to their Instagram handle, IIFA shared a letter issued by PM Modi that lauds IIFA for completing 25 years in the Indian cinema industry. In a special note, the Prime Minister of India recognises the efforts of producers, directors, artists and other industry professionals in making IIFA a global phenomena. He wrote, "I am pleased to learn about the 25th edition of International Indian Film Academy (IFA) Awards. This two-and-a-half decade journey reflects the commitment of all those who have contributed towards making IIFA a truly global phenomenon: producers, directors, artists, musicians, technicians, and other industry professionals, and most importantly, audiences worldwide." PM Modi also acknowledged the role of IIFA in reinforcing India's standing as a powerhouse of artistic excellence on a global stage by hosting its award shows in different parts of the world. "Over the years, IIFA has not only celebrated the best of Indian cinema but has also played a crucial role in spreading its vibrancy to various iconic cities of the world. This has helped introduce the magic of Indian cinema to newer audiences while reinforcing India's standing as a powerhouse of artistic excellence," the letter read. The Prime Minister also recognised the efforts of the International Indian Film Academy in celebrating Indian films and encouraging new and young talents in the film industry. He wrote, "Platforms like the IIFA awards ensure that such cinematic brilliance is celebrated and encouraged. IIFA has also played a role in nurturing young and aspiring talent in the industry. By providing a platform where new artists, filmmakers, and technicians can showcase their craft alongside seasoned global professionals, IIFA has encouraged the next generation of artists to learn from the best as well as connect with them." PM Modi concluded the letter by wishing IIFA a huge success and serve as the inspiration for the next 25 years of growth and achievement. "May this 25th edition of IIFA awards be a huge success. May it be the inspiration for the next 25 years of growth and achievement," the letter read. At the 25th edition of the IIFA Awards, Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies emerged as the biggest winner of the night, sweeping awards in 10 categories. Kartik Aaryan bagged the Best Actor award for his performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. New Delhi: The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a government scheme designed to provide direct financial support to farmers. Eligible farmers under this scheme receive Rs 6000 annually and it is credited in three installments of Rs 2000. Its important to keep your mobile number updated to ensure smooth transfer of funds. The good news is that updating your mobile number is quick and you can do it right from homejust make sure your KYC is complete. How to Update Mobile Number: Follow These Steps Updating your mobile number under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is simple and does not require an Aadhaar card. Follow the steps below to update your number: Step 1: Visit the official PM Kisan Yojana website. Step 2: Click on the "Farmers Corner" option. Step 3: Select the "Update Mobile Number" option. Step 4: Choose between entering your Registration Number or Aadhaar Number. Step 5: If you dont have an Aadhaar number, you can use your Registration Number instead. Step 6: Enter the captcha, then click on the Edit option to update your new mobile number. PM Kisan 20th Installment: How to Check the Payment Date If you want to check the 20th installment date of the PM Kisan Yojana, follow the steps below: Step 1: Visit the official PM Kisan website. Step 2: On the homepage, look for the "PM Kisan Installment Date" option. Step 3: Click on it, and a new page will open where you need to enter your details. Step 4: Submit the details, and the 20th installment date will be displayed. A Gurugram-based woman has sparked an online debate after claiming that Uber Pets charges over five times the price of a regular ride, questioning whether the service is truly accessible or just an expensive luxury. In a now-viral LinkedIn post, Anya Rao shared her surprising discovery while booking a cab. She came across Uber Pets, a service that allows passengers to bring their pets along. However, what caught her attention wasnt just the convenienceit was the steep price difference. "I was booking an Uber the other day and noticed their new feature, Uber Pets, a service that allows riders to bring their pets along," she wrote. Anya decided to compare fares for a short 2 km journey and was shocked by the results. "Well, not when you look at the price. I did a price comparison for a 2km distance. A regular Uber cab costs Rs 100, while Uber Pets costs Rs 530. That is 5.3 times the price just to have your pet with you," she added. This massive price hike led her to question the reasoning behind the costs. "If the goal was accessibility, why is this service a luxury?" she asked. She speculated on possible reasons, wondering, "Is it extra cleaning fees? A premium for pet-friendly drivers? Or just another way to squeeze more money out of pet owners?" "For many, pets are family, and they shouldn't have to pay an absurd premium just to travel together," she concluded. Read her post here: Online Reactions Anyas post quickly gained traction, with social media users expressing their concerns about the pricing. "The 5.3 times the price was really unexpected. I don't think people choose this over their own vehicle or a better option than this," one user commented. Another added, "Accessibility should not come with a luxury price tag." Others questioned the logic behind the pricing. "Its surprising how a service meant to make pet travel easier ends up being priced like a luxury. If its about cleaning fees, wouldnt a refundable deposit make more sense? And if its for pet-friendly drivers, does that mean regular Uber drivers can refuse pets even if theyre well-behaved?" a user asked. They further added, "Either way, seems like a tough deal for pet parents. Glad animals dont have to work to afford their own rides!" Ubers Expansion and User Concerns Uber Pets was first introduced in Bengaluru last year and has since expanded to Delhi and Mumbai. While the service aims to make traveling with pets easier, its high pricing has left many wondering whether its truly a convenience or an unnecessary financial burden. At least 90 Pakistani army personnel have been killed after a bus filled with army officers collided with a car near the the National Highway 40, Pakistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the same group responsible for the recent train hijacking, has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the Pakistani police claimed five people were killed in the attack, and ten others were injured. Reportedly, the local police chief stated that the attack took place in the Noshki district of Balochistan. He mentioned that the blast severely damaged another bus nearby, and the casualties were taken to a nearby hospital. Earlier, BLA ambushed a train and took about 400 passengers hostage. The Pakistani government stated that the Baloch militants killed 26 hostages, while security forces killed all 33 attackers during a rescue operation. Balochistan, rich in oil and mineral resources, is Pakistan's largest and least populated province. Local residents of Balochistan have long accused the federal government of discrimination, though these claims have been denied by the Pakistani government. The BLA is demanding independence from the federal government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, reflected on the peace established in Bodoland, since the signing of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement in 2020, and assured that the Central government would implement 100 per cent conditions of the agreement to establish peace in the region. Addressing the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at Bodofa Fwthar, Dotma, in Assam's Kokrajhar, Shah stated that despite initial skepticism from the Congress party, the Assam government and the Centre have implemented approximately 82 per cent of the agreement's conditions. "This event is the message of the peace established in Bodoland. I still remember on January 27, 2020, when the BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region) Peace Agreement was signed, Congress party used to mock me that there would never be peace in Bodoland and that the agreement would become a joke, but, today, the Assam government and Centre has implemented almost 82 per cent conditions of this agreement," Shah said. "The Modi government will implement 100 per cent of the agreement conditions in the next two years. After that, there will be a long-lasting peace in the BTR area," he added. The Home Minister further stated that under the provisions of the agreement, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA Act) has been removed from the entire Bodoland region on April 1, 2022. Shah highlighted the progress and development the region has made since the signing og the peace accord. "As per the agreement, till April 1, 2022, the AFSPA Act has been removed from the entire BTR region. Today, in Delhi's hotel, Kokrajhar's mushroom from Bodoland has become a part of everyone's cuisine under One District One Product; this has happened because there is peace here. Bodoland also hosted the Durand Cup. In 2036, the Olympics are going to be held in Ahmedabad. The young players of Bodoland should prepare to participate in the Olympics... More than one dozen products are included in the list of GI tags. With this, the industrial environment is flourishing in BTR," the Home Minister added. Paying tribute to former ABSU President Upendranath Brahma, the Home Minister announced that a road in the national capital city of Delhi will be named after him. The event will be conducted in Delhi on April 1 in the presence of the Assam Chief Minister and other state leaders. Shah credited ABSU for the BTR Peace Accord, stating that the accord wouldn't have been signed if ABSU hadn't played a major role. Amit Shah said, "I am thankful to ABSU members for inviting me to attend their the 57th Annual Conference. The peace, development and excitement which can be witnessed here is only because of ABSU. ABSU has played a major role in Bodo Accord. If ABSU hadn't played a key role, then there wouldn't be peace in Bodoland. I extend my gratitude to the members of ABSU. I pay my tribute to 5,000 martyrs who lost their lives for the establishment of peace in Bodoland." "Today, when whole Bodoland is living on the principles of Upendranath Brahma Ji, today, we have decided to name a big road in Delhi before his name. This will be done in the first week of April, in the presence of Chief Minister and Assam other leaders... ABSU is moving forward with the vision of education, empowerment and development. I am proud to say that classes and exams are being taken into Bodo languages till class 12. This move doesn't only include Bodo language in list of schedule languages but also keep it alive for longer years," he said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Pramod Boro were also present at the event. The conference is marked by insightful discussions, competitive events, and the commemoration of the organisation's legacy. The ongoing four-day conference, scheduled to conclude on March 16, has remained a crucial platform for fostering academic excellence, leadership, and cultural identity. (ANI) The Crew-10 mission, a joint effort between NASA and SpaceX, is en route to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a routine crew rotation. It will also facilitate the return of U.S. astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded in space. This mission is now progressing into its next phase, with the Crew Dragon spacecraft preparing for its scheduled rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening on Sunday, March 16. According to NASAs timeline, the docking process will take place at 11:30 p.m. EDT (9:00 a.m. IST on March 16), followed by the opening of the hatch at 1:05 a.m. EDT (10:35 a.m. IST on March 16). Following the docking, the Crew-10 astronauts will be greeted aboard the station, while Crew-9 will deliver their farewell remarks at approximately 1:40 a.m. EDT (11:10 a.m. IST on March 16). SpaceX successfully launched Crew-10 on Friday, initiating a mission critical to bringing Wilmore and Williams back to Earth. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon capsule, lifted off just after 7:00 p.m. New York time (4:30 a.m. IST on Saturday) from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Roughly 10 minutes after liftoff, the capsule separated from the rockets upper stage, and SpaceX confirmed that Crew-10 was on its way to the ISS. In spaceflight terminology, a rendezvous refers to two spacecraft aligning their orbits to meet, while docking occurs when they physically connect. During this mission, Crew Dragon will either autonomously or manually attach to the ISS. Once securely docked, astronauts will check for air leaks before proceeding with the hatch opening, enabling Crew-10 members to enter the station. After docking, Crew-10 will transition out of their spacesuits, prepare cargo for unloading, and finally open the hatch between the Dragon spacecraft and the ISSs Harmony module around 1:05 a.m. EDT (10:35 a.m. IST) on Sunday, March 16. With Crew-10s arrival, the ISS will temporarily host 11 astronauts. The new team will join NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Alexey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner. After a brief handover period, Hague, Williams, Wilmore, and Gorbunov are scheduled to return to Earth no earlier than Wednesday, March 19. Before Crew-9s departure, mission teams will evaluate weather conditions at potential splashdown sites off Floridas coast to ensure a safe landing. The Crew-10 team consists of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. As part of NASAs ongoing crew rotation strategy, the incoming team will undergo a two-day handover process before the current crewincluding Wilmore and Williamscan leave. Williams and Wilmore are scheduled to depart as early as 4:00 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. IST) on Wednesday, March 19; returning to Earth after a mission that was initially planned for just eight days but extended to over nine months. They will be accompanied by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who also arrived via a Crew Dragon craft. Originally, Williams and Wilmore reached the ISS in June aboard Boeings Starliner spacecraft, with the expectation of a short one-week stay. However, technical issues with Starliner rendered it unsafe for their return, leading NASA to extend their mission and arrange their return on a SpaceX vehicle. This unexpected delay prolonged their stay to nearly nine months. The prolonged mission has sparked national attention and concern, with notable figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commenting on the situation. Meanwhile, Crew-10 is set to remain on the ISS for approximately six months, focusing on scientific research in areas such as lunar navigation, material flammability, and the effects of space on the human body. Social media sites are abuzz with claims that unknown men successfully eliminated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and his aide Abu Qatal. So the question is -- is India's most wanted terrorist Hafiz Saeed dead? A wave of speculation has emerged in Pakistan, claiming that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief has been killed. Rumours circulating on social media, particularly on platform X (formerly Twitter), suggest that Hafiz Saeed was attacked and possibly killed in Pakistans Punjab province, near the Jhelum region. However, no official confirmation has been provided so far. Some reports claimed that he was injured in the attack and admitted to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries. Hafiz Saeeds name has been trending on X, with multiple accounts claiming that unidentified gunmen ambushed him while he was travelling in Jhelum. Some reports suggest that in the attack, his close associate, terrorist Abu Qatal Sindhi, was killed on the spot, along with his driver. Other Pakistani social media handles claim that Hafiz Saeed was critically injured in the attack and later taken to Rawalpindi, where he reportedly succumbed to his injuries. However, no credible source has verified these claims. A viral video on X features a man asserting that Hafiz Saeed has been assassinated. According to him, Saeed suffered severe injuries in the attack and was declared dead at a Rawalpindi hospital. Another post claims that Abu Katal Sindhis death has been confirmed, but details about a second individual who died in the attack are being kept secret. India's most wanted terrorist Jamaat u Dawa and LET chief Hafiz Saeed along with his accomplice Faisal Nadeem alias Abu Qataal has reportedly been killed by unknown gunmen in Jhelum town of Punjab in #Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/g7kYx81j3Q Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) March 15, 2025 Multiple posts from Pakistan claim that the government is keeping Hafiz Saeeds reported death a secret. However, this is not the first time such rumors have surfaced. In the past, similar reports of his death have circulated, only to be dismissed later. It remains to be seen whether the current speculation holds any truth. A leader from Imran Khans party, PTI, has further fueled the rumours. PTI politician Samad Yaqoob posted on X, stating, "As per my information, Hafiz Saeed and his nephew have been killed in the attack." However, he also mentioned that Hafiz Saeeds son, Talha Saeed, claimed his father was fine, though his voice and tone suggested otherwise. https://t.co/ZjTGRBDq0s Samad Yaqoob (@ASY53) March 15, 2025 Hafiz Saeed is one of Indias most wanted terrorists, accused of orchestrating multiple attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Pulwama attack. The Indian government has long sought his extradition, considering him a major threat to national security. US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) announced "decisive and powerful" military action against Yemen's Houthi rebels, accusing them of piracy, violence and terrorism targeting Americans. This comes nearly a fortnight after the US redesignated the Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist organisation. "Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones," Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform. Trump said the US would use "overwhelming lethal force" against the Houthis, while accusing them of 'choking' transportation through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which have affected the trade and commerce and "attacked" the principle of Freedom of Navigation. "The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective. The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt, and attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends," Trump said. Criticising former President Joe Biden's "weak" response against the Houthis, Trump pointed out that attacks by Houthis on US military and commercial ships have cost the US and world economy "billions of Dollars." "Joe Biden's response was pathetically weak, so the unrestrained Houthis just kept going. It has been over a year since a U.S. flagged commercial ship safely sailed through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden. The last American Warship to go through the Red Sea, four months ago, was attacked by the Houthis over a dozen times. Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at U.S. aircraft, and targeted our Troops and Allies. These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk," Trump said. Trump said that the US is now carrying out "aerial attacks on the terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom." "No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World," Trump added. Trump also issued a direct warning to Iran, demanding an end to its support for the Houthis and threatening severe consequences if it continues. "To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes," he warned. "If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" Trump added. Two Indian-origin women, Anita Anand and Kamal Khera, have been allocated portfolios in new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys cabinet. Liberal Party's Carney, who took over the office from Justin Trudeau, is a former central banker and was sworn in alongside members of the 30th Canadian Ministry on Friday at a ceremony presided over by Governor General Mary Simon. Anand is the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, and Khera is the Minister of Health. Both leaders are among the few who have retained ministerial posts from Trudeau's cabinet, however, with new portfolios. Who Is Anita Anand? The minister was born and raised in rural Nova Scotia and relocated to Ontario in 1985. As per PTI, Anand was a front-runner in the race to be the next PM to replace Trudeau, but in January, she declared that she was backing out from the race and that she would not be seeking re-election. Later, on March 1, she reversed the decision and said, Canada is facing a crucial moment in our nations history. As per the website of the Prime Minister of Canada, she was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019. Previously, she served as President of the Treasury Board, as Minister of National Defence, and as Minister of Public Services and Procurement. The website explained, Anand has worked as a scholar, lawyer, and researcher. She has been a legal academic, including as a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto, where she held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance. Anand, 58, holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Laws. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994. Anand posted on the social media platform X and clarified that as Canadas Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry, her priority is to support building the countrys economy of the future to fuel Canadian economic growth. In the post, she wrote, This is a Government focused on action. I look forward to working with Prime Minister @MarkJCarney and all my colleagues, so we can deliver results faster for all Canadians. Who Is Kamal Khera? Born in Delhi, India, Khera moved to Canada with her family when she was in school. The 36-year-old is one of the youngest women ever elected to the Parliament of Canada. According to the website, she was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Brampton West in 2015. Previously, she served as Minister of Seniors, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. The website elaborated that she is a registered nurse and, before entering politics, she worked as a nurse in the oncology unit at St. Josephs Health Centre in Toronto. "During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, she went back to her roots as a registered nurse to volunteer at a hard-hit long-term care facility in her hometown of Brampton. Minister Khera continued to help on the front lines throughout the pandemic, including by administering vaccines in her community," the website added. Khera, in a post on X, wrote that her top priority is to be there to support the patients, and she continued to say that this is the same mentality she will bring to her new role. In the post, she said, Now, its time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. As a nurse, my top priority is to always be there to support my patients and thats the same mentality Ill bring everyday to the role of Minister of Health. @MarkJCarney pic.twitter.com/aEdtq47XPs March 14, 2025 The new PM of Canadas cabinet, with 13 men and 11 women, is smaller than former PM Trudeaus 37-member team. (with PTI inputs) AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said that Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has only been meeting people ever since she came into office. Bhardwaj said that the BJP's manifesto promises, including the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, LPG cylinders for Rs 500 to women of poor sections, a free cylinder on Holi and Diwali, and a scholarship to Dalits, should be included in the upcoming Delhi state budget 2025-26. "Ever since she (Delhi CM Rekha Gupta) became the Chief Minister of Delhi, she has been just meeting people. The promises made by the BJP in its manifesto include the provision of giving Rs 2500 every month to every woman of Delhi through Mahila Samridhi Yojana, an LPG cylinder for Rs 500 to women of poor sections, a free cylinder on Holi and Diwali, scholarship to Dalits etc... Provision for all these promises should be made in the budget...", Saurabh Bhardwaj said to ANI on Sunday. Earlier, on the occasion of International Women's Day, the Delhi Cabinet gave approval to the 'Mahila Samridhi Yojana', which will give Rs 2500 monthly to the women of Delhi. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta had announced that the registration for the scheme would begin soon. In addition to the approval of the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, Gupta is also meeting people from different business communities and discussing suggestions for the Delhi state budget 2025-25. Earlier on Saturday, Rekha Gupta met with farmers and took their suggestions for the upcoming Delhi budget 2025-26. Gupta said that the farmers have high hopes for the New Delhi government and emphasised that the Central and Delhi governments, as a "double-engine government," would work together to resolve farmers' issues. "We called the farmers from every corner of Delhi to consult about the budget. They have shared their suggestions with us," Gupta said. She noted that in the last 15-20 years, villages in Delhi saw little development, leading to heightened expectations from the newly formed Delhi government. (ANI) Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday condemned the actions of RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav, following the release of a video showing police personnel dancing at his Holi celebration in Patna. Manjhi criticized the behavior, stating, "They are known for their wrongdoings. Whatever happened during his father's rule, his son is doing the same." He highlighted the potential misuse of power, suggesting that if Tej Pratap Yadav and his family were to gain more influence, similar actions would become commonplace. "The people of Bihar should understand that if they get power, this is what will happen. They will use the officers and policemen in their own way and will threaten to suspend them if they do not obey," Manjhi added, stressing the consequences of unchecked authority. The reaction comes after, MLA Tej Pratap Yadav was seen asking a policeman to "dance or be suspended" during a Holi celebration at his official residence in Patna on Friday, March 14. In the purported video of the incident that went viral on social media, Yadav could be heard telling a police officer: "Nahi thumka lagaoge to suspend kar diye jaoge" (If you don't dance, you will be suspended). Meanwhile, The Bihar Police on Sunday removed Constable Deepak Kumar from duty as the bodyguard of RJD MLA Tej Pratap Yadav after a purported video of him dancing in public on the MLA's instruction went viral on social media. An official press release dated March 16 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Patna, read, "When the matter of bodyguard (constable) Deepak Kumar dancing in a public place in uniform at the behest of Tej Pratap Yadav, MLA, Bihar Legislative Assembly, which went viral on social media, came to light, bodyguard constable Deepak Kumar was sent to Police Station, and an order was given to depute another constable in his place as bodyguard." (ANI) Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday lashed out at the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government in Assam, over the arrest of a party spokesperson in Guwahati, and asserted that CM Sarma should remember that his days on the Chief Minister's chair are "limited". He also alleged that Himanta is 'scared' of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. Drawing a comparison, Khera said that even "10,000 Himanta can't scare one Gaurav Gogoi". Speaking over the arrest of a Congress spokesperson in Assam, Pawan Khera said, "This reminds us of the way various Congress leaders have suffered at the hands of Assam police, myself included. The CM should not forget that his days are numbered as the Chief Minister and one day, he will also sit in the opposition." "How will he protect his own rights if he violates ours? It shows how scared Himanta Sarma is of Gaurav Gogoi. He is trying to scare Gaurav Gogoi. Gogoi is a blue-blooded Congressman, he can never get scared of him. Ten thousand Himanta Biswa Sarma cannot scare one Gaurav Gogoi," said Khera. Earlier, the arrest of Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh by Lakhimpur police in Guwahati triggered a heated exchange between Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on X. While Jairam Ramesh condemned the arrest as an "abuse of police powers," CM Sarma defended the arrest, saying that it was related to a caste-based insult directed at a Dalit woman. Jairam Ramesh raised the issue on X, linking a media report about Singh's arrest and tagging Sarma."The arrest of my young colleague Reetam Singh (@SinghReetam) for a perfectly reasonable social media post is worse than atrocious Mr Chief Minister @himantabiswa," Ramesh wrote. The Assam CM hit back, questioning Congress's stance and accusing Ramesh of justifying offensive remarks against a Dalit woman's husband. He also warned of an impending "big revelation" linking a senior Congress leader, Gaurav Gogoi, to ISI and Pakistan. "Sir, this case pertains to a caste-based insult directed at a Dalit woman. If you justify calling the husband of a Dalit woman a rapist as a 'perfectly reasonable' social media post, it speaks volumes about the direction in which you people have taken the Congress party. But, just wait--the big revelation is yet to come- The nexus of your senior leader with ISI and Pakistan will be exposed by September," Sarma replied. Jairam Ramesh responded sharply, calling Sarma an "outgoing CM" and accusing him of using the police for political vendetta. "Mr Outgoing CM, stop diverting from the real issue - which is the abuse and misuse of police powers by you personally to favour your associates and fix your opponents," he wrote. Reetam Singh was reportedly arrested on Saturday by Lakhimpur police from his residence in Guwahati on the basis of a complaint about a social media post. On the delimitation issue, Pawan Khera said, "Our stand is clear, states that have done well in social indicators and controlling their population should not be punished for doing so (by reducing seats in Lok Sabha)." Congress leader Pawan Khera defended the Telangana government's reported inclusion of foreign experts in its caste survey panel, arguing that geographical boundaries should not limit the exchange of expertise. "We live in a global environment. I don't think geographical boundaries matter when borrowing expertise from other countries," Khera said. He further challenged the BJP-led central government to declare that it had never sought the services of foreign experts during its three terms in power. "I challenge the BJP government to claim that they have not taken services of any foreign national during NDA 1, NDA 2, or NDA 3. They should also give us a commitment that they will never do so," he added. The BJP has slammed the Telangana government for reportedly involving international experts in its caste survey panel, questioning the need for foreign involvement in a matter of domestic policy. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party strongly criticised Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, over his alleged threats to YouTubers, and accused the Congress party of attacking free speech and media rights. In a self-made video, BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the DNA of the Congress party has 'Emergency' in it. "The Congress party's DNA has the Emergency in it. Just like how the Congress party has always attacked the rights of the media. Indira Gandhi ji imposed censorship during the Emergency. Nehru ji introduced the First Amendment, which imposed restrictions on freedom of speech. Majrooh Sultanpuri was sent to jail. Rajiv Gandhi introduced two media-opposing bills," Poonawalla said. He also pointed to a recent incident in Telangana, where a female journalist was arrested, allegedly after highlighting the plight of farmers. "When she became the voice of the farmers, the Congress party attacked her," he said. Poonawalla alleged, "The Congress Chief Minister (Revanath Reddy) is threatening, saying, "Who are these YouTubers? These are not journalists. They abuse, and I will strip them, I will humiliate them, I will beat them, I will make them roam on the streets'." Poonawalla condemned the remarks from the Telangana CM, questioning the consistency of Congress party's stance on press freedom. "Is this the language of a Chief Minister from the Congress party? Rahul Gandhi talks about press freedom, love, and democracy. Is this the definition of democracy? Is this the shop of love? Is this what promotes press freedom, Rahul ji?" Poonawalla asked. Earlier in the day, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Krishank attacked the Telangana government for banning agitations, dharnas, and demonstrations at Osmania University and said that the Congress government is so "intolerant" that they can't even take criticism. "The Congress government in Telangana which claims to be the democratic government and their leader Rahul Gandhi holds a red Constitution across India and flashes it but surprisingly, the historic Osmania University campus which has been the epicentre of protests for the Telangana agitation which brought the statehood also, the Congress government has banned democratic protests," Krishank told ANI. "The Congress government is so intolerant that they can't even receive criticism...The Osmania University ban on protests and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy threatening journalists, social media users (who post on social media platforms against the Congress government) that he would ask his Congress people to attack social media users shows that the Congress government does not believe in democracy," he added. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi welcomed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's statement on the 'caste discrimination' and said the leaders should inculcate this idea among the people. She added that Maharashtra is facing backlash due to such politics because of the BJP and expected that Gadkari's words will also be endorsed by other ministers of the Union cabinet. Gadkari addressed a convocation ceremony event at the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur on Saturday and emphasised the importance of equality and rejecting caste-based politics. "I totally endorse what he is saying, and this is the kind of thought process that we should as leaders should be inculcating in the society, simply because we are seeing how caste-based divisions are happening across the country...Maharashtra is facing a backlash of this kind of politics from the BJP...I welcome his words, and I just hope that his actions, his words are also endorsed by other people in his cabinet," Chaturvedi said to ANI on Saturday. While speaking during the convocation event in Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari asserted that an individual's worth should be determined by their qualities rather than caste, religion, language, or gender. "A person is not known by their caste, sect, religion, language or sex, but only by their qualities. That is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on caste, sect, religion, language, or sex," Gadkari said, stressing the need for equality and fairness. Despite being in politics, Gadkari reiterated that he would not engage in such practices, even if it might cost him votes. "I am in politics, and here all of this goes on, but I refuse this even though it may or may not get me votes," he stated. (ANI) Mizoram Governor General VK Singh on Sunday expressed grief on the demise of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th custodian of the House of Mewar. Singh also offered his condolences to the family. Taking to social media X, the Governor wrote "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th custodian of the House of Mewar. Heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his son, Lakshya Raj Mewar, during this difficult time. Om Shanti." The Governor also shared a picture of the two of them from the time he was serving in the Army. A member of the former Mewar royal family, Mewar passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 80. A versatile and multifaceted personality, Shriji was known for his memory and keen interest in the technological advancements. Earlier, the Chairman and Managing Trustee of Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation Udaipur and as a custodian of the rich historical legacy of Mewar, Shriji was actively involved in conserving and promoting the living heritage of the region apart from fostering employment-generating business activities as the Managing Director of the HRH Group of Hotels. In 1984, he was entrusted with the responsibility of the Foundation and City Palace Museum by his revered father. Shriji applied himself with rare devotion and commitment to the enormous task of revitalising the museum and the Foundation. In the decades since, he has raised the bar in heritage conservation and with his foresight and leadership qualities, he has given a new dimension to the legacy of his forefathers by forging the way forward in heritage conservation in India. (ANI) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that new force members should add more strength to the effort to free the country from the clutches of the drug mafia. He was speaking after accepting the salute at the passing out parade of 118 Sub-Inspector trainees of the 31st B batch of Kerala Police Academy in Ramavarmapuram, Thrissur, according to the press statement. The drug mafia, which has been spreading uncontrollably in recent times, is destroying society regardless of age and gender. Synthetic drugs are dehumanising humans. The police and excise are effectively intervening against this. There is also an increase in cyber crimes that misuse modern technologies. The Chief Minister said that there should be a collective effort to combat and defeat these. He asked that the primary duty of the police is to maintain law and order, but people see the police as saviours and that new members of the force should be trained to perform high-level duties accordingly. 118 Sub-Inspector trainees of the 31st B batch who completed their training at the Kerala Police Academy entered the path of duty through the passing out ceremony. The second-in-command of the parade led by Bibin John Babuji was Varsha Madhu. The Chief Minister distributed awards to those who performed well during the training period. T.S. Sruthi was adjudged the best indoor cadet and Varsha Madhu was adjudged the best outdoor cadet. Mijo Jose was the best shooter. Bibin John Babuji was the all-rounder. As part of the one-year basic training that began on February 20, 2024, they have undergone expert training in shield and lathi drill, one-minute drill, ceremonial drill, squared drill, cane drill, mob operation, obstacle course, field craft and map reading, bomb detection and disposal, karate, yoga, swimming, and driving, in addition to parade and physical fitness training in the outdoor section. In addition, under the SOG, commando training, high altitude training, coastal security training and firing training in state-of-the-art weapons such as AK-47, Thar, INSAS, SLR, LMG, Glock pistol, 9mm pistol and carbine have been provided, said the statement. The Indore section includes the Constitution of India, Indian Code of Criminal Procedure, Indian Citizen Security Code, Indian Evidence Act, Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure, Evidence Act, Other Acts, Police Station Management, Traffic Management, Case Investigation, VIP Relations, Internal Security, Disaster Management, Forensic Science, Artificial Intelligence in Policing, Compassionate Communication and Intervention by Police (CCIP), Forensic Medicine, Computer, Cyber Crimes, Criminology, Penology, Victimology, Women, Children, Senior Citizens, Gender. Classroom training is also available on topics such as behaviour towards neutrals, prevention of crimes against the environment, and first aid. In addition, experts from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have trained them on the subject of disaster management to ensure the safety of the people in natural disasters such as the recent floods that Kerala has faced. The training provided during the training period is designed to enhance the professional skills of the police, improve their behaviour towards the public, and translate the police motto 'Mridu Bhave Drida Kryte' into action to create the kind of New Kerala envisioned by the government. Coastal Security practical training is provided at the Kochi Naval Base and Fort Kochi Coastal Police Station, and Forensic Medicine practical training is provided at the Thrissur Medical College Hospital. 15 days of anti-terrorism training was provided at the Areekode MSP camp, and five days of high altitude training was provided at Kuttikanam in Idukki. To provide practical training during the training period, they have been assigned to various stations in Thrissur district in connection with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and for law and order maintenance duties in connection with Thrissur Pooram. Like the previous batches, the 31B batch, which has completed its training and will become part of the Kerala Police, also has many people who have obtained higher education. Among those who will join the force on Sunday as pass-outs are 18 postgraduates, three MBAs, three M.Techs, 39 B.Techs and 55 graduates, as per the statement. Thrissur MLA P. Balachandran, Mayor M.K. Varghese, State Police Chief. Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, Kerala Police Academy Director I.G. K. Sethuraman, public representatives, top police officials and others were present at the function. (ANI) According to Senior Police Inspector Mansingh Patil from Kalepadal Police Station, the accident happened around 3 am when an unidentified car hit the bike. The driver fled the scene, and the Pune Police registered a case and launched an investigation to track down the accused. "Approximately at 3 am on Saturday, an unidentified car hit a bike in the Undri area on which 34-year-old Mazhar Jilani Shaikh and his friend were travelling, in the incident Mazhar Shaikh died at hospital while his friend was undergoing treatment," said Patil. The Pune Police have registered a case against an unidentified individual at the Kalepadal Police Station and have commenced an investigation to locate the accused. Further investigations are underway. More details are awaited. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday expressed grief over the demise of a student from the northeast, who died of "food poisoning" at a private educational institute situated in T Kagepura village of Malavalli taluka in Mandya district of the state. He said that the police have arrested three accused in connection with the incident. "It was heartbreaking to learn that a student died and several children fell seriously ill after food poisoning at a private residential educational institution in T. Kagepur, Malavalli taluk, Mandya district," CM Siddaramaiah posted on X. Of 30 students who fell ill, one student named Kerkong from the northeast died, police added. Reacting to this, Siddaramaiah said that the Deputy Commissioner in Mandya district was instructed to oversee arrangements to provide treatment for students while taking action against those responsible. He added that the police had arrested three accused in this case, and further investigation was underway. "As soon as the incident came to my attention, I spoke to the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya district and instructed him to arrange appropriate treatment for the children and take strict action against those responsible for the incident. The police have arrested three accused in this regard and are continuing the investigation," he added. The Karnataka Chief Minister assured that the family of the deceased student would be compensated. He suggested practising caution against consuming food prepared elsewhere and giving it to young children. "The family of the boy who died in this tragedy will be given appropriate compensation. Be extra careful before consuming food prepared elsewhere, especially before giving it to young children. May precious lives not be lost due to carelessness," Siddaramaiah added. (ANI) BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Sunday strongly criticised RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav after a video surfaced showing police personnel dancing at his order during Holi celebrations at his residence in Patna. He drew parallels with the "Jungle Raj" era, a period of lawlessness and misgovernance in Bihar during Lalu Prasad Yadav's rule. He alleged that police personnel were threatened with suspension if they refused to dance, questioning Tej Pratap's authority to issue such threats. Hussain also accused Tej Pratap of treating police personnel like personal servants, reminiscent of the time when his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, would ask senior police officials to perform menial tasks like making 'khaini' (tobacco) for him. "This reminds us of the olden days when there was Jungle Raj. There was a time when Lalu Ji used to ask the DIG to make 'Khaini' for him. Police used to work like their personal servants. A security guard is for their security, not for dancing... Threatening police personnel of suspension if they don't dance, Tej Pratap does not even have the authority to suspend... What kind of a joke is this?" said the BJP leader. Similarly, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also condemned the actions of RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav, following the release of a video showing police personnel dancing at his Holi celebration in Patna. Manjhi criticised the behaviour, stating, "They are known for their wrongdoings. Whatever happened during his father's rule, his son is doing the same." The reaction comes after, MLA Tej Pratap Yadav was seen asking a policeman to "dance or be suspended" during a Holi celebration at his official residence in Patna on Friday, March 14. In the purported video of the incident that went viral on social media, Yadav could be heard telling a police officer: "Nahi thumka lagaoge to suspend kar diye jaoge" (If you don't dance, you will be suspended). On Sunday, the Bihar Police removed Constable Deepak Kumar from duty as the bodyguard of RJD MLA Tej Pratap Yadav after a purported video of him went viral on social media. An official press release dated March 16 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Patna, read, "When the matter of bodyguard (constable) Deepak Kumar dancing in a public place in uniform at the behest of Tej Pratap Yadav, MLA, Bihar Legislative Assembly, which went viral on social media, came to light, bodyguard constable Deepak Kumar was sent to Police Station, and an order was given to depute another constable in his place as bodyguard." (ANI) Delhi LG VK Saxena along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and PwD minister Parvesh Verma on Sunday inspected and reviewed the condition of three major drains - Barapullah, Kushak, and Sunehri Pullah - in the national capital and issued strict instructions to officials to complete the desilting work on time before the monsoon. The newly formed government in Delhi has already begun their preparations for monsoon, when waterlogging becomes a major issue in various parts of Delhi. To prevent similar situation this time, the government has directed the officials strictly and is on ground. This is why both the LG and CM Gupta along with PwD minister Verma personally inspected the drains together. "Chief Minister said that this year there should be no water logging in the state and that is why this plan was made that we both should together go and inspect the major drains of the state. We inspected the drains at Barapullah, Sunhari Pul and I am sure that after the instructions given by the Chief Minister the work will be completed on time. The coordination with the government is going well, and the instructions given by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to the administration will ensure that drain cleaning is completed swiftly. This will help prevent waterlogging issues for Delhi residents this year," the Lieutenant Governor said. In the past, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi government blamed each other for the waterlogging, leaving residents to suffer. However, with the new government in place, the focus is on coordination among officials to ensure that drain cleaning is completed promptly. These drains were never taken seriously by previous governments and were "never cleaned," CM Gupta said. "There was no clear accountability among agencies regarding which one was responsible for their maintenance. We have now assigned the desilting responsibility to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. Our top priority is to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon, and the work is being carried out on a war footing. Additionally, we will seek written updates from MLAs regarding the progress of desilting drains and sewage management," the CM said. She further said, "Delhi was developed in an unplanned manner, with drains lacking proper chambers and outlets. These issues cannot be resolved by simply sitting in air-conditioned rooms or holding press conferences. Since early morning, we have been working as a team to inspect drain outlets and ensure that the people of Delhi do not suffer from waterlogging. Our primary goal is the welfare of the people." The existing drains lack adequate water capacity, and their maintenance is not properly managed, leading to waterlogging. The chief minister emphasized that any project undertaken should be planned with a vision for the next 100 years. She reaffirmed that the government's priority is the welfare of Delhi's residents, ensuring they do not face any inconvenience. (ANI) Authorities on Sunday demolished an "illegally constructed" house of a drug peddler in Punjab's Ferozepur district. The accused is facing three cases and still absconding, the officials said. "The action was initiated in Jhuge Hazara village where the accused had illegally build a house and had also encroached upon one-acre land of the Forest Department," said an official release. SSP Ferozepur Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said that the accused has been identified as Gurcharan Singh, who built an illegal house in the village falling under the Sadar police station of Ferozepur. The administration pressed a JCB machine into service, which razed the house. The police officer said that the one-acre land encroached upon by the accused would also be released soon. He further said that the action was taken on the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav. He added that Ferozepur Police had recently arrested a large number of drug smugglers under this ongoing campaign. He said that action would be taken against every drug dealer who was selling drugs in the district. He instructed the drug sellers to leave this work. Otherwise, similar actions would be taken in future, and the property made with the illegal money would be confiscated or razed to the ground. Meanwhile, a large number of villagers who witnessed the demolition drive appreciated the initiative taken by the Punjab government. They said that the action taken against drug peddlers is highly commendable. They hope that such actions will completely eradicate the menace of drugs in Punjab during the coming days. (ANI) Border Security Force (BSF) personnel apprehended four Rohingya illegal migrants (RIMs) at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Dharmanagar, Tripura. Two Indian touts involved in facilitating their infiltration were also taken into custody, according to the BSF HQ Salbagan press statement on Sunday. According to BSF sources, the migrants were intercepted on March 14 at around 1250 hours while they were waiting to board a bus to Badarpur or Silchar. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that the apprehended individuals had been residing in the Balukhali refugee camp in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, before illegally entering India. As per the statement, security forces were able to trace and apprehend two Indian touts suspected of aiding their infiltration into the country. The four Rohingya migrants, along with the two facilitators, were handed over to Dharmanagar police station for further action. On March 11, BSF apprehended 29 Bangladeshi nationals along the border between March 6 and 10, a release stated. The BSF troops of Tripura Frontier in different operations apprehended 29 Bangladeshi nationals and seven Indian nationals including Indian tout from different locations of Tripura -- Lankamura under PS Airport, Nischintpur under PS Amtli, Harnakhola under PS Mohanpur, Railway station Agartala under District West Tripura, Railway station Churaibari & Dharmanagar under district North Tripura, Sabroom under PS Subroom under District South Tripura and L K Para under District Gomati of Tripura, the release stated. Furthermore, BSF battalions have conducted over nine village coordination meetings in border areas to address the concerns of the local population. The BSF continues to enhance its surveillance and intelligence capabilities to ensure the safety and security of the nation, the release stated. BSF Tripura also enhanced surveillance along the international border to prevent smuggling and trans-border crimes along the region. (ANI) BJP MP Dinesh Sharma welcomed the Allahabad High Court order granting permission to whitewash Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, and said that it was neither the policy of Centre nor the state government to insult any religious place. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma said, "High Court order is welcome and it is neither the policy of Centre nor state government to insult any religious place. If the court allows painting work, then it will happen. We feel that the judicial process is fair and court orders should be followed by all." The work of whitewashing of Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh' Sambhal has begun after the Allahabad High Court granted permission on March 12. Speaking to ANI, the contractor assigned by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to whitewash the Sambhal Jama Masjid, stated that the work is likely to be completed within a week and a total of eight people have been engaged for it. "A total of eight people are at work. The work of whitewashing has been started. We will finish the work within a week. We have been only directed to whitewash the mosque. We have been assigned by the ASI," he said. While hearing the case of the Sambhal Jama Masjid on March 12, the Allahabad High Court gave permission to whitewash the mosque from the outside and also decorate it with lights without tampering with anything. The next hearing in the case is on April 8. Meanwhile, security was heightened 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. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal mandated a panel consisting of officials from the ASI, a scientific expert, and a local administration representative to ensure the work was conducted without causing structural damage to the mosque. Sambhal ASP Shrish Chandra told ANI that heavy security arrangements have been put in place around the site. "Tight security arrangements have been made around the disputed site. An adequate police force has been deployed. Peace will be maintained. Surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones," he said. Earlier in February, the Uttar Pradesh police's SIT filed a charge sheet of over 4,000 pages in six of the 12 cases in the November 24 Sambhal violence that erupted during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque. The violence resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. (ANI) Union Minister Jyotiradtiya Scindia on Sunday instructed the district administration team and Kamala Raja Hospital's team to investigate the fire incident caused by a blast in the air conditioner of the hospital's ICU ward. Taking to social media X, Scindia wrote in a post that he gave instructions to the district administration and hospital management to investigate the incident. "The incident of fire in the ICU of the Obstetrics Department at Kamalaraja Hospital in Gwalior last night is extremely unfortunate. In this regard, I have spoken to the district administration and hospital management and have given instructions to immediately investigate the incident and strictly implement the safety standards," the post read. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also spoke to the patients of the hospital, as per official sources. Dr RKS Dhakad, speaking to ANI, said that CM Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had spoken to the patients, and a report of the incident had been sent to the OB-GYN department, the Principal Secretary, the Commissioner of Medical Education, and the Chairman. Giving information about the incident, he stated that the fire eventually caught the foam mattresses which caused a sense of panic among patients. "I mentioned this in a detailed report to the head of the OB-GYN department... The Super Speciality hospital is only 100 metres away... Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia spoke to the patients... I have sent a report of the incident to the Principal Secretary, Commissioner of Medical Education, Chairman, and OSD of both the Ministers..." the official said, speaking to ANI. "The fire eventually caught the foam mattresses, which caused black smoke to start spreading towards other wards, causing panic among the patients," he further stated. He also mentioned that there were a total of 125 patients in the hospital, a majority of them pregnant women and 16 patients in the ward where the fire took place. "There were around 125 patients admitted in the Kamla Raja hospital, most of whom were pregnant women. There were 16 patients in that ward... Our staff managed to evacuate all 16 patients safely... Our staff shifted all the patients to the nearby Super Speciality hospital in ambulances... All the patients are safe... Some patients who were discharged or about to be in the morning went home on their own will." he said. (ANI) Interacting with renowned podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke about the Godhra incident, where people were burned alive, calling it "a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude". He said that the Godhra train burning incident, where 59 people died, occurred when he was seated in the Gujarat assembly for the budget session. "On February 27, 2002, we were seated in the Assembly for the budget session. That same day, it had been just three days since I'd become a state representative when suddenly, the horrific Godhra incident occurred. It was a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude. People were burned alive. Of course, this was tragic for everyone. Everyone prefers peace," PM Modi said. Apprising about the history of riots in Gujarat before he ever came into public life, the Prime Minister dismissed the perception of the 2002 Gujarat riots being the biggest riots, saying that communal violence occurred over trivial issues in the past, where the state witnessed over 250 riots before 2002. He said that riots in 1969 lasted for nearly six months. "The perception that these were the biggest riots ever is misinformation. If you review the data from before 2002, you will see that Gujarat faced frequent riots. Curfews were constantly being imposed somewhere. Communal violence could erupt over trivial issues, like kite flying contests or even minor bicycle collisions. Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The riots in 1969 lasted nearly six months. So there was a long history, long before I was in the picture," PM Modi said. Acknowledging that the Godhra train burning incident led some people towards violence, PM Modi said that efforts were made by his opponents in power at the centre to push allegations against his government. However, he added, the judiciary found them innocent after analysing the situation. "But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally, they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts," the Prime Minister asserted. He lauded Gujarat for not recording any "major riots" after 2002. PM Modi said that his homestate remains "completely peaceful" as the mantra of his government remains to focus on development for all. "But the most important thing is, in Gujarat, where riots used to happen some way or another every year, but after 2002, in 22 years, there hasn't been a single major riot in Gujarat. Gujarat remains completely peaceful. Our approach has always been to avoid World Bank politics. Instead, our mantra has been, together with everyone, development for all, trust from all, and efforts by everyone," the PM said. "We've shifted away from the politics of appeasement to the politics of aspiration. Because of this, anyone who wishes to contribute joins us willingly. Today, Gujarat is actively contributing toward building a developed India as well," he added. On February 27, 2002, the Sabarmati Express carrying Hindu karsevaks was set on fire by a mob, resulting in the deaths of 59 people, including women and children. This was followed by communal riots across the state of Gujarat, where hundreds were killed. In 2011, a special court convicted 31 people in connection with the Godhra train burning incident, after which the Gujarat High Court in 2014 upheld the conviction of 11 people while acquitting 20 others. Finally, the Supreme Court of India upheld the verdict given by Gujarat HC, dismissing the appeals filed by the convicts in connection with the Godhra train burning. (ANI) In a decisive crackdown on drug networks amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign 'Yudh Nadhian Virudh', Amritsar Rural Police has busted a narco-terrorism hawala racket with the arrest of two Hawala operators and recovered Rs 17.60 lakhs and $4000 (US dollars) from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday. Those arrested have been identified as Sukhjit Singh, a resident of Fatehpur and Ranbir Singh, a resident of Anngarh in Amritsar. Apart from recovering Indian and foreign currency, police teams have also recovered one HP Laptop containing crucial transaction records from the possession of accused persons. The development came following meticulous investigations and sustained follow-up of backward and forward linkages in the arrest of accused Gursahib Singh and Jaswant Singh near Village Hardo Ratan after recovering 561 grams of heroin from their possession on Friday. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Satinder Singh, while addressing a press conference said that during the ongoing investigation into the 561 gm Heroin seizure by the Amritsar Rural Police, the arrested accused exposed their links with two Hawala operators identified as Sukhjit Singh and Ranbir Singh, and other drug supply chains. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested duo were facilitating illegal financial transactions linked to drug trafficking, he added. The DIG said that further investigations are ongoing to establish backwards and forward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added. Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh acting on credible information, police team successfully apprehended both Hawala operators from India Gate, Chheherta in Amritsar and recovered Indian and Foreign currency along with one HP laptop from their possession. Further interrogation is underway to uncover more links in this Hawala network, he said. The statement said a case FIR no. 57 dated 14-03-2025 has already been registered under sections 21-C, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Gharindha in Amritsar Rural. Meanwhile, since the commencement of special campaign 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' on March 1, 2025, in the districts of Border Range Amritsar, as many as 337 drug smugglers have been arrested after registration of 192 cases under the NDPS Act. Police teams have recovered 41 Kg of Heroin, 1 Kg of ICE, Rs 26 lakh and 4000 US Dollars of Drug Money, six Motorcycles, nine four-wheelers and 21 Mobile Phones from their possession. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday attended a meeting with Chief Ministers of Northeastern states at a hotel in Guwahati. This comes during Amit Shah's visit to the northeast, where he attended a public gathering on the fourth and final day of the 57th Annual Conference of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) at Bodofa Fwthar, Dotma, in Assam's Kokrajhar. Addressing the 57th annual conference of ABSU, Shah reflected on the peace established in Bodoland since the signing of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Peace Agreement in 2020 and assured that the Central government would implement 100 per cent conditions of the agreement to establish peace in the region. Shah stated that despite initial scepticism from the Congress party, the Assam government and the Centre have implemented approximately 82 per cent of the agreement's conditions. "This event is the message of the peace established in Bodoland. I still remember January 27, 2020, when the BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region) Peace Agreement was signed. Congress party used to mock me that there would never be peace in Bodoland and that the agreement would become a joke, but, today, the Assam government and Centre has implemented almost 82 per cent conditions of this agreement," Shah said. "The Modi government will implement 100 per cent of the agreement conditions in the next two years. After that, there will be a long-lasting peace in the BTR area," he added. The Home Minister further stated that under the provisions of the agreement, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA Act) was removed from the entire Bodoland region on April 1, 2022. Shah highlighted the progress and development the region has made since the signing of the peace accord. The four-day conference, concluded today, has remained a crucial platform for fostering academic excellence, leadership, and cultural identity. (ANI) Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party government, accusing it of neglecting the security of common people in Punjab. He criticised the deployment of Punjab Police for AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal's security after a grenade attack on Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar, which damaged the temple's wall but fortunately caused no injuries. Sirsa slammed the state government for prioritising the security of "special people" like former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the common people. He claimed that thousands of policemen were deployed for Kejriwal's security during his tour of Punjab, with around 200 vehicles accompanying him. "This is very sad... Punjab police were deployed for Arvind Kejriwal's security; about 200 vehicles were travelling with Arvind Kejriwal. Punjab police, which gives security to common people, has been deployed for the security of special people. Arvind Kejriwal, who calls himself a common man, has become so special that thousands of policemen are travelling with him...The environment in Punjab is not safe anymore...," said Sirsa. The grenade attack on Thakurdwara Temple occurred on Friday night, with CCTV footage showing two masked men on a motorcycle lobbing the grenade at the temple. Amritsar Commissioner GPS Bhullar suspects the involvement of Pakistan's ISI in the blast, stating that they lure youth into creating disturbances in Punjab. Amritsar Commissioner GPS Bhullar has suggested the involvement of Pakistan Intel agency ISI in the blast."We got information at 2 am and rushed to the spot right away. A forensic team was called... We checked the CCTV and spoke to the nearby people. The thing is that Pakistan's ISI lures our youth into creating disturbances in Punjab," Commissioner Bhullar said. The police official said, "We will trace this case within days and take appropriate action." He also issued a stern warning to the youth, urging them not to ruin their lives. "I warn the youth not to ruin their lives... We will catch the culprits soon," he said. Meanwhile, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla lashed out at the ruling Aam Aadmi party for what he called a "terrible law and order situation". Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said, "Ever since Aam Aadmi Party's government came to power, law and order situation has become terrible... All these grenade attacks have happened in a chained way, with some happening on police stations as well... Whereas, the police is busy with the protection of Arvind Kejriwal." Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has identified two suspects behind the explosion and assured that authorities are taking swift action to catch them. The police have also warned the youth not to get involved in such activities. "There were some miscreants who hurled a grenade at a temple after midnight. There are no injuries or casualties... The situation is under control," Dhaliwal confirmed. He added that two suspects had been identified and assured the public that authorities were taking swift action. "The police are taking action, they will be caught within a day," the minister said. (ANI) Lex Fridman, computer scientist and podcaster revealed that he fasted for 45 hours, consuming only water, in honour of his interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "So, I should also say I'm fasting right now. It's been almost two days, 45 hours, so just water, no food in honour of this conversation, just to get in the right mindset, get into the spiritual level. I have read that you often fast for many days," Fridman said, asking PM Modi to share his experience of fasting. PM Modi also shared his perspective on fasting, emphasizing its benefits in sharpening the senses, enhancing mental clarity, and instilling discipline. He explained that fasting is a scientific process rather than merely skipping meals and is deeply connected to traditional and Ayurvedic practices. "First of all, I'm truly pleasantly surprised and honoured that you're fasting, all the more because it feels like you're fasting as a tribute of respect for me. So, I express my deepest gratitude to you for doing this. In India, our religious traditions are actually a way of life. Our Supreme Court once gave a brilliant interpretation of Hinduism. They have stated that Hinduism is not about rituals or methods of worship, but rather it's a way of living, a philosophy that guides life itself. And in our scriptures, there is deep discussion on elevating the body, mind, intellect, soul, and humanity. They outline various paths, traditions, and systems to achieve this, and fasting is one of them, but fasting alone is not everything. In India, whether you see it culturally or philosophically, sometimes I see that fasting is a way to cultivate discipline, " PM Modi said. PM Modi stated that fasting is a direct bearing on the thinking process and sharpens one's perspective and termed it as a scientific process. "It is a powerful tool to bring both the inner and outer self into balance. It shapes life in profound ways when you fast. You may have noticed, as you said, you've been fasting on water for two days. Every single one of your senses, especially smell, touch and taste, becomes highly sensitive. You may even notice the subtle aroma of water itself, something you probably never noticed before when drinking it. If someone walks past you carrying tea, you will catch its aroma just like you would with coffee. A small flower you've seen before, you will see it again today, but now you can perceive its details more vividly. Your senses become extra sharp, highly aware, and fully tuned in, and their capability to observe and to respond multiplies, and grows sharper. I have personally often experienced this," the Prime Minister said. "Another thing I've experienced is that fasting can greatly accelerate the thinking process, and can give a fresh perspective. You start thinking outside the box. I don't know if everyone experiences this, but I certainly do. Most people assume that fasting simply means giving up food or not eating, but that is just the physical aspect of fasting. If someone is forced to go without food due to hardship with an empty stomach, can we call that fasting? Fasting is actually a scientific process. Whenever I fast for an extended period, I prepare my body in advance. For five to seven days before the fast, I follow various Ayurvedic practices and yoga practices, along with other traditional cleansing methods to internally reset my system," PM Modi added. PM Modi mentioned that he hydrates well before fasting to aid in body detoxification. He also noted that rather than feeling sluggish, fasting makes him more energetic and allows him to work even harder. "Before actually beginning the fast. I make sure to drink a lot of water, as much as possible. So, you could say that this detoxification process helps prepare my body in the best possible way. And once I begin fasting, for me, it's an act of devotion. For me, fasting is a form of self-discipline. For me personally, even while I go about doing my daily activities during a fast, my mind remains deeply introspective and focused inward, and that experience is profoundly transformative for me. My practice of fasting did not come from reading books, listening to sermons, or following a tradition just because my family happened to have observed it. It came from my own personal experience," PM Modi added. PM Narendra Modi in the podcast with Lex Fridman has spoken on a wide range of subjects outlining his vision for the country. (ANI) Interacting with renowned podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday apprised about the efforts made by the state machinery in conducting elections and said that 980 million people registered to vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, which exceeds the entire population of North America and European countries. Of 980 million registered voters, 646 million voted in extreme weather conditions, where temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, he said. "Anyone who believes in democracy should listen to what I'm about to share with you. There were 980 million registered voters (in the 2024 general elections). Each of those voters had a registered ID and all the necessary details in a vast database. This number is twice the entire population of North America. It even surpasses the total population of the entire European Union," PM Modi said. "Out of the 980 million registered voters, 646 million people ventured out and braved the intense heat of May, determined to cast their votes. Temperatures soared to 40 degrees in some areas, yet they chose to go, and the size of this voter base is double the population of the United States," he added. Highlighting the dedication of people to participate in elections, PM Modi said that remote villages also had polling stations, where helicopters were used to set up polling stations. He said the election authorities set up a polling booth for merely one voter in the Gir Forest Gujarat. "Even the remotest villages have polling stations. We even use helicopters to transport polling stations. I believe Arunachal Pradesh has the highest altitude polling booth on record. In Gujarat, a polling booth was set up in the Gir Forest for just one voter, who was in the middle of nowhere, but we ensured a polling booth was set up for them," the Prime Minister said. Emphasising the democratic nature of India, PM Modi said there are more than 25,000 registered political parties along with media houses, both broadcast and print, that play a crucial role in upholding democracy. "My country has more than 2,500 registered political parties. This staggering figure, with such a vast array of political parties, has the power to leave the entire world in awe. My country has more than 900 round-the-clock news channels. There are over 5,000 newspapers published daily. They each play a role in upholding democracy in their own way," he said. Speaking on the central government's commitment to the welfare of the people, the Prime Minister said that welfare schemes must reach the "intended beneficiaries", where there is no discrimination based on caste, faith or ideology. He said trust remains the "cornerstone" of his governance model. "My government is committed to ensuring welfare schemes reach every citizen. Every scheme must reach its intended beneficiaries. Every beneficiary must be treated equally. No one should face discrimination based on caste, creed, faith, wealth, or ideology. We must strive to ensure everyone's well-being and prosperity. This way, even those not directly benefiting never feel left out or treated unfairly. They find comfort in knowing they, too, will benefit in due course. This fosters a deep sense of trust, and trust is the cornerstone of my governance model," PM Modi said. (ANI) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also accompanied them. The three also visited Guru Nagari Sri Amritsar Sahib. Taking to social media X, Kejriwal in a post wrote that after 10 days of Vipassana meditation, he visited the Sri Darbar Sahib at Amritsar and prayer for the well being, prosperity and progress of the people. https://x.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1901200206282260532 "After 10 days of Vipassana meditation, I reached Amritsar with my family. I bowed my head at Sri Darbar Sahib and prayed at the feet of Guru Maharaj Ji for everyone's well-being, prosperity and progress," the post read. CM Bhagwant Mann in a post on X wrote that he had the privilege of paying obeisance at Harmandir Sahib with Kejriwal and prayed for the progress of Punjabis and Punjab. "Today, I had the privilege of paying obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib with the National Convener Arvind Kejriwal at Guru Nagari Sri Amritsar Sahib. I bowed down at the feet of Guru Sahib. I prayed for the progress of Punjab and Punjabis," the post read. Further, the CM wrote that Kejriwal also prayed to Guru Sahib to continue making decisions in the interest of the people with good intentions and sincerity. "He also thanked God for completing 3 years of the government of the common people in Punjab and wished before Guru Sahib that we continue to take decisions in the interests of the people with good intentions and honesty," the post read. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal along with his wife and the Punjab CM offered prayers at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Kejriwal arrived in Amritsar after a 10-day Vipassana meditation session in Hoshiarpur. Today marks the completion of 3 years by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab. (ANI) The police said that the arrested women were part of an international drug syndicate supplying MDMA to Mangalore, other parts of Karnataka, and neighbouring states. The arrested were identified as Bamba Fanta, 31 and Abigail Adonis, 30. The police said that this was the largest quantity of MDMA that it had ever seized in a single operation. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday expressed his condolences on the demise of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th custodian of the House of Mewar. CM Dhami said, "Received very sad news of the demise of Shri Arvind Singh Mewar, descendant of Maharana Pratap and senior member of the Mewar royal family. Your contribution in keeping Indian culture, tradition and history alive will always be unforgettable. May God grant the holy soul a place in his feet and give strength to the bereaved family and supporters to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti." Earlier Mizoram Governor General VK Singh expressed grief on the demise of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. Taking to social media X, the Governor wrote "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th custodian of the House of Mewar. Heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his son, Lakshya Raj Mewar, during this difficult time. Om Shanti." The Governor also shared a picture of the two of them from the time he was serving in the Army. A member of the former Mewar royal family, Arvind Singh Mewar passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 80. A versatile and multifaceted personality, Shriji was known for his memory and keen interest in the technological advancements. Earlier, as the Chairman and Managing Trustee of Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation Udaipur and as a custodian of the rich historical legacy of Mewar, Shriji was actively involved in conserving and promoting the living heritage of the region apart from fostering employment-generating business activities as the Managing Director of the HRH Group of Hotels. In 1984, he was entrusted with the responsibility of the Foundation and City Palace Museum by his revered father. Shriji applied himself with rare devotion and commitment to the enormous task of revitalising the museum and the Foundation. In the decades since, he has raised the bar in heritage conservation and with his foresight and leadership qualities, he has given a new dimension to the legacy of his forefathers by forging the way forward in heritage conservation in India. (ANI) A group of 20 women entrepreneurs from Hapania successfully established a thriving spice business under the Area Level Federation (ALF), showcasing the power of self-reliance and collective effort. These women meticulously wash, clean, and grind spices in their homes before selling them in retail and wholesale markets. Their venture gained momentum after the state government introduced supportive schemes, empowering them to expand their business. The initiative has now earned them recognition under the "Lakhpati Didi" programme in Tripura, a scheme aimed at enabling women to achieve financial independence. Further boosting their growth, each member of the group received Rs 40,000 under the PMFME (Prime Minister's Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) scheme, a move that significantly strengthened their enterprise. As a result, their ALF account now boasts nearly Rs 15 lakh in funds. Expressing gratitude, the group extended their heartfelt thanks to TULM (Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission) for its crucial support in making their venture a success. They also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose initiatives have played a key role in transforming their lives. This success story stands as a testament to the impact of government-backed programmes in fostering women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Tripura. Bina Debnath, one of the entrepreneurs, spoke about her spice business and said that the products are sold in both retail and wholesale markets. "I am associated with an ALF, where 20 women, including myself, run a spice business. We carefully wash and clean the spices at home, grind them, and then sell them in both retail and wholesale markets," she said speaking to ANI. Further, she said that they were able to strengthen their business and become self-reliant due to the state government. "We were able to strengthen our spice business and become self-reliant after the state government came into power. Now, we are also recognised as part of the "Lakhpati Didi" initiative in Tripura. After the Prime Minister took office, we received an award of Rs 40,000 per woman under the PMFME scheme. With this financial support, our ALF account now holds nearly Rs 15 lakh," she further added. The entrepreneur also thanked everyone at the Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission for their support. "I sincerely thank everyone at TULM for their unwavering support. Without them, we wouldn't have been able to achieve this success. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our honourable Prime Minister for making this possible," she said. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday chaired a review meeting on the status of implementation of three New Criminal Laws in Northeastern states in Guwahati. He said that all Northeastern states should ensure the training of 100 per cent of police personnel on the new criminal laws. The Home Minister also unveiled a book titled 'New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules' prepared by CID, Assam. The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in the Northeastern states. The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, along with the Governor of Manipur. Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of North-Eastern states, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state governments also attended the meeting. Addressing the meeting, Shah said that the central government was committed to providing the citizens with a speedy and transparent justice system. He emphasised that to strengthen law and order, it is essential to register crimes without any delay. Amit Shah said that the Northeastern states need to put in more efforts towards the implementation of the new criminal laws. He stated that once these laws are fully enforced, there will be a significant transformation in the region's law and order situation, ensuring that justice is delivered by the Supreme Court within three years of an FIR being registered in any case. Union Home Minister said that there should be no political interference in registering cases related to terrorism, mob lynching, and organised crime. He said that all Northeastern states should ensure the training of 100 per cent of police personnel on the new criminal laws. Amit Shah requested the Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states to hold a review meeting every month on the implementation of the laws. He also directed the Director Generals of Police and Chief Secretaries of the states to conduct a review meeting every 15 days. The Union Home Minister said that the administration must reach the grassroots level, and police stations should become places where people receive justice. He emphasised that this would only be possible with 100% implementation of three new laws. He congratulated the Assam government for ensuring the filing of chargesheets within the stipulated time frame of 60-90 days in 66 per cent of cases and urged other states to follow this approach. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of progress in this regard. The Home Minister also emphasised the urgent need for the implementation of e-Sakshya. He stated that until there are sufficient scientific officers, it will not be possible to file fully satisfactory charge sheets from a forensic science perspective. He further urged the use of the" Trial in Absentia" provision, which will help bring fugitive criminals back to the country. Amit Shah said that the stronger the Director of Prosecution is made, the easier it will be to ensure justice for the people. He noted that, for a long time, the police in the Northeast were primarily focused on fighting insurgency. However, with insurgency now nearly eradicated in the region, the police should shift their focus toward protecting people's lives, property, and dignity. Shri Shah further stated that the Modi government introduced three new laws after an extensive and detailed deliberation process spanning nearly 45 months. (ANI) Delhi's Karkardooma Court has sentenced four convicts to 20 years of jail punishment in a decade-old case involving abduction, gang rape, illegal confinement, causing hurt and criminal intimidation. Women convicts have been sentenced for the abetment of the offences. The victim was abducted and taken to Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. An FIR was registered at police station Mandawali in the year 2015. The victim was abducted on the pretext of getting her a job on August 3, 2015. The hidden motive was to sell her somewhere else. However, she managed to escape from the place where she was kept in a village in Badaun district. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Swati Katiyar sentenced convict Bijnesh alias Deepak and his younger brother Dinesh to 20 years for the offence of gang rape, 7 years sentence for abduction, one year sentence for illegal confinement, one-year imprisonment for causing hurt, two years imprisonment for criminal intimidation. The same sentences have been awarded to Bijnesh's wife, Neha alias Sunita and Dinesh's wife Ruby for the Abetment of abduction, gang rape, illegal confinement, causing hurt and criminal intimidation. Additionally, the court has also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on each convict. The court has referred the case to the Delhi Legal Service Authority (DLSA) to award an appropriate compensation to the victim under victim compensation scheme. The counsel for the accused had prayed for leniency in awarding sentence. The court rejected the submissions and said, "Considering the submissions from both sides, the offences committed by the convicts, the circumstances of the convicts and perusing the case record, I am not inclined to take a lenient view against them. " Keeping in view the cruel and inhuman act of the convicts, a substantive and stern sentence is required to be imposed upon the convicts so that it is not only in commensuration with the gravity of the crime but also serves as a deterrent for others. The convicts do not deserve any leniency," ASJ Katiyar said in the sentence order of March 7. As per the case of Prosecution, the convicts lured the victim to accompany them on the pretext of providing her a job, however, she was deceived and abducted by the convicts. The prosecutrix was taken to the village Madarpur in District Badaun, Uttar Pradesh where she was wrongfully confined by the convicts, physically assaulted, tormented and intimidated by the convicts, the prosecution said. The court noted that the prosecutrix could escape the doomed circumstance only by her sheer courage and will, otherwise she would have been sold off somewhere without any possibility of returning to her home. "To show mercy in such a heinous crime would be a travesty of justice. The welfare and interest of other women in society also need to be protected because if the convicts are released, they may repeat the offence. The sentencing courts are expected to impose a sentence commensurate with the gravity of the offence," the court said in the order. While convicting the 4 accused on March 1, the court had held that the prosecution had proved that the accused persons abducted the prosecutrix and took her to the village Madarpur, District Badaun, where prosecutrix was wrongfully confined in a corn field, beaten and threatened by accused persons. The prosecution has proved that accused Bijnesh and Dinesh raped the prosecutrix while accused Neha and Ruby abetted the commission of rape by accused Bijnesh and Dinesh. (ANI) After Premchand Aggarwal's resignation, all eyes are on the possible Cabinet expansion in the BJP government in Uttarakhand. The sources in the BJP said that there would be a major overhaul in the Cabinet. After the resignation of Uttarakhand Parliamentary and Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal, the number of ministers has reduced to six in Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's cabinet. These ministers are Satpal Maharaj, Ganesh Joshi, Dhan Singh Rawat, Subodh Uniyal, Rekha Arya and Saurabh Bahuguna. Former cabinet minister Chandan Ramdas passed away last year. A total of five ministerial seats are now vacant in the state cabinet. At present, five new ministers can be inducted into the CM Dhami's Cabinet. Apart from CM Dhami, eight ministers were sworn in in March 2022. Even at that time three posts of ministers were not filled. Now the total number of vacant posts has reached 5. In Uttarakhand, with 70 assembly seats, a maximum of 12, including the CM, can be part of the cabinet. Uttarakhand Parliamentary Affairs and Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal submitted his resignation from the cabinet to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.While announcing his resignation to the media, Aggarwal got emotional. He said that he would keep contributing to the development of Uttarakhand. "I always want my state to develop and keep moving forward. Whatever my contribution will be required, I will do that for this. I have decided to resign from my post," he told reporters. In February of this year, Aggarwal's remarks in the State Assembly caused a political controversy, with various organisations and political parties demanding his resignation. In a heated discussion with a Congress MLA, the Minister questioned whether Uttarakhand was only for the people of the Hills. After this remarks caused outrage, he extended his apology. "It is embedded in our hearts. I had spoken about the whole of Uttarakhand. My statement was presented in the wrong way. I feel that due to this, the feelings of many people have been hurt. It is not in my nature to cause pain to anyone because of me. Therefore, whoever has been hurt knowingly or unknowingly, I express my heartfelt regret for that, and I apologise to them," he said in February. (ANI) Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday said that the world has been "cooling down" from major conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with the turmoil "interspersed" with "subnational conflicts" and common threats to global peace like terrorism, radicalisation, and mass cyber-attacks. He also pointed out a "subtle" shift from democracy to "authoritarianism," which feeds into the turmoil in the world. "The world is just cooling down from two major conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, wherein the majority of nations took sides based on realism, idealism or religion. The turmoil is also interspersed with ongoing subnational conflicts and common threats to global peace like terrorism, radicalisation, mass cyber-attacks, and a subtle shift from democracy to authoritarianism," Dwivedi said while speaking at the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture here. Highlighting that the security dynamics are constantly changing and have become unpredictable, the Army Chief said that the world has been facing new challenges, which led to the fall of regimes in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, and recently in Bangladesh. "The world has been facing new challenges, which led to the fall of regimes in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and many more. The security parameter is like shifting sands, where high tides and low tides can't be predicted," Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Dwivedi said. He added that the nation-states were indulging in forming part-time friendships, also known as 'friends by compulsion', which was a new phenomenon. "The idealists are becoming realists, and vice versa. Part-time friendship is a new emerging phenomenon, also referred to as 'friends by compulsion'. The duration of an elected government or the fall of an elected leader is changing the entire approach of a nation. We see what's happening in the US, Canada, or Bangladesh," Dwivedi added. He also highlighted the importance of emerging technologies in national security, saying that technological prowess has become the new currency of deterrence and data has become the new capital of trade and security. (ANI) Two accused in connection with the Chung murder case has been arrested from Solan in Himachal Pradesh, said a top Punjab police officer on Sunday. The accused have been identified as Bishemberjit Singh and Sharanjit Singh. Taking on X, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) stated, "Acting on reliable intelligence, AmritsarRPolice successfully apprehended two accused, Bishemberjit Singh and Sharanjit Singh from Solan, Himachal Pradesh in connection with the Chung Murder Case." https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1901244407631995040 "While being for recovery of weapon used for crime in PS Beas area, Bishemberjit attacked the police party and fired shots from a Glock pistol while attempting to flee from custody, leading to firearm injury to police personnel. Acting in self-defence, the police party fired back and the accused was injured. Bishemberjit is being taken to the Civil Hospital for medical treatment," the post added on X. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Punjab Police busted a narco-terror module linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and arrested three key operatives from Bihar while they were attempting to flee to Nepal. Police say they suspect the case is linked with the early Saturday morning grenade attack at Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar. Amritsar Commissioner GPS Bhullar said, "We had arrested three people with a commercial quantity of heroin from Bihar. During their interrogation and investigation, it came to light that this whole network was being run by a person named Karandeep Yadav... We have arrested him (Karandeep Yadav) along with two other people, Sajan Singh and Mukesh Kumar Yadav. These people have links with Babbar Khalsa. And I hope that there are many things which will come to light after their arrest, forensic science will give its report on this..." He further said that there is too much pressure on Pakistan smugglers and ISI since there is a war against drugs in Punjab. (ANI) The Congress Party will hold a meeting of the General Secretaries and State Incharges of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) at Indira Bhawan in Delhi on Tuesday, March 18, party sources said. The meeting is scheduled to be held at around 5 PM. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will chair the meeting, which will also be attended by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Another AICC meeting is scheduled to take place in Gujarat's Ahmedabad next month. Recently, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal reviewed the preparations for the AICC meeting scheduled to be held on April 8-9. He also visited the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial in the city and paid homage to India's first Union Home Minister. "As part of the visit to review preparations for our AICC Meeting scheduled April 8-9, visited the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial in Ahmedabad and paid homage to Sardar Patel, our great freedom fighter and stalwart Congressman who has forever been our guiding light," Venugopal posted on X. According to a press release issued by the Congress, the Ahmedabad AICC meet will bring together AICC delegates from across the nation to deliberate on the challenges posed by the "anti-people policies" and the "relentless attack" on the Constitution and its values by the BJP while charting the party's future course of action. The session will begin on April 8 with an extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, followed by the AICC Delegates' meeting on April 9. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will preside over both meetings, which will be attended by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, all Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states, national office bearers, senior party leaders, and other AICC delegates, said the Congress. This AICC session is being convened as a continuation of the resolutions adopted at the Belagavi Extended CWC meeting (Nava Satyagraha Baithak), which commemorated the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's presidency at the 1924 INC session. "Recognising the urgent need to preserve, protect, and promote the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, and the Constitution, it was decided that between 26th January 2025 and 26th January 2026, the Indian National Congress will launch a massive, nationwide public outreach campaign called the Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Padayatra, along with an AICC session in Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, reaffirming our commitment to his ideals of truth, non-violence, and justice," said Venugopal in a statement on February 23. (ANI) ARY News reported that Marri described the policy change as a direct assault on alternative energy consumers and a betrayal of the nation's green energy ambitions. Marri condemned the government's amendment to net metering regulations, which now require solar energy users to sell electricity at a significantly reduced rate of 10 rupees per unit compared to the previous rate of 27 rupees per unit. Marri labelled the policy as "economically unfair and unjust" and accused the government of corruption, inefficiency and the influence of mafia in the sector. Shazia Marri also dismissed claims that net metering imposes a mere 90 paise per unit burden on consumers, arguing that the real financial strain stems from "idle capacity payments" and an annual loss of Rs 600 billion due to power theft and unpaid bills. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet has approved a set of amendments to the existing net-metering regulations aimed at reducing the growing financial burden on grid consumers, as reported by ARY News. The ECC has revised the buyback rate from the National Average Power Purchase Price (NAPP) to Rs 10 per unit. The government claims that the net metering policy has increased tariffs for other electricity consumers. The Pakistani government has clarified that the new net metering policy will not affect existing consumers but will apply to new consumers. The government has argued that the new metering policy is necessary to release the burden from the other general electricity consumers. (ANI) After US President Donald Trump ordered "decisive" military action against the Yemen's Houthis, US fighter jets took off on their mission on Saturday (local time). Visuals showed fighter jets taking off from an Aircraft Carrier. Earlier in the day, Trump announced a "decisive and powerful" military against Houthis, accusing them of piracy, violence and terrorism targeting Americans. "Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American and other ships, aircraft, and drones," Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform. Trump said the US would use "overwhelming lethal force" against the Houthis, while accusing them of 'choking' transportation through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which have affected the trade and commerce and "attacked" the principle of Freedom of Navigation. "The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective. The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt, and attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends," Trump said. Criticising former President Joe Biden's "weak" response against the Houthis, Trump pointed out that attacks by Houthis on US military and commercial ships have cost the US and world economy "billions of Dollars.""Joe Biden's response was pathetically weak, so the unrestrained Houthis just kept going. It has been over a year since a U.S. flagged commercial ship safely sailed through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden. The last American Warship to go through the Red Sea, four months ago, was attacked by the Houthis over a dozen times. Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at U.S. aircraft, and targeted our Troops and Allies. These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk," Trump said. Trump said that the US is now carrying out "aerial attacks on the terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom." "No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World," Trump added. Trump also issued a direct warning to Iran, demanding an end to its support for the Houthis and threatening severe consequences if it continues. "To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes," he warned. "If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" Trump added. (ANI) An Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel was killed while six others were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Pakistan's Quetta on Saturday, ARY News reported. The explosion targeted a vehicle of the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) patrolling Barori Road in the Karani area, leaving seven ATF personnel injured. The wounded personnel were immediately rushed to the hospital, where one succumbed to injuries. As reported by ARY News, Security forces reached the blast site immediately and cordoned off the area for investigation. Meanwhile, train operations in the Quetta Division remain suspended due to security concerns following the horrific attack on the Jaffar Express. On March 11, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a train en route from Quetta to Peshawar, in the strategic Bolan Valley. The train, which was carrying over 450 passengers, including 200 security personnel, became the centre of a high-stakes standoff between the BLA and Pakistani security forces. Baloch rebels have claimed to kill 214 hostages and blamed Pakistan's "stubbornness" and "avoidance of negotiations" despite a 48-hour ultimatum. Jeeyand Baloch, Spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army, a Baloch rebel organisation, said in a statement that despite an ultimatum given to the Pakistani forces, they did not heed it, resulting in the death of 214 hostages. "Baloch Liberation Army had given the Pakistani army a 48-hour ultimatum to exchange prisoners of war, which was the last chance for the occupying army to save the lives of its personnel." "However, Pakistan, displaying its traditional stubbornness and military arrogance, not only avoided serious negotiations but also turned a blind eye to the ground realities. As a result of this stubbornness, all 214 hostages have been executed," the statement claimed. On Thursday, ISPR Pakistan DG Lt. Gen. Sharif Chaudhry said that the Jaffar Express clearance operation, launched after the train's hijacking in Balochistan, was complete. He added that all rebels, 33 in all, at the site of the attack had been killed. (ANI) The incident occurred near the Ormur area, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated and injured four people, including Munir. He was rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, officials said. The CCPO stated that Mufti Munir Shakir was the target of the attack and that a search operation is currently active in the area, with the police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) teams investigating the case. Shakir was a prominent personality on social media and gained popularity due to his sermons. Previously, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Samiul Haq (JUI-S) chief Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq was among the three who were killed in the suicide blast that ripped through Akora Khattak's Darul Uloom Haqqania in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, chief secretary and IG chief confirmed on Friday according to ARY. Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq took over as the chief of JUI-S after his father, Maulana Samiul Haq, was assassinated in 2018 after being stabbed multiple times at his residence in Rawalpindi. According to the officials, the explosion happened inside the seminary after the Friday prayers. The target of the attack at the Darul Uloom Haqqania, KP, was Maulana Hamidul Haq, ARY News reported citing Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed. He also confirmed the death of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami's head, Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, to the reporters. (ANI) Pakistan People Party (PPP) spokesperson Shazia Marri heavily criticised the Pakistan government's new policy regarding alternative energy, and said her party would challenge it, ARY News. Marri cleared PPP's opinion on the policy and drew attention to its harmful effects on solar energy consumers and the future of the country's renewable energy. The PPP spokesperson also condemned the government amendments to net metering regulations, which will now force solar energy users to sell electricity at a reduced rate of 10 Pakistani Rupees (PKR) per unit compared to the previous price of 27 PKR per unit. Furthermore, Shazia Marri described the government's policy change as a direct attack on alternative energy consumers and a betrayal of Pakistan's future in green energy. She added that the policy has forced the consumers to purchase electricity from the national grid at an exorbitant price of 65 PKR per unit, which will discourage the adoption of renewable energy, as reported by ARY News. Marri highlighted the influence of mafias in the power sector and accused the Pakistani government of corruption and inefficiency. She also stated that the policy has a 550 percent disparity, which makes it economically unfair and unjust. She dismissed the government's claim that consumers are only burdened by a 90-paise burden and argued that the real financial strain comes from the "idle capacity payments," and an annual loss of 600 billion PKR can occur due to power theft and unpaid bills. Shazia Marri alleged that the government is punishing individuals and businesspeople just for the sake of energy independence. She also stated that the government is not paying attention to solving the critical issues related to the policy, ARY reported. She further claimed that the policy would deter local and foreign investments in the renewable energy sector, force consumers to pay inflated electricity rates, and diminish development opportunities in the green energy sector. The PPP spokesperson also described the policy as an attack on Pakistan's energy and economic sovereignty. She demanded its immediate withdrawal and legal action against the violators. Marri also declared that the PPP would challenge the decision through judicial, political, and public avenues if necessary. (ANI) Cuba's Deputy Prime Minister, Eduardo Martinez Diaz, and Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to attend the Raisina Dialogue. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "Warm welcome to DPM @EdMartDiaz of Cuba as he arrived in New Delhi for @RaisinaDialogue 2025." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1901151696862007301 The Raisina Dialogue is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. It is scheduled to be held in Delhi from March 17-19. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. This effort is supported by a number of institutions, organisations and individuals, who are committed to the mission of the conference. In a statement, ORF stated, "Every year, leaders in politics, business, media, and civil society converge in New Delhi to discuss the state of the world and explore opportunities for cooperation on a wide range of contemporary matters." "The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, who are joined by thought leaders from the private sector, media and academia," it added. Earlier on Friday, Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba arrived in Delhi to attend Raisina Dialogue. "Warm welcome to FM Arzu Rana Deuba of Nepal as she arrives in New Delhi for Raisina Dialogue 2025," Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. Deuba offered prayers at Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand and Basukinath Temple there on Wednesday. "I have reached Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand, India, and have offered prayers at Baba Baidyanath Dham as well as at the Basukinath Temple located there. For this, I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone, including the temple management committee and the main priest of the temple." Deuba on Monday embarked on a visit to India for a religious visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal announced. "Following her visit to Jharkhand, Minister Rana will attend the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, scheduled for March 17 to 19," the Foreign Ministry mentioned in the release. (ANI) The presidents of Russia and Venezuela announced plans to increase energy cooperation on Friday after Washington ordered US oil giant Chevron to pull out of the Caribbean country. In a video call with his Venezuelan counterpart that was broadcast by Venezuelan state TV, Russia's President Vladimir Putin said the two countries were "strategic partners" and plan to expand ties. Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, whose claim to have won a third term in July 2024 elections has been rejected by much of the international community, said the two countries had taken their ties "to the highest level in several domains," including energy cooperation. Last month, US President Donald Trump revoked a sanctions waiver permitting Chevron to operate in Venezuela, removing a crucial source of revenue for the country's sanctions-hit economy. Trump accused Maduro of failing to live up to his promise to a US envoy, who visited Caracas in January, to take back deported Venezuelans. The envoy's visit had been welcomed by Maduro's authoritarian leftist administration as a sign of a possible reset of relations with Washington under Trump's second presidency after years of tensions. Trump poured cold water on those hopes by tightening sanctions he had imposed on Venezuela during his first term that had been partially softened by his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. Putin is one of the few world leaders to have recognized Maduro's re-election. The United States and several other world powers have said they believe the opposition's candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia was the rightful winner of the vote, which triggered riots that were harshly suppressed by Venezuelan security forces. Venezuela's late leftist anti-US firebrand Hugo Chavez cultivated close ties with Moscow during his 1999-2013 presidency, which Maduro has expanded. He has notably refused to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Putin on Friday invited Maduro to visit Moscow on May 9, when Russia celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a huge military parade. The 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism will be held in New Delhi from March 19 to 20, 2025. India and Malaysia will co-chair the ADMM-Plus meeting. Delegations from 10 ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand) and eight dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, USA and Russia) along with Timor Leste and ASEAN Secretariat will be participating in the meeting. India will co-chair the EWG on Counter-Terrorism for the first time. On March 19, 2025, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh will deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony. This will be the first meeting for activities planned for the EWG on Counter-Terrorism for the ongoing cycle from 2024 to 2027. Discussions will focus on evolving a robust and comprehensive strategy designed to tackle the evolving threat of terrorism and extremism. The meeting aims to share the on-ground experience of the Defence Forces of ASEAN and its dialogue partners. It will lay the foundation for the activities/exercises/seminars/workshop planned for the cycle 2024-2027. The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for practical cooperation among the participating countries' defence establishments. It currently focuses on seven areas of practical cooperation: Counterterrorism, maritime security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management, Peacekeeping Operations, Military Medicine, Humanitarian Mine Action, and Cyber Security. EWGs have been established to facilitate cooperation in these areas. The EWGs are each co-chaired by one ASEAN member state and one dialogue partner, following a three-year cycle. The task of the co-chairs is to lay down the objectives, policy guidelines and directions for the EWG for the three-year cycle at the commencement of the chairmanship, conduct of regular EWG meetings (minimum two in a year) and an exercise of any form (Table-Top/Field Training/Staff/Communication etc.) for all member nations in the third year to test the progress made in practical cooperation during the three-year cycle. (ANI) On International Rivers Day, the World Sindhi Congress organized a protest in front of the Pakistan High Commission in London, condemning the construction of six illegal canals on the Indus River by the federal and Punjab governments of Pakistan, Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) said in a post on Facebook. Various nationalist leaders, human rights activists, intellectuals, and political workers supported the protest, rallying against what they called an unconstitutional act that threatened the livelihoods of local communities in Sindh. JSFM chairman Sohail Abro highlighted the seriousness of the issue, calling it a matter of life and death for the people of Sindh. In a post shared on Facebook, he emphasized that the construction of these canals would worsen the water crisis, adversely impacting the region's agriculture and daily life. The protesters also condemned the suppression of voices in Sindh, including the mysterious disappearance of political activist Sohail Raza Bhatti and the extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Speakers at the protest, including prominent figures like World Sindhi Congress chairman Lako Mal Lohano, Hidayat Bhutto, and Ayman Zainoor, voiced strong condemnation of the canal projects. They argued that these actions are part of a broader conspiracy aimed at undermining Sindh's rights to its water resources. The participants expressed outrage over the fact that the construction is being carried out without the consent of the Sindhi people, further aggravating tensions between Sindh and the central government. The protestors chanted slogans against the federal and Punjab governments, demanding the immediate cessation of the canal projects. They vowed to continue their fight until their rights are recognized and the people of Sindh are protected from what they consider an unjust and oppressive policy. The protest garnered widespread attention, underscoring the growing tensions over water rights and political autonomy in Pakistan. (ANI) SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov docked with International Space Station, Space X CEO Elon Musk announced on Sunday. In a post on X, Musk posted, "SpaceX Dragon docks with Space Station." https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1901151139447349513 In a statement, NASA stated, "NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov arrived at the International Space Station on Sunday, as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the orbiting complex at 12:04 a.m. EDT, while the station was roughly 260 statute miles over the Atlantic Ocean." After SpaceX Dragon's link-up to the forward facing port of the station's Harmony module, the crew members aboard Dragon and the space station will start conducting standard leak checks and pressurization between the spacecraft and the station in preparation for a hatch opening scheduled for approximately 1:45 am (US time) on Sunday. Crew-10 will join the Expedition 72 crew of NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Don Petitt, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore and Roscosmos cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Alexey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner, according to the statement released by NASA. The number of crew aboard the space station will rise to 11 people before Crew-9 members Hague, Williams, Wilmore, and Gorbunov return to Earth after the crew handover period. On Friday, SpaceX and NASA launched a mission to bring back US astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS, where they have been stranded for nine months. The lift-off took place at 7:03 ET on Friday, with a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon spacecraft on the Crew-10 mission. The launch came after US President Donald Trump urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to rescue the stranded astronauts sooner than NASA had planned. He has repeatedly accused former US President Joe Biden of abandoning them in space. On March 7, Trump said that he has authorised Elon Musk to bring back American astronauts- Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore who have been stranded at the International Space station since June last year. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been stranded on the ISS for nine months after reaching there in June last year. They were supposed to stay there for about a week. The astronauts were transported from Earth to the ISS aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft However, the spacecraft came back to Earth unmanned in September. This came after Starliner faced "helium leaks" and "issues with the spacecraft reaction control thrusters" while docking with the ISS, Fox News reported. (ANI) They expressed concerns that Beijing might use the facility to intimidate and surveil dissidents living overseas, Radio Free Asia(RFA) reported. This marks the second mega protest in five weeks at the location near the Tower of London, with organizers estimating around 6,000 participants. The rally ended peacefully with no arrests. The Chinese government bought the historic building with plans to develop what would be Beijing's largest diplomatic facility worldwide. An architect involved in the project disclosed details regarding the construction of the embassy, which includes a tunnel linking two of the former Royal Mint buildings, basement spaces, and accommodation for hundreds of staff. Protesters have placed signs at the proposed site of the Chinese "mega-embassy" featuring UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping depicted as Winnie the Pooh. Earlier, a similar protest took place in London against China's planned "mega-embassy" at the former Royal Mint Court, RFA reported. In 2018, the Chinese government acquired the historic site with plans to build an embassy that would be ten times larger than a typical one. The development would also feature cultural exchange centers and 225 residential units. The persecution of human rights defenders in China involves severe human rights violations, such as mass detentions in "re-education camps," forced labour, and intense surveillance. The Chinese government has been accused of religious repression, cultural destruction, and forced assimilation, which include restrictions on the language, religion, and cultural practices of minorities. Reports highlight family separations, forced indoctrination, and the destruction of minority heritage sites. International organizations have condemned these actions as genocide and crimes against humanity, but China rejects these allegations, claiming they are false and part of efforts to combat extremism. The issue remains a major global human rights concern. (ANI) The National Immigration Agency (NIA) of Taiwan has warned that the Chinese wife of a Taiwanese man, surnamed Liu, who openly backed China's use of force against Taiwan, must leave Taiwan, or she will be deported as per the law, Taipei Times reported. Liu, an influencer widely recognized by her online channel name Yaya in Taiwan, gained permanent residency through her marriage to a Taiwanese national. According to the Taipei Times report, she has been accused of consistently making pro-unification statements on her YouTube and TikTok channels, including supporting the use of force for China's unification with Taiwan and endorsing the Chinese government's position that "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China." On March 4, Liu was summoned by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) following reports about her actions. On Tuesday, the NIA revoked her dependent visa, stating that she must leave Taiwan within 10 days and will be banned from applying for a dependent visa for five years, Taipei Times cited. The revocation of Liu's residence permit was made in accordance with Article 14 of the Measures for the Permission of Family-based Residence, Long-term Residence, and Settlement of People from the Mainland Area in Taiwan, as outlined in a news release by the NIA, Taipei Times reported. The official procedure to revoke Liu's visa was finalized yesterday, according to the NIA. Although the impact on Liu's family was taken into consideration, the decision was made to proceed with the revocation, as her remarks were deemed to undermine Taiwan's democratic system and its sovereignty, explained Hsu Yu, the director of the Immigration Affairs Division. Liu had been reported by individuals who believed her public support for unification by force violated the law, Taiwan News reported. In response, the NIA launched an investigation into whether her actions violated the Act Governing Relations between the people of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The NIA also cautioned online streamers against making certain types of comments online just to gain attention and increase viewership. Such behavior could lead to legal violations and waste government resources in terms of paperwork and administrative tasks. The NIA further emphasized that any actions that harm or have the potential to harm the country's democratic values are strongly condemned, as reported by Taipei Times. (ANI) New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi today for an official visit. Luxon will attend the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest and deliver the keynote address, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement. A high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media and members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand, will accompany him during the visit to India. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson stated, "PM @chrisluxonmp will be arriving shortly on an Official Visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media, and members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand." Later in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on Christopher Luxon. On Monday, he will lay a wreath at Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, according to the media advisory released by MEA. During his visit, Luxon and PM Narendra Modi will meet at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Monday. The leaders will see an exchange of MoUs at the Hyderabad House, and later in the day, PM Luxon will meet President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to MEA. On Tuesday, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon will meet Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda. He will travel to Mumbai on Wednesday. During his visit to Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will call on Christopher Luxon. New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon will meet Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan. He will depart from India on March 20. (ANI) The Raisina Dialogue is India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the international community. The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held from March 17-19. PM Modi will inaugurate the Dialogue on March 17. The theme of the 2025 edition is "Kalachakra - People, Peace and Planet." The 10th Raisina Dialogue will witness the participation of representatives from about 125 countries, including ministers, former Heads of State and Heads of Government, military commanders, captains of Industry, Technology Leaders, academics, journalists, scholars on strategic affairs, experts from leading think tanks, and youth. (ANI) A journalist from Balochistan's Barkhan district, Asif Kareem Khetran, who has previously alleged intimidation from the Pakistan Army, has gone missing, local media reported sparking fears that he has been forcibly disappeared and raising serious concerns over press freedom and human rights in the region. The Balochistan Post reported that Khetran, affiliated with the Barkhan Press Club, was last seen on March 15. His whereabouts remain unknown, sparking outrage among human rights organizations and journalists alike. Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, a human rights lawyer, expressed deep concern over Khetran's disappearance, revealing that he had previously reported receiving threats, Balochistan Post reported.https://x.com/ImaanZHazir/status/1900857472404934801 In a post on X, Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir stated, "Extremely concerned over the enforced disappearance of Asif Kareem Khetran. He had informed me since 2024 about army officials who were threatening and intimidating him. They kept calling him to an army camp and abducted his other family members before disappearing." According to the Balochistan Post, before his disappearance, Khetran had shared on social media that his house had been raided by Pakistani forces. He also accused local authorities of sealing his shop, which he described as an attempt to silence him. Despite these allegations, no official statement has been made by either security forces or the local administration in Barkhan regarding the incident. Balochistan has become one of the most perilous regions for journalists, with many facing harassment, threats, and enforced disappearances while covering sensitive issues related to human rights and security, the Balochistan Post reported. Press freedom groups have condemned the ongoing violence against journalists and called for the immediate and safe return of Khetran. The disappearance underscores the growing dangers for those reporting on Balochistan's complex and volatile situation. Recently, Paank reported that the total number of enforced disappearances for the month reached 134. Human rights organizations have consistently raised alarms about extrajudicial killings and the absence of legal due process in Pakistan. Protesters have persistently urged the government, judiciary, and international human rights bodies to take immediate action to address these concerns. (ANI) Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Abu Qatal, chargesheeted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the January 2023 Rajouri attacks, has been shot dead in Pakistan after an assailant opened fire on his vehicle on the Mangla-Jhelum Road, local media reported on Sunday. An armed guard of Qatal was also killed in the attack that took place on Saturday night, according to a report in Islamabad-based outlet The News International. At the time of the attack, Abu Qatal, whose real name is Zia ur Rehman, was travelling in his black jeep, The News International reported. Both Qatal and his armed guard died on the spot. Following the attack, the suspected assailant was apprehended, The News International reported, citing sources. However, there has been no official confirmation of the arrest. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had charge-sheeted five accused, in the case of the January 2023 attacks in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The case RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU, relates to a heinous terror attack on civilians at village Dhangri, District Rajouri on January 1 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day, the NIA said. Seven people, including two children, were killed and several others severely injured in the attacks. The three charge-sheeted LeT handlers had been identified as Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi, Saifullah whose alias include Sajid Jutt, Ali, Habibullah, Nouman and Mohd Qasim. While Abu Qatal and Sajid Jutt had been Pakistani nationals, Qasim had crossed over to Pakistan around 2002 and had joined the LeT. Investigations had revealed that the trio had orchestrated the recruitment and deployment of LeT terrorists from Pakistan to target civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as security personnel. The attacks had been carried out under their directions. Abu Qatal had come to India in 2002-03 and was active in the Poonch-Rajouri range, along with other terrorists. It was found during investigations that they had provided logistical support to the terrorists on the directions of Abu Qatal. (ANI) The historic Chinar Bagh bridge in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan is in a state of severe disrepair, putting the safety of passers-by at significant risk. Local residents have raised urgent concerns about the condition of the bridge, calling on higher authorities to take immediate action, as reported by Markhor Times. The once-reliable wooden bridge, which serves as a vital passage for pedestrians, has deteriorated to the point where it poses a real danger to those who must cross it daily. "The bridge is maintained by the authorities, but so many people, including women and children, have been facing serious problems due to its broken condition," said one concerned citizen. The wooden planks on the bridge are unstable, and many fear that someone could easily fall through if the situation isn't addressed soon. This bridge serves as a key route for pedestrians, as the nearby vehicle bridge is unsuitable for foot traffic. As a result, many people are left with no choice but to risk their safety by crossing the broken structure, as reported by Markhor Times. The deteriorating state of the bridge is especially troubling for parents with young children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities who rely on it for daily commutes. Residents have called on local authorities and government officials to take swift action to repair or replace the bridge to ensure the safety of residents. The historical value of the Chinar Bagh bridge adds to the urgency of preserving it, but its current state endangers the lives of many who rely on it for daily access to nearby areas. The people of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan have consistently protested to highlight social, economic, and political issues. Their efforts aim to secure justice, equality, and improved living conditions, as they seek better representation, rights, and development opportunities for the region's marginalized population. (ANI) Lawyers organised a rally from the Sindh High Court (SHC) to the Karachi Press Club to protest the construction of six new canals on the Indus River and corporate farming, as reported by the Dawn. The rally, which began at the Sindh High Court (SHC), concluded at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), with participants chanting slogans and holding placards against what they called "anti-Sindh projects." According to the Dawn, Sindh High Court Bar Association President Sarfaraz Ali Metlo, Abdul Wahab Baloch, and other senior lawyers also joined the demonstration. The Dawn reported that speeches at the KPC emphasised the legal and environmental concerns surrounding the project, with critics accusing federal authorities of undermining the interests of Sindh. The lawyers demanded the immediate withdrawal of the canal project, stressing its potential to worsen water scarcity and disrupt the balance of the federation. The protest reflected the growing tension between Sindh and federal agencies over water distribution issues. They said that it was their constitutional, legal, and democratic right to protest against the imposed construction of canals on the Indus River. The state has repeatedly enforced policies designed to appropriate Sindh's land, resources, and river. The Indus River is essential to Sindh's existence, and it is the responsibility of every Sindhi to defend its preservation. Recently, the World Sindhi Congress held a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London, denouncing the federal and Punjab governments of Pakistan for constructing six illegal canals on the Indus River on International River Day. Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) Chairman Sohail Abro stressed the gravity of the issue, describing it as a life-and-death matter for Sindh's people. In a Facebook post, he warned that the canal construction would exacerbate the water crisis, severely affecting agriculture and daily life in the region. The protest attracted significant attention, highlighting the increasing tensions surrounding water rights and political autonomy in Pakistan. (ANI) President Donald Trump took to Truth Social late Friday night to share that the "fugitive leader" of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was killed. "He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters," the president wrote on Truth Social. "His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government." "PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!" he added. The killing of ISIS' Deputy Caliph Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay'i, also referred to as Abu Khadija, and another member of the terrorist group was first announced by Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Friday morning, approximately 13 hours before Trump took partial credit for the ISIS leader's death. "The heroes of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, with support and coordination from the Joint Operations Command and the International Coalition forces, successfully eliminated the terrorist Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay'i, known as (Abu Khadija)," Shia al-Sudani wrote in a statement shared to X Friday morning. The Iraqis continue their remarkable victories against the forces of darkness and terrorism. The heroes of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, with support and coordination from the Joint Operations Command and the International Coalition forces, successfully eliminated the (@mohamedshia) March 14, 2025 He added that Abu Khadija "was considered one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world" and went on to congratulate "Iraq, the Iraqi people, and all peace-loving nations on this significant security achievement." The operation was conducted on Thursday and carried out by a targeted airstrike in the Anbar province in western Iraq, according to reporting by AP News. Originally published on Latin Times During an extensive podcast with American research scientist Lex Fridman, that touched upon geopolitics and current international issues of importance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about advocating for the role of peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In his podcast with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the guest, Lex Fridman asked PM Modi his approach towards the process of peacemaking. Fridman said, "You have spoken about, you have the experience, you have the skill, you have the geopolitical leverage to be the biggest peacemaker in the world today,..Can you maybe explain how you approach the process of making peace, helping make peace between two warring nations, for example, Russia and Ukraine?" To this PM Modi highlighted that he comes and represents the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, whose teachings, words, actions, and behavior are completely dedicated to peace. "That is why culturally and historically, our background is so strong that whenever we speak of peace, the world listens to us, because India is the land of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi and Indians aren't hardwired to espouse strife and conflict. We espouse harmony instead. We seek neither to wage war against nature, nor to foster strife among nations. We stand for peace and wherever we can act as peacemakers, we have gladly embraced that responsibility", PM Modi said. Speaking about India's ties with Russia and Ukraine, PM Modi said, "I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time for war, and I can also tell President Zelenskyy in a friendly way that, brother, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield. The resolution will only come when both Ukraine and Russia come to the negotiating table. Ukraine may hold countless discussions with their allies, but it will bear no fruit. Discussions must include both parties instead." PM Modi highlighted that how initially, it was challenging to find peace, but now situation has emerged which, "presents an opportunity for meaningful and productive talks between Ukraine and Russia". Highlighting how the impact of war has spilled onto the rest of the world, PM Modi said, "There has been a lot of suffering. Even the global south has suffered. The world has been grappling with a food, fuel and fertilizer crisis. So the global community should unite in the pursuit of peace". Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his views and said, "As for me, I have always maintained that I stand with peace. I am not neutral. I have a stance and that is peace, and peace is what I strive for." Prime Minister Modi's remarks to Lex Fridman come as headways are being made towards bringing peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Friday, US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he had "good and productive discussions" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and hinted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict could "finally come to an end."Trump said that he "strongly requested" Putin to spare the lives of thousands of Ukrainian troops, or else it would be a "horrible massacre." Prime Minister Modi that for people the prudent choice is to let go of conlfict and move towards cooperation. "I believe that modern wars are no longer just about resources or interests. Today I see so many kinds of conflicts happening. Physical battles often get discussed. Struggles are happening in every domain. International organizations that were once powerful have become almost irrelevant. No real reforms are happening. Institutions, like the UN, are failing to fulfill their roles. People, who disregard international laws and rules, continue to act freely, and no one can stop them. In such situations, the prudent choice for everyone is to let go of conflict and move toward cooperation. And a development-driven approach is the way forward. Expansionism will not work. As I've said before, the world is interdependent and interconnected. Every nation needs one another, no one can stand alone. And from all the different forums I attend, one thing is clear: Everyone is deeply worried about these conflicts. We can only hope that peace is restored very soon," the PM said. Lex Fridman's podcasts have seen several personalities from various walks of life who have discussed issues ranging from complex niches to other areas of mass understanding. Notable figures include political leaders like US President Donald Trump, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Argentinian Prime Minister Javier Milei, as well as leading personalities in their fields, such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, Magnus Carlson, and Yuval Noah Harari. His YouTube page has 4.8 million subscribers with over 82,00,00,000 views. (ANI) This strategic move, with a cost exceeding AED 500 million, aims to boost the energy infrastructure of Sharjah city. The project was carried out in collaboration with Siemens Energy and General Projects Company for Mechanical and Electrical Contracting. Hamad Al-Tunaiji, Director of Energy Transmission, stated that the authority is committed to continually developing power transmission and distribution networks across Sharjah. The project was implemented following the highest global standards to ensure quality, efficiency, and reliability in providing sustainable energy. The new substation includes four 400 MVA transformers (220/132 kV) and four 75 MVA transformers (132/33 kV), offering a total capacity of over 1,200 MW, serving vital areas of Sharjah. This expansion will meet the city's growing energy demand and improve the electrical grid's reliability and flexibility. The new substation will also support the city's economic and urban growth, ensuring future energy demands are met. Abdullah Al-Koos, Deputy Director of Energy Transmission, affirmed that the opening of this station represents a major achievement for SEWA, reinforcing its commitment to providing a reliable and modern energy infrastructure for Sharjah. (ANI/WAM) In a podcast with AI researcher Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated US President Donald Trump's unshakeable dedication to his country, particularly in the wake of assassination attempts last year. Recalling Trump's resilience and determination during campaigning for US elections, even after being shot, he said, "When he was shot during the recent campaign, I saw the same resilient and determined President Trump, the one who walked hand-in-hand with me in that stadium. Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life was for his nation." He also drew parallels between Trump's "America First" ideology and his own "India First" approach, highlighting their shared commitment to prioritizing their nations' interests. This alignment has fostered a strong connection between the two leaders. "His reflection showed his America First spirit, just as I believe in Nation First. I stand for India first and that's why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate. And I believe that across the world politicians are covered so much by the media that people mostly perceive each other through its lens. People rarely get the chance to truly meet or personally know one another and perhaps third-party intervention is the real cause of tensions," he added. Recalling their memorable meeting at the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston in 2019, Modi praised Trump's humility and courage, noting that the then-President of the United States sat in the audience while he spoke from the stage. "We had an event in Houston, Howdy Modi. Both President Trump and I were there and the entire stadium was completely packed. A massive crowd at an event in the US is a huge moment. While packed stadiums are common in sports, this was extraordinary for a political rally...Both of us delivered speeches and he sat down below listening to me speak. Now, that's his humility. The President of the United States sitting in the audience while I spoke from the stage, that was a remarkable gesture on his part," he said. After finishing his speech, PM Modi suggested taking a lap around the stadium to greet the large crowd of Indian diaspora. courage. Despite strict security protocols, Trump agreed to take a lap around the stadium with Modi, demonstrating their mutual trust and respect. "After finishing my speech, I stepped down and as we all know, security in the US is extremely strict and thorough. The level of scrutiny there is on a completely different level. I went over to thank him and casually said, "If you don't mind, why don't we take a lap around the stadium? There are so many people here. Let's walk, wave and greet them." In American life, it's almost impossible for the President to walk into a crowd of thousands, but without even a moment's hesitation, he agreed and started walking with me," he added. PM Modi described the moment as "truly touching," adding that "It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but also he trusted me and my lead at that moment enough to have walked with me into the crowd." "It was that sense of mutual trust, a strong bond between us that I truly witnessed on that day," PM Modi added "and the way I saw President Trump that day walking into a crowd of thousands without even asking security, it was truly amazing. And if you watch the video now, you'll be amazed." Highlighting his first White House visit, when Trump broke formal protocols and personally gave PM Modi a tour, he said, "When I visited him in the White House for the first time, there was already a lot written about President Trump in the media. At that time, he was still new to office and the world had a rather different perception of him. Even though I had been briefed in many different ways before meeting him, to my surprise, the very moment I stepped into the White House, he broke all formal protocols right away. And then, he took me on a tour of the White House. As he showed me around, I noticed something striking, he wasn't holding any notes or cue cards, nor was anyone accompanying him to assist." "He pointed things out himself. This is where Abraham Lincoln lived," he said. "He even explained why the courtroom was designed so long. He would point at the table and tell me which President signed here and on what date. I found that incredibly impressive. It showed how much he honoured the Presidency and how respectful and deeply connected he was to America's history. I could feel that. And he spoke to me freely, discussing many things openly. That was my experience from our first meeting," added PM Modi. PM Modi also appreciated Trump's kind gestures, including his warm words about their friendship even after his first term ended. "Later, when his first term ended, and President Biden won, four years passed, but during that time whenever someone we both knew met him, and this must have happened dozens of times, he would say, 'Modi is my friend, convey my regards.' That kind of gesture is rare. Even though we didn't meet physically for years, our direct and indirect communication, our closeness and the trust between us remained unshaken," he said. In addition, PM Modi praised Trump's preparedness and clear vision in his second term, observing that he seems "far more prepared than before." "I have observed President Trump both during his first term and now in his second run. This time, he seems far more prepared than before. He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals," he said. PM Modi also noted that during his recent visit to the United States, he also met with several influential figures, including Tech billinore Elon Musk, US Vice President JD Vance; United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and American entrepreneur and politician, Vivek Ramaswamy. He added that his meeting with Elon Musk was particularly warm and friendly, as Musk was accompanied by his family and children. PM Modi has known Musk since his time as chief minister, and their discussion covered a range of topics, including Musk's exciting new DOGE mission. "I also had the chance to meet members of his team, and I truly believe he has put together a strong, capable group with such a strong team, I feel they are fully capable of implementing President Trump's vision based on my interactions with them. I met several people, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, and there was a family-like atmosphere, everyone had come with their families. As for Elon Musk, I have known him since my time as chief minister. He was there with his family and children, so naturally, the atmosphere felt warm and friendly," he said. "Of course, we had discussions and we talked about many different topics. Now, with his DOGE mission, he is incredibly excited about how it's progressing and honestly, it makes me happy too because when I took office in 2014, I wanted to free my country from the deep-rooted issues and harmful practices that have crept in, and I'll continue striving to eliminate as many of them as I possibly can," he added. As per his official website, Lex Fridman has been a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 2015. His podcasts cover several themes, such as artificial intelligence, global politics, cryptocurrency, productivity, global geopolitics, and technology. His YouTube page has 4.8 million subscribers with over 82,00,00,000 views. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about India's relationship with China, emphasizing the importance of learning from each other and understanding one another. Despite ongoing border disputes, PM Modi acknowledged the ancient cultural and civilizational ties between the two nations, noting that there's no real history of conflict between them. He said that the two nations are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020, with Modi emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust, enthusiasm, and energy. Speaking in a podcast with AI researcher Lex Fridman, PM Modi also advocated for healthy competition between the two nations, emphasising that competition should never turn into conflict. "Look, the relationship between India and China isn't something new. Both nations have ancient cultures and civilizations. Even in the modern world, they play a significant role. If you look at historical records, for centuries, India and China have learned from each other. Together, they have always contributed to the global good in some way," he said. PM Modi Modi highlighted the significant contributions of India and China to the global good, citing historical records that show the two nations accounted for over 50 per cent of the world's GDP at one point. "Old records suggest that at one point India and China alone accounted for more than 50 per cent of the world's GDP. That's how massive India's contribution was. And I believe our ties have been extremely strong, with deep cultural connections. If we look back centuries, there's no real history of conflict between us. It has always been about learning from each other and understanding one another," he added. PM Modi expressed optimism about improving relations with China, following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. On October 23, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia. Despite ongoing border disputes and significant tensions in 2020, PM Modi acknowledged a return to normalcy at the border. The two nations are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020. "It is true that there have been ongoing border disputes between us. And in 2020, the incidents along the border created significant tensions between our countries. However, after my recent meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020. Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return. But of course, it will take some time, since there's been a five-year gap," he said. PM Modi highlighted the significance of cooperation between India and China, stating that it's essential for global stability and prosperity. He advocated for healthy competition between the two nations, emphasizing that competition should never turn into conflict. "Our cooperation isn't just beneficial, it's also essential for global stability and prosperity. And since the 21st century is Asia's century, we want India and China to compete healthily and naturally. Competition is not a bad thing, but it should never turn into conflict," he added. The Prime Minister also acknowledged that differences between neighbouring countries are natural but stressed the need to prevent them from escalating into disputes. "Our relationship should remain just as strong in the future. It should continue to grow. Of course, differences are natural. When two neighbouring countries exist, occasional disagreements are bound to happen. Even within a family, not everything is always perfect. But our focus is to ensure that these differences don't turn into disputes," he said. "That's what we actively work toward. Instead of discord, we emphasize dialogue, because only through dialogue can we build a stable cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations," he added. The Prime Minister also expressed concern over the ineffectiveness of international organizations and the failure of institutions like the UN to fulfill their roles. "International organizations that were once powerful have become almost irrelevant. No real reforms are happening. Institutions, like the UN, are failing to fulfill their roles. People, who disregard international laws and rules, continue to act freely, and no one can stop them. In such situations, the prudent choice for everyone is to let go of conflict and move toward cooperation. And a development-driven approach is the way forward," he added. Highlighting the interdependence and interconnectedness of the world, PM Modi advocated for a development-driven approach, emphasizing that expansionism will not work in today's interdependent and interconnected world. "Expansionism will not work. As I've said before, the world is interdependent and interconnected. Every nation needs one another, no one can stand alone. And from all the different forums I attend, one thing is clear: Everyone is deeply worried about these conflicts. We can only hope that peace is restored very soon," he said. Lex Fridman's podcasts have seen several personalities from various walks of life who have discussed issues ranging from complex niches to other areas of mass understanding. Notable figures include political leaders like US President Donald Trump, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Argentinian Prime Minister Javier Milei, as well as leading personalities in their fields, such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, Magnus Carlson, and Yuval Noah Harari. His YouTube page has 4.8 million subscribers with over 82,00,00,000 views. (ANI) MQM Supremo Altaf Hussain has urged Pakistan to acknowledge its past mistakes, seek national reconciliation, and draft a new social contract to ensure its survival. Addressing the 223rd Intellectual Session on TikTok, he emphasised that Pakistan's current crises, particularly in Balochistan, cannot be resolved through force and military operations. He criticised the indiscriminate use of military power, stating that branding the Baloch people as terrorists for demanding their rights is unjust and counterproductive. Instead of suppression, the government must initiate sincere negotiations with discontented Baloch leaders and address their long-standing grievances. He asserted that Pakistan's only viable path forward lies in his proposed formula- accept past mistakes, seek national reconciliation, and draft a new social contract. He stressed that this agreement must be inclusive, ensuring representation from Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Punjabis, Seraikis, Mohajirs, Kashmiris, and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, Parachinar, and Hazara. Additionally, he called for restoring constitutional integrity by reversing undemocratic amendments that have alienated various ethnic and regional groups. The MQM Supremo also denounced the labelling of Baloch people as terrorists while ignoring state-sponsored violence against them. Questioning the justification for extrajudicial killings, he asked, "How can the abduction, brutal torture, and extrajudicial killing of innocent Baloch citizens or any ethnic group be justified? No matter the allegations against an individual, where does the law permit the denial of due process and summary execution?" He argued that such actions constitute severe human rights violations, pointing out that the Baloch community has suffered immensely, with countless individuals forcibly disappeared, tortured, and murdered without trial. He explained that when families witness such atrocities, it is natural for them to react, a phenomenon he termed "Psycho Reactionary Action." Hussain reiterated that the people of Balochistan are not terrorists but are fighting for their fundamental rights. He criticized the state for continuing to disappear, imprison, and eliminate them instead of addressing their legitimate demands. He firmly stated that the violent suppression of Baloch's voices must end. Calling for an immediate shift in strategy, he emphasised that dialogue, not force, is the only solution. He urged the government to hold negotiations with discontented Baloch leaders and create an environment of trust to resolve disputes peacefully. He concluded by asserting that only through genuine engagement and a commitment to justice can Pakistan move toward a united, democratic, and inclusive future. (ANI) Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 28. The two countries will issue a joint statement after the meeting, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing said in a statement on Tuesday. The statement came after the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka, Yao Wen, met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Yao Wen said the upcoming official visit of the Chief Adviser to China would be the most important one in the 50-year-long relationship between the two 'trustworthy" and close friends. Professor Yunus would deliver a speech on Asia in a Changing World: Towards a Shared Future. The Chinese executive vice premier will also join him during the session. During the visit, the first bilateral foreign tour of the Chief Adviser, he would join and speak at the Boao Forum, considered the Davos of the East, where top leaders and CEOs gather every year to discuss top global issues, the statement said. The ambassador said Peking University, one of the world's top educational institutions, would confer an honorary doctorate to Professor Yunus during the visit. The Chief Adviser would also speak at the university, it added. Longi, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world, has decided to set up an office and invest in solar panel manufacturing in Bangladesh, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said. The ambassador said several top Chinese solar panel manufacturers visited Bangladesh in December to explore opportunities to invest in the country. They made the visit after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended an invitation to Chinese companies to relocate their manufacturing plants here as part of the Interim Government's plan to turn the country into an economic hub. Ambassador Yao Wen said of the companies that visited Bangladesh, at least two Chinese firms, including Longi, have decided to set up offices and plants in the country. "They will invest in Bangladesh very soon," he told Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. Yao Wen said Chinese firms have been the largest investors in Bangladesh since August 5, when the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power. He said dozens of Chinese companies have lined up to invest in Bangladesh as a dedicated Chinese export processing zone is expected to work soon. Professor Yunus welcomed more Chinese investors in Bangladesh, saying the country can be a top manufacturing hub for companies who want to export goods to Western nations. He urged Chinese hospital chains to set up top clinics here or build joint venture healthcare facilities with their Bangladeshi counterparts. "Bangladesh needs massive investment in healthcare. The Chinese hospital chains now have unique opportunities to construct hospitals here," he said. The ambassador said China has dedicated four hospitals in the southern Chinese city of Kunming for Bangladeshi patients. A group of Bangladeshi people travelled to Kunming last week for treatment. (ANI) A blast occurred near a passenger bus on the Nushki-Dalbandin highway in Balochistan on Sunday, resulting in the loss of at least seven lives and injuring 35 others, Geo News reported. The cause and nature of the blast are yet to be confirmed by authorities. However, rescue efforts were swiftly initiated, with the injured being rushed to Nushki Hospital for medical attention. Several of the wounded are reportedly in critical condition, prompting the Mir Gul Khan Naseer Teaching Hospital to declare an emergency. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and investigations are currently underway, as per Geo News. To ensure timely medical assistance, the injured are being airlifted to Quetta via helicopter. Following the incident, the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed sorrow while condemning the targeting of innocent people -- terming it as extreme brutality. The security czar also wished for speedy recovery of the injured, reported by Geo News. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of precious lives while condemning the blast. Bugti said that every possible step would be taken to bring the enemies of peace to justice. The incident comes days after a major terrorist attack in the Mushqaf area of the Bolan district in Balochistan, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, -- with both provinces accounting for over 96 per cent of terrorist attacks and deaths in Pakistan in 2024, as per a Global Terrorism Index 2025 report. On Tuesday, dozens of rebels affiliated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targeted the Jaffar Express train, carrying over 440 passengers with good number of them Pakistani soldiers. The attackers blew up a railway track and took the passengers hostage. The grop claimed to have killed 214 hostages and blamed Pakistan's government for the incident, citing "stubbornness" and "avoidance of negotiations" despite a 48-hour ultimatum. However, Pakistani authorities reported a different outcome. According to officials, a clearance operation was launched, resulting in the deaths of all 33 rebels involved in the hijacking. While the total number of casualties remains unconfirmed, officials reported that at least 30 people lost their lives, including the train's driver and eight security personnel. The hijacking incident occurred on March 11 in Bolan, where terrorists targeted a railroad track, causing an explosion that stopped the Jaffar Express. Railway officials stated that the train was carrying approximately 440 passengers at the time of the incident. (ANI) Ruling and opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Sunday clashed in a heated debate over growing demands for the return of the monarchy. The discussion began when Raghuji Panta, a lawmaker from the ruling Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist, claimed that attempts to spread illusions and frustrations in the country have intensified. He also criticised the monarchy, which was abolished in the first decade of this century. Panta had spat over the issue of demands for a monarchy with the Chief whip of Rastria Prajatantra Party- Gyanbahadur Shahi, who objected to his claims. Panta also claimed that it was the monarchs who removed now-disputed tri-junction of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani from map of Nepal while criticizing the monarchy which was abolished in first decade of current century. Panta further claimed that the incumbent system has included the previously missing territories in the new political map. As the legislator from the ruling party continued to take a jibe at the monarchs, opposition lawmaker Shahi interrupted the address objecting to the claims by Panta. House Speaker Debraj Aryal had to intervene asking Shahi to object in the allocated time. The address was interrupted for about 6 minutes, the recording from the parliament feed shows. Shahi countered that citizens do not need the current system and suggested introducing a system where the Prime Minister is directly elected by the people. "Nepal's incumbent constitution (2072) doesn't recognize monarchy. Monarchy is not recognized that's why it cannot be discussed here in the parliament about this topic, it only recognizes the Ganatantra (democratic republic). Monarchy now has become history, there are many more examples where it has become a topic under history. Monarchy is subjective rights that's why the salience of the world's politics lies in the democratic republic. Nepal had to adopt the new system and it adopted it. Let me ask those who want it to be reinstated. Why the Shah dynasty? Why don't we talk about those dynasties which existed before that? Why not the Malla, Lichhavi, Kirat and Maheshpal as well as Gopalbanshi? There are many more monarchy systems in history. The dynasties come and go we can read about it in history, this is the result of the flow of time, whereas the republic is the ultimate truth of this era," Raghuji Panta, a lawmaker from the ruling CPN-UML said. This debate comes amid growing demands for the return of the monarchy, with thousands of pro-monarchists taking to the streets of Kathmandu on March 9 to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah. While defending the incumbent political system during his twenty-one minutes speech, Panta claimed that income of Nepali citizens increased by around three-fold after country switched to a federal democratic system on May 28, 2008. Furthermore, he claimed that false narrative has been spread. He said the Nepali citizens do not want the monarchy restored and that it is worthless to spend a time to discuss about the possibility of restoration of monarchy. Hitting back on the legislator from the ruling party, opposition, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the right-wing pro-monarchist party's Chief Whip Gyanbahadur Shahi emphasized that statements made in parliament should be well thought out. "Citizens don't need the incumbent system. Is the incumbent Prime Minister directly elected by people? Is the president elected by people? They all have been elected by limited number of (elected) people present in the parliament. If they've the quality and will to go to the people then let's introduce the system of electing a executive Prime Minister directly elected by the people. If not then they also cannot say whatever they want here in the parliament," Shahi said. Earlier on March 9, thousands of pro-monarchists have hit the streets of Kathmandu in support of deposed, now former king Gyanendra Shah welcoming him from a visit to Western Nepal. Nepal in the year 2006 had abolished centuries old constitutional monarchy after then King Gyanendra seized power and imposed emergency sending all the leaders under house arrest. The movement also referred as "People's Movement II" witnessed a bloodshed with dozens killed in crackdown against protestors by the government. After weeks of violent protest and increasing international pressure, Gyanendra gave up and reinstated the dissolved parliament, the dawn of new democracy is highlighted as Lokantantra (People's Rule). (ANI) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a meeting with Tulsi Gabbard, who is America's Director of National Intelligence here in New Delhi on Sunday. According to sources, Tulsi Gabbard met NSA Doval earlier this evening in New Delhi and they had a detailed discussion on several facets of the Indo-US relationship. Tulsi Gabbard is visiting India as a part of her multi-nation visit. Calling herself a 'child of the Pacific', Gabbard said she will be going to Japan, Thailand, and India, with a brief stop in France. This is Gabbard's second international trip as a top Trump administration official. Immediately after she was confirmed a month ago, she travelled to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, as per the New York Times. The Asia leg of Gabbard's trip will culminate in an address on March 18 at the Raisina Dialogue, a multinational gathering of security officials in Delhi, to which she was invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There, Gabbard will hold bilateral meetings with Indian officials and officials from other countries, a senior Trump administration official said. The Raisina Dialogue is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. It is scheduled to be held in Delhi from March 17-19. As per the official website of Raisina Dialogue, Gabbard will participate in a keynote conversation with Samir Saran, President, ORF. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. This effort is supported by a number of institutions, organisations and individuals, who are committed to the mission of the conference. In a statement, ORF stated, "Every year, leaders in politics, business, media, and civil society converge in New Delhi to discuss the state of the world and explore opportunities for cooperation on a wide range of contemporary matters." "The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, who are joined by thought leaders from the private sector, media and academia," it added. (ANI) Pakistani authorities and intelligence agencies have allegedly been involved in the forced disappearance of two Baloch students in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, as reported by Balochistan Post. Reports indicate that Faheem Ahmed, son of Saeed Ahmed, and Khadim Ali, son of Ali Ahmed, both students in the FSC (intermediate) program, were reportedly taken by Pakistani forces and intelligence personnel from the Samungli Road area of Quetta around 1 AM on the night between Friday and Saturday, as reported by the Balochistan Post. The sudden disappearance of the students has raised alarm among human rights activists and the Baloch community. In response to the 'abduction', the families of the two students have blocked the Quetta-Karachi National Highway near Johan Cross Bazaar in Mangochar and are staging a sit-in. As a result, hundreds of vehicles and passengers have been stranded on both sides of the road, the Balochistan Post reported. The families claim that when the protestors resisted, Frontier Corps (FC) forces attempted to disperse the sit-in, detaining another protester, Qudratullah, who was also reportedly forcibly disappeared. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstration until their relatives are recovered. In another similar case, Salman, a farmer from Mastung, allegedly forcibly disappeared two days ago while traveling back from Mangochar to Mastung after meeting a friend. According to the Balochistan Post, Aqil Jaleel, a resident of Panjgur Washbod, was released after being forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces last week, following a four-day protest by his family. Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have become a frequent issue, with both forced abductions and extrajudicial killings increasing this year, further escalating fear among locals. Human rights organizations continue to demand an end to such practices, calling on Pakistani authorities to ensure justice and accountability, but incidents of disappearances remain ongoing, leaving families in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. (ANI) Gaza's civil defence agency said nine people including journalists were killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday, attacks which could further endanger the fragile truce in the Palestinian territory. Following the reported strikes, the deadliest since the ceasefire took hold on January 19, Hamas accused Israel of a "blatant violation" of the truce which largely halted more than 15 months of fighting. The first phase of the truce ended on March 1 without agreement on the next steps, but both Israel and Hamas have refrained from returning to all-out war. A senior Hamas official said on Tuesday fresh talks had begun in Doha, with Israel also sending negotiators. On Saturday, Gaza civil defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told AFP that "nine martyrs have been transferred (to hospital), including several journalists and a number of workers from the Al-Khair Charitable Organisation". He said the killings were "as a result of the occupation (Israel) targeting a vehicle with a drone in the town of Beit Lahia, coinciding with artillery shelling on the same area". The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said "nine martyrs and several injured, including critical cases" were taken to the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. In a statement, the Israeli military said it hit "two terrorists... operating a drone that posed a threat to IDF troops in the area of Beit Lahia". "Later, a number of additional terrorists collected the drone operating equipment and entered a vehicle. The IDF struck the terrorists," it added. Israel has carried out near-daily air strikes in Gaza since early March, often targeting what the military said were militants planting explosive devices. "The occupation has committed a horrific massacre in the northern Gaza Strip by targeting a group of journalists and humanitarian workers, in a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement. A separate Hamas statement said the attack was "a dangerous escalation", adding that it "reaffirms (Israel's) intent to backtrack on the ceasefire agreement and intentionally obstruct any opportunity to complete the agreement and carry out the prisoner swap". During the truce's initial six-week phase, militants released 33 hostages, including eight who were deceased, in exchange for about 1,800 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. Hamas said Saturday that "the ball is in Israel's court" after offering to release an Israeli-US hostage and return the bodies of four others as part of the truce talks. Gaza's civil defence agency said that among the nine killed were at least three photo journalists, one a drone photography specialist, and a driver. It said two of the photographers worked for the Oman-based Ayn television channel. Two members of the Al-Khair charitable organisation were killed, including a spokesperson, the civil defence agency said. "This heinous crime comes in the context of the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists, who pay with their lives to convey the truth and expose the crimes of the occupation to the world," a Palestinian Journalists Syndicate statement said. "The continuation of these brutal attacks against journalists constitutes a war crime and a blatant violation of international laws, especially the Geneva Convention, which guarantees the protection of journalists during conflicts." The director of Hamas-affiliated media in Gaza, Ismail Thawabteh, told AFP that local photo journalists were killed while "using a drone to capture images of a Ramadan dining table in Beit Lahia". He said they were "directly targeted by the occupation in two air strikes, despite their work being clear". The Committee to Protect Journalists said in February that a total of 85 journalists had died in the Israeli-Hamas war, "all at the hands of the Israeli military", adding that 82 of them were Palestinians. In November, Reporters without Borders said that more than 140 journalists had been killed in Gaza by the Israeli military since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which sparked the war. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, while Israel's military retaliation in Gaza killed more than 48,543, according to figures from the two sides. There are still 58 hostages held in Gaza, 34 of whom the Israeli army has declared dead. Indian experts have weighed in on the recent incidents in Pakistan, including the killing of Pakistani army personnel by Baloch insurgents and the death of Abu Qatal, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist. Former diplomat Suresh K Goel noted that attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army against the Pakistan Army are increasing, highlighting the BLA's intensifying efforts against the Pakistani Army. "Clearly, there have been a number of deaths. Two things have become very clear from what is happening. Number one, attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army against the Pakistan Army are increasing, and this is the second attack in a matter of days," said Goel. He said that the increase in the number of such events highlights that the BLA is intensifying its attacks against the Pakistani Army. Goel also pointed out that even if Pakistan's Army can handle these incidents with force, the voice of the Balochistan people demanding their rights will only grow louder. He also noted that as Pakistan is depending on China under several aspects, "If China finds that its stay in Pakistan becomes untenable, Pakistan is going to get even more isolated." He highlighted how the support being given to Pakistan from Gulf countries is also dwindling due to this. A terrorist attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) convoy in Balochistan's Noshki district on Sunday left five people dead, including three FC personnel and two civilians, Dawn reported. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of a recent surge in terrorist violence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. The attack involved an explosion followed by a suicide bombing. Security forces responded quickly, killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber. Security sources said an "explosion and a suicide attack" claimed the lives of three FC personnel and two civilians. In immediate retaliatory action, the security forces killed four terrorists, including the suicide bomber, Dawn reported citing PTV News. On the reports of LeT terrorist and Hafiz Saeed's nephew, Abu Qatal killed in Pakistan, Defence Expert Shiwalee Deshpande said, "Abu Qatal has been shot down by unknown gunmen in Jhelum area of Pakistan." "Qatal was instrumental in causing many terror activities and operated more in Poonch and Rajouri and he was involved in the killing of many civilians including the 2024 Reasi Bus attack. He was also responsible for many other terror activities in Jammu. This was because he had a hatred towards the Hindus... Every person who does terror activities should meet the same end", she further added. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Abu Qatal, charge-sheeted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the January 2023 Rajouri attacks, has been shot dead in Pakistan after an assailant opened fire on his vehicle on the Mangla-Jhelum Road, local media reported on Sunday. An armed guard of Qatal was also killed in the attack that took place on Saturday night, according to a report in Islamabad-based outlet The News International. (ANI) The Donald Trump administration is considering imposing a new travel ban that could affect citizens from as many as 43 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia, The New York Times reported, quoting anonymous officials. A draft list of recommendations by security officials proposes categorising countries into three groups--Red, Orange, and Yellow--to restrict travel. Being placed on the Red List would mean a complete ban on entering the United States. Pakistan and Russia are included in the "Orange List," which consists of 10 countries facing restricted travel rather than an outright ban. Affluent business travelers might be allowed to enter, but immigrant and tourist visa applicants would face restrictions. Citizens on that list would also be subjected to mandatory in-person interviews in order to receive a visa, as reported by The New York Times. Other countries in the "Orange List" include Myanmar, Belarus, Haiti, Laos, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan. The draft also places 10 countries, including Afghanistan and Bhutan, on the Red List, meaning their citizens could face a full visa suspension. The other countries on the Red List are Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, The New York Times reported. The proposal also includes a draft "yellow" list of 22 countries that would be given 60 days to clear up perceived deficiencies, with the threat of being moved onto one of the other lists if they did not comply. As reported by The New York Times, the issues could include failing to share with the United States information about incoming travelers, purportedly inadequate security practices for issuing passports, or the selling of citizenship to people from banned countries, which could serve as a loophole around the restrictions. That list includes Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe. Notably, this will be the second time that Donald Trump would impose a travel ban, after having done so in his first term when he restricted the citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. That ban targeted citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Lynchburg Republicans want city council to create a library board that would oversee operations of the citys two-branch library system, with the hope the board would use an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on ending radical indoctrination in schools as a model for its oversight of the citys libraries. The local GOP, in a news release Wednesday, also said books that residents deem inappropriate to minors should be placed in a separate area where parents would need to provide permission to their children to read or check out. The Lynchburg Republican City Committee issued its news release a day after Tuesdays city council meeting, where several residents called for restrictions on childrens access to certain books and others highlighted the benefits that come with freedom of access to materials at libraries. In its news release, the LRCC said Trumps executive order signed on Jan. 29 titled Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling could guide how a library board would oversee collection development in the citys libraries. The presidents executive order for schools requires the removal of indoctrinating materials from schools, or risk federal funding cuts. Under its current policy, the Lynchburg Public Library requires children younger than the age of 10 to be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library. Children of all ages are eligible to receive a library card. But people younger than the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present to register for a library card. The parent or guardian also must sign an application for the person younger than 18 to receive the card. The parent or guardian of a person younger than 18 also may access the juveniles library account upon request. Under its current policy, the Lynchburg Public Library also has a request for reconsideration that allows residents to submit a form asking the library to reconsider having a material in its collection. A materials review committee, composed of the library director and other professional librarians, will consider the item in question. The library director and review committee members will then make a recommendation on whether to keep the material, according to the policy. In its news release, the LRCC said, Concerned citizens are now demanding the City Council establish a library board, as permitted under this law, to ensure proper oversight of library materials. Virginia law allows for the creation of a library board. Many jurisdictions in Virginia, including Campbell County and Appomattox County, have library boards that oversee their library branches. Lynchburg, with two library branches, has chosen not to create such a board. Veronica Bratton, chair of the LRCC, said young parents brought their concerns to her about the types of books available in the childrens section of the Lynchburg library. As more people approached her with what she said were valid concerns about library materials, Bratton said she decided the time was right to approach Lynchburg City Council. I do believe this is a very serious issue. I believe the taxpayers money should have oversight, Bratton said in a statement to The News & Advance. I am not requesting a complete book banning. However, Bratton said she would like to see books targeting toddler through high school-aged youth with gender, queer, CRT ideology be moved to the adult section of the library where parents can make the decision whether to allow their children to read such books. Lisa Varga, executive director of the Virginia Library Association, said librarians love parents being involved and engaged with their children at the library. I dont recall a time working in libraries in the last 25 years when theres ever been a suggestion that parents shouldnt be involved, she said in an interview. As for creating a library oversight board in Lynchburg, Varga cautioned that if the purpose of the board is control of content and viewpoint discrimination, thats where we get into the First Amendment rights of the residents, Varga said. Libraries have a very strict code of ethics and core values that we have been adhering to for decades, and this isnt going to change that, she said about attempts in Virginia and across the country to segregate certain books into other parts of the library. At Tuesdays city council meeting, Ryan Thomas, a Lynchburg resident, complained the library has a clear bias toward leftist ideology in its materials and that many books in its collection are inappropriate for children. Placing literally dozens of books advocating for radical gender theory, neo-Marxism and other politically charged issues front and center in the childrens section creates an ideological minefield that families should not be forced to navigate, Thomas said. As an example of a book he dislikes for children, Thomas held up a book titled, We Care: A First Conversation About Justice. He said the book is an introduction to neo-Marxism replete with anti-cop sentiment, collectivist propaganda, and even a dose of moral anti-realism. Another resident, Chris Quigg, said the citys library branches are filled with LGBT books, which shows just how far we have separated from God and our Christian roots. Quigg then said he appreciates that each member of city council is a professing Christian. One of the residents who spoke out against restricting access to books at the local library, Carly Eccles Sheaffer, thanked the library for all the materials and programs it provides. The library gives everyone access to the information, community and learning, Sheaffer said. I know there is no good reason anyone on this dais wouldnt want their citizens to be informed, engaged and empowered. Only the bad guys in history tried to diminish peoples access. Maggie Millard, another resident who spoke out against restricting access to books, noted one of the earlier speakers at public comment had posted images of picture books found at the library on Facebook. The books that the resident found problematic included the titles Being You, Our Skin, Goodnight, Racism and We Care, she said. A library should be reflective of its community, and Im proud he was able to find those books at ours, Millard said. The National Center for Healthy Veterans, also known as Valor Farm, has dedicated two tiny homes to Steve Bozeman and Tom Current, two veterans active in the community. The dedication took place earlier this month with those attending sitting in chairs lined up in front of the tiny homes in Altavista. Robert Dees, a retired U.S. major general and president of the National Center for Healthy Veterans, led the dedication. Its a privilege on our part. Someone donated these houses. And they said, we dont need to dedicate them to anybody, you can dedicate them. So we thought about that for about 10 seconds, and we thought that these two men were representative of all of us, Dees said. Dees started with Bozeman, saying the home was dedicated in his honor due to his years of service in the veteran community. In 1966, Bozeman was drafted at age 19 to the Marine Corps. Steve was a door gunner in Vietnam, among other things and most notably, hes been involved in the formation of the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council, Dees said. During Bozemans time in the Marines, he earned the Purple Heart twice on top of various other medals. Bozeman flew more than 400 missions in his four years in Vietnam, according to va.gov. Howie Greer, a veteran in the Valor Farm program, said it is an honor to be the first person to reside in the home named for Bozeman. I just want to say I am privileged to be the first resident in the Bozeman house. The example that youve led in the Marine Corps with your service and then getting out of the Marine Corps, and the example that you have set for all of us Marines coming up after you in the community, it means a whole lot to us younger Marines that are looking up to you, Greer said. Your example and how you live really instilled the core values honor, courage and commitment throughout your lifetime. So Im privileged to be the first resident here. All the Marines in attendance yelled Semper Fi when Greer finished. Bozeman said when he first learned about Dees starting the National Center for Healthy Veterans, he got on board and supported the center. This beautiful place represents all these veterans who are dealing with trauma. Im one of them, long ago, and Ive gone through that. I know what group support means, Bozeman said. Bozeman said he helped donate the Purple Heart soldiers cross to Valor Farm when the veterans program started. This was the cross that was left standing after the fire in November. We saw during the fire that the soldiers cross stood in the heat and survived, and it was just beautiful, Bozeman said. Dees then dedicated in Currents name the tiny home next to Bozemans. We welcome Tom as a great American. Tom is a Green Beret guy. He served as an Admiral V there [Vice admiral] During his military duty, he was a battalion commander, and he was a division chief of staff. Hes also a lawyer and has done a great job with LAVC [Lynchburg Area Veterans Council], Dees said. According to goarmy.com, Green Berets are special forces that specialize in guerrilla warfare and use unconventional tactics on missions. Current said his work with LAVC has been a team effort. Theres several here from the Veterans Council, and this really represents the team work that weve done for 11 years and helping veterans, all the veterans groups, Current said, Thats really what this is. I want to thank my board of directors, and thank everybody thats helped us financially in the community. Weve done quite a bit. If you want to come by sometime, one of our meetings is on the third Wednesday of every month at the Legion. Current went on to thank Bozeman. I gotta publicly thank Steve. If there wasnt a Monument Terrace, there would not be a Lynchburg Area Veterans Council. I would follow him into hell with a squirt gun, Current said. Bozeman yelled from his seat, me too, buddy, which caused laughter to erupt from the audience. So the reason Im attracted to veterans, and we are attracted to each other, weve all served, weve all demonstrated that we have the heart of a servant willing to sign that blank check, right? Its not about me personally, or what I get to do, its about the mission, Current said. Its about my combat body. Its about the unit, about my buddy in the fox hole with me and about serving each other, so that maybe we both get home safe. So thats why Im attracted to veterans, we all have a heart of a servant. Dees spoke more about the contributions both men have made. Perhaps in both of these cases, they did great things in the military, but their greatest contribution is probably post-military, helping other veterans to succeed in life and navigate their own challenges, Dees said. Each dedication was met with a round of applause from the crowd. Dees also recognized Bozemans and Currents wives. We recognize that these dear brides, alongside this Marine and soldier in this case, are great Americans as well, and theyre the ones that put steel in the backbone. They really help in every way possible. So we want to honor the wives today as well, Dees said. Bozeman said his wife has always been there next to him when he needed her. Thank you for mentioning my wife, Debbie, because every step that Ive been down this road, shes been there with partnership and teamwork, Bozeman said. The dedication ended with both men and their families posing together between the two tiny homes for photos. Dees told The News & Advance after the ceremony, there are lots of ways for people to support Valor Farm from making a large donation that covers the cost of a tiny home to volunteering. My grandmother used to say, many hands make light work and were in need of many hands, Dees said. To volunteer or donate, go to https://healthyveterans.org/. The work continues, and were seeing peoples lives change as were putting healthy veterans back out into the world, Dees said. A synthetic opioid so powerful it can kill with a single tablet is threatening to strain relations between Japan and the United States. Fentanyl, a drug originally developed as a medical anesthetic, has become a national crisis in the U.S. due to its high potency and addictive nature. Now, reports suggest it may be making its way into the country via Japan. FUKUOKA, Mar 17 (News On Japan) - Ten Ukrainian students who fled the war and studied at a university in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, graduated on March 11th, all securing employment with Japanese companies. Japan University of Economics in Dazaifu held a completion ceremony for Ukrainian students ahead of its graduation ceremony on March 11th. Since Russia's military invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the university has accepted Ukrainian students annually. As of March 11th, 24 Ukrainian students were enrolled. Among them, ten students graduated on the same day. Graduate Katerina Manikivska said: I had fears and doubts due to the impact of the war, but I have never once regretted this decision.' 'Lets continue supporting each other and forging new paths ahead.' All ten graduating Ukrainian students have secured jobs at Japanese companies. Source: FBS OKINAWA, Mar 17 (News On Japan) - Okinawas ruling and opposition lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on March 13th regarding revisions to the 2025 fiscal general budget, with the Washington offices operational expenses emerging as a key point of contention. The debate remained deadlocked. The Washington office has come under scrutiny over its establishment and management, prompting the prefectural assembly to set up a special investigative committee and the prefectural government to launch its own review panel. The 2025 fiscal budget proposal includes approximately 39 million yen for the Washington offices operations. However, the opposition, including the Liberal Democratic Party-affiliated group, opposes this allocation, citing potential legal violations. In February, the ruling bloc proposed reducing the offices budget to about 26 million yen. However, on March 13th, the opposition rejected the compromise, arguing that the prefectural review panels findings had deepened suspicions surrounding the office. Negotiations between ruling and opposition parties will continue, but the timing of the revised budget proposals submission to the special budget committee remains uncertain. Source: OTV KYOTO, Mar 17 (News On Japan) - A newly built ship elevator at the Yodo River Weir in Osaka City saw its first passage on March 16th, reopening a historic waterway that had been severed for 42 years. The route, which connects Kyoto's Fushimi district to Osaka Bay, is now accessible again, allowing direct boat access to Yumeshima, the artificial island that will host the Osaka-Kansai Expo. During the Expo, an irregular boat service is planned between the weir's downstream area and Yumeshima. Ship elevators, known as lock gates, help vessels navigate water level differences in rivers and seas. The Yodo River Weir's lock gate, construction of which began in January 2022, measures approximately 20 meters wide and 70 meters long, adjusting water levels by up to two meters. According to the Kinki Regional Development Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the lock has been named the 'Yodo River Gateway' and is one of the largest of its kind in Japan. On its opening day, five sightseeing boats entered the lock from upstream, taking around 30 minutes to adjust to the lower water level before proceeding downstream. During a commemorative ceremony, Osaka Governor Yoshimura expressed hopes for further revitalization of Osakas water transport, stating: 'We want to enhance the role of Osaka as a city of water.' Meanwhile, a new dock near Hankyu Juso Station opened on the downstream side of the lock, serving as a departure point for irregular boat services to the Expo site. However, a full-fledged ferry service between Kyoto and the Expo venue has yet to be planned, as the journey would take approximately eight hours. Source: The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposed cutting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS') workforce by 20% by May 15, just one month after Tax Day. The latest round of layoffs would see 6,800 employees terminated from their positions with the IRS, CNN reported. It comes after 4,700 employees took the "voluntary buyout" and 6,700 probationary employees were laid off. Trump and Elon Musk's deeper cuts to the workforce "could dramatically reduce revenue, dramatically reduce customer service" and could affect voluntary tax compliance, a source told CNN. "If we are not auditing much, it impacts people's willingness to file honestly in the first place," the source explained. Another source revealed to CNN that "morale is suffering" within the agency. "More and more of our workdays are taken up by questions, meetings, new issues coming down the pike and new directives from outside our agency. And really, all we want to do is do our jobs," the source added. In March 2024, former Commissioner of Internal Revenue Daniel Werfel stated he was working boost the IRS' workforce to a little above 100,000 over the next three years in order to reach its modernization, service and enforcement goals, according to Reuters. At the end of 2024, the agency had reached more than 100,000 employees. Originally published on Latin Times Morocco will host the 58th United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in March 2026. The announcement was made at the expert session of the 57th UNECA and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, currently held in Addis Ababa March 12 18. The choice of the Kingdom to host this Conference was adopted unanimously with no objection, thus testifying to the renewed trust in Moroccos expertise and commitment in hosting events of continental scope. This decision reflects Moroccos ongoing and unwavering commitment to strengthening African cooperation and the continents economic and social development. The 58th session of the Conference, scheduled for March 2026 in Morocco, will be held under the theme: Growth through innovation: harnessing data and cutting-edge technologies for Africas economic transformation. By hosting this conference, Morocco reiterates its willingness to contribute actively to joint efforts seeking to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa, and to put its experience and organizational capacities to good use in favor of the continents development. At the start of the conference in Addis Ababa Wednesday, March 12, Morocco was unanimously elected to chair the 57th UNECA and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The Dakhla-based International Center for Research on the Prevention of Child Recruitment (IRCPCS) issued an urgent call in Geneva on Thursday for global mobilization to ensure the immediate and safe return of children forcibly recruited by armed groups, including the polisario. This appeal was made during a conference on Children of North Africa: Access to Education, Protection, and Development held on the sidelines of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which runs until April 4. Every day, thousands of children are torn from their families, exploited, and deprived of their childhood ( ) From Colombia to Haiti, from the Sahel to northern Nigeria, through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Tindouf camps in Algeria, the Philippines, and Myanmar, these children are trapped in a vicious cycle of violence and radicalization orchestrated by armed groups, the IRCPCS warns. The Center, which has conducted in-depth investigations with former child soldiers in several conflict zones worldwide, estimates that between 250,000 and 500,000 children are involved in armed conflicts globally. Around 300,000 of these children are believed to be actively engaged in combat, including approximately 120,000 in Africa. These children are not only forced into combat but also used as spies, porters, sex slaves, and human shields, emphasized the NGO, which was established in 2022 to combat child soldier recruitment through awareness campaigns, research on their indoctrination processes, and analysis of the root causes fueling this issue. Reviewing the alarming realities facing children in various conflict zones, IRCPCS President Abdelkader Filali highlighted the situation in the Tindouf camps in southwestern Algeria, where the polisario militia has been forcibly recruiting children since 1982, subjecting them to military and ideological indoctrination. Filali advocated for an internationally supervised repatriation plan to ensure the childrens safe return, stressing that addressing this crisis is a global responsibility: Inaction is no longer an option. The NGO also condemned the impunity enjoyed by armed groups responsible for these crimes. Child recruitment is a war crime. Yet, the perpetrators remain unpunished and, in some cases, are even welcomed on the international stage under the guise of negotiations. We refuse to look away. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and civil society must unite to end this atrocity and hold perpetrators accountable. Preventing child recruitment is a fight we cannot afford to lose, the NGO insisted. Civil society activists from Moroccos southern provinces, including Limam Boussif, president of the Regional Youth Association of Dakhla Oued Eddahab, and Mostapha Ma Elainine, president of the Moroccan-Hispanic-Latin American Center for Strategic Research (CEEMEL) took part in the conference where they discussed challenges and opportunities for ensuring childrens rights in the region. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the legal framework to protect children, ensuring their right to quality education, and fostering their overall development in a safe and nurturing environment. Speakers also highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation among governments, civil society, and international organizations to promote equal opportunities for children in North Africa, particularly in light of the challenges faced by vulnerable groups. In this regard, participants showcased successful experiences in the region, with Moroccos southern provinces serving as a leading model in child protection and the promotion of their rights to education and development. These provinces have made remarkable progress in providing educational services, demonstrating the importance of adopting an integrated vision where childrens rights are a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, supported by data and indicators. The 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, held on March 10-14 in Vienna, adopted a groundbreaking resolution put forward by Morocco, France and Brazil on the impact of illicit drug-related activities on the environment. The adoption of this resolution, named Combating the environmental impact of illicit drug activities, marks Moroccos substantial contribution over the past decade, within the United Nations, to the international debate on the global drug problem. In a statement on the occasion, Moroccos Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Vienna Azzeddine Farhane thanked all members of the Commission for their support for this resolution, which was co-sponsored by several countries, and for their active, positive and constructive participation throughout the negotiation process. The resolution encourages member states to take environmental protection into account in their drug policies, and to devise and implement international strategies to tackle the environmental impact of illicit drug activities, the diplomat explained. In this context, he called for the promotion of international cooperation between judicial and law enforcement authorities, while respecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. This initiative by Morocco, France and Brazil represents 3 continents and is part of the implementation of the 2019 ministerial declaration and the 2024 mid-term review, which recognized the need to combat root causes and harmful effects of illicit drug-related activities on the environment, Farhane recalled. In this context, he noted that the resolution draws its substance from the outcome document of the 30th special session of the General Assembly, held in 2016, in which Member States reiterated the importance of environmental protection in the context of combating illicit cultivation of drug crops and other drug-related activities. It also welcomed the research work carried out in recent years by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), notably for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions of the World Drug Report, which, among other things, provide an overview of the direct and indirect impact of illicit drug activities on the environment. In addition, the resolution mandated the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to decide to pursue discussing the environmental impact of illicit drug activities as part of its 2029 review of progress in implementing all international drug policy commitments. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs is a decision-making body within the United Nations system responsible for guiding international action in the fight against drugs and crime. It is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and a governing body of UNODC. Its decisions and resolutions provide guidelines for member states and for the UNODC. Moroccos economic outlook, combined with a constantly evolving tourism offer, confirms the Kingdoms position as a true Eldorado for investors and a dream destination for travelers, the French travel media Odyssee states in its weekend e-edition. In the article, entitled Morocco, the new Eldorado for French tourism investment?, the news website points out that, through combining modern infrastructure, cultural diversity and a stable economic climate, Morocco today stands as fertile ground for French investment in particular, and an irresistible tourist destination, reinforcing its status as a regional leader. Moroccos dynamic tourism and economic appeal have made it a crossroads of opportunities for investors and travelers alike. Between modernity and tradition, the Kingdom combines enchanting landscapes with unrivalled development potential. This boom is reflected in a steady growth in visitor numbers and foreign investment, particularly from France, Odyssee writes. The article details Moroccos remarkable expansion in tourism, consolidating its reputation as a must-see destination, noting that the growth in visitor numbers, evidenced by impressive figures, reflects strong international trust in the Kingdoms tourism offer. From historic cities to modern seaside resorts, every part of the country invites exploration and discovery, the specialized media reports, noting that Moroccan authorities have been able to put in place favorable policies which, combined with a rich cultural heritage and preserved nature, are constantly attracting a diverse public. This dynamic is also reflected in the increase in revenue generated by tourism, tangible proof of the positive economic impact on the entire Moroccan territory, and positions the country as a true regional driving force in this sector. The article also refers to an infatuation with Morocco on the part of French investors, noting that the flow of investment from France continues to grow, revealing sustained interest in the Moroccan market. For Odyssee, Moroccos strengths are further enhanced by a diversified offer and promising economic prospects. Morocco has also a rich and varied tourism offering that goes far beyond the usual cliches. With its ancient medinas, World Heritage sites and striking natural landscapes, the country offers an immersive and authentic experience. The media outlet concludes that this diversity, combined with a prudent yet ambitious economic policy, means that we can look forward to sustained growth in the years ahead. During the first two months of 2025, Moroccos tourist arrivals grew 24% to 2.7 million tourists, underscoring the momentum in the sector, as commented by Odyssee. Five years after an Exxon-led consortium produced the first oil offshore Guyana, the country is pumping more than 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude and has become South Americas fifth-largest oil exporter. Guyana and ExxonMobil expect oil production to jump to 1.3 million bpd by 2030, which would double the current output volumes. With higher production came a surge in Guyanas crude oil exports in recent years. More than half of these are going to Europe, where refiners have been increasingly appreciating Guyanas crude gradesLiza, Unity Gold, and Payara Gold. These crudes are sweeter and lighter compared to the crude of some other South American exporters, such as Mexico or Colombia. Since the end of 2019, when Guyana exported its first crude oil cargo, the country has become the fifth biggest exporter in Latin America, after Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia. Guyanas plans for developing its burgeoning petroleum industry dont stop with increasing its share of the global oil market. The country and ExxonMobil are considering gas-to-shore projects to feed the fertilizer and aluminum industry and power and cool data centers. Related: U.S. Rig Count Stalls as Oil Prices Keep Drillers in Check While drawing up these plans for utilizing natural gas, Guyana is boosting its crude oil production and shipments. Last year, Guyanas exports jumped by 54% from a year earlier amid strong demand from Europe. Crude oil exports averaged about 582,000 bpd in 2024, as ExxonMobil and its partners Hess Corp and CNOOC of China continued to boost production from the offshore Stabroek Block, where more than 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels have been discovered to date. The crudes from Guyana have found a favorable market in Europe due to the proximity, quality, and easy access to sellers, an anonymous trader of Latin American crude told Reuters in January. Europe is the ideal market for Guyana's crudes, the trader noted. The lighter and sweeter crude from Guyana has boosted its market share in Europe, and most of Guyanas exports went to Europe last year. A total of 66% of Guyanas oil was shipped to Europe in 2024, up from 62% of Guyanas oil that headed to Europe in 2023. In January 2025, Europes share of Guyanas exports was even higher, at 75%, as fifteen out of twenty cargoes were taken by Europe, according to vessel-tracking services cited by Guyanese outlet OilNOW. Guyanas crude is set to further boost its market share in Europe and globally in the coming years as output in the country is expected to jump to over 1 million bpd before the end of the decade. Guyana already produces more than 660,000 bpd of crude from the Exxon-operated block. Production capacity in Guyana is expected to surpass 1.7 million barrels per day, with gross production growing to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030, Exxon says. Guyana is now the third largest per-capita oil producer in the world, according to the U.S. supermajor. Surging oil production and exports helped Guyanas economy grow by 43.6% last year, marking the fifth straight year of double-digit GDP growth, which began just as Guyana became an oil producer. The oil and gas sector development is continuing, with Exxon considering additional projects to tap both the crude and natural gas riches offshore Guyana. Exxon and partners expect to produce up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of natural gas and 290,000 barrels per day of condensate at the Longtail project, the consortiums eighth project offshore Guyana, which will also be the biggest natural gas development in the prolific Stabroek Block to date. Some of the more than a dozen discoveries in the Stabroek Block have good natural gas resources, and Exxon has decided it would develop these for gas-to-power onshore and potentially for LNG exports in the future. Last month, Alistair Routledge, president and general manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, said that the supermajor plans to boost gas production in Guyana and could consider gas exports at a later stage. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com International interest and investment in wave energy are growing, with significant targets set for ocean energy production by 2050, which could be further boosted by data-sharing and technological advancements. Wave energy has the potential to provide consistent, baseload power, unlike solar and wind, which can stabilize energy grids and reduce the need for extensive energy storage. Wave energy could be primed for a swell of progress thanks to open data sharing. While advancements in wave energy have been piecemeal to date, an Australian startup believes that open-sharing principles can revolutionize research and development in the sector, with potentially huge ramifications for decarbonizing global energy grids. Waves contain a huge amount of energy. According to a 2023 figure from the United States Energy Information Administration, the theoretical annual energy potential of waves off the coasts of the United States was estimated to be as much as 2.64 trillion kilowatthours, which is equal to about 63% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation. The coasts of Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand also offer huge potential for wave energy generation. In Europe, the potential of wave power production is estimated at a whopping 2,800 TWh per year, which is roughly 107.6% of the global nuclear power production as of 2023. A novel wave-energy converter trial is currently taking place in Albany on the south-western coast of Australia, led by a research team from the Marine Energy Research Australia (MERA) centre at The University of Western Australia (UWA). The model being tested is a Moored Multi-Mode Multibody (M4) wave-energy converter which features two steel frames attached to hinged floats. As the floats rise and fall with each passing wave, the frames rotate like flapping butterfly wings, explains a recent Nature article describing the project. This motion drives the generators in the hinges to create electricity. Harvesting energy from our oceans could reshape global clean power production, as it could provide baseload energy production with zero carbon emissions. Unlike solar and wind energies, wave energy would be a constant source of power and could therefore help to stabilize energy grids as renewable energies become more prevalent. This would provide a critical complement to wind and solar power, and greatly lessen the need for energy storage technologies such as lithium-ion batteries. Ultimately, the deployment of wave energy would provide a massive boost to international energy security during the clean energy transition. The team behind the M4 model off the shores of Albany, Australia emphasizes its models potential as a baseload renewable energy. Waves reaching Albany have travelled uninterrupted for thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean, MERA manager Wiebke Ebeling was recently quoted by Nature. Theyre energy-dense, highly consistent, and show little seasonal variability. The team also argues that their research is of particular importance to global wave energy research as they are following open-access principles and sharing their data with anyone who is interested in the projects findings. Previously, the wave-energy industry has experienced siloed progress, says MERA director Christophe Gaudin. Ours is the first fully open-access, wave-energy project, where we will share the lessons learned and the data collected as well as the power we generate openly with everybody. Accelerating research and development gains in wave energy would be critical to making it a commercial reality. So far, wave energy has simply been too expensive, too difficult to install, and too disconnected from existing grids to make commercial sense. But as technologies advance, we are getting closer to overcoming these challenges. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is expecting 87 TWh of ocean energy to be produced by 2050. The European Union has introduced policy measures to encourage more wave energy projects, with a goal of developing 1 GW of ocean energy capacity by 2030 and 40 GW by 2050. But if MERAs approach to data-sharing does indeed provide a boost to technological advancement, this projection could easily be adjusted to a higher rate. This would have huge impacts on global decarbonization trajectories, provide energy security in an era of demand surges, and provide clean energy alternatives to coastal and island communities that have historically lacked reliable grid connection. Wave energy could even solve the growing problem of AIs runaway energy footprint. With such vast potential, wave energy could play a huge role in powering the AI boom, Forbes recently reported. Constructing [data centers] near coastal areas would allow them to tap directly into the oceans abundant clean energy, creating an efficient solution for growing demand. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Over the past decade, the global energy sector has turned its attention to Latin America thanks to the regions critical role in the ongoing electrification drive. Latin America produces nearly 40% of the worlds lithium supply, and is home to over 65% of global reserves. Unfortunately, LATAM hardly gets a passing mention in another booming industry: Liquified Natural Gas or LNG. Currently, only Peru and Trinidad & Tobago export LNG. Interestingly, Brazil remains one of the largest LNG importers in the region despite having more regasification capacity than any other Latin American country. However, a series of LNG projects proposed for Mexicos Pacific Coast could turn the country into the regions LNG powerhouse. According to a recent report by Gas Outlook, there are plans to build as many as five major LNG export terminals on Mexicos Pacific Coast, potentially transforming the country into a top-tier gas exporter. According to the analysts, most of the feed gas needed to supply Mexicos LNG terminals would largely be extracted from Americas Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico rather than sourced from Mexico, giving the South American country a big cost advantage. First off, natural gas at the Waha hub--a regional pricing hub for gas in the Permian Basin in West Texas--sold for near-zero or sub-zero prices for much of 2024. Indeed, prices at the hub spent 164 days in negative territory and hit an all-time low -$7/mmbtu at the end of August, truly historical lows. Theres a method to the madness here. The Permian Shale boom led to a surge in associated gas production, with output growing more quickly than takeaway capacity. Consequently, Permian gas infrastructure has become saturated in recent years, effectively meaning that producers sometimes have to pay for someone taking their gas so that they can continue to produce something more valuable: crude oil. However, the same gas sells for around $10-$14 per MMBtu when it finally arrives in Japan or Korea, potentially leaving huge profit margins for the seller even after factoring in liquefaction costs. Related: U.S. Rig Count Stalls as Oil Prices Keep Drillers in Check Source: Global LNG Hub Second, LNG exports from Mexicos Pacific Coast would have 11 fewer days of travel when shipping to Asia compared to the U.S. Gulf Coast. According to Mexico Pacific Limited, the developer of the $15 billion Saguaro Energy LNG project in Sonora, currently, shipments from Louisiana and Texas pass through the Panama Canal on the way to Asia; in contrast, the journey from Mexico is as much as 55% shorter, saving $1/MMBtu in transit costs. This gives Mexican LNG projects a big advantage over other North American LNG projects. Unfortunately, violence from drug cartels, political risk, and mounting costs are likely to act as considerable headwinds for Mexicos LNG dreams. For instance, the 15 million-tonne-per-annum (mtpa) Saguaro Energy LNG, a project to be built in the Mexican state of Sonora, is already facing numerous hurdles. In the [U.S. Gulf of Mexico] the gas supply is not exactly a given, but its close. If you want to build an intrastate pipeline, its pretty easy, Clark Williams-Derry, an energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, told Gas Outlook. In Mexico, youre building an international pipeline, which is going to be more complex. Williams-Derry pointed to Energia Costa Azul as a cautionary tale. Already under construction in the Mexican state of Baja California, the small LNG project has seen repeated delays and cost overruns due to labour challenges. In August 2024, Sempra Infrastructure, ECAs owner, said the projects completion would be delayed from the third quarter of 2025 until the second quarter of 2026, adding another $300 million to the projects estimated cost of $2 billion. We're disappointed with the change in schedule, Sempra CEO Jeffrey Martin said on a call with investors at the time. Meanwhile, the fate of the much larger phase of Energia Costa Azul, at 12 mtpa, hangs in the balance. The experience of Energia Costa Azul does raise questions about schedule slippage and cost, at a time when the rest of the entire world is building an unprecedented amount of LNG, which means its going to be harder to get the contractors, Williams-Derry said. Overall, Mexico and its Latin American neighbors are likely to remain net gas importers in the foreseeable future thanks to declining production from mature fields, inhospitable terrain, insecurity and a lack of regional gas interconnections. LNG Industry now estimates that without additional development, the regions gas imports will potentially soar to 12 billion ft3/d from current levels of 5.2 billion ft3/d by 2035. LAM governments are currently having to strike a fine balance between supporting domestic industry and regional gas demand as power generators increasingly turn to gas as the hydropower sector faces unpredictable weather patterns. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The top U.S. and Russian diplomats discussed Saturday the "next steps" to end the war in Ukraine, hours after Kyiv's allies agreed to exert pressure on Moscow. Despite recent tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv has agreed in principle to a US-brokered 30-day unconditional ceasefire -- if Moscow halts its attacks in eastern Ukraine. Russia's President Vladimir Putin has not, however, agreed to any truce, instead setting conditions that were beyond what was called for in the U.S. agreement with Ukraine. The ceasefire proposal by Trump's team comes as Russia has momentum in many areas of the front in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a call on Saturday, "discussed next steps", State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has stressed his desire to end the three-year-old conflict and has made a spectacular rapprochement with Putin. The statement gave no details on when the next round of US-Russia talks hosted by Saudi Arabia would begin. But Rubio and Lavrov also "agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia," Bruce added. The call came after a virtual summit hosted by London earlier on Saturday. At those talks, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told some 26 fellow leaders that they should focus on how to strengthen Ukraine, protect any ceasefire and keep up the pressure on Moscow. Starmer said Putin would eventually have to "come to the table". "Putin is trying to delay -- saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place," he added. Military leaders from about 30 countries met in Paris on March 11 to discuss plans for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine and will meet again Thursday in Britain. French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday called for unified action to ensure Russia accepts the proposed ceasefire. "This is a moment of truth because if Russia does not sincerely commit to peace, President Trump will toughen sanctions and retaliation, and so that will completely change the dynamic," Macron told French regional papers in an interview posted late Saturday. "Russia must respond clearly and the pressure must be clear, in conjunction with the United States, to obtain this ceasefire," he said in a statement to AFP. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Russia had to show "it is willing to support a ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace." But Zelensky warned that Russia wanted to achieve a "stronger position" militarily ahead of any ceasefire, more than three years since it invaded Ukraine. "They want to improve their situation on the battlefield," Zelensky told journalists in Kyiv. Starmer and Macron have said they are willing to put British and French troops on the ground in Ukraine, but it is not clear if other countries are keen on doing the same. Russia has rejected the idea of foreign soldiers acting as peacekeepers in Ukraine. But Macron said Saturday: "If Ukraine asks allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or not." Starmer has said he welcomes any offer of support for the coalition, raising the prospect that some countries could contribute logistics or surveillance. Trump on Saturday appointed Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine. A former national security advisor during Trump's first term, Kellogg had previously been described as a special envoy for both Ukraine and Russia. But he was excluded from recent talks in Saudi Arabia on ending the war, with NBC News in the United States citing a senior Russian official who said that Putin considered him too pro-Ukraine. Fighting continues, and Moscow has regained swathes of land this week in the Kursk border region. In Russia, three civilians were injured on Saturday night when Ukrainian drones struck in the town of Gubkin and the village of Dolgoe in the Belgorod region, officials said on Telegram. At first glance, its hard to fathom all the frenzy over Dubai chocolate. The candy bars which have flooded the Internet, including Omaha foodie websites look like they may be stuffed with dried seaweed or shredded paper. But dont be deceived. That milk chocolate shell really holds creamy pistachio paste, tahini and kataifi dough, a crispy phyllo pastry. British-Egyptian candymaker Sarah Hamouda created the bar in 2021 and her company, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, sells it under the name I Cant Get Knafeh of It. The candy really caught on in late 2023 when a Tik-Tok influencer posted a picture of herself eating it. That video had about 100 million viewers a year later, and versions of the rich Dubai bars are being made in home kitchens around the world, including many in Omaha. Recipes for the treat are easy to find online everywhere from food blogs to the New York Times Cooking app. Proof of the candys local popularity can be found at Omahas Mediterranean Grocery, 8602 Blondo St., where kataifi is a hot item. Manager Reda Hamze said he gets more than one request for the dough each day and has had trouble keeping it on his shelves. Thats unfortunate, he added, because its used for more than Dubai chocolate. People are going crazy for it, he said, so its also hard to find for more common dishes like baklava and spanakopita. I was out for a while and just got more. Well see how long it lasts. Omaha cottage bakers and businesses are also making the bars, which were especially prevalent around Valentines Day, but more often, theyre coming up with various ways to use the concept in desserts and drinks. Carla Flott, who runs Special Kays Cookies and More out of her home, has been making Dubai chocolate fruit cups and cookies for sale. Shes the perfect example of how things blow up on the Internet. I kept seeing it on my Instagram feed. These people were trying it, and I thought well, thats interesting, she said. She came up with her own recipe for the cookies: Make dough with tahini, chocolate chunks, pistachios and a handful of kataifi. Then mix the remaining kataifi with pistachio butter, divide it into balls and freeze it. Refrigerate the dough, and when its cold, roll it flat and then shape it around the frozen ingredients. Bake. When theyre done, she turns them over and covers that side with melted chocolate and chopped pistachios. She tried the finished cookie, and gave one to her husband, and they both liked it. So she, like thousands before her, put pictures of her Dubai chocolate creations on social media. They are rich, she said. My husband can eat a whole one in one sitting, but I cant finish a whole one even in two tries. The cookies sell for $15 a dozen and $7.50 for six. She makes the fruit cups with strawberries and blueberries layered with pistachio butter, pastry and chocolate ganache. The 9-ounce cups are $2 a piece. Both products have been successful, she said, though sales have tapered off a bit as the craze wanes. At Lux American Grill, a family-owned restaurant at 9839 S. 96th St. #105, regional manager Christian Soria came up with his Dubai chocolate idea after sleeping. The creation was, to be honest, almost a dream, he said. I woke up, texted my general manager and asked What do you think about a Dubai chocolate martini?' The boss was all in, so Soria went to a Middle Eastern grocery for the ingredients. The drink is made with equal parts pistachio liqueur and chocolate liqueur, and two parts cream. The glass is rimmed with pistachio butter and kataifi which has been cooked in butter. Its the perfect combination of sweetness and nuttiness, he said. It was the first time we jumped on a viral trend. He learned about Dubai chocolate from his 13-year-old sister, who turned him on to the bars. Intrigued, he went to a Council Bluffs candy shop, where he got one of the last two in stock after another customer decided to buy only one. It was really luck, Soria said, almost like fate. The $9.95 drink ($8 during happy hour) has sold well so far, and Soria expects it to do even better when its featured on the St. Patricks Day menu. It has a green tint. he said. And its really smooth, not like some other martinis." Where to find Dubai chocolate creations in Omaha Other Dubai chocolate permutations in the Omaha area include: Gelato thats sprinkled with kataifi browned in ghee at Chocolaterie Stam, 7474 Towne Center Parkway #125 in Papillion, where owner Susie Bonnett said she began receiving calls about the bars about a year ago and still gets at least one every day. Her store doesnt offer the bar because the owner, in Des Moines, makes all of the chocolate and he sticks with European creations. A Dubai chocolate pistachio frappe with a Hershey syrup drizzle at The Banh Mi Shop, 923 Galvin Road South Suite 101, where employee Carolina Thompson said they were super-popular. The first two days we sold about 50, she said. A pistachio chocolate tart and a Dubai chocolate croissant at The Bubbly Tart, 3020 Leavenworth St. Dubai chocolate brownies from Conscious Comforts, a bakery that offers gluten-free and vegan pastries that offers pick-up and delivery service. Go to consciouscomforts.com. Dubai chocolate overnight oats from Mealbox by Chef Will Burge, available by ordering at his Facebook page. Get the bars themselves from several home businesses youll find by searching Dubai chocolate on Facebooks Omaha Food Lovers page. Not the prettiest but pretty darn tasty The bars also are available at the three locations of Sugar Makery in Council Bluffs, Glenwood and Shenandoah, Iowa. Co-owner Katie Rea said she started making them in September, which was somewhat ahead of when the craze really took off here. We try to keep track of Tik-Tok trends, she said. She was somewhat skeptical at first, finding the look of the kataifi on the bars somewhat off-putting. Theyre not the most pretty thing, but sometimes the things that arent the most pretty are the tastiest, she said, She said theyre labor-intensive, which may be why more local vendors arent offering them. Sugar Makery workers make them in Council Bluffs and distribute them to the other two locations. And until she tried them, she said, she was afraid the kataifi would get too soft. She was wrong, she said: It delivers on the crunch. Sugar Makerys bars come in milk, dark and white chocolates, though theyre usually not available at the same time. Theyre all $9.99 a piece. And theyre a huge success. "We try to make them every day, and we run out every day, Rea said. Theyre hard to keep in stock. 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 A growing number of Colombian travelers are raising concerns about their treatment at Mexican airports, with many alleging they were denied entry under questionable circumstances and subjected to poor conditions while awaiting deportation. Social media, particularly TikTok, has amplified these complaints, with videos detailing distressing encounters with immigration authorities. According to data obtained by Infobae from the Colombian Consulate in Cancun, 17,875 Colombians were deemed inadmissible at Cancun International Airport in 2024, a significant figure given that approximately 230,000 Colombian tourists entered Mexico that year. While officials cite documentation issues or inconsistencies during questioning as the main reasons for inadmissions, travelers describe the process as random, unfair, and, at times, degrading. Travelers Share Disturbing Accounts One of the most widely shared stories is that of Marcela Toro, a Colombian content creator who traveled to Cancun with her husband and two young children to celebrate her birthday. She says they had all the necessary travel documents, but after Mexican authorities failed to verify their hotel reservation, they were pulled aside for additional screening. Toro says immigration officers confiscated their passports and phones before leading them to a holding area. There, they waited for hours without food. Her children, desperate and hungry, allegedly tried to eat discarded food scraps left by other detainees. "It's the worst thing that's ever happened to me," she said, echoing complaints from other Colombian tourists who have shared similar experiences online. Miguel Hoyos, a professional cyclist, also documented his experience via TikTok, saying that he and his travel companion were treated inhumanely and locked in a bunker-like room after being denied entry. "They denied all of our rights," he said. Mexico's Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny Journalist Juan Carlos Rincon, through his YouTube channel 'La Pulla', has been investigating these incidents, compiling testimonies and official data. His findings suggest that Mexico's strict immigration enforcement may be linked to U.S. border policies. According to Rincon, Mexico appears to be acting as a filter for migrants trying to reach the United States, filtering South American travelers before they can even attempt to reach the United States. While Mexican authorities maintain that inadmissions follow standard immigration protocols, the high rate of rejectionparticularly at Cancun's airporthas raised concerns about potential biases against Colombian and South American visitors. Colombian Government Responds In response to the rising number of complaints, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that its consulates in Cancun, Mexico City, and Guadalajara are available to assist travelers facing inadmission issues. However, assistance is only provided if the individual explicitly requests consular support, meaning many remain unaware of their rights during the process. Originally published on Latin Times By Oregon Property Owners Association, Previously, we raised the alarm about Senate Bill 77, urging property owners to take a stand against the bill and its counterpart, SB 78. After a shocking public hearing, where proponents went so far as to publicly name and shame two Oregon businesses without prior warning, the true danger of SB 77 has come into focus. SB 77 creates new restrictions for obtaining and operating a home occupation. A home occupation permit is generally required anytime someone operates a business from a home on land zoned for residential or natural resource use. Many types of businesses rely on home occupation permits. From start-ups, professional services, artisans, creators, retail businesses, repair services, and more, home businesses are extremely popular. Since the pandemic, the need for home occupation permits is increasing, as more people are working from home instead of commuting to town. What started as a purported effort to close loopholes in the planning system has been unmasked as a direct assault on Oregons entrepreneurs, working families, and foundational property rights. By imposing sweeping and unprecedented controls over home-based work, SB 77 threatens not only privacy but the very spirit of innovation and independence upon which our communities are built. The Real Cost of SB 77 for Home-Based Businesses 1. Unprecedented Invasion of Privacy SB 77 introduces a vague and troubling provision that a home occupation cannot unreasonably interfere with the use of a dwelling as a dwelling. In practice, this allows third parties to file complaints against home businesses if they interfere with the use of a home as a dwellingeven when the homeowner has no concerns with their setup. Under this policy, neighbors unhappy with a home business could force county code enforcement officers to intervene, inspect the property, and determine (in their own opinion) whether the business interferes with the owners residential use. This raises serious questions: How could such enforcement work in practice? Would county officials conduct routine inspections inside private homes to evaluate living and working habits? What standards would even determine if interference exists? This provision not only invites abuse, but represents deeply invasive overreach that violates privacy and due process. Homeowners could face life-disrupting enforcement actionseven if they are living and working harmoniously on their property. 2. Targeting Rural and Urban Home-Based Workers. While SB 77 is framed as protecting farms and forestland, its reach extends far beyond those areas, placing extreme new restrictions on all home occupations in zones under county jurisdiction. This includes heavily urbanized unincorporated areas like those in Washington County, where residential neighborhoods could be targeted despite lacking any farmland or timberland. The bill creates a new, restrictive definition of home occupations, limiting them to customary activities conducted entirely within a dwelling and requiring that such activities be accessory, incidental, and subordinate to residential use. This language is both vague and impractical, effectively shutting out businesses that require workshops, outdoor workspaces, or other setups outside the home. The restrictions make it increasingly difficult for innovative, family-run businesses to establish and operate, stifling livelihoods across urban and rural communities alike. 3. Harming Family-Run Businesses and Farmers. SB 77 overlooks the reality of who relies on home occupation permits the most: working families, farmers, and ranchers. Many of these applicants use home-based businesses as a secondary income to sustain their households or agricultural operations. These businesses are vital to the financial security of rural families. The bills new rules, such as capping client parking at just three vehicles and arbitrarily restricting advertising, impose unreasonable limitations that are out of touch with the needs of small, family-run businesses. Farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs already face challenges in obtaining permits, and SB 77s vague, overly stringent criteria would block many of them from legally operating altogether. The result? A regulatory system that punishes the very families and businesses it claims to protect. Without these secondary income streams, many farming families could struggle to keep their operations afloat, leading to unintended consequences for rural communities and the states agricultural industry. Time to Defend the Right to Live & Work On Your Property! SB 77 is more than just a misguided zoning billits a direct attack on Oregons long-standing tradition of entrepreneurship and self-reliance. These sweeping restrictions undermine property rights, limit economic opportunity, and threaten the future of our small, family-run businesses. Now, more than ever, we need to unite to protect the values that make our communities strong. 1. Contact Legislators on the Committee: Urge them to oppose SB 77 and stand up for Oregons property owners and small business operators. Please email all members of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire asking them to vote NO on SB 77. Contact those legislators HERE. Email all members of the Senate asking them to vote NO on SB 77 if it makes it to the floor. Contact those legislators HERE. 2. Spread the Word: Share this update with friends, family, and community members who could be impacted by these overreaching regulations. The Stakes Couldnt Be Higher SB 77 doesnt just affect zoning lawsit threatens the future of home-based innovation, the ability to use our properties freely, and the economic stability of families across Oregon. Rural communities, in particular, thrive on entrepreneurship and the hard-earned freedom to support oneself through creative and independent means. We cannot allow narrow political interests masquerading as farmland preservation to undermine decades of progress and self-reliance. Its time to mobilize, defend small businesses, and demand that property rights remain protected. The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not represent the opinions or positions of any party represented by the OPOA Legal Center on any particular matter. Imagine this story as an episode of the 1960s TV program "Dragnet," titled The Big Little-Town Bank Heist (Big frequented the shows titles). Granted, the setting is far from sprawling Los Angeles; the guilty, and not the innocent, enjoy the protection of (albeit self-applied) name changes; and not even curt cop Joe Friday could wrap this one up in the allotted airtime. But it would undoubtedly meet the shows crime drama criteria and the story you are about to see is, indeed, true. Consider just the facts. At 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 13, 1925, two dapper, briefcase-toting men as if from central casting entered Farmers Bank of Chenoa. Rarely did James Kelly, president of this tiny lending institution in this tiny town, see unfamiliar faces and moved swiftly to intercept them. The professional, yet affable, pair introduced themselves as Mr. McAndrews and Mr. Hoffer, bank examiners. The 78-year-old Kelly, with mutton chops and a floppy bowtie, was the picture of a fussy old-school financier. His 41 years in the industry had taught him to manage, with care, the earnings of hardworking people, but also to welcome any affirmation of his banks integrity. So, when the visitors presented sterling credentials, he turned fussy facilitator, questioning only their late-in-the-day arrival. Car trouble, answered McAndrews, with a sheepish grin. So convincingly did the pair inspect the books that, whatever information they requested, Kelly provided it, including an inventory of the vault. In the meantime, bank operations went routinely on, even as a third man, a mechanic, appeared and announced the delivery of the accountants repaired automobile. The bank closed at 4:00 and, at 4:45, with only Kelly and the bank examiners present, the mood changed abruptly. McAndrews produced a revolver and introduced, sardonically, just one more procedure, while Hoffer gagged the befuddled, elderly banker, manhandled him into the employees washroom, and bound him to the stool. Intimately familiar with the vault compliments of their unwitting host the two cleaned it out, snatching $184,000 ($3.3 million today) in cash, gold, and negotiable securities. The phony auditors then calmly adjourned to their repaired touring car and, with the mechanic chauffeuring, the three made their getaway, chortling at the easy mark this hayseed bank had been. After an hours struggle, Kelly shook off the gag and cried for help. Freed and glimpsing a fussy fool in the washroom mirror, the traumatized president suddenly recalled, to his horror, that deposits were uninsured! All his clients and he were now penniless! McLean County Sheriff Jacob E. Morrison quickly realized the heist wasnt the work of petty thieves, but cagey con men who struck with crackerjack timing and disappeared without a trace. Finding them would be like rounding up black cats in an Illinois coal mine! The veteran lawman opted to quietly follow the money and the mouth and, within a few months, Harry Funk, aka Mr. Hoffer, proved the strategy a sound one. He flashed $30,000 transacting real estate, but his arrest was all but assured when he bantered with several budding burglars in a Springfield gin joint. The local press observed, when these "pikers of crookdom (sic), by their bragging, were winning favor with women, Funk one-upped them with his Chenoa exploits ... unaware that one of the pikers was an informant. On the tattlers tip, sheriffs police nabbed fugitive Funk on Sept. 8, 1925, in his hometown of Champaign. Estranged from a prominent family, Funk was at home in the criminal milieu, having done time at the Federal Correctional Institution at Leavenworth, Kansas, and at the Missouri State Penitentiary. It was from the latter, in 1923, that he and his cellmate, future Farmers Bank accomplice William Mike Evans, had staged a daring but ill-fated escape. Making good on his boast, Aint no jail can hold me, Evans easily vaulted over the outer wall, but the less agile Funk tumbled off it, incurring serious injury and the insult of recapture. But, incredibly, while hospitalized, Funk managed to slip by security, not to resurface until his date with deputies in Champaign. Witness James Kelly pointed at defendant Funk and shouted, Thats the man! when asked in McLean County court (which was held in the building that now houses the McLean County Museum of History) to identify his banks bandit. On Dec. 8, 1925, the thrice-convicted Funk headed for Joliet Prison. A convicted killer and two-time prison escapee, Evans had his faults. Disloyalty wasnt among them, though, and he plotted to spring his pal Funk from Joliet. On May 11, 1927, Evans, disguised as a Catholic priest, approached the gate and asked to see Funk for reasons spiritual. But his collar compared to the looks of the man aroused the suspicion of guards and his request was summarily denied. Father Evans appealed by bull-rushing the gate, armed, he claimed, with nitroglycerine, chlorine gas, and guns. Unimpressed, the defenders pulled their nightsticks and clubbed him, said the press, to almost insensibility. It would be the gate-crashing "clergyman" doing the confessing to the Farmers Bank job. He wouldnt mind another stay in the stir he might even enjoy it if he could take a certain ringleader down with him. Enter Mr. McAndrews, the alleged alter ego of Chicago jeweler David Blumenfeld. According to Evans, Blumenfeld not only participated in, but masterminded, the stickup and pocketed most of the plunder. An irreversible falling-out between the two came when Blumenfeld refused to finance Funks defense. Evans was furious at the betrayal and, almost certain to die in prison, he ratted out Blumenfeld, who was arrested on June 10, 1927. Perhaps with ill-gotten wealth, Blumenfeld hired attorneys Will Costigan and Fred Woolrab to defend him. The Bloomington barristers didnt disappoint and, when the lone witness to the actual crime, Kelly, died at age 81 shortly before the proceedings, the case tended toward circumstantial. After three protracted trials, and despite Evans claims, Blumenfeld was acquitted on Dec. 14, 1929, nearly five years after the robbery. But case closed and closure arent the same thing. The implied message in Dragnets epilogue that crime doesnt pay is hardly appropriate. The stolen money was never recovered, the bank never reopened, the big fish was never caught, and the innocent especially the broke and brokenhearted James Kelly were never championed. You cant win em all, Sgt. Friday. Justice is, apparently, still an episode away! 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: Unusually high winter temperatures across Greece are about to plunge to freezing, dealing a blow to agriculture. Greece is riding a weather "rollercoaster," with weekend temperatures spiking to a record high for March, just ahead of a forecast bout of snow and frost, meteorologists said on Sunday. The mercury soared to 33.7 degrees Celsius (92.66 Fahrenheit) on Sunday in Lasithi, in Cretethe highest-ever recorded for March, according to the Athens National Observatory. On Saturday the highest temperature was recorded in central Greece, in the town of Livadia, of 31.4 degrees Celsius. Across the country, other weather stations registered temperatures more typical of balmy May than the closing days of winter. "The very high maximum temperatures recorded during the last four days (from Wednesday to Saturday) in the country, were record highs for the month of March in many areas," Meteo.gr said on Saturday. Following a surge of wildfires, a nationwide ban on burning material on rural properties is in effect until March 18. "To have such temperatures so early in March, this has never happened before," meteorologist Panagiotis Giannopoulos told ERT television. The unusual spike was attributed to a blanket of Saharan dust in the air. This winter is listed as the 13th warmest in Greece. Last year's, in 2023-2024, remains the warmest on record. Inhabitants in Greece will have to brace for plunging temperatures from Tuesday, though, forecasters said. "A cold air mass on Tuesday will give showers and snow all over the country," Giannopoulos said. "In Athens, where today we have 27 degrees the maximum temperature will be 11 degrees. This is a rollercoaster," he added. The abrupt change is particularly problematic for the agricultural sector. In Greece's region of northern Macedoniawhich saw temperatures of 27C over the weekendthe expected frost is set to cause severe damage to fruit trees that are in full bloom. Greece has become a climate change hotspot. It had its hottest summer and warmest winter on record in 2024, according to data from the Meteo.gr network. The year brought unprecedented temperatures, extreme rainfall and a notable frequency of impactful weather events. Thirty-one significant weather incidents disrupted daily life in 2023, well above the 2000-2024 average, while nine weather-related deaths were registered. 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: This image made from video by NASA shows astronauts Don Pettit, bottom center, hugging Kirill Peskov as astronauts greet each other after a SpaceX capsule docked with the International Space Station, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Credit: NASA via AP Just over a day after blasting off, a SpaceX crew capsule arrived at the International Space Station on Sunday, delivering the replacements for NASA's two stuck astronauts. The four newcomersrepresenting the U.S., Japan and Russiawill spend some time learning the station's ins and outs from Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Then the two will strap into their own SpaceX capsule later this week, one that has been up there since last year, to close out an unexpected extended mission that began last June. Wilmore and Williams expected to be gone just a week when they launched on Boeing's first astronaut flight. They hit the nine-month mark earlier this month. The Boeing Starliner capsule encountered so many problems that NASA insisted it come back empty, leaving its test pilots behind to wait for a SpaceX lift. While the seven space station residents prepared for the new arrivals, one of the RussiansIvan Vagnerbriefly put on an alien mask in a lighthearted moment. Wilmore swung open the space station's hatch and rang the ship's bell as the new crew floated in one by one and were greeted with hugs and handshakes.. "It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive," Williams told Mission Control. This image made from video by NASA shows astronauts greeting each other after a SpaceX capsule docked with the International Space Station, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Top row from left: Nick Hague, Alexander Gorbunov, Suni Williams, Alexei Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. Bottom row from left: Butch Wilmore, Takuya Onishi, Anne McClain, Kirill Peskov, Nichole Ayers and Don Pettit. Credit: NASA via AP This image made from video by NASA shows astronauts, including Takuya Onishi, center, greeting each other after the SpaceX capsule docked with the International Space Station, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Credit: NASA via AP This image made from video by NASA shows astronauts, including Nichole Ayers, center left, greeting each other after a SpaceX capsule docked with the International Space Station, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Credit: NASA via AP Wilmore's and Williams' ride arrived back in late September with a downsized crew of two and two empty seats reserved for the leg back. But more delays resulted when their replacements' brand new capsule needed extensive battery repairs. An older capsule took its place, pushing up their return by a couple weeks to mid-March. Weather permitting, the SpaceX capsule carrying Wilmore, Williams and two other astronauts will undock from the space station early Tuesday and splash down off Florida's coast later that evening. Until then, there will be 11 aboard the orbiting lab, representing the U.S., Russia and Japan. 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 Young people today face increasing levels of uncertainty. They're navigating volatile job and housing markets and contending with a future that's likely to be significantly marked by the climate crisis. Evidence also indicates that this generation is experiencing a sharp deterioration in mental health. Developing resilience is often hailed as the solution. Resilience is typically framed as overcoming adversity and this tends to mean conforming to social norms. Staying in school, holding down a job, persevering no matter what. It's an individual virtue, which places an emphasis on personal responsibility and self-reliance. But this conventional understanding of what it means to be resilient, and what we expect to see when we ask young people to be resilient, may be overlooking the hidden ways they adapt and survive. It dismisses alternative responses, such as resistance, disengagement or inaction. By redefining resilience to include different ways of adapting and the importance of support from others, we can create a more practical approach to handling uncertainty. My research with colleagues has explored the unconventional side of resilience. It is based on interviews with 92 young people across four European countries, as well as further focus group discussions. It was part of a larger a European study of young people facing disadvantage across 10 countries. To understand the experiences of these young people, we spent time with them in their own spaces. These included youth centers, protest groups and online communities. We held one-on-one conversations where young people shared their personal experiences, thoughts and struggles. And we worked with them in creative ways, often within workshops or group discussions, so they could help shape the research. Through this work, we found that actions by young people that might ordinarily be dismissed as failures can actually be hidden, unconventional forms of strength and adaptation in their own right. They reveal broader, more nuanced versions of resilience. Take Liam, a 15-year-old in the UK who had been in care and was serving a community sentence. For Liam, school was a toxic environment filled with conflict and pressure from his peers and teachers. Although he was keen to achieve some academic qualifications and saw it as a source of pride, Liam made the decision to stop attending. By leaving school, Liam reduced his risk of becoming drawn into problematic peer groups and criminal behavior. While some might see leaving school as giving up, from Liam's perspective it was a way to protect himself. Samantha, at 24 years old, had experienced neglect from her parents and a lack of support from social workers. She often felt unheard and judged unfairly by those in authority, such as her social workers and educators. Instead of disputing what they said, which had the potential to cause her a lot of upset and conflict, Samantha would quietly remove herself from those conversations. This might involve physically leaving the room, redirecting the discussion to a neutral topic, or simply disengaging emotionally by remaining silent. What might seem like giving up was, for her, a form of resilience that protected her from further harm in the face of a system that had repeatedly let her down. 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. Learning to navigate uncertainty The idea of promoting resilience among young people is to enable them to cope with living in an uncertain world. But young people often face issues that are impossible for them to overcome through their own efforts. These can include unequal, limited access to quality education or stable job opportunities. They may be living in poverty and unstable housing, experiencing discrimination within education settings, social care or the criminal justice system. They may face inadequate mental health support, or the challenges of leaving the care system, such as insufficient preparation for independent living. This is often coupled with limited access to supportive resources such as a lack of youth-friendly spaces or programs in underfunded communities. There may be insufficient availability of mentorship or guidance in schools, restricted access to affordable extracurricular activities, and limited pathways to secure housing or financial aid for young people transitioning out of care. Navigating these challenges cannot be addressed solely through personal effort. Supporting resilience, then, can mean creating environments where they can safely explore options on how to handle challenges in a way that feels realistic and sustainable, make mistakes and learn how to adapt without fear of judgment. At 16, Paco, from Spain, found himself in a self-managed youth club where young people decide on the youth workers they employ, the activities offered and how to engage with the neighborhood. It was aimed at supporting those who, like Paco, were not studying or in work. The staff and his peers didn't just tell him what to do but listened to his thoughts and ideas. Unlike other places where he felt judged, this place gave him a chance to explore his ideas without fear of unduly harsh criticism. Rather than dictating what he should do or emphasizing rigid goals, people involved in the program actively listened to Paco's thoughts and ideas, creating a space where he felt genuinely heard. This approach focused on building trust, empowering Paco to make incremental changes at his own pace. Paco was supported back into studysomething that he felt much more enthusiastic aboutand was confident in getting his life back on track. Thinking of resilience in this more flexible wayone which allows for what might look like failure, or accepting help from a communitychallenges an understanding of resilience seen in neoliberal thinking. This is a philosophy that champions individual responsibility and self-reliance and is often tied to economic productivity. Instead of expecting young people to simply "bounce back" and thrive in times of adversity, we should support them in exploring sustainable, adaptive responses to life's challenges. To equip young people to navigate an uncertain and challenging world, we need to recognize the value of unconventional forms of resilience. It should be understood as a process that often arises in response to structural inequalities, rather than a one-size-fits-all ideal rooted in conformity and individual effort. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. At the political free-fire zone that is the University of Virginia, academics isnt the only target over which the right and left are dueling. Theres also a sprawling hospital with a giant staff. And while DEI supposedly junked last week by the universitys overseers, most of whom are Republicans is a big deal in the classroom, a bigger deal in the UVA health-care system is how its M.D.s and other professionals do their jobs. That fight shaped by an investigation by a state-selected, white-shoe law firm of alleged misconduct by its CEO, who resigned last month the second to quit in barely five years; a Trump administration-induced retreat on gender care and a nasty tussle over compensation for physicians is small stakes compared to a huge threat to UVA Healths finances: deep cuts in federal spending. It was anything but an afterthought for three former rectors, or chairmen of the universitys governing body, the board of visitors. In a nine-page letter to the systems interim head that largely refutes criticism of its management, Whitt Clement, Rusty Connor and Jim Murray warn that UVA Health with Virginia Commonwealth University, one of two public hospitals in the state required by law to provide care for all, regardless of ability to pay could be devastated by reductions in Medicare and Medicaid. The former provides health care for seniors; the latter, for the poor. Major cuts to Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements could be financially crippling for UVA, more so than any other Virginia hospital system, said the three all Democratic appointees, referring to proposals by congressional Republicans to reduce federal spending by $880 billion to pay for continuing Trump tax cuts. In the coming months, our health system may well face an existential crisis. We have only stopgap leadership on hand to meet any crisis. And while this menacing possibility may be clear to those in Charlottesville, it still seems abstract to budget-writing politicians in Richmond. The budget sent by the Democrat-controlled legislature to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin last month overlooks somewhat an expensive what-if: reductions in federal spending for Medicaid. When Medicaid, in which 1.9 million Virginians are enrolled, was expanded in 2018 to bring some 600,000 uninsured residents under Obamacare, Democrats then controlling the governorship and nearing a full takeover of the General Assembly included a requirement that the program be suspended if Washingtons contribution to expansion dips below 90% of its cost. Such a decline would seem a certainty if Congress and the White House prevail in pruning spending by nearly $1 trillion. That possibility spurred Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield, a candidate for lieutenant governor, and Creigh Deeds of Charlottesville both Democrats with large numbers of constituents who rely on VCU and UVA hospitals for health care or jobs to propose that the state develop a plan for keeping Medicaid intact should the $5.1 billion Virginia receives annually from the federal government evaporate. Such a provision it specified a 45-day turnaround for a remedy was not included in the budget now before Youngkin, who has until March 24 to sign, reject or seek revisions to legislation passed by the General Assembly in January and February. The governor can fly-speck individual items in the budget, vetoing them and accompanying language, or proposing changes lawmakers would vote up or down in their spring session April 2. Medicaid was a pricey concern for Virginia well before Republicans in D.C. signaled likely reductions in the social safety net. Youngkin, in introducing his fiscal wish list in December, recommended using surplus revenue to plug a $687 million hole in the Medicaid budget. He also proposed that an existing House of Delegates-Virginia Senate committee be authorized to consider fixes for Medicaid, which covers just under 1 in 5 Virginians, though the panel would not necessarily work under a deadline. The urgency with which the state is responding to reductions in federal spending and employment both pillars of a Virginia economy driven by service industries heavily reliant on the Pentagon, the security agencies and government research has been amplified by election-year politics. Virginians in November will be choosing Youngkins successor and deciding control of the House, now barely held by Democrats. In the House and Senate, also majority-Democrat, bipartisan committees have been appointed to monitor Trumps continuing attack on agency budgets and payroll. And the Democratic leadership is holding out the possibility of the General Assembly convening in special session to adopt ways to cushion the states economy against Trump hammer blows. Youngkin finds himself in an uncomfortable position, enthusiastically endorsing Trumps policies and attempting empathy for fired federal workers by setting up a website to help guide them to private-sector jobs. Plus, because federal largess is not confined to the Northern Virginia suburbs, anger over Trumps reductions is widespread. Federal spending civilian and military is abundant in two other vote-rich regions, Richmond and its suburbs and along the Atlantic coast. These are blue-trending metropolitan areas where Youngkins Republican Party, the foundation of which is the dwarfed rural vote, must be competitive to win statewide. Beyond thousands of jobs 145,000 Virginians are civil service employees or contractors, putting this state third to California and the District of Columbia health care, particularly for seniors and low-income people, is the face of federal beneficence. Hospitals, public and private, know this well. They also know that Medicare and Medicaid funding are essential to their fiscal health. This is why UVA Health, with the goal of strengthening a once-weak bottom line, has forged partnerships with hospitals beyond Charlottesville, some of them of rural and struggling. Its good for those who need health care. And thats great for business. Americans officially charged with defrauding Cancun hotel out of more than $100,000 USD Cancun, Q.R. Two Americans have been officially charged with defrauding a Cancun hotel chain out of more than $100,000 USD. The pair were arrested earlier this month inside the Cancun International Airport after arriving on an international flight. Paul N and Christy Lin N were arrested inside the Cancun airport earlier this month. Both were wanted by Interpol. Paul N and Christy Lin N were charged for events that date back to 2021. According to police, they signed a contract in November 2021 to purchase a membership to a hotel chain club which granted them benefits of various rates and products. For said contract, they left a credit card as collateral to be used to charge the monthly payments. Later, between August and November 2022, the hotel company received notifications from the bank stating that Paul N had canceled 13 credit card transactions totaling $116,587.00 USD, an amount in excess of 2.4 million pesos at the then-exchange rate. Christy Lin N, in addition to having also signed the contract, wrote on Facebook about how they committed the fraud against the hotel. Both have been officially charged with fraud. A Cancun judge ordered both Paul N and Christy Lin N to remain in custody for the duration of their legal proceedings. You might recall last Sundays column about Ricky Ruckers completely routine, 7-mile, non-emergency ride to a Roanoke hospital in a private ambulance. That happened in September, after the southeast Roanoke resident showed up at a freestanding emergency room. He was diagnosed with appendicitis and told he needed to get to a hospital for surgery. LewisGale Blue Hills ER arranged for Ruckers transport with Colorado-based American Medical Response (AMR). Rucker said the ER wouldnt allow his wife to drive him to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital or Rucker to drive himself there, because the ER gave him pain medication. Later, AMR sent Rucker and his wife, Denise, a bill for $4,942.68. For 7 miles. That works out to more than $700 per mile, which seems extraordinary at the least. Especially considering that Rucker waited nearly 12 hours for the ambulance to pick him up at LewisGale Blue Hills Emergency Room. (Rucker couldve walked to RMH faster.) AMR is an out-of-network provider for Anthem, Ruckers insurer. For his transport, Anthem paid the ambulance company $871.60, or about $125 per mile, which seems not unreasonable, though a taxi or rideshare would surely have cost less. Ever since then, AMR has been regularly dunning Rucker for the balance, $4,070.68. Rucker thought the bill was outrageous and its hard to disagree. He sent it to me, and I started looking into it. Turns out, AMR is owned by Texas-based Global Medical Response, or GMR. GMR also owns Med-Trans, a helicopter ambulance company that contracts with Carilion Clinic. More than a dozen years ago, I wrote a series of columns about Med-Trans overcharging Carilion Clinic trauma patients. (Many ended up with multi-thousand-dollar refunds and bill cancellations.) For Ruckers case, I reached out to AMR on March 5, and asked the company how it could justify charging him $700 per mile. I asked for an answer by March 7, my deadline. Publication was scheduled for March 9. But AMR couldnt explain how the bill was calculated in that 48-hour time frame. On March 6, I got a response from AMR. Spokeswoman Kirsten Gurmendi asked for more time to research the matter and get answers. But that wouldve entailed holding the column beyond last Sunday. I declined. I told her we would stick with the original publication schedule but that I was happy to write more columns about AMR and its $700-per-mile pricing. At that point, Gurmendi acknowledged AMR had overcharged Rucker. She further claimed the company discovered this on its own, via an internal audit, prior to my inquiry. AMR improperly overbilled Ruckers ride as a critical care transport when it wasnt one, Gurmendi said. His bill would be recalculated to a lower amount for a basic transport, she added. The error was identified through our internal review process and flagged before your inquiry, Gurmendi wrote. Our goal is to ensure billing accuracy and fairness while continuing to provide high-quality medical care. Billing accuracy is a worthwhile goal indeed. But Gurmendis response seems unusual in a few respects. First: She couldnt tell me AMRs price differential between a 7-mile routine ambulance transport and a 7-mile critical-care transport. Gurmendi said that depends on Ruckers insurer. The bill has to first be submitted to Anthem, before AMR can determine what it will charge for its services, Gurmendi said. To me that sounds backward. She also told me that Aetna is the only Virginia insurer that counts AMR as in-network for non-emergency ground transports. (Potentially, thats money-saving information for everyone in the commonwealth who has a different health insurer.) Second: Assuming an internal audit indeed caught the overcharge before I started asking questions, why didnt AMR inform Rucker the company had overbilled him for the ride last September? Rucker learned about that from me, after Gurmendi acknowledged it to The Roanoke Times on March 7. Third: Even after Gurmendi told me Ruckers $4,070.68 balance was wrong and too high, AMR continued to try and collect that amount from him as recently as Thursday (March 13) in an email to Rucker. Rucker showed it to me on his phone, and I snapped a photo. Hi Ricky, the AMR email begins. You have one medical bill ready from American Medical Response. . . . Total due: $4,070.68. Thursday afternoon, I called Gurmendi from Ruckers house and asked why AMR was still overcharging Rucker at least a week after the company publicly acknowledged his bill was erroneous. She said that was an old invoice that was caught up in the system. She said Rucker should ignore it. I asked her how long it would take AMR to recalculate Ruckers bill, so Rucker can know how much less he owes than $4,070.68, the amount AMR was demanding as recently as Thursday. She responded: 30 to 45 days. That means theres at least one more column coming about Ricky Ruckers routine 7-mile ambulance transport by American Medical Response, which charged him $700 per mile. Stay tuned! SIOUX CITY -- The Jane Goodall Institute is among the organizations that suffered U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding cuts, the famed conservationist said Sunday in Sioux City. "We had a big blow with losing the money for our big community-led conservation program in Tanzania, because that was mainly funded by USAID," Goodall said during remarks to the press before an address at the Orpheum Theatre. "So, times are tough. But we'll make it." Countries in Africa, which have long received medicine and food assistance through USAID, are expected to be especially hard hit by the cuts, which were instituted by the Trump administration. A spokesperson for the Jane Goodall Institute said the organization's Tanzania office received a $29.5 million award from USAID in August 2023 for Hope through Action, a five-year project to last through 2028 intended "to protect endangered chimpanzees and their habitats in Western Tanzania." On Jan. 24, a few days after Trump's inauguration, the institute's Tanzania office received a stop-work order from USAID, the spokesperson said. A month later, on Feb. 24, the institute received an official letter saying the award was terminated. The White House has described projects funded by USAID as "ridiculous and, in many cases, malicious." The Goodall Institute's community conservation program, which began in 1994 and was described by Goodall as "unbelievably successful," has been deployed in 104 parks throughout chimpanzee range in Tanzania and six other African countries. "We have to find alternative funding for this community-led conservation program," Goodall said. "When I flew over Gombe National Park, when I began in 1960, it was part of a great forest that stretched across Africa. When I flew over in the mid-1980s, I was shocked to see Gombe -- which is a tiny national park -- was a little island of forest, and all around were bare hills." The deforestation, a result of the destitution of people living in the area, put chimpanzees at risk, Goodall said. The 90-year-old Goodall, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January, became famous in the 1960s and 1970s for the years she spent working with chimpanzees in Tanzania. "And it struck me, these local communities living in poverty -- they were destroying the forest in their desperate struggle to survive, to get money from charcoal and timber, or to make more land for growing food, either to sell or for their families," she added. "And it just hit me, if we don't help these people find ways of making a living without destroying the environment, we can't save chimpanzees, forests or anything else." Goodall said she's troubled by the turn away from environmentalism at the federal level; under administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA now says its goal, rather than to protect the environment, is to "lower cost of living for Americans, revitalize the American auto industry, restore the rule of law, and give power back to states to make their own decisions." "The thing is -- not only are we part of the natural world, part of the animal kingdom -- we've been gifted with extraordinary intellect, and it's very sad that we're destroying our planet," Goodall said. "But not only are we part of this natural world, but we actually depend on it, for food, water, clothing, everything. We depend on healthy ecosystems. I see an ecosystem as like a beautiful tapestry. Each species is a thread in that tapestry. And as a species becomes extinct, it's like pulling a thread from the tapestry. If we pull enough threads, the tapestry hangs in tatters, and the ecosystem collapses." How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, I live next to a nerdy early 30s guy, Kris, and his younger jock boyfriend, Karl. At first, I didnt think much of them, but over the past few weeks, their relationship has turned into a total soap opera. Karl is this tall, muscular, macho dude. Kris is a great guy, but from what I can overhear, Karl treats him like garbage. Theyre constantly arguing, and Karl has started bringing another guy over for loud, obnoxious sex almost every night. I have always considered myself straight. But lately somethings changed. Hearing them has started to turn me on. I know its wrong, and I know I shouldnt be getting involved, but I cant stop thinking about it. The idea of Karl hearing me with Kris is driving me crazy. I know its messed up, but the thought of cucking Karl, this super-masculine guy who seems to think hes untouchable, is weirdly thrilling to me. Kris and I have flirted a few times in the hallway, and I know he likes me. Im sure hed be game. Theres something about Karls arrogant confidence, his total dominance, thats making me feel things I dont understand. And the idea of getting one over on him by being with Kris is just I cant stop thinking about it. The more I hear them, the more obsessed I become with the idea. I know I shouldnt get involved, but the temptation is overwhelming. What should I do? Is this just some weird fantasy I need to get out of my system, or is there something deeper going on here? Ive never felt this way before, and its freaking me out. Curious to Cuck Dear Curious to Cuck, Advertisement Youre right, you should not be getting involved. Inserting yourself (literally) into a soap opera will likely only beget more drama. Given the volatility of the Kris-Karl dynamic, and your suspicion that Karl is mistreating Kris, consider a possible outcome of you having sex with Kris: more mistreatment. Even worse, the scenario you envision is one in which Karl hears you with Kris, which implies at least the possibility that you want to do this without Karls knowledge or consent ahead of time. Do you think someone who is already shitty to his boyfriend will take hearing his boyfriend get railed a wall away in stride? Its possible, but the risks are great. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact is that you do not know the terms of these dudes arrangement. Whether it seems fair or not, they may have a rule where only Karl gets to have outside sex. They may both need to be present. Maybe Kris isnt allowed to bottom for anyone besides Karl. You would have to navigate the terms of their openness (if they are in fact open, which seems likely but is also unclear) with both of them in order for this to be ethical. You cant cuck Karl without Karls consent, and if he is into it then youd kind of be doing him a favor no matter how much you tear into Kris. Advertisement I say let this Kris-Karl cuck concept exist as a fantasy. If youre curious about guys for real, there are plenty of gay couples who would gladly have a straight dude over to plow one or both of them. Go on a hook-up app, label yourself as a straight guy who wants to cuck a gay couple and watch the requests pour in. Get advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Dear How To Do It, I am a 26-year-old male. One morning last week, I cut my hand while doing dishes at my girlfriends house. It was a small cut, so I called her while she was at work to ask if she had some Band-Aids. She told me they were in the bottom left side drawer of the bathroom vanity. There, on top of the box of Band-Aids, was a tube of vaginal itch cream (Vagisil). I put it back and checked the next day when getting another Band-Aid, and the tube had been turned. I checked the next day and it had been moved again. Same thing the following day. It seemed like she was using it on a daily basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wouldnt normally be a concern, but after going for years without a case of jock itch, I have had two recent cases. A prescription from my doctor cleared it up, but it got me thinking: Am I catching something from her? We are exclusive, so we no longer use condoms. Should I be concerned about catching (I couldnt think of a better term) something more serious? Is there reason to be alarmed she uses this stuff everyday? If there is a concern, how do I bring it up to her? The Fire (Itch) Down Below Dear The Fire (Itch) Down Below, Its very difficult to say for sure whats going on in the absence of a known diagnosis for your girlfriend. But here are a few things we do know: Jock itch is absolutely contagious and can be contracted via skin-to-skin contact, including during sex. Jock itch is caused by a fungus (tinea cruris). Vagisil, in its original-recipe form, is not an antifungal medication. Its main active ingredient is benzocaine, an anesthetic. If your girlfriend has jock itch, Vagisil may alleviate the pain, but it wont clear it up. However, Vagisil does make a line of yeast-infection treatments that contain miconazole nitrate, an antifungal that is used to treat jock itch as well. (The fungus that causes yeast infections is Candida, typically Candida albicans. It can also itch and may result in a cottage cheese-like discharge.) My guess is that shes using the plain, old anti-itch version to alleviate her pain without actually getting rid of the fungus. So the fungus persists and so does pain, which leads to further Vagisil use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So yes, the jock itch may have been transmitted from her to you. But, as you can see, this is something that is cleared up easily. I think its quite reasonable to tell your girlfriend, Look, I had jock itch twice and I noticed that you have been using Vagisil. Do you think maybe you have jock itch, too? If she isnt already using an antifungal, then giving her this heads up will help mitigate her pain and allow her body to recover. As her boyfriend, you should be so helpful. Advertisement Should you be concerned about something more serious? I mean, not based on the fact that your girlfriend may have jock itch alone, but sure, transmission is a possibility with partners. Viruses like HPV and herpes may be dormant or totally asymptomatic. When youre having sex with someone, theres always the risk of bacterial infections like syphilis and gonorrhea as well. Even in theoretically monogamous arrangements, sometimes people cheat, which can lead to infection risk. Trust is going to be key here, but I really dont think a persistent case of jock itch is a good cause to become distrustful. Truly not a big deal. Advertisement Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace! The columnists behind our new advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! Dear How to Do It, Im a 31-year-old gay man who was recently diagnosed with HSV-1: genital herpes caused by the cold sore virus. I honestly had no idea that you could get genital herpes by receiving oral sex from someone who has ever had a cold sore on their mouth (even if they dont have one when you hook up). My doctor told me that I dont need to walk around with a red H on my chest and said that he does not think its necessary to tell sexual partners that I have HSV-1. He said that the risk of transmission is very low without symptoms, and that I just got very unlucky. Advertisement However, I feel uncomfortable with the idea of not telling someone about this, because there is technically a small risk of transmission. Unlike with HIV, you cant take medication to prevent getting herpes, and taking herpes antivirals cannot suppress the virus to undetectable levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was recently chatting with a guy on Scruff for a couple days. Once the conversation turned towards meeting up, I told him that I had GHSV-1, that the risk of transmission was very low but not zero, and to feel free to read about it and let me know if he had any questions. He flipped out at me and said I wasted his time, and blocked me. I feel pretty down after this experience. Most people already have HSV-1 and have antibodies to it. But I feel like the stigma is too great to not tell this to sexual partners. At the same time, I sincerely doubt that anyone with cold sores on their mouth is telling sexual partners they could give them genital herpes. So, am I just making this way harder on myself than I need to by being honest? Herpes Hesitant Dear Herpes Hesitant, Advertisement There is no real easy answer to this, as your letter suggests. If you think about the man-on-man hook-up app ecosystem, it is extremely rare for people to disclose any kind of herpes upfront, by which I mean in their profiles. Its probably a bit more common in private chats, but still unusual, at least in my anecdotal experience. I can think of one or two guys who have mentioned it, out of what must be thousands that Ive talked to through the years. Its not like HIV in that respect, where there are plenty of guys who note their status in their profiles. Also, while inconvenient, sometimes painful, and occasionally responsible for complications, herpes is nowhere nearly as serious as HIV. Youre right, valacyclovir isnt a magic bullet (though it does significantly reduce the risk of transmission), but a key difference here is that if you dont take herpes antiretrovirals, herpes in all likelihood isnt going to kill you. The same cannot be said for HIV in the vast majority of cases. Herpes stigma is high, but its actual stakes on quality of life are much lower. Advertisement Advertisement Given the cultural vibe, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage by being honest (no one said that being ethical is easy!) You say it yourself in your letter: You feel uncomfortable with the idea of not telling someone about your herpes. And so, you should do what you think is right. For a lot of guys, the risk of contracting herpes is implicit and thats why they dont talk about it. Group/public sex is a major feature of modern urban gay culture, and in the age of PrEP, this activity is often done without physical barriers like condoms. Ive never been to a sex party where Ive heard the guys discussing their HSV or HPV status. It is assumed that possible contraction of these viruses, if it hasnt happened already, goes with the territory. That doesnt mean you need to fall into lockstep with the prevailing laissez faire attitudes of gay hook-up culture. You can be different and disclose and shoulder the rejection that may come with it. I bet youll encounter guys, unlike your Scruff near miss, who dont care and will hook up with you anyway. Advertisement Just one thing to keep in mind, though: According to herpes expert Anna Wald, a doctor and professor of medicine and epidemiology at University of Washington School of Medicine, whom I have interviewed before for this column, Transmission from genital HSV-1 is unusual, because genital HSV-1 does not reactivate very often. So youd be disclosing a very slight amount of risk. If that helps you sleep at night, though, go for it. Rich More Advice From Slate My girlfriend recently instituted a new rule: No touch, ever. I mean like, no hugging, no kissing, no snuggling. This has forced me to seek out physical affection from friends, which feels super weirdeven though its platonic for me, to her it feels like cheating. Im kind of suffering here, and so is she. What should we do? Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On any given Tuesday night in 2014, you could find my friend Addie and me at the Half Door, an Irish pub in Hartford, Connecticut, filled with locals and our fellow college students. Tuesday was $2 pint night, so we drank pints of Guinness and Smithwicks, danced to the Smiths cover band that was always playing (called the Miths), and took shots of Jameson. That last part was important. Addie and I both believed that Jameson was Catholicthat is, aligned with Irish independence in the struggle against British colonialism. Wed absorbed this idea by osmosis during our heavily Irish American Catholic upbringings. This meant that Bushmills, of course, was Protestantor Proddy, as my dearly departed Grandpa Joe was fond of saying, according to family loreand drinking it would be akin to a betrayal of our Catholic roots and the struggles of our ancestors. And so Jameson it was. More recently, I got to thinking about the JamesonBushmills divide, and the whole thing started to feel a little suspect. Indeed, some cursory Googling reveals that the brands themselves have no particular denominational or political affiliations. But the myth is so strong, so often repeated among Irish Americans, that I had to know more. Where did it come from? Was there even a kernel of truth in it? And why did it seem so important, to my family and to many others like it? I downed a shot for good luck and set out to discover just why it was Jameson that had to be in the glass. Advertisement As I say, it was my grandpa whom I most strongly associate with upholding the familys adherence to our Irish Catholic rootsincluding whiskey preferences. But, truth be told, he died when I was very young, and most of my memory of him is fabricated from family stories and photos. He was short, just under 5-foot-2, and he had a chip on his shoulder about it. He was proud of his Irish heritage; my uncle told me he often said, The Irish were the first ones to build something great, in reference to the neolithic tombs and hill forts that predate the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. He had a traditional Catholic funeral, the last member of my family I can remember receiving that rite. The smell of the incense is seared in my mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the thing is, apparently, he was raised Protestantand probably never actually called anything Proddy. I didnt expect to find this out when I started digging into the whiskey divide. In my memory, Grandpa Joe is a quintessentially Irish Catholic man. But my Uncle Timmy revealed to me that he was raised Episcopalian and converted to Catholicism to marry my grandmother. When I asked my mother if she remembered what he thought of the JamesonBushmills debate, she vaguely recalled that Grandpa didnt want Bushmills in the housebut she also had thought he had been joking every time he referred to his Episcopalian childhood. She always assumed it was just a ruse to avoid going to Mass. Advertisement While Grandpa Joes background was more complex than Id known, my mother and her three older siblings had a staunchly Catholic upbringing. They went to Catholic school, some of her brothers were altar boys, and as a child my mother had early ambitions of becoming a nun. But one of my mothers siblings was raised a bit differently. My Uncle Timmy was nine years younger than my mother, so instead of growing up with multiple siblings causing chaos in the house, he came into his own effectively as an only child while his four older siblings were starting families. He was curious and asked a lot more questions than his siblings ever had, particularly of Grandpa. Advertisement Uncle Timmy, full name Timothy Curran, is now a middle school history teacher. While pursuing his graduate degree, he often wrote about the flawed nature of oral history among Irish Americans. We talked recently about family lore, identity, and what it was like going to South Boston bars in the early 1990s; he recalled lots of Clancy Brothers songs and a pot being passed around for the boys over there fighting the British. (Supposedly, when Timmy asked if the money was for the IRA, his friend implored him not to say something like that so loudly.) Advertisement Advertisement What he doesnt recall is whether his father had an opinion on Irish whiskeys. When I told him what my mother said about Grandpa not wanting Bushmills in the house, he quipped, Yes, but only because he was a vodka drinker. Which is true: Grandpa Joe was advised by his doctors to drink only clear liquor for his health, and my Grandma Chris preferred only the finest Canadian whiskey that came in the finest plastic jugs. So if it wasnt from my grandpa, where had I absorbed this idea that Jameson was Catholic and Bushmills was Protestant? And was it based on anything at all? Advertisement Advertisement I asked Belfast native Jack McGarry, a managing partner at the Dead Rabbit bar group and an Irish whiskey expert, about the claim. He said he hadnt heard of it until he moved to America and became immersed in our bar culture. For his part, he characterizes the notion as a gross oversimplification. Although Bushmills does have some Protestant roots, the current Master Distiller is Catholic, and the company is now owned by a Mexican-based liquor conglomerate. As for John Jameson? He was a Scottish Protestant founding a company in a Dublina city that, around 1780, had a much more significant Protestant population. Advertisement As a myth, McGarry considers this one to be in the same category as other Irish American ideas that are heavy on the American. Think eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patricks Day, saying Top of the mornin to ya, and ordering a black and tan or Irish Car Bombthe former being a drink made up of a pale ale layered with a dark beer (normally Guinness), and the latter consisting of a shot of Irish cream and whiskey being dropped into a glass of Guinness and drunk in one go. Both drinks names evoke bloody and painful histories, but putting that aside, McGarry contends: No Guinness drinker in Ireland would have the audacity to mix it with anything other than more Guinness. Advertisement Advertisement This phenomenon of cultural dilution or mistranslation can be observed in other supposedly Irish folklore. Mary C. Kelly, a professor of history at Franklin Pierce University, tells me that Americans will frequently quote Mayo, God help us! to her once they find out she hails from Mayo (referencing the way that county was hit hard during the famine). However, she reports, people in Mayo dont go around saying that. Advertisement Kelly sees a deeply rooted historical reason for why Americans descended from Irish immigrants tend to cling to these, lets say, colorful myths and narratives. She cites the backlash to the predominantly Irish Catholic immigrants fleeing starvation in the famine from 184552. These new arrivals were seen as having a split loyalty between the Constitution and the pope. There was this fear that Catholic Irish could threaten the foundations of the United States, she told mesomething that may sound devastatingly familiar to anyone following the Trump administrations rhetoric and actions on immigration. She also explains how this period of time formed a wedge between the Catholic and Protestant Irish populations in the States. The new Catholic immigrants were viewed negatively by the existing American population, and Protestant Irish felt that their arrival was enveloping them in this new negative association of what it meant to be Irish. According to Kelly, the famine subsequently led to Irish Catholics associating more with Irish nationalist organizations, in which they could process their trauma aloud. She argues that there was a broader culture of silence around the experience of the famine otherwise (although she also acknowledges that some historians challenge this). The history of the famine, and subsequent discrimination against newly arrived Irish Catholics, was, Kelly says, a dark shadow over peoples lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considering that context, its clear that clinging to something as seemingly silly as a whiskey brand became a way of asserting ones identity and heritage. The inherited trauma of the famine, and the allegiance of Irish Catholics to Irish nationalist organizations, created an us-vs.-them mentality. Irish Americans subsequently have sought to honor their ancestors struggle by aligning themselves, even in drinking, with the very things for which they were discriminated against: their Catholicism and refusal to cow to British rule in their homeland. Advertisement I see now that this shadow found its way into the fabric of my grandfathers life as well. My uncle tells me that parts of his family were very ticked off for him going from orange to green in converting to Catholicism, and that they did not associate with his side of the family much. (The orange of the Irish flag represents Protestants, the green represents Catholics, and the white represents the hope for peace between them.) According to my uncle, the experience of ostracism added mightily to that chip on his shoulder. Advertisement There is a twinge of sadness for me in realizing that I had colored in the lines of my grandpa more with myth and stereotype than reality. His sense of identity and relationship to his ethnicity and religion was much more complicated than a silly story repeated drunkenly in pubs. He never got to go to Ireland, but he loved ordering gifts from catalogs of Irish goods. These keepsakes are now scattered across the family; a gold shamrock tie pin lives in my own collection. Advertisement To my mind, the inclination to hold on to these grievances and pain as Americans comes from a desire to attach ourselves to something more significant. Being a white American isnt something to be particularly proud of, but being descended from defiant freedom fighters who survived a famine and British colonial rule might be. My uncle thinks along the same lines: These stories give families, in my opinion, a pride to be like, We fought our way to this point, he says. But while these cycles of lore can be relatively innocuous, like in having a whiskey preference, or even goofy, like in drinking green beer on St. Patricks Day, they can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. What once constituted authentic Irish culture, customs, and traditions starts to morph into something else, says McGarry. He and his team at the Dead Rabbit attempt to combat this through the bars Paddys Not Pattys March events, which celebrate Irish culture rather than, as he puts it, getting absolutely shit-faced. Advertisement Advertisement So my grandfather never had strong opinions about the religious affiliation of his whiskeybut he did face pushback from his family for converting to marry a Catholic woman, and he carried a deep sense of pride about his ethnic heritage. He told stories and held on to lore that gave him a sense of being part of something larger than himself. It seems to me that he wanted his family to feel that same way. To transmute the otherness he felt into something greatjust as his ancient ancestors had. Advertisement Advertisement As it happens, I went to Ireland when I was 20, the same year that you could find Addie and me at the Half Door. We had wrapped up a study-abroad program in England, and I went off on my own to explore the island my grandfather never got to visit. It was the very first time I had traveled alone. During my day on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands, I rode a rental bike up to Dun Aonghasa, one of the ancient forts my grandfather had held in such esteem. Advertisement I sat near the edge of the cliffs and took in the scene. I dont know if that fort was the first or simply the oldest surviving, but it was certainly something great. I had packed a small meal of bread, cheese, and a beer. I cracked the beer open with the edge of a jagged rock and drank it in a toast to my grandpa, my family, and the forebears who had built this place. I cant remember the brand, but it doesnt really matter. After all, things hold the value we assign to them. This beer served to honor those who came before me and enabled me to be a person who could have this experience. Most importantly, it was a drink for my Grandpa Joeand the legacy he left me. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250316/heres-whats-really-behind-trumps-surprise-bombardment-of-yemen-1121646349.html Here's What's Really Behind Trump's Surprise Bombardment of Yemen Here's What's Really Behind Trump's Surprise Bombardment of Yemen Sputnik International President Trump announced decisive and powerful military action against the Yemeni militia on Saturday, demanding they halt attacks on shipping and warships in the Red Sea or face hell like nothing you have ever seen before! Sputnik reached out to a veteran observer of Middle East politics to find out what's really behind the US aggression. 2025-03-16T19:56+0000 2025-03-16T19:56+0000 2025-03-16T19:56+0000 analysis middle east donald trump sergey lavrov palestinians israel red sea houthis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/03/10/1121646153_0:131:2512:1544_1920x0_80_0_0_624ee10e876d1fea0c01ba2c3315b4a3.jpg The strikes have less to do with the Houthis than they do with trying to ensure the survival of the State of Israel, and Israeli and US projects to expel the Palestinians from Gaza, turn the strip into a glitzy Las Vegas-style resort, and exploit its offshore gas resources, the academic said.This, not Trump's claims about "freedom of navigation" in the region, accounts for the surprise US attacks, the observer said.Going forward, the professor fears that if the Yemeni crisis turns into a prolonged, regional crisis, Houthi missile power could be directed at neighboring countries providing direct or indirect support for the US, Britain and Israel. This would fundamentally "change the dynamics of the Middle East and its resource-based economic well-being, Blumi said.US Surprise Attack on Yemen: What We Know So FarUS warplanes attacked the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, as well as Saada, Dhamar, Al-Bayda, Radaa, Hajjah, and Marib.Yemeni Health Ministry spokesperson Anis Al-Asbahi said 31 people were killed and over 100 injured in the attacks, mostly women and children.CENTCOM said its precision strikes were carried out to defend American interests, deter enemies and restore freedom of navigation.The strikes were launched by F/A-18 jets from the USS Truman supercarrier in the Red Sea, and aided by P8 Poseidon, RC-135V and MQ-4C Triton jets and drones flying out of US bases in the Gulf. A British KC2 Voyager out of Cyprus also took part, per Yemeni media reports.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, touching on Yemen. Lavrov called for an immediate halt to the use of force, and stressed the need for dialog to find a solution that would prevent further bloodshed.The Houthis political bureau warned the militia was prepared to confront escalation with escalation.Saree warned that Ansar Allah will not hesitate to target all American warships in the Red Sea and in the Arabian Sea in retaliation to the aggression against our country.CENTCOM has yet to comment on the Houthi operation, and whether the Truman or its escorts were threatened or damaged in any way.US and UK commercial vessels and warships have been added back on to the Houthis list of legitimate targets.Houthi political bureau member Hussein al-Azzi sent Trump a letter Sunday following the strikes, telling him he has "very stupid advisors," and warning that the US president could "dream of breaking the will of the Yemeni people" when he becomes "able to uproot" the Brooks Mountain Range with his teeth."Preparations for Saturday's strikes began after Trump put the Houthis back onto the USs terror listing, and accelerated after they downed another US Reaper drone March 4, per sources cited by Axios.The strikes come days after the Houthis announcement that they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels in the Red and Arabian Seas, citing Israels refusal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250127/houthis-warn-israel-you-break-gaza-ceasefire-we-fire-missiles-1121507507.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250301/pepe-escobar-from-donbass-to-south-lebanon-and-all-across-brics-its-all-about-resistance-1121608654.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250120/secretary-of-forever-wars-antony-blinkens-blood-soaked-legacy-1121472986.html israel red sea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov why did trump bomb yemen, why did us attack yemen's houthis, what's behind israel-houthi conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20250316/not-just-voice-of-america-deep-state-mouthpieces-shut-down-1121644251.html Not Just Voice of America: Deep State Mouthpieces Shut Down? Not Just Voice of America: Deep State Mouthpieces Shut Down? Sputnik International US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order dissolving the US Agency for Global Media, which funds Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Radio Free Asia (RFA).What are US government-funded media known for? 2025-03-16T15:16+0000 2025-03-16T15:16+0000 2025-03-16T15:16+0000 world donald trump viktor yushchenko sergei skripal china russia ukraine cia radio free europe/radio liberty (rfe/rl) voice of america https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/03/1120757686_0:0:3075:1731_1920x0_80_0_0_ae4769c0731ade551fb77b1c0cedde8f.jpg VOA, RFE/RL and RFA routinely echoed US Democratic Party narratives, targeting not only overseas but also domestic audiences. Russia Eastern and Central Europe Trump Asia Cold War Roots and CIA Covert Operations via VOA, RFE/RL and RFA The medias dependence on the US foreign policy establishment - predominantly led by Democrats - has deep historical roots. Voice of America Radio Free Europe/Radio LibertyRadio Free AsiaFor decades, the US-funded media functioned as extensions of Washingtons intelligence agencies, running psychological operations even after the Cold War ended.*Media outlet designated as a foreign agent in Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250226/ukraine-a-deep-state-tool-to-destroy-trump--1121600554.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250302/europes-reckless-warmongering-pushes-trump-toward-nato-exit-1121613592.html china russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova 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 Ekaterina Blinova donald trump, us agency for global media, voice of america, radio free asia, radio free europe, radio liberty, us-funded media, cia media propaganda, operation mocking bird, russia, china, cold war, north korea https://sputnikglobe.com/20250316/some-30-officers-from-nato-countries-surrounded-in-kursk-region-1121643590.html Some 30 Officers From NATO Countries Surrounded in Kursk Region Some 30 Officers From NATO Countries Surrounded in Kursk Region Sputnik International About 30 officers from NATO countries, who have been providing coordinates for Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia, are surrounded in the Kursk Region, the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground network in Nikolayev Sergey Lebedev told Sputnik. 2025-03-16T13:22+0000 2025-03-16T13:22+0000 2025-03-16T13:22+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine kursk vladimir putin sergei lebedev valery gerasimov russia ukraine nato https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/14/1119841812_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_c153769122c8469622e5ae3dfdcde8a6.jpg According to the information of the underground network, there are about 30 NATO career officers, who were engaged in commanding troops on the ground as well as handling incoming intelligence data from NATO satellites and adjusting strikes deep into Russian territory, are surrounded in the Kursk Region Lebedev said. Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said at a command meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this past Wednesday that Russian forces had liberated over 86% of the territory, or 1,100 square kilometers (425 square miles), previously occupied by Ukraine in Russia's Kursk Region. He said Ukrainian troops were encircled in the Kursk Region and were being gradually eliminated, while Russian forces advanced into Ukraine's Sumy Region across several segments of the border. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that he "strongly requested" Russian President Vladimir Putin to spare the lives of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers currently surrounded in the Kursk Region. Putin said he would guarantee Ukrainian servicepeople life and decent treatment if they lay down their arms. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250313/smart-strategy-why-russia-needs-security-zone-in-kursk-region--1121635488.html kursk russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nato countries, ukrainian strikes deep into russia, kursk region Some of the nation's top active pacers tussled in the $36,000 Preferred Pace and the opening leg of the 2025 New Holland Pacing Series at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, March 15. A field of six six-figure earners went to the gate in the Preferred Pace with all eyes on Odds On Capitalism as the bettors' choice, and rightfully so as the Rene Bourassa student bested his field of foes. Louis-Philippe Roy and Odds On Capitalism were the first to clear the lead over Poseidon Seelster (Bob McClure), yielding a :26.3 opening split. Travis Henry pulled Whichwaytothebeach early to a swift backstretch move, achieving the lead just before the :55.1 half. Odds On Capitalism continued in second on the pylons only briefly, pulling out just ahead of Poseidon Seelster. Odds On Capitalism was the first to nose out the three-quarters in 1:23.4 before the stretch duel formed between himself and Whichwaytothebeach. Odds On Capitalism overpowered to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:50.3. Merigo Magic (James MacDonald) closed sharply to take second over Whichwaytothebeach. Odds On Capitalism, a six-year-old Fear The Dragon-Soggy Britches gelding, won his third straight race and third race on Canadian soil with trainer Bourassa at the helm. In 87 career starts, he has banked $398,803 to go along with a record of 21-22-14. Ecuries Maguire Inc. and Daniel Gaudreault co-own Odds On Capitalism. He paid $3.20 to win. The New Holland Pacing Series opened up with a bang on Saturday evening as millionaire American History posted Canada's first sub-1:50 mile of 2025 in the second division. The New Holland Pacing Series is open to non-winners of $150,000 (fillies and mares $175,000) in 2024. Jack Panic (Jonathan Drury) hustled early to the lead off the car with American History and Louis-Philippe Roy brushing up from behind swiftly. American History took over into the opening turn and handled the quarter in :27.2 as Jabberwocky (Trevor Henry) rushed to take over right after quarter pole. Jabberwocky led the field single file through the half in :55.1. Just before the 1:23 three-quarters, American History edged out to challenge the leader. The pair met eye-to-eye and wheel-to-wheel at the top of the stretch, but American History pressed forward to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:49.3. Jack Panic finished second with Powertrain (James MacDonald) nabbing the show spot over Jabberwocky. American History, a winner of now $1,899,370 in his career, won his first race of 2025 and his 49th lifetime race. Patrick Hill of Fredericton, N.B. owns the 10-year-old son of American Ideal out of the Camluck mare Perfect Touch. He returned $4.60 to win. Despite his outside post, Brue Hanover collected a win in the first division of the New Holland Pacing Series for the evening. Doug McNair urged the David Menary student from post seven on a diagonal towards the top. The pair cleared early, but a three-wide early tussle led to stablemate Whatchulookin At (Louis-Philippe Roy) being parked out in first at the :26.4 quarter. Brue Hanover swiftly moved ahead of his stablemate to reclaim the lead and the Menary student never looked back, controlling the timer in :55 and 1:23.2 before opening up by 5-1/4 lengths and stopping the clock in 1:50. Whatchulookin At finished second and Codename Cigar Box (Travis Cullen) finished third. Burke Racing Stable LLC of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania and Weaver Bruscemi LLC of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania co-own the five-year-old gelded son of Stay Hungry out of the Art Major mare Blind Ambition. Brue Hanover won his third race in five starts this year and his 21st race from 70 career starts. He shows $384,045 earned lifetime. The second leg of the New Holland Pacing Series will be held on Saturday, March 22, while the second leg of the New Holland Trotting Series will take place on Monday, March 17. Saturday's card also had the first leg of the Pop-Up Series for horse and gelding pacers that are non-winners of $30,000 in 2024 with a minimum of 15 starts or not averaging $1,700 per start in 2024 with a minimum of 15 starts. The series opener featured four $16,000 divisions. In the first division, Elliot Moose ($10.70) paced from the back of the pack to the front in a 1-1/2-length victory in 1:52.4 with Travis Cullen holding the lines for Jodie Cullen. Batterup Hanover ($3.10) took the second division with a pocket trip to a 1:52 score with Bob McClure in the bike for Ben Hollingsworth. The third division went to Hurrikane Cheyenne ($4.10) in 1:52.4 for driver Jody Jamieson and trainer Amanda Fine. Finally, Highlandbeachlover ($5.40) and Tyler Borth won the fourth division in 1:50 for trainer Carmen Auciello. The second leg of the Pop-Up Series is set for Saturday, March 22, with each division going for $16,000, while the $35,000 final will take place on Saturday, March 29. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Standardbred Canada) Manitoba's top performers from the 2024 harness racing season were celebrated at the annual Manitoba Standardbred Racing Industry Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 15. The event, presented by the Manitoba Standardbred Sires and Breeders Association (MSSBA) and Manitoba Harness Horsemen Inc. (MHHI), was held at the Canad Inns Destination Centre in Portage la Prairie. Lookinlikeamillion was named the top Manitoba-bred horse in addition to earning divisional honours for the second straight year after his successful three-year-old campaign in 2024. He won half of his 10 starts in Manitoba, including the MSSBA Futurity and Golden Boy stakes finals, before shipping to Ontario and taking a lifetime mark of 1:53.2 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Lookinlikeamillion was trained in Manitoba by Tara Isman, who co-owns with Dr. Valerie Isman, George Isman of Gladstone, Man., and Garett Isman of Calgary, Alta. From the award-winning sire Armbro Baylor and dam Untold Millions, he was bred Darryl and Sherri Mason of Killarney, Man. Don Howlett was named top driver while his son, Mathew Howlett, took the training title. Richard Rey was honoured as Horseperson of the Year. A complete list of the award winners follows. Manitoba-Bred Two-Year-Old Filly Girl On The Go Manitoba-Bred Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Wood Morning Manitoba-Bred Three-Year-Old Filly Choozetocruise Manitoba-Bred Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Lookinlikeamillion Manitoba-Bred Aged Mare Irish Jean Manitoba-Bred Aged Horse/Gelding Fan C That Top Manitoba-Bred Lookinlikeamillion Aged Mare of the Year Singing Ramona Aged Horse/Gelding of the Year Armycaptin Hanover Claimer of the Year Litizor Broodmare of the Year Untold Millions Sire of the Year Armbro Baylor Top Driver Donald Howlett Top Trainer Mathew Howlett Horseperson of the Year Richard Rey Caretaker of the Year Karlee McNabb MSSBA Owners of the Year Darryl & Sherri Mason MHHI Owner of the Year Laverne Turnbull Lifetime Breeders Achievement Award Allan Drader See Me Go Award of Sportsmanship Vladimir Kreker Ron Waples Award Trevor Williams (Standardbred Canada; photo of the connections of Lookinlikeamillion at the Manitoba awards banquet) Syndicate manager David Reid has announced that the 2025 book is full and closed for O'Brien Award winner Legendary Hanover. Legendary Hanover set multiple track records in the Meadowlands Pace, Cane Pace and the Empire Breeders Classic, respectively. After his impressive 1:46.3 three-year-old track record performance at The Meadowlands, driver James MacDonald said, Hes all business. He is a scary animal that is simply very talented. A gorgeous individual and former $260,000 yearling purchase, Legendary Hanover is the richest and fastest son of world champion Huntsville. Standing at Southwind Farm in New Jersey, Legendary Hanover is being supported by many of the sports leading breeders, said Reid. (With files from Legendary Hanover Syndicate) Newfoundland native, Florida Harness Racing Hall of Famer and accomplished lifelong horseman James R. "Jim" McDonald, 69, passed away suddenly at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the morning of March 15, 2025 following a brief illness. Jims roots in harness racing began with his grandfather, Patrick McDonald Sr., and father, James McDonald, who were part of the community of family and friends that launched the Avalon Raceway in Goulds, Newfoundland in 1962, and where Jim took his first training mile at just three years old, won his first race at 14 and raced through the late 1960s and into the 1970s there before his passion and obvious harness racing talents took him to Pompano Park in Florida in 1981. Over his 44-year career there, Jim trained horses during racing season and off-seasons such as millionaire pacer Hyperion Hanover, U.S. and Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee McWicked and one of his favourite horses, Macadream, who he owned and trained through to the horses retirement at age 14. As a driver and trainer, Jim amassed a combined 7,443 top-three finishes (2,564 wins) and more than $11.74 million in purses. In 2012, the United States Harness Writers Association honoured him as a Florida Chapter Hall of Fame inductee. Jim was a veteran horseman with a wealth of knowledge and expert in breaking bad behaviours. He was a mentor to many starting out in the industry and a lifelong friend to other veterans of the sport here in Canada and in the U.S. A modest man, Jim has always attributed his lifetime achievements to hard work and dedication as well as the support from his community of family including his mom Madeline; wife Dona; his son James and grandson Griffin; stepson John; his sisters Betty, Sharon and Brenda; his five brothers Gerald, Gary, Gordon, Douglas and Carl, each involved and accomplished in harness racing; as well as many family uncles, aunts and cousins who have been a part of his early days and throughout his life focussed on doing what he loves as a harness racing driver and trainer. A wake will be held at Kraeer Funeral Home at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, located at 200 West Copans Road in Pompano Beach, Florida. The wake is scheduled for March 20 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. A mass will take place at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, located at 731 N Ocean Blvd. in Pompano Beach, Florida. The mass is scheduled for March 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim McDonald. Not every government spending mistake is a multibillion-dollar boondoggle like the federal governments infamous Strategic Defense Initiative project of the 1980s. But they are still worthy of our scrutiny. Two local boards may have a pair of small-change boondoggles, judging by recent questionable spending choices made by the Cowlitz County Board of Health and the Longview City Council. While neither purchase is large by government standards up to $15,000 and $10,000, respectively neither seem like the best use of public funds. Governments still command hefty budgets and were counting on our elected leaders to spend that money wisely. While they may not be burning billions on space lasers, these recent financial allocations are nonetheless unwise. Though small, repeated purchases can add up. Fluoride vote in Longview The Longview City Council has decided to spend an extra $10,000 to $15,000 to hold a vote on whether to continue to fluoridate city water, after city workshops and public comment sessions turned people out in favor of keeping the mineral at the recommended national level. City Councilmember Ruth Kendall estimated 80% of recent public comments has been in favor of it. But it seems some leaders have already made up their minds. Councilmember Erik Halvorson had a prepared statement on the voter referendum, which he read at the Feb. 27 meeting after people voiced their opinions about the proposed change. His presence at the meeting seemed performative, rather than someone seeking direction from the people of the city. Other arguments have been made in terms of savings, but how much will the city really save proportionally? That $14,000 to fluoridate the water does a lot for the people of Longview for not a lot of money. According to CDC data, fluoride saves residents money at a ratio of 20:1, or higher, for how much it costs. So that $14,000 keeps at least $280,000 in the pockets of locals. Per capita, by spending 37 cents per person, the city is saving its 37,925 residents (according to the U.S. Census 2023 population estimate), around $7.41 and thats being conservative. Furthermore, its most effective helping people who need it most. Removing fluoride may not have much of an effect on households that buy oral care products that are already fluoridated, but the people who arent making ends meet will feel the impact hardest. That seems like wise spending in action. A small investment is magnified many times over in how it helps people. Contact the Longview council Mayor Spencer Boudreau: spencer.boudreau@ci.longview.wa.us MaryAlice Wallis: maryalice.wallis@ci.longview.wa.us Ruth Kendall: ruth.kendall@ci.longview.wa.us Keith Young: keith.young@ci.longview.wa.us Kalei LaFave: kalei.lafave@ci.longview.wa.us Erik Halvorson: erik.halvorson@ci.longview.wa.us Angie Wean: angie.wean@ci.longview.wa.us County Board of Health When we heard about the Cowlitz County Board of Healths plan to spend $10,000 on Reality Parties, we werent thrilled about that expenditure either, despite its small size. The program, which was discussed at the board of healths February meeting, has student actors pretending to be at a high school party which parents can observe. The board voted 4-2 to host one such party locally. While we appreciate the board focusing on issues, like substance use, that affect local youth today, we dont see this as an effective method to inform parents about the issue. The idea of using teens as improv actors to depict a party doesnt sound like an informative event for parents to learn about teen drug use; rather, its more reminiscent of the anti-drug assemblies of the 80s and 90s which, despite widespread adoption and hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, were found to be widely ineffective. We agree that there is a need to get information out there about what kind of drugs are in our community and what kids could be exposed to, but hosting an improv performance for parents is not the way to do it. Its true theres a disconnect between what parents are aware of and what their kids are seeing. But we agree with Joy Lyons from ESD 112, using student actors isnt the way to go. If those teens want to advocate for change in their communities, as Board Chair Kelly Lane told The Daily News, perhaps they could join an informative presentation. Their real-life experiences, in their own words, should be enough without having to incorporate acting out an imaginary party. We think this money could have been better spent on a much more straightforward approach. Hosting an event where police speak to parents about what drugs they see on the streets, what slang terms kids are using for them, and what signs of drug use they need to look out for would be more informative. Contact the county commissioners District 1 Commissioner Steve Rader: 360-577-3020 option 1 or raders@cowlitzwa.gov District 2 Commissioner Steven Ferrell: 360-577-3020 option 2 or ferrells@cowlitzwa.gov District 3 Commissioner Rick Dahl: 360-577-3020 option 3 or dahlr@cowlitzwa.gov 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: Chinese internet search giant Baidu has released a new artificial intelligence reasoning model and made its AI chatbot services free. Chinese internet search giant Baidu released a new artificial intelligence reasoning model Sunday and made its AI chatbot services free to consumers as ferocious competition grips the sector. Technology companies in China have been scrambling to release improved AI platforms since start-up DeepSeek shocked its rivals with its open source and highly cost-efficient model in January. In a post on WeChat, Baidu announced the launch of its latest X1 reasoning modelwhich the company claims performs similarly to DeepSeek's but for lower costand a new foundation model, Ernie 4.5. Baidu also made its AI chatbot Ernie Bot free for individual users more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Previously, users had to pay a subscription to access the company's latest AI models via Ernie Bot. Ernie 4.5 "outperforms" U.S.-based OpenAI's GPT-4.5 model in "multiple benchmarks", while Ernie X1 features "enhanced capabilities in understanding, planning, reflection, and evolution", Baidu said. The Beijing-based company was one of China's first to roll out a generative AI platform publicly, in 2023, but rival chatbots from companies such as TikTok owner ByteDance and Moonshot AI have since gained more users. Baidu faces stiff competition in the consumer-facing AI sector where startup DeepSeek shook up the industry at home and abroad with a model that performed comparably to competitors such as U.S.-made ChatGPT, but cost much less to develop. Since then, Chinese companies and local government agencies have rushed to incorporate DeepSeek's open-source model into their work, while other technology companies have been playing catch-up. Baidu itself has integrated DeepSeek's R1 reasoning model into its search engine. In February, WeChat owner Tencent released a new AI model that it claimed answers queries faster than DeepSeek, even as it incorporated its rival's technology into its messaging platform. The same month, Alibaba, which has partnered with Apple to develop AI for the U.S. company's phones in China, said it would invest 380 billion yuan ($52 billion) in AI and cloud computing over the next three years. Alibaba this month also released a new version of its AI assistant app powered by its open-source Qwen reasoning model. Baidu has also announced plans to follow DeepSeek's lead by making its Ernie AI models open-source from June 30. 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: This June 14, 2018 file photo shows an FBI seal on a podium before a news conference at the agency's headquarters in Washington. Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File The FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are warning against a dangerous ransomware scheme. In an advisory posted earlier this week, government officials warned that a ransomware-as-a-service software called Medusa, which has launched ransomware attacks since 2021, has recently affected hundreds of people. Medusa uses phishing campaigns as its main method for stealing victims' credentials, according to CISA. To protect against the ransomware, officials recommended patching operating systems, software and firmware, in addition to using multifactor authentication for all services such as email and VPNs. Experts also recommended using long passwords, and warned against frequently recurring password changes because they can weaken security. Medusa developers and affiliatescalled "Medusa actors"use a double extortion model, where they "encrypt victim data and threaten to publicly release exfiltrated data if a ransom is not paid," the advisory said. Medusa operates a data-leak site that shows victims alongside countdowns to the release of information. "Ransom demands are posted on the site, with direct hyperlinks to Medusa affiliated cryptocurrency wallets," the advisory said. "At this stage, Medusa concurrently advertises sale of the data to interested parties before the countdown timer ends. Victims can additionally pay $10,000 USD in cryptocurrency to add a day to the countdown timer." Since February, Medusa developers and affiliates have hit more than 300 victims across industries, including the medical, education, legal, insurance, technology and manufacturing sectors, CISA said. 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 Robot Performance and Safety Test center and test setups for tacile robot performance being explained by Robin Kirschner. Credit: TUM-MIRMI, Dayana Ramirez. Over the past decades, roboticists have introduced a wide range of systems with distinct body structures and varying capabilities. As the number of developed robots continuously grows, being able to easily learn about these many systems, their unique characteristics, differences and performance on specific tasks could prove highly valuable. Researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM) recently created the "Tree of Robots," a new encyclopedia that could make learning about existing robotic systems and comparing them significantly easier. Their robot encyclopedia, introduced in a paper published in Nature Machine Intelligence, categorizes robots based on their performance fitness on various tasks. "The aspiration for intelligent robots that can understand their environment as we humans do, and execute tasks independently, has existed for ages," Robin Jeanne Kirschner, first author of the paper, told Tech Xplore. "The active development of tactile robotsrobots capable of understanding their surroundings through the sensation of touchbegan approximately 20 years ago. This journey started with the creation of lightweight systems equipped with torque sensors in every joint. Since then, we have witnessed improved technology, better controllers, and new reaction schemes, which have enabled the development of systems proficient in executing tasks and perceiving the environment through touch." Core idea and concept of the tree of robots addressed in the study. Credit: Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-025-00995-y Most standards and approaches for classifying robots introduced to date do not account for the ability of systems to adapt to their surroundings and successfully interact with nearby objects by touching them. This crucial capability influences both the safety of robots and their performance on specific tasks, spanning various real-world applications. "The focus of system classification remains separated based on, e.g., individual mechanical properties, new controller features, and certifications remains based solely on the mechanical structure of sensing systems instead of their actual performance," said Kirschner. "This narrow approach often overlooks the interplay of components and the core purpose of a robotic device: to assist in executing tasks, which demands specific capabilities." To overcome the limitations of existing robot classification methods, Kirschner and her colleagues started testing various existing systems, focusing on features that influence their safety, such as their ability to detect contact with other objects. Concurrently, they also conducted an in-depth analysis of robotics tasks, deriving multiple metrics that indicate the capabilities of robots beyond safety, for instance, impacting their ability to successfully execute tactile tasks and comfortably interact with humans. "By testing multiple robot manipulators, we were then able to derive all these metrics and show that the tactility fitness of these systems significantly varies, calling for a proper classification and encyclopediathe Tree of Robots," said Kirschner. The tree of robots concept and first established grouping for industrial fixed based manipulators. Credit: Kirschner et al. (Nature Machine Intelligence, 2025). "As a result, we established the AI Robot Performance and Safety Centera dedicated laboratory equipped with advanced measurement devices to evaluate robot performance. With these resources, we aim to further grow the 'Tree of Robot,' an essential encyclopedia for the field of robotics." The Tree of Robots encyclopedia is meant to be continuously updated over time, ultimately serving as a Wikipedia-like platform that contains information about robots and their capabilities. It includes a wide pool of information ranging from the robots' fundamental body structures to the motors and/or sensors they rely on and their resulting capabilities, specifically the sensitivity and reliability of their physical interactions (i.e., tactility fitness) and precision of their movements (i.e., motion fitness). "While we began with analyzing and classifying existing stationary manipulators using fitness metrics we defined specifically based on for industrial applications, the encyclopedia must grow to encompass other robotic systems for service tasks, such as humanoids or mobile robots," explained Kirschner. "Its purpose is to efficiently guide both hardware and software development in robotics." In contrast with many previously devised robot categorization approaches, the Tree of Robots encyclopedia clearly outlines the specialized capabilities of different robots. In addition, it groups robots into three main groups based on their tactility fitness, which indicates the extent to which they are suitable for completing specific tasks. Metric test setups. Credit: Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-025-00995-y "This fundamental insight should be integrated into application design, standardization efforts, and future robotics development," said Kirschner. "By aligning hardware and software components to achieve optimal performance for a given processrather than designing processes to fit the system's constraintswe can advance robotics to new levels of efficiency and effectiveness." The new encyclopedia developed by Kirschner and her colleagues could inform future research, for instance, by helping other computer scientists and roboticists to identify the best systems to test their algorithms. Meanwhile, the researchers plan to continue adding information to the Tree of Robots, including other robotic systems and other relevant metrics. "We are now expanding our work in several directions," added Kirschner. "My focus is on linking these critical findings to ensure human safety in collaborations, emphasizing a robot's tactile capabilities. The goal is to achieve certifiably safe applications with tactile robotic systems. Alongside other teams, we are also exploring how to extend the tree of robots in other areas, such as systems designed for service and care tasks and including, e.g., humanoid systems." More information: Robin Jeanne Kirschner et al, Categorizing robots by performance fitness into the tree of robots, Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-025-00995-y. Journal information: Nature Machine Intelligence 2025 Science X Network 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. ON Thursday night, when hosted at the Diplomatic Centre, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an experience that has been preserved by the nations diaspora for 180 years. In images that have since gone viral, Modi was seen eating on the leaves of the sohari (Calathea lutea). In a social media post to Angelo Bissessarsinghs Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page, Patricia Bissessar said the serving of food on the leaves of the sohari is a practice rooted in Indo-Trinidadian cultural heritage, particularly among the Hindu community. On invitation of the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Wang Qing visited the fishery bases in Bo, which were supported by the Chinese Embassy, on 14th January. They visited the renovated fish ponds, fish hatcheries, feed production lines and water supply systems. Ambassador Wang and Minister Dugba exchanged opinions to further strengthen fishery cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. Ambassador Wang said that, under the strategic guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of states, China-Sierra Leone fishery cooperation had achieved remarkable results in 2024, including the project of Fish Harbour, the certification of importing Sierra Leonean wild aquatic products to China, renovating project of fishery bases in Bo and other important results, which will further benefit the local people. The Chinese Embassy will work with the Ministry to facilitate the implementation of the relevant projects and promote the continuous progress of fishery cooperation between the two sides. Minister Dugba expressed her appreciation to the long-term valuable support from the Chinese side for Sierra Leonean fishery industry. She said that the two sides will work closer to create more tangible results in fishery industry in the future. 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. Last Tuesday, Gwynne Dyer headlined his Express column Stupid old men. You could substitute all sorts of adjectives before the words, old men, to describe the characteristics of the cohort that has had the most influence on the world we inhabit. Greedy, self-righteous, racist, arrogant, selfish, a multitude of negative words readily suit the clique. At first, angrily thinking about the subject of todays column, I was focusing on Caribbean men in leadership positions who have been sleazy lechers, foisting themselves on hapless females and males with impunity. The first time they were in Tucson in 2022, Twelfth Night came as a duo with founding members/artistic directors David Belkovski on keyboards and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong. On Sunday, March 23, they are returning to Arizona Early Music with the full band, a dozen musicians specializing in historically accurate performances of works dating to the Baroque era and earlier. Soprano Nola Richardson and mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas will join the ensemble to perform Handels pastoral cantata Aminta e Fillide at 3 p.m. Sunday at Grace St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St. Handel scored the work, written in Rome in 1708, for two sopranos. Its the story of a love-struck shepherd and a nymph pursuing each other with virtuosic and poignant arias through a mythological Greek landscape. The New York-based early music ensemble, which Belkovski and Wong formed in 2021, has been touring the work around the country. Twelfth Night, which made its Carnegie Hall debut last May, was the only historical performance ensemble featured at Chamber Music Americas 2023 showcase. Wong, the only early music specialist to ever win the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, won the grand prize in the inaugural Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition, while Belkovskis resume includes a number of first-place prizes in national and international competitions, including the 2019 Sfzp International Fortepiano Competition. A pre-concert talk begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.90 through azearlymusic.org. A combination of gerrymandering of districts and packing the Supreme Court with jurists chosen by the conservative Federalist Society and Heritage Foundation have pushed U.S. policy in a rightward direction that voters cant even do much about, says author David Daley. Even when voters do effectively change policy, as Arizonans did in November by enshrining a right to abortion in the Constitution through the citizens initiative process, legislators immediately get to work trying to weaken, thwart or undo what the voters chose, says author Amanda Becker. Political forces in effect today in the U.S. have been building for a long time in the case of threats to free speech, ever since President John Adams used a Sedition Act to arrest political opponents, says author Jonathan Turley; in the demonizing of immigrants, throughout our history, notes author Juan Williams; and in conservatives modern influence on redistricting, the courts and other institutions, 50 years of a very determined and orchestrated process, Daley says. The rapidly changing media landscape, the echo chambers we retreat to that reinforce what we already believe, and the rhetorical battles won or lost through political messaging can mean, as author Zeke Hernandez puts it, the truth doesnt prevail even when there is so much evidence. Joe Rogans interview with Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign had 26 million views within 24 hours, author Paola Ramos notes, adding, This election was won through feelings, not facts, feelings including fear, anger and resentment. And when we are afraid, angry or confused, we turn on each other, attack the other, try to silence those we disagree with, and the villain image prevails, Hernandez and Turley point out. These are some of the themes that emerged in two discussions on current events by author panels Saturday at the Tucson Festival of Books, Freedoms Under Fire and Race, Ethnicity and the Election, both of them popular events for advance tickets, and both aired by CSPAN 2s Book TV from the University of Arizona campus. On their panel, Hernandez, Ramos and Williams analyzed why Trump, after pledging mass deportations, for example, got 45% of the Latino vote, or why one in four Black men voted for Trump, according to exit polling. When Trump talked about immigrants being criminals, many Latino voters thought Hes not talking about me, said Ramos, a journalist who contributes to Telemundo News and MSNBC, was deputy director of Hispanic media for Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, a political appointee during the Obama administration, and is the author of Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America. But now that theyre seeing Trumps sweeping policies playing out, with family separations and the closing of legal pathways, more might be thinking, Is he talking about you or not? she said. What voters hear is so divorced from the facts, said Hernandez, a professor at the Wharton School who studies how immigration affects the economy and is the author of The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers. People are told one of two stories about immigrants, he said, that they are villains or victims, needy outsiders who deserve your pity, when in fact, they positively contribute to everything you want to prosper in an economy, he said. Immigrants provide talent, investment, consumption, innovation and pay taxes, and who doesnt want those things? Hernandez said. Now, with Trumps tariffs and attempt to kick out 13.7 million undocumented people workers, consumers, taxpayers local officials in both political parties are very worried about the effects on local economies, he said. For many people its a surprise to hear undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are taxpayers, he said, but they pay an estimated $100 billion per year in taxes. Rather than stealing your job or holding down your wages, its the opposite of that they actually increase wages because they grow the economy, Hernandez emphasized. However, because the villain message is winning in the court of public opinion, immigrants absorb that message, too, he said. But they believe theres got to be those others out there, which pits immigrants against immigrants. Ramos agreed, saying no one is immune to xenophobia and racist beliefs, and also pointing out that third-generation Latino Americans are the fastest-growing group, the majority of them native-born English speakers who are feeling more and more removed from that original immigrant story. Its part of the American experience to want to prove you belong here, she noted. That resonated with Williams, too, the journalist and historian who wrote the civil rights history Eyes on the Prize, which accompanied a PBS series, and his new New Prize for these Eyes. Misinformation and caricatures are rampant, and so many of the Trump administrations initiatives target minorities, he said. He pointed to the long list of words that are being taken out of federal documents and politics under Trump, as reported by the New York Times and others, which include Black, women, race and ethnicity. "Blacks, gone. Women, gone. Wow, can you believe it, is this a joke, what's going on here?" Williams said. If you want to be accepted in America, theres a bandwagon of grievance and finger-pointing to join, he said. This is where the energy is and it drove a lot of the male attitude in the electorate, he said, pointing to social media, Rogan and others he said celebrate masculinity by blaming women for a lot of issues. Young men of color wanted to be part of the clubhouse, too, he said, and its a very toxic place. Added to this, Hernandez said of the 2024 presidential campaign, The evidence goes against everything Trump says. But the Democrats did not have a message on immigration. And if they did, it was a terrible message, the pity message. Democrats need to have a soul-searching and a better message. Stop with the pity, and appeal to self-interest that immigrants are a boon to the economy you depend on. Ramos said the theory of the Clinton campaign in 2015 was that in the face of someone like Donald Trump, Latinos would turn up in these unprecedented numbers. When she and others would urge more outreach, they were told, Nah, weve got it. Then, less than 50% of Latino voters showed up at the polls. That point was followed up by a similar one, in the next panel discussion, Freedoms Under Fire, when Daley said that with Barack Obamas victory in 2008, Democrats thought demographics are destiny, and that a coalition had formed that would carry political strength into the future. But while Democrats were concentrating on how do we keep the White House, conservatives behind the scenes were focused on how do we control the levers of power? said Daley, former editor-in-chief of Salon. His book Antidemocratic recounts what he calls the 50-year campaign by the Republican right to roll back the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As a result of various machinations of those levers, he said the U.S. Supreme Court has become the bastion of Republican political power. Chief Justice John Roberts is the most effective Republican politicians in many ways of the last 25 years, Daley said, achieving big changes from 2005 to today on voting rights, reproductive rights, presidential immunity, and the regulatory state when it comes to the environment, health care and more, pulling the U.S. in a direction that polls suggest could not have happened at the ballot box. Turley, speaking on the same panel, who said he testified on behalf of Neil Gorsuchs nomination to the high court, countered that the justices are just trying to get it it right on issues and constitutional requirements. A law professor at George Washington University, a television analyst for multiple networks (currently for Fox), and a litigator, Turley wrote the bestselling book The Indispensible Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage. A staunch proponent of free speech, Turley was asked for examples from the Biden and Trump administrations of threats to the First Amendment. He said the censorship system grew under the anti-free-speech Biden administration, as evidenced by the Twitter files, the select releases of 2022-2023 internal Twitter, Inc. documents, that show government coordinating with social media and targeting groups. As for Trump, Turley said the recent arrest and detention with intent to deport Mahmoud Khalil for taking part in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, who has not been charged with any crime at this point, is concerning. Youre allowed to protest in this country, youre allowed to be pro-Palestinian, a right shared not just by citizens but by people legally residing in the country, as Khalil is, Turley said. That is not a basis for deportation. On the other hand, Turley said he agrees with every part of what Vice President JD Vance said recently in Munich about the robust censorship system in Germany. While neo-Nazis are thriving there, one poll said only 17% of Germans felt they could speak out about their beliefs, Turley said. Theyre silencing the wrong people. I believe the solution to bad speech is good speech, he said. Becker, who wrote You Must Stand Up, The Fight for Abortion Rights, which focused in part on Arizonas policies and voter decisions, built on Daleys points about gerrymandering, especially after 2010, and dilution of voting rights. She also said that in Arizona, although the electorate is made of up roughly equal thirds of independents, Republicans and Democrats, the partisan primary election system means, some candidates for statewide office are being nominated by less than 10 percent of the electorate. Add to that, she said, the efforts by the Republican-controlled Legislature to roll back voters decision in November on abortion rights, and also what she said is happening under the U.S. Justice Department which has stopped arguing for emergency medicine laws and might go after the abortion pill. Voters in Arizona cannot simply trust that the law they enacted is safe, Becker said. Not much has changed at Ironwood Forest National Monument since President Clinton set aside the remote swath of mountains and desert west of Tucson in 2000. Only a few paved roads lead into the almost 190,000-acre preserve, and even those quickly dissolve into gravel and dirt, sometimes requiring a high-clearance vehicle or 4-wheel drive. There is no visitor center to visit or parking lots to park in or much in the way of road signs to guide your way. Thats by design, said Tom Hannagan, board president for the volunteer group Friends of Ironwood Forest. Its meant to be pristine out there. The mandate for this area was to keep it pretty much the way it is. The Friends will celebrate Ironwoods 25th anniversary with an all-day Meet the Monument gathering on March 22 at the El Tiro Gliderport in Marana, just inside the monuments eastern boundary. The free event at the west end of El Tiro Road will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature four guest speakers, about a dozen informational booths, a taco truck and an activity area for kids. Ironwood Forest National Monument skirts the west side of the Avra Valley and wraps around the Silver Bell Mine, taking in the iconic Ragged Top Mountain and portions of the Roskruge, Sawtooth, Silver Bell and Waterman ranges. It borders the northeastern edge of the Tohono Oodham Nation and includes historical and cultural resources dating back thousands of years, including rock art, Hohokam-era archaeological sites, Spanish colonial ruins and the cemetery left behind by an early 20th-century ghost town. The preserve is also home to hundreds of different species of plants and animals, including dense stands of saguaros and ironwoods, scattered endangered turks head cactus, and a herd of desert bighorn sheep that is widely considered to be the only remaining indigenous population in Pima County. The other bighorn herds in the region have been reintroduced by wildlife managers. Its really like an outdoor museum thats pretty representative of the entire Sonoran Desert, Hannagan said. The federal Bureau of Land Management oversees the monument as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. Since 2007, the Friends of Ironwood Forest have supported the BLM by providing information to visitors, leading hikes and organizing volunteer cleanups and educational outreach events at the monument. Hannagan said the group has about 1,500 people on its mailing list, most of them in the Tucson area. Over the past four years, the Friends have teamed up with other nonprofits and government agencies to remove more than 60 miles of abandoned barbed wire fencing in Avra Valley that posed a threat to wildlife. BLM spokeswoman June Lowery said the monument still contains all or part of 12 active federal grazing allotments, 10 of which are approved for year-round use by up to 892 cattle. Thats the same amount that was authorized 25 years ago, she said. Hannagan doesnt know what the future might hold for grazing in the Ironwood Forest. There is still some going on, he said. Im not sure that ranching in the desert is a really cost-effective way to raise cattle these days. Fast action If conservationists like Carolyn Campbell had their way, the monument would be at least twice the size it is now. The long-time executive director of the nonprofit Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection said her organization originally pushed for almost 500,000 acres to be set aside, including much of the Tortolita Mountains and large tracts of desert extending to the southern edge of the Superstitions in Pinal County. They even offered to name their monument after Mo Udall, the late congressman from Arizona, in hopes that might help get it approved, Campbell said with a laugh. The proposal from environmentalists covered virtually the entire known habitat in Arizona for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl, a 6-inch-tall bird of prey currently listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. It was all about the pygmy owl, and the pygmy owl is dependent on ironwood habitat, Campbell said. Those monument plans ended up being scaled back amid concerns about the amount of state-owned land in the Tortolitas and the prospect of creating another federal preserve that was split into separate pieces like the east and west districts of Saguaro National Park. But Campbell said conservationists were able to secure one thing that not even Clinton Interior secretary and former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt thought they could get: support for a monument from the conservative, development-friendly Pinal County Board of Supervisors. Theres not that much (of Ironwood) in Pinal County, but theres some, Campbell said. They gave us a resolution, and it was unanimous. It was pretty exciting. A lucky confluence of events ultimately led to the monuments creation, she said. Just two years earlier, Pima County began drafting its landmark Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan to balance economic development with protections for the regions natural and cultural heritage. Then in early 2000, renowned ethnobotanist Gary Paul Nabhan and other researchers from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum authored The Desert Ironwood Primer, a paper highlighting the trees role as what the scientists called a habitat modifying keystone species. Once the ball got rolling, the new preserve was approved with dizzying speed. Using his authority under the Antiquities Act, Clinton designated the Ironwood Forest on June 9, 2000, just three months after the Pima County Board of Supervisors began pushing for it and barely a week after Babbitt formally proposed it. The boundaries drawn up by the presidents proclamation took in roughly 129,000 acres of federal land, 60,000 acres of state land and almost 7,000 acres of private property. It was one of the first monuments established as part of the National Landscape Conservation System, another Clinton-era program promoted by Babbitt to protect special places managed by the BLM. And though it wasnt as large as environmentalists had hoped, securing Ironwood Forest National Monument was a huge success nonetheless. How is it 25 years already? said Campbell, who still serves on the board of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection but retired as its executive director in October after 26 years on the job. I think it was kind of foresight to create the monument, she said. Eventually it would have been ripe for development out there, based on how Tucson continues to grow. Still in danger According to the latest traffic counts available from the BLM, Ironwood recorded more than 125,000 visits in 2023, almost double what it saw in 2021. Though the area has been protected since 2000, advocates insist it remains at risk from nearby development, including plans to build a segment of the proposed Mexico-to-Canada Interstate 11 project along the monuments eastern edge. In response to a lawsuit from environmental groups, the Federal Highway Administration agreed in January to reevaluate its environmental impact statement for I-11s proposed route west of Tucson. If the highway is built, Hannagan said, it will bifurcate the Avra Valley and just about destroy wildlife in the Tucson Mountains. At the moment, though, the biggest threat currently facing the monument is in the White House right now, he said. Specifically, Hannagan is worried about ongoing funding and staff cuts at the BLM and a possible push by the Trump Administration to scale back national monuments or sell off public land to private interests. He said the monument is also threatened by some of the same things now looming over the entire Sonoran Desert, namely drought and other extreme weather events made worse by human-caused climate change and the spread of invasive plants such as buffelgrass and stinknet. The celebration on March 22 will be the first Meet the Monument that the Friends have held since COVID-19. It used to be an annual event before the pandemic, and it might be again, Hannagan said. You can probably guess why the group decided to mark the monuments 25th anniversary now instead of waiting until the actual date in June, when temperatures typically top 100 degrees and human activity drops to a minimum in the Ironwood Forest. No way, Hannagan said. Whats the saying? I may be dumb, but Im not stupid. PHOENIX Attorneys for Kari Lake and Mark Finchem are on the hook for $122,000 in legal fees for Maricopa County for filing what a federal appeals court called a frivolous challenge to the use of voting machines in Arizona. Judge Ronald Gould, writing for the majority, said Andrew Parker and Kurt Olsen made false and misleading allegations in their 2022 lawsuit claiming that voting machines were unreliable and subject to manipulation. They had sought an order on behalf of the two GOP candidates requiring that ballots be counted by hand. Both Finchem and Lake lost their elections. Gould also said the lawyers even misrepresented to the court that all voting in Arizona is done by machine when, in fact, most people use paper ballots, with electronic tabulation. And he said that U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi, who imposed the sanctions after throwing out the case, was correct in concluding that the lawsuit was based on speculation and conjecture. Gould further said the sanctions are merited not just because they filed an action without merit but that their lawsuit misled the public and caused baseless concern about a topic of national importance. Fridays ruling was not unanimous. Appellate Judge Patrick Bumatay said the lawsuit may not have been drafted with perfect precision and they played hardball. But he said none of that merited having to pay the cost of the countys lawyers in defending the case. Nothing they did was deceptive, intentionally false, or beyond the bounds of zealous advocacy, Bumatay wrote. He also took a slap at Tuchi who, in imposing the penalty, said he wanted to send a message to others who might decide to file baseless lawsuits. It should go without saying that sanctions cannot be weaponized against litigants with certain political views or beliefs, Bumatay wrote. Nor should we use them to deter attorneys from representing the unpopular or the unorthodox. All this is about the lawsuit that Lake and Finchem filed in 2022 alleging that the machines used to tally the paper ballots cannot be deemed reliable secure and do not meet the constitutional and statutory mandates to guarantee a free and air election. They also argued the use of components from other countries made them vulnerable to hacking. They sued to have the 2022 election the one in which Lake was running for governor and Finchem for secretary of state conducted with paper ballots which would be counted by hand, calling it the most effective and presently only secure election method. U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi rejected their claims. He said they amounted to a long chain of hypothetical contingencies ones that never occurred in Arizona that would have to take place for any harm to occur. The pair had no better luck with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals which concluded they never presented any evidence that the machines used in Arizona to count ballots had actually ever been hacked. The Supreme Court refused to disturb that ruling. What that left, however, was the question of whether the lawyers should be punished for filing the lawsuit in the first place. The lawyers said that the decision to impose legal fees came even before they got a chance to bring in their experts to make their case that voting machine counts are unreliable. Thats true. Tuchi said the claim was based on a lot of what if speculations, including: The specific voting equipment used in Arizona must have security failures that allow a malicious actor to manipulate vote totals; Such an actor must actually manipulate an election; Arizonas specific procedural safeguards must fail to detect the manipulation; and The manipulation must change the outcome of the election. The two attorneys said that decision to deny them the chance to gather evidence denied their clients their day in court. What it amounts to, they said, is the court accepting the governments claims about how reliable the system is and then punishing them for disputing those claims, something they called contrary to law and dangerous. What all that shows, they argued, is that the whole purpose of the penalty was to prevent future challenges to the states electronic voting systems without regard to the merits of the challenge. The sanctions order effectively immunizes electronic voting systems against testing in federal court, they said. Gould remained unconvinced, even with Tuchi saying he wanted to send a message. The district courts statement does not blanketly prohibit all voting-related litigation, he wrote. Rather the district court stressed that plaintiffs attorneys are being sanctioned because they filed a baseless action. And he said the fact the litigation may mislead the public and cause baseless concern about a topic of national importance makes it especially important to use sanctions to deter similar lawsuits. In a separate ruling however, the appellate court agreed to overturn $12,200 in sanctions that Tuchi had ordered against nationally known constitutional lawyer Alan Dershowitz. Dershowitz had argued that he was just a consultant for Lake and Finchem and, unlike Olsen and Parker, was not involved in crafting the litigation. But the trial judge noted Dershowitz had, in fact, signed the pleadings without having a reasonable basis to believe they were not frivolous and were based on facts. Gould found nothing legally wrong with the finding. Michael Dekker Tulsa World Business Reporter Follow Michael Dekker 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 DEI has become a four-letter word for some people, despite the fact the acronym has only three letters. When President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, he signed an executive order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. The order called for the termination of all diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility DEIA mandates, policies and programs in the federal government. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order against DEI in state government in 2023. In business, under which the orders don't apply, some companies are following the lead of elected officials while others are not. The Tulsa World contacted DEI leaders at local businesses to find out what they are doing and to help explain a concept that has taken on a national narrative that some say isn't accurate. "It's not about preferential treatment; it's about equal opportunity. If you can't understand it, then you don't understand yourself," said Risha Grant, a Tulsan who has spent 26 years in business as a best-selling author and speaker explaining the concept. DEI is not just an acronym for Grant. But she is done with it. "DEI has always been a hard sell," she said. "If we cared about each other as much as we cared about ourselves, we wouldn't need DEI." She believes that the concept needs to be reborn and possibly rebranded for some people who are stuck on acronyms. "It's not based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability. It's about giving everyone an equal chance to be successful on the same level," she said. "That's what this is about." Being inclusive is vital for everyone to be open for business, said Jonathan Long, vice president of DEI for the Tulsa Regional Chamber. "We have to be in a space of civil discourse. When we are talking about merit, what is that based on?" he asked. Long was part of a panel discussion at last year's State of Inclusion, one of the Tulsa chamber's signature events. The annual event is scheduled for May 29. Long said DEI is being blamed for a lot of random occurrences that have happened recently. He cited Trump's initial blame of federal diversity and inclusion efforts regarding the mid-air collision of an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which killed 67 people outside Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29. "I'm from Wichita. I grew up in Wichita. My whole family is from Wichita. Why would you want to place blame with something like that?" Long asked. Hannah Jackson is vice chair of DEI on the Tulsa chamber's board of directors and a partner at Schnake Turnbo Frank public relations. She doesn't agree when DEI and merit are portrayed in opposition. She gave a hypothetical example of 20 people who just passed the bar exam to become a lawyer in Oklahoma, where 10 of them are men and 10 are women. The standards to pass the bar are the same for everybody, she said. "Well, if those 10 men have family or friends who are in law firms and they are hired, that doesn't mean they are more qualified than the women who were not able to get jobs and who passed the same exact standards," Jackson said. "I think some people just want family and friends to have opportunity. It's about giving everyone who has the same qualifications an equal opportunity." Jackson said she is not surprised about how the corporate world has responded to anti-DEI initiatives, but she lamented that the concept has become polarized. More than a dozen companies that have scaled back or set aside DEI policies include Walmart, Uber, Pepsi, Google, Target, McDonald's and Amazon. But shareholders at companies such as Apple and Costco have rejected such changes. "There are people who want DEI and people who don't want DEI," Jackson said. "Americans, I believe, across the political spectrum, they want fairness. Merit is the key driver." For some companies, she said, "profit be damned these are our core values" in giving equal opportunity to people who are not family or friends and not based on the color of their skin, sexual orientation or other factors. Those companies include her own. Russ Florence, president and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank, in a recent column for The Oklahoman, wrote how the company adopted DEI about 10 years ago and how it has been nothing but a benefit. "To hear the critics talk, DEI is the death knell of American business, pushing qualified people aside and giving minorities and women an unfair advantage. Or that DEI leads to internal strife, lesser productivity or lower sales. Or that recruitment and retention tank," he wrote. "Nope, nope and no. Not in our experience, anyway. Theres a misnomer floating around that needs to be quashed: that DEI is the opposite of 'merit.' False. "When its done right, DEI actually promotes merit. It ensures that equally qualified people who otherwise may be overlooked are given the same chance. Thats equity. And in our experience, its great for business." Jackson said there has been no talk amid the Tulsa chamber's board of scaling back the concept. "In a market economy, we want the best people, and DEI is casting a wide net for that," she said. The Tulsa World is where your story lives The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will return to Disney+ for season two. The series was renewed for 20 episodes in October, with 10 to screen in May. The scandalous world of Mormon #MomTok is back and bigger than ever! When an original swinger from their infamous sex scandal makes a surprise return, friendships threaten to unravel as secrets, lies, and allegations explode. In a battle for the soul of #MomTok, will betrayal shatter the sisterhood, or will the truth set them free? The series follows the lives of Taylor Frankie Paul (@taylorfrankiepaul), Demi Engemann (@demilucymay_), Jen Affleck (@jenniferaffleckk), Jessi Ngatikaura (@_justjessiiii), Layla Taylor (@laylaleannetaylor), Mayci Neeley (@maycineeley), Mikayla Matthews (@mikaylamatthews) and Whitney Leavitt (@whitneyleavitt). The series is produced by Jeff Jenkins Productions (Bling Empire, The McBee Dynasty, My Unorthodox Life), in association with 3BMG and Walt Disney Television Alternative. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season two is executive produced by Jeff Jenkins, Russell Jay-Staglik, Andrea Metz, Brandon Beck and Eric Monsky at Jeff Jenkins Productions, Ross Weintraub and Reinout Oerlemans at 3BMG, and Danielle Pistotnik, Georgia Berger, and Lisa Filipelli at Select Entertainment. Thursday, May 15th on Disney+. Mariyam Usmani, TwoCircles.net Two minor Muslim girls, Zainab*(8) and Safeena*(10), who joined the Bharat Nagar primary school with a bundle of beautiful hopes, never thought that a teacher could sexually abuse them for straight eight days. The injured Zainab was one day found by the family members sobbing in a corner. Following inquiry, they came to know about the alleged criminal act. The incident took place just before Womens Day on March 8 the week when the polity of the country was making tall claims about women empowerment. Support TwoCircles Zainabs elder brother said, What the teacher, Mahendra Patel, did with my sister is terrible. My sister is only eight years old and a student in standard three. We are still in shock, but we have decided to raise our voices. The families of the survivors alleged that Mahendra was previously found guilty in several cases of physical assault, but he managed to escape due to his RSS links and Hindu identity. They said that the alleged culprit used to force students to drink alcohol. Sometimes, he poured liquor in their water bottles to numb their senses, and sometimes he told children that liquor would be a panacea for them. Shedding light on the incident, Zainabs uncle said, Such cases of physical abuse are beyond disgust. But the way to reach justice is truly difficult particularly when the culprit is associated with Hindutva outfits. He also threatened our daughter to silence her. On the other hand, Safeenas father was too traumatised and refused to share his concerns. Speaking on his behalf, her uncle said that all the students at the municipality school were Muslims, and the incident was a repercussion of rapidly growing hate against the Muslim community. He said their family is not politically backed like that of the accused still, they have self-esteem, and they can sense the injustice. We seriously dont know how long this teacher had been indulging in abusing our children. We dont know how to trust the management again. Bharat Nagar municipality school in Amreli is one of those schools that scratches the ground reality of the alleged Gujarat model with only two teachers. Local Muslims also spotted a lack of responsibility, sensitivity and management because they believe that the municipality is not interested in focusing on Muslim localities. The school is situated behind a mosque; thus, it becomes hard to trace the hemmed-in activity due to the wall barriers, allowing felonious teachers like Mahendra to show their hate-draped sexism towards children. The Hindutva defence of the culprit After sniffing the foul smell of liquor around their children, the parents first sensed that something erroneous was happening at the school. They collected a few people and made a plan to catch the teacher in the act. The next day, the alleged criminal activity was traced on the spot around the lunch hours in the school premises. Rafique, a Gujrat-based reporter and social worker, said, Mahendra was harassing the kids for many days. A lot of people have witnessed the incident. When locals, including Zainabs parents, suddenly opened the doors, they found the teacher involved in the obscene act. The survivors families reached out to the police, who allegedly took more than the usual hours to file an FIR because the criminal was a Hindu by faith. Zainabs family was allegedly instructed to take money and settle the issue, but they bravely refused to accept the alleged proposal. With the support of the community, the minor girls themselves came forward and expressed their resilience to fight against the alleged harassment. We were asked to take Rs 50 lakhs and not to pursue the case because the perpetrator is closely associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological mentor, the RSS. Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala, the MP from Rajkot, happens to be the uncle of Mahendra Patel, alleged Zainabs uncle. In between the chain of shocking socio-political responses, the Patel community came to support the accused, and the Hindutva organisations allegedly reached the police station to defend him. Local Muslims, on the other hand, held a demonstration in solidarity with the survivors. Influential Muslims of Amreli wrote a letter under the banner of Darul Uloom Mehbubiyah to demand justice and strict punishment for the culprit. The second teacher of the municipal school also joined the protestors. People drew attention to the fact that the alleged incident was probably the second such case in his criminal records. A case of communal hatred However, a case was filed under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, and the accused was arrested, but there might be numerous linked offenses that seek a separate and serious investigation. Revealing the horrors of the case, Mujahid Nafees, a Gujrat-based activist from the Minority Coordination Committee, said, We have met the families and held a protest. We have also written a letter to the DGP, urging him for a compensation. The communal angel is quite clear in the case. The police took around seven-eight hours to register an FIR. The survivors families have demanded that a speedy trial be conducted in a fast track special court and an investigation panel be constituted to examine the case. Mujahid said that involvement of the right wing points toward a few extra questions about the role of political forces behind the case. On a social dais, this case exposes an awful blend of communalism, sexism and politics-backed terror against Muslims and girls. Other families who came across the incident through the news now fear for the security of their daughters. Seeing a heinous criminal being cheered up by the hateful throngs not only breaks the myth of alleged development in Gujrat but also annihilates the trust of the Muslim community, he concluded. (*Names have been changed to protect the privacy and identity of the minor survivours.) In the heart of New London, the London Museum & Cafe stands as a place of solace and remembrance. This town treasure is dedicated to the memory of the nearly 300 students and teachers who lost their lives in the devastating school explosion on March 18, 1937. A recent donation allowed for preservation of the museum. Meanwhile, an upcoming event at the museum commemorates the 88th anniversary of the explosion. Helpful donation For decades, the museum has honored those lost and celebrated the resilience of the survivors. However, the building itself had begun to show its age. One persistent issue was a leaky roof that, if left untreated, could have impacted the very artifacts that told the stories of that fateful day and its aftermath. The leaks were particularly problematic around the vent hood pipe, where water would trickle down. Recognizing the importance of the museum, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) stepped in to help donating the necessary funds for repairs. With this support, the museum was able to fabricate and install steel flashing around the vent hood pipe, effectively sealing off the leaks and safeguarding the precious memories housed within its walls. This museum is a vital part of our communitys history, said Lisa Rogers, manager of the London Museum. SWEPCOs support has been invaluable in preserving the artifacts that tell the story of the 1937 explosion and its impact on our town. This isnt the first time SWEPCO has offered assistance. On March 18, 1937, news of the incident quickly reached the companys Henderson and Kilgore offices, and within 45 minutes, several employees were on the ground to assist initial rescue efforts following the explosion, according to an April 1, 1937, edition of The Southwestern SWEPCOs monthly magazine. Working alongside Humble Oil Company and L.E. Meyers Company, they set poles for floodlights to illuminate the wreckage, enabling rescuers to uncover survivors and recover bodies. Once the area was lit, SWEPCO employees also assisted in pulling the wreckage, ensuring a thorough and efficient search. Our team was honored to be part of the rescue efforts back in 1937, said Mark Robinson, SWEPCO external affairs manager. And we are equally proud to support the London Museum today, ensuring that the memories and lessons from that tragic event are preserved for future generations. 88 years later As the 88th anniversary of the school explosion approaches on March 18, the museum welcomes visitors to stop by and learn more about this significant event in history. By visiting, you can pay tribute to those who lost their lives and appreciate the resilience of the New London community. On March 18, the museum will offer free tours and host a Day of Remembrance beginning at 2:15 p.m. at the Cenotaph monument situated on a median on Texas 42 midway between West Rusk High School and the London Museum, 10690 S. Main St. The event includes an address by Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Pastor Pete Thompson, laying of flowers and playing of Taps at 3:17 p.m. the exact time of the school explosion. Participating in the ceremony are Laurie Burns, pastor at London Methodist Church; the Overton Boy Scout Troop No. 319; the West Rusk Stage Band; Pete Thompson, pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church; and Fred Parsons, pastor at Overton Methodist Church. Refreshments will be served at the London Museum following Taps. 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Chu's 'Wicked' on 4K UHD, SteelBook, Giftset, and Blu-ray on February 4 QUANG NGAI The Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) will begin building a second park in the central province of Quang Ngai later this month. This is a positive move in investment attraction after the first park was introduced in 2013. The central provincial peoples committee said the VSIPII, which was approved by the Prime Minister in 2023, will be built on 500ha in the Dung Quat Economic Zone, with an investment of VN3.8 trillion (US$152 million). The VSIPII would complete infrastructure within 60 months and create 49,000 jobs for local people, aiming to be a favourite rendezvous for foreign direct investment projects as well as domestic businesses. It said the VSIP Quang Ngai No 1, which was built on 600ha of land in the Dung Quat Economic Zone and 520ha of adjacent urban land with an investment capital of $337.8 million in 2013, had drawn $1.5 billion from 44 FDI investors and created 30,000 jobs. A report from VSIP unveiled that 14 typical Viet Nam-Singapore industrial parks have been built across ten provinces and cites in Viet Nam, including three in Binh Duong, Lang Son, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Binh inh, Can Tho, two parks in Bac Ninh and two others in Quang Ngai. VISP models have proved attractive to 866 projects with a total capital of $18.17 billion. The central province also reported that the Dung Quat Economic Zone, with five industrial zones and 45 industrial complexes, is home to 349 projects with an investment of $18.37 billion. VNS HA NOI Steel products of Hoa Phat Group will not be subject to the European Union (EU)s provisional anti-dumping duties on certain hot rolled coil (HRC) steel products imported from Egypt, India, Japan and Viet Nam, according to a recent announcement from the European Commission (EC). The leading Vietnamese steel manufacturer attributed this outcome to multiple factors, including its modern production technology and optimised manufacturing processes, which ensure competitive prices. Additionally, the company fully cooperated with the EU in the investigation, proactively providing all required data. The exemption from anti-dumping duties reflected the firms legal expertise in handling international trade regulations. Furthermore, downstream businesses using Hoa Phats HRC will have greater opportunities to export to the EU without concerns over origin or raw material pricing issues. The announcement also specifies that the provisional tariffs will apply to certain flat-rolled iron, non-alloy steel, or other alloy steel products, whether in coil form or not, that have not undergone further processing beyond hot rolling and are neither coated nor plated. These affected products originate from Egypt, Japan and Viet Nam. Previously, on August 8, 2024, the EC initiated an anti-dumping investigation into specific hot rolled coil steel products imported from Egypt, India, Japan and Viet Nam. Currently, Vietnamese exporters such as Formosa and other HRC suppliers face a provisional duty of 12.1 per cent when exporting to the EU. Meanwhile, Japanese HRC imports are subject to duties ranging from 6.9 per cent to 33 per cent, while Egyptian exports incur a 15.6 per cent duty. VNS Heading to the future Your browser does not support the audio element. Get ready for a deep dive as Viet Nam boldly leaps into the future! The inaugural AI-Semiconductor Conference (AISC 2025) brought together global tech leaders, industry experts and policymakers in Ha Noi, along with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, to discuss country's role in AI and semiconductor innovation, showcasing the nation's ambition to lead the way in digital transformation. HA NOI Nhan Dang (Identity), an art exhibition displaying nearly 40 artworks in many genres and creative materials, opened at the Centre for Art Appraisal and Exhibition in Ha Noi on March 15. The exhibition showcases artworks created by a group of 14 talented students from Vinschool's Centre for Talent Development and Counseling (GATE). Nhan Dang is the result of a journey of discovery with many profound thoughts of young students who were looking at the complexities of personal identity in contemporary society. Each piece encapsulates the intellectual and emotional depth of Vinschools gifted students as they navigate critical social themes, including environmental concerns, feminism and personal memories. Each artwork is deeply personal, reflecting individual thoughts on social issues and arousing empathy from the community in many different ways. The exhibition bridges classical artistic techniques such as painting, sculpture and ceramics with avant-garde practices, including installation and video art. Notably, it ventures into the realm of new media, where science, technology and creativity convergeintegrating disciplines such as Bio Art, Robotic Art, and Coding Art to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Painter Tran Thi Le Thuy from the Vietnam Fine Arts Association said: "The artworks displayed at the exhibition show that Vinschool students not only complete many high-quality works but also express profound perspectives on social issues, despite their very young age." GATE coordinator Trinh Khanh Huyen said: At GATE, each student has a separate personal development plan to create an ideal environment for them to explore and develop their full potential. "In the field of fine arts, we focus on creating opportunities for students to be exposed to and participate in systematic training in various aspects of art, from techniques and materials to knowledge and artistic perspectives, following each student's creative orientation. One of the students, Luu Xuan Mai said: "The GATE Centre allows me to experience many new techniques and materials that I have never tried before, helping me expand my creativity and become more mature in my journey of pursuing art." In addition, the students from the arts departments also have the opportunity to collaborate with talented students in the STEM field in creating multimedia artworks. This combination not only conveys artistic messages in a new and unique way, but also encourages students to always challenge themselves, breaking the limits of art and of themselves. The exhibition will run from now until March 21. VNS On March 15, the Government's Steering Committee for Private Sector Plan Development held its first meeting to discuss a plan to boost the growth of Viet Nam's private economy. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, Deputy Head of the Steering Committee, chaired the meeting which gathered leaders of various ministries, central agencies and localities. The plan aims to position the private economy as the 'most important driver' of the national economy, striving to reach two million private businesses by 2030. This effort aligns with Viet Nams broader goal of becoming a high-income, developed nation by 2045. A transformational shift Before 1986, Viet Nams economy was centrally planned and dominated by state-controlled industries. That changed with the Communist Partys 6th National Congress held in December 1986, which officially recognised the private economy. Today the private economy covers private enterprises, limited liability companies, joint-stock firms and millions of small household businesses. After nearly four decades of growth, it now contributes more than 50 per cent of Viet Nams GDP and is considered as the most important engine of the country's economic growth. Why does it matter? The numbers tell a compelling story. Viet Nams private economic sector currently includes around 940,000 active enterprises and over 5.2 million household businesses, employing 82 per cent of the workforce. It accounts for 56 per cent of total social investment, approximately 30 per cent of state budget revenue and over 30 per cent of total import-export earnings. Beyond the statistics, the private sector is a hotbed of innovation and technology adoption, significantly helping Vietnamese brands gain global recognition. Unlike state-owned enterprises, private firms are more agile and efficient, delivering 30-50 per cent higher returns on investment. Productivity growth in the private sector has achieved about 7 per cent annually, driving competition, lowering prices, and improving quality for consumers. Private entrepreneurs have kept growing strongly with a desire of becoming rich legitimately, improving their business capacity and corporate governance. Their social responsibility as well as business ethics and culture have been fostered. Whats holding it back? Despite its impressive contributions, the private economic sector has yet to reach its full potential due to several barriers. Businesses face administrative hurdles, informal fees and 'under-the-table' costs, and limited access to land and capital. Over 50 per cent of private firms complain of frequent inspections that waste time and money, while 60 per cent struggle to secure financing. Land reclamation processes remain slow and cumbersome, and vague and inconsistent business regulations leave companies scrambling to stay compliant. These obstacles hinder growth in a sector that could otherwise be a dominant factor in Viet Nams economic future. Whats the plan to fix it? At the meeting, all participants agreed that the plan on private economic development must clear bottlenecks, remove institutional barriers; create a favourable, safe, and transparent environment to mobilise maximum resources from the people, exploit potential, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit. Particularly, it must encourage innovation and enhance competitiveness in the new era. The plan must propose breakthrough and substantial tasks, solutions, mechanisms, and policies to drive the strong and sustainable development of the private economic sector, which serves as the core force in the process of national industrialisation and modernization. Once finalised, the draft plan will be submitted to the Communist Party of Vietnam's Politburo for issuance of a resolution for implementation. VNS By Luong Huong Multiple stunning French-Indochinese buildings were constructed in Sai Gon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, during the French colonial period from 1862 to 1945. However, years of war and socioeconomic change have led to the loss, transformation, or deterioration of much of this architectural heritage. This nostalgia has inspired writer Tran Huu Phuc Tien to compile and release a new book, Kien truc Phap - ong Duong: Dau tich 'Sai Gon - Hon ngoc Vien ong' (French-Indochinese Architecture: Traces of 'Sai Gon - The Pearl of the Far East'). Published by the Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House in collaboration with the National Archives Centre 2, the book commemorates the 325th anniversary of Sai Gon - Ho Chi Minh City's establishment (1698-2023) and the 50th anniversary of national reunification (1975-2025). The book serves as an encyclopedia of major French-Indochinese buildings in HCM City, detailing their history, architectural features, and the stories behind them, offering readers a deeper understanding of the city once dubbed "The Pearl of the Far East". HCM City remains the countrys largest urban centre. The period between 1862 and 1945 marked its transformation into a modern, advanced city, distinct from the feudal urban model that existed before. French influence, combined with contributions from Vietnamese residents and communities from various regions, shaped a vibrant and dynamic urban area. This fusion of Eastern and Western elements was built upon the legacy of the ancient Gia inh urban area. By the early 20th century, particularly from the 1920s onward, the French Cochinchina government proudly promoted Sai Gon as La Perle de l'Extreme-Orient (The Pearl of the Far East), positioning it as a must-visit destination for tourists, investors, and international visitors. The city's beauty extended beyond its landscapes to its architecture, economy, culture, and people. Architecturally, it boasted a diverse array of impressive structures, from mansions and residential buildings to markets and public works. In recent years, urban residents and people across the country have felt the loss of cultural heritage amid rapid urban development, particularly with the rise of the internet and modernisation. This has created an ongoing tension between preserving historical values and embracing new growth. "I wrote this book not only out of nostalgia but also to remind readers of the beauty of the past," Tien told Viet Nam News. "The goal is to explore these memories and draw lessons for the present and future. Every structure holds a story. I hope to inspire the younger generationthose living in a new erato appreciate and protect this valuable heritage before it is lost." Many buildings designed by French architects are commonly referred to as French or colonial architecture. However, the author argued that a more accurate term would be Indochinese architecture or French-Indochinese architecture, as these structures reflect both French cultural influences and local adaptations to the regional climate. "Many of these structures, while inspired by French or other European models, are still creative works of the French diaspora, shaped by international knowledge and local cultural elements," Tien said. "In Viet Nam, this resulted in a distinctive architectural evolution, influenced not only by French and Vietnamese elements but also by French-Chinese and French-Khmer designs." The book offers an overview of urban planning and architecture in Sai Gon from 1862 to 1945, highlighting significant French-Indochinese structures. It also includes regional breakdowns of key buildings, outlining their architectural aesthetics, historical functions, and significance. Each section is accompanied by images, diagrams and historical documents, helping to illustrate the evolution of these buildings. Additionally, the book features expert commentariesboth from pre-1945 and contemporary scholarson Sai Gons urban planning, architecture and landscape. "The streets are like they have been hand-drawn, measured with a ruler, orderly, straight, wide, and spacious. Many streets have wide areas in the middle for grass planting and bronze commemorative statues," wrote Vietnamese journalist Pham Quynh in 1918. "In the evening, hundreds of large electric lights illuminate like a long string of shimmering balloons fluttering right in the middle of the street, creating a very spectacular scene." Tien's research draws from field surveys and years of study, as well as archival materials from the National Archives Centre II, which holds an extensive collection of diagrams, photographs, publications, and official documents on Sai Gon and the southern region dating back to the 19th century. It also incorporates selected documents and images from libraries and archives in France, the United States and Singapore, alongside books and articles discussing Indochinese development and the history of Sai Gon in the past and HCM City at present. "French architecture in Indochina, including Viet Nam, is an important part of the nation's architectural and cultural heritage," Tien said. "These structures showcase French influence and embody the fusion of diverse cultural elements throughout Viet Nams 4,000-year history. "They form a part of social life and urban memories. When people think of Sai Gon, they immediately recall iconic landmarks like Ben Thanh Market or Notre-Dame Cathedral. "Beyond their architectural beauty, these buildings tell rich stories of urban development, governance, and historical figures. Their histories offer valuable lessons that remain relevant today and into the future." Tran Huu Phuc Tien was born in HCM City in 1962. He has worked as a journalist for Tuoi Tre (Youth), Saigon Times, and The Gioi Moi (New World) and completed a journalism internship at Oxford University with a Reuters scholarship. His previous works include Sai Gon Khong Phai Ngay Hom Qua (Sai Gon Is Not Just Yesterday), Sai Gon Hai au The Ky (Saigon Then and Now), and Kien truc Phap ong Duong, Nhung Vien Ngoc Quy Tai Ha Noi (French Architecture in Indochina: Precious Gems in Ha Noi). With this latest publication, he hopes to preserve the historical and cultural significance of Sai Gons architectural past for future generations. VNS By Alex Reeves - @afreeves23 The best thing since sliced bread? Whatever goes between it. Subs, hoagies, sarnies, butties, whatever you want to call them. There are very few things in life that are as simple, yet as satisfying, as the humble sandwich. Bread and fillings. Good on the go, or to sit and savour. The ultimate food of convenience, fit for any time, any day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Morning, noon, night. I am not ashamed to admit that I have crossed borders in pursuit of sandwiches. Such was my desire to try the elusive Portuguese 'Francescinha', I booked a trip to Macau, which is a damn sight closer than Porto, despite having no interest in gambling, almost entirely to satisfy my craving. I travelled for the Francesinha and stayed for the pork chop buns worth every penny. Anyway, enough of my sandwich judging credentials. Back to Viet Nam, whereas for so many of us, I have a prolonged romance with the ever faithful 'banh mi', love at first bite. When living here, they are in a league of their own. But this is about the 'other' sandwiches. The ones for our wandering eyes. With all the naughty things our hearts truly desire; mortadella, provolone, aioli. Don't lie, you've fantasised about them too. Originally, this article was intended to be a bit of a wind-up from Ha Noi. Poking a little fun at two southern rivals, who at times allowed some beef to escape their deli counters and end up online. What was once going to be a dramatic tale of alleged espionage and proxy wars, an arms race that weaponised 'subs' in an unfamiliar way, is now a simple, friendly nod, espousing the virtues of Ho Chi Minh City's sandwich offerings. To start Sandwich by Dulce Where this piece began. I wouldnt be typing this if not for Garret Nelson expanding beyond sweeter bakery operations into sandwiches. The alluring cross sections of the ever-growing Dulce menu spread across my screen, like nothing I could get my hands on here in Ha Noi. His sharing of the ever more ambitious orders that customers dreamed could be crafted together, wrapped in those iconic tiger bread rolls. Suddenly my sandwich orders at home seemed less satisfying in the knowledge that these heavily laden delights were only a flight away. Dropping in on my next visit to HCM City, I opted first for the 'Babbo' and felt the disappointment of a hundred sad sandwiches melt away as the creamy burrata, and pistachio pesto oozed over generously stacked slices of mortadella, finished with that familiar snap of arugula, cutting through the decadence. The bread here, as with all great sandwich shops, is baked in house, and you can tell. The option, a soft, herby, fluffy focaccia through which your teeth will glide, allows the fillings to do most of the talking. Otherwise, the aforementioned tiger bread, a rarity here to my knowledge, is a firmer, no-nonsense option that adds a toasted, nutty flavour to the equation. I would also go out to bat for both 'The Italian' and 'Deviled Egg' options. The former with the classic trio of salty cold cut meats, not skipping on that delightful coppa. Buttery smooth provolone, balanced against salad, aioli, and oregano vinaigrette. The latter with a creamy egg salad, that coats your taste buds before youre met with the slightest kick from the chilli crisp, aficionados will find much to love. The vibe at Dulce is a calm one, it feels like the kind of spot you could pitch up for a coffee date with a friend or throw on your headphones and get stuck into some work. It has soft, light woods and lighting as warm as the ever-attentive staff. While Garret was the one who talked me through the project, his skills put to use refining recipes and cultivating a passionate fanbase to create hype around their product, he was insistent that his wife, Nguyen Minh Thu, was the true story to be told. Having received amazing feedback from friends, she took her personal passion for baking to the next level. Their cookies and burnt Basque cheesecake amongst other indulgent delights are testament to the belief that hobbies and passions can provide a livelihood for us, given the right support and opportunities. Turning out the tastiest baked goods in a metropolis is no mean feat. Sandwiches: 130k - 225k ($5-9) Refreshments: 40k - 110k ($1.50 - $4.50) Next up Big Boss Bistro When falling head first into the picnic basket of HCM City sandwich lore, I discovered Big Boss Bistro, regularly commended online for having the best subs in town. A taste of home for those missing real American style sandwiches. Little did I know, headed by none other than James Jolokia, proprietor of local favourite Brick & Barrel, which has recently relocated and will be opening its new doors, potentially as soon as this very weekend. Big Boss isnt styled as a cafe, theres no dessert counter with countless goodies to consider, theres sandwiches, big sandwiches, unwrapped and laid bare to appreciate in all their glory, no cross sections required. Forget light woods and bright lights, this has a dark, rustic, almost industrial aesthetic, with low-glowing Edison bulbs and lamps. And they serve beer. A healthy selection of the craft variety. The joy of a good sandwich is something which can most closely be compared to that of a fresh, cold beverage. Both are served here, making it perfect for an after work jar with friends, or a moment of peace and contemplation. Sandwich in one hand, beer in the other. Life rarely affords many greater small victories than this. If I ever made the move down south, I could see myself sitting here, thumbing through a book, satisfied. First port of call here; Italian Sub. The quintessential sandwich for any self respecting purveyor of such goods. Here it takes form as a classic sub, but open rather than closed. Four meats, pepperoni, ham, mortadella, capicola. Classic salad with mayo and of course, more creamy provolone with a balsamic vinaigrette on a hoagie roll. The careful balance of flavour, fat, and saltiness is achieved. Its a home run. Im also drawn to The Cubano. Staying true enough to the sandwich's original recipe, it has juicy, roasted pork and a more delicate ham to fill it out alongside soft Swiss cheese, tangy pickles and mustard upon Cuban bread, baked just for this sandwich. The sandwiches here come warmer than most, letting the cheese ooze over the other fillings, elevating them further in flavour. Like a great conversation, each bite builds on the last, keeping you coming back for more. At Big Boss, it feels like they saw me coming, only a week or so before my latest visit, they shared an off menu sandwich, available all year round on request, known as The Bourdain. Its likely many foodies familiar with the late Chef will be aware of this. Inspired by the gargantuan mortadella laden supremos of Sao Paulo, this sandwich from his 2016 cookbook, Appetites. Grilled mortadella, melted provolone, Dijon mustard, and mayo served on a house-made Kaiser roll. This, this is all I need. Sandwiches: 140k - 250k ($5-10) Refreshments: 40k - 110k ($1.50 - $4.50) The verdict In the knowledge of some crossed words online between the Big Boss himself and our previously mentioned sandwich house proprietor, in my mind this piece wrote itself, however, I couldnt have been more wrong. While they may compete in the delivery market and the key mechanisms of quality ingredients with good service are central to both ventures, the styles are entirely distinct. Both spots will be appealing to sandwich lovers, and neither will disappoint. However, they are different beasts, with different identities, aimed at people who want different things while they eat. Yet the sandwiches at both are so perfectly balanced, theyre like diplomacy on a plate. A great sandwich is more than just food, it transcends a simple meal, it is a religious experience and so it occurs to me that this food is sacred and therefore, in good conscience, I cannot take sides. With that in mind fellow pilgrims, break bread at both and make sandwiches, not war. VNS Dulce Address: 382/15 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 5, District 3 Tel: 0903 305 993 Opening hour: 11am - 8pm, closed Mondays Big Boss Address: 45 Tran Hung ao Street, Thai Binh Ward, District 1 Tel: 0359 659 765 Opening hour: 9am - 11pm, all week Top tip: For hungry Hanoians who cant make the trip, try La Bottega for the best sarnies in the north! WATERLOO A childrens reading event featuring Black authors showed the truth of the proverb it takes a village to raise a child. An African American Read-In Saturday featured three award-winning childrens book authors holding storytime for a crowd of more than 1,000 in West High Schools auditorium. The event was a response to the Waterloo Community School District withdrawing from a similar read-in hosted annually by the University of Northern Iowa. District officials pulled out due to fears of losing federal funding for not following mandates requiring public schools to strip their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Hundreds of Waterloo Schools first graders were set to attend the virtual event that 72 other school districts took part in during Black History Month. The book that was to be read to kids, who would then receive a free copy of the book, was All Because You Matter by Tami Charles. Charles picture book tells students they are important while also highlighting Black history. She came to Waterloo to personally read her book to attendees. When I found out (the event was canceled), I was very sad, Charles said to the crowd. The state of our country right now, it just feels like were going back in time. Were not moving forward. When I found out, I was already thinking, what could I do? What she did not know was that Nikole Hannah-Jones already was planning an alternative event. Hannah-Jones, a Waterloo native and West High graduate was awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for The 1619 Project, The New York Times Magazines exploration of the legacy of Black Americans starting with the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619. Hannah-Jones, the 1619 Freedom School an after-school literacy program and a dozen organizations funded the read-in to get bestselling authors from across the U.S. to fly into Waterloo, while also donating more than 3,000 books. She said she is not upset at the school district but rather at the policies that resulted in the abrupt decision to pull out of the event. They were afraid that they would have to pay a consequence for that, because thats the society were living in right now, a place where if you want to teach children literature, you may lose your funding and you (wont) be able to serve those kids, she said. We have people across this state and across this nation who want to deprive our children the freedom to learn, but we have power. Astor Williams, the Board of Education president, attended the event with his son. Withdrawing from the event was a decision made by district leaders and not elected school board members. I think it worked out for the better because it was an opportunity for more people to be directly impacted, he said. It made the event, like, grander than anybody couldve ever thought. Along with Charles, other books read by their authors included I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. Students of the 1619 Freedom School also performed a readers theater of Born on the Water Hannah-Jones childrens book. Each book contained messages of inclusivity and validation, and realizations made by non-white children. However, Charles said these books are for all children to teach them empathy. Renate Williams, a teacher at New Life Christian Ministries Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Waterloo, invited six of her students to listen to the stories and pick up free books. Theres not enough books that show Black, minority children. They dont see a lot of books, and its so important that they see them in the school, she said. I mean, we just started seeing us on TV. Any media we can get to our kids thats representative of them is just absolutely essential. The racial demographics of Waterloo Schools was also brought up during the event. The Iowa Department of Education says about 40% of students are white while 28.2% of students are Black, 14.1% are Hispanic, 10.4% are multiracial, 4.2% are Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 3.1% are Asian and 0.2% are Native American. Sabrina Adams, project manager for PEN America, flew from New York City for the event. PEN America, an organization that advocates for freedom of expression and opposes book bans, was one of its sponsors. These are the students who will benefit from this kind of programming. It is a very Black school district in Iowa, Adams said. Withdrawing from the UNI event gets rid of the opportunity to engage with other students and fundamentally deprives them of cultural belonging. All of the speakers emphasized Black stories need to be told, because Black history is American history. These kinds of books are essential for our children, having their own pride and who they are, Renate Williams said. Every time Black kids open up books, its about slavery, its about being hung. We need some positive representation. The federal governments action against DEI programs in schools comes as hundreds of books have been banned in public schools and libraries. Adams said PEN America found there were 3,671 book bans in Iowa, which makes up 37% of the bans nationwide. This comes after the passage into law of Iowa Senate File 496, which requires schools to remove books depicting sex acts from shelves and provide learning materials that are age-appropriate. Adams said about 50% of the banned books in Iowa feature a person of color and nearly one-third have characters that are LGBTQ+. According to the Des Moines Register, Waterloo Schools has reshelved 60 books after taking them out of their libraries, due to a previous preliminary injunction in the state and a lack of clarity around the rules. Some of these titles include 1984 by George Orwell, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou and The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood. Two federal lawsuits claiming the law is unconstitutional, one by ACLU of Iowa and the other by the Iowa State Education Association and Penguin Random House, are still underway. Vikki Brown, the chairwoman of the Black Hawk County Democrats, said what she is seeing happen across the country is what she saw growing up. Were going back to Jim Crow (era), she said. Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation. The last of these laws was overturned in 1964 and 1965 with the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, respectively. I mean, I can say that this is exactly what it is, because this is directly related to suppression of voting rights any time you dont want the kids to know their history, Brown continued. Sheritta Stokes, the executive director of the 1619 Freedom School, quoted Frederick Douglass, saying knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave. The crowd Saturday included people from the Cedar Valley, across Iowa and even a few outside of the state. Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart said he is proud to show what the city has to offer through the people that make up the child-raising village. But the moment is bittersweet. I would never believe in my 53 years, I couldnt believe that we would have an Iowa State Legislature, senators and federal representatives that want to impede Black children, brown children, white children from learning about the significant contributions of Blacks in history, Hart said. Reading Black literature doesnt divide us, he continued. If you take a look at everyone in this crowd today, its a testament that it unites us. As state and federal laws surrounding DEI remain uncertain, church teacher Williams hopes the dozens of books her students got will help in the meantime. Our children need these kinds of books to let them know you are someone, she said. Youve always been and you will continue to be somebody, even under this administration. OMAHA, Neb. Vaccines could be a key way to suppress bird flu and avoid the slaughter of millions of chickens, which is blamed for egg prices averaging nearly $6 a dozen. But the move has been delayed in part because of concerns it could jeopardize chicken exports worth billions of dollars a year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to spend $100 million to study bird flu vaccines to fight the disease in concert with meat chicken, egg and turkey groups. That's part of a larger $1 billion effort to invest in more protections to keep the virus off farms that President Donald Trump believes will help lower egg prices. Chicken meat producers remain the most resistant to vaccines because of concerns they could harm meat exports, which totaled nearly $4.7 billion last year. Egg and turkey producers sell most of their products in the U.S. and have been hit hardest by the virus. Why is a vaccine needed? Without a new policy including vaccines, the government will continue to slaughter every flock with a bird flu infection to limit the spread of the disease. Those deaths have totaled over 166 million birds in the U.S. since 2022. Most birds killed are egg-laying chickens, and the death of so many hens is the main reason egg prices keep rising. The average price per dozen has hit $5.90, and in some parts of the country, it is far higher. Poultry veterinarian Simon Shane, who runs www.Egg-News.com, said the government is hesitant to use vaccines and change its policy of killing birds largely because of the meat chicken industry's opposition. Basically this is a political issue, and this only came to a head because eggs are at $8 to $9 a dozen, and its embarrassing the government embarrassing the present administration, Shane said. Why doesn't the US use a bird flu vaccine? Before using vaccinations, the government must decide how to devise an effective system and monitor for outbreaks within vaccinated flocks that might not show symptoms, said John Clifford, the USDA's former longtime chief veterinary officer, who now works with a poultry industry export group. Once that is figured out, the industry can negotiate with countries to minimize trade problems. What the industry wants is the ability to develop the strategic plan to share that with the trading partners and then find out what kind of impact that that will have on trade, Clifford said. There are fears that vaccinating could allow the virus to linger undetected in flocks and mutate in ways that could make it more of a threat to humans and allow sick birds to get into the food supply. Like with other diseases, properly cooking chicken to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill bird flu, but the industry and chicken buyers don't want it there at all. For meat chicken, known as broilers, the virus isn't as significant because those birds are slaughtered at 6 to 8 weeks old and thus have less chance of being infected compared with egg-laying hens, which live to 2 years or older. Also most broilers are raised in the Southeast, which hasn't had as many outbreaks as the Midwest and West. Another delay to vaccinating concerns distribution. Egg farmers want to administer it through chicken feed or water, saying it's not practical to give shots to millions of birds in a single barn. It can also be difficult to tell the difference between a vaccinated bird and one that has been sick with the virus. That would make other countries nervous about importing meat. People have talked about how expensive it would be to monitor vaccinated populations. And it would be. But where do we want to spend our money? said Dr. Carol Cardona, a bird flu expert at the University of Minnesota. Were spending our money hand over fist right now in depopulation and to buy eggs for breakfast. What does the experience in other countries show? China and Mexico have been vaccinating their poultry for years, but they take different approaches. In Mexico, chicken are vaccinated, but Clifford said the country doesn't slaughter flocks when infections are found. That basically ensures the virus is present in poultry. China still slaughters vaccinated flocks when infections are found, which has proved more effective at limiting the spread of the virus and reining in outbreaks. Clifford said the U.S. would need to continue culling flocks with outbreaks even after vaccinating, and it might make sense to give shots only to egg layers and turkeys, not broilers. Will it help egg prices? Don't expect big relief anytime soon. The USDA, which did not respond to a request for comment, clearly isn't moving to vaccinate immediately. And, regardless, it will take time to raise new hens. Were going to have to wait to replace those with new hatched chicks, and it takes 20 weeks before they even start laying, Shane said. So I dont know where theyre going to get the eggs from. Prices may ease somewhat later this year after peak demand, which happens around Easter, if massive egg farms in California, Iowa, Ohio and elsewhere can avoid more outbreaks. Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (16 March 2025) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one assault battalion of the AFU and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine close to Perovskoye and Kazachya Lopan (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 70 troops, six motor vehicles, four artillery guns, and one electronic warfare station. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade and one artillery brigade of the AFU near Izyumskoye, Vyssheye Solenoye, Borovaya, Druzhelyubovka, Katerinovka (Kharkov region), and Novoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 240 troops, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, one armoured fighting vehicle, ten motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, one Grad MLRS launcher, and two Kvertus electronic warfare stations. Units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Formations of seven mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one assault brigade, one UAV brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade were hit near Seversk, Novaya Poltavka, Krymskoye, Novoolenovka, Gorkogo, Pleshcheyevka, Dronovka, Konstantinovka, Nikiforovka, Stupochki, and Ivanpolye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 305 troops, one tank, one armoured fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, seven field artillery guns, to include four Western-made artillery guns and one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher. One materiel depot was destroyed. Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defences. Russian troops launched an attack on four mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, one assault brigade, one UAV brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, two marine brigades and one national guard brigade near Shevchenko, Krasnoarmeysk, Zverevo, Sribnoye, Petrovskoye, Udachnoye, Ulyanovka, Peschanoye, Uspenovka, Dimitrov, and Alekseyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 450 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, eight pickup trucks, five artillery guns, and one electronic warfare station. The Vostok Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line, defeated formations of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and one marine brigade near Veseloye, Volnoye Pole, and Konstantinopol (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 150 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and three coastal defence brigades close to Pridneprovskoye, Nikolskoye, Tokarevka (Kherson region), and Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region). Up to 90 troops, five motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, and three electronic warfare stations were neutralised. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged the infrastructure of military airfields, assembly plants for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and their storage as well as clusters of manpower and hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 151 areas. Air defence systems shot down four U.S.-made JDAM guided aerial bombs and 141 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 658 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 46,917 unmanned aerial vehicles, 601 anti-aircraft missile systems, 22,297 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,529 MLRS combat vehicles, 22,620 field artillery guns and mortars, and 32,940 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. Tags: *** Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (16 March 2025) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise AFU formations on the territory of Kursk region. During the offensive, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of one mechanised brigade, two air assault brigades, two territorial defence brigades, and one assault regiment of the AFU close to Gogolevka, Gornal, Guyevo, and Oleshnya. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near Gogolevka, Gornal, Guyevo, Zapselye, Loknya, and Oleshnya as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Miropolye, Novaya Sech, Novenkoye, Obody, Yunakovka, and Yablonovka (Sumy region). Over the course of the day, the AFU losses were over 220 troops, one tank, two armoured personnel carriers, one armoured fighting vehicle, five motor vehicles, three artillery guns, and one UAV command post. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction, the AFU losses amounted to more than 67,850 troops, 394 tanks, 317 infantry fighting vehicles, 285 armoured personnel carriers, 2,200 armoured fighting vehicles; 2,442 motor vehicles, 558 artillery guns, 52 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and seven of MLRS made by the USA, 26 anti-aircraft missile launchers, one self-propelled anti-aircraft system, ten transport-loading vehicles, 120 EW stations, 16 counter-battery warfare radars, ?ten air defence radars, 56 units of engineering and other materiel, including 23 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five bridge launchers, one engineering reconnaissance vehicle as well as 15 armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Tags: Special Military Operation WtR Calls for urgent reforms to Welsh tribunal system This article is old - Published: Sunday, Mar 16th, 2025 Senedd members urged ministers to press ahead with urgently needed reforms of the Welsh tribunal system or risk leaving the courts unable to cope with demand. Adam Price, Plaid Cymrus shadow justice minister, warned the clock is ticking on the Welsh Governments proposals to modernise and unify Wales tribunal system. The proposals followed 2021 recommendations for reform from the Law Commission, which warned the devolved tribunals evolved haphazardly and it is difficult to call them a system. But, with only a year to go until the next Senedd election, the Welsh Government has rejected calls to commit to bringing forward a tribunal bill before the end of term. Mr Price, whose partner is a judge in the non-devolved tribunal system, described ministers refusal to commit to the absolutely crucial legislation as deeply troubling. Negligence We need this legislation now, he said. Its essential to resolve the significant operational, financial and administrative challenges facing Welsh tribunals today. Delaying this essential legislation is not prudent governance. Its negligence, actually. It risks leaving our tribunals unable to cope with current demands, let alone future responsibilities, such as youth justice or education appeals. It weakens Wales justice infrastructure and compromises our commitment to fair and accessible justice. Contributing to a debate on the Welsh tribunal presidents annual report, Mr Price called for full transparency around plans to devolve further parts of the justice system to Wales. He said: Anything less, in our view, would be an abdication of responsibility leaving Wales justice system underserved, undervalued and ill-prepared for the challenges ahead. No guarantee Labours Mike Hedges, who chairs the Senedds justice committee, similarly stressed the importance of introducing legislation on tribunals as soon as possible. The Tories Paul Davies echoed this position. He also raised concerns about training, with the judicial college having no remit to train devolved tribunal members. Rhys ab Owen, a former barrister who sits as an independent, pointed out that the report the first since Sir Gary Hickinbottom became president was published 10 months ago. My concern is this mirrors slow progress with the reform of the Welsh tribunals, he said. He added that use of the Welsh language remains low in the legal system. Mr ab Owen warned: If it doesnt happen before the 2026 election, there is no guarantee that it will happen at all. I think its quite something how strongly in favour the president of the Welsh tribunals was for reform in his report that cannot be ignored. Fully committed Responding to the debate on March 11, Julie James said the first minister will make a statement on the Welsh Governments legislative plans shortly after Easter. Ms James, who is counsel general, the Welsh Governments chief legal adviser, said: Were still fully committed to reforming the devolved tribunals. But Im not in a position to say yet whether the tribunals Bill will make it into that programme. There is much competition for space in year five. Ms James told the Senedd the Welsh tribunals budget has increased from 4.1m to 6m. Thats a real commitment to making sure our tribunals have the resources they need, she said. Weve reinstated pay parity for tribunal members, with an 8% uplift, bringing their pay in line with those in the reserved system. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Two people were killed when a possible tornado touched down in a small Alabama community Saturday night. Dallas County Coroner Alan Dailey said the storm wreaked havoc in the 9000 block of Country Road 63 in Plantersville, which is about 30 miles outside of Selma. It looked like it hit that one particular area, Dailey said. When you look at some of these places, you wonder how anyone survived. Multiple law enforcement agencies and rescue services descended on the scene. A man was killed inside his workshop where he and his wife were sheltering from the storm. They chose to ride out the storm there because it was made of brick and steel girders, which they thought would be sturdier than their mobile home, Dailey said. Shop where a man was killed during a storm in Plantersville, Alabama on March 15, 2025. Mike Cason The mans wife was miraculously not injured, he said. A woman reported missing was found dead about 4 a.m., after hours of searches for her that included drones. Dailey said she had been in a trailer when the apparent tornado hit. The massive search for her was called off about midnight with plans to resume at daylight, but then volunteer searchers found her dead. She was discovered three quarters of a mile from her trailer, which had been destroyed. Dailey said two people were injured and taken to Vaughn Regional Medical Center in Selma. As of 9 a.m. Sunday, Dailey said hes spoken with the Plantersville fire chief and there were no other reports of anyone still missing. There were two other injuries reported and multiple homes destroyed or severely damaged, according to Toya Stiles of the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency. The cleanup from Saturdays storm began this morning after power outages were reported statewide as tornadoes downed trees in several Alabama counties. Widespread damage was also reported in Calera, Gordo, Maplesville, Sipsey and Troy. Forecasters labeled the severe weather threat a Level 5 out of 5 risk and declared a PDS tornado watch. PDS stands for particularly dangerous situation. Nationwide, the storm also produced dust storms and icy conditions that killed at least 33 people across the central and southern U.S. An 83-year-old Talladega County man is the third person known to have died as severe weather struck Alabama Saturday night. Coroner Shaddix Murphy identified the victim as Harry Leon Faine. Faine was in his mobile home on Bob White Road, which is about a half mile from Winterboro High School, across Highway 21. He was in his mobile home, and it looked like a tornado came right over his property, Murphy said. It destroyed his home, and he was found about 200 feet from the residence. Murphy said the storm hit about 9:30 p.m. and Faine was found dead about 11 p.m. He said he was not aware of any other injuries but said there was a clear swath of damage in the area where Faine was killed. You can tell the pathway where it crossed 21, Murphy said. Thankfully right there where it crossed the highway there werent a lot of homes. Two others were killed in the Dallas County community of Plantersville. A man was killed inside his workshop where he and his wife were sheltering from the storm. His wife was uninjured. A woman reported missing was found dead about 4 a.m., after hours of searches for her that included drones. The weather service in Birmingham which at one point had to take shelter from a tornado-warned storm that targeted its own office in Calera said it would be sending out three survey teams today to assess the damage. Tim Stiegel leaned on a construction trailer, his head in his hands, as he watched strangers pick through what had once been his home. A woman approached him and said, You look like you need a hug, and proceeded to do just that. Im just so overwhelmed, Stiegel, a City of Calera employee, told the woman. Stiegels mobile home on 13th Street took one of the hardest hits in what was possibly an EF-1 tornado with estimated winds of 90 mph in Shelby Countys Calera area. There were no injuries reported, and the damage was spread out. Multiple RVs were overturned at the heavily-damaged Burton Campers just off Interstate 65, and a construction trailer was blown from the new hotel to the Milos parking lot. Calera Intermediate School, which served as a community shelter, will be closed on Monday, due to storm damage. Cleanup efforts are currently underway and school is expected to reopen on Tuesday. Severe weather that hit Alabama on Saturday, March 15, 2025, caused extensive damage to several areas in Calera including a mobile home park on 13th Street and at Burton Campers just off I-65. (Carol Robinson) I think we had a lot of property damage. It was sporadic. I dont know why that is, if the tornado was touching the ground or what, Police Chief David Hyche said. Its not like a clear swath of damage like you see sometimes with tornados. I was outside when it went over and I could see the swirl for maybe five seconds, and then I saw the flash of the transformers going and then it was gone, Hyche said. The most concentrated damage was at Burton Campers and in the mobile home park, but even there most homes were spared devastation. Wilmer Gutierez was with his siblings and parents in their mobile home when the weather quickly worsened. We started feeling the trailer shake and we started hearing all the trees fall, Gutierez said. Our neighbors shed then crashed into our neighbors light post. We had the door open, he said, and our whole family panicked, and we took off. The family drove to Montevallo to find shelter. Their trailer escaped damage. It was pretty scary, he said. We were shaking. Severe weather that hit Alabama on Saturday, March 15, 2025, caused extensive damage to several areas in Calera including a mobile home park on 13th Street and at Burton Campers just off I-65. (Carol Robinson / crobinson@al.com) (Carol Robinson) Bailey Evans, who also lives in the community, had gone to Columbiana to escape the danger. We were watching the news and at first they said the whole trailer park got it, Evans said. Then they said only one house and we very quickly came back. Baileys storage shed was destroyed, and they lost a few trees. On Sunday, she was going through boxes and plastic containers to see what could be salvaged from the shed. Were just trying to get everything dried out really, Evans said. Stiegel, his 31-year-old daughter and their dog and cat, left minutes before the tornado struck Saturday night. They sought shelter in a friends basement. He returned almost immediately to rescue his dog from their home. It was devastating seeing my trailer look like this, said Stiegel who has worked for the citys Parks and Recreation division for 10 years. Dozens of volunteers flocked to the mobile home park where Stiegel lived Sunday, some providing food and water, others donning gloves and cleaning up storm damage. Its overwhelming, Stiegel said. Im trying to keep up with what theyre saving and what theyre throwing away. Its just hectic. The hardest part is trying to make sure me and my daughter have a place to stay, he said. One of those volunteers was Daz Goodman, whose family lost everything in the 2021 floods in Hoover. When I saw this happened, it was immediate for me to come here and help out, Goodman said. I dont know anybody but one person here and this just shows what community is about. Stiegel, his daughter and their pets had to spend the night in a Calera City Jail cell because there were no hotel rooms available. Hyche said a Vestavia Hills police officer found Stiegel and his daughter standing outside what was left of their home and took them to the police department for help. They fell through the cracks, so thankfully a Vestavia officer found them standing outside their destroyed trailer and brought them to us and we had to put them up for the night, Hyche said. We cleaned it up for them and made it best we could. We got them something to eat and that was all we could do. Hyche said they closed a steel door to keep the Stiegel family isolated from any criminals being booked in, but said the family was clearly shaken. I was a little disappointed that he didnt get any help from anybody else, Hyche said. Fortunately, he said, the city somewhat dodged a bullet. Still, the immediate relief effort raises questions, Hyche said. What would we have done if we had 50 or 100 families like that? the chief said. It was 2 a.m. and were trying to call churches, and nobody was answering the phone. Theres definitely a gap there that needs to be addressed, he said. On Sunday, officers were accompanying Alabama Power crews to help with traffic while repairs were made. The police chief said a success story was the storm shelters, where staffed, in part, by school resource officers. I dont know how many hundreds of people we had but a couple were totally full, Hyche said. The schools making their intermediate and high schools available was awesome. In the midst of a growing battle over hemp-infused products in Alabama, Roger and Amy Crawford seized a rare opportunity to speak out against looming legislation that could threaten their livelihood. But rather than stepping into the halls of Montgomery, where state lawmakers are debating the fate of THC-infused beverages, the owners of nine CBD wellness stores in Alabama and Arkansas found themselves in the much smaller setting of the Orange Beach City Council chambersnearly 200 miles south of the state capital. The couple hoped to sway city officials who are considering a ban on hemp-derived drinks. With a packed house of council members listening intently Tuesday, Amy Crawford took the chance to clarify misconceptions and stress the legitimacy of their THC seltzers. THC seltzers is a sparkling beverage infused with hemp extract, she explained, emphasizing, We cannot sell anything that is marijuana related. We can only sell hemp that is legal. The Crawfords fight for their products isnt just about local ordinances but appears to be a broader struggle playing out across Alabama and country as state lawmakers grapple with the challenges of regulating hemp-derived products in the wake of the 2018 Farm Bill. But while they sought a fair hearing for their products, the couple faces uncertainty as Alabama lawmakers work to strike a balance between regulation, safety, and their desire for a piece of the growing hemp industry pie. The Crawfords tried to show the potential of their business while in Orange Beach. THC seltzers are a favorable way to enjoy THC, Amy Crawford told the council. Its a hangover free alternative to alcohol. Many are turning to the seltzers to unwind. There is no dreaded morning-after headache or the extra calories from a night of drinking. Legislative activity Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, stands on the floor of the Alabama Senate on March 7, 2023. Legislators gathered Tuesday for the first day of the Alabama Legislatures 2023 regular session. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) In Montgomery, Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, is weighing how far to push regulations without stifling small businesses. Melsons Senate Health Committee is expected to review a new proposal this week, though its unclear how a final bill outlining the regulations might look. The focus will be on an amended version of SB132. The legislation adds sweeping regulations to the federally legal hemp industry in Alabama. Initially, it would have banned hemp-derived THC products from being sold in the state including beverages. Under that version psychoactive cannabinoids would be classified as a Schedule I controlled substances, similar to LSD or heroin. Related content: Lawmakers efforts to regulate delta-8 continues: Get this done and protect our kids The newer version heavily regulates beverages and other hemp-infused products like vapes, gummies, and sodas. The regulations come as concerns about quality, availability to underage youths and overdoses mount nationwide. Melsons revised bill would keep products like Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 legal, but tax them an additional 6% on top of state and local sales tax. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board would regulate hemp-infused beverages and manage annual licenses to retailers and wholesalers. The legislation also adds age limits of 21 and over to purchase the products and adds provisions to curtail marketing to youths. There are alternative bills that just bans them, Melson said. People want to sell these products and do it in their own way. But it has to be regulated and responsibly analyzed. Were not trying to hurt small businesses, but we want it done responsibly. There is no public hearing scheduled for Wednesdays meeting that would have given retailers and distributors an opportunity to weigh in. The Crawfords say the lack of a hearing is disturbing. Melson said a public hearing allowing speakers three minutes to provide statements isnt going to matter. I understand they want to be heard, Melson said. The members of the committee know something has to be done in a responsible way. Rep. Andy Whitt, a Republican who represents a district in Limestone and Madison counties on the Tennessee state line, has led an ad hoc committee that is working on gambling legislation for Alabama's 2024 legislative session. (Mike Cason/al.com) If the proposal passes the Senate, it will need approval in the House where Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, plans to take the issue up. He vows there will be a public hearing, saying its crucial every voice is heard, including those with opposing views over the introduction of state regulation to the industry. Like any parent, I want to protect our kids from dangerous, unregulated products that are slipping through the cracks, Whitt said. Right now, these products go untested and unchecked, and authorities have no real power to stop the harm they are causing. Convenience stores are not pharmacies, and we need to make sure they arent treated like one. States take action Alabamas legislative action comes as other states also grapple with regulating hemp products. Lawmakers in more than two dozen states, including Alabama, have considered bills within the past year to ban synthetic hemp products like Delta-8 or impose age limits and other restrictions. Outright bans could face legal challenges, as THC drinks and other hemp products that meet the 2018 Farm Bill guidelines are federally legal. THC-infused beverages are made using hemp-derived THC, typically Delta-9, but in small amounts, under 0.3%. They are already being sold in grocery stores and retail outlets throughout Alabama. While states can regulate hemp products, outright bans have faced legal challenges. In 2023, Arkansas lawmakers banned Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10, but a federal judge overturned the law, citing its vagueness and conflict with the 2018 Farm Bill. Some legal scrutiny has withstood challenges. In Wyoming, a federal judge dismissed last August a lawsuit challenging a state ban outlawing marijuana substitutes like Delta-8. Amy and Roger Crawford operators of CBD wellness stores in Orange Beach, Birmingham, Trussville, Hoover, Montgomery, Northport, Huntsville, as well as two locations in Arkansas are rooting for regulation and were hopeful the streamlined, 4-page SB182 would have advanced. The bill would have banned THC beverages, except those allowed under Alabamas 2021 medical marijuana law, which has yet to be fully implemented. The Crawfords only concern with the bill was a requirement for child-proof containers. Roger Crawford told Orange Beach city officials on Tuesday his store does not sell Delta-10 or any other synthetic product. Synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 are often sold with less oversight, which has fueled concerns over safety. THC-infused beverages are typically more regulated in other states and are subject to testing and labeling requirements. The beverage are generally more regulated in states with legalized marijuana. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana use for people ages 21 and over. Alabama is not one of them, and there is no push for legalized marijuana during this springs legislative session. Concerns Amy Crawford said her biggest concern with the revised SB132 is that she believes its an ABC bill aimed at generating revenue for the state. The 6% sales tax would be distributed as follows, according to the latest proposal: 65% to the General Fund, 10% to the ABC board, 15% split equally to the ABC board and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, and 10% to the city or county where the beverage is sold. A spokesperson with ABC said the agency was waiting until the outcome of the committee process before commenting. The legislation also gives cities like Orange Beach the ability to ban the products. The Crawfords are asking Orange Beach city officials to exclude beverages from a city ban. Orange Beach officials said they will have to consider the issue further, citing a desire to maintain a family-friendly beach community. For now, Amy Crawford said she was simply happy to have an opportunity to speak before elected officials over proposed regulations affecting her business. She said she hasnt had that opportunity in six years and is wondering if she will get that in Montgomery. Its really disappointing to us, she said. Were the experts in this field. Its really frustrating not to have a seat at the table when its our livelihood. The community of Plantersville has started the cleanup and healing after a deadly storm ripped through on Saturday night, claiming two lives in the close-knit, rural patch of Dallas County. On Sunday morning, snapped trees, tossed trailers and vehicles and scattered belongings and debris formed a scene of destruction on both sides of Dallas County Road 63 near Lovelady Drive. John Green was there, standing by the remnants of the shop where on Saturday night he found the body of his friend, Dunk Pickering, who died after hosting a crawfish boil. He was the best person that anyone could ever meet, Green said. He was a friend to everyone. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it, whether he knew them or not. Green said he had known Pickering for 20 years. He bought this shop five years ago for everyone around here to hang out at, Green said. We would have cookouts. Two or three nights a week, this is where we were at. He owns this and he owns another property thats like five miles down the road. If everyone was not here, they were there. And it would always be anywhere from 30 to 50 people at every one of his get-togethers. He was the most loved person in this whole community. Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum was on the scene of the disaster Sunday morning. Granthum said there were two deaths Saturday night. Granthum said one of the two victims was an 82-year-old woman who lived in a mobile home on the west side of Autauga County 63. Granthum said her body was found on the east side, perhaps a quarter-mile from her home. Granthum said two others were treated and released at a hospital after non-life threatening injuries. The sheriff said everyone else was accounted for. A third Alabama fatality was reported in Talladega County, where an 83-year-old died when his mobile home was destroyed. Granthum said the county has still not recovered from a tornado two years ago that hit Selma and destroyed the county jail. He said it helped to see the helping spirit of neighbors. To see people come out working hand-in-hand, Granthum said. Everybody has differences and stuff in the community. But when something happens, everybody comes together. Granthums voice faltered with emotion as he spoke. These people in this part of the county, theyre real resilient. It just hurts your heart. Angie Green, John Greens wife, said most of the people left the crawfish boil at Pickerings shop before the storm hit. Green went to her daughters home nearby on the east side of County Road 63. We were sitting in the living room, and I could feel the pressure in my ears change, Green said. And I looked at my daughter, and I said, now thats a tornado. Her husband had been sitting outside the house in his truck but made it into the house. She said the family ran to a bathroom, including her granddaughter, who is about to turn 2. The glass on the windows in the house started popping, Green said. It felt like the whole house was about to come up. I could feel it. The whole house was moving. It stayed, but the roof is gone. Green said her granddaughter did not understand what was happening. She cried, because the whole house was shaking, Green said. All she kept saying was My house, my house. I scared. I scared. Even now, we cant leave her, because she starts screaming. I told my daughter, surely it will go away. But Ive never had to do this with my kids. So I dont know. John Green said when he came out of the house after the storm passed, he got a phone call. Another guy that was over here with us for the crawfish cook, he had called me and said they cant find Dunk, John Green said. So I got in the truck and I came over here and we started looking. John Green said it took them perhaps a half-hour to find their friend. Several others were found in wreckage and survived, Green said. One woman was freed after a volunteer firefighter cut away the debris she was buried under, he said. Angie Green said the people in Plantersville stick together. We all grew up with each other, Green said. We have known most everybody our whole lives. And were all like one big family. A federal judge barred the Trump administration Saturday from carrying out deportations under a sweeping 18th century law that the president invoked hours earlier to speed removal of Venezuelan gang members from the United States. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg said he needed to issue his order immediately because the government already was flying migrants it claimed were newly deportable under President Donald Trumps proclamation to be incarcerated in El Salvador and Honduras. El Salvador already agreed this week to take up to 300 migrants that the Trump administration designated as gang members. I do not believe I can wait any longer and am required to act, Boasberg said during a Saturday evening hearing in a lawsuit brought by the ACLU and Democracy Forward. A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm, he added, noting they remain in government custody but ordering that any planes in the air be turned around. The ruling came hours after Trump claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was invading the United States and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime authority that allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action to speed up mass deportations. The act has only ever been used three times before, all during wars. Its most recent application was during World War II, when it was used to incarcerate Germans and Italians as well as for the mass internment of Japanese-American civilians. In a proclamation released just over an hour before Boasbergs hearing, Trump contended that Tren de Aragua was effectively at war with the United States. Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA, Trumps statement reads. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. The order could let the administration deport any migrant it identifies as a member of the gang without going through regular immigration proceedings, and also could remove other protections under criminal law for people the government targeted. In a statement Saturday night, Attorney General Pam Bondi slammed Boasbergs stay on deportations. This order disregards well-established authority regarding President Trumps power, and it puts the public and law enforcement at risk, Bondi said. The Tren de Aragua gang originated in a prison in the South American country and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade. Trump and his allies have turned the gang into the face of the alleged threat posed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and formally designated it a foreign terrorist organization last month. Authorities in several countries have reported arrests of Tren de Aragua members, even as Venezuelas government claims to have eliminated the criminal organization. The government said Trump actually signed the proclamation on Friday night. Immigration lawyers noticed the federal government suddenly moving to deport Venezuelans who they would not otherwise have the legal right to expel from the country, and scrambled to file lawsuits to block what they believed was a pending proclamation. Boasberg issued an initial order at 9:20 a.m. Saturday blocking the Trump administration from deporting five Venezuelans named as plaintiffs in the ACLU suit who were being detained by the government and believed they were about to be deported. The Trump administration appealed that order, contending that halting a presidential act before it has been announced would cripple the executive branch. If the order were allowed to stand, district courts would have license to enjoin virtually any urgent national-security action just upon receipt of a complaint, the Justice Department wrote in its appeal. Boasberg then scheduled the afternoon hearing on whether to expand his order to all people who could be targeted under Trumps declaration. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign contended that the president had broad latitude to identify threats to the country and act under the 1798 law. He noted the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Harry Truman to continue to hold a German citizen in 1948, three years after World War II ended, under the measure. This would cut very deeply into the prerogatives of the president, Ensign said of an injunction. But Lee Gelernt of the ACLU contended that Trump didnt have the authority to use the law against a criminal gang rather than a recognized state. Boasberg said precedent on that question seemed tricky but that the ACLU had a reasonable chance of success on those arguments, and so the order was merited. Boasberg halted deportations for those in custody for up to 14 days, and scheduled a Friday hearing in the case. The flurry of litigation shows the significance of Trumps declaration, the latest step by the administration to expand presidential power. Ensign argued that, as part of its reaction to the Sept. 11, 2001 attack, Congress had given the president power to delegate transnational organizations threats on the level of recognized states. And Gelernt warned that the Trump administration could simply issue a new proclamation to use the Alien Enemies Act against another migrant gang, like MS-13, which has long been one of Trumps favorite targets. ___ Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report. Toforest Johnson's Family Members, daughter Shanaye Poole and cousin Tony Green with photos of Mr. Johnson. Photos by Bernard Troncale. Bernard Troncale This is an opinion column. No one wants to see an innocent person executed. At least I dont think so. Id venture not even the most ardent law and order zealot would look me in the eye and say it was cool to execute an innocent person simply because a jury found them guilty and they were sentenced to die. Not even Steve Marshall, Alabamas ardent law and order attorney general would do that. At least I dont think so. I havent yet looked Marshall in the eye and asked. Asked if hed support executing someone with a chorus of support for a new trial. Support from prominent public and criminal justice officials. Support all but calling his prior trial a sham. Someone like Toforest Johnson, a man who is probably innocent. Yet Marshall still argues to keep him on death row. Argues vociferously that he should not get a new trial. Like frothing-at-the-mouth argues. A lawsuit asking for a new trial did not raise an issue of extraordinary public importance, he responded. Like guilt and innocence arent of public importance. Like justice isnt. Ive written before that I abhor the death penalty. Oh, the human side of me believes for some crimes the perpetrator cannot be taken from this Earth soon enough. My spirit, though, believes thou shalt not kill. Period. And thou would be us. I believe vengeance belongs to someone else, not me. And certainly not us. Were just too shady. Too human. As well-intentioned as we may be, as diligent and good-hearted as prosecutors, juries, defenders, judges and witnesses may be, were human. Theyre human. They make mistakes. Gov. Kay Ivey doesnt want to see an innocent person die. I know that now. I couldnt say that a couple of weeks ago. She rubber-stamped and justified so many executions in our killer state that its easy to lose count. (Though we havent; its 21, soon likely to be 22.) She justified them even when the victims relatives asked to spare the life of the person convicted of killing their loved one. Shes as law-and-order as they come. But when presented with arguments and evidence that cast doubt on the 1994 conviction of Robin Rocky Myers, much of it deftly highlighted by my colleague Ivana Hrynkiw, she recently spared his life. Myers was found guilty in the stabbing of Ludie Mae Tucker three years prior, even though there was no physical evidence linking him to the crime and no one stepped forward to say they saw him do it. Now 63, he was set to die soon by inhaling pure nitrogen gas at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, where hes lived on death row since his conviction. Lived there for a crime he long and consistently said he did not do. Until Ivey was moved. Until Feb. 28 when she commuted his sentence to life. Not death. Marshall? He lost his cookies. I am astonished by Governor Iveys decision to commute the death sentence of Rocky Myers and am bewildered that she chose not to directly communicate with me about this case or her decision. That was his statement. Part of it. Feel free to read the rest here. Marshall doesnt want innocent people to die, does he? Myers was the first man in the state to have his death sentence commuted in whats called modern history, which Im not sure when that really began. He shouldnt be the last to have a chance to live. To prove their innocence. Johnson deserves that chance, too Ive asked before, almost a year ago. Hes lived on death row since 1998; he was 25 then. He was convicted of murdering Jefferson County Sheriffs Deputy William Hardy three years earlier in the parking lot of what was then the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, where Hardy worked a second job as a security guard. He doesnt deserve to be there. Be there despite a trial that would garner eye-rolls from a Law & Order jury. But dont just believe me, AG. Listen to former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones and ex-Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley, who once sat in Marshalls now iceberg-cold seat. This week, they argued that Johnson deserves a new trial. Years ago, Baxley called the trial and conviction deeply flawed. Okay, yeah, theyre Democrats. Ewww. Were talking about someones life here. Jones and Baxley jumped into a long line of respected public officials who also believe Johnson deserves a new trial. Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr (he wasnt DA when Johnson was tried) has long called for Johnson to be granted a new trial, saying five years ago after an extensive investigation into the case his duty to seek justice requires intervention in this case. So has and you know this, Marshall, because youve long turned a deaf ear to the pleas so has the man who prosecuted Johnson: Jeff Wallace. So has a former governor. Two former state Supreme Court Chief justices agree. A former U.S. attorney. Another DA and a former DA agree. So has a Kardashian, of course. Even three former jurors agree their wrong should be righted. Last year, Monique Hickss tune shifted, she wrote in a guest column published on AL.com. My role in the wrongful conviction of an innocent man keeps me awake at night, she penned. Myers may have been a historic first, but theres no quota or cap on right. Johnson deserves a new trial. You believe strongly in his guilt? Prove it. Persuade Jefferson County Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kandice Pickett to flush Johnsons conviction and order a new trial. Then stand in court and prove it, sir. Let the system have a chance to right its wrong. Let it have a chance to work. Lets be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky. Much to the chagrin of the media, Bruce Swartz, globally renowned for representing the Justice Department in some of its most sensitive foreign dealings, resigned rather than accept a demotion by President Trump. If Trump special envoy Richard Grenell has his way, Swartz will be prosecuted. Bruce Schwartz [sic] undermined Donald Trump and US foreign policy while he worked at DoJ, Grenell tweeted on Saturday. I told him private information about negotiations (he has a TS clearance) and he used it to tip Jack Smith off at The Hague - and Jack indicted Thaci because of it. He must be investigated and prosecuted. Hashim Thaci was president of Kosovo in 2020 when Trump tormentor Jack Smith allegedly sabotaged Grenells peacemaking efforts in Kosovo by arranging for Thaci to be arrested for war crimes. At the time, Grenell was serving as Trumps special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations. The fate of Kosovo and Thaci are of less immediate interest than the fate of the U.S. Department of Justice. Grenells accusation sheds new light on the DOJs long history of sabotaging justice on behalf of the Democrat party, and no one fronted for the partys interests more dutifully than swamp creature extraordinaire Swartz. In 2019, the inspector generals report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) highlighted Swartzs dogged effort to railroad Trump adviser Paul Manafort before the 2016 election. As Swartz himself acknowledged, he had a Javert-like zeal to bring Manafort to justice. [Nellie] Ohr and Swartz both told us that they felt an urgency to move the Manafort investigation forward, reported Horowitz, because of Trumps election and a concern that the new administration would shut the investigation down. This urgency translated into frequent semi-covert meetings with FBI lovebirds Peter Strzok and Lisa Page. Strzok told the I.G. that Swartz wanted him to kick that [investigation] in the ass and get it moving. In December 2016, concerned that the DoJs money-laundering division (MLARS) was not moving fast enough against Manafort, Swartz brought colleague Andrew Weissmann into the act. Swartz hoped to get the cooperation of an unnamed foreign national to help squeeze Manafort. According to Ohr, he and Swartz had information that Manafort [was] ... somehow ... a possible connection between the Russian government and the Trump campaign. Swartz admittedly did not advise DoJ leadership of his maneuverings. He claimed that the meetings were on the hush-hush to keep the Manafort investigation from being politicized. More likely, Swartz hoped to pressure Manafort into rolling over on the newly elected President Trump and did not want Trumps people in the DoJ to know about his intentions. The unusual level of interest in the Manafort case by Swartz, Ohr, and Weissmann caught the attention of some of their colleagues. Reported the I.G., The former senior Department leaders we interviewed expressed serious concern about Swartzs assertion that not informing Department leadership about case-related investigative activities somehow protected the Department. Although Swartz did not officially join the Mueller team, Weissmann did. The case against Manafort that had been languishing in the money-laundering division now got the kick in the ass that Swartz and Weissmann wanted. Mueller took over the case in May 2017, and in October 2017, Manafort was indicted on twelve charges, including money-laundering, none of which had anything to with Russian collusion. It seems likely that Swartz lied repeatedly to the I.G.s office about the reasons for his unseemly meddling, and Horowitz more or less scolded him for it. Horowitz could have made a much stronger bias charge against Swartz had he been able to review Swartzs handling of the Sandy Berger affair. Heres the background. In 2002, according to a subsequent House report, former president Bill Clinton designated Berger as his representative to review NSC documents in relation to the 9/11 inquiry. In that capacity, Berger made four trips to the National Archives. He did so presumably to refresh his memory before testifying first to the Graham-Goss Commission and then to the 9/11 Commission. Berger made his first visit in May 2002, his last in October 2003. During those four visits, Berger stole and destroyed an incalculable number of documents. The full extent of Bergers document removal, reported the House Committee, is not known and never can be known. Beginning with the third of Bergers four visits to the Archives in September 2003, when Berger was first caught in the act of stealing documents, Paul Brachfeld, the inspector general of the National Archives, tried to alert the Justice Department to the scope and seriousness of the theft. Brachfeld wanted assurance that the 9/11 Commission knew of Bergers crime and the potential ramifications of it. He did not get it. On March 22, 2004, two days before Bergers public testimony, senior DoJ attorneys Swartz and John Dion got back to Brachfeld. They informed him that the DoJ was not going to notify the 9/11 Commission of the Berger investigation before Bergers appearance. The House report singled out Swartz as the one attorney most adamantly protective of Berger. Swartz refused to admit that Berger could have stolen documents in his first two visits despite Brachfelds insistence that he had the means and the motive to do so. Frustrated, Brachfeld called DoJs Inspector General Glenn Fine on April 6 and again expressed his concern that the 9/11 Commission remained unaware of Bergers actions. Again, nothing happened. Brachfeld never did succeed in persuading the DoJ of the potential seriousness of Bergers sabotage. As the House report concluded, The lack of interest in Bergers first two visits is disturbing. The DoJ also declined to submit Berger to a polygraph exam as required by his plea agreement. If these DoJ attorneys were unacceptably incurious across the board, one could write off their inaction as bureaucratic sloth. But at the same time Dion and Swartz were cosseting Sandy Berger, they were eagerly campaigning to out the rascal who blew CIA agent Valerie Plames imagined cover. Those who have worked with Dion say he will not shy away from advocating charges against any high-level Bush administration official if thats where the investigation leads, read a hopeful AP piece. Among the colleagues quoted was Dions immediate supervisor, Bruce Swartz. Even after Patrick Fitzgerald took over the Plame investigation, Dion and Swartz stayed on the team, Swartz reportedly as second-in-command. Swartz, Fine, and Dion were all careerists held over from the Clinton administration. Although Dion has no obvious record of federal contributions, Fine and Swartz had contributed only to Democrat candidates in federal races. Swartz is the textbook swamp-dweller. From all appearances, no matter who sits in the attorney generals chair, these seemingly respectable subversives protect the progressive Deep State and punish those who would threaten it. Supplied leads by a complicit media and shielded by that same media from exposure, people like Swartz have been perverting justice for decades. If proof were needed, Swartz and his boys recommended a $10,000 fine for Berger and three-year loss of security clearance for a crime that would have put a Republican in prison for decades. Happily for the Deep State, Berger regained his clearance just in time to serve as a Hillary Clinton adviser in the 2008 campaign. Manafort did not fare quite so well. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in a city that gave Donald Trump 4 percent of its vote. True, the Russia collusion fears that inspired the Manafort investigation were imaginary, but the federal charges were very real. Manafort, then nearing 70, descended into a Kafkaesque legal hell from which he emerged only by grace of a Trump pardon in December 2020. And the media would have us feel sorry for Swartz? Image via PickPik. There are almost 700 federal district court judges. I say almost, because while officially there are 677 of them, some retired judges have taken senior status and may sit from time to time on cases, so the figure is inexact on any given day. Since President Trump was sworn in for a second term, there has been an avalanche of cases seeking relief from executive actions. Last month alone, district court judges issued 15 temporary restraining orders. Thats more nationwide injunctions than there were issued for the first three YEARS of the Biden Administration. District court judges are out of control. A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is designed to maintain the status quo after a claim is made that there is an emergency requiring the court to maintain the matter in a holding pattern -- usually for 10-14 days -- until a hearing on the issue can be held. A TRO can be granted ex parte, that is with only the plaintiff being present and without a hearing on the issue at all. The plaintiff must show the likelihood of success on the merits of the claim and that the harm to him outweighs any potential harm to the opposing party. To get one, the plaintiff has to show the likelihood of irreparable injury if the court fails to act. After a hearing, the court may issue a Preliminary Injunction (PI) directing some action or continuing the initial restraint until a full trial on the matter is held. To obtain a PI that lasts throughout the course of litigation, the plaintiff must meet a higher standard of proof. A TRO requires the applicant to show a substantial likelihood of success and immediate harm, while a preliminary injunction involves a more rigorous evaluation of the merits, balance of equities, and public interest. There are 94 district courts and 12 federal courts of appeals, which hear and decide appeals from district courts. Generally, TROs are not appealable, but preliminary injunctions are. Some of the TROs issued against the administration read more like preliminary injunctions, and no matter how they are titled, if they do more than maintain the status quo for a short period, the appellate courts should step in and assert jurisdiction. I agree with Bill Shipley: Most of these injunctions will not survive appeal. I think SCOTUS is going to end up staying several of these, take up a small number, and then issue a small number of decisions that will force District Judges to reconsider and rethink their rulings. But they are unlikely to take a lot of these cases up individually to decide them on the merits. They will rely on district judges to change their decisions, and the Appeals Courts to smack down those who don't. In fact, one just did. Friday the Fourth Circuit smacked down a universal injunction. On Friday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed the much-covered nationwide injunction imposed by U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore regarding ending federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The three-judge panel ruled that Judge Abelson had gone too far in seeking to enjoin the federal government across the country. The Fourth Circuit recognized that the executive orders could raise concerns about First Amendment rights that might have to be addressed down the road. However, it found Abelsons sweeping block went too far. It also pointed out that the orders were not nearly as unlimited and sweeping as suggested by the district court or the media. The more urgent question is, what right does a district court (which handles the matters in a designated geographic area) have to issue a nationwide injunction, and that matter is now being raised to the Supreme Court by the Administration in a case challenging the Presidents order on birthright citizenship which district court judges in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington have blocked nationwide. According to Benjamin Weingarten: The Trump Administration is taking the fight to end universal injunctions to the Supreme Court. "...[T]he government comes to this Court with a 'modest' request: while the parties litigate weighty merits questions, the Court should 'restrict the scope' of multiple preliminary injunctions that 'purpor[t] to cover every person * * * in the country,' limiting those injunctions to parties actually within the courts' power.... Universal injunctions have reached epidemic proportions since the start of the current Administration. Courts have graduated from universal preliminary injunctions to universal temporary restraining orders, from universal equitable relief to universal monetary remedies, and from governing the whole Nation to governing the whole world." ..."This Court should declare that enough is enough before district courts burgeoning reliance on universal injunctions becomes further entrenched." Justice Neil Gorsuch has been critical of them and the Harvard Law Review notes how this practice politicizes the law. Morley said a single judge's power to enter a nationwide injunction incentivizes "extreme forum shopping," in which plaintiffs strategically bring their case in a specific court before a judge who will be most favorable to their arguments. "There are outlier judges on all sides," he said. "You can go to that outlier judge and are systematically having the most controversial, cutting-edge, hot-button constitutional issues being settled and resolved by the ideological outliers rather than a more representative cross section of the judiciary." In fact, the examination of nationwide injunctions published in the Harvard Law Review found that 92% were entered by judges appointed by Democratic presidents during the Trump administration. For the Biden administration, that portion grew to 100% imposed by judges named to the federal bench by Republican presidents. "If you see that kind of pattern, it cannot help but call the judiciary into disrepute," said Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan. "It doesn't look like they're applying the law in a clear way. It will erode the judiciary's legitimacy, no question about it." Bagley, who testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about these injunctions in 2020, pointed to one key factor behind their rise: Politics. Its clear that the curtain must fall on the notion that hundreds of unelected district court judges of often outlying political beliefs and of various levels of judicial temperament and legal ability should be permitted to act as Chief Executive. If I heard and read right, the alleged leader of the antisemitic mobs at Columbia Mahmoud Khalil was born in Syria, holds an Algerian passport, and calls himself a Palestinian. Which is it? I get the Algerian passport part. Possibly the longest chapter in my long book on the invention of the Palestinians is on the pivotal role of Algeria in inventing this antisemitic lie. Before the war in Vietnam in the 1960s became an international cause celebre, the worlds focus in the 1950s was on Algeria during its intifada-like terrorist rebellion against the French. It was the French who had created Algeria, starting with the invasion of the regency city-state of Algiers in 1830, and they drafted the boundaries of this large country. The jihadic revolution against the French in 1954 took center stage in that decade among many indigenous peoples throwing off their European overlords in gory, terroristic violence. Algeria was the focus of the Marxist Frantz Fanon, a member of the Algerian Front de liberation nationale (FLN). In his The Wretched of the Earth, he glorified Third World terror horrors against their European masters. I have invented the term jihadic because the rebels did not see themselves as patriotic Algerians. Instead, they defined themselves solely as Muslims. All serious historians writing on the uprising routinely referred to the rebels not as Algerians but Muslims. Image: X screen grab. However, in 1954, the leaders in Algiers, after over 120 years of exposure to French culture, had the wits to cast their rebellion in political terms to win over the Leftists in France, such as those two contemptible fools Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Describing their violence as religion-motivated would not attract those two and their soulmates on the Left Bank. Instead, theirs would be known as a Third World war of national liberation. Hence, the rebels created the FLN, which became the darling of the international left and was the model Muslims in the Land of Israel adopted when they created the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964, two years after Algerian independence. In 1966, the trendy film community at the Venice Film Festival celebrated the pro-FLN, pseudo-documentary The Battle of Algiers by Italian Jewish progressive filmmaker Gilo Pontecorvo. That movie won the Golden Lion and later was nominated for an Oscar in Hollywood. The PLOs most important terror cell was Fatah, a name Arafat and his seven co-founders chose because it means conquest and because its letters could, in reverse order, be seen as an acronym for Palestinian Liberation Organization. The founders, all raised in the Muslim Brotherhood, had disagreed over the extent to which Islam would be their ideology versus a political-nationalist struggle. Fatah was thus chosen to please both factions. Fatah is the title of the 48th sura in the Koran and in context means conquest of the infidel, which pleased the religious faction, and the acronym satisfied the Leftists. In sum, the name Fatah was camouflage for jihad. All of this brings us back to Mahmoud Khalil, the Democrats current poster boy? He clearly has been in contact with the Algerians, where the FLN still rules. In 1974 as well, Yasir Arafat spoke to the UN General Assembly, officially invited by the President of the Assembly Abdelazziz Boutiflika, before his election a leading FLN terrorist and later president of the country. The morning before Arafat spoke, he flew into JFK on an Air Algerie airliner and cleared passport control with the Algerian diplomatic passport given him. Khalils dubious and slippery national identity reflects the truth that the so-called Palestinian war for national liberation, just like the Algerian war for independence, is a smoke screen cloaking the eternal religious jihad. It is Islams mission to conquer the whole of mankind because Muslims believe that all of mankinds manifold religions are wrong. They believe theirs is the correct religion and Muslims have the obligation to rule over the whole world and to oppress and humiliate non-Muslims who refuse to convert. In his first term, President Trump was falsely accused of calling for barring all Muslims from entering the US when, in fact, he had called for barring only those from countries where violent Islamic fanatics were prominent. However, if hed actually been able to bar them all, no harm would have been done. To the contrary, this would have only strengthened America against this imperialistic, predatory faith community, which today is swallowing up Western Europe and wants to do the same to the USA. There are some 3,000 mosques in the US, financed by the Qataris, Saudis, and Kuwaitis, all of them on Fridays echoing with angry sermons about the perfidy of the Jews and Christians. Check out Memri.orgs archives of sermons in these houses of worship, places that also foster polygamy, which is illegal in every state. That is the Muslim technique of conquest; not by gun-toting soldiers invading with military-grade weapons but through unarmed Muslims, whose principal war-fighting equipment are the wombs of their multiple wives. As the Algerian war of national liberation was underneath really more of the jihad against infidels, so the Algeria-aided Palestinian Mahmoud Khalil is another jihadi in disguise in Islams war against Israel-supporting America. Shai ben-Tekoas PHANTOM NATION: Inventing the Palestinians as the Obstacle to Peace is available at Amazon.com in hard cover or a Kindle ebook. His podcasts can be heard on www.phantom-nation.com. Weve all seen the movies. Two countries are hostile, but not engaged in a hot war. One of the countries sends small, furtive bands of soldiers, all disguised as civilians, into the other country, to destabilize it or, at the appropriate moment, to cast off their disguises for a hot war. Or perhaps, one country sends the other a beautiful wooden horse filled with soldiers... None of this is unrealistic. Today, hostile nations, in an undeclared war against America, send their violent, criminal foot-soldiers here to destabilize our country. Donald Trump understands whats happening and sought to use a statute that empowers him to fight this covert warfare...only to have an Obama-nominated district court judge arrogate to himself the constitutional executives plenary power over Americas foreign policy and national security. The military tactic of sending small bands of disguised troops into an enemy country is as old as war itselfand of course, our well-educated Founders fully understood this. Thats why, in 1798, the same generation that ratified the Constitution in 1787 and the Bill of Rights in 1791 (so it must be presumed to have understood what those documents meant), passed the Alien Enemies Act, one of a series of four acts designed to protect the new nation from enemy action. The substantive portion of 50 U.S. Code 21 is short, so Ill quote it in its entirety (emphasis mine): Whenever there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government, and the President makes public proclamation of the event, all natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects of the hostile nation or government, being of the age of fourteen years and upward, who shall be within the United States and not actually naturalized, shall be liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as alien enemies. The President is authorized in any such event, by his proclamation thereof, or other public act, to direct the conduct to be observed on the part of the United States, toward the aliens who become so liable; the manner and degree of the restraint to which they shall be subject and in what cases, and upon what security their residence shall be permitted, and to provide for the removal of those who, not being permitted to reside within the United States, refuse or neglect to depart therefrom; and to establish any other regulations which are found necessary in the premises and for the public safety. In sum, when a foreign government authorizes a predatory incursion into the US, the president, and only the president, after announcing that this is, in fact, a foreign nations predatory act against America, may then apprehend and deport select citizens of that foreign nation. The act clearly does not require that he deport every citizen of that nation resident in America; only those whom the president, in his sole discretion, deems a threat. This brings us to the Tren de Aragua gang members who came from Venezuela to America and have been terrorizing American communities. Unlike many illegal aliens who come here for jobs or welfare, these immigrants are part of weaponized migration intended to destabilize America by overloading its systems and flooding us with hardcore criminals. In an essay about Nicaraguas weaponized migration against the U.S., Manuel Orozco describes not just Nicaraguas acts, but also the general principle behind the bands of covert foreign warriors sent to America: The third axis of the regime is one of weaponizing migration to damage the United States. [snip] A reality of the post-pandemic period is that 18 countries (China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela) represent 92 percent of all irregular migration that reaches the border with Mexico. [snip] The family clan identified these nationalities and took advantage of the economic and political opportunity to weaponize migration as a foreign policy against the United States and increased the weight of the humanitarian crisis. Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro has followed the same tactic. Thus, in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security apparently issued an intelligence report indicating that Maduro was deliberately sending Venezuelas most violent prisoners to America. This is precisely the activity the Alien Enemies Act was intended to counter. In accordance with the authority the Founders generation gave to the Commander in Chief to protect America, Trump attempted to deport hundreds of Tren de Aragua members expeditiously, without spending endless time and taxpayer funds going through the immigration system. To that end, he explicitly invoked the Act, and then put Tren de Aragua members on airplanes back to Venezuela. And note, again, that the act empowers only the executive to determine which aliens are enemies, and which are not. One D.C. federal district court judge, James Boasberg, however, decided to arrogate to himself that unique executive authority. Yesterday, moments after the flight with the gang members departed, he ordered the plane returned to the U.S. The judge did so because he was swayed by arguments from lawyers on behalf of these violent criminals (who stand accused of crimes such as drug and sex trafficking, murder, assault, pedophilia, etc.) claiming that it was just wrong for the president to have the power the act confers upon him: Theres nothing in the law itself that would require it to be limited to undocumented individuals or individuals who have committed crimes, said Katherine Yon Ebright, counsel on the liberty and national security team at the center-left Brennan Center for Justice. Its not about legal status, consistent with the idea that its a wartime authority, not an immigration authority. As noted, this is just wrong. Americans of all colors, races, creeds, countries of national origin, etc., desperately want their communities made safe again. And the Democrats, equally desperately, want the worlds most violent criminals to spread throughout America. While the worlds dictators send in their columns, the Democrats have activated their Fifth Columnists. Image made using Grok. On March 11, 2025, Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) sparked outrage during a House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee hearing by referring to Sarah McBride, the Delaware poster child of the progressive elite and self-proclaimed "first transgender member of Congress," as "Mr. McBride." The response was predictable a truth bomb that sent the sanctimonious left into a frenzy. Rep. Bill Keating, that self-righteous Democrat loudmouth from Massachusetts, nearly choked on his own hypocrisy, demanding an apology and lamenting about decency like a preacher whos lost his flock. Self didnt back down he slammed the gavel, adjourned the circus, and later told Fox News hes not there to play along with McBrides gender charade: I dont have to participate in his fantasy, he declared, and it certainly deserves a standing ovation from anyone with a shred of common sense left in this country. Self is no stranger to standing his ground. A retired Green Beret with 25 years in the Army, he isnt some soft-handed career politician swayed by every gust of outrage. Lt. Col. Keith Self was born in a military hospital in 1953 during his fathers service in the United States Army, returning to Texas with their five-week-old son. Self grew up immersed in discipline and duty values he carried through West Point. His service took him to Europe, the Middle East, and the Pentagon, where he worked on the most sensitive military matters. Widely recognized for his strong leadership abilities, Keith served as Infantry Platoon Leader, Special Forces Detachment Commander, Company Commander, and Executive Officer to a Major General in Egypt, managing $2 billion in security assistance. In addition, Keith served in Joint Staff assignments in US European Command and later in NATO Military Headquarters in Belgium. This man has a backbone forged in fire, not the flimsy Play-Doh spine you see in many of D.C.s spineless wonders. When he told conservative firebrand Michael Knowles, Im a retired Green Beret. Im not sure what all the fuss is about, you could practically hear the eye-roll through the screen a soldiers disdain for the petty tantrums of the perpetually offended. Let us be honest: Self doesnt have to tiptoe around McBrides delusions. McBride can wear whatever he wants freedom is a beautiful thing but we shouldnt be expected to accept the idea that biology is merely a suggestion. Self reaffirmed his stance, pointing to Trumps Jan. 20 executive order, which states that the U.S. recognizes only two sexes: male and female. Thats not an insult; its a fact supported by science and logic, rather than the fevered fantasies of the woke brigade. McBride is free to live his life, but Self isnt here to play pronoun roulette he has a job to do, and it doesnt involve coddling egos. The lefts meltdown was immediate. Keating, with all the seriousness of a wet sock, attempted to shame Self into compliance by asking, Have you no decency? Oh, spare us the theatrics. Self didnt toss around insults or start a fight; he simply called it as he saw it. McBrides response, Thank you, Madam Chair, was a clever little jab, but Self didnt engage. He shut it down and walked away, leaving the whiners to stew. Thats not cowardice; thats a man refusing to let a sideshow derail the mission. The hearing focused on arms control and U.S. aid to Europe, and was not a therapy session for delicate feelings. This isnt Selfs first rodeo with controversy, either. Back in 2023, he faced criticism for suggesting that the Second Amendment includes cannons hardly a surprising stance for someone whos handled real firepower. Hes a Constitutional bulldog, not a lapdog, and thats why his district a part of North Texas that favors BBQ over Brie sent him to Washington. Theyre tired of the pandering, and Selfs their guy: a straightforward vet whod prefer to ruffle feathers than kiss rings. The McBride incident fits into a larger pattern. Republicans have been attacking the transgender agenda since Trumps return, and Self is just one soldier in this fight. Consider also Nancy Mace, who promoted a resolution last November to ban trans women from Capitol bathrooms obviously aimed at McBride. Or take Mary Miller, who misgendered McBride on the House floor in February, proudly declaring, Enough with the lies! These arent random attacks; they represent a coordinated pushback against a cultural tide that has submerged reason in a sea of glitter and guilt trips. And lets not kid ourselves the outrage is selective. McBride wants to be seen as more than a transgender icon, lamenting to Politico that "shes" here for housing, health care, and child care, not pronouns. Fine, then stop turning every slight into a headline. Self didnt storm this person's office with a pitchfork he used a title and moved on. If McBrides so focused on Delawareans, why is McBride holding on to pearls instead of policy papers? Selfs stance isnt about hate; its about standing firm. In a Congress where too many yield to political correctness demands, hes a rare figure who chooses to face criticism rather than pretend to be polite. The woke mob can shout as much as they want Selfs not budging, and neither are the millions who see through the emperors new clothes. Hes a Texas titan, a warrior in a suit, and when he drew that line in the sand, he dared the fools to cross it. They didnt. They never do. Because deep down, they know hes right and thats what frightens them the most. Image: Official picture, via Wikipedia // public domain Some young boys in Afghanistan are forcibly adorned with makeup and made to wear gaily colored womens clothing while dancing and entertaining before groups of powerful men through the local practice known as Bacha Bazi. The ancient, barbaric, and bizarre practice, whose name translates to 'boy play, frequently renders them nothing more than sex slaves for the elite. Though Afghanistan's Taliban leadership purports to oppose it, Bacha Bazi continues to exist as an open secret. This is extremely disturbing. Couldnt these powerful, elite men just put their goats in a dress and get their jollies that way? Leave the kids out of it, for the love of Allah! Its bad enough to be one or the other, but to be both a transgender-loving sexual harasser and a pedophile is a bit much. Many of the more radical transgender activists in the U.S. publicly state their affinity for Hamas and other Middle Eastern terrorist groups. Perhaps theyd like to travel to Afghanistan and entertain the troops, so to speak. Forced transvestitism seems like something they might be O.K. with. On second thought, theyd probably just want to dance for the kids. Or read to them. Image: Picryl // public domain Democrats always need to be told. Just as they had to be told by some sheriff in Colorado not to fling poop at protests, now they need to be told they have to have dignity, stop pulling 'stunts' and above all, quit making asses of themselves. According to Fox Digital, the cynical old Democrat political operative, James Carville, who engineered Bill Clinton's victories in the 1990s, gave it to a group of Democrat fatcats straight: As we speak, Im in San Francisco with a lot of Democratic donors. And Im telling them the last thing we want is throwing our hands in the air, screaming, protesting or anything like that, Carville said. This is a critical time in the history of the country. Im 80 years old. I have never, ever been not close to as afraid for the country as I am now. And I think the Democrats we act like it. I think we should be determined, we should be dignified, okay? And thats got to guide how we do this, he continued. This is not the time for stunts, it really isnt I always say Carvilles first commandment of politics is: Thou shalt not make an ass out of thyself. And people ought to keep that in mind. Which ought to be kind of embarrassing, actually. No sane adult should need to be told these things, but these are Democrats we are talking about, and their lack of self-awareness can get pretty stratospheric. He may have been watching reports like these, given that he insisted that his party was in its worst crisis: Democrats had hit bottom, many said. They hadnt. The Dems favorability has hit a new record low of 29%. The Party is trapped between a base that wants trans sports, open borders, DEI, ESG, Ukraine war, and mass censorship, and swing voters who really, really dont. https://t.co/fhp2awRHjK pic.twitter.com/0GpgwMErBU Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) March 16, 2025 A 29% public approval rating? It's bad out there. And gone is Carville's silly forecast that President Trump's support would "crater." He's running scared now, and giving it to Democrats straight. Image: Screen shot from X video Do the Bidens ever change? Less than two months after Joe Biden issued them all a slew of blanket multi-year pardons for unspecified but obviously abundant crimes, Hunter Biden is back to his old ways. According to Miranda Devine of the New York Post, citing photographs taken by activist Laura Loomer: Hunter Biden fled last week to South Africa for a luxury vacation with round-the-clock Secret Service protection avoiding a grueling deposition scheduled for this week in a California lawsuit. Zieglers lawyers alleged to the court last week that Hunter had fled to South Africa to potentially avoid his deposition in this case, which was set for this week, after originally being planned for February. He was in South Africa before the judge even decided the case, Ziegler said Friday. That means he is assuming his daddys appointee is gonna rubber stamp what he wants. So he's too poor to continue his junk harassment suit against former Trump official Garrett Ziegler, but he's not too poor to take himself onto a luxury vacay with his latest wife and most recent child, who is Navy Joan's younger stepsister, complete with a full Secret Service entourage in tow. Devine continued: Loomer cites local sources who claim that Hunter is traveling with 18 agents three shifts of four agents plus six backup agents who are staying at a nearby four-star hotel, collecting per-diem payments for meals and renting two cars. The cost to the taxpayer potentially would be a half-million dollars, at a time when the Secret Service is stretched thin. In Iran, many women risk years in prison -- or death trying to assert their right to live without having to wear a chador, or long head covering, often informally called a 'hijab' in the West. Meanwhile, in formerly Jolly Olde England, Labour Party Members of Parliament are proposing that possessing images of Muslim women without their hijabs should be made a criminal offense. You read that right. Unfortunately. Something called the "Commons Women and Equalities Committee" is proposing that a picture of a Muslim woman without a religious headscarf, taken without her consent, should be considered non-consensual intimate images and be treated as seriously as child sex abuse material. Abominable. Owning images of Muslim women without their hijab should be a criminal offence, Labour M.P.s propose, GB News recently reported. The committee says that English law currently defines an intimate image as one which shows its subject fully or partially nude, engaging in a sexual act, or using the bathroom. But recently, the Labour-led group has claimed that abuse should also include material that is considered culturally intimate for the victim, such as a Muslim woman being pictured without her hijab. It added: The Government should expand the legal definition to include such images. Make no mistake, this isnt in defense of Muslim women, it is outright pandering to the burgeoning population of Muslim men, many of whom historically view and treat their women as property. In fact, it is a slap to the veil-covered faces of the countless Muslim women who would like to free themselves from the dictates of an actual patriarchy. So, the Labour Party, like all the others in Britain, ignores the heinous actions of gang-rape gangs and the nearly incessant sexual assault of young girls in towns throughout Britain, and instead chooses to equate seeing an adult Muslim womans chin or earlobe with hardcore child pornography. There is no word in the English language to adequately describe that level of perversion and insanity. Pedophiles, rapists, and other criminals run wild across the U.K. and authorities routinely let it happen, doing nothing. But, in the future, if you dare to possess a photo of a (Muslim) woman sans hijab, face uncovered and lifted towards the sun, you might pay a heavy price. Britain is effed. Indeed, you cant spell f*c*ed without the U.K. Image: James Gordon, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 2.0 Deed If you have wondered from whence this current Jew-hatred has emanated, it is decidedly not home-grown. But it was definitely encouraged and supported by the United States government in the 1950s, in response to the Cold War and a fear of a Russian rise in influence. Accordingly, the United States courted Middle Eastern countries as pushback to Russian competition and aggression. Concomitantly, the government put emphasis on the training of diplomats for Middle Eastern countries. Slowly, the study of the Middle East was inserted into prestigious Ivy League curricula. Harvard and Princeton were the originators; other colleges slowly followed. With the creation of these departments came donations for their founding by Egypt and subsequently Turkey, who were ultimately joined by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Today, the largest university recipients of Arab money are Cornell, Georgetown, Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, and NYU. The Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard was founded in 1954! The Center for Middle Eastern Studies was established at Berkeley in 1965. Section 117 of the Foreign Gift and Contract Reporting of the Higher Education Act of 1965 was enacted as Arab money gifted to American Universities became more prevalent. The act mandated that all universities have to report all foreign gifts or contracts exceeding $250,000 to the Department of Education. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of foreign donations have not been reported. A total lack of transparency regarding foreign donations to American Universities has been allowed to exist, in plain sight, for decades. It is estimated that Arab funding has reached 50 billion dollars. Approximately one quarter, or 13.1 billion dollars, has been gifted by Arab individuals, institutions, and governments. Qatar is the largest single government donor at $6 billion. Qatar is followed by Saudi Arabia, which has given $3.5 billion, and the United Arab Emirates, which has forked over $1.5 billion. In return for this economic largesse, the Arab countries have expected and have received much in return from the recipient universities, their staffs, and their students: - Support for the program of Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) of Israel, with the end goal being the demise of Israel which failed spectacularly - Support for radical Islamic protests on campus which have been extremely disruptive - Admittance of Arab students into top universities regardless of qualifications - Full support for Islamic propaganda and historical distortions. It is obvious that the insertion of gobs of Arab money and lies into the American culture, for almost three quarters of a century, has had an extremely malignant effect on American campus life and society as a whole. Now that the cancer has been identified, it must be excised. There is no cure other than complete removal. Image: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. William Shakespeare has long been considered one of Englands great men because of his extraordinary output of timeless plays and sonnets. They that shaped the English language as well as exporting ideas about British culture...not because the Brits foisted his works on others, but because others recognized their beauty and universality. Now, though, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, as part of the nations push for national suicide, which is the premier Shakespeare organization in England, has decided that Shakespeare is just too...English, and thats bad. In answer to Hamlets question (to be or not to be), the Trust has determined that Shakespeare is not to be. Once, every educated person had seen or read at least some Shakespeare plays. His comedies made us laugh, his histories taught us about the nature of power and reminded us that those who are high can be brought low and vice versa, and his tragedies continued popularity revealed that the human condition is unchanging and that human folly brings disaster in its wake. Yes, these plays were set in England (even the plays set in Italy or ancient Rome were still set in England), but they had a universality that saw them rise above time and place. Add in Shakespeares exquisite prose, which shaped the English language for centuries after he died, and you had something that made, and should still make, the British very proud. Image by Pixlr AI. However, as Shakespeare himself knew, human folly remains constant, and nothing reveals greater folly than the lefts march on Western culture. Britain definitely did bad things over the centuries. After all, it kicked every Jew out of England for hundreds of years (so Shakespeare had never seen a Jew when he created Shylock) it was one of the major participants in the African slave trade, it was one of the worlds major colonizers, and it treated factory workers badly during the beginning of the industrial revolution. Bad Britain! But, because events must be understood within the times in which they occur, the entire medieval world was antisemitic, every nation in the history of humankind relied on slavery, every powerful nation in the history of world practiced colonialism, and all Western nations allowed workers to be abused in the early days of industrialism. In other words, Britain was no worse than the nations around her. When Britain was good, though, she was very, very good. It was Britains Great Awakening, a religious crisis of conscience, that led to the abolition of slavery, the end of child labor, and the general improvement of working conditions. And while Britain was a colonialist, Niall Ferguson has pointed out something fascinating: Former British colonies, wherever they are in the world, have thrived, exceeding nations in their regions that others had colonized (and everyone was colonizing everyone, whether Western, Asian, or Muslim). In other words, while we moderns can rant against the evils of colonization, everyone was doing it, and the lucky nations got England as their rulers. Here in America, a former British colony that rose to be the most successful nation in the world, we thrived because the British gave us their ideas about individual liberty. Thank you, Britain! We parted ways with you when you abandoned your own principles, but we kept the principles. In other words, Englands history is a mixed bag but it was better than mostand the British, while they shouldnt deny the bad, should mostly be proud of the good. But now, having drowned itself in a sea of leftism, and imported millions of people who believe that their culture (Islam) is infinitely superior to that of their new home, Britain has determined that Shakespeare, who was practically the avatar of the best of Britain, must be jettisoned. To that end, his birthplace will be cleansed of Britains colonialist stain: William Shakespeares birthplace is being decolonised following concerns about the playwright being used to promote white supremacy. [snip] It is now decolonising its vast collection to create a more inclusive museum experience. This process includes exploring the continued impact of Empire on the collection, the impact of colonialism on world history, and how Shakespeares work has played a part in this. [snip] The process of decolonising, which typically means moving away from Western perspectives, comes after concerns were raised that Shakespeares genius was used to advance ideas about white supremacy. The claims were made in a 2022 collaborative research project between the trust and Dr Helen Hopkins, an academic at the University of Birmingham. The problem was that the Trust dared present Shakespeares ideas as genius universal ruminations about power, folly, love, and tragedy. Nothing, it seems, could be more evil: This idea of Shakespeares universal genius benefits the ideology of white European supremacy, it was claimed. The audacity! What this means is that those who dare admire Shakespeare are guilty of white Anglo-centric, Eurocentric, and increasingly West-centric worldviews that continue to do harm in the world today. This admiration causes epistemic violence (a nonsense phrase meaning it makes leftists sad). In an interview with Laura Ingraham, JD Vance warned that Europe is at risk of engaging in civilizational suicide. He spoke in terms of open borders and totalitarian speech control. Hes right, of course. But those are the manifestations of something deeper: For over 100 years, leftists have brainwashed Europeans into believing that the civilization they built is so flawed that their very existence is evil. Marinated in those beliefs, civilizational suicide is the only reasonable option. And so, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which once existed to celebrate Britains greatest man of letters, must now go out of its way to expose the evil inherent in his work. Whats happening at Shakespeares birthplace is another reason America really needs to pull out of NATO, because theres nothing left in Europe to defend. We are simply giving money to people who hate the West and America, and who are dedicating themselves to the downfall of both. On Friday, President Donald Trump walked into the Department of Justice not to deliver a campaign speech, but to deliver a message. In a striking press conference, joined by top law enforcement officials, he laid out a clear mandate: The era of weaponized government is over, and the restoration of law and order has begun. The DOJ has been put on notice, and the American people have been put on alert: justice is back in action. Justice isnt about politics. Its about protecting the people and were done apologizing for enforcing the law, he declared. This isnt a show of force; its a show of justice. Pam Bondi came armed with evidence. First she held up a tiny vial, barely a trace of fentanyl, enough to kill thousands, emphasizing the lethal reality America faces. Then she gestured toward a second display stacked on the floor beside her: a much larger seizure from recent operations, enough fentanyl to kill 90 million Americans. Bondi was clear: This isnt political theater; its a declaration of justice. Bondi wasnt alone. FBI director Kash Patel brought the numbers. In just three weeks, Patels revitalized FBI team executed 2,741 arrests. Eight hundred forty-two violent offenders. Five hundred nineteen major drug traffickers. One hundred thirty-one human traffickers. This is justice finally unleashed. Were not building cases for headlines; were building them for convictions, Patel stated firmly. The mission is simple: equal justice, no exceptions. President Trump isnt defunding the police. Hes restoring their mission, realigning law enforcement with the citizens its supposed to protect. No more loyalty tests, no more political witch hunts. Just the law, applied equally. At the border, Tom Homan is sending cartel operatives packing. The numbers speak louder than any rhetoric: 5,912 arrests at the border, 1,104 cartel members, 2,200 fentanyl-traffickers, and over 3,000 criminal illegals with prior convictions all in just three weeks. These numbers represent real lives affected. Every fentanyl-trafficker taken off the streets means lives saved. Every violent offender behind bars means neighborhoods can finally sleep in peace. Parents no longer wonder if their children will make it home from school. Communities that had lost trust in law enforcement are finally seeing justice served not selectively, but swiftly and equally. This reckoning is a response to years of corrosive politicization. Under the Biden administration, the DOJ didnt just drift off course; it was hijacked. We saw parents labeled domestic threats, whistleblowers punished, and FBI agents reassigned for questioning the narrative. Americans who dared to speak up were surveilled, censored, and silenced. This restoration will not happen overnight. There is an unbelievable amount of work ahead. Weve had an invasion of crime across every community in America not to mention the internal cultural rot that infected our law enforcement agencies. These agencies were defunded or neutered, or both. And while our best and brightest were passed over, hiring decisions were driven by DIE checklists, ESG mandates, and political loyalty tests. The weaponization ran deep. Lets not forget: Under Joe Biden, the so-called number-one threat after climate change wasnt cartel crime, gang violence, or fentanyl. It was parents. Yes, parents who dared to speak up at school board meetings were labeled domestic terrorists. President Trumps decision to elevate leaders like Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Tom Homan speaks volumes. These are bold, seasoned, no-nonsense defenders of justice who bring integrity and real results to the mission. Bondi is a fearless prosecutor who speaks truth without spin. Patel is a relentless reformer who understands the Deep State from the inside out. And Homan is a border enforcer with a record that speaks louder than any press conference. These are extraordinary picks, and their presence signals that this is not business as usual; this is a total reset of justice in America. Yet even as justice returns and American communities grow safer, predictable outrage erupts from the left. Arrest violent criminals, seize deadly fentanyl, deport cartel operatives, restore law enforcement integrity and somehow, they still call it a threat to democracy. Consider the hypocrisy: When justice targeted political opponents, they applauded. But when President Trump directs justice toward crime, they label it tyranny. Pam Bondi showcases fentanyl capable of killing millions of Americans and they scoff. Kash Patel announces a crackdown on violent criminals and they sneer. The truth is clear: It was never about protecting the people. It was always about protecting power. The reckoning has begun. Wendy Kinney is a Christian, legal strategist, attorney, and entrepreneur dedicated to free speech, financial liberty, and constitutional rights. As Founder & CEO of Revere Payments, she fights financial censorship and government overreach. Her work is rooted in light, guided by principle, and fearless in defense of freedom. Image via Raw Pixel. According to a report from the Daily Caller News Foundation: A British jury convicted United Nations Judge Lydia Mugambe on Thursday of forcing a Ugandan woman into domestic servitude after luring her to the U.K. under false pretenses. Say what? The DCNF: Mugambe, who also serves as a high court judge in Uganda, brought the victim to Britain under the guise of securing her a job in a diplomatic household only to make her work as an unpaid maid and nanny. She confiscated the victims passport and visa, leaving her trapped until she was able to contact a friend, who alerted authorities, according to a Thames Valley Police statement. According to her profile on the U.N.s website, the 49-year-old judge was studying for a doctorate at the University of Oxford at the time. Incredibly, she is also listed on Columbia Universitys website as a fellow in their human rights program. Seems kind of ironic if you ask me. Mugambe was found guilty on four charges, including forced labor, an immigration offense and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 2. Mugambe is a United Nations judge and a high court judge in Uganda? She is a fellow in a prestigious Ivy League universitys human rights program? And Mugambe, who is black, forced another woman into unpaid servitude, a.k.a., slavery? I dont know about you, but I hate that when that happens! It seems like a bit of a faux pas to be called out for being a slave holder in 2025, especially when youre black yourself. This story would appear preposterous, unbelievable were it not for so many other recent ones like it that have proven to be true and accurate, such as the UN Climate Change Conference clear-cutting trees in the Amazon rainforest so that it could hold its 2025 meeting there, Rep. Jasmine Crockett saying that those that have illegally crossed our border did not commit a crime, and Canadas assertion that it might seek a partnership of nuclear-armed nations to oppose the United States. The formerly Great Britain is in the process of quickly surrendering to radical Islam. The UN is, and has been, a bad joke that does far more harm than good. It is often unable or unwilling to stop massacres and genocides from occurring even where its troops are stationed. Worse yet, its peacekeeper troops have engaged in large-scale child sexual abuse. Mugambe is a reminder that the UN is often a burden, not a benefit to the planet. The United States needs to stop funding it and to expel it from the country ASAP. Image: The Swedish History Museum, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Deed Alexandra Clarke, a 26-year-old backpacker from London, is missing after a boat fire in Thailand A British tourist is missing after a fire broke out on a diving boat off the island of Koh Tao in Thailand. Alexandra Clarke, 26, a backpacker from London, was reportedly in the bathroom at the back of the boat when a blaze ignited from the engine of the wooden vessel at 9.15am local time on Sunday. There were 22 people aboard the boat, named Davy Jones Locker, 16 of whom were tourists, according to officials. Fifteen tourists were evacuated to another boat, along with two crew members and four diving instructors and assistants. Photos from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing across the sky, as neighbouring boats watch on. After the fire was extinguished, the authorities conducted a thorough search and discovered one person was missing. The boat was reportedly transporting tourists from Koh Tao to a diving site at Southwest Pinnacle, and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. A fire ripped through a diving boat off the coast of Thailands Koh Tao - AsiaPacificPress via ViralPress/AsiaPacificPress via ViralPress Capt Natthaphon Sinpoonphon, the deputy director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre of Surat Thani, said: The boat was carrying a group of tourists for a diving excursion from Koh Tao. It was between five and six nautical miles away from the island. A fire started in the engine room and spread through the boat rapidly. Thai-MECC Surat Thani coordinated with private vessels and volunteers to safely evacuate the tourists and crew members onto another boat. Meanwhile, another team of volunteers worked to control the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the engine room, captains cabin and rear restroom were damaged. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Lt Col Nattapol Sinpunphol, the deputy director of the Surat Thani Marine Department, said: The search is continuing for one missing tourist, a female, Alexandra Clarke, from the United Kingdom. The conditions at sea are dangerous with the wind and currents. All boats in the area have been notified. Search and rescue teams were immediately mobilised. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: We are supporting the family of a British woman who is missing in Thailand and are in contact with local authorities. Koh Tao, a popular scuba diving destination, has been branded Death Island in recent years following a number of murders and disappearances. Sairee Beach, on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand - Logan Brown/Robert Harding World Imagery In 2014, the bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, two British backpackers, were found on Sairee Beach in the early hours of Sept 15. Doubt still lingers on the conviction of two migrant Burmese workers, U Zaw Lin and U Win Zaw Htun, for their murder, after a stumbling police investigation and speculation of a cover-up to protect a prominent local family. There have been at least 16 known cases of unexplained or suspicious tourists deaths on the island since 2014, but the number is thought to be a lot higher. Last year, the body of Theo Bailey, another British backpacker, was found in a shallow ditch on April 12 after he went missing on a night out with his girlfriend. Eddie Howe became the first manager in 70 years to guide Newcastle to domestic silverware when they beat Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup. Not since Duggie Livingstone presided over the Tyneside clubs 1955 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City has the St James Park trophy cabinet been opened to welcome one of English footballs big prizes. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the men who came closest to ending that wait before 47-year-old Howe, who himself suffered the disappointment of a 2023 League Cup final defeat by Manchester United, finally got the job done. Joe Harvey Joe Harvey guided Newcastle to the 1974 FA Cup final (PA) Harvey, the last Newcastle manager to achieve tangible success in the 1969 Inter Cities Fairs Cup, hoped to add a domestic prize to his curriculum vitae when he took the club to the 1974 FA Cup final. However, Liverpool and future Magpies boss Kevin Keegan in particular had different ideas with the England international scoring twice in a 3-0 victory for the Reds beneath the Twin Towers. Gordon Lee Gordon Lee (right) was in charge when Newcastle made it to the League Cup final in 1976 (PA) Lee was at the St James helm by the time the club booked a 1976 League Cup final showdown with Manchester City, but his big day ended in similar disappointment. Hopes were high when Alan Gowling cancelled out Peter Barnes opener, but Dennis Tuearts spectacular overhead kick ultimately won it for City. Kevin Keegan Kevin Keegans Newcastle led the Premiership by 12 points before ultimately finishing second (David Jones/PA) Still revered on Tyneside, Keegan had fans dreaming of title success for the first time since 1927 when he took Newcastle 12 points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership table in January 1996. However, they lost five of their last 13 games as United claimed 34 of the 39 points available to them during the same period to overhaul the men from the north-east. Kenny Dalglish Kenny Dalglish led Newcastle to the 1998 FA Cup final (Owen Humphreys/PA) Dalglish, who had denied Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson the title as Blackburn boss in 1994-95, took over from Keegan in January 1997 and having guided the Magpies to a second successive runners-up spot behind United at the end of that campaign, set his sights on FA Cup glory in 1998. However, it was his misfortune to find Arsene Wengers title-winning Arsenal standing in his way and goals from Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka either side of half-time saw them complete the double. Ruud Gullit Ruud Gullit also suffered FA Cup final disappointment in 1999 (Owen Humphreys/PA) Twelve months later, Newcastle were back at headquarters in the final of the same competition, this time with Ruud Gullit, who had won the FA Cup with Chelsea two season earlier, in charge. The Dutchman was even more unlucky than his predecessor to be pitched into battle with a soon-to-be-knighted Manchester United boss Ferguson, who looked on as Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes netted to clinch the second leg of an unprecedented treble four days before the Red Devils beat Bayern Munich in Barcelona to add the Champions League to their Premier League crown. British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones has said it is exciting and important to inspire a new generation ahead of her mentoring a group of young filmmakers. The actress, 26, is part of Set The Stage, a Bafta and EE partnership to highlight the variety of creative careers in the film industry. The initiative is offering teenagers the chance to write, direct and produce a short film under the guidance of a crew of industry experts. She said: I loved Sean Bakers speech for the Oscars. He talked about, parents take your kids to the theatres, go and watch movies and experience art together in a collective way. I think its really exciting and important to inspire a new generation. Daisy Edgar-Jones has teamed up with EE and Bafta for Set The Stage, a campaign highlighting the variety of creative careers in the film industry (EE/Bafta/PA) I think especially if youre not someone who had the chance to grow up in a creative household, who had parents who are maybe, you know in the industry, just to know that there are opportunities there, and that if you have a passion in the arts, that theres a real, tangible job that can be found. I think this opportunity is a chance to say, actually, there is a lot of really exciting new opportunities that are coming up every day when it comes to designing software for video games, or social media, theres a lot of opportunity now for young people to pursue their passion without necessarily needing a kind of foot in the door or network, perhaps through family or where they grew up. I think its just really important to encourage young people to know that they have the opportunity to, free of charge, take part in something like this, and learn and get a foot in the door. American director Baker won the best director Oscar for Anora at the awards ceremony earlier this month, with the film, about a stripper who falls for the son of a Russian oligarch, taking home five Oscars in total. Daisy Edgar-Jones starred in Twisters last year (Ian West/PA) Baker, who became the first person to individually win four Oscars for a single film at one ceremony, used his speech to make a plea for the return of theatregoers to cinemas following the pandemic, saying when the world is so divided, people need the communal experience. Edgar-Joness advice to young people starting out in the industry is that passion is everything. She said: I think being fearless to try and fail and create and explore and be curious. Im certainly like, can fear getting it wrong sometimes, but I think its only through trial and error and bold choices and being courageous enough to try. I just think, if you have a passion, pursue it and be driven and unwavering in it. Teenagers aged 15 to 17 who are interested in filmmaking can apply to be a part of the final 16-strong crew who will create a short film under the guidance of industry experts across storytelling, production and direction, including mentorship from Bafta-nominated actress Edgar-Jones. Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne and Paul Mescal as Connell in the BBCs Normal People (Enda Bowe/BBC/PA) She shot to fame as Marianne Sheridan in Normal People alongside Paul Mescal, who played her love interest Connell Waldron in the BBC mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Irish author Sally Rooney. The romantic drama, which was released on BBC Three in April 2020, focused on the on-off relationship between the Irish teenagers, beginning in their school days through to their time at university. She has since appeared in the big-screen adaptation of the hit book Where The Crawdads Sing, as well as the blockbuster film Twisters, a sequel to 1996s Twister, alongside Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos. She also recently starred opposite Bob Marley: One Love actor Kingsley Ben-Adir and The Walking Dead star Lennie James in a production of Tennessee Williamss Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at the Almeida theatre. Applications for EE and Baftas Set The Stage close on March 21 and can be submitted through the official EE Instagram and TikTok accounts. Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence In a past life I was a teaching assistant in a prep school, and the experience turned me into an advocate for military conscription. The boys were great till roughly age 11; docile, easily taught. After that they became pugilistic and sex-obsessed, and covered in spots. I was trying to persuade them to read Lord of the Flies, while they were getting on with living it. Adolescence, a TV drama that follows the arrest of a 13-year-old boy for murder, holds no surprises for teachers. It stands out in an era of over-produced dross for its elegant simplicity: a single camera, one take, it dips in and out of the justice process in real-time, as if eavesdropping on an everyday tragedy. This is the kind of relevant drama the BBC insists only it can make, yet its Netflix thats gone and done it. Each episode is set in an institution cop shop, school, detention centre that seems to function solely to keep a lid on violence, its energies so distracted that it has no time for its official job. A friend texted: thats the best representation of a high school Ive ever seen on TV. Why? Because theyre always watching videos. The students are kept in class to keep them off the streets one of them bolts through an open window and the adults seem to know less about life than the kids do. The police cannot fathom why the boy, called Jamie, stabbed to death a nice girl who apparently liked him, till a gormless teen translates her Instagram messages. She was mocking him with emojis; Jamie had asserted his manhood. That Andrew Tate shite, moans a copper, as if Tate a fascistic online influencer corrupting serpent in the garden of childhood. Pundits have leapt on the show as an indictment of the contemporary manopshere (one columnist was given the unfortunate headline if you know a 13-year-old boy, talk to him about what being a man is, which sounds like a perverts charter) but this is a very old plot. Lord of the Flies, Blackboard Jungle, Scum all these dramas dealt with the problem of young male anger, and the writers of Adolescence, Jack Throne and Stephen Graham, imply it is innate and cyclical. Jamies dad once tore down the shed in fury; his father beat him. The script reads like a meditation on the Christian concept of Original Sin, a misunderstood idea. Modern folk like to believe that individuals are born as blank-sheets of paper and corrupted by outside forces by poverty, racism etc so Original Sin has been dismissed as an unhealthy hangover from the age when kids were written off as wicked, and frequently caned. This gets matters upside down. Original Sin says we are born to be good, but are surrounded by temptations we find hard to resist due to a mix of nature and nurture. I remember, around the age of 13, watching a friend cheerfully tear the legs of a spider. I was too desperate to be liked to stop him. Acknowledging the potential for violence in all boys is the first step towards managing it, through discipline and moral education, yet our society not only denies the essential character of human beings, it is oddly punitive towards those who point it out. Strict head teachers are called elitist. Psychiatrists who tell men to man-up are labelled toxic. Meanwhile, over-energetic boys are stuck on medication and a handful of particularly confused cases are turned into girls. The doctrine of perpetual kindness, never label and never judge, turns out to be cruel in effect. It doesnt teach us the truth about sin. Worse, it leaves us lumbered with it. What will happen to Jamie? Do you imagine the community will ever forgive him? Or, if he comes to terms with what hes done, hell ever forgive himself? In a Godless world, it is easy to die defined by the worst thing you ever did. In the Christian view, Jamie must be punished obviously yet God, the judge who loves, accompanies him from the crime to the cell, never abandoning him, willing him to repent. Christianity, far from being guilt-obsessed, operates almost an industry of guilt-relief, as whitening as Daz or restorative as penicillin, offering prayers and sacraments to help you face yourself and free yourself, to start all over again. Progress can take a lifetime. Thats why growing up is actually a wonderful thing. Many have praised a superbly acted scene between Jamie and his psychiatrist, in which he alternates between a terrified boy who complains about the pickle in his sandwich and a man who throws his chair and screams: What did you think about me?! Thats the heart of it. Teenagers imagine the world is looking at them and laughing. Well, recently our world has started doing just that. Social media is a narcissists mirror, a stage for validation and ridicule, and a playground where the bullying goes unpoliced. What a relief to grow out of such rubbish! The 21st century, being shallow and materialist, links ageing to pain and obsolescence, to be deferred with botox or escaped via Esther Rantzens death pod. But, in fact, it is a privilege to mature, to develop patience and empathy, to be able to appreciate the nuance of great art, like Adolescence, without looking out the window, wondering when the bell will ring. Tray of vaccines Consultants assessing Covid vaccine damage claims on behalf of the NHS have been paid millions more than the victims, it has emerged. Freedom of Information requests made by The Telegraph show that US-based Crawford and Company has carried out nearly 13,000 medical assessments, but dismissed more than 98 per cent of cases. Just 203 claimants have been notified they are entitled to a one-off payment of 120,000 through the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) amounting to 24,360,000. Yet Crawford and Company has received 27,264,896 for its services. The VDPS is run by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) but it has been criticised for a lack of transparency regarding how claims are assessed. Prof Richard Goldberg, chairman in law at Durham University, with a special interest in vaccine liability and compensation, said: The idea that this would be farmed out to a private company to make a determination is very odd. Its taxpayers money and money is tight at the moment. The lack of transparency is not helpful and there is a terrible sense of secrecy about all of this. One gets the sense that their main objective is for these cases not to succeed. There are no stats available so we dont know the details about how these claims are being decided or whether previous judgments are being taken into account. They just trot out the same old line that they will examine the medical and epidemiological research and current medical consensus. He added: What we want is people who are entitled to compensation to get it, and Im not saying everyone deserves compensation. But the vast majority of cases are knocked out on causation grounds and I believe that there is a need for rigorous criteria to determine causation, as well as a system that is fair and accessible. Unfair claim denials Crawford and Company, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the worlds largest claims management and loss adjustment companies with offices in 70 countries. However, it has faced public criticism. Reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Glassdoor accuse the company of unfair claim denials, dismissal of medical evidence and a lack of transparency. The company has a 1.4 star ranking on Trustpilot. The Hart (Health Advisory and Recovery Team) group, which was set up by medical professionals and scientists during the pandemic, has warned that Crawford and Company has a troubling reputation with numerous reports of mismanagement and claims denials across various sectors. Since the VDPS was founded in 1979 it has had about 16,000 applications, but the Covid jab has made up the vast majority of claims. Payments have been awarded for conditions related to the Covid jab including stroke, heart attack, dangerous blood clots, inflammation of the spinal cord, excessive swelling of the vaccinated limb and facial paralysis. Around 97 per cent of claims awarded relate to the AstraZeneca jab, with a handful of payments made for damage from Pfizer or Moderna. However, thousands of people have been turned down by medical assessors who say there is no concrete proof that the vaccine caused harm, while hundreds of others have been refused payment because they are not disabled enough. Applicants must prove not only that the jab definitely caused their condition but that it made them at least 60 per cent disabled. Critics say that the cut-off is arbitrary and is impossible to determine. The NHSBSA said that when the VDPS was originally set up, the threshold was 80 per cent and was revised down to 60 per cent in June 2002. It said it could not provide information about the reason for the cut-off. The Telegraph contacted Crawford and Company but were told to put questions to the NHSBSA, which had not responded at the time of going to press. Freshwater pearl mussels are on the brink of extinction due to high levels of pearl fishing and poaching - Radharc Images/Alamy They were believed to be a reason for Julius Caesars invasion of Britain more than 2,000 years ago and once provided the gems that adorned Scotlands crown jewels. Today, however, the prized freshwater pearl mussel is teetering on the brink of extinction, with warnings that wind farms pose one of the biggest threats to its survival in the Scottish Highlands and islands. Prof Juergen Geist, one of the worlds leading marine biologists, said urgent action is needed from the Scottish government to increase protection for the fragile species before it is too late. The German academic, based at the Technical University of Munich, has intervened amid claims that NatureScot, the wildlife agency, is not doing enough to protect the species after deciding not to formally object to plans for nearly a dozen giant turbines near the River Oykel in Sutherland. The body of water is home to young freshwater pearl mussels and listed as a Special Area of Conservation. Experts say a healthy population of freshwater pearl mussels in a river is the absolute accolade of water purity - Nature Picture Library/Alamy Prof Geist warned that pearl mussels are extremely sensitive to even small changes in river catchments such as increased erosion that can be caused by large-scale developments such as the construction of giant wind turbines. He added: Where there is a risk of this happening because of new developments, the impact must be critically assessed. Once widespread in Britain, the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera can grow to 14cm in length and live up to 120 years. It is now one of the most critically endangered creatures in the world. Pearl fishing and poaching for the prized pearl inside the mussels have driven the shellfish to the brink of extinction, with Scotland home to half the worlds population. Scotland is a global stronghold for the freshwater pearl mussel but like other populations in Europe they are declining, Prof Geist said. There are few locations left in Scotland which are home to healthy mussel populations and the Scottish government and its agencies must do everything in their power to protect them from negative impacts before its too late. Likely to have significant effects EnergieKontor UK, the German energy company, wants to build 11 200m-high turbines and several battery electricity storage system units at Strath Oykel. Plans for several more developments could see up to 179 turbines surrounding the nearby picturesque villages of Rosehall, Brae, Doune and Altass. NatureScot, which claims to be leading efforts to conserve the freshwater pearl mussel, warned in August 2022 that the Strath Oykel wind farm would lie 180 metres from the SAC and was likely to have a significant effect on the molluscs due to construction-related erosion, pollution risks and changes to drainage patterns. The mussels filter up to 50 litres of water a day which makes them extremely vulnerable to water pollution. NatureScot said it would not formally object if certain mitigation measures were strictly adhered to. These included the production and implementation of a pollution prevention plan, a species protection plan for freshwater pearl mussels and measures to ensure on-site drainage can cope with heavy flooding. EnergieKontor UK, the German energy company, wants to build 11 200m-high turbines in the Scottish Highlands - Justin Paget/Digital Vision The scheme was given the green light earlier this year by Dr Alasdair Allan, the Minister for Climate Action, following a public inquiry despite officials recommending the plans should be rejected and warning they posed a risk to the freshwater pearl mussels. Local wind farm campaign group No Ring of Steel Kyle of Sutherland (NORoS) point to other developments that could impact on freshwater mussels, such as a Renewable Energy Park near Allt an Tuir Burn, a tributary of the River Oykel system. Under the scheme 70,000 tonnes of peat would be excavated during construction and 15,000 tonnes of concrete used to build foundation pads for nine wind turbines. Scotlands freshwater pearl mussels have become critically endangered, yet the Scottish government and its own wildlife agency are failing to properly protect them, said Peter Pound, a spokesman for NORoS. NatureScot talks a good game but is unwilling to stand up against the wind farm companies and take decisive action to save a creature, which it admits is facing extinction. The construction of these wind farms will involve quarrying, rock blasting, excavating and the movement of huge amounts of rock and peat, any of which could release trace metals at any time. You cannot see trace metals in the river so any water flowing off the hills can be contaminated by the construction works. The mussels also have an acute sensitivity to siltation and sedimentation, so even tiny amounts of pollutants present in the water will lead to their death. Under serious threat Dr Mark Young, an emeritus senior lecturer at Aberdeen University and an expert on freshwater pearl mussels, said: To have a healthy population of freshwater pearl mussels in a river is the absolute accolade of water purity. In the past, industry in central Scotland was the major threat and the reason why our pearl mussels are now so severely reduced and restricted to Highland rivers and streams. However, recent developments like wind farms constructed next to rivers which disturb our peaty soils and let silt into our rivers, are spreading across the Highlands, and our mussels final sanctuary is under serious threat. NatureScot said the countrys rare freshwater pearl mussels had suffered devastating losses in recent years, with climate change-driven extreme weather events such as storms and drought contributing to their decline. It said efforts to restore habitats and protect remaining populations are ongoing. This includes several river restoration projects funded by the Scottish Governments Nature Restoration Fund administered by NatureScot. From the Forth to Angus, these projects aim to improve the habitat for freshwater pearl mussels - for example by planting riverside trees to provide shade, stabilise riverbanks and reduce sediment run-off into rivers. In our response to the application for the proposed Strath Oykel wind farm we requested it was subject to strict conditions to protect the internationally important natural heritage interests in the River Oykel Special Area of Conservation. This includes a species protection plan for freshwater pearl mussels and a pollution prevention plan. We confirmed with the Scottish Government last year that those conditions had been met to our satisfaction. Scottish Ministers then approved the application on 8 January 2025. Parts of the UK are set to be hotter than Ibiza and Corfu on Thursday for the first official day of spring. Thursday marks the spring equinox and temperatures could reach 19C in the south of England. This is eight degrees warmer than the average for this time of year, Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said. Ms Mitchell told the PA news agency: Were expecting quite a lot of dry weather, increasing amounts of sunshine as we head through the next few days. By Wednesday, were looking at highs of about 17C in the south. And then on Thursday, we could get as high as 19C. The South East of England is predicted to enjoy the warmest weather on Wednesday and Thursday (James Manning/PA) This is estimated to be hotter than Ibiza, which is forecast to have highs of 17C on Thursday, and Corfu with forecasted highs of 16C. But while next week is promising warmer temperatures, the start of the week will still feel chilly with some overnight frost, the forecaster said. So the temperatures we have got currently are around average, which is about 10C. But weve also got quite a chilly wind at the moment, so its making it feel even colder. But by the time we get to Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures will be about eight degrees above average in some places. The spring equinox will coincide with some nice warm weather, definitely feeling spring-like. This is due to a large area of high pressure, which tends to bring dry and sunny weather. The warmest air will be across southern parts of the UK, Ms Mitchell said. Parts of the South East, across the Midlands will be the warmest spots on Wednesday and then on Thursday that warmth travels a bit further north so its going to feel pretty warm across southern Scotland, Northern Ireland and the whole of England and Wales. Theres really just northern Scotland that will keep hold of the colder weather though the middle of the week. Prince Harry, seen here a charity event in California last week, admitted trying drugs in his memoir - Scott Dudelson/Getty Files relating to the Duke of Sussexs visa application must be made public by Tuesday, a US court has ruled. Judge Carl Nichols ordered the release of the documents as part of a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative US think tank. Prince Harrys reference to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in his book Spare prompted the Washington DC organisation to question why he was allowed into the US in 2020. Judge Nichols ordered the US Department of Homeland Security to release the redacted versions of the documents no later than Tuesday, according to court filings dated March 15. In September 2024 the same judge ruled that there was not a strong enough public interest reason to disclose the Dukes immigration records. The Heritage Foundation wanted that judgment to be changed. The Prince meeting emergency service workers in Santa Barbara on March 8 - Scott Dudelson/Getty Despite previously refusing the FoI request, lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security in February agreed to release redacted versions of the forms. John Bardo, a lawyer for the department, wrote in a court filing: Specifically, defendant would propose redacting all information in these items that would reveal information that the Court has determined defendant can withhold. The Heritage Foundation alleged the Duke might have concealed past illegal drug use that should have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa. They previously argued answers on the Dukes prior drug use in his visa application should have been disclosed as they could raise questions over the US governments integrity. In February, Donald Trump ruled out deporting the Duke from the US, telling the New York Post newspaper: Ill leave him alone. The US president added: Hes got enough problems with his wife [Meghan]. Shes terrible. The Duchess of Sussex has previously condemned Mr Trump as divisive and a misogynist. Meghan said she was backing his rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and suggested that she would leave the United States if he won. In his controversial memoir, the Duke said cocaine didnt do anything for me, adding: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me. Mr Trump said in a GB News interview with Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, in March last year that Harry should not receive preferential treatment. Asked if the Duke should have special privileges if he was found to have lied on his application, Mr Trump said: No. Well have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied theyll have to take appropriate action. Watch: Meet the ad veteran with 'the world's best creative department' Advertising stalwart Jon Williams, CEO and founder of creative community The Liberty Guild, grew up in Stretford 50 doors down from Morrissey. However, it is when Williams speaks about the impact of Tony Wilson, the late owner of Manchesters pioneering Factory Records, who gave creative talents the platform and freedom they didnt have previously on labels that resonates the most as a Mancunian and now entrepreneur. It was about doing things differently, says Williams. The Liberty Guild, he says, is a beacon of hope in an otherwise drab agency landscape. A fully distributed international advertising agency, it has a global talent platform numbering 450 across nearly 30 countries after sourcing what Williams says is the best creative department in the world. Read More: 'I would love everyone not be afraid to fail', says Numan CEO Williams has picked up a mountain of Cannes, D&AD and Effies awards over the years, having helped develop the first interactive TV ad, the first mobile-enabled posters, and created the iPint, a first in branded application for the iPhone. I love 'firsts', always been interested in the new and got bored with the status quo, he says. At the time digital was fascinating and it allowed you to create an idea you could immerse yourself in, interact with and get under the skin of a brand platform. The Liberty Guild works with D&AD, which promotes excellence in design and advertising. (Monique Roling) Spooling back to Manchester, Williams recalls sharing accommodation in Wythenshawe with a jobless flatmate who returned home one day with a new Audi and a role in advertising. If he could do it, anyone can, thought Williams. A product design degree at Sheffield Hallam University didnt yield early results for Williams, who began to ask himself, "What can I do to be the most creative I possibly can be and get paid well?" He was able to attend Londons School of Communication Arts through some life insurance he received following his father's death. Williams, a Creative UK council member, is not short of ideas and it is an attribute he puts down to the influence of his teacher John Gillard. He says: He made you think about ideas differently. People fall in love with execution but thats not ideas. His experiences of being able to afford the course is one of the reasons why Liberty Guild today supports D&ADs Shift school, which gives creators from minority backgrounds the chance to excel and work on the firms client briefs. Read More: 'I couldn't find a babysitter so I set up a 10m childcare business' I am conscious of how hard it is for people to get into the business, says Williams. There are many things that are wrong in what we do and many things we need to address. He started this during the mid-2000s when he became chief creative officer at advertising giant Grey London and also helped build a 2000-strong pan-EMEA platform for its best talent. It was a transformation which also shaped Williams' understanding of how high-performance teams operate in a distributed way and without time limitations. Jon Williams founded The Liberty Guild after becoming disenchanted with the legacy agency structure. When a client makes contact, The Liberty Guild opens up its platform to select the best specialists and creatives who match the brief. You dont get that in an agency where you will get whoevers free in a meeting on a Monday morning, says Williams. With us, the client is involved in the choice. The Drum, when awarding The Liberty Guild the Grand Prix for Business Transformation, described the firm as like an agency, but digitally transformed to be a creative business for our new world. Williams also notes that his company doesnt track hours. He says: No one knows how long it takes to have a good idea. We put a structure in place to make sure we get good ideas but we pay creatives for these ideas, not the hours. Read More: 'CEOs must be seen on social media or face ghosting by Generation Z' Its amazing how fast you can be when youre not charging by the hour. There are some fundamentals which are wrong with the ad agency world, but at the heart there is rot. You put the value on the ideas and the entirety of the ad business is barking up the wrong tree by going for the hours. He highlights a Times newspaper survey last month, which indicated that only 10% of Generation Z wants to work in the office full-time. Thats pretty eye opening, admits Williams. An answer? To work the way that people want to work. My clients dont care where the creatives are sitting, they care about the quality of work. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. A US judge ordered an immediate halt to the deportation of five Venezuelans after the Trump administration said it was already flying migrants from the US to El Salvador and Honduras. Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using an obscure, 227-year-old law designed primarily for use in wartime to deport five Venezuelan nationals from the US. District judge James Boasberg, responding to a lawsuit brought by two civil liberties organizations, issued an immediate halt and ordered any planes already in the air be turned around, saying the government was already was flying migrants it claimed were newly deportable to be incarcerated in El Salvador and Honduras. Hour earlier, Donald Trump invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798, saying Venezuelan members of gang Tren de Aragua had unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States. Heres more on the key US politics news of the day: Alien Enemies Act used only three times in history, including during two world wars In the lawsuit against the Alien Enemies Act, the ACLU and Democracy Forward argued the act has been invoked only three times in the history of the US: the war of 1812, first world war and second world war. It cannot be used here against nationals of a country Venezuela with whom the United States is not at war, which is not invading the United States and which has not launched a predatory incursion into the United States, the lawsuit stated. The governments proclamation would allow agents to immediately put noncitizens on planes without any review of any aspect of the determination that they are alien enemies, the lawsuit added. The president had previously ordered his administration to designate Venezuelas Tren De Aragua gang as a foreign terrorist organization. With Trump characterizing the Tren de Aragua gang as a foreign force that is invading the US, civil liberties organizations such as the ACLU feared Trump would use the act unlawfully during peacetime to accelerate mass deportations, sidestepping the limits of this wartime authority and the procedures and protections in immigration law. Read the full story Trump orders airstrikes on Yemen Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Yemens capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, days after Iranian-backed Houthi rebels said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israels blockade on Gaza. The US president promised to use overwhelming lethal force until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. At least 13 civilians were killed and nine injured in the US strikes on Sanaa, the Houthi-run health ministry said on Saturday evening. Read the full story Trump order to end DEI support is allowed to proceed on appeal The Trump administration has succeeded in one legal battle to end government support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, after an appeals court lifted a block on executive orders seeking to roll back DEI support. Two of the judges on the fourth US circuit court of appeals wrote that Trumps anti-DEI push could eventually raise concerns about first amendment rights but said the judges sweeping block went too far. Read the full story Voice of America employees put on administrative leave On Saturday, government-employed journalists at Voice of America (VoA) were put on administrative leave, a day after Trump signed an order eliminating the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), VoAs parent company, along with six other federal agencies. Reporters at VoA were placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until otherwise notified, according to an internal memo obtained by the Hill, adding that it is not being done for any disciplinary purpose. It comes a day after VoAs parent moved to terminate contracts with the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse, and told its journalists on Friday to stop using material from the wire services. Read the full story Analysis: can Trump push Putin into peace? Vladimir Putin says he accepts the idea of a ceasefire in Ukraine, albeit with a few nuances. But Putins so-called nuances are bigger than mere wrinkles, and at the end of an intense week of diplomacy around Russias war in Ukraine, a ceasefire never mind a sustainable peace still looks to be something of a distant prospect. While Trump has proved very willing to pile the pressure on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his ability or desire to force concessions out of Putin are less clear. The decisive question will be whether or not Trump is ready to really push Moscow when the scale of Putins nuances becomes clear. Read the full story Tesla bears brunt of peoples ire against Musk As the protests against Elon Musks role in Trumps administration have multiplied, so has vandalism against Teslas brick-and-mortar business and individual vehicles. The Guardian has tracked at least three separate incidents involving molotov cocktails, the coordinated theft of nearly 50 Tesla tires and spray-painted swastikas on Tesla facilities from New York to New Mexico. Nearly 20 Tesla showrooms and charging stations have seen deliberate fires set, while dozens of owners have had their cars egged, pooped on and hit with Kraft cheese singles. Read the full story Pete Hegseth pushes his beliefs on Pentagon The Department of Defense is already rapidly transforming into the image of Trumps secretary, Pete Hegseth, with many of the rants and opinions common during Hegseths Fox News career coming to policy fruition. What are we seeing in the Pentagon right now? What are we hearing about the future of warfare? What are we hearing about the transformation that is necessary, right now, as we come out of the last two decades of warfighting? said the retired Brig Gen Paul Eaton, a veteran of the Iraq war. Were hearing of DEI purging. Read the full story What else happened today: An elderly woman responds to a makeshift memorial for fallen Ukrainian and foreign fighters - Sergei Supinsky/Getty A ceasefire deal for Ukraine could be reached within weeks, a senior US envoy has said, ahead of talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin later this week. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps envoy to the Middle East, who met with Putin several days ago, told CNN on Sunday: I think the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week. This is a highly... complicated situation, and yet were bridging the gap between two sides [Mr Trump] really expects there to be some sort of deal in the coming weeks, maybe, and I believe thats the case, he added. The Trump administration agreed last week on the outline of a 30-day ceasefire plan with Ukraine during talks in Saudi Arabia, but Putin has so far refused to accept the terms. Mr Witkoff also told CNN it was a little premature to discuss the US being required to recognise territory seized by Russia, a condition that is likely being demanded by Putin to legitimise his invasion in 2022. It came as US officials suggested that Kyiv would have to make land concessions to secure a ceasefire, while Ukrainian forces in the Russian region of Kursk withdrew from a key logistics hub, after Russia claimed control of the town. Michael Waltz, Mr Trumps national security adviser, said on Sunday that Ukraine would probably need to give up eastern territories lost to Russian invaders and abandon hope of joining Nato in order to get a deal over the line. Russian soldiers walk past a destroyed building in the town of Sudzha - Russian Defence Ministry/Reuters Responding to speculation that Ukraine would have to surrender its Donbas territory, which Russia first invaded in 2014, he said that this is going to be some type of territory-for-future-security guarantees [deal]. As for joining Nato, he added: A permanent pathway into Nato, or permanent membership into Nato for Ukraine, is incredibly unlikely. Mr Waltz insisted that Mr Trump was not being manipulated by Putin, despite the US president adopting a harsh, combative approach to Ukraine since taking office. Thats almost laughable, he told Fox News. Ill take president Trump dealing with the likes of Xi [Jinping], of Kim Jong-un, of Putin and others certainly ahead of his predecessor. On the battlefield, analysts said that Ukraines long counter-offensive in Kursk seems to be drawing to a close as its forces now only hold around 30-40 square miles and a handful of villages. Ukraine invaded Russias western border region of Kursk last August, in the largest attack on Russian territory since the Second World War, and seized around 528 square miles of land. The Institute for the Study of War think tank confirmed that Russia has not yet recaptured Kursk entirely and denied reports that Ukraines troops were surrounded, as Mr Trump has claimed. Volodymyr Zelensky is warning that Putin is preparing for a renewed ground invasion of Ukraines Sumy region - Shutterstock In a major loss, Ukraines military command on Sunday reported its troops had retreated from the key logistics hub of Sudzha, three days after Russia claimed control of the town. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has warned that Putin is preparing for a renewed ground invasion of Ukraines Sumy region, bordering Kursk. Also on Sunday, Russian state media said one worker had been killed and three others injured in an explosion at an oil refinery in Russias city of Ryazan. During scheduled technical works at the plant, performed by employees of the contractor organisation... equipment depressurisation occurred, the refinery said in a statement carried by Russian media. The refinery, owned by Russian largest oil producer Rosneft, has been targeted several times by Ukrainian drones. In February, it suspended operations after a drone attack. Ryazan refinery processed 262,000 barrels per day, or almost 5 per cent of Russias total refining throughput in 2024. Witkoff said Trump was being updated about discussions. Photograph: Yuri Gripas/EPA Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that he expected the US president to speak with Vladimir Putin this week, saying that the Russian president accepts the philosophy of Trumps ceasefire and peace terms. Witkoff told CNN that discussions with Putin over several hours last week were positive and solution-based. He declined to confirm when asked whether Putins demands included the surrender of Ukrainian forces in Kursk; international recognition of Ukrainian territory seized by Russia as Russian; limits on Ukraines ability to mobilize; a halt to western military aid; and a ban on foreign peacekeepers. Putin said on Thursday that he supported a truce but outlined numerous details that need to be negotiated before the deal can be completed. The Russian president said he was open to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US but offered vague terms for his support, raising questions about what the Kremlin wants. Related: The big question on Ukraine: is Trump ready to push Putin into peace? | Shaun Walker Witkoff declined to describe Russian terms. He said US envoys had narrowed the differences between Ukraine and Russian negotiators, and he would meet Trump on Sunday to discuss how to narrow the differences even further. The discussions, Witkoff added, included Ukraine, Russia and European stakeholder countries including France, Britain, Norway and Finland, as well as other elements that would be encompassed in a ceasefire. Trump, he said, was being updated about the discussions as they happened. He is involved with every important decision here and I expect that there will be a call between the [US and Russian] presidents this week. Witkoff also said the US was continuing to engage and have conversations with Ukraine, and advising them on everything were thinking about. Ukraine agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire at talks last week in Saudi Arabia, and since his disastrous meeting in the White House a fortnight ago, Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been trying hard to portray Kyiv as amenable to Trumps plans, while suggesting Putin is merely playing for time and not serious about negotiating a deal. Zelenskyy has agreed to put discussions of territorial questions and of possible security guarantees on hold until after a ceasefire takes effect and more detailed discussions are held. Previously, he had insisted that a ceasefire would only make sense if western partners would provide Ukraine with some kind of security guarantee. Trump has made it clear that no US guarantees are on the table, while the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, has been attempting to rally a coalition of other western allies to put together a possible peacekeeping contingent that could be deployed to Ukraine after a deal. However, it is not clear that such a mission could function without US backing, and Russian officials have repeatedly ruled out accepting any deal involving western boots on the ground in Ukraine. On Sunday, Zelenskyy said Russia had launched more than 1,000 drones and 1,300 guided air bombs on Ukrainian territory over the past week. This is not what someone who wants a quick end to the war does, so we have to jointly pressure Russia to force it to stop its aggression, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. Ukraine also launched a fresh wave of drone attacks against Russian territory over the weekend. Witkoff said teams of US negotiators would meet with both Russian and Ukrainian officials this week. As the president said, he really expects there to be some sort of deal in the coming weeks, and I believe thats the case, he said. There have been concerns that the settlement being pushed for by the Trump administration would look a lot like an outright Russian victory, at the expense of Ukraine and its allies in Europe. Trump and Putin last week set off further alarm bells in Kyiv by exchanging friendly words, as the new US administration cosies up to Moscow while attacking Ukraine with threatening language and the withdrawal of some military support. Separately, Trumps national security adviser, Mike Waltz, told ABCs This Week that back-and-forth diplomacy was ongoing. Waltz said there would be some type of territory for future security guarantees, the future status of Ukraine, and he called permanent Nato membership for Ukraine incredibly unlikely. Waltz asked if it was plausible to believe that we are going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea? He said: We can talk about whats right and wrong. And we also have to talk about the reality of the situation on the ground. And thats what we are doing through diplomacy, through shuttle diplomacy, through proximity talks. Vladimir Putin is set to send his top negotiator to Washington in a bid to win back the favour of Donald Trump, who is reportedly angry at the Russian autocrat. Washington officials have acknowledged that Putin is resisting attempts to strike a ceasefire, and discussed what economic or diplomatic punishments could push Russia closer to a deal, the sources said. It comes following Mr Trumps explosive reveal that he was p***** off with Putin and would look to unleash oil tariffs on Russia if they did not take peace talks seriously. Kirill Dmitriev, Putins Kyiv-born and US-educated envoy, will meet with Mr Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff this week, Reuters reported. Responding to the reports on X, Mr Dmitriev said: The resistance to USRussia dialogue is realdriven by entrenched interests and old narratives. But what if improved relations are exactly what the world needs for lasting global security and peace? On Tuesday, two senior Washington sources told Reuters that a peace deal does not seem imminent, despite US efforts. Meanwhile, half of the US Senate - including 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats - has united to propose sanctions on Russia if it refuses to engage in good faith negotiations with Ukraine. Key Points Russia violating ceasefire - Ukraine hands dossier of evidence to US In pictures: Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed 4 Putin envoy to visit Washington for Witkoff meeting Who is Putin's negotiator and what will he discuss? Russia violating ceasefire - Ukraine hands dossier of evidence to US 23:31 , Barney Davis Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, Ihor Brusylo, spoke on national television to say they have handed evidence to the US about Russia violating a "The energy ceasefire... which Ukraine and the United States agreed upon, was violated by the Russian side. All the necessary information was transferred to the American side. I think the reaction will not be long in coming, because even American partners who were diplomatically disposed towards the possibility of ensuring such a ceasefire are running out of patience," he said. According to the official, all evidence confirms that Russia is not interested in a ceasefire or in bringing the war to an end. "I hope international partners will not delay anything, and more resolute measures will still be taken against the aggressor state, which pursues its insidious policy despite the agreements reached during the negotiations," Brusylo stressed. Zelensky says Ukraine's Nato membership never included in minerals deal 23:01 , Alex Croft Volodymyr Zelensky has said that a minerals deal that Ukraine and the US are negotiating doesn't mention his country's Nato membership in the future. "As for this agreement and the Nato question, there is no mention of Nato in this agreement, and there never was," Mr Zelensky said, confirming earlier reports. "A decision (regarding the deal) will be made in the coming days." His remarks come a few days after a source in the presidential office told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine is not tying" the minerals deal to Nato. In pictures: Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed 4 22:26 , Barney Davis (via REUTERS) (via REUTERS) (EPA) Trump now objects to European push to buy weapons locally 22:00 , Alex Croft Officials from the Trump administration are now urging their European allies to keep buying American-made arms just weeks after Donald Trump asked the EU to take responsibility for its own defence and security. Five US sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the US has made outreach to its EU allies amid recent moves by the European Union to limit US manufacturers' participation in weapons tenders. According to two of the sources, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said any exclusion of US companies from European tenders would be seen negatively by Washington, which those two sources interpreted as a reference to the proposed EU rules. One northern European diplomat, who was not part of the Baltic meeting, said they had also been recently told by US officials that any exclusion from EU weapons procurements would be seen as inappropriate. Shortly after taking office, Mr Trump urged European allies to spend more on defence and take greater responsibility for their own security, and suggesting that his commitment to Nato is not absolute. President Donald Trump is reportedly p***** off with Putin (AP) Watch: Trump p***** off at Putin over disparaging Zelensky comments 21:01 , Alex Croft Two arrested in Russian plot to blow up Lviv police station 20:29 , Alex Croft Two people have been arrested after allegedly plotting to blow up a police station in the western city of Lviv on Russian instructions, Ukrainian authorities said. The suspects were carrying out the instructions of a Russian representative in exchange for a monetary reward, Ukrainian prosecutors said on Telegram. They arrived in Lviv and retrieved explosives hidden in a bag at specific coordinates, authorities said. The defendants were set to plant the concealed explosives in an administrative building at a Lviv police station as part of their prearranged plan. One of the perpetrators was a 22-year-old woman and resident of Kyiv who had been looking to ear easy money through Telegram channels. After recruitment by Russian intelligence she was tasked with a "test" assignment, posting Russian propaganda leaflets around Kyiv, Ukrainska Pravda reported. Trump must see through Putins stalling tactics over Ukraine ceasefire, Germany says 20:00 , Alex Croft Donald Trump must not be misled by Vladimir Putins stalling tactics to delay peace in Ukraine, outgoing German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said during a visit to Kyiv. "At the upcoming meeting of Nato foreign ministers, we will make it clear to the American side that we should not engage with Putin's stalling tactics," the 44-year-old Greens leader said in a statement released after her arrival in the Ukrainian capital. Mr Putin is "feigning readiness to negotiate but is not moving one millimetre from his position", she added. Only international pressure can stop Putin's terror - Zelensky 19:35 , Barney Davis Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russian terror can only be stopped with pressure from international partners after a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih killed four civilians. "A targeted Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. All necessary services are on site, working to mitigate the consequences of the shelling and to help people. Some people are wounded, and they are receiving medical assistance. As of now, it is known that, tragically, four lives were claimed by this strike, all of them civilians. My condolences to their families and loved ones," he said on Telegram. Zelensky stressed that everywhere in the world, such strikes are called by the same name - terror. "What separates us all from at least a complete and unconditional cessation of strikes is the lack of Russia's consent to end the war, and only the world's pressure can ensure such consent," Zelensky said. (Telegram) Mapped: Russia advance slows in Donetsk as Ukraine launches counterattacks 19:31 , Alex Croft Watch 'key' fighter pilot shoot down drones 19:20 , Barney Davis Nighttime combat in the skies: Fighter pilot with call sign Denfix took down two Shaheds. Denfix, a MiG-29 pilot, intercepts russian cruise missiles and attack drones. With over 20 aerial kills, hes a key player in Ukraines air defense. Watch him in action. pic.twitter.com/J6lOviTwkW Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 2, 2025 'Russia wants to continue fighting' - Putin biographer 19:00 , Alex Croft Rebekah Koffler, a former DIA intelligence officer who specializes in Russias war strategy, told Fox New that Putins goal with his latest conscription drive is to prolong the war. "Theres no ceasefire and no peace plan between Russia and Ukraine to be had," said Koffler, the author of a best-selling book " Putins Playbook ." "What President Trump seeks is regretfully, unachievable. Putin's goal is to keep fighting, in order to compel Ukraine to capitulate. "Now that Germany and France are considering to deploy reassurance forces into Ukraine, Putin is factoring in those numbers, so he is increasing his force's posture, to deter such a deployment or failing to prevent it by force." (AP) Russia has initiated its largest military draft in 14 years ahead of possible spring offensive 18:29 , Alex Croft Putin has called up 160,000 men as part of the countrys bi-annual conscription drive as Russia seeks to beef up its military ranks. According to the legislation, citizens aged 18 to 30 will be called up for mandatory military service through June 15. The spring draft marks the largest conscription campaign since spring 2011, when 200,000 men were called up for service. Last year, 150,000 men were called, following 134,500 in 2022. Ukrainian secret service arrest two alleged spies 18:26 , Barney Davis The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) say they have detained a man and a woman acting as spies for Russia on suspicion of attempting to carry out a bombing on a local police station office. The SBU reported that the device, disguised as a fire extinguisher, was taken from a hidden cache based on coordinates provided by Russian handlers from the GRU. According to SBU, a 22-year-old woman from Kyiv, was recruited via Telegram looking for easy money and initially tasked with distributing Russian propaganda leaflets in the Ukrainian capital. After completing her first test assignment, she was allegedly told to travel to Lviv to carry out the attack. She also recruited an acquaintance to assist her in blowing up the administrative building of the local district police department, said the SBU. Security services say the attackers also planned to install a hidden camera to broadcast the explosions impact to their Russian handlers. The SBU said it exposed both agents in advance, documented their crimes, and detained them red-handed as they approached the police unit with explosives. Both suspects have been charged with high treason under martial law, a crime punishable by life imprisonment with property confiscation. (Telegram/SBU) Fighting increases despite ceasefire talks 17:58 , Alex Croft Despite negotiations for a ceasefire, March saw a sharp increase in combat clashes along the frontline. The number of clashes rose from 3,274 in February to 4,270 in March, bringing the total for 2025 to 12,631 so far, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Russian forces have also significantly escalated their use of guided aerial bombs against Ukrainian positions. In March, approximately 4,800 such munitions were deployed, an increase from 3,370 in February. Four dead after Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih 17:53 , Barney Davis The death toll from a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih has risen to four, with three others injured. Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, reported the attack on Telegram. "Rescue operations are ongoing. A massive fire has broken out," Vilkul wrote. "Unfortunately, as of now, the death toll has risen to four," Vilkul updated on Telegram. A support center for affected residents will be set up in front of a store near the World War II military equipment monument. Earlier reports indicated that Russia had targeted one of the city's industrial facilities with a ballistic missile. News analysis | Trumps anger at Putin over Ukraine peace deal delay is just play acting 17:23 , Alex Croft World affairs editor Sam Kiley writes: Donald Trump is peeved. His officials are starting to spin that his plans for almost instant peace in Ukraine may take a lot longer, while Vladimir Putins business envoy heads for the White House, supposedly to make amends. Yet what it truly reveals is that the 47th president continues to be played by the Kremlin. Trump has unleashed a trade war, expressed colonial designs on two Nato members, scrambled Ukraines defensive war plans, shown public contempt for Europe and set about the pillars of American democracy with a sledgehammer. Trump has shown a remarkable ability to interpret Moscows deepest desires and to deliver on them. That the US president is now saying he is pissed off with Putin and is considering considering increasing tariffs and sanctions on Russia, is play acting. Trumps anger at Putin over Ukraine peace deal delay is just play acting Russia and Ukraine trade accusations of energy facility attacks 16:49 , Alex Croft Russia and Ukraine accused each other of launching new attacks against each other's energy facilities on Wednesday, in violation of a US-brokered halt on such strikes. Both sides said they were providing details of the alleged violations to the US, which persuaded Moscow and Kyiv to agree to the limited truce last month as a potential stepping stone towards a full ceasefire. Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had conducted drone and shelling attacks in the western Kursk region that cut off power to over 1,500 households. In the Russian-held part of Ukraines Luhansk region, the state gas company said that a Ukraine drone strike on a gas distribution station had left more than 11,000 customers around the town of Svatove with limited access to gas. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said a Russian drone hit an energy substation in Sumy region and artillery fire damaged a power line in Dnipropetrovsk, cutting off electricity to nearly 4,000 consumers. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is impatient with both sides to move faster towards ending the three-year war. A Ukrainian drone attack on Kharkiv injured three children (EPA) Russian missile fired at 'civilian infrastructure': city official 16:43 , Steffie Banatvala A Russian missile attack on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday killed at least three people, local officials reported. The head of the city military administration said Russia has fired a ballistic missile at a "civilian infrastructure facility". In pictures: Putin meets regional chief in Moscow 16:17 , Alex Croft Russian president Vladimir Putin meets with Head of the Republic of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov at the Kremlin in Moscow (AP) Putin is set to send an envoy to Washington for talks with the Trump administration (AP) Russian missile kills three in Kryvyi Rih 15:53 , Alex Croft Three people have been killed after a Russian missile hit an enterprise in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, the regional governor said. At least one person was injured, he added on Telegram, while the attack sparked fire. 'Russia's position holding up ceasefire' - Zelensky 15:46 , Alex Croft Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had been sharing information with the United States. He posted on X on Tuesday: We have shared all information regarding Russias violations in the energy sector there were strikes, and today again in Kherson, a Russian drone targeted an energy facility and equipment deliberately and purposefully. Part of the city was left without electricity. We insist that every such violation must be documented and receive a response from our partners. It is precisely these small details that add up to Russias major delays in the diplomatic process. The unconditional cessation of strikes proposed by the United States is not being implemented solely because of Russias position. Nato countries pledge more than 16 billion military support to Ukraine since start of 2025 15:16 , Alex Croft Nato countries allies have pledged more than 20 billion euros (16.73 billion) in military support for Ukraine in the first three months of the year, secretary-general Mark Rutte said on Wednesday. Foreign ministers from the alliance meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to discuss further support for Ukraine against Russia's three-year-old invasion. All you need to know so far on Wednesday 14:54 , Alex Croft If youre just joining us now, heres everything you need to know so far on Wednesday: Senior Russian official Kirill Dmitriev is set to visit Washington this week, where he will likely discuss peace in Ukraine, the return of US companies to Russia, rare earths, energy prices, prisoner swaps and other topics with Donald Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The Kremlin did not confirm the visit but said it was possible, adding that contacts between Moscow and Washington are continuing. Russia killed one person and injured at least 10, including three children, in an overnight drone attack on Ukraine. Around 74 drones were launched including 14 at the northeastern Kharkiv region, where most of the injuries were recorded. 41 drones were shot down. Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of damaging energy facilities in the Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions, cutting power to 4,000 people. Both countries had agreed to a halt on energy infrastructure strikes - but they have both accused each other of breaching this deal. Russia shot down 93 Ukrainian drones, 87 of which were destroyed over the Kursk region, Moscow said. Dozens of people were evacuated from an apartment building in the Russian city of Kursk after it was hit by falling drone debris, the regional governor said. Donald Trumps pick to become Americas most senior military officer has emphasised the importance of military support for Ukraine. During his senate confirmation hearing, Lieutenant General Dan Caines said US assistance improves Ukraine's position at the negotiating table and deters Russia from further aggression. Elsewhere in the senate, 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats - making up half of the senate - banded together to propose sanctions on Russia which would be imposed if it refuses to engage in good faith negotiations with Ukraine. Two people were arrested in an alleged Russian plot to blow up a police station in Lviv. The suspects had been offered money to carry out the act. Trump must see through Putins stalling tactics over Ukraine ceasefire, Germany says 14:31 , Alex Croft Donald Trump must not be misled by Vladimir Putins stalling tactics to delay peace in Ukraine, outgoing German minister Annalena Baerbock said during a visit to Kyiv. The US president showed the first signs of frustration with his Russian counterpart over the weekend, telling NBC News he was p***** off and very angry with Putin over the failure to reach an agreement with a ceasefire - before threatening to unleash oil tariffs on Moscow. Paying a final visit to Kyiv as Germanys foreign minister - before a new government takes office with CDU leader Friedrich Merz at the helm - Ms Baerbock said she would raise the issue with US secretary of state Marco Rubio during a meeting of Nato foreign ministers this week. "At the upcoming meeting of NATO foreign ministers, we will make it clear to the American side that we should not engage with Putin's stalling tactics," the 44-year-old Greens leader said in a statement released after her arrival in the Ukrainian capital. Read the full report: Trump must see through Putins stalling tactics over Ukraine ceasefire, Germany says Corruption officers expose $18million embezzlement scheme in Ukraine's defence ministry 14:13 , Alex Croft Anti-corruption officers in Ukraine have exposed a $17.8 million embezzlement scheme in the defence ministry, Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has said. The funds were embezzled during food procurement for the Armed Forces between 2022 and 2023, and have led to charges being brought against a former head of department within the Ministry of Defence. Food supplies for the army were arranged through pre-assembled food kits taken from a selection of 409 items - but only 10 per cent of those products were regularly ordered, NABU said according to Ukrainska Pravda. Other items such as spices and berries, were very rarely due to their seasonal nature. This system allowed suppliers to manipulate prices artificially inflating the cost of high-demand products while lowering prices for unpopular or seasonal products (such as cherries or apricots in winter). At first glance, there were no violations, as the total price of the kit remained unchanged. However, potatoes, supplied in thousands of tonnes, cost a fortune, while seasonal berries and fruits, which were rarely ordered, were priced at mere pennies." Ukraine $10billion short in funding needed for recovery efforts - PM 13:46 , Alex Croft Ukraine is has come up $10 billion short in what is needed for recovery efforts in 2025, Kyivs prime minister Denuys Shmyhal said on Wednesday. Kyiv needs $39.3 billion in international support this year and its partners have confirmed their commitment to covering this amount, Mr Shmyhal said. But so far the overall shortfall is nearly $10 billion, he said after the 13th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Donor Platform. "This year, we consider the key areas of joint work of the Ukraine Donor Platform to be budget support, sustainable financing for infrastructure, housing and energy recovery, as well as economic development and investment attraction on the path to the EU, he said. In pictures: Zelensky visits wounded troops in Dnipro 13:40 , Alex Croft Volodymyr Zelensky met with Ukrainian troops at a hospital in Dnipro on Wednesday (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER) The Ukrainian president said earlier on Wednesday that the international community must place new and tangible pressure on Moscow to force it to end the war (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER) Ukrainian records 176 clashes with Russian troops, 64 near Pokrovsk 13:26 , Alex Croft The Ukrainian military recorded 176 clashes with Russian forces over the past day, 64 of which took place on the eastern Pokrovsk front. Vladimir Putins forces have been steadily advancing near Pokrovsk, a strategic Ukrainian town which serves as a supply hub for other areas of the frontline. Russia has aimed to cut supply lines to and from Pokrovsk to other Ukrainian-controlled areas. Clashes were also recorded on the fronts in Kharkiv, Kupiansk, Lyman, Toretsk, Kursk and others. The grinding war of attrition in eastern Ukraine has seen Russia send large masses of troops charging towards stretched Ukrainian defences, claiming incremental territorial gains at the cost of large manpower losses. Watch: Sam Kiley visits Kherson where Ukrainian civilians are being targeted by Russian drones in near-daily attacks 13:12 , Alex Croft Dozens of people evacuated from Kursk building struck by drone debris, official says 12:59 , Alex Croft Dozens of people were evacuated from an apartment building in the Russian city of Kursk following a Ukrainian drone attack, a regional official said on Wednesday. "As a result of the attack of enemy drones on Kursk, there is damage to an apartment building in the city centre," the acting governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Khinshtein, said on Telegram. At least 60 people were evacuated from the building which was hit with drone debris, he said. "Fortunately, there are no casualties." Ukraine has not yet commented on the attack, the size of which remains unclear. In pictures: Abandoned town in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine 12:44 , Alex Croft The ruined and abandoned town of Maryinka (Mariinka) in the Donetsk region, Russian-controlled Ukraine (AFP via Getty Images) The abandoned town was home to more than 9,000 people in 2022 (AFP via Getty Images) The city was largely destroyed during the Russian invasion, and has been abandoned since November 2022. It was reported as fully captured by Russian forces in 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Comment | Putin has been playing Trump like a cheap violin 12:29 , Alex Croft Such is the Trump Tower-sized self-conceit of Donald J Trump that for weeks if not months he could not see what virtually the whole of the rest of the world could: Vladimir Putin was playing him like a cheap violin. Trump, seemingly mesmerised by the Russian leader, gave his friend everything he wanted: dominance in Ukraine, aside from a carve-out for US mineral interests; a Russian zone of influence in Europe; the abandonment of Nato and other allies. All of that in return for the Russians scaling back their nuclear arsenal and giving the Americans a free run at acquiring Greenland and Canada (even if they are not Russias to give away and wont ever happen). That looked to be the kind of grand bargain Trump was looking for, but Putin overplayed his hand. Associate editor Sean OGrady writes: Putin has been playing Trump like a cheap violin US Senators push for sanctions on Russia if peace efforts delayed 12:00 , Alex Croft Half of the US Senate, including 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats, banded together to introduce prospective sanctions on Russia which would be imposed if it refuses to engage in good faith negotiations with Ukraine. Led by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, the group said it would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia if Moscow does not engage in talks or initiated another attempt to undermine Ukraines sovereignty. "The sanctions against Russia require tariffs on countries who purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products. They are hard hitting for a reason," the two senators said in a statement, a rare moment of bipartisanship in a divided Congress. "The dominating view in the United States Senate is that Russia is the aggressor, and that this horrific war and Putin's aggression must end now and be deterred in the future," they said. Ukraine marks three years since Russian forces pushed out of Kyiv region 11:51 , Alex Croft Three years ago, the Defense Forces drove the enemy out of Kyiv region. The russians attempted to swiftly capture the capital but shattered their ambitions against the resilience of the Ukrainian soldiers and the unity of Ukrainian society. At the same time, with the liberation pic.twitter.com/0vQ21xjIRG Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 2, 2025 Watch: Ukraine's firefighters battle blaze after Russian drone strike in Kharkiv 11:45 , Alex Croft Trump's pick for top US general stresses need to arm Ukraine 11:32 , Alex Croft Donald Trumps nominee to become Americas most senior military general has voiced his support for military assistance to Ukraine to deter Russia from further aggression. Retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine is Mr Trumps pick to become the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff - the highest-ranking officer in the US armed forces and the main military advisor to the president. Speaking at the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lt Gen Caine said US military assistance improves Ukraine's position at the negotiating table and deters Russia from further aggression. "From a military standpoint, Ukraine has the right to self-defense, and from that standpoint our security assistance helps Ukraine to defend itself," he said according to the published transcript of his confirmation hearing. But Washington should focus on what unique capabilities only the US can provide while Europe increases its share of support. Lt Gen Caine believes Moscow will continue to prosecute the war in 2025 because it likely views the conflict is in its favour. Lt Gen Caine faced the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing on Monday (Getty Images) Who is Putin's negotiator and what will he discuss? 11:11 , Alex Croft Kirill Dmitriev, the 49-year-old chief of Russias sovereign wealth fund, is reportedly set to visit Washington to meet Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff. But who is Kyiv-born Mr Dmitriev, and why is he being sent by Moscow on what would be Russias first diplomatic visit to the US since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022? Mr Dmitriev, who holds regular meetings with Vladimir Putin, was appointed in February as Putin's special envoy on international economic and investment cooperation. Born in Kyiv in Soviet Ukraine, the envoy went on to study at Stanford University in California before being awarded an MBA with distinction at Harvard. He speaks fluent English, worked at Goldman Sachs in New York alongside McKinsey & Company, before returning to Moscow where he worked in an US-Russian investment management company. Kirill Dmitriev was present for previous Russia-US talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (REUTERS) He has built strong relations with key members of the Trump team, having played a role in early Russia-US contacts when Mr Trump first took power in 2016. Mr Dmitriev also met US special envoy Steve Witkoff when he visited Moscow in March. Having flattered Mr Trump, he may be seen as the perfect fit for a Washington visit. "Trump (is) driving tectonic shifts in geopolitics. False malign paradigms (are) collapsing, giving way to common sense and values-driven solutions, Mr Dmitriev said. Moscow has likely tasked him with discussing the return of US companies to Russia, rare earths, energy prices, prisoner swaps and peace in Ukraine, among other topics. Mr Dmitriev was sanctioned by the US as a "a known Putin ally", but has not been sanctioned by the European Union. According to CNN, Washington has temporarily lifted the sanctions for the visit. Visit to Washington by Putin envoy is 'possible', says Kremlin 10:56 , Alex Croft A US visit by Vladimir Putins envoy Kirill Dmitriev is possible, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. Contacts between Moscow and Washington are continuing, a Kremlin spokesperson added. Reuters reported that Dmitriev is expected in Washington this week for talks with Donald Trump's administration. Watch: Trump warns Zelensky of big problems after accusing him of minerals deal u-turn 10:49 , Alex Croft Two arrested in Russian plot to blow up Lviv police station 10:29 , Alex Croft Two people have been arrested after allegedly plotting to blow up a police station in the western city of Lviv on Russian instructions, Ukrainian authorities said. The suspects were carrying out the instructions of a Russian representative in exchange for a monetary reward, Ukrainian prosecutors said on Telegram. They arrived in Lviv and retrieved explosives hidden in a bag at specific coordinates, authorities said. The defendants were set to plant the concealed explosives in an administrative building at a Lviv police station as part of their prearranged plan. One of the perpetrators was a 22-year-old woman and resident of Kyiv who had been looking to ear easy money through Telegram channels. After recruitment by Russian intelligence she was tasked with a "test" assignment, posting Russian propaganda leaflets around Kyiv, Ukrainska Pravda reported. Black Sea ceasefire: Why crucial Ukraine-Russia deal may never work despite concessions made to Putin 10:15 , Alex Croft Russia and Ukraine have agreed to stop attacking ships in the Black Sea after intense negotiations with the US in Saudi Arabia. It is not the full ceasefire Donald Trump is continuing to push for three years into Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, but the move is seen as progress by the White House. A US delegation held separate talks with counterparts from Russia and Ukraine over three days into Tuesday. The talks with Kyiv came on either side of a marathon 12-hour discussion with Kremlin representatives on Monday, which was described by a Russian official as challenging but useful. Rachel Clun reports: Black Sea ceasefire: Why crucial deal may never work despite concessions to Putin More pictures from Russian drone attack on Kharkiv 10:03 , Alex Croft At least eight people were injured, including three children, according to the State Emergency Service (EPA) Volodymyr Zelensky said around 14 drones were fired at Kharkiv, of the 74 fired by Russia in total (EPA) Ukrainian experts inspect a drone engine at the site of a shock drone strike in Kharkiv (EPA) Mapped: Russia advance slows in Donetsk as Ukraine launches counterattacks 09:48 , Alex Croft Action must be taken against Russia now, says Zelensky 09:35 , Alex Croft More from Volodymyr Zelensky, who called for a global response following Russias overnight drone attack. In a direct message to Western allies, Mr Zelensky says new and tangible pressure is needed on Moscow to bring the war to an end. The US and European countries must not wait until April 11, when it will be a month since Russia rejected the US ceasefire proposal, he added. This systematic and constant nature of Russian strikes clearly indicates that Moscow despises the diplomatic efforts of partners, Mr Zelensky wrote on X. Putin does not even want to ensure a partial ceasefire. We should not wait until April 11, when it will be a month since Russia said no to the American proposal for a ceasefire. Action must be taken as soon as possible. Kyiv is ready to work with partners from the US and Europe to achieve a dignified and lasting peace, he added. Last night, the Russian army continued using attack drones against Ukraine. A total of 74 drones were launched, including 54 Shaheds. Kharkiv was deliberately targeted at least 14 drones. Unfortunately, there were hits. There are wounded, including three children. All are pic.twitter.com/PUk5tSlHMN Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) April 2, 2025 Three children injured in overnight Russian attacks - Zelensky 09:22 , Alex Croft Three children were injured during the 74-drone attack on Ukraine by Russian forces, Volodymyr Zelensky added in his X post. Kharkiv was the most heavily targeted area in the attack, facing at least 14 drones. The attack involved 54 Iran-made Shahed drones in total, the Ukrainian president added. All the wounded are receiving the necessary assistance he said. Russian attacks damage multiple energy facilities - Zelensky 09:16 , Alex Croft Russian attacks damaged multiple energy facilities in Ukraine, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday. Facilities in the Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions were damaged, with electricity cut to nearly 4,000 consumers, Mr Zelensky wrote on X. A drone hit a substation in the northeastern Sumy region andn artillery fire damaged a power line in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, he said. Kyiv and Moscow had agreed with the US to a pause on energy infrastructure attacks, but both side has accused the other of violating this truce. Russia also launched a drone attack in Kharkiv (AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainian records 176 clashes with Russian troops, 64 near Pokrovsk 08:49 , Alex Croft The Ukrainian military recorded 176 clashes with Russian forces over the past day, 64 of which took place on the eastern Pokrovsk front. Vladimir Putins forces have been steadily advancing near Pokrovsk, a strategic Ukrainian town which serves as a supply hub for other areas of the frontline. Russia has aimed to cut supply lines to and from Pokrovsk to other Ukrainian-controlled areas. Clashes were also recorded on the fronts in Kharkiv, Kupiansk, Lyman, Toretsk, Kursk and others. The grinding war of attrition in eastern Ukraine has seen Russia send large masses of troops charging towards stretched Ukrainian defences, claiming incremental territorial gains at the cost of large manpower losses. ICYMI: Moscow cant accept US peace proposals in current form - Russian diplomat 08:26 , Alex Croft Moscow cannot accept the current US proposals on ending the war in Ukraine, a Russian diplomat said on Tuesday, as Washington expresses the first signs of anger over Vladimir Putins stalling of a peace settlement. Russia is giving serious consideration to the proposals but Washington must take into account what the Kremlin regards as the root causes of the conflict, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said according to state media. "We take the models and solutions proposed by the Americans very seriously, but we can't accept it all in its current form," he said. "As far as we can see, there is no place in them today for our main demand, namely to solve the problems related to the root causes of this conflict," he told Russias International Affairs magazine. "It is completely absent, and that must be overcome," he was quoted as saying. Recap: Why is Trump 'very angry' with Putin? 08:20 , Alex Croft After weeks of working with Vladimir Putin to reach a peace deal in Ukraine, Donald Trump has now said he is p***** off with the Russian leader. In and NBC interview, the US president said he was very angry with Putin for attacking Volodymyr Zelensky's governence. "You could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when... Putin started getting into Zelensky's credibility, because that's not going in the right location," Trump told NBC. Last week, the Russian president said Ukraine should be put under external UN governance as part of the ceasefire process. His suggestion that Zelenskys leadership was illegitimate was met with condemnation from leaders around the world. "New leadership means you're not gonna have a deal for a long time," Trump added in his interview with NBC. It is the first time Trump has appeared to express real anger towards Moscow since taking office in January (AFP/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images) Putin envoy responds to reports of Washington visit 08:14 , Alex Croft Kirill Dmitriev, Putins international cooperation envoy, has responded to reports that he is set to visit Washington this week. Maybe. The resistance to USRussia dialogue is realdriven by entrenched interests and old narratives, he wrote on X. But what if improved relations are exactly what the world needs for lasting global security and peace? He later posted a poll, asking his followers: Are good U.S.Russia relations good for the world? Maybe. The resistance to USRussia dialogue is realdriven by entrenched interests and old narratives. But what if improved relations are exactly what the world needs for lasting global security and peace ?#Geopolitics #USRussia #Peace #GlobalSecurity https://t.co/U3ungjB21Z Kirill A. Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) April 1, 2025 Putin envoy to visit Washington for Witkoff meeting 08:03 , Alex Croft Vladimir Putins envoy for international cooperation is reportedly set to visit Washington this week for a meeting with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff. In what would be the first visit by a Russian official to Washington since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscows presidential envoy for international cooperation Kirill Dmitriev will meet with Mr Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, two sources told Reuters. A close advisor to Putin, Dmitriev has been involved in recent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia amid warming relations between Washington and Moscow. He worked with Mr Witkoff to secure the release of American teacher Marc Fogel, who was arrested in Russia for trying to enter the country with a small amount of medical cannabis. Sir Michael Morpurgo has said the Governments changes to inheritance tax are completely wrong. The author told the Sunday Times: You dont have a go at the pensioners and the farmers. I know because I live in the middle of the farming culture. To threaten one particular group seems to me to be completely wrong. Its done by people who are fundamentally urban, who dont really understand what the countryside is about. Sir Michael, who is best known for books such as War Horse and The Butterfly Lion, also said Britain is full of sociological and geographical division. We exploit them, he said. There is a massive division between town and country. Its understandable: its part of having our industrial revolution earlier than other countries. Sir Michael Morpurgo did declare himself a fan Sir Keir Starmer and his Government despite misgivings over some policies (Leon Neal/PA) If you go to Italy or France, where their industrial revolution came rather later, where they are more in contact with their food, with their farmers, its different. When French farmers have a protest there is considerable support among urban people. Despite the policy, Sir Michael declared himself a fan of Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Government. Discussing Sir Keir, he said: Hes not a shouter and hes not a show-off. Im fed up with show-offs. I dont care if theyre from Russia or America or here. I want people who really do have some experience of the world, and have developed a care for other people. He claimed US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have open disrespect for others, adding: If you start talking about other people as if they are less important, that their culture is less important, then youre on a road to confrontation. Pulse nightclub in Kochani, North Macedonia, the morning after a fire broke out and killed dozens of people. - Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters Officials in North Macedonia are investigating a fire that tore through a nightclub killing 59 people and injuring more than 150, with many crushed in the rush to escape flames suspected to have been sparked by on-stage pyrotechnics. Around 500 revelers were at the Pulse nightclub in the town of Kochani, east of the capital Skopje, when flames ripped through the venue at about 3 a.m. Sunday morning, officials said. Video of the tragedy seems to show sparks flying from stage props and setting the roof alight as local band DNK performed to the crowd. One concert-goer, 22-year-old Marija Taseva, told Reuters that everyone was shouting, Get out, get out. She said she fell to the ground, and people trod on her, injuring her face. Her sister didnt make it out. My sister died, Taseva said. The victims range in age from 16 to 24, the head of Kochani General Hospital, Dr. Kristina Serafimova, said, according to state media outlet MIA. The majority of those who died were trampled in the crowd crush, she added. Several members of DNK are reported to be among those killed, including Andrej Gjorgieski, one of its lead singers. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said the blaze was caused by pyrotechnics used for lighting effects. Most likely, sparks caught a part of the ceiling that was made of flammable material, causing the fire to spread to the entire discotheque in a short period of time, creating thick smoke, he said. Photographs of the venue show that the fire severely damaged the nightclub's roof. - Robert Atanasovski/AFP/Getty Images At least 152 people who were injured in the tragedy were taken to hospitals across the country, MIA reported, citing the countrys health ministry. Dozens of victims are being treated for second-degree burns on their hands and faces, Vlatko Zahariev, head of the city of Shtips hospital said, according to MIA. Twenty-seven of the most seriously injured victims will receive treatment abroad, the health ministry said, according to MIA. Football player Andrej Lazarov was confirmed to be among the deceased, his club FC Shkupi announced in an Instagram post Sunday. Lazarov was 25. Arrests made By late Sunday, around 20 suspects had been arrested, including members of the band, the son of the club owner, and government officials, Toskovski told a press conference. Earlier MIA reported the owner of the nightclub was among those arrested. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the nightclubs license had been issued illegally by the economy ministry, according to Reuters. He said those found responsible will face justice. Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession, Mickoski said, as he declared seven days of national mourning. Leaders from across Europe have taken to social media to express their condolences, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. Angela Aggeler, the US ambassador to North Macedonia, also posted about the incident on X, writing that her heart breaks for the victims of the tragedy and offering the US embassys assistance and resources. Pope Francis also expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israeli medical experts will head to North Macedonia within the next day to provide medical assistance. The disaster is one of the deadliest nightclub fires to have taken place in at least a decade. In 2015, a crowded nightclub in Bucharest, Romania was engulfed in flames after pyrotechnics were set off during a concert, killing 64 people. Two years earlier, more than 240 people died after a fire broke out at a nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil. Pyrotechnics were also being used inside the club when the fire started. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Sharon Braithwaite contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Can two Aries make a good duo? Expert astrologers share all you need to know. When two Aries cross paths, they immediately resonate with each other. Their passionate drive, ambition, and unfiltered self-expression are rare to find in others. They match each other's inspirational vibe, bringing the heat, excitement, and passion. Lackluster indifference will never be on their radar as a unit. However, as both Aries crave to be the pioneer or leader in their connection, sometimes the Rams can bash their horns into one another, bringing friction. Luckily, they act instinctively, typically getting over their irritability or anger almost as soon as they can express it. The Aries Basics Element: Fire Modality: Cardinal Dates: March 21 to April 19 (may vary by a day, depending on year) Planetary Ruler: Mars Tarot Card: The Emporer Associated With: The Ram Best Traits: Independent, confident, lively, inspirational, driven, courageous, authentic Worst Traits: bossy, headstrong, prideful, argumentative, intense, hotheaded Famous Aries celebrities: Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Paul Rudd, Emma Watson, Halle Bailey, Kristen Stewart, Alec Baldwin, Robert Downey Jr. MORE: Libra And Cancer Compatibility Guide Aries and Aries Personalities Aries tends to be an open book when it comes to authenticity. What you see is what you get, and their unfiltered passion makes them exciting to have in your corner. They protect their right to happiness and individuality, as the planet of self-preservation, warrior Mars rules them. However, their hype-man energy extends to their loved ones. They'll always have your back once they decide you're worth the fight. They are both lovers and fighters, unwilling to give up on what and who they want. Aries and Aries: Overall Compatibility Are two Aries better than one? Many expert astrologers would say yes. These fire signs bring the passion, heat, intensity, and open honesty they deeply crave from one another. Although they sometimes get into competitive rifts or ego battles, they typically overcome minor conflicts quickly. As the child of the zodiac, this sign acts impulsively and instinctively, allowing their natural flow of self-expression to guide them. Therefore, a dual Aries pairing knows how to live in the moment, solve problems swiftly, and respect each others need for autonomy, even when it leads to differences. Respect is the guiding principle for the strength of their connection. Aries and Aries Compatibility Percentage: About 75% READ: 3 Most Lucky Zodiac Signs, According to Astrologers Aries and Aries: Romantic Compatibility Aries and Aries find a natural affinity with one another. Both tend to be direct about what they want, eagerly pursuing one another with courage, forthrightness, and confidence. Sparks fly early on. These Rams aren't afraid to charge headfirst into love, dating, and romance. As one of the most sexual signs, they have undeniable chemistry. However, they both may step on each other's toes, scrambling to take charge. They'll need to learn to let one another take turns calling the shots or taking the lead. Aries and Aries Romantic Compatibility Percentage: About 80% MORE: 4 Most Romantic Zodiac Signs, According to Astrologers Aries and Aries: Friendship Compatibility In friendships, Aries and Aries usually become close pals. These fire signs encourage their friends to put themselves and their needs first. They'll value how their platonic partner is there for them through the highs and lows. They hype each other up in ways others can't seem to muster the same passion, drive, or commitment. They plan fun hangouts, adventures, goals, and bucket lists, amplifying one another's zest for life. Aries and Aries Friendship Compatibility Percentage: About 85% Aries and Aries: Work Compatibility Aries struggles to take orders from anyone, even authority figures. They prefer working within their own guidelines, tempo, rules, and pace. Consequently, a working partnership between two Rams thrives best with respect, boundaries, and space for each to express their opinions. If one person dominates the direction, vibe, or tone of the business relationship, regardless of their professional role or status, it can lead to more tension than effective collaboration. Aries and Aries Work Compatibility Percentage: About 60% Aries and Aries: Family Compatibility In the family, Aries typically values connecting with another Ram. This Fire sign may need to forge an alternative path from those who came before them, which can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Fortunately, these Fire signs can relate to their desire to shape their path and destiny. They may find common ground in their commitment to staying true to themselves above all else. Aries and Aries Family Compatibility Percentage: About 85% Aries and Aries: Marriage Compatibility Aries individuals can maintain a lasting, long-term partnership. If they marry, they typically allow plenty of individuality, personal time, and hobbies in their relationship. However, the quality time they share will likely bring out the best in one another. They need to learn to compromise to ensure their commitment is fulfilled. Both may struggle with relinquishing or relaxing their standards or expectations, leading to an emotionally closed-off atmosphere. Vulnerability, patience, and sensitivity are essential. No one wins in power games. Aries and Aries Marriage Compatibility Percentage: About 80% READ: 4 Most Petty Zodiac Signs, According to Astrologers Aries and Aries: Relationship and Communication Advice Aries individuals often communicate directly and to the point, which can intimidate others due to their straightforward approach. However, no one understands them quite like another Ram. They should remember that even though they can handle "harsh truths" with each other, it doesn't mean they can't communicate with care, diplomacy, and sensitivity. Excessive arguments, bickering, or unnecessary friction can undermine any relationship. Fortunately, these star signs still share high compatibility. They naturally understand each other, even when their words aren't perfectly articulated. They tend to find it easy to forgive one another. Celebrity Aries-Aries Couples Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Logan Paul and Nina Agdal Mariah Carey Bryan Tanaka Related: Libra & Leo Compatibility: How These Two Zodiac Signs Relate to Each Other When Angela Prichard arrived at work at the Mississippi Ridge Kennels in Bellevue, Iowa, the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, she did not anticipate her estranged husband, Christopher Prichard, would be waiting inside with a shotgun. What was meant to be a routine morning turned into tragedy when Christopher Prichard fatally shot her in the chest. Special Agent Dustin Henningsen from the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation led the case. "You can hear dogs start to bark in the middle of the night. We had determined that was most likely the point when he arrived at the kennels," Henningsen told CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti in an interview for "Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?" an all-new "48 Hours" airing Saturday, March 15 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. On the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, Angela Prichard was shot and killed by her estranged husband where she worked at a dog kennel in Bellevue, Iowa. / Credit: Joshua Close Henningsen added it was "very, very early in the morning, when there was no daylight close to 4 a.m." According to investigators, a day earlier on Oct. 7, Christopher Prichard snuck into an acquaintance's barn a few miles away from the kennels and later trekked through the woods in the middle of the night. Angela Prichard's sister, Wendy Budde, told "48 Hours" Christopher Prichard knew the combination to get inside. When Angela Prichard arrived in the morning to tend to the dogs, Christopher Prichard appeared with a shotgun. Angela Prichard called 911 almost immediately and is heard yelling "please get out" before yelling "Chris!" The sound of a gunshot can be heard on the 911 call. She ultimately named her killer. Just weeks earlier on Sept. 1, Angela Prichard had been granted a restraining order against her husband after she said she was continuously harassed, stalked and threatened by him. Angela Prichard had even left the home they shared and moved in with her sister. Nine days before Angela Prichard's murder, an arrest warrant was issued for Christopher Prichard for violating the restraining order. Angela Prichard's family tells" 48 Hours" police should have done more to arrest Christopher Prichard. They say in a small town like Bellevue, he was easy to find. After about 16 hours on the run, Christopher Prichard was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and robbery. He was found guilty and in March 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Angela Prichard's family filed a lawsuit against the City of Bellevue and three police officers for failing to perform their job. In January 2025, a federal judge dismissed the case in its entirety and the family is now appealing the decision. Trump sends Iran a warning while ordering strikes against Houthis in Yemen Retail giants like Macy's, Walgreens face financial turmoil Senate passes short-term funding bill, averting a government shutdown The traumatized biological mother of the emaciated man allegedly held captive by his stepmother in Connecticut for 20 years claimed her son has never been forgotten. We are all trying to come to grips with this horror that my son had to endure, the 52-year-old resident of Meriden, Connecticut, told The Post Saturday, adding that proper feelings are just too hard to take in right now. And this is also including the fathers side of the family. The mom, who came outside her home wearing a gray hoodie and spoke briefly to nearby workers who were removing neighborhood Christmas lights, did not answer directly when asked why she had not saved her son. Kimberly Sullivan, 56, the victims stepmother, was arrested Wednesday and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment. Waterbury Police He has family who love him so much and has never been forgotten about, the mother said, asking that her name be withheld because she is traumatized. He should have never been put through this horror. We wish our privacy at this time to start the healing process for everyone. This is a very difficult time for ALL of his family and we need time to start the healing, she later added. My son is the biggest thing!! We need to make sure that his healing is as best as it can be!!! The victim, now 32, weighed just 68 pounds when he was rescued last month from his familys Waterbury home where he had apparently set a fire in a desperate bid to escape the alleged abuse, he told police. Its unclear how many people knew about the mans apparent plight. His parents were married in 1992, but by January 1995 the couple had split and dad Kregg had remarried to a woman named Kimberly Sullivan. Kregg died in January 2024. The victim was pulled out of elementary school when teachers and the principal noticed that he was starving and always looking for food, with the former principal of Barnard Elementary School claiming educators alerted the state to apparent serious abuse within the family as early as 2005 after the boy was found stealing food and eating from the garbage. Kimberly Sullivan stands next to her attorney at a bond hearing Thursday. Pool photo An uncle, Kurt Sullivan, 55, said he was unable to see his nephew for around 20 years, after his sister-in-law reportedly pushed him and other relatives away for asking too many questions. I was shocked, he looks like a Holocaust survivor, Kurt Sullivan, 55, told police after seeing his nephew in the hospital, according to an affidavit. The victims two younger sisters work nearby. One of the siblings reportedly lived with her parents for a time in the Waterbury home. They could not be reached for comment. The house in Waterbury, CT where a 32-year-man deliberately lit a fire last month so he could be rescued from years of captivity and starvation. Douglas Healey The victim was allegedly locked in 9-by-8-foot storage space and starved for years and sometimes had to drink from a toilet and eat from a garbage can to survive, according to court documents. After Kreggs death, his captivity grew more restrictive and he was locked in his room 22 to 24 hours a day, the victim claimed to authorities. Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested but later released on $300,000 bond. Firefighters carry the rescued victim from the burning house after he allegedly set the home on fire to escape. Waterbury Fire Department Newly released bodycam footage of the moment first responders arrived at the burning home Feb. 17 showed Kimberly Sullivan standing outside, clutching one of her dogs. As firefighters carried the victims limp body out of the home, Sullivan is heard in the footage voicing concern for her pup. My dog is shaking, she said before shouting at the firefighter carrying her stepson, what are you doing? Her attorney Ioannis Kaloidis told The Post Saturday that he believed family members had helped pay the bond. He declined to disclose his clients current whereabouts. Family members hold pictures of their relatives who disappeared in the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war, during a protest calling on the interim government to not give up on efforts to find them, in the city of Daraa, Syria, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki) DARAA, Syria (AP) Family members of Syrians who disappeared in the country's 14-year civil war gathered in the city of Daraa on Sunday to urge the newly installed interim government to not give up on efforts to find them. The United Nations in 2021 estimated that over 130,000 Syrians were taken away and disappeared during the war, many of them detained by former President Bashar Assad's network of intelligence agencies as well as by opposition fighters and the extremist Islamic State group. Advocacy group The Syrian Campaign says some 112,000 are still missing. When rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham overthrew Assad in December, they stormed prisons and released detainees from the ousted government's dungeons. Families of the missing quickly rushed to the prisons seeking their loved ones. While there were some reunions, rescue services also discovered mass graves around the country and used whatever remains they could retrieve to identify the dead. On Sunday, the 14th anniversary of the countrywide uprisings that spiraled into civil war, Wafa Mustafa held a placard of her father, Ali, who was detained by the Assad government's security forces in 2013. She fled a week later to Germany, fearing she would also be detained, and hasn't heard from him since. Like many other Syrians who fled the conflict or went into exile for their activism, she often held protests and rallied in European cities. Now, she has returned twice since Assad's ouster, trying to figure out her father's whereabouts. Im trying, feeling both hope and despair, to find any answer on the fate of my father," she said. I searched inside the prisons, the morgues, the hospitals, and through the bodies of the martyrs, but I still couldnt find anything. A United Nations-backed commission on Friday urged the interim government led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa to preserve evidence and anything they can document from prisons in the ongoing search for the disappeared. The commission also urged the new government to pursue perpetrators. Some foreign nationals are missing in Syria as well, notably American journalist Austin Tice, whose mother visited Syria in January and met with Al-Sharaa. Tice has not been heard from other than a video released weeks after his disappearance in 2012 that showed him blindfolded and held by armed men. Syrias civil war began after Assad crushed largely peaceful protests in 2011, one of the popular uprisings against Arab rulers known as the Arab Spring. Half a million people were killed during the conflict, and more than 5 million left the country as refugees. ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Ashton Colby, left, has been supported by his conservative Republican father, Rick, since he came out as transgender in 2012. - Maddie McGarvey for CNN After undergoing surgery, Ashton Colby was confined to bed and couldnt move his arms or carry out basic tasks. But his father Rick Colby was there every step of the way, helping him recover from his top surgery support that meant the world from his conservative Republican father after Ashton came out as transgender and underwent the operation. Surgery is an option that some, but not all, trans people choose as a part of the broader gender-affirming care they may receive to help them with their transition. Ashton was 19 at the time. He was there in the hotel room while helping me recover and drink protein shakes when I couldnt use my arms. Hes made, literally, a life-or-death difference in my life, Ashton, now 32, told CNN. Ashton had been tormented by fear that he would be rejected by his family in the weeks leading up to his coming out in 2012. But his father stood by him through therapy and doctors appointments, ensuring he would get the specialized care he needed to affirm his gender and thrive, which Ashton says: Saved my life. Rick voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, and he describes his role as an offensive lineman in a greater mission to fight misconceptions and legislation attacking transgender rights and health care. Now, theres a new challenge to face: an executive order from Trump denying federal funding for providers of gender-affirming health care for minors. The order threatens to upend even care for Ashton, who is an adult, and for many others. While the executive order only applies to gender-affirming care for those under 19 and has been temporarily paused by two federal judges, its still affecting patients of all ages. Many clinics and hospitals around the nation temporarily halted gender-affirming care before the order was blocked by the judges, and while care has returned at many locations, providers concerned about losing federal funding worry they will have to stop care altogether in the future, experts in the field of gender-affirming care told CNN. Ashton feared his family would reject him before coming out in 2012. - Maddie McGarvey for CNN Rick voted for Trump but publicly advocates for transgender rights. - Maddie McGarvey for CNN Ashton has received gender-affirming care from the same Ohio clinic since 2015 as an adult. Last year, Ohio banned some parts of gender-affirming care for minors. While gender-affirming care for adults is still legal in Ohio, Ashton was warned last month by his provider that patients might have to drive across the state line to Pennsylvania to access care in the wake of Trumps order, Ashton said. His medical center relies on millions of dollars in federal support to treat all its patients. The executive order has plunged medical providers and their patients in the field into chaos, even in blue states where the care was previously safeguarded. The disruptions to gender-affirming care after the order are already palpable. Patients on puberty blockers who need to transition to hormone therapy have already experienced or are fearful of interruptions to their treatment and are facing significant medical risks, according to one pediatric doctor who spoke with CNN anonymously due to threats to her safety. The order is part of a wave of measures targeting gender-affirming care that have been pushed in recent years along with a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in 2023 across the United States, largely by Republicans. Rick Colby says he cant support the Trump administrations moves targeting the transgender community. I agree with just about everything Trump is doing except for transgender people, Rick told CNN. For Ashton, undergoing gender-affirming care allowed him to be in a great place and be the person he was always meant to be, which is a man, his father said. It doesnt matter what your political affiliation is, my main concern is how to keep your child alive and help them to be happy and thrive and be productive members of society, Rick said. Rick shows a photo taken with his son Ashton outside of the US Capitol. - Maddie McGarvey Anxiety over upended treatment plans Ashton Colby takes testosterone as a weekly injection in an ongoing treatment plan to manage the gender dysphoria he says, I now luckily dont have. But he worries his treatment plan will be upended for the first time since hes transitioned. When patients undergoing hormone therapy stop taking testosterone, some of the physical changes can be reversed, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ive been really worried that, even as an adult, my care might be taken away or made much harder to access, Ashton said. Hes not alone. Multiple health care professionals told CNN theyve been hearing from anxious patients and parents of trans children who have already experienced or anticipate disruptions to their childrens medical care. The future of their treatment is uncertain no matter which state they live in, experts say, as clinics and medical institutions take a risk-averse approach due to the threat of losing essential federal funding to treat all patients and conduct research. In the week after Trump signed the order, clinics and hospitals around the country made public announcements they were suspending gender-affirming care for those under the age of 19 but later in February resumed the care after state attorneys general warned denying the treatment could violate states anti-discrimination laws. A few of those medical institutions included Denver Health, Childrens Health Colorado, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and Corewell Health in Michigan. Two federal judges have paused Trumps order, including US District Judge Brendan Hurson in Baltimore who on March 4 extended a temporary restraining order that was previously entered in the case, saying health care disruptions for trans youth could be potentially catastrophic and noting the risks of heightened gender dysphoria and suicide uncertainty. A group of 15 attorneys general also issued a joint statement in February to reaffirm their support for gender-affirming care and said they will continue to enforce state laws that provide access to gender-affirming care. But even as some hospitals and clinics reverse course, the volatility of the medical treatment is keeping anxieties high as providers and families deal with the fallout from the order and the pending legal case. Many institutions are pausing care in secret without documenting the changes formally but instead telling providers to cancel quietly because they fear backlash, according to Alex Sheldon, executive director of GLMA, one of multiple LGBTQ groups suing the Trump Administration over the executive order. If funding is conditioned on not providing care to a very small patient population trans and non-binary young people losing that funding would force many hospitals to shut down completely, Sheldon said. Many medical institutions have decided to err on the side of fear, Sheldon said. Its cruel because you must choose whos going to suffer. We know it will be the transgender patients because theyre a smaller number, said the pediatric doctor who spoke anonymously. Do you stop this care thats so crucial and life saving for these kids, or do you put at risk the care of all these patients that also need it? Providers are already responding to frantic calls from their patients parents, the doctor said. Theyre asking us, Whats going to happen? Are you going to close? Can you get a refill of prescriptions as soon as possible before you close? There are patients scheduled for puberty blockers a month from now and theyre worried that theyre not going to get there. Some families are making plans to move out of the country, including those without many resources, the physician said. Ashton and his father hang out at his apartment in Columbus, Ohio. - Maddie McGarvey for CNN The human cost of pausing care Healthcare providers in the field say they are facing an impossible choice between maintaining ethical standards of care and risking their livelihoods, as legislation could mean theyll lose their jobs or medical licenses for following established medical guidelines backed by every major medical association. One major concern is for children on puberty blockers who wont be able to access hormone therapy if care stops suddenly, the doctor explained. They cant be going into their late teens without hormones because then theres significant medical risks, the doctor added. Patients on puberty blockers have implants under the skin that can only be surgically removed, according to the doctor. So, we right now have the ethical question of: If we keep it in but they dont get any hormones, theyre going to have issues with their bone density, maybe brain development, the doctor said. But then if we remove the implant, theyre going to go backwards. The endogenous puberty will start and thats going to be pretty traumatic what do we do? Not all providers will halt services if Trumps order is enforced. A non-profit health center that receives federal funding is still providing gender-affirming care to youth but will look to secure alternative funding if the order is enforced, according to its leadership team who agreed to speak with CNN anonymously due to safety and privacy concerns. Hospitals, especially academic medical centers, commonly receive research funding from the federal government. It varies more for clinics, but they typically get funds from sources that charge insurance companies, have a sliding scale fee and may also receive federal grants, according to the health centers CEO. There are hundreds of us who provide hormone therapy to patients. We all understand this is primary, routine care for people and theres great evidence on it. For many of us, its essential to keep doing because we just think its primary care, the CEO said. I agree with just about everything Trump is doing except for transgender people, Rick told CNN. - Maddie McGarvey for CNN Supporting a party that doesnt understand whats at stake For Ashton Colby, support from his loved ones helps him cope with the fear and uncertainty surrounding care during the Trump administration. Ashtons father fiercely contests claims by Republicans that people are becoming transgender on a whim. He cites his first-hand experience witnessing Ashton suffer from gender dysphoria. He suffered immensely through his formative years and as a teen the depression, the anxiety, the stress. For Ashton and other transgender and nonbinary people, uncertainty now looms over their future appointments and the continued treatment regimen they rely on. I shouldnt have to have an exit plan with my provider in this way. Ive been nervous, Ashton said. Rick believes the extreme right of his party does not believe being transgender is a real thing at all and says they engage in efforts to erase them and make life difficult, even though transgender people are American citizens and are trying to participate in the American dream and live their lives to be left alone like everybody else. The path forward, he says, is for the Republican party to listen to the transgender community and the physicians who care for them. Rick said the most hate he receives is when I identify myself as a conservative Republican whos a dad of a transgender son who I love and support. That sets them off, because it doesnt fit the narrative, which is, everybodys on the left doing this. But to him, it proves the point: It shows this is really an issue that transcends a political ideology, that there actually is an objective truth to it. While Ashton says he disagrees with many of his fathers conservative beliefs and they didnt vote for the same candidate, theyve been brought closer by answering the call to advocacy. He knows hes safe at home and in his community, which is why he decided to stay in Ohio after considering moving to a bluer state with more laws protecting his rights. Ashton said of his father: Because he has had to repeatedly say it and declare it publicly that he loves me I feel it in my heart more. Im safe with him here. CNNs Kristen Rogers and Jen Christensen contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com German defense contractor Rheinmetalls stock price has skyrocketed more than 1,000% since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. As the EU plans a 800 billion boost in defense spending, Rheinmetall expects growth to remain strong. German defense contractor Rheinmetall sees unprecedented gains ahead as Europe embarks on a massive military buildup, even after reporting already-strong growth. Headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, the company reported 2024 total revenue of 9.8 billion on Wednesday, up 36% from 2023. The defense business led the companys sales growth last year, surging 50% to 7.6 billion. Additionally, the backlog increased 44% to 55 billion a new record high. Last years growth was helped by Europes continued military aid for Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Rheinmetalls stock price has climbed more than 1,000%. Meanwhile, the European Union recently announced plans to increase its defense spending by 800 billion ($867 billion) as historic US allies seek to take more responsibility for their security. An era of rearmament has begun in Europe that will demand a lot from all of us, CEO Armin Papperger said in a statement. However, it also brings us at Rheinmetall growth prospects for the coming years that we have never experienced before. For this year, Rheinmetall expects total sales to increase 25%-30% and defense sales to climb 35%-40%. While those numbers would fall short of 2024's, actual sales by the end of the year could turn out to be even bigger. Rheinmetall noted in its report the outlook does not take into account geopolitical developments in recent weeks, saying updates to its forecasts could come later as requirements of its military customers become clearer. With a 50% sales growth in the defence business, Rheinmetall is on its way from being a European systems supplier to a global champion, Papperger said. In recent years, the European leader in munition production invested nearly 8 billion in new manufacturing facilities, acquisitions, and supply-chain security. In January, Rheinmetall announced it acquired a majority share in a Bavarian software developer that specializes in digitizing warfare. In addition to manufacturing missiles and bombs, Rheinmetall also makes tanks, air-defense systems, and autonomous ground vehicles. Most notably, it produces the Panther KF51 main battle tank. A major supplier to Ukraine, Rheinmetall has plants in the war-torn country along with Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania. Additionally, the company looks to continue its growth in Germany and is reportedly interested in a Volkswagen plant in Osnabruk. On Wednesday, Papperger said the facility would be very suitable for the companys expansion plans and would be more affordable than building a factory from the ground up. Papperger cautioned that while there was no concept for Rheinmetall to move onto Volkswagens turf, things could still move quickly. One thing is clear: before Ill build a new tank factory in Germany, well of course take a look at it, he said. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Lee County Sheriff's Office Robert James Luther III; Lee Country Sheriff Department officers A man has been charged with animal cruelty after a Florida homeowner discovered a box containing two severed cat heads on their mailbox, according to authorities. Police were called to a Bonita Springs home on Thursday, March 13, after the homeowner made the disturbing discovery, per a statement from the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO). Due to the nature of the incident, the departments Animal Cruelty Task Force was called to assist detectives on the scene. The LCSO said state-of-the-art technology, including license plate readers (LPR), was used to examine the scene, and officers ultimately arrested 37-year-old Robert James Luther III. Lee County Sheriffs Office Robert James Luther III Officers discovered Luther fishing in an area near the crime scene later that day, and the LCSO said he "invoked his rights" and refused to speak with them while being questioned. According to the LCSO, detectives found further evidence linking Luther to the crime, including "disturbing cell phone videos" in which Luther [makes] mention" of and depicts the deceased cats. 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. Luther was booked on two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two counts of aggravated stalking, per the LCSO's public booking records. Heinous, violent acts, especially toward innocent animals, is beyond unacceptable, and any offender will face severe consequences to the fullest extent of the law, Sheriff Carmine Marceno said in the LCSO's official statement. He added: The combined efforts of multiple units ensured this sick individual got locked behind bars before he could hurt anyone else. PEOPLE reached out to the LCSO for further information on Sunday, March 16, but did not receive an immediate response. It is currently unclear if Luther has legal representation to comment on his behalf at this time. Read the original article on People Getty Gene Hackman's will has been unveiled -- and the two-time Oscar-winner left every penny of his fortune to his wife, Betsy Arakawa -- but there's a big twist. The Hollywood legend made Betsy his sole beneficiary back in 1995, according to the docs, obtained by TMZ. Getty What's interesting is that his three children -- son Christopher and two daughters Leslie and Elizabeth -- are not named in the will. It was all supposed to go to Betsy ... but, the timing of their deaths could change where the money goes. As we told you ... early findings indicate Betsy died from hantavirus, a rare disease that can be fatal ... while Gene passed away about a week later due to cardiovascular disease. Officials made it clear Hackman was struggling with Alzheimer's disease -- which would explain why he never called the police about his wife. Gene Hackman Died from Heart Disease a Week After Wife's Death Betsy's will leaves most of her assets to Gene, but there's a provision which says if they died within 90 days of each other, it would be considered a simultaneous death, and in that case, her will provides all of her assets would go to charity. Gene Hackman And Betsy Arakawa Together - Click image to open gallery New Mexico is a community property state, so assuming there's no prenup, Betsy's estate could have a lot of money and her share would go to charity. As for Gene's estate ... despite the fact he did not include his children in his will, they would presumably get his share since they are the most direct living heirs. Andrew M. Katzenstein -- a prominent California trust and estate attorney -- has reportedly been hired by Gene's son Chris, who's the oldest sibling ... indicating he may challenge the will. Getty Hackman discussed his difficult relationship with his children over the years ... admitting he wasn't around much during Chris' formative years. He had gotten closer to his kids in more recent years. Julia Peters, a representative for the estate of Hackman and Arakawa, has also filed paperwork asking the court to grant a preliminary injunction preventing authorities from releasing any photo or video of evidence of the death scene -- officer body cam footage for example -- citing Gene and Betsy's right to privacy. Investigators Say Gene Hackman's Alzheimer's May Have Caused Confusion Over Wife's Death As you know ... Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their home last month -- and, officials say they believe their bodies had been lying in the house for more than a week. To view all content on this page click here. We've reached out to Hackman's rep as well as his family for comment on the will ... so far, no word back. Elon Musk, Brandon Gill clamor to impeach judge A federal judge who temporarily blocked President Trumps bid to rapidly deport Venezuelan gang members via the 18th century Alien Enemies Act is facing an impeachment push including by Elon Musk. Shortly after the judges temporary order was issued, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) announced plans to file articles of impeachment against the judge, drawing praise from Musk. Necessary, Musk wrote on X after Gill revealed his plans to introduce articles of impeachment against the judge. Elon Musk backed up the call to impeach US District Judge James Boasberg. REUTERS Earlier in the day Saturday, US District Judge James Boasberg imposed a 14-day restraining order on Trumps ability to use the 1798-era Alien Enemies Act to bypass the traditional immigration and criminal avenues in order to rapidly deport members of the notorious Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua. Boasberg, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011, further ordered any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States however that is accomplished. But the order already came too late for some suspected gang members. On Sunday, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele posted dramatic video footage showing more than 250 Tren de Aragua and MS-13 members who were sent to the Central American country. They will be held at the countrys notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), as part of a deal Bukele struck with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The judges temporary order came mere hours after Trump took executive action to invoke the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act and begin targeting members of the Venezuelan gang. Musk, 53, has previously groused about federal judges who have held up or scuttled various actions by the Trump administration, particularly rulings that have hamstrung the Department of Government Efficiencys (DOGE) efforts to root out waste. Rep. Bradon Gill has previously made headlines for wanting to put the presidents face on the $100 and targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Gill, 31 is a freshman congressman who recently championed a petition to deport Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) despite her being an American citizen and introduced legislation to put Trumps face on the $100 bill. The Alien Enemies Act gives the president wartime powers to apprehend and expel citizens of an enemy country back home. Back in January, Trump had designated Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization. The transnational criminal has been linked to human trafficking, drug smuggling, kidnappings and more in dozens of states, including New York. In his January proclamation, Trump declared that Tren de Aragua and MS-13, present an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy. His decision to invoke the Alien Enemies Act marked the fourth time that wartime power was used, with the most recent instance being under former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the wake of the Japanese attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base. Roosevelt used that power to put people of Japanese, German and Italian descent into internment camps. Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA, Trump explained in a statement on his decision to invoke the authority. The Trump administration had begun deportations under the Alien Enemies Act not long before the temporary pause was imposed. US ARMY/AFP via Getty Images The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. Boasbergs temporary pause on Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act came after an emergency hearing Saturday over a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward, which sued over the deportation of five Venezuelans. I do not believe I can wait any longer and am required to act, Boasber said Saturday. His temporary pause was intended to give the courts time to further weigh the issue and rule on the lawsuit. The Trump administration has already appealed Boasbergs order to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. People take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo//Oded Balilty) CAIRO (AP) Hamas said Saturday it will only release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel implements their ceasefire agreement, calling it an exceptional deal aimed at getting the truce back on track. Israeli airstrikes meanwhile killed nine people in the Gaza Strip who the military identified as militants, allegations denied by a U.K.-based aid group that said eight of its workers were killed. A senior Hamas official said long-delayed talks over the ceasefire's second phase would need to begin the day of the release and last no longer than 50 days. Israel also would need to stop barring the entry of humanitarian aid and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt. Israel has said it won't pull out from the corridor, citing the need to combat weapons smuggling. Hamas would also demand the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks. Edan Alexander, 21, who grew up in New Jersey, was abducted from his military base during Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. He is the last living U.S. citizen held in Gaza. Hamas still has 59 hostages, 35 believed to be dead. Speaking at a protest camp set up last week outside Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, relatives of hostages said Netanyahu was violating the agreement he signed and abandoning the hostages in Gaza. You want to sacrifice our children for the pleasures of power, said Itzik Horn, father of hostage Eitan and freed hostage Iair. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Saturday told negotiators to prepare for the continuation of talks regarding the release of hostages, his office said. Airstrikes kill nine Two Israeli airstrikes in the northern town of Beit Lahiya near the border killed at least nine people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Palestinian Journalists Protection Center, a local watchdog, said the dead included three Palestinian journalists who were documenting aid distribution. Local health official Fares Awad identified one as Mahmoud Islim, who was operating a drone. The Israeli military said it struck two people operating a drone that it said posed a threat to soldiers in the area. It said it launched another strike at a group of people who came to collect the drone equipment, identifying all those targeted as militants. The army later released the names of six people it said were militants killed in the strikes, including one accused of taking part in the Oct. 7 attack and another who it said had been released as part of the ceasefire. The military said two others, including Islim, were militants posing as journalists. The UK-based Al Khair Foundation said that eight of its workers were killed in the strikes. It denied the Israeli militarys allegations that those killed were militants or had connections to Hamas. Hamas in a statement called the attack a serious escalation showing Israels attempts to sabotage any opportunity to implement the ceasefire agreement. Also Saturday, Israel's military said it removed a platoon of soldiers from Gaza who were seen in a video on social media opening fire during a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim. The video shows soldiers shooting, apparently randomly, while another performs the customary reading of the Book of Esther. The military said the soldiers will face disciplinary measures. No major fighting has occurred in Gaza since the ceasefire took hold on Jan. 19, but Israeli strikes have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military said had entered unauthorized areas, engaged in militant activities or otherwise violated the truce. Israel has cast doubt on Hamas' offer The United States said it presented on Wednesday a proposal to extend the ceasefire a few weeks as the sides negotiate a permanent truce. It said Hamas was claiming flexibility in public while privately making entirely impractical demands. Talks continued in Egypt, which along with Qatar has served as mediators with Hamas in the indirect talks with Israel. Israel and Hamas were to begin negotiations on the ceasefire's second phase in early February, but only preparatory talks have been held. In Phase Two, Hamas would release all remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting truce. The first phase saw the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces pulled back to a buffer zone along Gazas border and allowed a surge of humanitarian aid. After the first phase ended early this month, Israel said it had agreed to a new U.S. proposal in which Hamas would release half the remaining hostages in return for a vague commitment to negotiate a lasting ceasefire. Hamas rejected that offer. Netanyahu's office said in a statement that he held in-depth discussions with the negotiating team and security officials on Saturday evening. Afterward, he told the negotiating team to prepare for continued talks as per the mediator's response to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal, the statement said. Palestinian official says no fuel left for wells For two weeks, Israel has barred the delivery of food, fuel and other supplies to Gaza's roughly 2 million Palestinians, and cut electricity to the territory a week ago, to pressure Hamas to accept the new proposal. The southern city of Rafah, on the Gaza-Egypt border, said it could no longer provide fuel needed to pump water from dozens of wells. Ahmed al-Sufi, head of the municipality, said fuel shortages caused by the Israeli siege have forced it to suspend essential services, threatening the lives of thousands. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza, displaced most of the population and left nearly everyone dependent on international aid. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage. Most have been released in deals, while Israel rescued eight living hostages and recovered the bodies of dozens more. Israel's military offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. ___ Associated Press writer Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Pennington Co. Sheriffs office Pennington County Sheriff's Office vehicle A hiker in South Dakota found the body of a 21-year-old woman who went missing back in August 2024. On Wednesday, March 12, the Pennington County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) announced on social media that authorities identified the remains of Sahela Sangrait, a Box Elder woman who was first reported missing on Aug. 10. The identification comes a week after a hiker made a call about a "badly decomposed body" on the afternoon of March 4. PCSO officers were dispatched to an area south of Hill City near the line of both Pennington and Custer counties later in the day. At the time, the remains "did not have any identifying information available," the PCSO wrote on Facebook and Instagram. In a March 6 update, the PCSO said it was in contact with a local forensic dentist and had conducted an autopsy, before sharing in its latest note that it has notified Sangrait's family. The case is now being investigated as a homicide, the PCSO said. Daniel Tadevosyan/Getty Stock image of a police vehicle with flashing sirens According to a post on the South Dakota Missing Persons Alerts Facebook page, as initially reported by ABC affiliate KOTA-TV, Sangrait was last believed to be staying with a friend in Eagle Butte. She "left stating that she would be traveling to Box Elder to get some of her things" ahead of a trip to California, and there had been "zero contact" since, per a missing persons flyer. 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. An administrator for the group updated the community about Sangrait's death earlier in the week, writing that the 21-year-old was "found an angel." They also shared their condolences with her family and friends, who "never stopped trying to get answers for Shy." "I know she will be watching over you, the most beautiful angel," the message read. "I'm praying you are able to find comfort in the memories you have made with Shy in the time you had." The PCSO did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional information on Saturday, March 15. Authorities are encouraging anyone with "pertinent information" to contact investigator Jorge Salas. The PCSO is investigating alongside the Rapid City Police Department and "multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies," including the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit. Read the original article on People On January 14, Ambassador Wang Qing visited the agricultural cooperation project in Bo. During the visit, he visited the breeding base, experimental field and high-yield planting demonstration base of the 14th Chinese Agriculture Technology Cooperation Project, and attended the handing over ceremony of high-yield rice seeds and the completion ceremony of the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Bridge. The Acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone, the Resident Minister of Southern Province, the Mayor of Bo and representatives of local Agriculture Bureau and university participated in the activities. Ambassador Wang said that, China has always put agriculture at the important position of China-Sierra Leone cooperation. During the past years, China has dispatched several groups of agricultural experts, provided batches of emergency food assistance and modernized agricultural machinery, which provided strong support for development of agriculture of Sierra Leone. In 2024, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio paid two visits to China, during which the two heads of states reached important consensus on further strengthening agricultural cooperation. China will accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the high-level visits, and help Sierra Leone realize the goal of Feed Salone. The Acting Minister of Agriculture, the Resident Minister of Southern Province, and the Mayor of Bo City highly evaluated the traditional deep friendship between Sierra Leone and China, and the fruitful progress of agricultural cooperation achieved by the two sides. The acting Minister of Agriculture thanked China for the long-term support and said that, under the guidance of the two heads of states, China-Sierra Leone practical cooperation will usher in a better future. Ambassador Wang and guests also went to the high-yield planting demonstration base to harvest rice and share the joy of harvest. Protesters carried signs outside a Tesla showroom and service center in Los Angeles, on March 15. - Richard Vogel/AP Hundreds of demonstrators gathered nationwide outside Tesla showrooms Saturday amid heightened criticism against CEO Elon Musks federal cost-cutting role in the so-called Department of Government Efficiency and after Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to crack down on vandalism against Tesla. The demonstrations are part of the Tesla Takedown movement, a boycott that began on February 15 against Musks electric vehicle company. The campaign was started by Hollywood actor and filmmaker Alex Winter, and Joan Donovan, an assistant professor of Journalism and Emerging Media Studies at Boston University. DOGE has slashed thousands of government jobs, and this week it proposed a dramatic downsizing of the IRS that would result in a nearly 20% reduction of its workforce by May 15. More than 80 demonstrations are slated for Saturday and more than 70 are planned through the end of April, according to the Tesla Takedown website. The movement wants people to sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines. Tesla did not respond to CNNs request for comment. In the Boston suburb of Dedham, about 100 demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla showroom. The Philadelphia suburb of West Chester had a similar turnout. Baltimore saw one of the biggest turnouts with at least 300 demonstrators In Washington, DC, more than 50 demonstrators had gathered by noon outside a Tesla showroom, holding signs and dancing to songs by Beyonce and Daft Punk as passing drivers honked their horns in support. The number of demonstrators on the gloomy and chilly day was a sharp uptick from the turnout about two weeks ago at the same Georgetown location. Sara Steffens, a former journalist and policy advocate, said she paired up with Melissa Knutson, who is self-employed, to turn the demonstration into a dance party. Knutson said she wanted to replicate the musical atmosphere she saw at a demonstration in Maryland. We need to have joy because this is a long haul, and we need to grow our movement against this authoritarianism, Knutson told CNN. Demonstrators hold anti-Tesla posters during a protest encouraging people to boycott Tesla in opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's political involvement in the U.S. government, outside the Tesla Centre Park Royal in London, Britain, March 15, 2025. - Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters Trump administration responds after vandalism against Tesla Police departments across the United States are investigating a wave of attacks on Tesla showrooms, charging stations and vehicles. On March 3, seven charging stations in a mall outside of Boston were set on fire. Five days later in New York City, six protesters were arrested for occupying a showroom. In Colorado, a woman was accused of throwing Molotov cocktails and vandalizing vehicles and a showroom. Bondi said Friday she had opened an investigation into vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms. If youre going to touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out because were coming after you. And if youre funding this, were coming after you. Were going to find out who you are, Bondi said on Fox Business. And on Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Musk made an appearance on the South Lawn of the White House, where five Tesla vehicles were showcased. Trump called the vehicles beautiful and said he hoped the event would boost Tesla sales. Its like the Super Bowl, where its just mass exposure, Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at automotive site Edmunds, told CNN about the media scene on the South Lawn. Caldwell thinks the attention Tesla received from Trump helps the automaker in the short term but is unsure if the efforts will convert most people who otherwise may not be interested in buying a Tesla. Pressuring Musk Musk, the worlds richest man, owns about 411 million shares of Tesla, or about 13%, and has lost most of the gains the company saw in December. Shares of Tesla (TSLA), which closed at $249.98 on Friday, have shed about 48% of their value since peaking at $479.86 on December 17 and are down about 30% since the start of the demonstrations last month. We have to think about not in just whats the stock price from one day to the next, but keeping pressure on over the long term, said Steffens at the demonstration in Washington, DC. Knutson said Tesla Takedown is not against Tesla drivers or the cars themselves. We are specifically targeting Elon Musk, trying to bring his value down and to extract as much pain from him as we can, she said. Meanwhile, more than 800 anti-Musk bumper stickers most of which are intended to be placed on Tesla vehicles have been sold on Amazon in the past month. Teslas reputation sparks concerns Negative opinions of Musk will damage Teslas reputation, according to Caldwell. She noted the negative attention could also get consumers to do more research and consider other EV options aside from Tesla. Caldwell said Teslas market share was weakened before these protests, as a slew of automakers have introduced new EVs to the market. I imagine some (Tesla investors) are hoping that this is a short-term blip and things will eventually get a bit smoother, she said. Its hard to say at this point. And its too soon to tell if Tesla owners are willing to sell their vehicles because of the criticism of Musk. Not everybody can afford to make those decisions, she said. CNNs Chris Isidore contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An Iranian general warned on Sunday of the potential for a "decisive and devastating" response to any executed threat, a day after the U.S. conducted strikes on Houthis in Yemen. Gen. Hossein Salami also denied that Iran had backed the rebel group, which continues to wage a campaign against international ships in the Red Sea and off the Yemeni coast. PHOTO: Smoke rises from an explosion after a projectile hit a group of buildings at an undisclosed location in this screengrab obtained from a handout video released on March 15, 2025. (CENTCOM via Reuters) MORE: Trump orders attacks against Houthis in Yemen "We are not a nation to live in hiding. We are a valid and legitimate system in the world. We announce it if we attack anywhere," Salami said in a speech broadcast in Farsi. The general did not say Iran had been threatened, but that the country would offer a "decisive and devastating response to any threat" against it. Salami's words echoed those of President Donald Trump, who announced on Saturday he had ordered the U.S. military to launch a "decisive and powerful" strike against the Houthis in Yemen. PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as military strikes are launched against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping, at an unspecified location in this handout image released March 15, 2025. (White House via Reuters) "They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft and drones," Trump said. "We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective." MORE: Trump moves to brand Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization again A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that U.S. air and naval assets hit dozens of Houthi targets in Yemen, including missiles, radars, and drone and air defense systems. The official characterized the attacks as an opening salvo against the Houthis, and it sends a strong message to Iran. On Sunday, the Houthis claimed a retaliatory attack they said targeted the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier with "18 ballistic and cruise missiles and a drone." However, a U.S. official told ABC News this wasn't true. The Houthis said in a statement that it "will not hesitate to target all American warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea in response to the aggression against our country." PHOTO A ship fires missiles at an undisclosed location, after U.S. President Donald Trump launched military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on March 15, 2025. (CENCOM via Reuters) MORE: US strikes 'took out' multiple Houthi leaders: National security adviser Mike Waltz Yemeni health officials said the U.S. campaign had killed some 53 people, along with injuring another 98 people. Many of the wounded were "children and women," the Ministry of Health in Sana'a said on Sunday morning. National security adviser Mike Waltz told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday morning that the U.S. strikes "took out" multiple Houthi leaders. Waltz said the strikes were more significant than those conducted during former President Joe Biden's time in office, which the national security adviser criticized as "feckless." "This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible," Waltz added. PHOTO: National Security Advisor Michael Waltz speaks with ABC News on This Week. (ABC News) Asked if there was any chance of direct U.S. military action against Iran, Waltz replied, "All options are always on the table with the president, but Iran needs to hear him loud and clear." Iranian support for the Houthis, militias in Iraq, Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups "is completely unacceptable" and "will be stopped," Waltz said. Trump has made clear that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon," Waltz continued. "All options are on the table to ensure it does not have one, and that's all aspects of Iran's program. That's the missiles, the weaponization, the enrichment. They can either hand it over and give it up in a way that is verifiable, or they can face a whole series of other consequences." "But either way, we cannot have a world with the ayatollahs with their finger on the nuclear button." ABC News' Luis Martinez, Selina Wang, Kelsey Walsh, Hannah Demissie, Quinn Scanlan and Ahmed Baider contributed to this report. Iranian general raises prospect of response amid US strikes on Houthis originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Kanye West stirred up a new controversy when he released his latest song, which featured his daughter North West and a couple of controversial peopleSean "Diddy" Combs and his son King. On March 15, West dropped the track called Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine on X, writing, "LONELY ROADS STILL GO TO SUNSHINE new song by PUFF DADDY feat. His son KING COMBS my daughter NORTH WEST and new Yeezy artist from Chicago Jasmine Williams." SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox The new song starts with alleged audio from a phone call between West and Diddy, the latter of whom is facing sex trafficking charges and several lawsuits, in which Diddy tells the rapper, "I wanna just thank you so much for just taking care of my kids, man. Aint nobody reach out to them, aint nobody call them. West responds, "Absolutely, I love you so much, man. You raised me. Even when I aint know you, know what Im saying? As for North's role in the song, she raps, "Doing everything I wanted, thats the key to life / When you see me shining, then you see the light / Running through the jungle like a cheetah, right / Surrounded by fake friends I don't even like," along with a few other lines. As reported by TMZ, West's ex-wife and North's mother, Kim Kardashian, allegedly tried to stop the song from getting released through legal means, with sources claiming that the rapper promised not to release it. In a since-deleted post ahead of the song drop, West shared alleged text messages between himself and Kardashian, in which she said, "I sent paperwork over so she wouldnt be in the Diddy song to protect her." West wrote back, "Amend it or Im going to war And neither of us will recover from the public fallout. Youre going to have to kill me. Fans online were divided in their opinions of the release. While some loyal fans of West supported the song, writing things like, "Has that 90's flow Dope!" and "THIS IS AMAZING ," others criticized North's inclusion on a song featuring Diddy. One called West's choice to include North "absolutely crazy," while others said, "Gross you'd feature your child on this when she isn't even old enough to understand what Diddy been doing," and "Wow. (Not the good kind of wow)." "Affiliating your daughter with diddy really aint the move bro," said another. Kardashian has not shared any public statement regarding the song's release. Next, Kanye West Posts Rare Video Message to Address Family Beef Rumors: "I Just Talked to Travis Barker" findagrave Lisa French Dressed in the costume of a hobo, Lisa French, 9, set off from her Wisconsin home on the evening of Oct. 31, 1973, to go trick-or-treating alone. She never returned. When news of her disappearance spread, the working-class community of Fond du Lac immediately rallied. More than 5,000 community members joined law enforcement, including National Guard helicopters, in the search for the fourth-grade student, Treasure Coast Newspapers reported. Tragically, two days later, a farmer found the girls nude body inside a plastic garbage bag in the town of Taycheedah, Treasure Coast Newspapers reported. She died from asphyxia and had been sexually assaulted, per the outlet. At the time of her death, her mother, Maryann Gehring, described the girl as a kind person who helped others. "When she was 9 years old she came home from school one day and she said theres a little girl in school who doesnt have nice clothes, and she was wondering if she could go through some of the clothes she didnt wear and she should take them to school with her, and she did," Gehring told WBAY . "She took a big bag of clothes to school for this little girl. Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Gerald Turner 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. It took nine months before police finally arrested her killer, 25-year-old Gerald Turner, who allegedly confessed to the rape and killing, according to WISN. Turner, a machinist, lived just three doors down from Lisas family, according to Treasure Coast Newspapers. During his trial, a psychologist at Taycheedah Correctional Institution testified that Turner, who was dubbed the Halloween Killer, had a cold disregard for people, mainly females," per Treasure Coast Newspapers. He does not have conscience control to inhibit his impulses for pleasure and to conform to societys laws. Turner said during trial that he didnt kill Lisa. He acknowledged that he'd previously signed a confession admitting to the killing, but claimed he only did so because he got sick and tired of being harassed by police calling on me, Treasure Coast Newspapers reported. Turner was convicted of second-degree murder and rape and sentenced to 38 years in prison on Feb. 4, 1975. During sentencing, Circuit Court Judge Milton Meister said Turner impressed me as showing no remorse ... no feeling of repentance, per Treasure Coast Newspapers. "It was terrible what he did to that little girl," former Fond du Lac police Detective Melvin Heller told WISN in 2019. "It isn't the same here in Fond du Lac. Everybody that lives here always knows about Lisa French." Turner was released from prison in 1992 after serving 17 years, but went back in the same year because of a release date technicality, according to Fox 11. He got out six years later but returned to prison in 2003 on a parole violation after authorities found pornographic images on his computer, per Fox 11. In 2018, the state filed a suit to have Turner considered a sexually violent offender under the violent sex offender law and to keep him in custody indefinitely, Fox 11 reported. A hearing to determine whether he should stay in custody is scheduled for July 2025, per Fox 11. Turner, who is now 75, is currently being held in a supervised living facility in Mauston, according to the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. His defense attorney and the attorney general's office could not be reached for comment. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People FILE - This Dec. 7, 2016 file photo shows the front of The Ghost Ship warehouse damaged from a deadly fire in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) A fire at a nightclub in the town of Kocani in North Macedonia has killed 59 people and injured more than 150 others, according to authorities. Here is a look at some other nightclub and music venue fires that have led to significant death tolls: April 2024: A blaze at the Masquerade nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, trapped workers and employees while the venue was closed for renovations, leaving 29 people dead. It was located on the ground and basement floors of a 16-story residential building. October 2023: A fire that started at a nightclub in the southeastern Spanish city of Murcia and spread to two other clubs left 13 people dead. January 2022: A nightclub in Sorong, in Indonesia's West Papua province, burned after two groups attacked each other inside the building. Nineteen people were killed. January 2022: A blaze at Livs Nightclub Yaouba in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, set off explosions that killed 17 people. The government suggested that fireworks set the roof alight and the fire then spread to areas where cooking gas was stored. December 2016: Thirty-six people died in a fire at a warehouse in Oakland, California that had been converted into a residence and event space for artists dubbed the Ghost Ship. The blaze, which broke out during an electronic music and dance party, moved so quickly that victims were trapped on the illegally constructed second floor. October 2015: A blaze that broke out during a rock band's pyrotechnics display at the Colectiv nightclub in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, killed 64 people and left some 190 injured. January 2013: A fire killed more than 200 people at the Kiss nightclub in the city of Santa Maria in southern Brazil. Investigators said soundproofing foam on the ceiling caught fire and released poisonous gases that quickly killed those attending a university party. December 2009: Some 152 people died when a blaze broke out at the Lame Horse nightclub in Perm, Russia. It started when an indoor fireworks display ignited a plastic ceiling decorated with branches. January 2009: An indoor fireworks display after a New Years countdown ignited a blaze in the Santika club in Bangkok, Thailand, killing 67 people and injuring many more. Victims died from burns, smoke inhalation, and from being crushed. September 2008: A fire killed 44 people at the jammed King of Dancers nightclub in Shenzhen, China when a stamped broke out after a fireworks show ignited the ceiling. December 2004: In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a fire killed 194 people at the crowded Cromagnon Republic club after a flare ignited ceiling foam. Club owner Omar Chaban was sentenced to 20 years in prison for causing the deadly fire and for bribery. Others received lighter sentences. February 2003: A fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, in the United States, killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others. Fireworks being used by the band set fire to flammable foam inside the club. December 2000: A fire that was blamed on a welding accident killed 309 people at a disco in the central Chinese city of Luoyang. October 1998: An arson attack against an overcrowded youth disco in the Swedish city Goteborg killed 63 people and left around 200 injured. Four people were later convicted for starting the fire. March 1996: A fire at the Ozone Disco Pub in Quezon City, Philippines, killed 162 people. A large proportion of the victims were students partying to mark the end of the academic year. March 1990: An arson attack at the Happy Land nightclub in the Bronx borough of New York City killed 87 people. It started when a man angry with his girlfriend threw gasoline on the clubs only exit and set it on fire, then jammed down the metal front gate so people were trapped. December 1983: A fire at the Alcala dance hall in Madrid, Spain, left 78 people dead and more than 20 injured. May 1977: A fire at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky, killed 165 people and injured more than 200. November 1942: The deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history killed 492 people at Bostons Cocoanut Grove club. The fire at what had been one of Bostons foremost nightspots led to new requirements for sprinkler systems and accessible exits. April 1940: A fire ignited the decorative Spanish moss draping the ceiling of the Rhythm Night Club in Natchez, Mississippi, killing 209 people. The windows had been boarded up to prevent people from sneaking in. WFLA News Channel 8/YouTube; St. Petersburg Police Kyle Hill (right); Norbelis Figueredo-Campos and Arislenni Blanco-Medina A Florida man accused of chasing down a couple and causing a deadly car crash because he allegedly thought his girlfriend was in the vehicle now claims he doesnt remember the incident, per footage from his most recent court date. Kyle Hill, 33, was charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for the Sunday, March 9, death of 28-year-old Arislenni Blanco-Medina and the serious injury of her boyfriend, 35-year-old Norbelis Figueredo-Campos, per the St. Petersburg Police Department. Footage obtained by local NBC affiliate WFLA of Hills first court appearance on Thursday, March 13, shows Hill who was allegedly injured in the crash sitting in a wheelchair. In the video, Judge Philip Federico of Pinellas County Courts can be heard informing Hill of the charges against him and asking the defendant about the state of his vehicle after the crash. Hill then says: I dont remember anything, sir. The judge ordered that Hill be held without bond while he awaits future court dates, per Fox affiliate KSTU. PEOPLE reached out to legal representatives for both Hill and the prosecution on Sunday, March 16, but did not receive an immediate response. The March 9 incident unfolded following an argument between Hill and his ex-girlfriend early that evening, per police. When his ex-girlfriend left in a friends vehicle, a Honda, Hill allegedly decided to drive his Nissan SUV to go find her. St. Petersburg Police Arislenni Blanco-Medina During his drive, he spotted a Honda that he assumed his ex-girlfriend was in, and allegedly chased and harassed the passengers, police claimed. Hill then allegedly threatened to kill Blanco-Medina during the chase, St. Petersburg police said at a press conference, according to KSTU. I got you. I'm going to kill you, your friend and myself," Police Chief Anthony Holloway claimed the suspect said, according to the outlet. At the time, Blanco-Medina was on the phone with her father and her 9-year-old daughter and expressed fears that Hill was going to kill her, her family said at the press conference, per KSTU. During the chase, Hill allegedly forced the couple off the road, causing the car to hit a concrete pole that then fell on the car and crushed it, St. Petersburg police said in their statement. Hill also hit a tree after losing control. Police allege his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit. 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. Nicole Galvan, a representative for the victims family, spoke out about the impact Blanco-Medinas death has had on her loved ones. All her daughter can say is how bad she wants her mom again, she said during the March 12 press conference. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People CBS Lonnie Quinn An Emmy-winning New York meteorologist shared an important message for viewers as he announced his decision to temporarily step away from his anchoring duties to recover from a concussion. On Friday, March 14, CBS News New York's chief weathercaster Lonnie Quinn revealed the "not-so-great" news that he'd be stepping away for several weeks following a concussion earlier this year. During the Friday night broadcast on WCBS-TV, later shared by the outlet online, anchor Kristine Johnson announced that Quinn, 61, "suffered a concussion" and initially thought he was "doing OK," which he then revealed was not the case. As Quinn explained, he recently "took a wallop on my head," prompting a visit to the hospital and symptoms that he only discovered later on. "The big concern in the medical community, they want to see if there's a brain bleed because you can be dead in the morning if you don't treat that," Quinn said, confirming that he had a "negative" cat scan. "So I was free to go home. And I got on with my life, as we all do when we bang our heads, right?" Related: CBS Evening News Returns to N.Y.C. with a Twist: Inside the Making of a New, Dual-Anchor Broadcast (Exclusive) Quinn who serves as chief meteorologist for the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. broadcasts on weekdays and can be seen on CBS Evening News then recounted an incident during a recent 11 p.m. newscast, when he walked out to the set and "all of a sudden" couldn't see out of his left eye. "There was no way I could go on. And then just as quickly as it began, it went away. It lasted maybe 15 minutes," Quinn said. "I did the newscast. But that's when our news director who really looks out for her people said, 'OK, you're not driving home. We're gonna get you a car. You're going to the hospital.' " At the hospital, Quinn said he was encouraged to follow up with a neurologist, who eventually informed him of the severity of his injury via an MRI. "He said, 'Look, it's going to be just fine, but you cannot just think it's going to go away on its own. It's got to be treated.' " 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. Quinn also shared a major takeaway with viewers one that they too might wish to "take into consideration." "When you bang your head, your brain recovers nicely, but it only recovers while the body is sleeping," he said. Toward the end of Quinn's health announcement, Johnson called her coworker a "consummate professional" as she reassured him that things will be the same when he returns. The good news, Quinn added, is that his doctor has guaranteed a "100% full recovery" for him. Johnson then promised viewers that her friend and colleague would be "back to business" in just a short period of time. Quinn also announced his "short-but-extended" break on CBS Evening News this week, noting that he'd be taking "a good four weeks" for physical rehab and cognitive therapy. "Were wishing Meteorologist Lonnie Quinn a speedy recovery as he takes time away from CBS Evening News to focus on healing after a serious head injury," the program shared in a statement on Facebook. "We cant wait to have you back, Lonnie!" According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, an important factor in treating concussions is rest, as those injured are recommended to get "plenty" of it from their sleep at night to naps and "rest breaks during the day if needed." "If your symptoms don't go away in a few days or if they get worse, you should call a healthcare provider who specializes in concussions," the site notes. "You may need medicines, physical therapy, or other treatments for residual symptoms, such as headache, dizziness or balance problems." Read the original article on People A hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center in Brighton, Mich. The company held safety among their lowest considerations, the state attorney general said. The death of a 5-year-old in a hyperbaric chamber in Michigan has prompted calls for more oversight of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the largely unsupervised wellness industry before another tragedy occurs. Thomas Cooper was killed Jan. 31 when a fire broke out in a hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center, an alternative medicine clinic in the Detroit suburb of Troy. On Monday, the Oxford Center founder and CEO and three of her employees were charged in Thomas death. Thomas Cooper, 5, of Royal Oak, Mich. Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized, tubelike devices that people lie or sit in for treatment, depending on the type of chamber. The therapy involves breathing in air that consists of 100% oxygen, which helps the body heal more quickly but also creates a highly combustible environment. The treatment method has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to help over a dozen conditions including carbon monoxide poisoning, severe wounds and decompression sickness in scuba divers. The Oxford Centers website lists over 100 conditions it says it treats, including many that the FDA has not approved for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, such as cancer, dyslexia, Alzheimers, Lyme disease and autism though it is not illegal to use hyperbaric chambers for these purposes. In a statement to NBC News, an attorney for the Oxford Center said the center was disappointed by the charges filed against four staff members. The timing of these charges is surprising, as the typical protocol after a fire-related accident has not yet been completed. There are still outstanding questions about how this occurred, Sam Vitale said via email about Thomas' death. Thomas was receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, according to his familys attorney, which are not among the conditions approved by the FDA for such treatment. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the boy died within seconds after a single spark started a fire in the hyperbaric chamber he was in. Officials have not said yet what the cause of the fire was. In a news conference Tuesday, Nessel accused Oxford Center staff of holding safety among their lowest considerations but said officials had no way of knowing about the danger until it was too late, and cannot proactively investigate other facilities. Michigan law doesnt require any oversight over the use of hyperbaric chambers, so without having some sort of probable cause to believe that there are crimes being committed involving hyperbaric chambers in other places in the state, we wouldnt have the authority to go in and perform an inspection, Nessel said. The Oxford Center was subject to inspections every few years by the Troy Fire Department, said Michael Koehler, the fire departments deputy chief. He said the center applied for a permit when it opened, indicating it would be using hyperbaric chambers, and was last inspected in March 2023. But our inspections are fire- and life-safety focused, Koehler said in a phone interview Friday. Theres nothing that covers the operation or the maintenance of the chambers themselves. While hospitals that use hyperbaric chambers abide by codes developed by the National Fire Protection Association, a standards development organization, Michigan is not unique in lacking a regulatory framework for hyperbaric oxygen therapy outside of traditional health care facilities, said John Peters, executive director of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, a nonprofit organization that accredits hospitals and freestanding facilities with hyperbaric chambers in the absence of government regulation. At the moment, nearly 150 facilities across the country are accredited by the group, with two in Michigan. The accreditation process involves on-site inspections and verification that equipment is maintained and specialists are properly trained, and costs about $10,000 for an accreditation that lasts for three to four years, Peters said. He estimated that thousands of spas, wellness companies and other storefronts are operating hyperbaric chambers in the U.S. without having undergone accreditation, and he said he fears many may not be upholding stringent standards. Two Democratic legislators in Michigan, state Sen. Stephanie Chang and state Rep. Sharon MacDonell, are working together to explore regulatory options after Thomas death. Chang said she was alarmed by what appeared to be a myriad of problems that led to the fire, based on what the Michigan attorney general outlined, including allegedly not having a properly trained technician operating the hyperbaric chamber. Lets fix all of those loopholes, Chang said. She said she and MacDonell are aiming to introduce legislation in the spring. MacDonell said it was important not just to make hyperbaric chambers safer but also to stop businesses from making unproven claims about what the therapy can do. People are taking advantage of parents with children with hard-to-treat conditions, and just kind of monetizing the desperation of the parents, she said. Its just incomprehensible. Thomas death comes as the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proliferated, gaining steam in recent years thanks to celebrities who have touted it for everything from anti-aging to boosting their mental health. The FDA has warned that some claims about what hyperbaric chambers can do are unproven and encourages patients to only go to accredited facilities. Hyperbaric chamber fires are rare, but not unprecedented. In 2009, a 4-year-old and his grandmother died after a blaze at an unaccredited Florida clinic where the boy was receiving treatment for cerebral palsy. Two staff members were charged in their deaths, one of whom was a doctor who lost his medical license. The 2009 case did not prompt national safety regulations, Peters said. He is hopeful that Thomas death will. We desperately need mandatory accreditation, he said. Were hoping that this will turn the page. While there are guidelines for how to safely construct and operate hyperbaric chambers, there is no consistent federal, state or local oversight of the practice outside of hospitals. The FDA said in an email last month that it regulates certain hyperbaric chambers that meet the agencys definition of Class II medical devices, which are intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. But it does not regulate the practice of medicine and referred NBC News to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, The Joint Commission and state medical licensing agencies for more information. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires Medicare and Medicaid providers to comply with parts of the National Fire Protection Association code, but that does not apply to other facilities, which must still adhere to local building and fire codes, said Brian OConnor, a senior engineer at the National Fire Protection Association. The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits over 24,000 health care programs around the world, said in an email that it has emergency procedures and training drills for hospitals that have hyperbaric chambers but does not accredit places such as the Oxford Center. Meanwhile, Michigans health department, its occupational safety agency and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs all said they do not have oversight of hyperbaric chambers. The licensing agency said facilities using hyperbaric chambers are not required to be licensed, which Peters said was shocking. Why? he said. Even a hairstylist has to have a license, and shes not going to blow up her whole salon. A US F-35 in flight. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jack Rodgers Canada is reviewing its contract with Lockheed Martin for F-35 fighter jets, the country's Defense Minister said. The review comes amid rising tensions between Ottawa and Washington. It comes after Portugal said it was also reconsidering purchasing the jet. Canada is reviewing its contract with US defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin to purchase F-35 fighter jets, its defense minister said on Friday. Speaking to CBC, Bill Blair said he had spoken with newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney and that they were now looking at "other alternatives" to the F-35. "It was the fighter jet identified by our air force as the platform that they required, but we are also examining other alternatives," Blair said. "Whether we need all of those fighter jets to be F-35s or if there might be alternatives, the prime minister has asked me to go and examine those things and have discussions with other sources, particularly where there may be opportunities to assemble those fighter jets in Canada," he added. Canada finalized a contract in 2023 to purchase 88 F-35 jets for C$19 billion (around $13.2 billion). It has made a legal commitment of funds for the first 16 aircraft. The first jet is expected to be delivered to the F-35 training center at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in 2026. The jet is set to arrive in Canada in 2028. In a statement to Business Insider, Canada's Office of the Minister of National Defence confirmed that the defense minister had been asked to work with the Canadian armed forces and the Department of National Defence to evaluate whether the F-35 was the best investment for Canada and if there were other options that could better meet the country's needs. "To be clear, we are not cancelling the F-35 contract, but we need to do our homework given the changing environment, and make sure that the contract in its current form is in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces," it said. Lockheed Martin said it valued its "strong partnership and history" with the Royal Canadian Air Force and that it looked forward to continuing it into the future. The company beat out Sweden's Saab maker of the Gripen E jet and Boeing which produces the F/A-18 Super Hornet to secure the contract. Blair's comments came just a day after Portugal announced that it was also reconsidering purchasing the F-35. Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo told local outlet Publico on Thursday that he was wary of replacing older US-made F-16 fighter jets with F-35s in the wake of President Donald Trump's recent policy shifts. Melo said Trump's unpredictability with regard to his stance on NATO meant Portugal had to weigh up other options, adding: "We cannot ignore the geopolitical environment in our choices." Blair's announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Ottawa and Washington over Trump's repeated tariff threats and comments about adopting Canada as the 51st US state. Trump's moves have led to an outpouring of patriotism in Canada and seen some locals push back by abandoning US consumer brands in favor of Canadian alternatives. Read the original article on Business Insider By Alfredo Galarza, Alexander Villegas and Riham Alkousaa HUARAZ, Peru (Reuters) - In the high Andes of northern Peru, the morning sun rises over glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca mountains that loom above the city of Huaraz, an awe-inspiring sight tainted by fears of a growing threat of meltwater floods. The glaciers are at the center of a landmark global case that will test the legal culpability of corporations over their greenhouse gas emissions and the role these play in climate change that is leading to more extreme weather around the world. Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Huaraz farmer and mountain guide, is suing German energy firm RWE, demanding that it help pay for defenses and flood mitigation for the city, tied to the company's share of global manmade greenhouse gas emissions that he alleges have led to faster-melting glaciers. The case will start on Monday at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm in Germany, with lawyers for Lliuya alleging RWE is responsible for 0.5% of global emissions and should therefore pay 0.5%, or some 17,000 euros ($18,500) of a local $3.5 million flood defense project. "We didn't start out with a lot of hope, but now it's caused a lot of attention," Lliuya told Reuters near his home in a hilly region outside Huaraz where he grows corn. Lliuya, who is backed by Germanwatch, an activist group that advocates for the environment and other issues, said he wants to set a precedent for polluting companies to pay for projects that mitigate the impact of climate change. "The company has polluted and it should take responsibility for its emissions," he said. RWE says the complaint is unfounded and that a single emitter cannot be held responsible for global warming. "This lawsuit is an attempt to set a precedent whereby every single emitter of greenhouse gases in Germany could be held legally responsible for the effects of climate change worldwide," the firm said in a statement. "We believe that this is legally inadmissible and also the wrong approach from a socio-political perspective." The case, which is based on a section of the German civil law code relating to property interference, was dismissed by a lower court and appealed by Lliuya to the higher court in Hamm. 'RIVER IS ALWAYS GROWING' In the mountains above Huaraz, glacier meltwater has swollen Lake Palcacocha, whose volume grew 34 times from 1974 to 2016. That creates a threat for Huaraz, which has a population of over 65,000, significantly larger than when the last major flooding disaster struck in 1941. "The river is always growing, who wouldn't be afraid?" said Nestor Acuna, a Huaraz resident who lives near the Quilcay river that could burst its banks if Lake Palcacocha overflows. "Sometimes we have family over and when it's the rainy season we're afraid the river will overflow or there will be a landslide," he added. When Reuters spoke to Acuna in mid-March, the government had shut down roads around the lake due to a landslide and rains. The lake is closely monitored by authorities, and a dam and drainage pipes have been installed to lower its water levels, but some government officials say more infrastructure is needed to protect Huaraz. Peru is home to nearly 70% of the world's tropical glaciers, considered at high risk due to being constantly near or at melting temperature. They play a key role in water supply, storing snowfall during colder months and providing water in summer. Peru's latest glacier inventory in 2023 showed the country had lost over half its glaciers in the last six decades due to climate change. The Ancash, the region Huaraz is located in, has 26 lagoons that present a flooding risk, the report found. The Cordillera Blanca, popular for hiking and mountaineering, has experienced rapid glacial retreat and increasingly dangerous conditions. "The glacial melt is really visible, every year you visit the glacier is retreating even more," Lliuya said. As well as the flooding risk, in the longer term that would lead to drinking-water supply problems, he said. "It worries us, saddens us, that we're losing our glaciers." Roda Verheyen, Lliuya's lawyer, said being able to present their findings made the case already a win, no matter the outcome. "Even if we lose... we will finally get all the reasoning, I hope," she told reporters at a briefing. "That means that we can actually build on that in further cases, either us directly or other people." ($1 = 0.9189 euros) (Reporting by Alfredo Galarza in Huaraz, Alexander Villegas in Santiago and Riham Alkousaa in Berlin; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) By Phil Stewart, Mohammed Ghobari and Gabriella Borter WASHINGTON/ADEN, Yemen (Reuters) -The United States will keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until they end attacks on shipping, the U.S. defense secretary said on Sunday, as the Iran-aligned group signaled it could escalate in response to deadly U.S. strikes the day before. The airstrikes, which the Houthi-run health ministry said killed at least 53 people, are the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January. One U.S. official told Reuters the campaign might continue for weeks. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said on Sunday that his militants would target U.S. ships in the Red Sea as long as the U.S. continues its attacks on Yemen. "If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation," he said in a televised speech. The Houthi movement's political bureau described the attacks as a "war crime," while Moscow urged Washington to cease the strikes. The Houthis' military spokesman said without evidence in a televised statement early Monday that the group had launched a second attack against the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. U.S. warplanes shot down 11 Houthi drones on Sunday, none of which came close to the Truman, a U.S. official told Reuters. U.S. forces also tracked a missile that splashed down off the coast of Yemen and was not deemed a threat, the official said. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures": "The minute the Houthis say we'll stop shooting at your ships, we'll stop shooting at your drones. This campaign will end, but until then it will be unrelenting." "This is about stopping the shooting at assets ... in that critical waterway, to reopen freedom of navigation, which is a core national interest of the United States, and Iran has been enabling the Houthis for far too long," he said. "They better back off." The Houthis, who have taken control of most of Yemen over the past decade, said last week they would resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea if Israel did not lift a block on aid entering Gaza. They had launched scores of attacks on shipping after Israel's war with Hamas began in late 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Gaza's Palestinians. Trump also told Iran, the Houthis' main backer, to stop supporting the group immediately. He said if Iran threatened the United States, "America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" IRAN WARNS US NOT TO ESCALATE In response, Hossein Salami, the top commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, said the Houthis made their own decisions. "We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they carry out their threats," he told state media. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for "utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities" in Yemen and warned new escalation could "fuel cycles of retaliation that may further destabilize Yemen and the region, and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation in the country," his spokesperson said in a statement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News' "Face the Nation" program: "There's no way the ... Houthis would have the ability to do this kind of thing unless they had support from Iran. And so this was a message to Iran: don't keep supporting them, because then you will also be responsible for what they are doing in attacking Navy ships and attacking global shipping." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Rubio to urge an "immediate cessation of the use of force and the importance for all sides to engage in political dialogue," Moscow said. Five children and two women were among the 53 people killed in the U.S. strikes, said Anees Alsbahi, spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry. Another 98 people were injured, the ministry said. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the claims of civilian casualties. Reuters could not independently verify the claims. Residents in Sanaa said the strikes hit a neighborhood known to host several members of the Houthi leadership. "The explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake. They terrified our women and children," said one of the residents, who gave his name as Abdullah Yahia. In Sanaa, a crane and bulldozer were used to remove debris at one site and people used their bare hands to pick through the rubble. At a hospital, medics treated the injured, including children, and the bodies of several casualties were placed in a yard, wrapped in plastic sheets, Reuters footage showed. Strikes also targeted Houthi military sites in the city of Taiz, two witnesses said on Sunday. HOUTHIS' RED SEA ATTACKS DISRUPT GLOBAL TRADE ROUTE Another strike, on a power station in the town of Dahyan, led to a power cut, Al-Masirah TV reported early on Sunday. Dahyan is where Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the enigmatic leader of the Houthis, often meets visitors. The Houthi attacks on shipping have disrupted global commerce and set the U.S. military off on a costly campaign to intercept missiles and drones. The group suspended its campaign when Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza in January. But on March 12, the Houthis said their threat to attack Israeli ships would remain in effect until Israel reapproved the delivery of aid and food into Gaza. (Reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington; Mohammed Ghobari and Reyam Mokhashef in Aden, Yemen; Muhammad Al Gebaly, Menna Alaa El Din, Hatem Maher, Jaidaa Taha and Ahmed Tolba in Cairo and Michelle Nichols in New York; Writing by Andrew Mills and Tom Perry; Editing by Ros Russell, Kevin Liffey, Lisa Shumaker and Michael Perry) By Minwoo Park and Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - South Koreans gathered in huge numbers in the capital Seoul on Saturday to support or oppose impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol before a court decides whether his short-lived declaration of martial law disqualifies him from office. The Constitutional Court is expected to decide in the coming days whether to oust Yoon in a case that ignited South Korea's worst political crisis in decades and rattled markets. In central Seoul, anti-Yoon protesters filled a large square, chanting for his immediate removal, and were joined by opposition politicians. A few blocks away, conservative Yoon supporters crammed an entire avenue, calling for his return and waving South Korean and American flags. The major opposition Democratic Party said a million people had attended the anti-Yoon rally, while police put the number at each demonstration at 43,000, the Yonhap news agency reported. Yoon is also on trial on a criminal charge of insurrection, although he was freed from detention last week. His martial law imposition and its fallout have widened deep social rifts between conservatives and liberals and put pressure on institutions and the military, which had found itself in a quandary over whether to enforce martial law. Pro- and anti-Yoon demonstrators have been taking to the streets in their hundreds of thousands, week after week, since the crisis. "Last week, I thought that the Constitutional Court would rule, but it didn't. Then Yoon was released, making me incredibly frustrated," said Song Young-sun, a 48-year-old protester. "So this week I came here, hoping that the Constitutional Court will rule on the impeachment case next week." In a Gallup Korea poll published on Friday, 58% supported Yoon's impeachment, while 37% opposed it. "I hope that the judges of the Constitutional Court will make a precise judgment and dismiss the case," said Kim Hyung-joon, a 70-year-old pro-Yoon protester. (Reporting by Minwoo Park, Jisoo Kim, Ju-min Park and Daewoung Kim; Editing by Kevin Liffey) President Trump on Friday announced that ISISs second in command was killed in Iraq this week, touting it as an example of his administrations peace through strength military philosophy. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters, the president wrote on Truth Social Friday evening. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH! U.S. Central Command confirmed the March 13 operation on Friday. According to officials, U.S. forces in coordination with Iraqi forces conducted a precision airstrike in the Al Anbar province and killed Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah. Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization, said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, in a statement. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond. One other ISIS operative was killed in the strike, per U.S. officials. The strike was initially announced by Iraqi officials earlier on Friday. The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism, Iraqs Prime Minister Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in a statement posted on the social platform X. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also praised the strike on Friday. Well done, he wrote on X. U.S. officials stated that it found Khadijah and the other ISIS operative dead, wearing suicide vests, and identified the former via DNA testing. This is the second strike that has targeted ISIS officials since Trump returned to the White House. In early February, the president ordered a precision strike in Somalia that U.S. officials say killed a senior ISIS planner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PARIS (Reuters) -The stationing of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, as proposed by Britain and France as part of a ceasefire agreement with Russia, is a question for Kyiv to decide and not Moscow, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have been rushing to consolidate military support for Ukraine as U.S. Preident Donald Trump presses for a peace deal with Russia. Starmer hosted a virtual meeting on Saturday with Macron and other non-U.S. allies of Ukraine. "Ukraine is sovereign. If it asks for allied forces to be on its territory, it's not something for Russia to accept or not," Macron said in a joint interview with several French regional newspapers published late on Saturday. Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of soldiers from countries belonging to the NATO alliance being stationed in Ukraine. Macron said any peacekeeping force would consist of "a few thousand troops per country" to be deployed at key locations, adding a number of European and non-European countries were interested in participating. But like other aspects of a potential truce, the form of any peacekeeping force remains uncertain. Finland's President Alexander Stubb told BBC television that any firm commitments would come once there was a clear plan. "There are anywhere from zero to 50 different ways they can help, boots on the ground is only one way. You can talk about intelligence, you can talk about different types of things but it's too early to commit right now," he said. Britain and France both say they could send peacekeepers to Ukraine, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country was also open to requests. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supported in principle Washington's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine but that his forces would fight on until several crucial conditions were worked out. Russia and Ukraine continued aerial attacks on each other, inflicting injuries and damages, officials said early on Sunday. (Reporting by Gus Trompiz and Tangi Salaun; additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in London, Editing by Louise Heavens) Hailey Hart, 21, right, hugs a friend, Sage Falgoust, 16, after recalling how she, her fiancee and their dogs rode out Saturday's tornado in their 1994 Toyota automobile, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Tylertown, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) TYLERTOWN, Miss. (AP) Unusually vicious and damaging weather across multiple U.S. states spawned violent tornadoes, blinding dust storms and fast-moving wildfires over the weekend, leaving at least 39 people dead. In the latest tally of the destruction, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said Sunday evening that more than 400 homes were damaged as wildfires swept across the state Friday. At least 74 homes in and around Stillwater were destroyed by wildfires, Mayor Will Joyce said Sunday night on Facebook. The emergency management department also said the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed four fatalities related to the fires or high winds. The National Weather Service said weekend tornado watches had mostly expired, but dangerous winds were still possible in the Carolinas, east Georgia and northern Florida through Sunday. In Mississippi, Hailey Hart and her fiance Steve Romero hunkered down with their three huskies inside their 1994 Toyota Celica as a tornado ripped apart their home Saturday in Tylertown. Romero said he prayed out loud and hugged Hart as the car rolled onto its side, windows shattering, before it landed on its wheels again. After the twister passed, they could hear people nearby screaming for help. It was a bad dream come true, Romero said. Next door, Harts grandparents crawled out from the rubble of their destroyed house after they sought shelter in a bathroom as falling trees collapsed the roof. Everything was coming down on us, said Donna Blansett, Harts grandmother. All I could do was pray to God to save us. They escaped with just a few scratches and aches. Family members, friends and volunteers spent Sunday removing debris and salvaging anything they could find, including some damp clothes, a photo album and a few toiletries. Im so happy youre alive, Hart said through tears, as she embraced her grandmother on Sunday. Forecasters warned of dangerous conditions that turned deadly The dynamic storm that began Friday earned an unusual high risk designation from weather forecasters. Still, experts said its not unusual to see such weather extremes in March. President Donald Trump said in a post on his social media network that his administration is ready to assist affected communities. Please join Melania and me in praying for everyone impacted by these terrible storms! he posted Sunday. At least three people, including an 82-year-old woman, were killed in central Alabama when multiple tornados swept across the state. In Troy, Alabama, parks officials said the recreation center where many residents had taken refuge had to be closed due to damage from overnight storms. No one was injured. We are thankful the Lord provided protection over our community, and over 200 guests at the Recreation Center storm shelter on Saturday night," the parks department said in a statement. Fatalities from twisters in battered Missouri reach 12 Missouri resident Dakota Henderson said he and others rescuing trapped neighbors found five bodies scattered in rubble Friday night outside what remained of his aunts house in hard-hit Wayne County. Scattered twisters killed at least a dozen people in the state, authorities said. Its really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night," Henderson said Saturday, not far from the splintered home he said they rescued his aunt through a window of the only room left standing. Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County, Missouri, described the home where one man was killed as just a debris field. The floor was upside down, he said. We were walking on walls. Deaths in Mississippi and Arkansas In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves announced that six people died and more than 200 were displaced after tornadoes sowed devastation across three counties. And in the northern part of the state, roads were inundated and some people were stranded by flood waters. One of the deaths occurred in Covington County, where Seminary resident Traci Ladner said she watched a tornado knock down trees and power lines and destroy a house Saturday as she drove home from Wards Restaurant. The twister touched down briefly, traveled over Highway 49 and then went back up before making another quick descent, she said. I was crying. My legs were shaking. It was pretty scary, she said. In Arkansas, officials confirmed three deaths. Wildfires and dust storms drive up the death toll Wind-driven wildfires caused extensive damage in Texas and Oklahoma and officials warned Sunday that parts of both states would again face an increased risk of fire danger in the coming week. More than 130 fires were reported across Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt said. Nobody has enough resources to fight fires when the wind is blowing 70 mph, said Terry Essary, the fire chief of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Its an insurmountable task. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Keli Cain said Sunday that two people were killed as a result of the wildfires and weather. Meanwhile, dust storms spurred by high winds claimed almost a dozen lives on Friday. Eight people died in a Kansas highway pileup involving at least 50 vehicles, according to the state highway patrol. Authorities said three people also were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle. ___ Reynolds reported from Louisville, Kentucky. Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City, Utah; Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River, New Jersey; Jeff Roberson in Wayne County, Missouri; Gene Johnson in Seattle; Janie Har in San Francisco and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed. President Donald Trump has invoked a wartime law to deport men suspected of being members of a Venezuelan gang. A federal judge on Saturday temporarily blocked an effort by President Donald Trump to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport suspected members of a Venezuelan gang he has accused of unlawfully infiltrating the country. He also ordered any deportation flights carrying those subject to the presidential proclamation to return to the United States. Trump on Saturday invoked the rarely used wartime authority, accusing Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua of infiltrating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros regime, including its military and law enforcement apparatus; perpetuating irregular warfare within the United States and using drug trafficking as a weapon against American citizens. Hours before the White House published Trumps proclamation, the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit accusing the White House of preparing to imminently deport five Venezuelan men under the Alien Enemies Act. Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court James E. Boasberg initially issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from deporting the five Venezuelans named in the lawsuit for at least 14 days. Boasberg has now expanded the decision to apply to all non-citizens in U.S. custody who are subject to Trumps proclamation. The Justice Department appealed the decision Saturday night. The ruling means all Venezuelan citizens 14 years or older who are members of Tren de Aragua, currently in the country and are not naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are to remain in the United States for 14 days or until further order of the court. Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off, or is in the air, needs to be returned to the United States, the judge said. Those people need to be returned to the United States. The judges ruling does not apply to individuals who have already been ordered to leave the country for reasons separate from Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, nor does it include individuals who have already landed and disembarked in a foreign country. The judge said once those individuals are off the plane and on the ground in a foreign country, they are no longer in the courts jurisdiction. The judge scheduled another hearing on Friday, March 21, for further arguments. Today was a horrific day in the history of the nation, when the President publicized that he was seeking to invoke extraordinary wartime powers in the absence of a war or invasion and claiming virtually unlimited authority to remove people from the country, Skye Perryman, the president of Democracy Forward, said in a statement. But, tonight the rule of law prevailed. The government has been forced to turn planes around and our lawsuit filed in the very early hours this morning has resulted in broad relief. During a hearing on Saturday afternoon, the judge was assured by Justice Department lawyers that the five Venezuelans ordered to remain in the country were not currently on deportation flights. Attorneys for the nonprofit groups challenging Trumps order told the judge they were aware of flights that had taken off from Texas with other Venezuelans on board, heading to both Honduras and El Salvador. The judge in response warned the government that it must comply with the courts order. This is something you need to make sure is complied with immediately, Boasberg said. These folks are going to be sent to Salvadorian and Honduran prisons, which are not going to be terribly receptive to Venezuelans. A source familiar with the migrant deportation flights told NBC News that two flights with Venezuelans onboard were in transit today and will be turned around following the judge's order. The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 enables the president to quickly detain and deport immigrants from a hostile nation, either during times of declared war or when a foreign government perpetuates an invasion or predatory incursion into the United States. Only Congress has the constitutional power to declare war. Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA [Tren De Aragua], Trumps proclamation reads. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. Legal experts have challenged Trumps interpretation of the Alien Enemies Act, arguing that it was designed only to be used in times of war, and invoking it to deport immigrants could be unlawful. Ilya Somin, a professor at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School, wrote earlier this year that illegal migration and cross-border drug-smuggling do not qualify as invasion and certainly not as an invasion by a hostile nation or government. According to an analysis of the law by the Brennan Center for Justice, the Alien Enemies Act permits the apprehension, restraint, securing, and removal of noncitizens. It also explicitly grants the president the power to determine when and how to do so. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization after Trump signed an executive order creating a process for him to do so. Trump in the order accused the group of engaging in a campaign of violence and terror and flooding the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and vicious gangs. In the same order, Trump directed federal officials to make operational preparations for the implementation of the Alien Enemies Act. Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act fulfills a pledge he made on the campaign trail to use the law to target suspected gang members, drug dealers and cartel members. Ill invoke immediately the Alien Enemies Act to remove all known or suspected gang members, the drug dealers, the cartel members from the United States, ending the scourge of illegal alien gang violence once and for all, Trump said during a 2023 campaign speech in Dubuque, Iowa. Trump is the first president in nearly a century to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, and the first to do so outside of a major military conflict. It was last invoked in 1941 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who used the law to target people of Japanese, German and Italian descent during World War II, an act that the United States has since apologized for. Democratic lawmakers have tried for years to repeal the Alien Enemies Act, with Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, introducing legislation in January to do so. We cannot allow antiquated laws to continue enabling discriminatory practices that harm immigrant communities, Omar said in a January statement. President Trump's antitrust enforcers are not backing down from legal fights with Big Tech, even as the administration signals a willingness to take a lighter touch with artificial intelligence. The administration is pressing ahead with two antitrust lawsuits already taken to trial against Google (GGOG, GOOGL) and prepping for new antitrust trials against Meta (META), Amazon (AMZN), and Apple (APPL). Trump officials at the Federal Trade Commission are also broadening a probe into Microsoft (MSFT) and its relationship with AI upstart OpenAI while challenging Microsoft's acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard. "This isn't the Bush administration," Trump's FTC chair Andrew Ferguson told a group of American CEOs on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., referring to one of the weakest US antitrust enforcement periods in modern history. Andrew Ferguson of the Federal Trade Commission. (Reuters/Sophie Park) (REUTERS / Reuters) But Trump is also showing he may take a lighter approach to AI as the US competes with China for world supremacy in that ascendant technology. In a March 7 filing, Trump's Justice Department argued to a judge that Google should be able to keep its AI investments in companies such as Anthropic even if other parts of its empire are broken up. "The DOJ action is not just a signal on how the President will treat AI, it is a reaction to, and clear response to, the policy of the president and vice-president," said JD Harriman, former outside patent counsel for Steve Jobs at Apple and a partner with Foundation Law Group. Boston College Law professor David Olson agreed that the DOJ's decision not to interfere with Google's AI ambitions is evidence of a shift from the Biden era. "Just from a policy standpoint, I think that it's telling that they might be walking back [AI remedies], specifically," Olson said. "Of all of the things they could have walked back, that was the one they decided." 'It's hard to say what's going on' The tech world is trying to determine how aggressive Trump's antitrust enforcers will be following four years of a Biden administration marked by legal fights with many of Silicon Valley's biggest names. Trump FTC boss Ferguson made it clear in his speech that his agency wouldn't be backing down. The FTC, he said, would challenge mergers it suspects would harm Americans economically but leave the rest alone. To that end, the FTC told a judge this week that it was ready to start a trial against Amazon in September. The FTC also plans to widen its investigation into Microsoft, according to Bloomberg. The probe was first launched by Biden FTC Chair Lina Khan, a key architect of a new movement seeking to expand the legal theories that can give rise to antitrust claims. Lina Khan, who was chair of the Federal Trade Commission during the Biden administration. (Reuters/Andrew Kelly) (REUTERS / Reuters) By sustaining many of these cases and probes against Big Tech, Trump has parted ways with traditional Republican-style enforcement, said Peter Salib, a law professor at the University of Houston Law Center. "It's very hard to say what's going on," Salib added. Antitrust attorney Mark Wagoner noted following Trump's win in November, "I am not necessarily convinced that we're going to go back to what people would call sort of the regular order of Republicans." "The new Republican Party is very much a populist party," he added. "It's no longer the party of big business." Salib said Trump's motivation for going after companies like Meta (which owns Facebook) and Google is to curb censorship of conservative content. "The reason they're treating [tech] this way is so different," Salib said. Under Biden, "big was bad for all kinds of reasons." But it's clear the administration shares some of the same competition concerns that bothered the Biden administration. That may come to the fore again next month when FTC is set to face off against social media giant Meta (META) in an antitrust lawsuit brought during Trump's first term in office. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the inauguration of President Trump on Jan. 20, 2025. (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein) (REUTERS / Reuters) Starting April 14, the parties are scheduled to appear for trial in the federal district court for the District of Columbia. The government seeks to unwind Facebook's acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. The government alleges the company leveraged its acquisitions to block rivals from the market for personal social networking services. This spring, the Justice Department will also be involved in a trial that will determine what happens to Google's $2 trillion empire. That decision is in the hands of federal Judge Amit Mehta, who ruled last August that Google illegally monopolized online markets for "general search" and "general search text. The DOJ has stuck to a Biden-era request for a federal judge to break up Alphabet's Google, calling for divestment of its Chrome browser. But in the same request, the DOJ also stood down on the prior administration's push for Google to sell off its AI investments. 'I'm here to talk about AI opportunity' This lighter touch with AI has support from Congress too, according to Harriman, a partner with Foundation Law Group. In December, he said, a congressional bipartisan task force on AI made it clear in a report that lawmakers would take a "wait and see" attitude on AI regulation. They expressed concern over China's AI advancements and the industry's potential impact on military strength, noting that the country had secured more AI patent applications, journal publications, and journal citations. "This gives the President a clear path to drop the pressure on Google to divest, without fear of congressional override or even complaint," Harriman said. There have been other signs of AI restraint as well. On his first day in office, Trump rescinded an executive order issued by President Biden that directed AI developers to apply AI "responsibly, including by disclosing their safety test results to the government. President Trump speaks to reporters at the White House on March 13. (Pool via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Trump instead issued an executive order titled "Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence," which emphasized deregulation in the interest of encouraging American dominance. The order directed federal advisers in technology and national security to "enhance America's global AI dominance." At the Paris AI Summit on Feb. 11, Vice President JD Vance then emphasized AI opportunity over safety concerns. "I'm not here this morning to talk about AI safety, which was the title of the conference a couple of years ago," Vance said. "I'm here to talk about AI opportunity." "[T]o restrict its development now would not only unfairly benefit incumbents in the space, it would mean paralyzing one of the most promising technologies we have seen in generations." StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance YEMEN - MARCH 16: (---EDITORIAL USE ONLY - MANDATORY CREDIT - 'CENTCOM / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) A screen capture from a video shows U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces carry out precision airstrikes kicking off a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi targets across Yemen, according to CENTCOM, on March 16, 2025. (Photo by CENTCOM / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images) - CENTCOM/Anadolu/Getty Images Dozens of people have been reported killed after US President Donald Trump ordered decisive military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen, opening a new salvo against the Iran-backed group that has targeted shipping lanes in the Red Sea. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US would deploy overwhelming lethal force against the Houthis until we have achieved our objective, signaling the start of a major operation that could last weeks and prompting the Houthis to warn of escalation. The US strikes killed at least 53 people and wounded almost 100 others in Yemen, including women and children, the Houthi-run health ministry said according to the Associated Press. The strikes killed multiple Houthi leaders, according to US national security adviser Michael Waltz. They were an overwhelming response, Waltz told ABC News, adding that they were also aimed at holding Iran responsible for supporting the Houthis. On Sunday, the Houthis claimed to have launched 18 missiles and drones at the American aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman in the northern Red Sea in response to American aggression. If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation, the groups leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said. According to two US officials, there were no injuries or damage on the Truman, and it is not clear from initial assessment whether the carrier had to intercept any launches. The Houthis, based in Yemen, started launching drone and missile strikes on vessels in the Red Sea in late 2023 in what they say is revenge for Israels war in Gaza. The sustained strikes significantly impacted global trade. The Houthis stopped their attacks when a Gaza ceasefire was declared in January, but have since threatened to resume them due to Israeli aid blockages to Gaza. In his post, Trump accused the group of waging an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones. He said US personnel were carrying out aerial attacks on Houthi bases, leaders and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World, Trump wrote. Further actions after Saturday will depend on battle damage assessments from this series of strikes, a US defense official told CNN. But there is expected to be more action against the Houthis over the next several weeks. Trump also delivered a warning for Iran, the Houthis main backer, saying it must immediately end support for the group. He warned that if Iran threatened the American people or their president, America will hold you fully accountable and, we wont be nice about it! Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi hit back in a post on X on Sunday. The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy, he wrote. End support for Israeli genocide and terrorism. Stop killing of Yemeni people. There were fatalities in Yemens capital Sanaa, according to the health ministry, as well as the northern province of Saada. People gather at the site of a house hit by a strike in Saada, Yemen, March 16, on Sunday. - Naif Rahma/Reuters In Saada, strikes targeted a power station in the city of Dahyan, causing a power outage in the city and its suburbs, the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported. Strikes also targeted Houthi military sites in Yemens southwestern city of Taiz, Reuters reported, citing two witnesses. The Houthis political bureau condemned the US strikes as a war crime. Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation, it said in a statement seen by Reuters. Trump approved the Houthi strike plan which he requested be drawn up several weeks ago late last week, and the final order was given on Saturday to begin what officials describe as a sustained attack on the groups positions in Yemen. A larger campaign of strikes took time to organize and plan because the US had to collect the intelligence necessary for more sweeping attacks against the Houthis. A senior military official recently told CNN the intel collection required for broader strikes had been completed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the strikes with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, stressing that Houthi attacks will not be tolerated, according to a readout from the State Department. Last summer, Russia was prepared to deliver weapons to the Houthis but pulled back following pressure from the US and Saudi Arabia. Russias foreign ministry said in a statement that Lavrov emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of the use of force in Yemen in the phone call. The US has been working to degrade Houthi capabilities for months as the entity worked to disrupt international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest waterways, calling the attacks a response to Israels war in Gaza against Hamas. The group has targeted more than 100 ships and vessels, including with drones, missiles and small ships. U.S. President Donald Trump pictured as military strikes are launched against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday. - White House/Reuters The Biden administration sought to respond by carrying out targeted strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, including attacking underground weapons storage facilities in October and November, but the actions did not prevent further attacks. This is not a one off. This is the beginning of an ongoing series of events that will last days if not weeks, a source familiar with the strategy told CNN. There is not and will not be an invasion or troops on ground. But there will be a series of ongoing strategic targeted attacks. Earlier this year, Trump signed an order designating the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization. Trump, in his message, said the Biden administrations approach to the Houthis was pathetically weak, so the unrestrained Houthis just kept going. To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DONT, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE! he said. This article has been updated. CNNs Alayna Treene, Oren Liebermann , Sophie Tanno, Maria Kostenko and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report. This story has been updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The United States airstrikes that bombarded Yemen over the weekend targeted and "took out" multiple leaders of the Iranian-backed Houthis, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said Sunday. Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Waltz argued to co-anchor Martha Raddatz that these latest strikes differed from the countless strikes former President Joe Biden's administration launched against the rebel group, explaining that President Donald Trump's administration has taken the extra step of designating the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization. "These were not kind of pinprick, back and forth -- what ultimately proved to be feckless attacks," Waltz said. "This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible." MORE: Trump orders attacks against Houthis in Yemen Waltz accused Iran of helping the Houthis attack U.S. warships and global commerce. Some 70% of global commerce is now diverting around South Africa to avoid the Houthis, resulting in higher shipping costs and supply chain issues, Waltz said. PHOTO: National Security Advisor Michael Waltz speaks with ABC News on This Week. (ABC News) "President Trump has found it unacceptable. What we inherited was -- was a terrible situation, and this is one of what will be a sustained effort to right that wrong and to reopen global commerce," Waltz said. A source told ABC News on March 15 that the strikes are not expected to be a single-day event. On social media, Trump warned the Houthis that if their attacks do not stop, "HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!" Trump also issued a warning to Iran, calling on the Islamic Republic to stop supporting the Houthis, and adding: "Do NOT threaten the American People, their President... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we wont be nice about it!" MORE: Trump administration ignores judge's order to turn deportation planes around: Sources The Houthis retaliated against U.S. Navy ships on Sunday, but the drones and missile fired at them did not come close to striking the ships, according to a U.S. official. The official also said that it is safe to say that the Houthis fired the weapons for more than 12 hours. Saying that the group was committed to "responding to escalation by escalation," the Yemeni Armed Forces released a statement on Monday, local time, saying that it had launched a second offensive, lasting several hours. It said that they had once again attacked the USS Harry S. Truman on Sunday "with a number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in an engagement that lasted for several hours." According to their statement, the second advance was successful. "The Yemeni Armed Forces succeeded in thwarting a hostile attack the enemy was preparing to launch against our country," the statement claimed. However, the fact of the second attack and the matter of its success are yet to be verified. Highlights from Waltz's interview On the potential for U.S. military action against Iran "Well, all actions are always on the table with the president. But Iran needs to hear him loud and clear. It is completely unacceptable and it will be stopped. The level of support that theyve been providing the Houthis, just like they have Hezbollah, just like they have the militias in Iraq, Hamas and others. The difference here is the Houthis have incredibly sophisticated air defenses, and they also have anti-shipping cruise missiles, drones, sea skimming types of attack drones and other ballistic missiles even. Theyve launched dozens of attacks on multiple war ships, dozens of attacks, over 175 on global commerce, sank multiple ships. ... We will hold not only the Houthis accountable, but were going to hold Iran, their backers, accountable as well. And if that means theyre targeting ships that they have put in to -- to help their Iranian trainers, IRGC and others, that intelligence, other things that they have put in to help the Houthis attack the global economy, those -- those targets will be on the table, too." On Trump urging Iran to engage in nuclear talks "What the president has completely -- has repeatedly said is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. All options are on the table to ensure it does not have one. And thats all aspects of Iran's program. Thats the missiles, the weaponization, the enrichment. They can either hand it over and give it up in a way that is verifiable, or they can face a whole series of other consequences. But, either way, we cannot have a world with the ayatollahs with their finger on the nuclear button. We cannot have a situation that would result in an arms race across the Middle East in terms of nuclear proliferation. ... Iran has been offered a way out of this to make sure that we dont have a world that can be threatened by a radical regime, not only our ally Israel, but the entire world that would be threated with a with by a radical regime that could destroy, not only Israel, but its neighbors, and have the capability to hit the United States." On efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine "A fundamental aspect of the approach here from President Trump is that, you know, this has to be permanent. Thats what we continue to hear from the Ukrainians, that, you know, we cannot have a situation where this continues to break down. At the same time, we are engaging with the Russians. What we heard from President Putin was that he will absolutely consider a ceasefire. There are some other thing that he would like to see that President Trumps national security team has -- is considering over the coming days. So, this back and forth diplomacy is -- is ongoing." On whether Ukraine will have to cede territory to Russia "We have to ask ourselves, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic? Weve talked to the Europeans about this, and the Ukrainians. Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea? And what the strategy of the Biden administration was, was, as long as it takes, as much as it takes, no matter what the timeline is, which is essentially endless warfare, in an environment that we are literally losing hundreds of thousands of people in a matter of months. And could escalate into World War III. ... We can talk about whats right and wrong. And we also have to talk about the reality of the situation on the ground. And thats what we are doing through diplomacy, through shuttle diplomacy, through proximity talks." US strikes 'took out' multiple Houthi leaders: National security adviser Mike Waltz originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's Kursk region on Wednesday. - Russian Presidential Press Service/AP President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian troops have not been encircled by Russian forces in Kursk region, accusing Russian leader Vladimir Putin of lying about the situation on the ground. Ukraine launched its shock incursion into Kursk in August, swiftly capturing territory in what was the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II. The campaign aimed to divert Moscows resources from the front lines in the east, and to capture land that could potentially be swapped for Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. Although Kyiv is now on the back foot in Kursk, Zelensky and military analysts have questioned Putins claims echoed by US President Donald Trump that Russian forces have surrounded Ukraines soldiers. Putin claimed on Thursday that Russian forces had isolated Ukraines troops in Kursk and that it was impossible for them to escape even in small groups of two or three soldiers. There will only be two options: surrender or die, Putin said. A day later, Trump appeared to amplify Putins claims after what he called a very good and productive discussion with the Russian president. At this very moment, thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military, and in a very bad and vulnerable position, Trump said in a post on TruthSocial on Friday, claiming he had asked Putin to spare their lives to avert a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. Although the US president did not refer specifically to Kursk, Putin later told Russias security council that he had noted Trumps appeal to save Ukrainian lives in the region. In an interview Sunday with CNNs Jake Tapper, Trumps foreign envoy Steve Witkoff said that Putin accepts the philosophy of President Trump and that both leaders want to see an end to the war. Witkoff said the two are likely to speak again this week, expressing optimism that a ceasefire deal can be reached within weeks. A statue of Lenin stands in front of a damaged building in Sudzha in August 2024. - Efrem Lukatsky/AP/File But Ukrainian officials and independent analysts have disputed Putin and Trumps claims about Russia surrounding Ukrainian troops in Kursk. The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based conflict monitor, said Friday that it has observed no geolocated evidence to indicate that Russian forces have encircled a significant number of Ukrainian forces in Kursk or anywhere else along the frontline in Ukraine. Ukraines military said that Russia was lying to shape perception of events on the ground. Reports of the alleged encirclement of Ukrainian units by the enemy in the Kursk region are false and fabricated by the Russians for political manipulation and to exert pressure on Ukraine and its partners, the military said. There is no threat of encirclement of our units, it said, adding that its units in Kursk have successfully regrouped after Russias offensives and withdrawn to more advantageous defensive positions. In an update Saturday, Zelensky said he had been briefed by Ukraines commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and also stressed that Ukraines troops have not been encircled. The units are carrying out their tasks exactly as required and are continuing to repel Russian and North Korean troops, Zelensky said. Zelensky did, however, say Kyiv was aware of a buildup of Russian troops on Ukraines eastern border, which he said indicates an intention to attack the Sumy region that borders Kursk. The Sumy military administration reported heavy shelling overnight into Sunday, targeting towns and villages close to the border. Ceasefire distraction Although Russian military bloggers have said that Ukraine is losing territory in Kursk, some also disputed the reports that Moscow has encircled Kyivs forces. The ISW suggested that Putin was making dubious claims about Ukrainian troops in Kursk region in order to distract from his prevarication over the US-backed ceasefire proposal. Kyiv agreed to the proposal during talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, while Putin gave a more ambiguous response, first saying we agree with the proposal before claiming the deal wasnt complete. Putin is attempting to present himself as a reasonable and merciful leader whom President Trump can engage with and to generate a new narrative to distract from Russias refusal to agree to the ceasefire proposal, the ISW wrote. Although many have questioned claims from Putin and Trump about Ukrainian troops being surrounded in Kursk, few dispute that Ukraine is retreating in the region. This week, Moscow said that Russian forces had recaptured Sudzha, the largest town once occupied by Ukraine, further weakening Kyivs primary bargaining chip in potential negotiations with Russia. On Saturday, Russias Defense Ministry posted a video from Sudzha, geolocated by CNN, showing the city after it was liberated by Russian troops. The video shows residential homes lying in ruins, roads scattered with debris and the bodies of soldiers killed in combat. In an update on Sunday, the ministry said it was continuing to defeat Ukrainian formations in Kursk, but made no mention of an encirclement. Ukraines General Staff said Sunday there had been 19 clashes with Russian troops over the past day in the region, and that Moscow had launched 34 air strikes and 63 guided bombs. Kevin Liptak contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Franciss conditions are stable at the Rome hospital where he has been treated since 14 February. I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me, he says in todays Angelus. He devotes once more thoughts to countries wounded by war. Vatican City (AsiaNews) The text of the Angelus was released today, the second Sunday of Lent, even though Pope Francis remains hospitalised at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me, says the pontiff in his address. Although the latest medical report says that his clinical conditions remain stable, the treatment shows some gradual improvements", the Holy See Press Office announced last night. Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope, reads the Angelus message for people who are ill. How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of care! How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the humblest services are performed! From his hospital bed, the pope reminds the faithful that the Lord [. . .] never abandons us and [. . .] in times of sorrow, places people beside us who reflect a ray of His love. I thank you all for your prayers, and I thank those who assist me with such dedication, a grateful pontiff says. I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness. Thank you, dearest children! The Pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you. Since 14 February, scores of messages have been left for the ailing pontiff at the statue dedicated to Pope John Paul II located at the entrances of the Gemelli Hospital. Called Dont be afraid! (Non abbiate paura), the figure, work of the Tuscan sculptor Stefano Pierotti, has become the symbol of the Roman medical facility since it was installed in 2009. As he has done many times before, the pope also issued another plea for peace. Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war: tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Turning his thoughts to the Church, he called on the faithful to also pray for the Church, required to translate into concrete choices the discernment made in the recent Synodal Assembly. I thank the General Secretariat of the Synod, which over the coming three years will accompany the local Churches in this undertaking. At the start of the message, Francis gave his commentary on the Word of the day (Lk 9:28b-36). The Gospel tells us about the Transfiguration of Jesus (Lk 9:28-36). Having climbed to the top of a mountain with Peter, James and John, Jesus immerses Himself in prayer and becomes radiant with light. Thus, He shows the disciples what is hidden behind the gestures He performs in their midst: the light of His infinite love, which the pontiff glimpses in places of care". In concluding, Francis calls on the Virgin Mary [to] keep you and help you to be, like Her, bearers of Christs light and peace. by Mathias Hariyadi By opening a nunciature in the Southeast Asian country in 1950, the Holy See made a great contribution to the development of the post-colonial world, and unity among the countrys many religious communities. For the Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See, the two parties share a common perspective on many global issues, as Pope Franciss trip showed. Jakarta (AsiaNews) This week Indonesia and the Holy See marked 75 years of diplomatic relations. The Vatican had recognised Indonesias independence in 1947, and three years later, on 13 March 1950, established formal diplomatic relations with the Southeast Asian country. Archbishop Albertus Soegijapranata, the first native Indonesian prelate, facilitated the move, which paved the way for the recognition of Indonesian sovereignty by other countries in Europe and the Americas. Pope Pius XII appointed Archbishop Georges-Marie-Joseph-Hubert-Ghislain de Jonghe d'Ardoye as the first apostolic delegate (later elevated to the rank of nuncio), while Sukarjo Wiryopranoto served as Indonesia's first ambassador to the Holy See. By appointing Archbishop de Jonghe d'Ardoye, the Vatican unequivocally demonstrated its support for Indonesia's sovereignty at a time when the country was still under the threat of Dutch colonialism. In 75 years of diplomatic relations, three popes visited Indonesia: Paul VI (1970), John Paul II (1989) and Francis (2024); while four Indonesian presidents visited the Vatican: Sukarno (1956, 1959, 1964), Suharto (1972), Abdurrahman Wahid (2000), and Megawati Sukarnoputri (2002, 2023, 2025). Speaking to AsiaNews, Indonesias ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, noted that the Vatican considers Indonesia a unique example of fraternity in diversity. Indonesia's national ideology, the doctrine of "Pancasila", and its motto Unity in Diversity, (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) embody the principle of unity between different peoples. Pope Francis emphasised this a few months ago during his apostolic visit to Indonesia in September 2024. The Holy See not only appreciates this but also admires it especially in an era when many countries are divided due to ethnic and religious differences, he noted in a speech before then-President Joko Widodo and other dignitaries. Your national motto Bhinneka tunggal ika (United in Diversity, literally Many but One) captures well this multifaceted reality of diverse peoples firmly united in one nation, Francis said. A harmony in diversity, he added, is achieved when particular perspectives take into account the needs common to all and when each ethnic group and religious denomination acts in a spirit of fraternity, pursuing the noble goal of serving the good of all. For its part, Indonesia recognises the Holy See as a sovereign entity without military power but endowed with immense spiritual influence that transcends national borders. The Holy See uses moral persuasion, theological doctrine and legal agreements to shape its global commitment, focusing on spiritual, moral and humanitarian concerns, including respect for human rights, with a particular emphasis on religious freedom for all faiths. This commitment to human dignity, said the Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See, strengthens the bond between Indonesia and the Vatican. Some 1,729 Indonesian men and women religious study, work and serve in various Italian religious communities. Many nuns are engaged in education, elderly care, and orphanage management, while most priests continue their academic studies. According to Ambassador Trias Kuncahyono, Indonesia and the Vatican share similar perspectives on global issues such as peace, human rights, environmental protection, food security, and access to water resources. Both support the protection of the rights of women and children and actively promote dialogue and diplomacy in conflict areas, including Palestine, Yemen, Myanmar, Nigeria and Ukraine. On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in particular, Indonesia and the Vatican share a clear position in support of the two-state solution. ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Best Military Jackets for Men These Classic Silhouettes Offer Rugged Utility in Rainy Weather The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The lineage of the menswear world often winds its way back to real-world solutions. For instance, the military needed durable gear for the harshest conditions on earth (on land, at sea, in the jungle and the desert), and so certain styles were relied upon and even championed. The best military jackets of today channel that same heritage and history yet with a more modern appeal in design, in fabrication and in rugged good looks. Densely woven fabrics and treated materials like waxed cotton helped stave off wind and rain in designs ranging from the four-pocket field coat to the time-tested, fighter pilot-approved bomber jacket. When you wear one of the best military jackets, youre wearing a piece of history with the timeless style to prove it. RELATED: Best Cable Knit Sweaters for Men There are a range of spring-ready, often lightweight and yet tough-as-nails military jackets, all built for rainy weather and blustery breezes. There are also silhouettes to suit every taste, from the field coat to the bomber jacket. Find a few selections among the best military jackets to easily take care of your next spring layering #OOTD. Filson Field Cruiser Jacket Filson draws inspiration from days gone by and specifically, from vintage military fatigues for this updated take on the iconic field jacket. Oversized snap pockets offer space for your everyday carry, while classic field coat touches like a fold-down collar and button front are ready and waiting to take on your next adventure far afield. Opt for this piece in a classic shade of olive to nail throwback military style. $250 at Filson.com Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket Relwen draws on a hefty dose of military inspiration that it then updates with a dashing modern edge the Sailcloth Tanker Jacket is no joke when it comes to durable design and flat-out good looks, especially when worn casually over a henley and blue jeans. This particular jacket uses a sturdy yet soft blend of cotton and nylon for water resistance, while a snap-button, stand-up collar delivers protection from the elements in true military style. $288 at Huckberry.com Alpha Industries Laser Cut Field Coat It very likely wouldnt be a guide to the best military jackets without including the pioneering designers at Alpha Industries. Originally contracted to make field and bomber jackets for the U.S. military, its highly dependable designs have stood the test of time and now come in a slew of modern colors and fits. This innovative number is made with ultra-soft, sleek peached fabric for toughness and lightweight performance. $495 at AlphaIndustries.com Asket Field Jacket Can a field jacket be minimal and yet luxurious at the same time? Functional as well as fashionable? With the Asket Field Jacket, the answer is a definitive yes, as this modern spin on the legendary style boasts water-resistant, yet soft 100 percent organic cotton treated to fight water, wind and rain. Asket perhaps says it best, noting that the jacket boasts a luxurious hand-feel while retaining its rugged origins. Sounds optimal to us when it comes to spring layering. $345 at Asket.com Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket Dont overlook the bomber jacket when it comes to expertly crafted military jackets the style was prized by pilots for a reason, and delivers a handsome edge to many a leisurely look these days. Taylor Stitch went all-in on waxed cotton fabric for a spring-ready finish, the kind that looks as at home in the field or on the trail as it does at your favorite dive bar. Its also lined with herringbone for a comfortable layered finish over an Oxford shirt or a classic tee. $238 at TaylorStitch.com Levis Washed Cotton Hooded Military Jacket Leave it to Levis to design a rugged jacket that just so happens to pair perfectly with its expertly cut jeans. This option builds in a handy hood, ideal for wearing on frigid spring days, while timeless military touches like patch chest pockets provide added utility. The use of heavyweight cotton for its exterior also delivers warmth where you need it the most, and you neednt worry about throwing this jacket on over a hoodie its got one built in already. From $49.58 at Amazon.com Landing Leathers Flight Jacket Theres an almost dizzying array of options available when it comes to the best military jackets, including handsome styles designed for flight. Especially in leather, the look is a classic one, and Landing Leathers gets the vintage design correct all the way down to the ribbed cuffs and hem for a secure fit and added warmth no matter the weather. Patch hip pockets offer crucial storage space, and the cropped fit should hit nicely at your waist ideal for pairing with classic blue jeans and a white T-shirt. From $249.99 at Amazon.com Rothco Camo Field Jacket Go all in on rugged military style the right way with eye-catching, on-trend camo, of course. The design is bold enough for civilian wear, but nods to the real-world roots of the classic military jacket. Features like a zippered hood provide utility while storing easily, and the oversized fit also offers plenty of room to layer essentials for a brisk spring day, like a thermal henley or a tough chambray shirt. From $99.99 at Amazon.com Springrain Camo Army Jacket The best military jackets took on a life of their own overseas and in combat patches designated rankings, units and more. Springrain delivers an homage to that style with a vivid camo take on the military jacket, including handsome, distinct patches aplenty. Wear this particular jacket in minimal fashion with grey denim and a black T-shirt to let the design do the talking. From $46.99 at Amazon.com Propper Ripstop BDU Coat The best military jackets for the modern man should deliver an expert mix of form and function, starting with the hard-wearing exterior. Propper makes its modern version of the famed field jacket using ripstop fabric for wind resistance and durability (in spite of the low price tag). Its camo design is a stylish touch, while four large pockets should deliver ample storage space for your everyday carry, no matter where your adventures take you. From $35.57 at Amazon.com You Might Also Dig: 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. 16 March 2025 20:42 (UTC+04:00) Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense, that the attack targeted Azerbaijani positions, though no further details were provided regarding casualties or damages. On March 16, at approximately 18:35, units of the Armenian armed forces opened fire on the positions of the Azerbaijani Army from positions located in the direction of the Khazinavar settlement of the Gorus district. 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! 16 March 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more The shifting dynamics of the global order bring new questions to the forefront. The old norms have faded, and the formation of new mechanisms and rules is now inevitable. The 12th Global Baku Forum, held in the capital, stood as a vivid reminder of this transformation, addressing various crucial issues. It is no coincidence that the central theme of the event was Rethinking World Order. Baku itself felt a distinct sense of renewal during the forum, with participants engaged in active discussions on global health, youth issues, gender security, emerging technologies, peace, regional stability, and other critical matters. The forum not only highlighted Azerbaijans global standing but also reinforced the countrys bridge-building role in international frameworks. Reflecting on Azerbaijans development over the past three decades, it is clear that the countrys growth has occurred against the backdrop of global shifts and challenges. Having faced occupation and economic-political turbulence, Azerbaijan has emerged stronger through adversity. Today, not only in global forums but across the world, topics like the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict dominate discussions. Just a few years ago, the Garabagh issue was a key topic in many panels, with various organizations making it a central part of political agendas. However, the resolution of the issue remained elusive. Azerbaijani territories were still under Armenian occupation, and international organizations often approached the issue with double standards. The importance of self-reliance and a robust defense system became glaringly evident in such a context. Azerbaijan had long understood the emptiness of promises made by certain organizations, a lesson that now echoes in the case of Ukraine. Deep dive into global power shifts: insights from President Aliyev On the first day of the forum, President Ilham Aliyev clarified many of these complex issues in an interview with Euronews, a prominent European television news network. "As far as we are concerned, I think our understanding of the global order was absolutely correct because we did not rely on any institution or anyone with respect to our national interests. Whether it's a war between Russia and Ukraine, or a situation in the Middle East, tensions in Africa, or some other parts of the world, countries should understand that their destiny is in their hands," Aliyev stated. These remarks responded directly to the ongoing debate surrounding the resolution of the 30-year Garabagh conflict. The presidents comments shed light on Azerbaijans stance toward international institutions, which had failed to bring about meaningful change. Especially in the aftermath of the 2020 Second Garabagh War (also the Patriotic War), some organizations' responses seemed to prioritize other concerns over Armenian crimes in the region. The way some international bodies behaved made it appear as though they were more concerned with the end of the Garabagh conflict than with ensuring peacebecause the resolution of the conflict meant the cessation of their relevance in the region. As President Aliyev emphasized, Azerbaijan did not depend on external organizations or foreign powers, as it was clear that situations in the Middle East and Ukraine would follow similar patterns. In this context, Azerbaijan learned the importance of sovereignty and self-reliance long before others. Even after the Garabagh conflict ended, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has faced ongoing hurdles. Instead of supporting this process, certain European politicians, including representatives from France and the European Parliament, have resorted to provocation, worsening tensions in the region. These actions seem aligned with the interests of Armenian lobbies, rather than advancing peace. At the same time, as the trial of war criminals in Azerbaijan unfolds, certain European political figures are attempting to distort the narrative surrounding the conflict. These politicians, knowingly supporting an occupying state like Armenia, end up tarnishing their own careers with baseless accusations against Azerbaijan. They should take note of the downfall of previous biased political leaders, who suffered consequences for their actionsbut evidently, some are blind to the fact that they may share the same fate. 16 March 2025 21:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenia appears to believe that a peace treaty can be signed without first fulfilling Azerbaijans key demands. This assumption stems from reports suggesting that negotiations on the text of the agreement between Baku and Yerevan are nearing completion. However, Azerbaijan does not seek merely a symbolic documentit demands real guarantees for lasting peace. One of the most crucial conditions remains Armenias constitutional amendments, specifically the removal of territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Without this, any peace agreement will be fragile at best. If Armenia retains its territorial ambitions within its legal framework, the risk of renewed hostilities in the coming years remains high. Baku is working to prevent such a scenario from materializing. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan recently stated that once the peace treaty is signed, "it will be possible to consider, at an institutional level, that the conflict has come to an end" and there would be no further need for a mediation format like the OSCE Minsk Group. However, his remarks suggest that Yerevan has no intention of discussing the dissolution of the group prior to signing the treaty, once again stalling and diverting the conversation. This approach aligns with the broader pattern of political populism coming from Armenian leaders, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans recent statements. This development should be viewed positively at this stage, as it represents a significant achievement. Almost every significant power have commended this occasion, and applauded as a new hope for the region after more than three decades. However, reaching a final peace agreement may take some time, especially since it will require amending the claims in the Armenian constitution. While Pashinyan insists that Armenia's new constitution is not being drafted in response to Azerbaijans demands, he has provided no clarity on its implications. His vague rhetoric suggests preparations for a national referendum, followed by constitutional reforms that could potentially exclude territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since early 2024, he has been actively promoting the so-called "real Armenia" ideology, slowly conditioning Armenian society for this shift. Yet, despite Pashinyans control over the government, his support in Armenian society remains limited when it comes to fundamental political decisions. The peace process has faced significant resistance from opposition groups, the church, and foreign-backed lobbies. Pro-Russian and pro-Iranian forces in Armenia are expected to intensify their efforts to derail peace negotiations, using public protests and political pressure. The urgency of addressing these unresolved issues was underscored once again when Armenias military provoked yet another border incident. On March 16, at approximately 09:45, Armenian forces stationed near the Digh settlement in the Gorus region opened fire on Azerbaijani positions, according to Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense. And that's not all. At approximately 18:35, units of the Armenian armed forces opened fire on the positions of the Azerbaijani Army from positions located in the direction of the Khazinavar settlement of the Gorus district yet again. Interesting enough, that this happens right after the Armenian Defense Ministry said on Sunday that Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry claims that Armenian troops shot at its positions on the border do not "correspond to reality," when the first incident happened at the border. One may wonder if this does not correspond to reality? Pashinyans government has justified the militarization as necessary for national security, but in reality, it fuels revanchist sentiments and undermines trust in the peace process. Who knows, perhaps the Armenian government has not yet managed to establish order and discipline within the army, a problem that has persisted for years. This division between the government and the military is evident in these incidents. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made this clear at the 12th Global Baku Forum, stating that Baku demands concrete actionsnot just wordsfrom Armenia. The level of trust in Armenia is close to zero. So, we do not trust any of their words. Because they are not the people who we can trust, including todays government. Again, all that they say, for us, has zero meaning. We need documents; we need papers. We need their constitution to be free of territorial claims against Azerbaijan. It still contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan. We need the OSCE Minsk Group to be dissolved. We convey this message to Armenia, saying that there is no logic in keeping the Minsk Group. It was created to address the issue of Garabagh . Now Garabgh is done. Armenia recognizes Garabagh as part of Azerbaijan. Why dont you join us in a joint application to the OSCE to dissolve it? They dont want. So, they want to keep a part of their feet on the ground, on our territory, now virtually, of course. Their military build-up - what does it demonstrate? It demonstrates that they are preparing for a new war, said President Aliyev. Pashinyan's balancing act is also influenced by Armenias upcoming elections. The next parliamentary elections are scheduled for the summer of 2026, while a referendum on constitutional changes may take place in December of the same year. However, given the political turbulence in Armenia, both timelines could shift. Pashinyan may even opt for early elections if his position weakens further. Ultimately, the fate of the peace treaty hinges on Armenias willingness to take genuine steps toward reconciliation. If Yerevan fails to amend its constitution and renounce territorial claims against Azerbaijan, the risk of renewed instability will remain high. While Pashinyan might be able to maneuver politically in the short term, sustainable peace can only be achieved through real commitments, not empty declarations. 16 March 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) The Azerbaijan Business Case Competition 2025 (ABCC), one of the countrys most prestigious business contests, has officially commenced with the support of Azercell. Organized by the U.S.-Educated Azerbaijani Alumni Association (AAA), the competition provides a unique platform for students to develop their analytical and strategic skills through real-world business challenges. ABCC is modeled on real-world business cases from the Harvard Business Review and aims to enhance participants expertise in business analytics, strategic planning, and financial analysis. This year, the competition received applications from 107 teams, with 91 advancing to the interview stage and 26 securing a spot in the next round. The competition is open to undergraduate (2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year) and masters students from Azerbaijans leading universities. As part of the ABCC Sessions phase, participants have undergone specialized training in business analytics and presentation skills. The Mock Round is scheduled to take place at ADA University on March 15, followed by the semi-final and final rounds on April 5. The top three teams will be awarded cash prizes of 8,000 AZN, 4,000 AZN, and 2,000 AZN. 16 March 2025 17:50 (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 2024, the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Supervision under the Ministry of Economy reviewed 160 appeals related to unfair competition and illegal advertisements by market entities, according to the Cabinet of Ministers' annual report. 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! 16 March 2025 13:00 (UTC+04:00) Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with the newly elected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, Azernews reports, citing the Armenian media. During the call, Pashinyan briefed Pezeshkian on the finalized draft text of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the completion of negotiations on the agreement. The two leaders also discussed regional developments and bilateral relations between Armenia and Iran. Note that the negotiation process on the text of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been completed, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told reporters during the 12th Global Baku Forum on Thursday. "That is, we have informed several times that the last two articles remain, and in recent days the Armenian side has informed us through communication channels that it has accepted the proposals of the Azerbaijani side on the two open articles. Therefore, we can celebrate the completion of work on the text," Bayramov stated. The minister emphasized that Azerbaijans next expectation from Yerevan is to make changes to the Armenian constitution. 16 March 2025 16:10 (UTC+04:00) The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has extended its condolences to North Macedonia following a tragic fire in Kochani that claimed the lives of dozens of people, Azernews reports. The ministry expressed its sympathies through a statement on its social media account, stating: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the terrible fire that killed dozens of people in Kochani, North Macedonia. We express our sincere condolences to everyone who has suffered this heartbreaking loss and hope for a speedy full recovery for the injured." According to reports, at least 50 people lost their lives when a fire broke out during a concert in Kochani. The incident has caused widespread grief, with international leaders and organizations offering their support to North Macedonia in this difficult time. 16 March 2025 17:15 (UTC+04:00) The Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko, arrived in Azerbaijan on an official visit on March 16. Azernews reports that Matviyenko was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the state flags of both countries were displayed. She was received by Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ali Ahmadov, head of the Azerbaijan-Russia interparliamentary working group Polad Bulbuloglu, and other officials. The visit is expected to include high-level meetings with Azerbaijans leadership and discussions on interparliamentary cooperation. 16 March 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) US authorities are planning to change entry rules for citizens from 43 countries, including those from Russia and Belarus, Azernews reports, citing The New York Times. The US State Department intends to classify these countries into three categories. The first category includes 11 countriesAfghanistan, Bhutan, Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemenwhose citizens will be completely banned from entering the United States. The second category includes Russia, Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan. For these countries, only business travelers will be allowed entry; tourists and immigrants will be barred. The third category consists of countries that will have 60 days to address issues such as refusal to provide information about individuals entering the US. 16 March 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Hundreds of reporters and other staff at VOA, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe and other outlets received a weekend email saying they will be barred from their offices and should surrender press passes, office-issued telephones and other equipment, Azernews reports via France24. Trump, who has already eviscerated the US aid agency and Education Department, on Friday issued an executive order listing the US Agency for Global Media as among "elements of the federal bureaucracy that the president has determined are unnecessary." Kari Lake, a firebrand Trump supporter and former Arizona news anchor who was put in charge of the media agency after she lost a US Senate bid, wrote -- in an email to media outlets she supervises -- that federal grant money "no longer effectuates agency priorities." A White House press official, Harrison Fields, took a much less legalistic tone in a post on X, simply writing "goodbye" in 20 languages, a sarcastic jab at VOA's multilingual coverage. The head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which started broadcasting into the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, called the cancellation of funding "a massive gift to America's enemies." 16 March 2025 10:30 (UTC+04:00) The European Commission is considering a new satellite network to bolster military intelligence amid doubts about sustained support from the United States, European Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said in an interview with the Financial Times, Azernews reports. Given the changes in the geopolitical situation, the European Commission is considering expanding its satellite capacities to improve geospatial intelligence support for security, Kubilius told the FT. The satellite network could, for instance, be used to track military movements, something that requires more regular updates than the EU's Copernicus satellite service. The Lithuanian commissioner also said he would raise the idea of a temporary commercial approach" with EU countries, as the project would be time-consuming and expensive. The EU is already taking steps to develop a new constellation of secure communication satellites that can rival Elon Musk's Starlink, called IRIS. The remarks by Kubilius come after U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily paused military intelligence-sharing with Ukraine to pressure it into peace talks, laying bare Europe's reliance on the U.S. 16 March 2025 11:30 (UTC+04:00) The US has launched a "decisive and powerful" wave of air strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, President Donald Trump has said, citing the armed group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as the reason, Azernews reports via BBC. "Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft, and targeted our Troops and Allies," Trump wrote on his Truth social platform, adding that their "piracy, violence, and terrorism" had cost "billions of dollars" and put lives at risk. The Houthi-run health ministry said at least 31 people were killed and 101 others were injured in the strikes. The group - which began targeting shipping in response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza - said its forces would respond to US strikes. The Houthis reported a series of explosions on Saturday evening in Sanaa and in the northern province of Saada - the rebels' stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia. The Iranian-backed rebel group, which considers Israel its enemy, controls Sanaa and the north-west of Yemen, but it is not the country's internationally-recognised government. Unverified images show plumes of black smoke over the area of Sanaa's airport - which includes a military facility. In a statement, the Houthis blamed the US and the UK for "wicked" aggression targeting residential areas in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa - though it is understood that the UK did not participate in Saturday's US strikes against the Houthi targets but it did provide routine refuelling support for the US. These attacks, Trump said, "will not be tolerated". He added: "We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US government had "no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy". "End support for Israeli genocide and terrorism," he posted on X on Sunday. "Stop killing of Yemeni people." The Houthis have said they are acting in support of the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and have claimed - often falsely - that they are targeting ships only linked to Israel, the US or the UK. 16 March 2025 15:40 (UTC+04:00) The Turkish Foreign Ministry has issued a statement on the 11th anniversary of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, reaffirming its stance against the violation of Ukraines territorial integrity, Azernews reports. The statement emphasized that Ankara considers the annexation unacceptable, viewing it as a breach of international law. The ministry reiterated Turkiyes commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, declaring: "We will closely monitor the situation on the peninsula, especially the situation of the Crimean Tatar Turks, and keep the current processes on the agenda of the international community." Russias occupation of Crimea began on February 20, 2014, with the deployment of troops and the seizure of strategic facilities. On March 16, a referendum was held under Russian military control, followed by Moscow's announcement of the "annexation" two days later. However, on March 27, 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution confirming Ukraine's territorial integrity. The occupation continues to be unrecognized by the international community, including Azerbaijan. 16 March 2025 18:55 (UTC+04:00) A telephone conversation took place between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump, focusing on bilateral relations, regional, and global issues. Azernews reports that the Turkish Presidential Administration issued a statement on the call, highlighting Erdogans belief that cooperation between Turkiye and the US, as allied nations, will strengthen in the new era. During the conversation, Erdogan voiced support for Trump's efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, reaffirming Turkiye's commitment to a just and lasting peace. He also stressed the need for joint efforts in lifting sanctions to restore stability in Syria, facilitate the activities of the new administration, and enable Syrians to return home. Erdogan further emphasized expectations from the US in combating terrorism and called for steps to end CAATSA sanctions, finalize the F-16 procurement process, and reinstate Turkiye in the F-35 program to enhance defense cooperation. 16 March 2025 19:55 (UTC+04:00) New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Paris and London on Monday to seek alliances as he deals with US President Donald Trump's attacks on Canada's sovereignty and economy, Azernews reports via AP. Carney is purposely making his first foreign trip to the capital cities of the two countries that shaped Canada's early existence. At his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Carney noted the country was built on the bedrock of three peoples, French, English and Indigenous, and said Canada is fundamentally different from America and will never, ever, in any way shape or form, be part of the United States. The Trump factor is the reason for the trip. The Trump factor towers over everything else Carney must deal with, said Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. The 59-year-old former central banker will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday and later travel to London to sit down with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in an effort to diversify trade and perhaps coordinate a response to Trump's tariffs. He will also meet with King Charles III, the head of state in Canada. The trip to England is a bit a homecoming, as Carney is a former governor of the Bank of England, the first noncitizen to be named to the role in the banks 300-plus-year history. Carney then travels to the edge of Canada's Arctic to reaffirm Canadas Arctic security and sovereignty before returning to Ottawa where he's expected to call an election within days. Carney has said hes ready to meet with Trump if he shows respect for Canadian sovereignty. He said he doesnt plan to visit Washington at the moment but hopes to have a phone call with the president soon. Sweeping tariffs of 25 percent and Trumps talk of making Canada the 51st US state have infuriated Canadians, and many are avoiding buying American goods when they can. Carney's government is reviewing the purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets in light of Trumps trade war. The governing Liberal Party had appeared poised for a historic election defeat this year until Trump declared economic war and repeatedly has said Canada should become the 51st state. Now the party and its new leader could come out on top. Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, said Carney is wise not to visit Trump. "Theres no point in going to Washington," Bothwell said. "As (former Prime Minister Justin) Trudeaus treatment shows, all that results in is a crude attempt by Trump to humiliate his guests. Nor can you have a rational conversation with someone who simply sits there and repeats disproven lies." Bothwell said that Trump demands respect, but its often a one-way street, asking others to set aside their self-respect to bend to his will. Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said it is absolutely essential that Canada diversify trade amidst the ongoing trade war with the United States. More than 75% of Canada's exports go to the US. 16 March 2025 20:25 (UTC+04:00) Pope Francis, who remains under medical care in a Roman hospital, addressed followers of the Catholic faith in a written message on Sunday, acknowledging that he is going through a period of testing. Azernews reports, citing the EFE agency, that the Pope expressed solidarity with those facing health struggles, stating: I am being tested. I unite myself with my sick brothers and sisters, with those who are weak like me at this time. Our physical body is weak, but despite this, no one can forbid us to love, to dream, to dedicate ourselves to others with faith and hope. The Pope also praised the work of the hospital staff and extended prayers to the doctors treating him. Francis, 88, was diagnosed with bronchitis in January, which later became chronic. On February 14, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli clinic in Rome, where further tests revealed bilateral pneumonia. 16 March 2025 23:00 (UTC+04:00) A roadside bomb blast targeting a convoy of security forces in Pakistans Balochistan province killed at least seven soldiers and injured dozens more on Sunday, reported Al Jazeera. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility, alleging that 90 military personnel were killed in the attack, Azernews reports. The incident occurred in Noshki district as a convoy of seven buses and two vehicles was travelling from Quetta to Taftan near the countrys border with Iran. Noshki Station House Officer Zafarullah Sulemani said that preliminary findings indicated a suicide attack. A security forces convoy travelling from Quetta to Taftan was attacked, an unidentified Pakistani official was quoted as saying by India Today. The convoy, consisting of seven buses and two vehicles, was targeted. One of the buses was hit by a vehicle loaded with IEDs [improvised explosive devices], possibly a suicide attack, while another was targeted by rocket-propelled grenades. Army helicopters were deployed to transport the wounded and surveillance drones were launched over the area. Police officials said the explosion also badly damaged a second bus nearby. Evidence from the scene indicated that a bomber rammed the explosive-laden vehicle into one of the military buses. Sulemani said the toll could rise and that the injured had been shifted to a nearby hospital. Senior Superintendent of Police Hashim Momand said more than 30 paramilitary force members were wounded in the attack. A statement by the Baloch Liberation Army said: The Majeed Brigade, the Fidayee unit of the Baloch Liberation Army, targeted a convoy of the occupying Pakistani military a few hours ago in a VBIED [vehicle-borne improvised explosive device] Fidayee attack near Rakhshan Mill on the RCD Highway in Noshki. The convoy consisted of eight buses, one of which was completely destroyed in the explosion. Immediately after the attack, the Fateh Squad of the BLA advanced and completely surrounded another bus, systematically eliminating all military personnel on board, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to 90, it added. The Baloch Liberation Army said it would release more details soon. The group had also claimed responsibility for last weeks hijacking of the Jaffar Express, during which 26 people, including soldiers, were killed. Security forces later killed all 33 attackers. The Balochistan Liberation Army has been seeking independence from Pakistan and was designated a terrorist organisation by both Pakistan and the United States in 2006. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the latest attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives. Those who play with the peace of Balochistan will be brought to a tragic end, Bugti said in a press release. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident, which comes amid rising security threats in regions bordering Afghanistan. Last week, Pakistani authorities alleged that the Baloch Liberation Army attackers involved in the train hijacking had been communicating with handlers in Afghanistan and accused India of orchestrating the attack. We must understand that in this terrorist incident in Balochistan, and others before, the main sponsor is eastern neighbour [India], said Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, at a press conference in Islamabad. Balochistan is Pakistans largest province and has been marred by decades of unrest. The ethnic Baloch population has long accused the Pakistani government of discrimination, which Islamabad has denied. In a separate development, authorities in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province claimed that at least two policemen and a private security guard were killed in overnight attacks in Karak and Peshawar districts. The Pakistan Taliban said it had carried out 16 attacks on police in the past 24 hours, according to Al Jazeera. Former DUP MP Ian Paisley has claimed that he has the best black book in Northern Ireland and revealed that he is content no longer working in the world of politics. He also opened up about the peculiarities of US President Donald Trump, claiming most world leaders are the same. You tell me a politician that isnt peculiar at times, he told BBCs Sunday Politics during an event he was attending in Washington DC. The former North Antrim politician made a rare public appearance on Thursday at the Neds Club gathering attended by business leaders in the US city, ahead of the St Patricks Day celebrations which were hosted by the White House last week. Speaking about life after politics he said he is content in his new role as businessman, after he failed to retain his seat in the recent Westminster elections a seat which has been held by the Paisley family for more than 50 years. Im in private business now and there are some important connections I have, and I probably have the best black book in Northern Ireland, he said. Im engaged with that and Im finding it very enjoyable, I am in content in all things, and always have been. During the interview, Mr Paisley also spoke about Mr Trump someone he has famously described in the past as a good friend. President Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on the EU to balance a massive trade deficit and signalled he would impose a 200% tariff on EU alcoholic drinks a day earlier he criticised the EU for not buying more cars from the US. Mr Paisley suggested that it may not come to this if people stay calm on it. The bark may be worse than the bite, I dont think it will come to a 200% tariff on Irish products but there is a negotiation to be had, he said. People should stay calm on it and you need to react to Donald Trump the way he needs to be reacted to and thats not about being angry but about talking through the reasons of the numbers and the benefits to America. His strategy is about keeping people on his toes and hes getting what he wants. Look at how hes handled the situation in Ukraine, now everybody is seeing him as talking about a peace deal not a war deal. He has a strategy in this and its working for him but it could be upsetting for us and we need to be very careful. Thats why I think Micheal Martin is being very cautious and respectful in his approach to the President and our Prime Minister being very respectful and indeed playing the King card. "All of that is very important to get out of this the best deal possible for Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. The former DUP MP said that he hopes to find a way to work with Donald Trump as most politicians have their peculiarities. Earlier this year Mr Paisley flew out to the US to attend his inauguration. We have to deal with people as we find them, he added. You dont get to choose the character of the people we have to work with, but we do have to have the grace and dignity to be able to work with different types of characters, understand their psyche and maybe find something of common ground to be able to work together. By golly, hasnt that worked out sometimes for the better in Northern Ireland? Hopefully we can find that with Donald trump and with others. You tell me a world leader that doesnt have peculiarities, you tell me a politician that isnt peculiar at times. We have got to work together and when we work together, we hopefully get a result. Exclusive | Stormont told a judge that tarmacking 3,000 acres of farmland would be less polluting than the industrial farming it has encouraged Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeills boycott of Washington DCs St Patricks events was a big mistake, Irelands premier Micheal Martin has said. The Taoiseach said the decision was not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, pointing out that huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein. While Ms ONeill travelled to Carolina last week for a business event, she returned home rather than attend the Washington DC events as part of Sinn Feins protest against US President Donald Trumps threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza. First Minister Michelle ONeill, along with other members of her party, did not attend St Patricks events in Washington (Liam McBurney/PA) Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP, did travel to Washington and spoke with Mr Trump during a lunch at Capitol Hill. The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House events in protest at actions by the US president. During an interview on the BBCs Sunday Politics programme, Mr Martin was asked if he thought Ms ONeills refusal to go to Washington was a missed opportunity. He said: I do, I think it was a big mistake. I met with the deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill, met with President Trump. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly met with President Trump (DUP/PA) I think it was a wrong decision because huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein at the time. A lot of people put a lot of effort into that. He added: I thought it was a bit opportunistic and I think not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or indeed the island of Ireland for Sinn Fein to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year. I think it was the very wrong thing to do and opportunistic and somewhat cynical. A Sinn Fein spokesperson responded: The decision not to travel to the White House was not taken lightly, but taken conscious of the responsibility each of us as individuals have to call out injustice. We are all heartbroken as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent comments of the US president around the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza, something we cannot ignore. The Taoiseach said he did not discuss the appointment of a US envoy to Northern Ireland during his meeting with Mr Trump, but said he wanted to work with the US administration over the potential appointment of an economic envoy. Joe Kennedy was US economic envoy to Northern Ireland during the Biden administration (Liam McBurney/PA) Joe Kennedy previously served as the US economic envoy to Northern Ireland under the Biden administration. Mr Martin said Mr Trump had shown an interest in Northern Ireland. He added: Certainly the envoy has played a very useful role over the years politically in terms of making the peace. Now the political institutions are up and running and there is a case perhaps for an economic envoy because we do have to continue to work to enhance investment into Northern Ireland and enhance the economy there. There are opportunities as well in Northern Ireland for that investment. An economic envoy is certainly something we can work with the US administration on and the UK Government and the Northern Ireland parties. Taoiseach Micheal Martins visit to Washington was overshadowed by the potential threat of a EU-US trade war (Niall Carson/PA) The Taoiseach said the relations between the US and EU are currently difficult on the economic side, but added that he hoped progress in other areas could lead to renewed engagement. He added: I think on Ukraine there are challenges, although I think the work of President Macron and others has been impactful, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. I think there has been a good co-ordinated approach now to trying to get peace in the Ukraine, which is positive. We welcome the momentum behind peace in both Ukraine and in the Middle East because too many people are suffering and too many people are dying. I would hope that could lead to engagement on the trade side because it is not clear yet that there has been substantive engagement in terms of negotiations between the EU Commission and the US administration. I know that the EU wants to engage and understands that there is a two-way process here. Mr Martins visit to Washington DC was overshadowed by the looming threat of an EU-US trade war. There is heightened concern in Ireland that the new US administrations protectionist approach could pose a risk to an Irish economy which is significantly sustained by long-standing investment from US multinationals. Speaking from Philadelphia where he is attending St Patricks Day celebrations, Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris said all efforts would be going into finding an agreement between the EU and US on trade. He said: I am very satisfied that on a European level there is a real effort to intensively engage with the United States. Tariffs are bad. Tariffs are bad for consumers in Ireland, they are bad for consumers in Europe and they are bad for consumers in the United States of America. Tanaiste Simon Harris said efforts had to go into finding an agreement between the EU and US on trade (Brian Lawless/PA) They will push up the prices of goods for everybody. The European Union and the United States have interdependent economies, of that there is no doubt. President Trump has a view, he is the democratically elected president of the United States. But ultimately we need to find an agreement here which is good for the European Union, good for Ireland and good for the United States. That is where all of our efforts will be. Two British citizens being held by the Taliban have been separated and moved to a high-security prison, their daughter has said. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were detained as they travelled to their home in Bamyan province on February 1. The couple were arrested by the Taliban alongside an American friend, Faye Hall, who had rented a plane to travel with them, and a translator from the couples Rebuild training business. In what she described as a shocking escalation, their daughter told The Sunday Times the pair have been separated with Mr Reynolds moved to an undisclosed location and his health has significantly deteriorated. We hear he now has a chest infection, a double eye infection and serious digestive issues due to poor nutrition. Without immediate access to necessary medication, his life is in serious danger, Sarah Entwistle told the paper. Our desperate appeal to the Taliban is that they release them to their home, where they have the medication he needs to survive. We believe this request should be viewed not merely as a plea, but as a unique opportunity to demonstrate an unforgettable act of kindness that will resonate around the world. A Rebuild employee said last month the group was told that their flight did not co-ordinate with the local government, adding that the three have been imprisoned in Kabul. In a statement reported by the BBC in February, Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani said: A series of considerations is being taken into account, and after evaluation, we will endeavour to release them as soon as possible. Mr Qani added the three foreign nationals had Afghan passports and national ID cards. Mr and Mrs Reynolds have run school training programmes for 18 years and remained in the country after the Taliban takeover in 2021. The couple, who originally met at the University of Bath, married in Kabul in 1970. It is understood the couples family did not want the UK Government to get involved with the case. The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday (Boris Grdanoski/AP) A massive fire which tore through a nightclub in North Macedonias eastern town of Kocani has killed 59 people and injured about 155 others. Interior minister Panche Toshkovski said the blaze began at about 2.35am local time on Sunday during a concert by a local pop group at the Pulse venue. He said 39 of the victims have so far been identified and 18 of those injured are in a critical condition. Following an initial assessment, he said pyrotechnics are likely to have caused the roof to catch fire. He said 15 people had been detained for questioning after a preliminary inspection revealed the club was operating without a proper licence. He said the number of people inside the club was at least double its official capacity of 250. We have grounds for suspicion that there is bribery and corruption in this case, he told reporters without elaborating. Videos on social media of the incident showed sparkling pyrotechnics on the stage hitting the ceiling followed by scenes of chaos inside the club, with young people running through the smoke as the musicians urged people, some as young as 16, to escape as quickly as possible. We even tried to get out through the toilet, to find bars (on the windows), Marija Taseva, 19, told The Associated Press. I somehow managed to get out. I fell down the stairs and they ran over me, trampled me I barely stayed alive and could hardly breathe. She suffered an injury to her face. As relatives gathered outside hospitals to await news, Kocani resident Dragi Stojanov was informed that his 21-year-old son Tomce had died in the fire. He was my only child, he said. I dont need my life anymore 150 families have been devastated. Rescue workers outside the club following the fire (Kocani TV/AP) Officials said the injured have been taken to hospitals around the country, including the capital Skopje, many with severe burns. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visited burn victims at a hospital in Skopje and spoke to parents waiting outside the building. Its terrible hard to believe how this happened, she said, her voice halting with emotion. We must give these young people courage to continue. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski wrote on X: This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of the families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable. Interior minister Pance Toskovski addressed reporters at the scene (Boris Grdanoski/AP) The people and the government will do everything in their power to at least slightly alleviate their pain and help them in these most difficult moments. Health minister Arben Taravari said he has received offers of assistance from neighbouring countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia. All our capabilities have been put to use in a maximum effort to save as many lives as possible of the young people involved in this tragedy, he told reporters, at times looking visibly shaken. An investigation into the blaze is under way (Boris Grdanoski/AP) The club was in an old building that was previously a carpet warehouse and has been running for several years, according to local media. The fire caused the roof of the single-storey building to partially collapse, revealing the charred remains of wooden beams and debris. Police cordoned off the site and sent in evidence-gathering teams in an operation also involving state prosecutors. 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 Mr Toshkovski said police have arrested one man but he did not provide details on the persons alleged involvement. He said authorities will investigate the venues licensing and safety provisions, adding the government has a moral responsibility to help prosecute anyone responsible. A state prosecutor, Ljubco Kocevski, said several people are being questioned by police but gave no further details and stressed the cause of the blaze is still being investigated. Condolences have poured in from leaders around Europe, as well as from the office of Pope Francis, who has been in hospital for the last month with pneumonia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X: I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine mourns alongside our Macedonian friends on this sad day. An aircraft launches from the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before air strikes in Sanaa, Yemen (US Navy/AP) Iran has once again denied aiding Yemens Houthi rebels after the United States launched a wave of air strikes against them and President Donald Trump warned Tehran will be held fully accountable for their actions. The Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes killed at least 53 people, including five women and two children, and injured more than 100. The rebels said one strike hit two homes in northern Saada province. The Houthis political bureau has said the rebels will respond to the US strikes and meet escalation with escalation. The rebels on Sunday claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone, but two US officials told The Associated Press they were not tracking anything. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Aircraft launch from the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before the air strikes (US Navy/AP) The Houthis have repeatedly targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles and drones at Israel in what the rebels said were acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been at war with Hamas another Iranian ally. The attacks stopped when a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire took hold in Gaza in January, but the Houthis had threatened to renew them after Israel cut off the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza this month. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then. The US and others have long accused Iran of providing military aid to the Houthis and the US Navy has seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weaponry it said were bound for the militant group, which controls Yemens capital, Sanaa, and the countrys north. General Hossein Salami, head of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, denied his country is involved in the Houthi attacks, saying it plays no role in setting the national or operational policies of the militant groups it is allied with across the region, according to state-run TV. Mr Trump issued a new warning to Iran (AP) Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X, urged the US to halt the strikes and said Washington cannot dictate Irans foreign policy. On Saturday, Mr Trump vowed to use overwhelming lethal force until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping along the vital maritime corridor. Mr Trumps national security adviser, Michael Waltz, told ABC on Sunday that the strikes actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS on Sunday: Were not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot. And so your question is, how long will this go on? It will go on until they no longer have the capability to do that. He said these are not the one-off retaliation strikes the Biden administration carried out after Houthi attacks. The Houthis had targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023 and January of this year, when this ceasefire in Gaza took effect. The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israels military declined to comment. Pope Francis celebrates a Mass inside the chapel of the Agostino Gemelli polyclinic in Rome (Vatican Press Hall, Via AP ) The Vatican has released the first photograph of the pope for more than a month, showing Francis co-celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel. The photograph is taken from behind, and shows Pope Francis wearing a purple Lenten liturgical vestment sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar. The Vatican said he was participating in the celebration of the Mass with other priests. No one else is visible in the photo. It is the first photograph of the pope since he was taken to hospital on February 14 with a severe case of bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. It is also the first time the Vatican mentions that the pope has participated in celebrating a Mass during the last month. There was no obvious sign that he was receiving supplemental oxygen mentioned in medical bulletins. People pray for Pope Francis outside the Agostino Gemelli polyclinic in Rome (Gregorio Borgia/AP) Doctors this week said the pontiff was no longer in a critical, life-threatening condition, but they have continued to emphasise that his condition remained complex thanks to his age, lack of mobility and the loss of part of a lung as a young man. In an audio recording released on March 6, the pope spoke in a laboured voice as he thanked the faithful in St Peters Square for their prayers. His condition has been gradually improving over the last week, leading the Vatican to suspend morning updates and to issue less frequent medical bulletins. An X-ray this week confirmed that the infection was clearing. In the most recent bulletin on Saturday, doctors said they were working to reduce the popes reliance on a non-invasive ventilation mask at night, which will allow his lungs to work more. He was continuing to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen, delivered by a nasal tube, during the day although no such apparatus was evident in the photograph. Earlier, dozens of children toting yellow and white balloons many from war-torn countries gathered outside Romes Gemelli hospital to greet Francis. While the pope did not appear from the 10th-floor suite of windows, he thanked them and acknowledged their presence in the traditional Sunday blessing. I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness, the pontiff said in the Angelus text prepared for the traditional prayer but not delivered live again. Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you, Francis said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking during a briefing in Kyiv on Saturday (AP) Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of the general staff of Ukraines armed forces, as the country looks to restructure and strengthen its military amid ongoing combat in Russias Kursk region and increasing pressure in Donetsk. Mr Hnatov replaced Anatoliy Barhylevych, who held the position since February 2024. The appointment was announced by the General Staff on its Telegram channel on Sunday. We are systematically transforming the armed forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said. Mr Barhylevych will now serve as the general inspector of Ukraines Defence Ministry. Mr Umerov emphasised that Mr Barhylevych would remain part of the team, overseeing military standards and strengthening discipline in the army. Firefighters deal with a fire following a Russian attack in Kherson on Saturday (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) Oleksandr Syrskyi remains in place as commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces. Mr Zelensky has made frequent personnel changes within the Ukrainian government and military since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. This change in personnel comes as fighting continues in Russias Kursk region, where Ukraines General Staff said that Ukrainian troops had been involved in eight combat clashes on Sunday. Ukraines army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 1,300 square kilometres (500 square miles) of land, but Ukraines forces are now in retreat meaning Ukraine has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia. On Friday, Russia claimed control of Sudzha, the largest town that Ukraine had occupied in the Kursk region. Ukraine is also battling under growing pressure in its eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have been advancing for months. West Belfast mum exchanged dozens of messages with wanted UVF man week after stabbing This is the secret lover of UVF killer Jonny Brown who helped arrange his flights back from Thailand where he had gone on the run after murdering Ian Ogle. Predator who cried rape after grooming student jetted to Olympics and attended P!nk gig Depraved paedophile teacher Judith Evans brazenly enjoyed a lavish lifestyle while she was on bail for sexually abusing a teenage boy. Evans (33) wept in the dock of Laganside Crown Court in Belfast on Friday as she was jailed for two years, having pleaded guilty to a raft of child indecency offences, including sex acts with the boy. Paedophile former Orangeman avoids jail over Turkey trip Loyalist who abused teen girl failed to tell cops of holiday Mark Harbinson Paul Higgins Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 08:08 Loyalist paedophile Mark Harbinson has been handed a two-month jail sentence after he admitted two breaches of the sex offenders register. Jernej Furman/Flickr The novel coronavirus has invaded every part of our country without restraint. Its crossed countless borders all over the world leading to a global lockdown. It has harmed half a million individuals in its path. It fails to discriminate people based on their status, wealth, age or citizenship. No one is immune from being hurt by the illness. Due to this, the world has had to make drastic choices to keep people safe. Humans are naturally social creatures, but we have been instructed to stay at home, resist going outside, and to not see our friends and family. While as a community we are so separated from each other, the COVID-19 crisis is also revealing how much compassion and empathy the world has for each other. We are lifting each other up in a time where we have to stay distant. Here are some of the lessons COVID-19 has taught us about unity. We are in this together. Many citizens of a world in peril have shone beacons of light. People are standing together in spirit even as they cannot do so physically. Isolated from each other, they reaffirm the resiliency of the human spirit by singing and chanting and applauding from balconies, through windows and on rooftops. The comfort, support and hope these acts of shared humanity engender are as infectious as the virus, as life-affirming as COVID-19 is deadly. They are sending the world a message: "We are united in this battle. We are strong. We are human." These acts have been on huge scales, with worldwide celebrities taking to social media to bring people together. It also has happened in the smallest of towns, where citizens are hanging art outside of hospitals encouraging their hardworking nurses and doctors. The message is certainly clear: no one is alone. We all have a duty to our society. At times we struggle to want to follow the stay at home orders. When it's a nice day outside, we yearn to go to the beach and enjoy a normal day outside. Yet as a society we are overcoming the annoyance we might feel to do what is best for society. We are instead staying connected online, by using Facebook to video chat with our families down the street. Young adults are hosting virtual happy hours, and music artists are playing on livestreams. Churches are still holding sermons online and encouraging those to spread the Word of God. By communicating and entertaining via these routes, we are protecting those who are most at risk for the coronavirus. It has become the common duty for all non-essential employees, and those who do have to work are thanking those who follow the orders immensely. This is a group effort to defeat the virus, and is much bigger than ourselves. We all can show support. One question you might start hearing people ask more often is "how can I help?" Hospital staff, police, and all essential employees are slaving away each day to try and get our communities through this pandemic. Some still have to worry about where their children will be during the day since they can't go to school, or how they will get to their next meal. Communities all over the nation are stepping up to help during this time, with restaurants donating food to groups of exhausted nurses or daycares staying open for essential employees. Some gas stations are offering free gas to those who still have to go to work, while others are doing their part by simply staying at home. There is not a single one of us who is not affected negatively by the coronavirus. Rather than bash about "who has it worse", communities are showing their support to various groups of people in monumental ways. It's become inspiring. Our unity doesn't have to go away. We want desperately to feel good again, to get back to the routines of life, to not lie in bed at night wondering how were going to afford our rent and bills, to not wake to an endless scroll of human tragedy on our phones, to have a cup of perfectly brewed coffee and simply leave the house for work. However the previous normal our society was chugging along with wasn't exactly perfect. The COVID-19 pandemic is exposing the nasty underside of our society: how broken our healthcare system is, how fragile small businesses are, how hard it is for many to trust our government, and how horribly our world was being affected by pollution. Rather than turn our backs on these problems, we should continue to stay unified after this pandemic and help increase everyone's quality of life. We as a nation have deeply disturbing problems, but they no longer have to be ignored. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we go about our daily lives. It has caused us to go against our very nature to socialize and instead stay confined to our homes in hopes that the virus will soon pass. While we feel so far apart from others, this dark time in the world has proven to also be one of great unity. We all are coming together to get through this. Megan Bailey is a content producer and digital marketing specialist specializing in social media marketing. She attended James Madison University where she received a degree in psychology. 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. All adults seeking shelter in the state's emergency assistance program must receive a criminal background check before accessing benefits under new action by the Healey administration, which also lowered the system's maximum capacity. Gov. Maura Healey's office on Friday rolled out regulations that execute many of the reforms in a shelter funding and safety bill she signed last month, including a requirement for adult shelter applicants to disclose their criminal histories and agree to a Criminal Offender Record Information, or CORI, check. Effective Friday, an applicant who refuses a CORI check will be ineligible for emergency assistance shelter. The regulations also outline more than a dozen criminal convictions and charges that would disqualify shelter-seekers, including murder, rape and sexual assault, firearms felonies or misdemeanors in the past six years, and drug trafficking in the past three years. "These changes will empower our team to keep families, staff and communities safe by enhancing our criminal background check process and disqualifying anyone who has been convicted of a serious crime," Healey said of the new regulations. "Additionally, we are making real progress when it comes to lowering the cost of this system to taxpayers and we are on track to hit all of our goals by the end of the year. Massachusetts is managing this federal problem, but Congress needs to act on meaningful immigration reform instead of making Massachusetts taxpayers foot the bill for their failures." Applicants must verify their identities and familial relationships before being placed into the state-funded shelter system, Healey's office said. Republicans voted against the bill before it landed on Healey's desk, arguing that Massachusetts CORI checks are not enough because they would not capture crimes committed in other states or countries. The regulations landed about two weeks after Healey signed into law a bill that simultaneously provided the cash-strapped system with another $425 million to keep it afloat through June and implemented a range of temporary and permanent reforms, including a six-month limit on shelter stays. Healey's office on Friday also announced changes to its prior emergency declaration "to reflect that the EA system's capacity is now at 5,800 families." The governor previously set a cap of 7,500 families, and in recent months the caseload has fallen to about 5,800, her office said. With more families exiting the system, Healey's office said the administration is "on track to reduce caseload to 4,000 families and close all hotel shelters by the end of the year." The mix of shelter-seekers has shifted. About 75 percent of families seeking services are long-term Massachusetts families, a change from earlier in the crisis when about half were newly arriving migrants. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones has said it is exciting and important to inspire a new generation ahead of her mentoring a group of young filmmakers. The actress, 26, is part of Set The Stage, a Bafta and EE partnership to highlight the variety of creative careers in the film industry. Advertisement The initiative is offering teenagers the chance to write, direct and produce a short film under the guidance of a crew of industry experts. She said: I loved Sean Bakers speech for the Oscars. He talked about, parents take your kids to the theatres, go and watch movies and experience art together in a collective way. I think its really exciting and important to inspire a new generation. Daisy Edgar-Jones has teamed up with EE and Bafta for Set The Stage, a campaign highlighting the variety of creative careers in the film industry (EE/Bafta/PA) I think especially if youre not someone who had the chance to grow up in a creative household, who had parents who are maybe, you know in the industry, just to know that there are opportunities there, and that if you have a passion in the arts, that theres a real, tangible job that can be found. Advertisement I think this opportunity is a chance to say, actually, there is a lot of really exciting new opportunities that are coming up every day when it comes to designing software for video games, or social media, theres a lot of opportunity now for young people to pursue their passion without necessarily needing a kind of foot in the door or network, perhaps through family or where they grew up. I think its just really important to encourage young people to know that they have the opportunity to, free of charge, take part in something like this, and learn and get a foot in the door. American director Baker won the best director Oscar for Anora at the awards ceremony earlier this month, with the film, about a stripper who falls for the son of a Russian oligarch, taking home five Oscars in total. Daisy Edgar-Jones starred in Twisters last year (Ian West/PA) Baker, who became the first person to individually win four Oscars for a single film at one ceremony, used his speech to make a plea for the return of theatregoers to cinemas following the pandemic, saying when the world is so divided, people need the communal experience. Advertisement Edgar-Joness advice to young people starting out in the industry is that passion is everything. She said: I think being fearless to try and fail and create and explore and be curious. Im certainly like, can fear getting it wrong sometimes, but I think its only through trial and error and bold choices and being courageous enough to try. I just think, if you have a passion, pursue it and be driven and unwavering in it. Teenagers aged 15 to 17 who are interested in filmmaking can apply to be a part of the final 16-strong crew who will create a short film under the guidance of industry experts across storytelling, production and direction, including mentorship from Bafta-nominated actress Edgar-Jones. Advertisement Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne and Paul Mescal as Connell in the BBCs Normal People (Enda Bowe/BBC/PA) She shot to fame as Marianne Sheridan in Normal People alongside Paul Mescal, who played her love interest Connell Waldron in the BBC mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Irish author Sally Rooney. The romantic drama, which was released on BBC Three in April 2020, focused on the on-off relationship between the Irish teenagers, beginning in their school days through to their time at university. She has since appeared in the big-screen adaptation of the hit book Where The Crawdads Sing, as well as the blockbuster film Twisters, a sequel to 1996s Twister, alongside Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos. She also recently starred opposite Bob Marley: One Love actor Kingsley Ben-Adir and The Walking Dead star Lennie James in a production of Tennessee Williamss Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at the Almeida theatre. Advertisement Applications for EE and Baftas Set The Stage close on March 21 and can be submitted through the official EE Instagram and TikTok accounts. Olympic gold medalist Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan have been crowned Dancing with the Stars 2025 winners. Commenting on winning series eight and taking home the coveted Glitterball trophy, Rhys said: "I don't have any words!" Advertisement The final four couples to reach the final after an outstanding season were Danny OCarroll and Salome Chachua, Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas, Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov and Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan. The grand finale of series eight of Dancing with the Stars opened with a dazzling number from the pro-dancers, finalists and judges to Everybody Dance by Cedric Gervais x Franklin feat. Nile Rodgers. The competition kicked in as the couples took to the floor for their first dance of the evening; the Judges Choice, which tasked each couple with performing a routine from a previous week. First on the floor was Mrs. Browns Boys actor, Danny OCarroll and his partner Salome Chachua. The pair danced their Charleston from week two to Dont Blame it On Me by Michael Buble. Advertisement Next up, Taekwondo athlete, Jack Woolley and his pro-partner Alex Vladimirov threw it back to week five with their Dedicated Dance to Jacks friend Kellie Harrington: an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones. Social media star Kayleigh Trappe and her partner Ervinas Merfeldas were hoping to recapture the judges adoration a second time around with their routine from Love Week, a Salsa to Christina Aguileras Let There Be Love. Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan reprised his Movie Week role of Spider-Man, as he and his professional partner Laura Nolan danced the Charleston to the iconic theme tune. After the voting lines opened, it was down to business, as each couple performed their Showdance - a freestyle performance that allowed them to combine different dance styles and showcase the creativity and skills they developed throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey. Advertisement Danny OCarroll and Salome Chachua danced to Rock this Party by Bob Sinclair. Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov performed to Years & Years version of Lady Gagas anthem The Edge of Glory. Jack and Alex scored 40 points from the judges. Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas stormed the dancefloor to the R3hab remix of Taylor Swifts Wildest Dreams. Kayleigh and Ervinas scored 38 points from the judges. Finally, Rhys McClenaghan and Laura took to the floor for the last time and danced to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone. Karen said: "How do you comment on that? What a way to finish your journey." Loraine said: "You combined strength and softness, full fluidity all the way through. It was for me, the outstanding Showdance of tonight." Rhys and Laura scored a total of 40 from the judges. Wrapping up the final, all seven eliminated celebrities: Mickey Joe Harte, Elaine Crowley, Joanna Donnelly, Yasmin Seky, Gearoid Farrelly, Kevin Dundon and Aishah Akorede and their pro partners returned to the dancefloor with a disco-fuelled groove to Kylie Minogues Wow. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeills boycott of Washington DCs St Patricks events was a big mistake, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. The Taoiseach said the decision was not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland, pointing out that huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein. Advertisement While Ms ONeill travelled to Carolina last week for a business event, she returned home rather than attend the Washington DC events as part of Sinn Feins protest against US President Donald Trumps threat of mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza. First Minister Michelle ONeill, along with other members of her party, did not attend St Patricks events in Washington (Liam McBurney/PA) Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP, did travel to Washington and spoke with Mr Trump during a lunch at Capitol Hill. The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House events in protest at actions by the US president. During an interview on the BBCs Sunday Politics programme, Mr Martin was asked if he thought Ms ONeills refusal to go to Washington was a missed opportunity. Advertisement Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly met with President Trump (DUP/PA) He said: I do, I think it was a big mistake. I met with the deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill, met with President Trump. I think it was a wrong decision because huge efforts were made at the beginning of the peace process to facilitate Sinn Fein at the time. A lot of people put a lot of effort into that. Advertisement He added: I thought it was a bit opportunistic and I think not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or indeed the island of Ireland for Sinn Fein to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year. I think it was the very wrong thing to do and opportunistic and somewhat cynical. A Sinn Fein spokesperson responded: The decision not to travel to the White House was not taken lightly, but taken conscious of the responsibility each of us as individuals have to call out injustice. We are all heartbroken as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent comments of the US president around the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza, something we cannot ignore. Advertisement The Taoiseach said he did not discuss the appointment of a US envoy to Northern Ireland during his meeting with Mr Trump, but said he wanted to work with the US administration over the potential appointment of an economic envoy. Joe Kennedy was US economic envoy to Northern Ireland during the Biden administration (Liam McBurney/PA) Joe Kennedy previously served as the US economic envoy to Northern Ireland under the Biden administration. Mr Martin said Mr Trump had shown an interest in Northern Ireland. He added: Certainly the envoy has played a very useful role over the years politically in terms of making the peace. Advertisement Now the political institutions are up and running, and there is a case perhaps for an economic envoy because we do have to continue to work to enhance investment into Northern Ireland and enhance the economy there. There are opportunities as well in Northern Ireland for that investment. An economic envoy is certainly something we can work with the US administration on and the UK Government and the Northern Ireland parties. The Taoiseach said the relations between the US and EU are currently difficult on the economic side, but added that he hoped progress in other areas could lead to renewed engagement. He added: I think on Ukraine there are challenges, although I think the work of President Macron and others has been impactful, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. I think there has been a good co-ordinated approach now to trying to get peace in the Ukraine, which is positive. We welcome the momentum behind peace in both Ukraine and in the Middle East because too many people are suffering, and too many people are dying. I would hope that could lead to engagement on the trade side because it is not clear yet that there has been substantive engagement in terms of negotiations between the EU Commission and the US administration. I know that the EU wants to engage and understands that there is a two-way process here. Tanaiste Simon Harris has warned that Ireland will face a significant period of turbulence as the trade war between the US and EU escalates. The Fine Gael leader said the imposition of tariffs on goods by both the US and EU will lead to higher costs for consumers across the board. Advertisement As the Irish Examiner reports, Mr Harris said the EU was engaging intensively with the US to resolve the matter but warned of the impact of levies on exports in Philadelphia. "Ive got to be very honest with the Irish people, I think we are heading for a significant period of turbulence about trade and tariffs. Tariffs are bad for consumers in Ireland, theyre bad for consumers in Europe, and theyre bad for consumers in the United States of America. They will push up the price of goods for everybody. Advertisement The Tanaiste said that US president Donald Trump was entitled to his views on tariffs, but that there needs to be an agreement reached between the EU and US. Ultimately we need to find an agreement here that is good for the European Union, good for Ireland, and good for the United States, Mr Harris said. He added that while there will be a period of turbulence, the country would get through it together. Every disagreement has to be solved by agreement, and what I would hope would happen is that we can try and keep the period of disagreement as short as possible, so we can get to the point of trying to cut a deal. Advertisement President Trump is a politician of course, but hes also fundamentally a businessman. He knows and prides himself on the importance of a deal." The Tanaiste added that there should not be a tit-for-tat running commentary on the matter. We need to find a way through. We need to be calm, we need to be reasonable, and we need to be willing to engage intensively. Mr Harris said that he would be updating Cabinet on Wednesday on the latest developments on trade, while also convening the Governments trade forum on Friday. Two border counties have spent more than 1.6 million on the clean-up of toxic sludge from illegal diesel laundering plants over the past five years. Since 2020, Louth County Council said it spent 1.12 million on dumping by fuel smugglers while Monaghan County Council said its bill was almost 500,000. Advertisement The two local authorities said there had been more than 222 clean-up operations in the period between 2020 and midway through last year. Each of them cost an average of 7,300 with Louth County Council forced to spend 156,000 in a single quarter in 2023 dealing with a large-scale dumping incident. Costs have been rising in that county as well with the clean-up almost doubling from 188,000 in 2020 to 361,000 in 2023. Two other councils, Donegal and Cavan, said they had no costs relating to clean-up from diesel laundering and that it was not an issue affecting their county. Advertisement The diesel laundries operate by washing out a green dye that is placed in rebated green fuel, or marked mineral oil, to make it colourless. When the fuel is cleaned however, it leaves behind a damaging toxic sludge that is often simply dumped by the roadside for councils to clean up. A spokesman for Monaghan County Council said the dumping of diesel wash in their county had been an issue for around twenty-five years. He said they had dealt with a very significant number of dumping incidents that had resulted in very substantial cleanup and disposal costs for the Irish taxpayer. He said: The aftermath of diesel laundering continues to give rise to significant costs in the county and creates a potential environmental and health and safety hazard. He urged anybody with knowledge of diesel laundering or the dumping of waste to report incidents to their local garda station. Asked about their more than 1 million spent on tackling illegal waste from fuel smuggling, a spokesman for Louth County Council said they were working closely with gardai and Revenue to tackle the problem Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said doctors are overdiagnosing mental health conditions. Asked whether he thought this was a problem, he said: I want to follow the evidence and I agree with that point about overdiagnosis. Advertisement Responding to Mr Streetings comments, mental health charity Mind said it was important to be extremely careful with the language around mental health diagnoses to avoid stigmatising. Heres the other thing, mental wellbeing, illness, its a spectrum and I think definitely theres an overdiagnosis but theres too many people being written off and, to your point about treatment, too many people who just arent getting the support they need, he told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. So, if you can get that support to people much earlier, then you can help people to either stay in work or get back to work. Mr Streeting said the UK Government is recruiting 8,500 more mental health staff to get waiting lists down. Advertisement Minesh Patel, associate director of policy and campaigns at Mind, said: The Secretary of State is absolutely right that not enough people are getting the support they need. For years, mental health waiting lists have been a major problem, what we need now is a clear plan from this Government on how they intend to tackle them. Applying for benefits is not an easy process. People with a mental health problem must go through a lengthy and arduous assessment process, with decisions to not award support often overturned at the appeal stage. Advertisement We must also be extremely careful with the language around mental health diagnoses, which risks creating a climate of stigmatising peoples real experiences and undermining the opinions of medical professionals. Whilst more needs to be done to equip people with the tools and knowledge to look after their mental health, we must remember we have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. We have deep problems of poverty, low-paid and insecure work and systemic racism in this country. And we have mental health services that are at breaking point. Iran has once again denied aiding Yemens Houthi rebels after the United States launched a wave of air strikes against them and President Donald Trump warned Tehran will be held fully accountable for their actions. The Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes killed at least 53 people, including five women and two children, and injured more than 100. The rebels said one strike hit two homes in northern Saada province. Advertisement The Houthis political bureau has said the rebels will respond to the US strikes and meet escalation with escalation. The rebels on Sunday claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone, but two US officials told The Associated Press they were not tracking anything. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Aircraft launch from the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before the air strikes (US Navy/AP) The Houthis have repeatedly targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles and drones at Israel in what the rebels said were acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been at war with Hamas another Iranian ally. The attacks stopped when a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire took hold in Gaza in January, but the Houthis had threatened to renew them after Israel cut off the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza this month. Advertisement There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then. The US and others have long accused Iran of providing military aid to the Houthis and the US Navy has seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weaponry it said were bound for the militant group, which controls Yemens capital, Sanaa, and the countrys north. General Hossein Salami, head of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, denied his country is involved in the Houthi attacks, saying it plays no role in setting the national or operational policies of the militant groups it is allied with across the region, according to state-run TV. Mr Trump issued a new warning to Iran (AP) Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X, urged the US to halt the strikes and said Washington cannot dictate Irans foreign policy. Advertisement On Saturday, Mr Trump vowed to use overwhelming lethal force until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping along the vital maritime corridor. Mr Trumps national security adviser, Michael Waltz, told ABC on Sunday that the strikes actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS on Sunday: Were not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot. And so your question is, how long will this go on? It will go on until they no longer have the capability to do that. He said these are not the one-off retaliation strikes the Biden administration carried out after Houthi attacks. Advertisement The Houthis had targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023 and January of this year, when this ceasefire in Gaza took effect. The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israels military declined to comment. A federal judge has barred US President Donald Trumps administration from deportations under an 18th century law which Mr Trump invoked just hours earlier. The president invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, asserting the United States was being invaded by a Venezuelan gang and that he had new powers to remove its members from the country. Advertisement James E Boasberg, chief judge for the US District Court for the District of Columbia, said he needed to issue his order immediately because the government was already flying migrants it claimed were newly deportable under his proclamation to El Salvador and Honduras to be incarcerated there. El Salvador already agreed this week to take up to 300 migrants the Trump administration designated as gang members. President Donald Trump waves from his limousine as he leaves Trump International Golf Club on Saturday in West Palm Beach (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) I do not believe I can wait any longer and am required to act, Mr Boasberg said during a Saturday evening hearing in a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward. A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm, he added, noting they remain in government custody but ordering that any planes in the air be turned around. Advertisement However, they apparently were not and he did not include the directive in his written order. Oopsie Too late, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, a Trump ally who agreed to house the 300 migrants for a year at a cost of six million dollars in his countrys prisons, wrote on the social media site X above an article about Mr Boasbergs ruling. That post was recirculated by White House communications director Steven Cheung. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who negotiated an earlier deal with Mr Bukele to house immigrants, posted on the site: We sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars. Advertisement The ruling came hours after Mr Trump claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was invading the United States and invoked the weeping wartime authority that allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action to speed up mass deportations. Steve Vladeck, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Centre, said that Mr Boasbergs verbal directive to turn around the planes was not technically part of his final order but that the Trump administration clearly violated the spirit of it. This just incentivises future courts to be hyper specific in their orders and not give the government any wiggle room, Mr Vladeck said. The act has only been used three times before in US history, all during wars. Advertisement Its most recent application was during the Second World War when it was used to incarcerate Germans and Italians as well as for the mass internment of Japanese-American civilians. In a statement on Saturday, Attorney General Pam Bondi criticised the judges stay on deportations. This order disregards well-established authority regarding President Trumps power, and it puts the public and law enforcement at risk, she said. Prison guards transfer deportees from the US, alleged to be Venezuelan gang members, to the Terrorism Confinement Centere in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on Sunday (El Salvador presidential press office via AP) In a proclamation released just over an hour before Mr Boasbergs hearing, the president contended that Tren de Aragua was effectively at war with the United States. Advertisement Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organisations, including TdA, his statement reads. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. The order could let the administration deport any migrant it identifies as a member of the gang without going through regular immigration proceedings. It also could remove other protections under criminal law for people the government targeted. The Department of Justice in court papers filed on Sunday said some immigrants were already out of the country by the time the hold was issued on Sunday night. The department added that it has appealed against the order and would use other laws for deportations in coming days if the appeal is not successful. The Tren de Aragua gang originated in a prison in the South American country and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade. Mr Trump and his allies have turned the gang into the face of the alleged threat posed by immigrants living in the US illegally and formally designated it a foreign terrorist organisation last month. Authorities in several countries have reported arrests of Tren de Aragua members, even as Venezuelas government claims to have eliminated the criminal organisation. The government said Mr Trump signed the order on Friday night. Immigration lawyers noticed the federal government suddenly moving to deport Venezuelans who they would not otherwise have the legal right to expel from the country and scrambled to file lawsuits to block what they believed was a pending proclamation. Judge Boasberg issued an initial order blocking the Trump administration from deporting five Venezuelans named as plaintiffs in the ACLU suit who were being detained by the government and believed they were about to be deported. The Trump administration appealed that order, contending that halting a presidential act before it has been announced would cripple the executive branch. If the order were allowed to stand, district courts would have license to enjoin virtually any urgent national-security action just upon receipt of a complaint, the Justice Department wrote in its appeal. Mr Boasberg scheduled the afternoon hearing on whether to expand his order to all people who could be targeted under Mr Trumps declaration. Deputy assistant attorney general Drew Ensign contended that the president had broad latitude to identify threats to the country and act under the 1798 law. He noted the US Supreme Court allowed President Harry Truman to continue to hold a German citizen in 1948, three years after World War II ended, under the measure. This would cut very deeply into the prerogatives of the president, Mr Ensign said of an injunction. But Lee Gelernt of the ACLU noted the law had only been invoked three times before and contended that Mr Trump did not have the authority to use it against a criminal gang rather than a recognised state. Mr Boasberg said that precedent on the question seemed tricky but that the ACLU had a reasonable chance of success on those arguments, and so the order was merited. He halted deportations for those in custody for up to 14 days and scheduled a Friday hearing in the case. The flurry of litigation shows the significance of Mr Trumps declaration, the latest step by the administration to expand presidential power. Mr Ensign argued that, as part of its reaction to the September 11 2001 attack, Congress had given the president power to delegate transnational organisations threats on the level of recognised states. And Mr Gelernt warned that the Trump administration could simply issue a new proclamation to use the Alien Enemies Act against another migrant gang, like MS-13, which has long been one of Mr Trumps favourite targets. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement on Sunday, responded to speculation about whether the administration was flouting court orders: The administration did not refuse to comply with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from US territory. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak this week as the US tries to broker a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff. It would be the second publicised call between the two leaders since Mr Trump began his second term in January. Mr Trump and Mr Putin spoke in February and agreed to start high-level talks over ending the war in Ukraine. Advertisement I think the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week, Mr Witkoff said on Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Mr Witkoff this week met Mr Putin in Russia for talks aimed at ending the countrys invasion of Ukraine and said he expects to see a deal soon. The president uses the timeframe weeks and I dont disagree with him. I am really hopeful that we are going to see some real progress here, Mr Witkoff said. When Mr Witkoff appeared later on Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation, he again spoke about a prospective Putin-Trump call but did not offer specifics on what decisions might be made coming out of the discussion. Advertisement Mr Witkoff said they forged a relationship in Mr Trumps first term and that he expects the call this week to be very positive and constructive. Mr Trumps first call to Mr Putin came after Mr Witkoff travelled to Russia to bring home Marc Fogel, an American history teacher the US had deemed wrongfully detained. One day after the prisoner swap, Mr Trump announced that he spoke to Mr Putin and said their call was lengthy and highly productive. Mr Witkoff demurred on whether Mr Putin and Mr Trump will decide in the call to move forward with a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed to the deal. Mr Putin has said he agrees in principle with the proposal but there are details to be worked out. Advertisement President Trump is the ultimate decision maker, our decision maker, and President Putin, for the country of Russia, is their decision maker, Mr Witkoff said. I think its a very positive sign that the two of them will be talking at some point. I think thats showing that theres positive momentum. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairing a Security Council meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow on Friday (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Mr Witkoff also brushed aside a recent assessment from French President Emmanuel Macron, who said in a statement that Russia does not seem to be sincerely seeking peace and that Mr Putin was intensifying the fighting before negotiating. Mr Witkoff said he was not aware of Mr Macrons comments but said, its unfortunate when people make those sort of assessments when they dont have necessarily first-hand knowledge. Advertisement I know what I heard, the body language I witnessed, Mr Witkoff said of his meeting with Mr Putin. I saw a constructive effort, over a long period of time to to discuss the specifics of whats going on in the field. US air strikes on Yemen have killed at least 31 people, according to the health ministry run by Houthi rebels. US President Donald Trump ordered the air strikes on the capital Sanaa, promising to use overwhelming lethal force until the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels stop their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. Advertisement On Saturday the Houthis reported explosions in the capital of Sanaa and the northern province of Saada, the rebels stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia, with more air strikes reported in those areas early on Sunday. Images online showed plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility. The Houthis also reported air strikes early on Sunday on the provinces of Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib. Aircraft launch from the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before the air strikes (US Navy/AP) The Houthi-run health ministry said on Sunday that the death toll had climbed to 31, including women and children. It said another 101 people were injured. Advertisement A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said this was the beginning of air strikes on Houthi targets that are expected to continue. The Houthi media office said the US strikes hit a residential neighbourhood in Sanaas northern district of Shouab, including the Eastern Geraf neighbourhood which is home to Houthi-held military facilities and a headquarters for the rebels political bureau, located in a densely populated area. The Houthis reported fresh strikes on south-western Dhamar province late on Saturday. They said the strikes hit the outskirts of the provincial capital, also named Dhamar, and the district of Abs. Mr Trump said on social media: Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists bases, leaders, and missile defences to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom. Advertisement No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World. These relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk. He also warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, promising to hold the country fully accountable for the actions of its proxy. Mr Trump issued a new warning to Iran (AP) The move comes two weeks after the American leader sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restarting bilateral talks between the countries on Irans advancing nuclear weapons programme that Mr Trump has said he will not allow to become operational. Advertisement Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, said the air strikes will not deter the group and it will retaliate against the US. Sanaa will remain Gazas shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges, he added on social media. The air strikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israels blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then. Advertisement Earlier this month, Israel halted all aid coming into Gaza and warned of additional consequences for Hamas if their fragile ceasefire in the war is not extended as negotiations continue over starting a second phase. The Houthis had targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023 and January of this year, when this ceasefire in Gaza took effect. The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israels military declined to comment. The United States launched a wave of air strikes against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen as US president Donald Trump warned Tehran will be held fully accountable for their actions. The Houthi-run health ministry said the strikes killed at least 31 people, including women and children, and injured more than 100. Advertisement Here is what is behind the USs action. Threat to global shipping The Houthi rebels started attacking military and commercial ships on one of the worlds busiest shipping corridors shortly after the war in Gaza began between Hamas and Israel in October 2023. The Houthis said they were targeting vessels on the Red Sea with links to Israel or its allies the US and the UK in solidarity with Palestinians, but some vessels had little or no link to the war. The Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, until the current ceasefire in Gaza took effect in mid-January. Advertisement Other missiles and drones were intercepted or failed to reach their targets, which included Western military ones. US president Donald Trump gestures from the steps of Air Force One (Luis M Alvarez/AP) The attacks paused during the ceasefire, but the Houthis on Wednesday said they would resume against any Israeli vessel after Israel cut off all aid supplies to Gaza to pressure Hamas during talks on extending their truce. The rebels said the warning also affects the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea. No Houthi attacks have been reported since then. Advertisement These relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk, Mr Trump said Saturday while announcing the airstrikes in a social media post. Threat to the US The earlier Houthi campaign saw US and other Western warships repeatedly targeted, sparking the most serious combat the US Navy had seen since the Second World War. The US under the Biden administration, as well as Israel and Britain, previously struck Houthi-held areas in Yemen. But a US official said Saturdays operation was conducted solely by the US. The USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group, which includes the carrier, three Navy destroyers and one cruiser, are in the Red Sea and were part of Saturdays mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been operating in the region. Advertisement Mr Trump said the strikes were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom. The focus on the Houthis and their attacks have raised their profile as they face economic and other pressures at home amid Yemens decade-long stalemated war, which has torn apart the Arab worlds poorest nation. An aircraft launches from the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on Saturday (US Navy via AP) Pressure on Iran Saturdays strikes also were meant to pressure Iran, which has backed the Houthis just as it has supported Hamas and other proxies in the Middle East. Mr Trump vowed to hold Iran fully accountable for the Houthis actions. Advertisement The US State Department earlier this month reinstated the foreign terrorist organisation designation for the Houthis, which carries sanctions and penalties for anyone providing material support for the group. World Iran denies aiding Houthi rebels as US air strikes... Read More The Trump administration also has been pressing Iran to restart bilateral talks on Irans advancing nuclear programme, with Mr Trump writing a letter to the countrys supreme leader. Mr Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, has said he will not allow the programme to become operational. Mr Trump has also levied new sanctions on Iran as part of his maximum pressure campaign against the country and has suggested that military action remains a possibility, while emphasising he still believes a new nuclear deal can be reached. What are the boundaries of acceptable free speech? And do those boundaries change if there is money on the line? The answer depends on who you are and which side you fall on any given divisive debate the Gaza-Israel conflict, trans issues, whether you are pro or anti-affirmative action. Freedom of speech issues affect us all. Credit: Michael Howard These issues are tortured and difficult but none of us can really escape them. Not any more. We live in an extraordinary moment in history in which boundaries of free speech have to be set and policed by ordinary people all the time. We do this while being pulled from two directions. On the left, there is strong ideological pressure from a loosely grouped collection of activists who regularly call for the de-platforming of controversial views, and who include psychological and emotional harm in their definition of what constitutes dangerous speech. On the right, we have, at least in the United States, an increasingly authoritarian approach to free speech under the cover of radical libertarianism, which ends up giving open licence to bigots. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size From Panama to outer space, we examine the impacts of the US Presidents second administration. See all 13 stories . It was dubbed the Winter War for good reason. In November 1939, months into World War II and almost completely overshadowed by events elsewhere in Europe, the Soviet Union invaded its neighbour Finland. Like Russias recent incursion into Ukraine, it didnt go quite to plan. Soviet forces greatly outnumbered the Finns but were not prepared for the harsh conditions: snow, ice and temperatures of minus 45 degrees. Many Soviet troops suffered from frostbite (as would the Nazis in Stalingrad in 1942). The Finns, meanwhile, put up a stubborn resistance. They camouflaged themselves in white, skied about, dragged supplies on sleds pulled by reindeer, dug foxholes in snowdrifts and fought with whatever came to hand, including an improvised grenade they named after Soviet minister Vyacheslav Molotov the petrol bomb known today as the Molotov cocktail. They fought like white demons, to the last frayed nerve of resistance, recalled a photographer for Life magazine in January 1940. It was a brutal, bloody conflict. After just 105 days, the Finns had suffered 100,000 casualties, the Soviets close to 400,000. But Russian air support proved overwhelming as did waves of troops that Life called the Red juggernaut. Backs against the wall, the Finns were forced to sign a peace deal with Moscow and had to cede a tenth of the territory along their 1300-kilometre border. Finnish soldiers train in the snow during war against Russia in 1939. Credit: Getty Images, digitally tinted And so the scene was set for Finlands complex relationship with its belligerent neighbour. After WWII, when Europes biggest security pact, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, formed at the beginning of the Cold War, Finland stayed neutral, hoping to diplomatically negotiate its own path with the Soviet Union (now Russia) rather than hide beneath NATOs skirt. The Finns have tried to cultivate a relationship with Russia, Professor Juhana Aunesluoma tells us from the University of Helsinki. As long as you have dialogue, as long as you have meetings between the governments, the border authorities collaborate, everything works. That was until 2022, when it all got a bit too real with Russias full-scale invasion of another of its neighbours, Ukraine. In Finland, sentiment towards NATO flipped overnight. It became the newest member of the alliance, soon followed by Sweden. Now, the script has flipped again. With the ascension of US President Donald Trump, Europes main strategic partnership seems increasingly less assured. NATO, under US leadership, has so far guaranteed defence for Europe. But, if you take Trump at face value, it might be in jeopardy. How reliable the Americans are is now the talk of town, says Aunesluoma. People are discussing whether, in a conflict, would the Americans still be supplying rockets to the rocket launchers that we have here in Finland? Advertisement How has Europe defended itself so far and how will that change? What role has NATO played, and can it continue? Whats the new coalition of the willing? US president Harry Truman signs the North Atlantic Pact creating the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as foreign diplomats watch, on August 24, 1949. Credit: Getty Images, digitally tinted How has Europe defended itself so far? The fiery Oval Office meeting is now infamous: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky trying to school Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance as the American leaders laid bare that they would not support Ukraine against Russia as enthusiastically as president Joe Biden had for almost three years. The attitudes need to change, Trump told the onlooking media. Days later, he reiterated the US might not play its historic role protecting European members of NATO unless they were prepared to pay more for their own defence. Exactly what Trump was threatening was, typically, slightly opaque. Nevertheless, he prompted a panicky response in Europe, where NATO member states are now figuring out how to fund more of their own defence and even to take the lead to support peace in Ukraine. In the background of this shift in Europes security architecture sits NATO: the North Atlantic Treaty alliance, responsible for protecting most (but not all) European nations (plus the US and Canada) from hostile forces (for a long time, the Soviet Union). A meeting of NATO heads in 1957 with Britains Harold Macmillan second from right and US president Dwight Eisenhower far right. Credit: Getty Images, digitally tinted The alliance was established after World War II when 12 founding parties signed the Washington Treaty in 1949 as a way to counter the Soviet Unions expansion beyond Eastern Europe. As the Cold War escalated in the 1950s, more nations joined, especially those at risk of Soviet invasion or communist takeover, such as Greece and Turkey in 1952. West Germanys entry in 1955 spurred the Soviets to bind satellite socialist states through the Warsaw Pact, joining Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania and East Germany in a collective defence treaty. Advertisement Scares such as the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 put NATO forces on high alert: US president John F. Kennedy and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev faced off over Soviet nuclear missiles pointed at the US from communist Cuba, placed there after NATO installed its own missiles in member nation Turkey. (Khrushchev dismantled the Cuban sites after NATO secretly agreed to remove its weapons from Turkey.) Fast forward, and Soviet invasions of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and then Afghanistan in 1979 were seen by the West as evidence of continuing aggressive ambitions. US president John F. Kennedy with generals in the White House during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. Credit: Getty Images, digitally tinted By the 1980s, the prospect of Soviet tanks roaring across Western Europe or even all-out nuclear war seemed frighteningly real. Lined up on the borders of East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the rest of the Iron Curtain nations were at least 4 million Warsaw Pact troops, supported by 60,000 tanks and nearly 13,000 aircraft. Staring back across the barbed wire, NATO forces numbered nearly 2.6 million troops backed by 2000 nuclear-ready planes and missiles: not enough to hold back the hordes but probably sufficient to delay them until reinforcements could arrive from the US or the conflict escalated into Armageddon. Popular culture reflected this anxiety: in 1984 alone, the BBC screened Threads, a shockingly realistic film depicting the aftermath of an atomic strike on a British city; Tom Clancy published The Hunt for Red October, a tale of a Russian nuclear submarine gone rogue (whose captain was later played in the film adaptation by Sean Connery); ABBA alumni Benny and Bjorn launched the chess-tournament musical Chess, an allegory for the Cold War; and the band Frankie Goes to Hollywood had a No.1 hit with Two Tribes, which opened, alarmingly, with the sound of the siren that would accompany an imminent nuclear attack. Sean Connery, as the rogue commanding officer of a Soviet submarine, in a scene from the 1990 film The Hunt For Red October with co-stars Alec Baldwin and Scott Glenn. Credit: Getty Images, digitally tinted By the end of the decade, though, fears of this existential threat had somewhat diminished. Under a critical arms treaty signed in 1987, the US and the USSR agreed to ban shorter-range missiles. The Berlin Wall came down in 1989, East and West Germany reunified in 1990, and in 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. For NATO, having deterred warfare for all those years, this was equivalent to victory: job done. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, NATO lost its rational purpose as a deterrent to Moscow, says Benjamin Abelow, author of How the West Brought War to Ukraine. NATO did intervene in its first conflict in a non-NATO country from 1992, when it sent air support and then peacekeepers into the Bosnian conflict. And NATO troops went to Afghanistan in 2001 (more on which below). But much of the discussion about NATOs role centred more on appropriate levels of funding than the need to stay battle-ready at all times. Advertisement In Europe, an alliance goal was building a community among nations, says Sten Rynning, a war professor at the University of Southern Denmark and author of NATO: From Cold War to Ukraine, A History of the Worlds Most Powerful Alliance. It moved outside of NATO into the European Community, now the European Union. Today, you have to understand that the European Union is a child of NATO. (Most EU members are in NATO, but not all: Cyprus, Ireland and Malta are not, nor is Austria, whose constitution prohibits it from joining any military alliance. Most NATO members are in the EU but some are not: apart from the US and Canada, theres Albania, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Turkey. Britain used to be in both but isnt now, thanks to Brexit. Finally, not in either camp is perma-neutral Switzerland.) A young couple celebrate the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Credit: Getty Images, digitally tinted Meanwhile, of course, Russia was licking its wounds, and under Vladimir Putin, it was reviving its territorial ambitions. Putins actions should be viewed in a historical context, says Gorana Grgic, a senior lecturer in US politics and foreign policy at the University of Sydney. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine is not an abrupt shift but rather the culmination of years of failed attempts to reassert Russian control over Ukraine and Russias near abroad. And Russias so-called grey-zone activities, those below the threshold of outright military conflict, have been prolific for much of the past two decades, notes Grgic, including assassination plots, sabotage, information operations and political interference. Says Abelow: Many still view NATO through the prism of its early days, when it confronted a Soviet Union that proclaimed an expansionist communist ideology. But to Russia, during the period after the end of the Cold War, things began to look very different. Keep in mind that NATO is the most powerful military alliance in the history of the world. Russia came to perceive it as a threat, especially when it carried out military exercises on or near Russias borders. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a parade marking the Victory Day in Sevastopol, Crimea, on May 9, 2014. Credit: Getty Images, digitally tinted NATO members are bound to mutual obligations detailed in 14 articles, of which Article 5 is the best known. Its simplest definition is that it considers a military attack on any individual member nation to be an attack on all. It is commonly misunderstood as requiring all of NATO to immediately go on a war footing if a single member is attacked. In fact, the obligation is a little looser, expecting each member to take such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. In practice, this means allies can provide any form of assistance they deem necessary to respond to a situation. (When the treaty was drafted in the 1940s, European countries wanted to guarantee that the US would automatically come to their assistance, the Nazis being a recent memory, while the US wanted the option to decide for itself how it might intervene.) NATOs Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is in Belgium while its air force HQ is in Germany, land forces in Turkey and maritime forces in Britain yet these forces are not its own. Instead, it has the capacity to bring national forces under its command, equating to some 3.4 million troops across the alliance. Advertisement In more than 70 years, Article 5 has been invoked just once, when NATO sent troops to Afghanistan, triggered by al-Qaedas attack on the US on September 11, 2001. At one stage, there were more than 130,000 NATO troops on the ground. Curiously, it was not invoked when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982, an attack on founding member Britain. This was because of the lesser-known Article 6, essentially a fine-print addendum to Article 5, which, among other conditions, limits NATO obligations to attacks that occur only above the Tropic of Cancer, thus excluding the Falklands. A woman gazes at a police line from a barricade during the Maidan Revolution, an uprising in Kyiv in 2014. Credit: Getty Images Why isnt Ukraine in NATO? While members can invite into NATO any European state that is in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area, politics plays a role. Turkey and Hungary, for example, initially blocked Finland. Eventually, probably because of pressure from the United States, they came on board, says Christian Reus-Smit, a professor of international relations at the University of Melbourne. But if the US isnt going to be a party to it, its not going to happen. In the late 1990s, NATO began to promote an open door policy for new members after inviting in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. In 2008, US president George W. Bush said he strongly supported Ukraines and former Soviet republic Georgias bids to join NATO, but France and Germany resisted, saying the moves risked needlessly angering Russia. Four months later, Russian troops invaded Georgia. Ever since the ensuing conflict, which was over in days, the question of Georgias membership has been on hold. Meanwhile, support to join grew among Ukrainians. The US told Kyiv the pathway to membership would involve democratic, economic and military reforms. And then-NATO secretary-general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said Ukraine could join eventually, without specifying a timeframe. In 2010, Ukraine opted to pursue a non-alignment policy, choosing not to join any military alliances, but there was a groundswell for joining the European Union. In 2013, Ukraines pro-Russia president, Viktor Yanukovich, refused to sign an agreement with the EU, and civil unrest took hold in Kyiv, later known as the Maidan Revolution, which ultimately led to Yanukovichs overthrow in 2014. NATO was never on the table at that point, says Steven Horrell, a senior fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis in Washington, DC. After Russia (or its unbadged little green men) annexed Crimea, a peninsula in Ukraine on the Black Sea in 2014, Ukraine abandoned its non-alignment policy. Then, after the start of the all-out war in 2022, support for NATO membership rose to 80 per cent, according to the Kyiv Independent. In 2023, NATO jettisoned the need for Ukraine to follow a membership plan, ensuring it could join in the future in a one-step process. NATOs website states: Ukraines future is in NATO. Advertisement Ive indicated a willingness for the United Kingdom to play a leading role in this, Starmer said at a news conference after the meeting. If necessary, that would be troops on the ground and planes in the sky. Starmer said he would continue pressing Trump for US security guarantees a lobbying effort that he shares with French President Emmanuel Macron. Ive been clear that it needs to be done in conjunction with the United States, he said. We are talking to the US on a daily basis. Whether Starmer will succeed in turning around Trump is anybodys guess, given that the US president has veered between bitter denouncements of Ukraine and threats to impose sanctions on a recalcitrant Russia. Putin reacted warily to an offer of a 30-day truce made by Ukraine and the US this past week while rejecting all talk of a European peacekeeping force. Of course, theres a risk, said Peter Ricketts, a British diplomat who served as national security adviser to former British prime minister David Cameron. But I think Starmer sees a greater risk of an avoidable catastrophe. Blair, he said, failed as a bridge because the divisions between European nations over Iraq were insurmountable. Starmers challenge is an erratic American president who seems determined to reset relations with Russia and is openly hostile toward the European Union. Starmers going to do his very best not to have to choose between Europe and the US, Ricketts said. Dealing with Trump, he added, makes him vulnerable to sudden lurches, but so far, hes managed to stay on the tightrope. Starmer, he said, had been helped by his seasoned and widely respected national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, who travelled to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, to help lay the groundwork for Zelenskys rapprochement with the White House, and to Washington this week to consult with Trumps national security adviser, Michael Waltz. Loading A one-time chief of staff to Blair, Powell served as Britains chief negotiator for the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. He was also on hand for Blairs fruitless effort to bring France and Germany along in the military campaign against Iraq. Even before the crisis over Ukraine erupted, Starmers government was seeking closer ties with the continent, not just on defence and security but also on trade and economic policy. But thanks to Brexit, Trump appears to place Britain in a different category from the European Union, which may help make Starmer a more effective broker. The president has suggested, for example, that he may not target Britain with sweeping tariffs, though he did not exempt it from a global tariff on steel and aluminium. Having one foot in, one foot out is a good thing for the UK in the present context, said Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst at the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, but only if we remain in the current state of phoney war. If it becomes a real trans-Atlantic rift, then it is better to have the protecting power that the EU offers, at least in some areas. And in such a context, the UK would steer things better if it had two feet in. Shockwaves give Starmer political cover At first, Starmers re-engagement with the bloc was distinctly a half step. After coming to power last July, he set about patching up post-Brexit relations in various European capitals but ruled out two conspicuous measures that could significantly boost trade: rejoining the blocs giant single market and its customs union. His cautious approach, analysts say, is rooted in the fear of angering Brexit-supporting voters and of giving ammunition to Nigel Farage, the Brexit champion and leader of the anti-immigration party Reform UK, which has surged in opinion polls. Loading But the shock waves caused by Trumps recent pronouncements on Ukraine and Russia have swept away some of the roadblocks to a broader reset. They have given Starmer political cover, with even those on the right in Britain acknowledging the need for greater co-ordination on Europes defence. It changes the whole context and puts everything else in perspective, said Ricketts, who served as ambassador to France. Ivan Rogers, a former British ambassador to the European Union, said Starmers diplomatic heavy lifting had impressed other European leaders, who had become used to a Britain that was either absent or vaguely antagonistic. All of that has reminded people that the Brits have re-engaged, and they might be more serious, Rogers said. You are now facing such an existential crisis in the EU that the mood has changed a bit. Loading That could open a path to more profound British re-engagement, especially if the Europeans decide to increase co-operation on military spending by creating a new initiative outside the existing structures of the European Union. Such an initiative could involve countries, including Britain, agreeing to common standards on issues such as military subsidies and weapons procurement. That would essentially create a defence single market, which has never been there before, Rogers said. For all the potential upside, Rogers, who worked in Downing Street during the Iraq War, said he worried that Britains role as a trans-Atlantic bridge would be hampered by its efforts to use its post-Brexit status to avoid the tariffs imposed by Trump. My worry is that it could appear to others that the UK wants to have it both ways, Rogers said. We want to be a bridge, have the trans-Atlantic alliance, be central to it, while simultaneously making the argument that we are very different from the EU, and the US can exempt us from its tariff action. Its a little difficult, he said, to run both those arguments at once. Sean McCarthaigh A school principal has failed in a High Court challenge against a finding of poor professional performance against him by the Teaching Council over a delay in informing the parents of a young autistic pupil of an allegation that a teacher had mistreated their son. The principal, whose identity cannot be published, also sought a judicial review of the decision of a disciplinary panel of the Teaching Council that he should be sanctioned for such a finding with an admonishment. The inquiry, which issued its findings in March 2024, cleared the teacher of a number of allegations of inappropriate treatment of the nine-year-old, non-verbal pupil on two dates in February 2019, including claims that he reefed earphones off the boys head in class. However, it found the principal guilty of poor professional performance over a 19-week delay in notifying the boys parents about the complaint against the teacher. It also concluded that the principal had breached the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers in relation to the welfare of students and communications. The principal maintained he had done nothing wrong and that he had relied on a Department of Education circular on managing disciplinary processes, which he claimed precluded him from sharing information about the allegation to the childs parents. Counsel for the principal also outlined several other grounds why the legal challenge against the findings of the inquiry should be upheld. They included that there was no principal of a primary school on the disciplinary panel and the failure of the inquiry to hear expert evidence before reaching its decision that the principal was guilty of poor professional performance. In addition, counsel claimed there was an excessive delay by the Teaching Council in dealing with the matter as well as the disciplinary panel failing to give adequate reasons for its conclusions. The principals legal representative also argued that there was objective bias by the disciplinary panel because a member of the Teaching Councils disciplinary committee sat in the public gallery alongside the mother of the child during the inquiry. The High Court also heard legal argument that the disciplinary panel had erred in law by reversing the burden of proof in reaching its findings and that the second lowest available sanction of admonishment meant the principals conduct had not reached the threshold for a finding of poor professional performance. The principal carried out an internal investigation after a complaint was made against the teacher by a special needs assistant on February 12th, 2019. Unknown to the principal, the SNA had also told the boys parents about the matter around the same time. The principal subsequently concluded that the allegation was unfounded but decided to keep the teacher under surveillance for a period to ensure his behaviour towards the child was appropriate, during which the principal also dealt with Tusla and the Childrens Ombudsman. He notified the SNA of his decision on May 22nd, 2019 and the schools board of management on June 10th, 2019. The principal was advised by the schools solicitor and the Irish Primary Principals Network that the boys parents should be informed of the matter, which he did on June 26th, 2019. In his ruling refusing all the reliefs sought by the principal, Mr Justice Anthony Barr said he was satisfied the three-member disciplinary panel had more than adequate expertise to deal with the issues, notwithstanding that none of them were principals of a primary school at the time or that no expert evidence was required. Mr Justice Barr said the 2017 guidelines cited by the principals legal team were not part of the case made at the inquiry, while the disciplinary panels decision was not unreasonable or illogical. The court is satisfied that the reasons given by the disciplinary panel were cogent and coherent and accorded with common sense. Their conclusion that the parents of a vulnerable child should be told of the making of the allegation by a responsible person accords with the standards that sensible people would apply, he added. The judge noted that if the panel had agreed with the principal that it was appropriate to keep the parents in the dark about a credible complaint of abuse of their child for 19 weeks, it could be seen as being irrational by the standards of ordinary people in society. He also said the panel was entitled to reject the principals explanation for his inaction in telling the parents about the allegation. Mr Justice Barr said the principal could not now seek to rely on a delay by the Teaching Council when it had not been raised as an issue with the disciplinary tribunal. He also dismissed the claim of objective bias as being without substance as it had not been raised during the substantive hearings. The judge noted that the principal should not have waited until he was the subject of an adverse findings before highlighting it. He also rejected the claim that the panel had failed to take account of the once-off nature of the principals conduct. Mr Justice Barr said the panel could not be prevented from making a finding of poor professional performance just because it was about a once-off occurrence. On the challenge to the sanction, the judge said the panels conclusion about the gravity of the principals conduct could not be described as unreasonable or irrational. He said the sanction of admonishment was not inconsistent with the finding that the conduct fell within the mid-range of poor professional performance. Chattanooga was in the path of a line of deadly tornadoes on Saturday moving on into early Sunday, but no Tennessee casualties have been reported. Elsewhere, there were 34 casualties from the widespread storm. The area was battered by storms beginning in the late evening, with a tornado watch in effect in the Red Bank area at one point and a tornado watch also menacing nearby sections of North Georgia. A later tornado warning covered the area between Dunlap and Sale Creek. There were no immediate reports of heavy damage. Near the start of the furious outbreak, three people were killed in Missouri, where a trailer park was destroyed and a grocery store and other buildings and homes were wrecked. By noon, the storm death toll was listed as 14. By the evening, it was up to 28 as the storm approached Tennessee - with the first wave going to the west of Chattanooga toward Murfreesboro. Chattanoogans, after sunny skies on Friday, awoke to heavy rain along with constant thunder bolts and lightning flashes. The weather cleared by late morning, but forecasters warned that the worst was ahead. In addition to the tornado threat, Chattanooga was also under a flood watch. Several rounds of heavy rain were expected through Sunday morning. Most areas were expected to get 2-3 inches of rain, with higher amounts in some locations. The National Weather Service said, "A severe weather outbreak is likely across portions of the eastern United States today into tonight with the greatest threat in East Tennessee being along the Cumberland Plateau, Southeast Tennessee and southwest North Carolina. "Widespread and significant damaging winds are likely. There is also a threat for tornadoes and large hail." James Rogers opened Dollywood 2025 on Friday. Mr. Rogers helps Chattanoogans with Veterans of Vietnam War. Mr. Rogers said, "It was an honor to be asked to participate in the grand opening for Dollywood 2025. I was asked to perform a couple of songs and to introduce Dolly. I chose My Ole Friend and Fly Eagle Fly, because I knew I would see a lot of my ole friends there, and of course, Fly Eagle Fly is my signature song. "Challenger (the eagle) came out on stage as I did my closing song. Challenger and I both were there representing the American Eagle Foundation. Challenger will be on Park at the Eagle stage all summer. He has become the most famous eagle in the world and I sincerely hope everyone will make an effort to go see him this year. "As Board president of the American Eagle Foundation I want to thank Dollywood for all of their extra effort in helping the foundation through the years and with many renovations and upgrades to our on park facilities for this 40th anniversary season. It is going to be a great year for the American Eagle Foundation. "Dolly Parton never ceases to amaze me. All of us know the personal loss she has suffered over the last few weeks. But Dolly in her grief would rather work and be close to others than to sit around and mourn. She did not disappoint the audience. She thrilled them as she always does. "She looked and sounded great and her kindness towards me and those around her never wavers. She is a superstar and it was an honor to catch up with her and to say 'Hello' to so many of my old friends at Dollywood. "A special Thank You goes to my friend Pete Owens of Dollywood who took this picture of Dolly and I backstage just after our performance. Thank you, Kay Watson (Alzheimers Tennessee), for the onstage shot. "Thank you to all the thousands who attended the event and to all of you who watched on social media." Martha Cole Eaves, 82, of Rossville, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Martha was a lifelong resident of North Georgia where she was a 1960 graduate of Rossville High School. While in High School, Martha, was a member of the Medical Club, Bible Club, G.A.L., Annual Staff, and was a Homeroom Officer. Martha was a nurse in the Chattanooga and Rossville areas where she worked for Dr. Ellis and Dr. Sherrill. She also worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Irwin and was a nurse at the Chattanooga Diagnostic Clinic for several years. Martha was a longtime active member of the First Centenary United Methodist Church in Chattanooga having served 20 years on the TV Ministry. Martha loved the Lord and her family dearly. She always had a smile and a wonderful sense of humor, and she loved eating hamburgers and hotdogs. Martha never met a stranger and was known for her ability to talk to anyone. Children held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Eaves; and parents, Charles and Kittie Cole. Survivors include her brother, Jim (Glenda) Cole; nieces, Kim (Mike) Burnett and Julie Cole Brewer; great nephews, Caleb Burnett and Cole Brewer. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Canopy for their love and care of Martha during this time. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m. at TN-GA Memorial Park with Reverend Michelle Hunter and Dr. David Harr officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 12 -2 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marthas name to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Condolences may be shared with the Eaves family by visiting www.lane-southcrestchapel.com. On March 6, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health jointly hosted a reception to bid farewell to the 25th batch and welcome the 26th batch of Chinese medical aid teams. Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing and Sierra Leonean Minister of Health Austin Demby delivered remarks at the event. Attendees included officials from the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health, UNICEF, UNFPA, representatives of other Chinese medical teams in Sierra Leone, Chinese enterprises, and overseas Chinese communities. Ambassador Wang Qing highly commended the outstanding work of the 25th batch of the medical team and extended a warm welcome to the 26th batch. He emphasized that Chinese medical teams have consistently upheld the spirit of "undaunted by hardships, dedicated to serving, healing the wounded and rescuing the dying, and boundless in compassion." These teams have provided high-quality medical services to the people of Sierra Leone, contributing significantly to the development of the countrys healthcare sector and deepening the longstanding friendship between China and Sierra Leone. Ambassador Wang reaffirmed Chinas commitment to the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, the implementation of the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. He pledged continued efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in healthcare and advance the friendly relations between the two nations. Minister Austin Demby lauded Chinas tremendous contributions to Sierra Leones healthcare system and public health development since the first medical team was dispatched in 1973. He expressed gratitude to the 25th batch for their exemplary service and presented certificates of honor to each member. Minister Demby encouraged the 26th batch to embrace challenges and work diligently to elevate medical cooperation between the two countries to new heights. During their tenure in Sierra Leone, the 25th batch of the Chinese medical team provided medical services to over 24,000 local patients, performed more than 1,000 surgeries, and conducted 88 free clinics in communities. Since 1973, China has dispatched 25 batches of medical teams to Sierra Leone, comprising 389 team members. These teams have cumulatively treated over one million patients and trained more than 5,000 local medical professionals, leaving an indelible mark on the countrys healthcare landscape. Home Opinion Columbia University caves to Trump; finally disciplines students Columbia University students will finally face discipline for illegally occupying a university building in April 2024, school officials announced Thursday. The decision comes after the Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal grants from the university and subjected it to close scrutiny by the Department of Justices (DOJ) antisemitism task force. The University Judicial Board (UJB) handed out punishments ranging from multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions for the week-long occupation of Hamilton Hall. With respect to other events taking place last spring, such as the illegal tent encampments and the assault and harassment of Jewish students, the UJB simply recognized previously imposed disciplinary action, the statement added. This line tacitly admits that Columbia Universitys disciplinary process is capable of reaching determinations relatively quickly in a matter of days or weeks. Yet these students who committed the most serious offenses 11 months ago have faced no discipline, until now. 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 Hamass October 7 terror attack triggered a wave of anti-Israel incidents at Columbia University, which included assaults on Jewish students who tried to prevent pro Hamas radicals from tearing posters of the hostages. The school eventually suspended the campus chapters of the radical groups Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) for violating campus policies, but only inflicted minimal punishments against students. The antisemitic demonstrations accelerated on April 19, when demonstrators erected a tent encampment on the campus quad, resulting in 108 arrests. After several brief suspensions, the illegal encampment returned two days later, and university administrators continued to do nothing when the activists broke into a campus building and declared it occupied. On April 30, the New York Police Department arrested 119 activists at Columbia, including 46 agitators charged with criminal trespassing for occupying the building. The students who committed these disgraceful actions largely got away without punishment. Criminal charges were soon dropped for all but 15 protestors, and the university took no disciplinary measures until now. It bears repeating that the university repeatedly failed to maintain order on its campus. It refused to call in city police to disperse the encampment or building occupation, both of which were in clear violation of university policy. It declined to press charges against students arrested for criminal offenses. Then it failed even to inflict internal discipline through the end of the school year, the whole summer break, the entire fall semester, a presidential election, and half of the spring semester. Based on this track record, it seems reasonable to conclude that the university would have continued on its course and never disciplined the offenders until subjected to outside scrutiny scrutiny it never received from the Biden administration. Enter President Trump, whose DOJ launched an antisemitism Task Force that wasted no time investigating Columbia University and other elite schools that tolerated vile displays of antisemitism in the wake of Hamass October 7 terror attack. The task force recently pulled $400 million in federal grant funding from Columbia and threatened to pull more unless the school took action. The Trump administration also signaled its willingness to step in with its own punishments if Columbia was unwilling to keep its students under control. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested and sought to deport a foreign graduate student at Columbia, Mahmoud Khalil, due to his participation in an antisemitic demonstration, which would be a strike against him entering the country in the first place (deportation proceedings are complicated by the fact that Khalil is married to an American citizen, who is eight months pregnant). Certain cynics live by the maxim that everyone has a price, meaning by this that every person has something for which he will sell out his principles. This maxim does not hold universally, as it ignores the witness of Christian martyrs who loved not their lives even unto death (Revelation 12:11). But it may function as a stereotype of sinful human nature, seeded with the kernel of truth on which every stereotype relies. I raise it here because, in the case of Columbia University, the principle seems to be working in reverse. Instead of finding the price at which Columbia will do something wrong, the Trump administration has found the price at which Columbia will do something right. It took losing $400 million for Columbia University to do what it should have done all along: discipline agitators and protect Jewish students. Even at this price, Columbia University has made clear that it is acting under duress. University administrators issue frequent notifications about ICE activities on the campus. Most recently, Interim President Katrina Armstrong wrote Thursday that ICE personnel had searched two university residences overnight, explaining that the university only allowed them to enter because they were armed with duly approved judicial search warrants. Even though law enforcement detained no one and removed nothing, Armstrong professed to be heartbroken by the incident. For Columbia Jewish groups, this reluctant reform is better late than never. This ruling is an important first step in righting the wrongs of the past year and a half, wrote Brian Cohen, executive director of the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, Columbia/Barnard Hillel. I am grateful to the Rules Administrator and other members of the Administration for their roles in ensuring these cases were resolved. But belated reform under duress also demonstrates that Columbia University and other elite institutions cannot be trusted to do right by Jewish students on their own. Executive agencies tasked with enforcing civil rights law must remain vigilant to hold them accountable. This is what federal executive agencies failed to do during the Biden administration, which met the persecution of Jewish students with empty rhetoric. The Trump administration has proven that elite institutions can be held accountable and also that they must be held accountable. Originally published at The Washington Stand. Home Opinion Does the US have abortion policies similar to Communist China? This month is Womens History Month and highlights International Womens Day. An important conversation American feminists would do well to have is about the ethics surrounding the United States' abortion laws. They seem to mirror, of all nations worldwide, that of Chinas. China is one of the few nations with extremely liberal abortion laws, where abortions are widely performed and can take place at any stage of pregnancy. It also has no bans against sex-selective abortion, a practice that is a leading cause of gendercide in the country. In China, preference for a boy child among couples having a third child runs rampant. The Congressional-Executive Commission on Chinas 2024 report states that for every 133 Chinese boys, there are only 100 girls. 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 report links this phenomenon to the lasting effects of Chinas communist one-child policy, now a three-child policy as of 2021. It also highlights the likelihood that this gender disparity encourages human trafficking of women and children throughout China and East Asia. The long lasting effects of Chinas population control efforts, like the one-child policy, have led to a predominantly gender-skewed and elderly population. In efforts to curb the impending population decline, which severely affects the Chinese military and economy, the military urged soldiers in 2023 to procreate by announcing an executive order on family planning. To populate Chinas workforce and military, the preference for boy children among Chinese couples is logical. Such preference is especially fueled by Chinas historically patriarchal and increasingly militaristic culture. This means that Chinas unnatural gender disparity has been achieved through sex-selective abortion, a conclusion also supported by the United Nations. While unfortunate and devastating phenomena in a communist country may not surprise many Americans, we often dont realize that in some parts of our nation, we are not far from such liberalism. Sex-selective abortion is a phenomenon occurring in the United States, as well. Moreover, it has a legal precedent. In the Box v. Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, Inc. Supreme Court case, laws banning abortions based solely on the babys gender, race, ethnicity, or detected disability were found unconstitutional. While there have been further efforts to pass such bans, pro-choice American scholarship has defended the lack of these bans by accusing the anti-abortion side of exploiting the rights of Asian American pregnant women to access abortion. No culture or race should have the right to kill their children, especially based on the unborn childs gender. Take for instance the state of New York, Americas second most leading abortion provider, where abortion is a constitutional right and no state law specifically bans sex-selective abortion. The state also prides itself on being an abortion safe-haven, where women from all over the country and apparently out of the country, too seek abortions. In the decades following Roe v. Wade, reports of Canadian women seeking abortions in New York often went uncovered. In New York, pregnant mothers can destroy their unborn children for any reason up to 24 weeks gestation, and for broad health reasons thereafter, including even pregnancy-related anxiety based on the 'sex' of their unborn child. Under the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) and the recently enacted Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to New York's State Constitution, women and girls can abort healthy unborn children, capable of surviving outside their mother's wombs, for sex-selective reasons. This mental health reason for later-term abortions is emphasized and outlined in a 2019 letter from NY's Attorney General to the states Department of Health. Does the United States, often through New York state policies, really want to maintain an abortion reputation comparable to communist China? America is doing a great injustice to pre-born girls by refusing to ban sex-selective abortions. This action stands in great opposition to the values America claims to hold dear life, liberty, and equality. We are encouraging policies that are just as barbaric and misogynistic as those of the CCP. This must end. Home Opinion How modern feminism undermined the American family March is designated as Womens History Month and it should be a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of women who have shaped families, communities, and nations. However, modern feminism has hijacked this celebration, distorting womanhood into a self-serving ideology that undermines the very institutions that provide true strength, stability, and purpose to women. Modern feminism promised empowerment, but instead it delivered loneliness, broken families, and spiritual confusion. As we celebrate Womens History Month, its time to ask: Has feminism truly helped women or has it deceived and hurt them? The cost of feminism has been devastating, not just for women but also for families, children, and society itself. What began as a movement for equality quickly transformed into a rebellion against biblical womanhood, marriage, and the family unit. Rather than encouraging strong households where men and women work together, feminism has promoted a destructive narrative: that women dont need men, that government should replace fathers, and that success is found in rejecting Gods design for the family. This isnt just a social issue its a theological issue. Feminism has redefined what it means to be a woman, moving away from Gods ordained roles toward an ideology that prioritizes career over children, self-interest over sacrifice, and power over partnership. 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 historical shift: How feminism evolved First-wave feminism began in the 19th century, focusing on womens suffrage and legal rights. While many early feminists championed moral and family values, the movement gradually shifted in the 20th century. By the time of second-wave feminism in the 1960s and 70s, the focus had turned to sexual liberation, no-fault divorce, and the rejection of traditional gender roles. Third-wave feminism, emerging in the 1990s, took this idea even further embracing gender fluidity, abortion advocacy, and the demonization of masculinity. Each iteration of feminism moved further away from biblical womanhood, prioritizing autonomy over family and individualism over community. What started as a fight for rights became a campaign against Gods design. Feminisms war on fatherhood and the family One of the most devastating effects of modern feminism has been its attack on men and fathers. Under the guise of liberation, feminism painted men as oppressors, rather than protectors and providers, leading to a culture that devalues masculinity and prioritizes single motherhood over marriage. What was the result? The government became the husband, the welfare check replaced the father, the illegitimacy rate skyrocketed, and feminism called it progress. No-fault divorce laws, championed by feminists, led to skyrocketing divorce rates, weakening the marriage covenant and leaving countless children without a father in the home. Cultural messaging now glorifies independence and sexual freedom over biblical marriage, creating a generation of women who prioritize career and casual relationships over building strong families. The consequences have been staggering, among them: Fatherlessness is at an all-time high. Well over 18.5 million children in the U.S. grow up without a biological father in the home. Marriage rates have plummeted, with many young women choosing careers over family, but regretting it later. There has been a rise in depression, loneliness, and anxiety among women, despite promises that feminism would bring them fulfillment. Scripture tells us that God designed men and women to complement one another (Genesis 2:18). The destruction of the family was not an accident it was the goal. Feminism was never about true equality. It was about erasing Gods created order. Feminisms lies and broken promises Feminism has long made promises it couldnt keep. It told women that marriage and motherhood were chains, that independence meant rejecting family and embracing the sexual revolution, and that true fulfillment could only be found outside the home. So, what has feminism actually produced? A lot of depression, destabilization, decline, and destruction. Just consider some of its fruits: 1. There are now several generations of women who prioritized their careers over marriage and children but are now experiencing loneliness and grief. Many women in their late 30s and 40s regret their decision to put ambition and self-empowerment over marriage and motherhood. The you can have it all myth has proven to be a lie. 2. We now have a society where men are demonized and stripped of their biblical role as leaders of the home. Rather than receiving recognition for their roles as husbands and fathers, the constant portrayal of men as oppressors further exacerbates the divide between the sexes. 3. The normalization of abortion as empowerment persists, despite the emotional and spiritual devastation it causes to countless women. Feminism has perpetuated the misconception that a womans success hinges on her capacity to terminate, rather than nurture, life. 4.Even within the Church, the advocacy for abortion has been embraced in some circles, with certain denominations softening their stance on life in an attempt to conform to cultural trends. Instead of boldly defending the unborn, many churches have adopted pro-choice rhetoric under the guise of compassion, neglecting the biblical truth that life is sacred from conception (Psalm 139:13-16). To that last point, feminisms roots are growing ever deeper in the Church. Many pulpits have abandoned biblical teaching on marriage, submission, and male leadership, replacing them with messages that sound more like pop psychology than the Word of God. The acceptance of female pastors has led to a softening of scriptural authority, disregarding 1 Timothy 2:12, which prohibits women from exercising pastoral authority over men. Worship services have been feminized, shifting away from strong theological preaching to emotional experiences that cater primarily to women, driving many men out of the church. Instead of standing firm on biblical truth, many churches have embraced progressive social issues such as abortion rights, LGBT advocacy, and gender neutrality positions that stand in direct opposition to a biblical worldview. This compromise has weakened the Church, leaving it ill-equipped to disciple the next generation in Gods design for family and leadership. The fruit of feminism is clear: loneliness, broken relationships, fractured families, and a departure from Gods design for men and women. Its time to recognize that feminism has not freed women it has enslaved them to a cycle of discontent, rebellion, and regret. Restoring biblical womanhood and the family If America is to thrive, we must return to Gods blueprint for strong families built on biblical principles. The foundation of a stable and flourishing society rests on Christ-centered homes, where men lead in love, women embrace their God-given roles, and children are raised with truth and discipline. So, heres what must be done: Reestablish marriage as the foundation Encourage young men and women to prioritize biblical marriage as the framework for stability and legacy. Marriage is Gods design for human flourishing (Genesis 2:24). Encourage young men and women to prioritize biblical marriage as the framework for stability and legacy. Marriage is Gods design for human flourishing (Genesis 2:24). Equip churches to stand firm Pastors and leaders must boldly reject feminist theology and return to clear biblical teaching on marriage and family. Pastors and leaders must boldly reject feminist theology and return to clear biblical teaching on marriage and family. Support pro-family policies Advocate for policies incentivizing marriage, discouraging government dependence, strengthening fatherhood, and promoting life and the well-being of children. Advocate for policies incentivizing marriage, discouraging government dependence, strengthening fatherhood, and promoting life and the well-being of children. Revive discipleship for women Older women must mentor younger women, teaching them to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:3-5). Older women must mentor younger women, teaching them to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:3-5). Promote biblical masculinity Men must be trained to lead, protect, and provide for their families as God intended (Ephesians 5:25). As we reflect on Womens History Month, lets not allow it to be an opportunity to push destructive ideologies. Instead, lets reclaim this month as a time to honor the true, God-given role of women as nurturers, builders of homes, and pillars of faith. Feminism wont save America, but strong families, led by men and women who honor Gods design, will. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. Home News Judge throws out case against preacher attacked by mob that cut his throat A British court has thrown out the prosecution of a Christian preacher who faced charges stemming from a heated confrontation with an angry Islamic mob in Walsall. The judge dismissed the case after prosecutors declined to present evidence, citing insufficient grounds for proceeding with the charges. The case was dismissed at a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court, which stated that the Crown Prosecution Service had refused to offer evidence. As a result, Karandeep Mamman was found not guilty of all charges under Section 4A of the Public Order Act, said Christian Concern, whose legal arm, Christian Legal Centre, represented the preacher. On Jan. 14, 2023, Mamman, 33, was preaching in Walsall town center when he was surrounded by a group of 20 to 30 individuals. The group, described as an Islamic mob, formed a ring around him, issuing threats that included beating him and cutting his throat. 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 confrontation arose after Mamman critiqued the Quran, stating that it misrepresents Jesus Christ as merely a prophet rather than the Son of God. He shared his belief that Islam presents a wrong Jesus and said that the Quran promotes hatred, terrorism, and killing of Jews and Christians who do not convert. Amid escalating tension, Mamman reportedly tried to leave the area, but the mob refused to let him go. CCTV footage later revealed that two men, described as a homosexual couple, tore apart a sign Mamman was holding, which contained Christian messages, including one symbol opposing homosexual practices. The crowd continued to remonstrate until town center security intervened, allowing Mamman to leave the scene. Despite being the target of threats and physical harassment, Mamman was later invited by police for a voluntary interview and subsequently charged with causing religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress under Section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The charges stunned Mamman. I did not attack anybody in particular. I was just expressing my freedom of speech, he told police at the time. Mammans legal defense argued that the prosecution constituted an abuse of process and violated his rights under Articles 9 through 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect freedom of thought, expression and assembly. The defense team stressed that his conduct constituted peaceful protest and did not meet the threshold for criminal behavior. They asserted that Mammans comments were rooted in historical and religious texts and did not involve threats or personal abuse. Martin Parsons, an expert witness for the defense, provided evidence from the Quran to contextualize Mammans remarks, citing passages that refer to military jihad and acts of terror. Mamman expressed relief at the courts decision. My aim always when preaching is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that all of us can only be saved if we follow His teaching, he said. It was intimidating to be attacked and surrounded by such an angry mob, but I was determined to stand my ground and not back down over my beliefs, he added. CLCs Chief Executive Andrea Williams criticized the authorities handling of the incident, arguing that Mammans prosecution undermined public confidence in the justice system. The authorities should have been protecting my personal safety and free speech rights, Mamman said. Instead, by prosecuting me, they have encouraged members of the public that this is the appropriate approach to getting your way and shutting down the expression of beliefs that you dont like. Home News Baptist pastor prosecuted in Northern Ireland for open-air sermon on John 3:16 A retired Baptist pastor has been charged with violating the controversial buffer zone law near an abortion clinic in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, after delivering an open-air sermon based on the Bible verse John 3:16. The 76-year-old pastor, Clive Johnston, a former president of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, faces two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, including allegedly seeking to influence individuals accessing abortion services and failing to leave the area when instructed by police, according to The Christian Institute, which is defending Johnston. Pastor Johnstons sermon took place on July 7, 2024, on a patch of grass near Causeway Hospital. The location was separated from the hospital by a dual carriageway, and about a dozen people attended the service, which included hymn singing and a wooden cross as part of the gathering. 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 Despite the absence of placards or any mention of abortion in his sermon, authorities deemed the service a violation of the buffer zone regulations. Johnston is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Friday, where he could face fines totaling thousands of pounds. The Christian Institutes Deputy Director Simon Calvert called the prosecution an outrageous restriction on freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Calvert argued that the buffer zone law, designed to prevent harassment or protests near abortion clinics, is being misapplied in this instance. Its just not reasonable or rational to suggest that preaching the Gospel, with no reference to abortion, is a protest against abortion. The Police and the Public Prosecution Service are over-stepping the mark. This is not what buffer zones were designed to do. John 3:16, the focus of Johnstons sermon, says, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, introduced in 2022 by the Green Party, established 100-150 meter buffer zones around hospitals and abortion clinics in Northern Ireland. The law prohibits activities that impede, record, influence, or cause harassment, alarm, or distress within these zones. However, critics now question whether the law is being used to suppress non-abortion-related expressions of faith or speech. Johnstons supporters stressed that his gathering wasn't disruptive and that his sermon focused solely on the Gospel message of Gods love, as reflected in John 3:16. The Christian Institute, which previously supported Ashers Baking Co. in a landmark Supreme Court case, argued that the prosecution sets a dangerous precedent for limiting freedom of expression in public spaces. The Christian Institute is backing this case because there is a vital principle at stake, Calvert explained. If the Gospel can be banned in this public place, where else can it be banned? The authorities do not seem to have thought through the human rights implications of their decision to prosecute. Home News UK govt admits it was wrong for prosecutors to say parts of the Bible are no longer appropriate' Prosecutors in the United Kingdom have admitted it was inappropriate for them to argue in a case against a Christian street preacher that some parts of the Bible are simply no longer appropriate in modern society and which would be deemed offensive if stated in public. The Crown Prosecution Service made the statement in relation to a case against John Dunn, a 55-year-old cancer survivor from Swindon who was arrested in November 2020 for alleged homophobia after preaching on Swindon High Street. Last week, about a month after the CPS had to drop the charges against Dunn, a non-affiliate parliamentarian, Baroness Hoey, raised a question about the statement in the House of Lords, according to Christian Legal Centre, which represented the street preacher. 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 Hoey asked what assessment the government had made of the written statement by the CPS. The Wessex Area CPS has undertaken a post-case review and acknowledges that the statement was inappropriate, Lord Stewart of Dirleton from the Conservative Party, who is the advocate general for Scotland, was quoted as replying. [T]he statement was not intended to and does not represent a change to published CPS Policy. It is not indicative of a general approach by the CPS to cases involving the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the right to freedom of expression, Lord Steward stated. In future in cases where there is scope for argument to arise as to rights such as that of freedom of expression, such arguments will be submitted to the Senior District Crown Prosecutor for signing off, prior to service. Responding to the news, Dunn said: I am pleased that the government has recognized that the arguments made against me by the CPS were wrong. I faced the prospect of criminal conviction for over two years on these grounds. I hope what has happened will protect other Christians who find themselves unfairly on the wrong side of the law for speaking biblical truth. The case against Dunn was thrown out last month after the two female complainants reportedly "refused to engage with the case" after making the initial allegations, CLC said earlier. Dunn, who has served in the British Army's Special Forces, often refers to Genesis 1 while preaching to state that human beings are made in God's image, male and female, and that marriage between one man and one woman is God's purpose and pattern for the good of society. He preaches despite having lost his voice box following throat cancer. "Before I became a Christian, I hated people, I served with the Special Forces and I made it my mission to learn how to best kill people, that was my job," Dunn said in an earlier statement. "But when I met Jesus Christ, He changed my heart, took away my hatred and filled it with love. Jesus was the answer for me, and I believe the world needs to know and experience this hope. That is why I do what I do, to help everyone to find the light of Jesus out of the darkness we all live in." On Nov. 1, 2020, Dunn was preaching when two women walked past him holding hands. He told them, "I hope you are sisters," to which they replied they were in a same-sex marriage. Dunn then quoted 1 Corinthians 6, saying, "It says in the Bible that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God." The women reported Dunn to the police, describing his comments as "biblical speak." They also alleged he shouted at them that they "will burn in Hell," which he categorically denies. Dunn voluntarily went to the police station for an interview and was allegedly told that if he tried to leave, he would be arrested. Dunn was then charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act. The Crown Prosecution Service alleged he committed hate speech because he "offended" and "upset" a member of the public. CLC contends that the law states that to be charged with a hate speech crime, Dunn would have had to use "threatening or abusive words or behavior, or disorderly behavior." Lawyers for the prosecution then argued that prosecuting Dunn was "necessary" and "proportionate" because "[t]here are references in the Bible which are simply no longer appropriate in modern society and which would be deemed offensive if stated in public." The prosecution's lawyers cited references to slavery in Exodus and Leviticus and references to capital punishment, though those references had nothing to do with what is alleged to have been said by Dunn. Christian theologian Martin Parsons, an independent consultant who serves as an expert witness in the U.K. court system testifying on the persecution of Christians, then provided expert evidence in response to the prosecution's argument. He said the Bible has been read on the streets of England since the early 16th century. "Public reading of the Bible was actually the first aspects of freedom of religion to be developed in England after the Reformation," Parsons said, citing how the King James Bible played a specific role in coronation services. During the 1953 coronation service, Queen Elizabeth II was presented with a copy of this Bible. "The Bible has had a unique status within British constitutional history," Parsons said. "The suggestion by the crown that there are parts of the Bible 'which are simply no longer appropriate in modern society and which would be deemed offensive if stated in public,' is one that, if accepted, would have significant constitutional implications." Cuyahoga County intends to stop housing suspects arrested by Cleveland police who are brought to the jail but never charged. More than 1,000 people arrested by city officers were released last year from the facility without ever being charged. (Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com) CLEVELAND, Ohio Roughly one in seven people arrested last year by Cleveland police and booked into Cuyahoga Countys jail was released without being charged, data shows. The citys officers place arrested people into the facility and later release them without charges at a far higher rate than any other law enforcement agency in the county. The issue is at the heart of a city-county dispute and one that experts say raises deeper concerns about criminal justice in Northeast Ohio. Lyndhurst Democratic Club and other local organizations held a rally to Stop Elon Musk outside the Tesla Motors Cleveland at 5180 Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst. The protestors expressed their concerns about the unchecked and unregulated power being granted by President Donald Trump to Elon Musk and DOGE. John Kuntz, cleveland.com COLUMBUS, OhioWith the return of President Donald Trump, inevitably there has been the return of anti-Trump protests. In Cleveland, around Ohio, and throughout the country, demonstrators have turned out in the past eight weeks to protest a range of actions both real and feared by Trump and other Republican leaders. In some cases, protesters took to the streets. In other cases, theyve targeted the local offices of Republican lawmakers, who they feel arent listening to their concerns. Ohios two U.S. senators, Republicans Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, were bombarded with so many calls last month that their office phone systems broke down. The protest eruptions were inevitable, given the politically polarized times we live in and the number of demonstrations that followed Trumps first presidential victory in 2016. However, Northeast Ohio anti-Trump organizers and political experts say there are some differences between todays protests and the rallies of eight years ago both in terms of more sophisticated tactics and an increased feeling of urgency and desperation among participants. What are the protests? Since last January, when Trump was sworn into office, there have been at least a dozen protests of various sizes held around Northeast Ohio. An International Womens Day march at Market Square Park earlier this month drew 1,500 people, according to organizers. Other demonstrations, such as gatherings outside Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Morenos downtown Cleveland office every Wednesday, usually attract a few dozen people. At some events, like the Womens Day march and a Presidents Day protest at West Side Market last month, attendees demonstrated about a wide range of topics, from preserving abortion rights to jeering billionaire Elon Musk, who heads Trumps controversial government efficiency initiative. Those protests were held in coordination with similar demonstrations around the country. But other demonstrations were more narrowly focused, such as the nearly 100 people who stood outside Cuyahoga Valley National Parks visitors center early this month in opposition to Trump administration layoffs of about 1,000 National Park Service workers and 3,400 National Forest Service employees. That increased focus on smaller, locally organized popup protests is one big difference from the protest movement during Trumps first term, said Ellen Frank, a retired retail executive who volunteers with Mobilize the Vote Northeast Ohio. Many Northeast Ohio protest groups also now coordinate with each other to ensure that they dont schedule competing events on the same day, Frank said. Were highly aware of burnout -- like how many of these can you participate in a week? Frank said. Whos going and why? Turnout has, so far, generally been better than expected, several Northeast Ohio anti-Trump organizers said in interviews. I thought it would die off, but every week, every day, there is someone new hitting our Facebook page, said Barb Kaplan, lead organizer of Crooked River Action, a progressive activist group in Summit County. Its been exhausting, frankly, but its in a good way. Kathy Wray Coleman, head organizer for the Womens Day march in Cleveland, said the 1,500 people who attended shocked her and other organizers, as they expected a turnout of about 600 given that they only started planning for the march about three weeks prior. I think people are upset as hell, Coleman said, pointing to a range of issues that have led people to demonstrate, from mass layoffs of federal workers to fears that Republicans will slash funding to programs like Medicaid and food stamps. Whats so sad is that President Trump seemed to check all the boxes in terms of the issues that we hold dear, she said. David Niven, a University of Cincinnati political science professor and former speechwriter for Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, said that for many Ohioans who dislike Trump, theres a greater sense of desperation than after Trumps 2016 victory. There was, at least in (Trumps) first term, for most folks, a sense that this was kind of unprecedented, and things would get back to get back to normal at some point, Niven said. And going through this a second time, and actually going through it in a much bigger, more dramatic scope -- you know, it calls into question what normal is anymore. Joining a march or protest, Niven said, gives participants a sense that, at least, theyre not the only ones who feel this way. Goals Beyond providing that reassurance, the exact goals of the protests vary. Ellen Frank volunteers with Mobilize the Vote Northeast Ohio to help organize the weekly protests outside Morenos Cleveland office. Frank, a retired retail executive, said her groups protest goals are to raise awareness about various political issues (from Medicaid funding to money for food banks), get Moreno to provide more specifics about his stances on those issues, and convince the senator to attend a town hall meeting to discuss those specifics. Once Moreno -- a vocal ally of Trump -- fleshes out his opinions on those issues, Frank said, Mobilize the Vote can start urging and pressuring him to change stances they disagree with. Were like little terriers. We stay on it for the long haul, because we know we cant just come in, swoop in, fly by night and affect change in like two months, Frank said. We will keep pounding on this with him until he starts changing some of his mindset. Moreno spokeswoman Reagan McCarthy, in an email, noted that the senator has vowed that he and other Senate Republican will not cut Medicaid benefits. Assisting Ohioans is Senator Morenos top priority, McCarthy said in a statement. He meets with Ohioans every single day both in Ohio and Washington and has been transparent about his commitment to passing President Trumps agenda. Kaplan said her group has similar goals of spreading awareness and pressuring Republicans over their support of Trump policies. But Kaplan said another hope is to, eventually, elect candidates to school boards and other local offices. Our ultimate goal is to keep people engaged and to channel their fear and their anger into positive work for the community, she said. Some past protest movements have resulted in tangible political victories, such as the Tea Party movement that helped swoop many conservatives to high office during the Obama administration. But for protesters in Ohio, where Republicans dominate state government and Trump has won by significant margins in each of the last three presidential elections, thats not as realistic a short-term goal, Niven said. You have to have to crawl before you can walk, he said. Before they can worry about field organization, they need an outlet for their energies, for their frustrations, for their hopes. Looking forward Theres little sign that anti-Trump protests in Ohio will die down anytime soon. Some upcoming Northeast Ohio protests include a series of rallies on March 23 by a postal workers union opposing the Trump administrations move to cut 10,000 U.S. Postal Service jobs and the presidents proposal to privatize the postal service. Plans are also underway to hold a pro-reproductive rights march in Cleveland on June 24, the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to Coleman. The more people that take to the streets, Coleman said, the closer we get to seeking justice and redress to our issues. Jeremy Pelzer covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. March 15, 2025: In the Baltic Sea, the year began with a fiber optic cable between Latvia and Sweden being damaged by parties unknown. Over the last few years more than a dozen Baltic Sea underwater cables have been damaged or cut. These cables can be repaired in a few weeks, but local Coast Guard officials consider most of these incidents deliberate and that makes them criminal. NATO countries are alarmed at the amount of damage done to underwater power and communications cables. Worse, when the culprits were identified, they were always Chinese and Russian ships. One of these ships was boarded and searched. Evidence of cable cutting was found. Chinese and Russian officials continue to profess surprise and ignorance of these acts of sabotage. Worse, all this is not new, its been going on for some time under the designation of Hybrid Warfare. Ten years ago many Western politicians, especially in the United States, were calling on the U.S. Department of Defense to pay more attention to the new hybrid warfare that Russia is practicing in Ukraine, and that Islamic terrorists seem to be using worldwide to further their goals. Calling more attention to hybrid warfare is a good thing but assuming that the Department of Defense doesnt know about it is a dangerous misunderstanding of the situation. Since the 1970s, when the Department of Defense finally listened to its own internal critics, much more attention was paid to the lessons of the past. Not just the general history of warfare but to the American military experience during the past three centuries. This revealed the United States was born through the use of hybrid warfare and has successfully used it many times since. But this debate about new military developments has also taken place before, more than once. The missing link was an institutional effort to study, remember and use past experience. For example in the last two decades of the 20th century the Revolution in Military Affairs or RMA was the next big thing but it glimmered in the distance, always just out of reach. To many pundits and military analysts all the new technology of the last few decades of the 20th century was seen as capable of causing a fundamental change in how wars are fought. Then came the end of the Cold War, the disappearance of the enormous Soviet army and the sudden appearance of a new military landscape. This meant there would be no clash of huge, mechanized armies in Europe, or anywhere else anytime soon. Then, unexpectedly, came the 1991 Gulf War which showed that many of the American military technologies worked quite well. U.S. troops could now see more of the battlefield, communicate better, fight faster and roll over the Russian-equipped and trained Iraqi army in record time. This was a true RMA because in the past American troops had rarely done that in the openly stages of a war against a well-armed opponent. But the RMA that developed over the next decade had less to do with technology and more to do with the nature of future wars. With The Big One, war in Europe against the Soviet Union, out of the picture after 1991, new kinds of wars became more common. Thats because there have been three major changes since the Cold War days. First, there is a lot of expensive new technology that allows for quicker, less bloody conflicts via the use of better sensors and precision weapons that actually worked. Second, the current and future wars were smaller than what NATO and the Soviet Union were planning for nearly half a century. These 21st century wars also involved a lot more civilians getting in the way in addition to lots of politics, diplomacy and other complications. Then there is the growing media angle. Mass media has been around since the early 19th century but has grown enormously in presence and volume since the 1990s. News is now a 24 hour a day operation and reporters are everywhere. Moreover, the Internet makes it easy for anyone with a camera, or a way with words, to join the media stream and get their story out. All of this has changed the battlefield atmosphere enormously since the Cold War. The New Wars involved smaller forces fighting more complicated, by political, diplomatic and media issues, battles. While better sensors and communications gear give troops a better view of the battlefield, the greater presence of civilians and media actually make it a more complicated place. As a result, RMA went to places its first boosters never imagined. And no one knows exactly where the final destination is. Military analysts and planners in the major countries, especially the United States and China, agree that brute force is still important in a major war, and new technology makes the troops of major powers far more effective than in the past. But most of the wars since 1991 have involved irregular forces or nuclear armed nations confronting each other indirectly so as to not trigger a mutually destructive nuclear war. Thus intelligence, special operations forces and precision weapons become the primary tools that nations use regularly. This in itself is not revolutionary as Great Powers have for thousands of years used special operations troops, diplomacy, subterfuge and all manner of deceptions and feints to get their way. Noted military analysts from Shen Tzu to Machiavelli, Clausewitz and a dazzling array of late 20th and early 21st century pundits have recognized that operations other than war or OOTW are the way to go if you can pull it off. It still is and its not RMA or Hybrid Warfare. A lot of what is proclaimed as new is just another case of old wine in new bottles. If you want solutions, look to the ones that worked in the past. Many still work or will with a few tweaks to account for new technology. Yemen's Houthi followers take part in a tribal parade held against the United States-led aerial attacks launched on sites in Yemen, and solidarity with Palestinians, on January 22, 2024, near Sana'a, Yemen. At least 19 were killed as U.S. President Donald Trump launched large-scale military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping, warning "hell will rain down" on them if they do not stop. Trump also warned Iran, the Houthis' main backer, that it needed to immediately halt support for the group. He said if Iran threatened the United States, "America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" The unfolding strikes which one official said would last days and maybe weeks represent the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since Trump took office in January. It came as the United States ramps up sanctions pressure on Tehran while trying to bring it to the negotiating table over its nuclear program. At least 13 civilians were killed and nine injured in U.S. strikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Six others, including four children and one woman, were killed and 11 were injured in a U.S. strike on the northern province of Saada, the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported. The Houthis' political bureau described the attacks as a "war crime." "Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation," it said in a statement. Residents in Sanaa said the strikes hit a building in a Houthi stronghold. "The explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake. They terrified our women and children," one of the residents, who gave his name as Abdullah Yahia, told Reuters. The Houthis, an armed movement that took control of most of Yemen over the past decade, have launched more than 100 attacks targeting shipping since November 2023, disrupting global commerce and setting the U.S. military on a costly campaign to intercept missiles and drones that burned through stocks of U.S. air defenses. The Houthis say the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza. Iran's other allies, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have been severely weakened by Israel since the start of the Gaza conflict. Syria's Bashar al-Assad, who was closely aligned with Tehran, was overthrown by rebels in December. But throughout, Yemen's Houthis have remained resilient and often on the offensive, sinking two vessels, seizing another and killing at least four seafarers in an offensive that disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. The U.S. administration of former President Joe Biden had sought to degrade the Houthis' ability to attack vessels off its coast but limited the U.S. actions. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say Trump has authorized a more aggressive approach. The difference between Chinese and U.S. stocks is only getting clearer. The S & P 500 fell into correction on Thursday for the first time since 2023 . Meanwhile, the MSCI China index has surged double digits in its best start to a year in history, largely thanks to artificial intelligence, according to Goldman Sachs. Driving Chinese market gains are what Bank of America's Michael Hartnett calls the "Fab Four" Baidu , Alibaba , Tencent and Xiaomi . The tech companies' stocks are all traded in Hong Kong; Baidu and Alibaba also have U.S.-listed shares. Invoking the popularity of The Beatles reflects the momentum with which the Chinese tech giants have risen on AI hopes. Alibaba and Tencent have in recent weeks both released AI models they claim rival those from DeepSeek and OpenAI, while the Chinese tech giants each have massive user bases given their respective dominance in the country's e-commerce and social media industries. Alibaba on Thursday unveiled an updated version of its 200 million-user Quark browser with faster AI-generated results. Baidu has built its own AI model called Ernie that it's been rolling out across its cloud storage and content generation apps. The company also develops autonomous driving and operates robotaxis across China. Xiaomi has downplayed its AI capabilities, instead focusing on its popular SU7 electric car , a swath of smartphones and internet-connected home appliances. The stock is on pace for its ninth-straight month of gains. It's a "Year of International long China & EU," Hartnett said, saying the U.S.'s " Magnificent 7 " is now the "Lagnificent 7." The CNBC Magnificent 7 Index which includes Alphabet , Amazon , Apple , Meta Platforms , Microsoft , Nvidia and Tesla is down about 12% year to date as of Friday. Even as of March 6, the DeepSeek news had triggered $3 trillion in market cap losses for the Magnificent 7, while doubling the market cap of the Fab Four to $1.6 trillion, according to Bank of America. Since Chinese startup DeepSeek's AI breakthrough hit markets in late January, Beijing has ramped up its supportive signals on Chinese tech, while investors have become more interested in AI announcements from Alibaba and other Chinese companies. Initial Chinese stock gains have already started to fuel expectations that the local market will see its own version of the AI-driven rally that the U.S. saw in the last two years. "In the U.S., the AI rally rotated from AI infrastructure to AI enablers and then AI adopters. It's a similar pattern in China," HSBC analysts said earlier this month. They noted a "large valuation gap" between Chinese AI plays versus their U.S. peers, which could narrow as growth and profits pick up. Investors inside and outside China are getting more interested. Hong Kong stocks, particularly Alibaba and Tencent, saw net buys from mainland Chinese investors reach a record high on Monday . For international institutions, short-term hedge funds led most of the buying in February, while interest from longer-term investors has started to emerge this month, Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley, told reporters Wednesday in Beijing. "As concerns about the U.S. economy and U.S. markets [grow], their interest may increase," he said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. But he cautioned it's not a given, and said research indicates U.S. consumers may not feel much impact until a 20% drop in stocks. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. A "Shop Canadian" sign is seen at the entrance of a supermarket in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, March 4, 2025. Liang Seng | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images Canadians are swapping their friendly auras for a fierce sense of nationalism amid U.S. President Donald Trump's attacks on the country's trade and sovereignty. Trump's mostly delayed plans for 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and his calls for the country to become an American state has incensed citizens of the U.S.' northern neighbor and key trade partner. As a result, Canadians have rejected American imports and issued other economic punishments in an unusual show of patriotism. "It really feels for most Canadians like we've been backstabbed, that the person that we trusted the most is now sort of turning on us and attacking us for no apparent reason," said Joel Bilt, an economics professor focused on international trade at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. "That has really unified people." Grocery stores have encouraged visitors to "shop Canadian" with signs and special labels in aisles alerting them to which products were made domestically. A popular Facebook group focused on buying Canadian-made goods first reported on by NBC News has seen its membership more than double since early February as the on-again, off-again tariff policy played out. A "Shop Canadian" sign is seen at the entrance of a supermarket in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, March 4, 2025. Liang Seng | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images More than 60% of Canadians reported buying fewer American products when shopping either in store or online, according to a survey from market research firm Leger of more than 1,500 residents conducted between March 7 and March 10. Just over 7 out of 10 said they upped their purchases of goods made within the country, which has the ninth-largest economy in the world. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario went even further, barring its members from ordering American alcohol. Because the LCBO sells upward of $1 billion in American liquor each year, the move has raised alarm for U.S.-based spirit makers like Jack Daniel's parent Brown-Forman . "That's worse than a tariff," said Lawson Whiting, chief executive of Brown-Forman, on the Kentucky-based company's earnings call this month. "It's literally taking your sales away." Empty shelves remain with signs ''Buy Canadian Instead'' after the top five U.S. liquor brands were removed from sale at a B.C. Liquor Store, as part of a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, February 2, 2025. Chris Helgren | Reuters Ontario also said it would implement a 25% surcharge on electricity exported to Michigan, Minnesota and New York. But Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that he would temporarily halt this tax after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agreed to restart negotiations. Trump initially responded by calling to raise tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50%, but the White House told CNBC that he backed down following the conversation between Lutnick and Ford. Still, Trump's now-withdrawn plan for higher taxes on the metals put the United Steelworkers union which represents about 850,000 people in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean on alert. USW International President David McCall said in a March 11 statement that the North American arms of the international trade organization would "fight together" against the proposed levies, which he said threatens jobs on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border. A 'pushback' Even as the tariff negotiations remain in flux, travel to the U.S. is already taking a hit. Return trips by Canadians from the U.S. by vehicle tumbled around 23% in February from the same month a year ago, according to government statistics. Government data also showed the number of Canadians flying back into the country from international locations declined in February from a year ago, signaling a pullback in tourism abroad. That comes as Air Canada announced plans to cut capacity to warm U.S. locations like Florida, Arizona and Nevada beginning this month. Trump's threats have prompted some cancellations to the Wildwoods in New Jersey, a popular beach destination for travelers from places like Montreal and Quebec, according to Ben Rose, marketing and public relations director at the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority. But he said these rescissions haven't been as widespread as initially expected. Canadians are also weighing concerns around the exchange rate, he added. Air Canada planes are seen at the gates at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Dorval, Quebec, Canada on April 2, 2024. Daniel Slim | Afp | Getty Images At consumer travel shows in Toronto and Montreal, the authority received some comments from potential Canadian travelers about how Trump's plan for levies has deterred vacationing in America. Rose said his team reminds uneasy Canadians that it has been a welcoming destination for them over several decades and provides unique value as a location within driving distance. "Some of the pushback we've been getting is that: 'You know we love Americans, and we know they love us, but we'll see you in four years,'" Rose said. "They can't go along with the administration." Political, cultural efforts Canadians' stance against Trump's policies has spilled into culture and media as the issue captured the country's interest. Canadians booed the U.S. national anthem before major league sporting games against American teams. During an appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" this month, Canadian celebrity Mike Myers donned a shirt that reads "Canada is not for sale" alongside the country's red-and-white flag. (l-r) Musical guest Tate McRae, host Shane Gillis, and special guest Mike Myers during Goodnights & Credits on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Will Heath | NBCUniversal | Getty Images March 15, 2025: In early 2025 Turkey put two more locally made 3,000 frigates into service. Turkish shipyards are building another 29 ships, including the first locally built submarines. When the new fleet is completed, it will consist of 209 ships. With a fleet this large, Turkish naval forces will dominate the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and some adjacent waters. Until recently, the navy obtained its ships from foreign suppliers like the U.S., Germany and other European shipbuilders. Currently Turkey has the fifth largest ship building industry in the world. Turkish yards mainly produce commercial ships. Nearly twenty years ago, when the government decided to expand the fleet, there were a growing number of local shipyards available to do the work. Now there are 77 shipyards, three of them specializing in military construction as well as repairing and upgrading existing ships from countries throughout the region. Turkey has done the same thing with military aircraft, with hundreds of combat aircraft, especially F-16s, being repaired or upgraded at Turkish facilities. Even before the Cold War ended in 1991, Turkey was seeking to become self-reliant in arms production. Turkey has even designed a fighter bomber, the twin engine, 27 ton Kaan. The engines are American, but everything else, including the bombs and missiles carried, are made in Turkey. Kaan took its first flight a year ago and mass production is to begin in the 2030s. Meanwhile, there are so many local weapons producers that there is often competition from two or more Turkish manufacturers to supply something for local air, ground or naval forces. For example, Tubitak SAGE, a Turkish government defense research institute. has been trying to compete with Roketsan Corporation by announcing that its Bozok lightweight laser-guided missile was finally entering production. There was a similar announcement back in 2014, that was soon canceled when it was realized that the rival Mam-L was a success when carried by the then-new TB2 drone. The 2022 Bozok missile has a greater range of 15 kilometers and is smaller than the Mam-L. SAGE was founded half a century ago to develop ballistic and other types of missiles. Fifteen years after SAGE was created, the government decided to try the market approach and took the lead in establishing Roketsan, which was a much more productive and innovative operation than SAGE. During its first two decades Roketsan concentrated on developing and producing Turkish versions of most of the weapons and munitions Turkey had to import. This was done without stealing patented tech from other nations, as Russia and China have long done. Turkey wanted Roketsan to be able to freely export its munitions, especially the innovative or less-expensive ones. The next phase was to do the same with more complex systems like guided and ballistic missiles. Bayraktar, another Turkish company, did the same thing with drones that Roketsan had done with munitions. Early Turkish efforts to develop effective and affordable drones using government institutes and companies ran into problems. This gave Bayraktar, an entrepreneurial company, an opportunity to fill the government's need for drones and in 2014 it introduced the affordable and successful TB2 drone. Similar to successful Israeli and American drones, Roketsan already had suitable missiles and guided bombs for the TB2. The most used weapon was the Mam-L laser guided missile. This was a lightweight version of the American Hellfire missile that had been around since the 1980s and non-American versions could be developed using a lot of off-the-shelf technology. Roketsan had done this with its Mam-L missile that weighed half as much as Hellfire but had similar range of 8 kilometers and laser guided accuracy. The 25 kg Mam-L is an unpowered version of the larger 37.5 kg UMTAS rocket-powered laser-guided missile. Both have a range of eight kilometers but the Mam-L glides to the target and its range is less if the drone is at a low altitude. UMTAS is much faster and has a fire and forget feature where, once the drone laser designator identifies the target, the UMTAS will home in on it while the drone seeks other targets. Mam-L is used against smaller, unarmored and stationary targets. UMTAS is described as an anti-tank missile and effective against tanks whereas the Man-I will usually only damage a tank. Most of the targets Turkish drones attacked were troops in the open, bunkers, buildings, or unarmored vehicles. In this respect MAM-L excelled and thousands of them have been successfully used. Mam-L was light enough for smaller drones like the TB2 to carry two of them. Mam-L and the larger UMTAS are the principal weapons of Turkish armed drones and are used regularly against PKK separatists in Turkey and Syrian forces and rebel groups in Syria. Mam-L and UMTAS are available to all customers for Turkish drones large enough to carry them and a growing number of countries, including Ukraine and Poland, have bought them. Ukrainian TB2s have been particularly effective, making the TB2 and Mam-L even more attractive to export customers. Which brings us back to the SAGE effort to develop and sell Bozok, a competitor to the Mam-L. One reason for that is the two other Mam missiles now available. One is the 6.5 kg 70mm Mam-C, which is based on the American World War II vintage 2.8-inch unguided rocket. This weapon is still in use but for over twenty years developers in many nations have added laser guidance to the 70mm rocket. Then there is the 94 kg Mam-T that can be used on drones as well as helicopters and jet fighters. Mam-T has a range of 30-80 kilometers depending how high and fast the launching aircraft is. Mam-T uses both laser and GPS guidance. A plume of smoke billows during a U.S. strike on Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa early on March 16, 2025. Mohammed Huwais | Afp | Getty Images The United States carried out new airstrikes on Yemen on Monday, the Houthis' Al Masirah TV said, expanding the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January. Responding to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement's threats to international shipping, the U.S. launched a new wave of airstrikes on Saturday. On Monday, the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate north of the capital Sanaa were targeted, Al Masirah said. At least 53 people have been killed in the attacks, Anees Alsbahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry, said on Sunday. Five children and two women were among the victims and 98 have been hurt, Alsbahi added on X. People stand on the rubble of a house hit by a U.S. strike in Saada, Yemen March 16, 2025. Naif Rahma | Reuters The Houthis, an armed movement that has taken control of most of Yemen over the past decade, have launched scores of attacks on ships off its coast since November 2023, disrupting global commerce. The U.S. campaign to intercept missiles and drones has burned through stocks of U.S. air defenses. The strikes, which one U.S. official told Reuters might continue for weeks, come as Washington ramps up sanctions pressure on Iran while trying to bring it to the negotiating table over its nuclear program. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said on Sunday the militants would target U.S. ships in the Red Sea as long as the U.S. continues attacks on Yemen. "If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation," he said in a televised speech. The Houthi movement's political bureau described the U.S. attacks as a "war crime." Moscow urged Washington to stop them. A ship fires missiles at an undisclosed location, after U.S. President Donald Trump launched military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video released on March 15, 2025. U.s. Central Command | Via Reuters The Houthis' military spokesman, without providing evidence, said in a televised statement early on Monday that the group had launched a second attack against the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. Israel has weakened a large part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" against U.S. influence in the Middle East - including Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas since being attacked by Hamas gunmen in October 2023. Top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have been assassinated and fall of another Iranian ally, Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in December also dealt a blow to the Islamic Republic. But the Houthis - resilient mountain fighters who defied a Saudi-led bombing campaign in a civil war for years - are still standing, along with pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. U.S. warning The Houthis said last week they would resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea if Israel did not lift a block on aid entering Gaza. They had launched scores of attacks on shipping after Israel's war with Hamas began in late 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Gaza's Palestinians. U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as military strikes are launched against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping, at an unspecified location in this handout image released March 15, 2025. White House | Via Reuters If you receive an unsolicited text claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service, it's almost certainly a scam. This is especially relevant during tax season. The Better Business Bureau warns about phishing attempts in which scammers use the promise of automatic payments for $1,400 stimulus checks as a lure to steal sensitive data. While the stimulus checks are legitimate check your eligibility here the IRS is not texting taxpayers about them. The IRS typically only communicates with taxpayers through mailed letters via the U.S. Postal Service. In rare instances, the agency may call or text, but only if you've already provided your phone number and opted in for communications through official IRS channels, like its website or mobile app. These calls or texts typically relate to identity verification, account updates or ongoing matters such as payment plans or resolving tax issues. The agency won't text you about stimulus check money. India and New Zealand have announced the resumption of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a decade after talks were stalled in 2015. Discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) were first initiated in April 2010 to enhance trade in goods, services, and investment. However, after nine rounds of negotiations, progress came to a halt in 2015. Now, both countries have agreed to relaunch talks, aiming for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement."The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity," the Ministry of Commerce said in a release.The decision comes ahead of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on a four-day visit to India. The announcement followed a meeting between India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, on March 16, 2025.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to call on Luxon later in the day. On Monday, March 17, he will lay a wreath at Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The New Zealand PM is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on Monday.On Tuesday, Luxon will meet the Union Health and Family Welfare minister JP Nadda before leaving for Mumbai on Wednesday. He will also meet the Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis and Governor CP Radhakrishanan. MONTANA Legislature Oks Medicaid expansion A Republican proposal to leave current levels of Medicaid coverage in place in Montana headed to the governor's desk as Congress considers billions of dollars in cuts to the low-income health program. The Montana Senate gave final legislative approval to the bill Feb. 27 in a 30-20 vote. Expanded coverage had been set to expire on the safety net program that insures more than 76,000 Montana residents. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte voiced support for continuing coverage, but hadnt commented on the specific proposal. A coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats carried the bill across the finish line, after effectively wresting control of the Senate agenda from conservative GOP leaders. The measure includes new work requirements for some Montana Medicaid enrollees, criteria that had been blocked under former President Joe Biden. In 2015, Montana lawmakers voted to extend Medicaid coverage to adults between the ages of 18 and 65 with annual incomes slightly higher than the federal poverty level. The program also covers disabled, pregnant and elderly people, and children in low-income households. It now insures nearly 80 million people nationwide. The state renewed the expanded program in 2019, but set an expiration date for this summer. Under the latest bill, lawmakers would no longer need to periodically renew the program. State Rep. Ed Buttrey, a Great Falls Republican and the bill's sponsor, said the program has been a lifeline for low-income residents and the state's rural health care providers, which no longer need to spend as much money caring for uninsured patients. Republican opponents such as state Sen. Carl Glimm of Kila warned Montana could soon be saddled with much higher costs if Congress cuts funding for the states. The $880 billion Medicaid program is a prime target for the GOP-controlled body as it looks to slash federal spending. WYOMING Gun-free zone repeal becomes law CHEYENNE Gov. Mark Gordon announced on Feb. 27 that he would let a bill to repeal gun-free zones go into law without his signature while calling it a "legislative power grab." In a letter to House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, the governor reiterated his support for the repeal of gun-free zones in Wyoming but expressed frustration that "Gun-free zones are not repealed they are now determined exclusively by the legislature." "Elections are impactful, and I recognize the overwhelming majority of this legislature opted to drop a political bomb," Gordon wrote in his letter. Gordon said he vetoed a "remarkably similar bill" at the end of last year's budget session, noting that he believes each government entity should get to decide whether to allow firearms in their public spaces. Gordon said he was tempted to copy and return the same veto letter, adding that since his veto last year, 60% of school districts, every community college and the University of Wyoming had taken his suggestion and decided the question themselves. He noted that a handful of legislators tried to pass amendments recognizing that local process and grandfathering in those local decisions. Bill removes otters from protected list A bill removing otters as protected animals in Wyoming passed the Senate on Feb. 20 and headed to the governor's desk to be signed. The bill sponsored by Rep. Andrew Byron, R-Jackson, would remove otters from a list of protected animals that the Wyoming Legislature penned in the 1950s before the Endangered Species Act was law. The bill, Byron said, would let Wyoming Game and Fish remove or relocate otters something not allowed due to otters being on the list. The bill passed both legislative chambers by wide margins. A Senate committee passed an amendment to the bill removing all species blackfooted ferrets, fishers, lynx, otters, pikas and wolverines from the existing statute but the amendment was reversed on the floor of the Senate. Sen. Bill Landen, R-Casper, said that the changes went too far and changed the original intent of the bill. Byron and Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce repeatedly stated in committee that the bill would not allow for the trapping and pelt collection of otters, which would be treated like other non-game species. The designation includes other animals such as bats, pikas and prairie dogs. The bill faced opposition from some environmental groups and scientists. University of Wyoming Ecology Professor Merav Ben-David who has studied otters using Wyoming Game and Fish Department funds said that it was too early to remove otters from the list before viable populations existed in multiple places. NEW MEXICO Governor names brother to university board LAS VEGAS The governor of New Mexico has appointed her brother to the board of regents at New Mexico Highlands University, as concerns about wasteful spending and cronyism roil the state's regional university system. Greg Lujan the 64-year-old brother of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was appointed as the student regent to the five-member board at Las Vegas, New Mexico-based Highlands University, pending state Senate confirmation, the governor's office confirmed on Feb. 18. Jodi McGinnis Porter, a spokesperson for the governor, said Lujan was chosen from among several student applicants. Lujan, a mortgage loan officer, returned to college last year to pursue a degree in business and applied sciences, studying under a state scholarship and making the dean's list with high grades, McGinnis Porter said. Republican state Sen. James Townsend of Artesia told the Albuquerque Journal that the appointment of a sibling will be met with skepticism in the confirmation process. "I just think she's put her brother in a really unfortunate circumstance," Townsend told the Journal. The appointment takes place as state prosecutors try to undo a lucrative severance package for Joseph Shepard, former president at Silver City-based Western New Mexico University. It included a nearly $2 million payout approved in the wake of a scathing report that detailed wasteful spending and lax financial oversight at the school. State Attorney General Raul Torrez has outlined several allegations that included breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of the state's open meetings law and state constitution. William Garcia, the departing chairman of the board at Highlands University, said that the student position on a university board carries full voting authority. The university has roughly 3,000 students, including many aspiring teachers and social workers. March 16, 2025: The cost of the Ukraine War and the subsequent economic sanctions have imposed strains on Russias economy. Its major export, petroleum, must surmount an international ban against nations that were long-term customers for Russian oil. The United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia are the three largest exporters accounting for 39 percent of the market and Russia accounts for about 24 percent of that. Overall, Russia produces only about ten percent of all oil exports. The ban on Russian oil exports did not stop them from selling their oil covertly. Their customers had to be careful how they received the Russian oil because violating the sanctions meant the guilty customers could also be sanctioned. Russia helped with that by establishing a stealth fleet of tankers that covertly took on Russian oil and then covertly transferred it to intermediaries who, for a fee, mixed the Russian oil with oil from other suppliers. Since each oil field produced petroleum with unique chemical characteristics ,you had to either customers who checked for that or only dealt with customers who were willing to accept sanctioned oil if the discount was high enough. There has always been a market for stolen or illegally exported oil. This network used tankers that regularly took and delivered sanctioned or stolen oil and found customers willing to purchase discounted oil with no questions asked. Another angle was to accept payment in rubles, the Russian currently rather than dollars, which is the usual currency used by international oil traders. Then there was the barter option. Russia would accept other sanctioned goods as payment. The Russian economy was hurt by losing access to European, Chinese and American suppliers. Individual companies in many nations are willing to make such deals. India has an abundance of oil consumers who are willing to take discounted oil and some were willing to trade the petroleum for other raw materials or manufactured goods. There is a vast international network of shady traders who will make risky deals if the payoff is high enough. Russia found other ways to keep their economy going despite the sanctions. Registering companies in occupied portions of Ukraine makes it easier for illegal trades to take place because the Russian firms get away with pretending to be Ukrainian operations. This was discovered when someone noticed that the economies of war devastated regions were doing a huge amount of international business. This sort of thing has been going on since 2014 when Russia seized Crimea and the east Ukraine Donbas region. The actual invasion of Ukraine in 2022 simply increased the severity of the 2014 era sanctions. Since the 1990s Russia has been having economic problems and in the last two decades these problems got worse. Russia admits that about a third of its population is living in poverty. Many Russians, and foreign economists, believe the real rate is nearly 70 percent. Russian living standards have suffered continuous disasters since 2013 when the price of the major export oil and gas fell by more than half and has not fully recovered. In 2014 Russia declared it was at war with NATO and Ukraine. That resulted in economic sanctions that have gotten worse since then. When the current Russian government took power in 2000, it became very popular by keeping a key campaign promise; to reduce the poverty rate. The poverty rate fell from 29 percent of the population in 2000 to just under 12 percent in 2012. Then came economic disasters, some of them self-inflicted. By 2018 the poverty rate was 14 percent and 33 percent in 2019. In 2020 there was a local and international economic recession caused by covid19. Thats why the government's claim that the poverty rate is still a third of the population in 2021 was met with disbelief and derision. Many Russians compared that claim to something not heard since the days of the Soviet Union where official lies were the norm and denying them was a criminal offense. Captured Russian documents revealed that the Ukraine invasion was expected to be quick and profitable. It wasnt and that made the Russians more desperate to solve the worsening economic problems. Meanwhile more Russians were noting that China, for the first time, had a larger and more modern military than Russia. The mighty Soviet era Red Army had lost 80 percent of its manpower in the 1990s and nearly as much of its budget. That meant the 1990s Russian army was also smaller than the peacetime American army for the first time. This came at a time when China is quietly taking over the Russian Far east. The official lie is that the Russian Far East is prospering because of massive investments in infrastructure and local businesses. What the government plays down is that all of that is for turning the Russian Far East economy into something that serves and benefits only China. The new roads, pipelines, electric power production and railways are mainly to supply China. The Far East is still unable to attract Russians and more and more of the workforce consists of Chinese and North Koreans, including many there illegally or, in the case of North Koreans, as the equivalent of slave-labor. Chinese merchants and suppliers dominate the local economy and Russians fear that eventually the Chinese will act on its centuries old claims to the Far East and simply tell the Russian government it is ours and the Russian will not be able to do anything about it. Its not just the Russian Far east that is dependent on the Chinese economy for survival. All of Russia does now and that is not a popular situation. Its not a new problem either. Back in the 1960s Russia seriously considered launching a nuclear attack on China before it became a major threat. The American warned Russia to not ever try that. Russia fears China, just as World War II Japan feared Russia. In both cases Russia agreed to be a bystander, at least until it was clear who was losing. It is 40 years this month since Britain's miners their heads held high marched back to the remaining pits following a year-long strike. Their slogan throughout the dispute had been 'Coal not Dole' these were men who wanted work, not benefits. They lived in an era in which the 'work ethic' was alive and well. If, like me, you'd experienced grinding poverty in my case, after the death of my father in a works accident when I was 12 you had it in your bones that a job, however onerous, was better than relying on the charity of others. There was a clear understanding, shared by people on the Left of British politics, that employment offered independence and fostered self-esteem the so-called 'dignity of labour'. As a result, just 3.6 per cent of the working-age population was on benefits to support long-term disability and sickness. What a difference four decades makes. Today, the figure has doubled, with more than 7 per cent of the workforce claiming help for physical and mental health ailments an astonishing 3.1 million people. Given the strides made in medicine and mental health provision in that time, these figures are a jaw-dropping indictment of 21st-century Britain's attitude to work. And it's no surprise to hear that funding benefits on this scale costs a small fortune: 66 billion a year to be exact, a bill that is projected to rise to over 100 billion by 2030. This week, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, will introduce reforms that will substantially curtail this colossal future increase in expenditure by possibly as much as 6 billion, and simultaneously coax as many people as possible back into work. Lord Blunkett with his guide dog in his office in the Palace of Westminster, December 2024 This week, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, will introduce reforms that will substantially curtail this colossal future increase in expenditure by possibly as much as 6 billion Even the most tedious and poorly paid job can be a stepping stone to greater things (stock image) And this could not come a moment too soon, when almost a million young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are 'NEETs' 'not in education, employment or training'. That total is 110,000 higher than a year earlier and is a scandal that we cannot allow to continue. Saying to young and old alike, 'We will help you if you help yourself', is not Right-wing brutalism. While it is both humane and rational to support those among us who are simply unable to work, it is quite the opposite to prop up avoidable idleness. Not only does this undermine the confidence of the individual concerned, but it thwarts their potential, and can be ruinous to their mental health. Studies have reinforced the common-sense view that work is good for us. A job provides contact with people, a purpose for getting up in the morning, a structure and a rhythm to life. There are few people who have not hit a bad patch in their lives. A moment when they felt truly down, sad, fearful and distressed. Often it has been family or friends or just someone with the know-how to provide good advice that have helped to pick us up and get us back on track. That is what needs to happen now, writ large for tens of thousands in fact, hundreds of thousands of people who, in their heart of hearts, want to work, know that work would be good for them and just need that nudge. Even the most tedious and poorly paid job can be a stepping stone to greater things. When I left a residential school for blind children, I took home 12 a week working as a clerk-typist. Fortunately, I was allowed to supplement this with college and evening classes, and I was soon able to climb the ladder of lifelong learning. I want us, as a nation, to offer that life chance to everyone who currently finds themselves dependent on benefits. And I wish all of my Labour colleagues agreed. But frustratingly there is still a cohort in my party who are stuck in a well-meaning, paternalistic view of the world. To them, I say: 'Give those in need a hand up, not a handout.' It is naive to brand what Liz Kendall is trying to achieve as a 'return to austerity'. Apparently there is division in the Cabinet (when isn't there?) and a rebellion is brewing among the rank-and-file members. But the doubters in my party must see that we cannot help those who need support the most and continue to find billions of pounds in additional welfare payments at the same time. The two things are incompatible. We must break the cycle. That so many of our youth are deemed to be completely inactive is a generational timebomb that stores all sorts of social ills for decades to come. So, do we tick along as usual hoping that explosion will never come or transform Britain for the better now? Lord Blunkett was a Labour Cabinet minister for eight years. An elite security expert has revealed why the royal family frequently don't wear seatbelts... and how they're unlikely to face the long arm of the law because of it. Almost every senior royal, including the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne, has been spotted in the back seat of - and occasionally in the front or even driving - a vehicle with an apparently free-and-easy approach to personal safety. The late Queen Elizabeth II, a keen driver, would often choose to go without a seatbelt when behind the wheel on the Windsor estate and her daughter, the Princess Royal, 74, has also been pictured many times driving without a seatbelt on over the decades. While Prince William and Kate Middleton definitely wear them when driving their young family around, if the royal couple are attending a high profile event, it's more likely they'll too appear minus seatbelts. King Charles and Queen Camilla seem to be the royals who are the most comfortable with eschewing the safety devices though. Whether they're in one of the household's two state Bentleys in London or heading from Balmoral to Crathie Kirk church in the back of a regal Range Rover, it's common to see the King and Queen not buckling up. Such photos beg the question, why don't the royal family face being pulled over and fined for the apparent safety misdemeanor? Or is there another, security-based reason behind it? British security expert Michael Chandler has guarded some of the most famous people in the world, offering close protection services to the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Bradley Cooper and Uma Thurman. The King and Queen pictured arriving for church at Crathie Kirk, close to Balmoral, in September last year; Charles and Camilla are frequently photographed without seatbelts on While the Prince and Princess of Wales will wear seatbelts when driving in their own cars, for state occasions they're often without them The late Queen Elizabeth was also partial to not wearing a belt; the late monarch is pictured attending the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park, Windsor Castle in 2021 And the Princess Royal, here spotted driving away from The Blue Cross' Animal Adoption Centre in 2009, has been seen driving without a seatbelt on over the decades Now running his own company training others to be close protection officers, he tells MailOnline that there's various reasons - including some you might not expect - why the royals have a flexible approach to safety in vehicles. Firstly, he clarifies that when on lengthier trips or a journey that requires some speed to cut through traffic, the royals will almost certainly wear them like the rest of us. Chandler says: 'They do actually wear seatbelts, probably much more than people realise. On those occasions where they're travelling relatively quickly through London or on motorways - they will certainly wear seatbelts.' So, when might they not? He suggests that if a security risk against a high profile person is particularly high, then how quickly that person can get out of a car is deemed crucial, saying: 'The main reason royals might not wear security belts is because of security considerations. 'As you might imagine, there's concerns about extracting a principal from a vehicle as quickly as possible.' Whether the King will wear a seatbelt will likely have been planned in advance too. 'It's likely there's a risk-based approach. There'll be a risk assessment, the outcome of which will determine whether or not there needs to be extra precautions.' And yes, appearance and comfort might also play a role, says our expert. The late Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth pictured driving to church at Sandringham in 2010 - a royal protection officer is seated in the back, with the late Queen not wearing a seatbelt Princess Anne pictured driving while pregnant with her first child, Peter Phillips, in 1977 The Road Traffic Act outlines exemptions for those under the protection of police at ceremonial or state events (Pictured: Kate and William at Buckingham Palace in 2022) Pictured at Balmoral in January, Queen Camilla wears a seatbelt in the front - but the King is without one in the back of their royal car Chandler says its unlikely the police protecting the royals are to be queried by other police colleagues on the issue of seatbelts 'The other element that may be less obvious is the one around convenience. 'If they're in and out of a vehicle, royals will be less inclined to fit their seatbelt every time they get out of the car. 'With men for example, a seatbelt can crease shirts and so that might also be a factor.' The King, of course, is also exempt from prosecution under sovereign immunity. Chandler, who has a law degree, explains: 'Under a very old piece of legislation, the Bill of Rights from 1689, the monarchy was established to be above legal challenges and courts. 'More recently, the Crown Proceedings Act of 1947 allowed lawsuits against Government and Crown departments but explicitly excluded the Monarch. 'The royal prerogative means that certain powers and rulings remain under the Crown, including legal immunity.' However, what about royals who aren't exempt from prosecution? Former close protection officer Michael Chandler, pictured with Uma Thurman in London 2012, has protected some of the world's biggest stars, including Sir Paul McCartney, and a host of high net worth individuals in Russia and the Middle East Chandler runs his own company, which has offices across the globe, training others how to become close protection officers Chandler says: 'When it's other senior royals, such as the Prince and Princess of Wales, a lack of seatbelts is likely more because of a risk-based assessment. 'It doesn't legally exempt them if they're not travelling for a ceremonial duty but they're unlikely to be arrested when it was a decision made by someone who's looking after them. 'In short, the police who provide the protection aren't likely to be challenged by their policing colleagues.' He explains: 'Regulation 6E of the Road Traffic Act, updated in 1993, states that for vehicles that are used for police, fire and rescue services, seatbelts used by those parties are exempt. That will include diplomatic protection because it's an office of the Metropolitan Police. Meanwhile, Chandler adds that 'Regulation 6B covers passengers in vehicles used in ceremonial services, state occasions and official events. 'When the public is most likely to see the royal family in public vehicles, they're more likely not to see them wearing seatbelts because they're on state visits.' Hairstylists and content creators are predicting a series of wild upcoming trends for 2025, and it's not the usual bobs and bangs. Creative director Elysia Berman shared a viral TikTok about the hair trends she's seen coming out of Paris Fashion Week. Elysia believes that '80s influenced helmet hair is back, along with frizzy hair and the Gen Z hated side part. Some commenters thought that the return of these trends could signal an upcoming recession, because they meant people would spend less money on expensive treatments, products, and hot tools. To find out which trends will be on the rise, FEMAIL consulted celebrity hairstylist Marcos Diaz, who has more than a decade of experience working with clients like Hailey Bieber, Katy Perry, and most recently, Sienna Miller. In the video, Elysia predicted the return of helmet hair. The content creator said: 'We've been trending towards for a long time with the slick back bun that everyone's been doing.' However, she described the '80s-inspired version as a lot more fashionable, elegant and refined.' Bella Hadid hit the runway during the Saint Laurent show with an updated look on the 'clean girl' bun, showing off the helmet hair slickback style Marcos, who specializes in luxury hairstyling, editorial looks, and high-end event styling, confirmed sleek, sculpted styles will become 'more popular as a polished evolution of the clean-girl aesthetic' Marcos, who specializes in luxury hairstyling, editorial looks, and high-end event styling, confirmed sleek, sculpted styles will become 'more popular as a polished evolution of the clean-girl aesthetic.' Marcos believes this look offers a new way to 'play with structure and shine.' Elysia also thinks frizz is on the rise with the rise in 'conservatism globally, wearing your natural texture is going to start to be seen as a rebellious act,' because 'you're willfully balking beauty standards.' Marcos agreed that 'we're moving toward more natural, undone textures, and frizz is a big part of that,' adding, 'think effortless, air-dried waves instead of overly polished styles.' Another trend all over the runway this season was bedhead. The relaxed locks are in direct opposition to the popularity of professional looking blowouts made possible with expensive blowdry brushes that are high-maintenance and difficult to maintain. Elysia's followers loved the trends, with one joking, 'Frizz?! Now's my time.' Some said the hairstyles were in response to a looming recession, since they didn't require a $599 blowdry brush or expensive products. After the Dyson Airwrap was released in October 2018, it became inescapable online, with many beauty vloggers making tutorials about how to use it, and influencers showing how they got perfect curls using the tool. Alexa Chung walked the runway during the Chloe Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 show during Paris Fashion with wavy bedhead Now, hair trends are moving away from the perfectly made up look, and are far more relaxed, as seen at this year's Paris Fashion Week Women are also going back to embracing side parts again. Many Gen X and millennial women said they never changed their side parts, even though Gen Z revolted against them and said middle parts were the only way. Those aren't the only funky trends that are increasing in popularity. Marcos also expects to see more micro bangs, edgy jellyfish cuts, and warm brunette shades like teddy brunette and honey bronze, as well as a return to rich, dimensional color, which is easy to keep up at home, rather than ultra-ashy tones. Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga have already embraced the jellyfish cut on the red carpet. The controversial style is easy to DIY, and includes blunt, chin-length face-framing pieces and waist-length hair. On a chilly New Year night in 2007, Amy Fitzpatrick spent the night at her friend's house. Then 15, chatty red-head, originally from Dublin, was living in Mijas, Spain with her mother Audrey, stepfather Dave and brother Dean. At midnight, she phoned her mother to wish her a happy new year. Little did Audrey know this was the last time she'd ever speak to her daughter. After spending the night at Ashley's house, where she had been baby-sitting Ashley's younger brother, Amy headed home the next day. It is thought that she embarked on the 20 minute walk home via a dirt track in the heart of the Costa Del Sol at 10pm, however Amy never made it home. The ensuing search involved more than 200 police officers but 17 years later Amy still hasn't been found - with her parents still searching for answers today. Some believe the investigation was hindered by lack of resources or coordination between authorities in Spain and Ireland and to this day not one person has ever been arrested or formally interviewed in relation to Amy's disappearance. Apart from the initial investigation and search for Amy, which lasted a couple of weeks, the investigation stalled and Spanish authorities listed her as a 'missing person'. Amy Fitzpatrick, from Dublin, Ireland, who was just 15 years old at the time, went missing in Mijas, near Fuengirola on the Costa Del Sol, in 2008, where she had been living with her mother Audrey, stepfather Dave Mahon and brother Dean Andrey Fitzpatrick, mother of missing teenager, Amy Fitzpatrick, and her husband Dave Mahon in 2008 'It's been 17 years since Amy disappeared, and the pain feels just as raw as it did that day,' her father Christopher Fitzpatrick told the Sunday World. 'Our hearts are shattered, our lives forever changed, and the ache of not knowing where she is or what happened to her is unbearable'. For many, the case is eerily similar to that of Madeleine McCann, the British three-year-old who went missing in the Algarve in the middle of the night months before Amy's disappearance. In fact, Amy's parents even hired the same private investigators as the McCann's in the hope of finding their daughter. Her family now believe she is dead and say her disappearance should have been treated as a murder probe and not a missing person's case. Amy, who would be 33 years old today, had left Dublin for Spain with her family in 2004 after her parents split up. She had been planning to move back to Dublin to live with her father before she vanished. The night of her disappearance Amy was carrying a Bershka bag containing a tracksuit Ashley had lent her and a pink-coloured Irish mobile phone, however the phone was later found in the Fitzpatrick family home during a police search. The teenager had been babysitting at her friend Ashley Rose's (right) house on New Year's night and she phoned mother at midnight to wish her Happy New Year, that was the last time she heard from her daughter Ashley claimed Amy definitely had the phone on her when she left her house, therefore says she must of made it home. 'It looks to me like Amy made it home. She had that phone in our house, and then her mother had it in the interview,' she told the Herald. 'I remember she used the phone to access her mother's number on New Year's Eve in our house and rang the number from our house,' Ashley said. 'I've told the Guardia Civil here but nobody has followed it up or taken it seriously,' she added. Spanish police officers carried out a detailed search of the path between the two girls' houses, centimetre by centimetre, and found no signs of violence. The Guardia Civil the principle hypothesis, at least for the first few weeks, was that Amy had simply run away, because the teen gone missing voluntarily in the past, although only for a matter of hours. At one point the police issued an alert about a white Ford Fiesta on British plates, which belonged to one of Amy's friends, a 34-year-old Irishman who used to fix her computer for her. The vehicle was stolen around the same time that she went missing, but this line of investigation, that Amy had run away, came to nothing. Amy's disappearance did not get the same level of international media attention as other cases. Some believe the investigation was hindered by lack of resources or coordination between authorities in Spain and Ireland Speaking in 2008, Audrey, who did not officially report her daughter missing until January 3, recalled: 'The phone call was the last I heard from her. 'She said "happy New Year, I love you and I'll see you tomorrow" 'I think about her all the time. But you can't let yourself think what might have happened because if you do the thoughts that come into your head will drive you mad. 'If you have a death in the family eventually it gets easier. But every morning I wake up it's like a death everyday and that's what you have to live through. It doesn't get easier.' There had reportedly been tension in the Fitzpatrick home before Amy's disappearance. Audrey and Amy had been due to travel back to Ireland for Christmas that year, but had to stay in Spain because her brother Dean had 'got in trouble', according to Audrey. Audrey said her daughter had 'thrown a little hissy fit' at being unable to go home, 'but she got over it so well'. The divisions between Amy's estranged parents worsened, after it was reported that her father Christopher learned of her disappearance through social media several days after it happened. Amy Fitzpatricks father Christopher holding one of the doves which were released after the mass to mark one year since her disappearance in 2009 Amy's stepdad Dave Mahon was the one who initially led the search to find Amy after she went missing on the island. Her best friend Ashley and her mother Debbie said the teen detested her stepfather - the man would later go on to kill her only brother Dean, 23, in May 2013. He was convicted in June 2016 and sentenced to seven years in jail for manslaughter, however after serving five he was released in 2021. Dave claimed he stabbed Amy's brother by mistake, after claiming the young man ran into a knife he was holding inside his pocket, following a row over a water bottle. He reunited with his wife, Audrey, the mother of Dean and Amy, who stood by him after he killed her son. The pair have started a new life in the west of Ireland and are living together in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. A senior investigator working on Amy's case revealed that they were 'interested' in Dean's tragic death. Amy and Dean's father claimed that his son 'planned to come forward' with new information on Amy's case before he was stabbed to death. It emerged the 23-year-old was planning to go to gardai with vital information which he hoped would catch Amy's killer. Christopher told Irish Mirror. 'The last couple of days he was confiding in me quite a lot about Amy. 'Before that he never said much but he was coming around and talking a lot more about it. He was loosening up in the last week and a half.' Dave, who self-published an autobiography titled How Much Pain Can Our Hearts Endure, previously claimed no one has ever accused him of Amy's disappearance. In his book he identified four suspects in the disappearance of Amy and he says he hopes one day someone takes it seriously. In the book he speaks about meeting with a British man who is one of the four 'suspects' and asking him directly if he had any involvement in Amy's disappearance. He claimed that the man got spooked and 'went on the run' and he doesn't know where he is to this day. He insisted the Spanish police need to investigate the four people one of whom he believes is responsible for what happened to Amy 17 years ago. Dave (pictured) was convicted of killing Amy's brother Dean, 23, after they had a row in the summer of 2013 However another mystery puzzled investigators throughout the years, Ashley and Debbie said at the time that Amy always carried her phone with her and even had it on the night of her disappearance. But her device was later found during a search of the apartment she shared with her mother and stepdad and it has never been established how the phone got back to the property if Amy was abducted on her way home that night. Dave claimed neither he or Audrey who married him after he killed her son Dean in 2013 were ever suspects. One of Dave's 'suspects' in his book was a convicted killer who he believes was never seriously investigated by police. Another man Dave suspects visited their house in Spain and spent a lot of time around Amy. Speaking to the Irish Mirror in 2024, he added: 'He was in the house alone with Amy a few times, I didn't know that at the time. I haven't spoken to that man in 16 years.' Asked if he thinks Amy is dead, he wrote: 'It's more fairly high she's gone but 99% not 100. 'Look, it could be she's off on a yacht somewhere living the high life. All those things go through your mind.' In another interview with the Mirror, Audrey revealed that she had received information from someone in Amy's circle who said she had allegedly got involved in a drugs transport deal. She claimed two men said they would pay her 100 euro if she pretended to be the daughter of one of them and sit in the car with them on 'drug runs'. A Spanish Civil Guard agent took part in the search for the 15-year-old who vanished on 1st January 2008 Audrey said: 'These were bad men. These men were in their 40s or 50s and she sat there and got paid for just being there in the car. 'I didn't know anything about this. I was told she would sit in the front of the car like somebody's daughter.' The scheme worked by the men posing as though they were on a family day out in the car, therefore being able to get through any potential police checkpoint easier. Audrey revealed that she remembered her daughter often going off for periods of time but she thought she was shopping with friends. While no concrete evidence has ever emerged in Amy's disappearance, in 2011 a police report stated three witnesses claimed that they saw Amy at a local bar the night she vanished. It claimed Amy's was spotted in the Trafalgar Bar in Calahonda's El Zoco hours after her previous last reported sighting. However investigations led to a dead end and this line of enquiry was eventually dropped by police. Some investigators believe there could be a Dublin gangland connection, with suspicion falling on the hitman Eric 'Lucky' Wilson. A Facebook tip-off led the family to ask gardai to investigate possible links with the gangster, who the source claimed 'boasted about murdering her.' In an emotional post on Facebook, Christopher and his sister Christine Kenny (pictured) recently told how a day does not go by when they don't think of Amy Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2012, Dave said: 'We are hopeful there will be movement on this, we believe the information we have is credible.' At the time of her disappearance, Wilson was living near the area where she vanished. He had rented a farm in Coin, less than 30km away from Amy's home of Calahonda. Wilson, from Ballyfermot, Dublin, had been linked to a string of unsolved gangland contract killings in Ireland thought to include those of Paul Reay in 2006 and Roy Coddington in 2007. The gangster was sentenced in 2011 to a 23-year jail sentence for the brutal killing of a British expat. In 2010, he shot Dan Smith eight times from close range after racing home on his motorbike to fetch a gun following a drunken row over a girl. It was claimed that the girl was one of Amy's friends, and that the missing teenager had been spotted near the area where the shooting took place on the night she disappeared two years earlier. Amy was spotted in the Costa del Sol town with an older man at the time and her family now believe it was Wilson. Meanwhile, in 2009, there were reports that the Fitzpatrick family received a 'ransom note' which police believed to be a scam. Audrey revealed an African man phoned her and said Amy had been kidnapped and was being held in Madrid. Dave claimed he stabbed Amy's brother Dean (pictured) by mistake, after claiming the young man ran into a knife he was holding inside his pocket, following a row over a water bottle He told her he would call back in two hours with a name and an address in the Spanish capital. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Audrey added: 'So I agreed, of course. Five hours later, I got a text to say ''Can you pay us 500,000? Yes or no? Send your answer now and we will send you all the information you need.'' 'Two hours later he texted again saying he was still waiting for my answer. I'm almost certain it was a con but there is a chance he has something. There is no proof yet.' Audrey contacted the Spanish police and the private detectives who later were able to establish that the callers were using two different pay-as-you-go telephones which were untraceable and likely a scam. Elsewhere one of Amy's friends later revealed details of his last conversation with Amy the night before she disappeared on social media site MSN. Alan Quieros told the Irish Mirror that Amy said she had a 'scheme' after her mother cancelled her flights home to Ireland. Amy apparently told Alan: 'I love you, Happy New Year, and don't worry about me, I've got a scheme'. Audrey was shocked to hear this information for the first time, especially 15 years after her daughter's disappearance. In another strange twist in the case, eight months after Amy's disappearance Dave reported that burglars smashed their way into their Spanish home and stole items from Amy's room, including Audrey's laptop, which she'd been using in the search for Amy and had missing person poster designs on it. Dave, who claimed he was at the gym at the time of the incident, said they 'ransacked the place' stealing jewelry and vital contact numbers for politicians who were helping with Amy's case. Worryingly Amy's Nokia phone was also later reported to have been stolen in the burglary. It is thought that she embarked on the 20 minute walk home at 10pm via a dirt track, however Amy never returned home ( Amy pictured with her pink Nokia phone) In the same month, Fitzpatrick's lawyer, Juan Jose de la Fuente Teixido, said burglars also got into his property and stole 'confidential police reports' related to Amy's case. He said: 'The stolen documents included confidential police reports about Fitzpatrick's disappearance. I believe the burglary was related to Fitzpatrick's disappearance. 'It makes no sense that they took documents which financially are worthless, and left behind all my expensive valuables like TVs, computers and music equipment.' Amy's aunt Christine Kenny believes there is cause to ask more questions about what was happening in Amy's life in the lead-up to her disappearance. In an interview with TheJournal.ie in 2017, she claimed there were 'were too many coincidences.' She said: 'I truly believe this wasn't a flash-in-the-pan incident. I don't think it was planned or anything but these things don't just happen out of nothing.' 'You know when you just have that 'that's not right' kind of feeling. I want a set of fresh eyes to have a look at this case.' Yet another bizarre development in the case came in 2023, when Christine revealed that an anonymous woman sent her new important information which could prove to be vital in solving the case. Speaking to the Mirror she said: 'This lady has never been given her name, but she has been giving information over the years. 'This information has eventually found its way to me through sources. I haven't got around to all the bits and pieces. There are about 21 pages in it and it's ongoing.' In 2023, one of Spain's top television networks, La Sexta, aired a documentary about the teens disappearance in an appeal to get new clues about the case. The documentary featured an interview with the lawyer of Audrey and Dave, Mr Juan Jose de la Fuente, where he claimed to be astonished when they offered a one million euro reward for any information about Amy. The lawyer believed the couple simply didn't have the money because he ended up spending a lot of his own money on the case. He said: 'I paid for advertising and many things between 6,000 to 12,000. I also paid for a trip to Ireland. I also paid for a trip to the Canary Islands'. Over the years Dave and Audrey claimed they exhausted all efforts to try and find Amy but don't have the strength they once did because their health is declining. Christopher Fitzpatrick and Dean (brother of Amy) following a special mass service for Amy in 2008 Speaking to Dublin Live, Dave said: 'There's always something we can do. But we are not doing it all the time. We were doing it 24/7 and we burned ourselves out. I'm not saying I got cancer from it but it didn't help. 'Audrey attempted suicide and was in hospital and she needed a new liver. So we tried our best and then some.' He added: 'You do think that pretty much every day, that you're never going to know but you never fully give up hope. You know someday they could knock down a building and Amy could be under it. Now a mother herself, Amy's friend Ashley, 30, who was the last person to see her, blamed the Spanish authorities for not doing more to find her mate. Speaking to the Irish Mirror, she said: 'The way the Spanish police have treated this case from the very start is an absolute disgrace. 'They are convinced Amy ran away from home, is still alive somewhere and that is the end of it. They have no interest in looking for her or trying to find out where she is buried. 'The Spanish police are just not interested because Amy is Irish. I can guarantee you if Amy was a Spanish child there would be world war then and they would move heaven and earth to find her.' Ashley, who was the last person to see Amy before she went missing, believes that her friend was killed and that her 'murder is being covered up.' She claimed she has her own suspicions and what happened to her friend but doesn't feel comfortable 'naming names.' Amy's father has set up a petition on Change.org, asking the Irish and Spanish authorities to resume the investigation. In an emotional post on Facebook, Christopher and his sister Christine recently told how a day does not go by when they don't think of Amy. He said: 'It's 17 years since Amy disappeared and the pain feels just as raw as it did that day. 'Our hearts are shattered, our lives forever changed, and the ache of not knowing where she is or what happened to her is unbearable. 'Amy, we miss you more than words can ever say. Not a single day goes by where we don't long to see your beautiful smile, to hear you laugh or to hold you close. 'The emptiness you've left behind is overwhelming and our family will never be whole again. 'To anyone out there who knows anything, please, we beg you, help us bring Amy home. Even after all these years we need answers, we need closure. 'Amy we will never stop loving you or hoping for the day we can finally have peace. You are forever in our hearts you beautiful girl.' Spanish police said the file on Amy's case is still open but they are still treating her disappearance as a missing person's inquiry. An adorable dog has developed a 'fake limp' to show sympathy with her brother. Fletcher, who lives in Spain, recently got a new sibling, a street dog from Thailand Candy. Candy had a difficult life and lost one of her legs after she was dumped in the jungle as a puppy, but her new 'forever family' have welcomed her with both arms and Fletcher has found his own way to show his affection for her. As Candy hops along with the family on walks, they noticed that Fletcher started doing the same and now he has his very own 'limp' just like his best friend. The footage of the adorable siblings was filmed by the new owners but shared on social media by Niall Harbison - an animal rescuer who works out in Thailand. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, he shared the emotional story along with videos of the sweet pooches playing happily together. He wrote: 'This story of how one dog developed a fake limp will make your heart burst with joy. Meet Fletcher the kindest boy ever. 'Fletcher lives in Spain and last week he got a new sibling called Candy. She is an adopted street dog from Thailand. Along with his family he welcomed her in kindly. An adorable dog has developed a 'fake limp' for the sweetest reason and it's leaving people reaching for the tissues (Pooch Fletcher and his adopted sister Candy, left) 'Candy and Fletcher have been out on walks together and its all worked out great. She hops along without a care in the world. 'Fletcher has started copying the way Candy walks with her 3 legs. Fletcher says he wanted to make sure Candy feel comfortable and that she fits in well here. He says he loves his new sister. The rescuer concluded: 'So if you ever think the world is bad just remember there is a dog out there putting on a fake limp to welcome his new best friend. Good boy Fletcher.' Many rushed to the comments to say they were proud of Fletcher for welcoming his new sister so warmly. One person said: 'Ohh Fletcher, what a good boy, truly that heart's just pure gold and so awesome to see sweet Candy loving her new life and her new family!' Another said: 'Dogs are incredible. Mine did this on our walks when my knee was screwed up. Just started randomly limping.' Someone else said: 'Not crying .. just been chopping onions.honestly.' A fourth added: 'Fletcher you have more sympathy and kindness in your heart than many humans. What a good boy.' This story of how one dog developed a fake limp will make your heart burst with joy. Meet Fletcher the kindest boy ever (1/7) pic.twitter.com/Pvi3TkubFh Niall Harbison (@NiallHarbison) March 12, 2025 As Candy hops along with the family on walks, they noticed that Fletcher started doing the same and now he has his very own 'limp' just like his best friend Candy had a difficult life and lost one of her legs after she was dumped in the jungle as a puppy, but her new 'forever family' have welcomed her with both arms and Fletcher has found his own way to show his affection for her Candy was luckily adopted by a loving family in Spain were she will spend the rest of her life Niall, originally from Ireland, dedicating his life to rescuing street dogs in Thailand after a brush with death According to experts at Dogster.com dogs often fake injuries to 'gain attention, affection, or extra treats.' They said: 'If they notice that a behavior, like limping, results in increased attention, sympathy, or treats, they may learn to associate it with positive outcomes. 'They may sense that when theyre injured, we shower them with love, pampering, and extra goodies.' Niall dedicating his life to rescuing street dogs in Thailand after a brush with death. The rescuer, a recovering alcoholic who's originally from Ireland but now lives in the Far Eastern country, lives with around 80 dogs and plans to one day help 10,000 street dogs a month. He previously told MailOnline that he vowed to change his life after being admitted to intensive care following a drinking binge sparked by depression and anxiety. Niall spends thousands of dollars every month on keeping his dog sanctuary, Happy Doggo running, alongside crowdfunding via his social media platforms, with donations helping to pay for veterinary care of the dogs that come his way. His Instagram account has gone from just 800 followers two years ago to 1.2million today - with fans keen to see content on how he's transforming the lives of the dogs he's coming into contact with. Many rushed to the comments to say they were proud of Fletcher for welcoming his new sister so warmly He explained how he began rescuing street dogs after he almost lost his life to alcohol abuse. 'I started the mission after ending up in ICU in hospital. I nearly drank myself to death because I suffered from anxiety and depression. I spent three days there and when nearly dying I vowed to change my life and do something meaningful. He said he started looking after one dog, Lucky, but 'the bag of food just got bigger and bigger going to four dogs then eight, and then eventually up to 80 dogs per day.' Previously, his followers were keeping a close eye on a dog called Alba, a dog he posted about in January, explaining that she'd been found chained up, and extremely emaciated. In posts on X (formerly Twitter) , he explained: 'We rescued little Alba 36 hours ago. Her life is still very much in the balance but Ive had some little wins with her today. We have hope now and thats the most important.' He added: 'Shes on her third dose of medicines already. Theyve thrown her off her appetite for most of the day but are staying down. The medicines could kill her is the worry but we have to try something urgently.' The animal rescuer then shared a video of himself grooming Alba, explaining that: 'I didnt want to stress her too much but the big ugly chain marks were on her neck. I told her that if she looks good shell feel good. Along with all the ticks being gone these are huge wins.' Despite managing to get Alba to eat, and even take a little walk, he was mindful that she still isn't out of the woods, writing: 'We have to be mindful her chances of survival are still small. Her weight is one thing but the heart worms, kidneys under attack and heart worms are going to be tough to fight. The only focus is one more days survival. Every day is a win.' However, this morning, Harbison shared several videos on Instagram, showing some cautious optimism that Alba seems to be improving. While he reminded followers that sick dog can see their health decline very quickly, he described Alba as seeming 'more alive' than when he first took her in. One particularly promising video showed the pooch eating as she enthusiastically wagged her tail. The video was accompanied by text that said: 'Alba is up and alive and eating this morning. Look at that tail.' According to the charity's website, it was in early 2021 when Niall Harbison was recovering from a near-death experience caused by substance abuse that he started jogging around Koh Samui, Thailand in an effort to get back on track. He started bringing food to many of the malnourished dogs he saw en route, and started sharing videos of the animals online. The site adds: 'Niall's videos started to attract the attention of people all over the world who wanted to help. 'He began feeding and vaccinating as many dogs as he could, but he quickly realised that sterilisation was the only way to fix the problem long-term.' While he has gained more than a million Instagram followers, and helped many animals, he has huge plans. 'Niall secured a piece of land and set about making a sanctuary for dogs to recuperate, taking in only the most sick and vulnerable dogs,' says the charity website. 'He named it after Tina, the golden retriever he rescued in Thailand who inspired a movement. 'It will be located adjacent to Happy Doggo Land. With approximately 3,117 square feet of medical facilities, it will host two operating theatres, diagnostic facilities such as x-rays, as well as an in-house lab, a pharmacy, an intensive care unit, and overnight capacity for approximately 15 dogs.' Alice Crawley had always been surrounded by chaos. Growing up in Toronto, Canada, she was raised by high-achieving, high-functioning alcoholic parents in a house that she likens to a 'circus'. 'It was like living in a pressure cooker,' she tells me. 'I always felt like I was walking on eggshells and I never felt safe. 'My dad was a quiet drunk, whereas my mum would often be throwing plates and martini glasses at the walls. 'She would rage and any of us could be her target, whoever she felt like picking on that day. It was frightening.' Despite her heavy drinking, Alice's mother was a successful academic specialising in medieval warfare; her father, who had grown up in foster homes, was a self-made man: a genius mathematician who went on to found his own reinsurance company. 'The message I received was: as long as you were performing, this kind of reckless behaviour was okay.' Alice had her first alcoholic drink at seven, and got blackout drunk for the first time at age nine Alice had her first drink at the age of seven when her parents allowed her a small glass of mulled wine at a Christmas party. 'I remember vividly taking a few sips and feeling this huge sense of relief,' she says. 'It was like a big warm hug. It was the first time I'd ever felt safe. I thought, "I'm going to be okay."' After that, Alice began sneaking drinks from her parents' liquor cabinet. At age nine, she got blackout drunk for the first time after drinking a concoction of spirits she had found in the cupboard. During high school, she gravitated towards a bad crowd, began smoking cannabis and tried LSD for the first time. She would hang around outside shops and ask older teenagers or young adults to buy alcohol for her. 'But at the same time I was school president, debate team champion, and starred in all the school plays, so my parents didn't care what I did after class,' she adds. 'My mum even thought it was funny. One morning after I'd come home clearly drunk the night before, she laughed and told me to eat some bacon and eggs. She said to me, "You'll be fine after that."' Other issues were creeping in, too. Alice had begun to binge on junk food, then go for long runs to burn it all off. The relief she got from exercise was akin to the release she got from booze. Some days she would exercise for up to four hours. Alice loved to experiment with LSD, mushrooms and ecstasy at parties, but her drug use soon spiralled out of control after being introduced to meth Later, rather than bingeing on food, she would simply restrict her intake - but still felt compelled to run or use the Stairmaster for hours on end. Alice went to university in Nova Scotia where she studied classical metaphysics, then eastern spirituality and Japanese. She leaned into the heavy drinking culture on campus where other high achievers like her worked hard and played harder. She would get 'really drunk' five nights a week, drinking as many as 25 beers and sometimes experimenting with mushrooms, ecstasy and LSD. 'If I had an essay due, I might lay off the beers, but I'd still be smoking pot,' she adds. After eventually seeing a psychiatrist about her food and exercise issues, she was diagnosed with anxiety, and prescribed tranquillisers. 'That was when it got really bad, because I'd mix the prescription medication with booze,' she tells me. 'And it wasn't so regulated then, so I'd doctor-shop so I always had heaps of meds on hand.' At 23, keen to escape Canada and her dysfunctional family, Alice moved to Kyoto, Japan, where she worked as an English teacher and for the Japanese board of education. 'It was harder to get my prescription meds there but I started to meet members of the Yakuza [Japanese mafia] in bars, and they'd hook me up with cocaine,' she says. 'My drinking also escalated even further while I was in Japan.' After an overdose of booze mixed with prescription drugs, Alice woke up in hospital to find her boss standing over. 'He told me he was worried about me and I needed to go back to Toronto to get help,' she says. 'He didn't exactly fire me, but I knew I had to go.' Back in Toronto, the proximity to her family sent Alice's anxiety into overdrive and soon after arriving back, she had another overdose on prescription drugs and alcohol. This time it was even more serious as she had an acute dystonic reaction, which caused involuntary contractions of her muscles and abnormal movements. 'I was a mess,' she says. Believing the answers to her problems would be solved with another 'geographical' - addict speak for moving away from a particular location believing it's the reason for their issues - Alice moved to Sydney. That would prove to be her downfall. After a New Years' Eve party where she took cocaine and ecstasy, Alice quickly fell in with a party crowd. She also landed a well-paid job in financial services, which helped to fund - and normalise - her wild lifestyle. Drinking and taking cocaine daily was pretty common in her industry so she fit right in and was able to hide the extent of her problem. Then, at a Mardi Gras party a couple of months after she arrived in Sydney, she was offered methamphetamine - also known as ice - as a cheaper alternative to coke. 'Meth was the drug that really got me,' she says. 'I was instantly hooked.' After moving to Sydney and trying ice for the first time at a Mardi Gras party, Alice was hooked After that, Alice used meth around the clock to function. 'My day would start with a few lines. Then I'd head to the gym and run hard on the treadmill for 60 to 90 minutes,' she says. She would later be told by a doctor that she was lucky she didn't have a heart attack while exercising at that intensity while on ice. 'Then I'd have a few more lines before work. Sometimes I'd top up at work, but I was nervous about taking it with me into the city. 'Luckily, in financial services there would often be a liquid lunch, where I could start drinking, and then if I needed to work late, I'd top up with more meth or I'd be offered cocaine. 'I'd then use benzos, like Valium, to help me get to sleep.' Alice lived like this - day in, day out - for six months. At her worst, she was spending $5,000 a month on drugs just to function. And by all accounts, she was functioning well. Her job involved a lot of public speaking, which she excelled at, and her involvement with the stock exchange meant she was responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars on a daily basis. But not even her very generous paycheck could support her habit, and she eventually found herself in debt to the tune of $185,000. 'I was getting cash advances on credit cards to buy drugs,' she says. 'I was completely out of control.' Alice met her now-husband Martin at the height of her addiction. One night, when they had been dating for six months, she told him she was going for a walk, but instead met her meth dealer down the road 'During this time, I met my now-husband Martin in a city bar,' she says. 'Believe it or not, he was an actuary. He literally worked in risk management, and here was me, in nearly $200,000 of debt because of meth.' While Martin also enjoyed all the trappings of a corporate city job, he soon realised Alice was spiralling out of control. One night, about six months after they began dating, Alice told Martin she was going for a walk. In reality, she was going to meet her meth dealer in his car down the road. 'I was picking up my usual three "eight balls" [three gram bags] for the week, but my dealer took one look at me and said, "I can't sell to you anymore,"' she says. 'I thought he was joking. But he said he couldn't in good conscience give it to me. I was covered in sores and I'd lost a huge amount of weight. 'You know you're having a bad day when you get cut off by your meth dealer.' It should have been a glaring red flag. But it wasn't. Alice just found another dealer who would sell to her. She carried on using for another month, but then Martin sat her down and gave her an ultimatum: 'I will stand by you and support you because I know you are so much more than this. But you need to get clean.' It didn't take Alice long to agree. 'Martin was everything and I knew I'd be dead in six months without him,' she tells me. She checked into rehab where she told the counsellor about all the reasons behind her drinking and drug abuse: alcoholic parents, a chaotic home, never feeling safe. The counsellor wasn't buying it. 'You talk a good game,' he said. 'I'd been a professional, high-functioning addict for so long, I didn't think anyone could actually see through me,' Alice admits. After 18 years sober, Alice relapsed on alcohol at her 50th birthday celebrations. She says it's important to be transparent about relapse because it's part of recovery The counsellor wasn't one for navel-gazing and delivered Alice some tough love. 'He said, "Make no mistake, Alice. This elevator only goes in one direction and that's straight into the ground and six feet under, so you can get off whenever you want, it's your call.' That caught my attention.' Alice threw herself into therapy and a 12-step program. After her first stint in rehab, she was finally ready to come clean to Martin about the $185,000 debt she had accumulated with her drug habit. 'He said to me, "I will support you emotionally, but I won't bail you out." I had to clean it up on my own. And I did,' she says. Alice stopped running from debt collectors. She wrote letters negotiating with creditors, and worked to get a large pay increase in her financial services job. Eventually she paid it all off herself. There were a couple of blips in her recovery. While she gave up meth straight off the bat, the booze and the benzos took a bit longer. Alice got completely sober in 2004 and has now been in recovery for 20 years. She wants to be completely transparent, though: 'I had a relapse in 2021. It was my 50th birthday and I thought I'd be fine to have a couple of champagnes. 'Thank God, I didn't go back to the hard stuff. But I drank for two years after that. During that time, I sustained an injury that meant I couldn't run, and without exercise as a coping mechanism, I began to restrict food again. 'I ended up in hospital, very unwell and severely underweight.' Alice's focus now is telling her story and helping others Alice has been sober for another year now and is doing well. She's taken a break from her corporate career to focus on recovery, sharing her story, and helping others. Much of her work is pro-bono, including talks she gives to patients in rehabs. 'I'm passionate about sharing my story and hoping it can save others,' she says. That story is now a book, On the Way to Wonderland, which is also being made into a feature film with an 'incredible Aussie cast'. Alice must remain tight-lipped about who is portraying her in the movie, but she's excited about the project and is assisting with the production to make sure her story is done justice. She and Martin are happily married and 'the strongest they've ever been'. 'Things are actually better than they've ever been, especially after I picked myself up after that recent relapse,' she says. 'I'm the most balanced I've ever been.' You can read more about Alice here. One of Meghan Markle's best friends has insisted that the Duchess' new Netflix series was 'so natural' - and says she's always been the 'hostess with the most'. The former royal, 43, released With Love, Meghan on March 4, which saw her invite all of her closest celebrity friends to a glamourous farmhouse in Montecito, close to where she lives with Prince Harry and children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, to help her bake an array of colourful dishes. The Office star Mindy Kaling, chef Roy Choi and Alice Waters all starred on the show, cooking with Meghan while overlooking the scenic mountains in Los Angeles. The Duchess showed her guests how to be the perfect hostess over eight episodes, via arranging flowers, baking dog biscuits for their pets or ensuring that they have a bag of their favourite pretzels to snack on. One of her closest confidants, Abigail Spencer, also appeared on the show alongside Kelly McKee Zajfen as the trio made salt-baked fish and poured themselves mimosas. Meghan and Abigail first met in 2007 at an audition but they became closer once they became co-stars on legal drama Suits. The Duchess played Rachel Zane - a paralegal who later became an attorney - in the series and Abigail was cast as lawyer Dana Scott. The 43-year-old told Hello that the pair have a 'private a friendship' but she was happy that Meghan could show off her 'natural' self doing what she loves - hosting her friends and family at her rented 5million reality TV mansion. Abigail (pictured left with Kelly and Meghan) told Hello that the pair have a 'private a friendship' but she was happy that Meghan could show off her 'natural' self doing what she loves Meghan and Abigail first met in 2007 at an audition but they became closer once they became co-stars on legal drama Suits 'Meghan is the hostess with the most. Literally for years she has been like this,' she said. 'But I really was there just to support her and surround her. This is her heart, that show is her heart, it was so natural and [I was] really just there to have fun and to delight in her and to be a safe space. 'We have a very private friendship, so choosing to let people in on part of that is it's very private but I'm glad that we got to share a little bit of it.' Meghan and Abigail - who was one of the few that was sent jam by the Duchess last year - share the exact same birthday, date, month and year, calling themselves 'birthday soul sisters'. The Duchess of Sussex also appeared to make a subtle dig at the Royal Family at the end of her Netflix show, saying that she missed being able to show off her creativity 'so much'. She previously accused royal aides of preventing her from expressing her true self during her time in Britain. The Duchess closed the last episode with a speech to guests including her husband Prince Harry, saying: 'I just want to raise a glass to you guys. This feels like a new chapter that I'm so excited that I'm able to share and I've been able to learn from all of you. 'So I just thank you for all the love and support. And here we go, there's a business! All of that is part of that creativity that I've missed so much, so thank you for loving me so much and celebrating with me.' One of her closest confidants, Abigail Spencer, also appeared on the show alongside Kelly McKee Zajfen as the trio made salt-baked fish and poured themselves mimosas Meghan and Abigail - who was one of the few that was sent jam by the Duchess last year - share the exact same birthday, date, month and year, calling themselves 'birthday soul sisters' Meghan - whose mother Doria Ragland was in attendance too - is also heard saying to Harry about the party she organised for the show: 'It's good, right?' He says: 'Well done. You did a great job.' Meghan adds: 'Thank you.' And Harry then says: 'I love it.' She used to have a blog called The Tig where she used to post about all things lifestyle and even interviewed notable public figures such as Ivanka Trump, who she described as 'staggeringly beautiful, savvy and intelligent' at the time. Meghan launched the website, which she called her passion project, in 2014 when she was at the height of her fame as an actress in the US legal drama Suits. For three successful years, she mixed artfully glamorous pictures with discussions of everything from personal resolutions to food, fashion, travel and politics. But she pulled the plug on The Tig in 2017, just before her engagement to Prince Harry, signing off with a regretful Thank you for everything, two kisses and her signature. With Love, Meghan ranked in the top ten trending shows on Netflix worldwide the week it was released and has since been renewed for a second series, despite negative reviews from critics. The Guardian said a 'deep sleep was guaranteed' for those tuning into the show, the Telegraph called it 'an exercise in narcissism' and the Independent thought the series was 'queasy and exhausting'. Meghan also announced the news that she would be releasing another podcast based around female founders after Archetypes was axed by Spotify. The Duchess of Sussex signed a deal with Lemonada Media in February 2024 after her Spotify contract ended in 2023 after one series of her first podcast Archetypes. Now, her first project called 'Confessions of a Female Founder' with Lemonada has been confirmed and is set to feature conversations with businesswomen and friends talking about starting a company. Meghan also announced the news that she would be releasing another podcast based around female founders after Archetypes was axed by Spotify Lemonada described the show as inviting listeners 'to be a fly on the wall as Meghan sits down for candid conversations with female founders and friends about the success, the struggles, and the never-before-told stories of building a business'. A trailer will be released on March 25 with the first episode on April 8, and it comes after her new lifestyle show 'With Love, Meghan' premiered on Netflix on March 4. Posting a photograph of the cover work for the new podcast on her Instagram account today, the Duchess said she was 'so excited' to share news of the podcast, describing the experience as 'absolutely eye-opening, inspiring...and fun!' Meghan said: 'I'm so excited to share with you something else I've been working on: 'Confessions Of A Female Founder,' my new podcast with @lemonadamedia! 'I've been having candid conversations with amazing women who have turned dreams into realities, and scaled small ideas into massively successful businesses. 'They're opening up, sharing their tips, tricks (and tumbles), and letting me pick their brains as I build out my own business, As Ever. It has been absolutely eye-opening, inspiring...and fun! (Because what's the point if we can't have some fun on this wild adventure?)' Drugs given to hospital patients could contain thousands of dangerous plastic particles, a study has warned. The research, published in journal Environment & Health, comes amid growing concern around the impacts of microplastics. These particles tiny fragments produced by degrading plastic have been found in the human brain, liver, heart and even breast milk. Research has linked microplastics to chronic illnesses including cancer, heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease. And now, researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai, claim they could be entering the body intravenously. In hospital many drugs, as well as fluids and nutrients, are administered through plastic IV bags. The scientists bought two different common brands of 8.4oz bags of IV saline solution, which tends to form the base of any drug injected. They then filtered the liquid out of each bag to catch the microplastics contained, estimating the total number. Drugs given to patients in hospital through IV drip bags could contain thousands of microplastic particles (file photo) A total of 7,500 particles were estimated to be floating in each IV bag tested, which would have then have been injected into a patient's bloodstream (file photo) Both samples were found to contain fragments of the same material as the bags, suggesting that they had shed microplastics into the solutions. A total of 7,500 particles were estimated to be floating in each bag, which would have then been injected directly into a patients bloodstream. In a standard IV drip used to treat dehydration, the researchers argue that this would rise to 25,000 particles. And during abdominal surgery, which requires multiple IV bags, the researchers calculated that this number would surpass 52,000. But experts say the amount in IV bags is far lower than other everyday products. Research suggests that plastic water bottles contain more than 200,000. The researchers also warn that the findings do not mean that patients should avoid IV treatments as the conditions they are designed to treat, are significantly more dangerous than ingesting microplastics. Instead, they recommend IV bags are kept away from direct light or heat, in order to limit microplastic shedding. They also suggest that, in future, IV drips could have a filter to remove the majority of the particles. America's highest paid news stars are dropping like flies - and those still standing have their heads on a swivel. That's according to a high-level network executive who spoke to the Daily Mail this week to describe the desperate state of the once-glamorous industry. The picture they painted was far from a pretty one - rife with anxiety, pressure, and vulnerability. Ratings are falling across the board and there have been repeated rounds of layoffs, described by some as a 'five-alarm fire'. A parade major figures like NBC News' Lester Holt and CBS' Norah O'Donnell suddenly stepping away from their highly prized jobs has only added fuel to the fire, while Hoda Kotb left the Today show on NBC after 17 years. 'There is uncertainty everywhere in the industry,' said the executive, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'With anchor and programming changes, there are real worries at NBC News and CBS in particular.' America's highest paid news stars are dropping like flies, our source explained - and those still standing are fearing for their future. Pictured, Norah O'Donnell replacements John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois manning CBS Evening News 'Craig Melvin is obviously no Hoda,' the source said, pointing to Today's lukewarm ratings. 'He does not seem to be working.' The pair are pictured together on the set of Today with Carson Daly and Dylan Dreyer The source described how after the departure of 'icons like Hoda [Kotb] and Lester... their replacements are failing to fill those shoes. Lester was already down by so much [to ABC], and now NBC is nervous after putting in [Tom] Llamas.' Llamas - praised as a pillar of 'integrity' and 'journalistic excellence' by NBC News executive Janelle Rodriguez last week - is 'much lesser known', the source went on, adding that the same goes for Kotb's replacement Craig Melvin. 'Craig Melvin is obviously no Hoda ... he does not seem to be working.' Ratings released this week showed how NBC's morning show was overtaken by rival ABC's Good Morning America. In some respite amid a decades-long rivalry between the two, Today is beating GMA in total viewers and the demo for the first time in eight years. Nightly has beat ABC World News multiple times in the key demo, including back-to-back Thursdays in February, as well as most recently on Friday, when Tom Llamas subbed in. Amid all this, FOX News appear to be bucking the trend. The Rupert Murdoch-owned network just had its highest rated January and February in history, and is beating other broadcast networks. ABC, meanwhile, suffered a round of layoffs last week - and audiences for its crown jewel Good Morning America are down on last year. David Muir is ahead in the ratings with his World News Tonight. 'There is uncertainty everywhere in the industry,' the high-level executive, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said. Seen here, Lester Holt's Nightly News replacement, Tom Llamas 'Lester is already down 1.5million years a night, and they're now looking at it like - "will this backfire,"' the source said of the decision to install Llamas as Lester Holt's successor, pointing to a lack of star power It'll be down to Holt's replacement, Tom Llamas, to bridge the gap, as Holt defers his duties solely to Dateline. 'Lester is already down 1.5million viewers a night, and they're now looking at it like - "will this backfire?"' 'And then you've got CBS, which is under serious pressure from not only the administration but also [the network's billionaire owner] Shari Redstone,' the source went on. A former CBS exec told the Mail how the decision for anchors Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson to co-host CBS Evening News was being viewed 'as a disaster' internally. '[CBS Evenings Executive Producer] Bill Owens is also overstretched,' they added, echoing the other exec's opinion. A more magazine-style coverage brought by DuBois and Dickerson - and reportedly masterminded by longtime 60 Minutes stalwart Owens - further raised eyebrows, noticeably different from famed anchor Walter Cronkite's style in the 1960s and 1970s, the source said. This deviation from tradition was also accompanied by a further high-profile exit - the sudden 'resignation' of CBS President of Editorial and Newsgathering Adrienne Roark, just seven months after she had accepted the position. 'And then you got CBS, which is under serious pressure from not only the administration but also owner Shari Redstone,' said the source At the time, a source familiar with the matter claimed that Roark had actually been forced out - after being caught shopping for a new job. CBS News and Stations CEO Wendy McMahon became aware of the unsanctioned search and retaliated, according to an insider - showing the ruthless nature of the industry. 'They brought back former president Susan [Zirinsky] just to get rid of her,' the source revealed. They added that McMahon, despite being CEO, does not have the editorial experience to lead such an outfit. They added that McMahon - after bringing on CBS's Owens to help her out with struggling CBS Evenings - will likely lose her job this year, ahead of the planned $8billion merger between CBS parent Paramount and Larry Ellison-backed Skydance. Less senior staffers, meanwhile, are said to be 'disillusioned' by the merger - largely because their new boss would be Paramount's Jeff Shell, who was ousted from his post as NBCUniversal's CEO in 2023 following a years-long extramarital affair with a staffer. Shell's philandering, however, was reportedly not what infuriated staffers - instead, it was his insistence to placate Donald Trump back in October. 'Norah Donnell was in third place, and the ratings have gone down even worse with the two anchor format,' the source said of CBS Evenings. CBS's Norah O'Donnell stepped down toward the start of the year to make way for a so far flailing experimental format President Trump is suing CBS, demanding $20 billion and claiming the network deceptively edited a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris in an attempt to boost her election prospects. CBS has denied the allegations. The case is ongoing and has left Paramount heiress Redstone desperate to settle. In the months since, sources have described the atmosphere at CBS as akin to a civil war. Owens and McMahon - the two biggest voices in CBS's newsroom - remain convinced that withstanding the pressure is the only option. This week, another network executive, also speaking anonymously, told the Mail that CBS's struggles stem from the fact that 'no one there has accepted that linear TV [delivered by satellite or cable] is in decline. 'They've really focused on broadcasting, but they haven't expanded well.' The source also suggested ABC News could soon be in for a rude awakening, considering its lack of stars aside from figures like Muir. The lawsuit filed against CBS by Donald Trump in the wake of the election remains ongoing, and has left billionaire Paramount heiress Shari Redstone desperate to settle '[CBS Evenings Executive Producer] Bill Owens (pictured) is also overstretched and feeling the pressure with this lawsuit from Donald Trump ,' a separate source added 'ABC did not even have a head of talent for years,' the executive said, adding that, when compared with other networks: 'ABC's salaries are very hefty.' 'GMA3 is not there anymore - they don't have a bench, meaning they can't replace talent,' the source said. 'No one is dealing with it - I don't know what they're gonna do. All their stars also have contracts that come up at the same time.' Media critic Steve Krakauer told the Mail that CBS's reputation has been forever tarnished. The former CNN, Fox News, and NBC journalist described how CBS and other 'legacy' media outlets - including CNN - are in severe reputational difficulty after presenting politicized content as fact under the Biden administration. 'The business is still making good money and profits are still high, but there is nothing they can do to stop these natural declines,' he said, weeks after CNN issued a series of layoffs within its bloated TV division. 'They could be doing the best, with perfect editorial, and every day, fewer people are going to view their content,' Krakauer, now the executive producer of the Megyn Kelly show, went on. 'They were already in trouble, but Trump has solidified the idea,' a separate source said of legacy media, amid the president's recent scrutiny against such stations, as well as his complaints against ABC, NBC, and CBS 'And these outlets are also not perfect editorial products - they are completely unprepared for this Trump 2.0 era we're in. 'They were already in trouble, but Trump has solidified the idea,' he continued, referring to the president's recent rhetoric bashing such stations, as well as his complaints against ABC, NBC, and CBS and their election coverage. 'Outlets were reporting on what they believed Trump was for the past eight years - and the 2024 election results were a complete rejection of those ideas,' Krakauer said, framing the development as a crisis 'for the business of news.' 'If your conceit is to tell people what's true, and to be rejected - that's a five alarm fire,' he continued. 'And I think [these legacy stations] see that.' 'CBS is about to be acquired by what is essentially a venture capital firm - and when you have a piece of your business losing money, that means more cuts,' he explained. 'The Trump lawsuit too, is not a good look. 'CBS no longer exists a year for now, unless it revamps,' he concluded. 'It's not long for this world. 'CBS no longer exists a year for now, unless it revamps,' the source added . 'It's not long for this world.' Pictured, reportedly languishing leader Wendy McMahon, and her since ousted deputy Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews 'There's still value to it, but it's going the wrong direction and there's nothing to do to stop it. And they've actually accelerated their decline as an antagonist to the administration. 'That worked the first time around - but in Trump 2.0, it's being viewed very differently: it's not gonna work anymore.' He added: 'Aside from content, [legacy stations] need to transfer their business to a digital model, which they are not prepared to do. 'They are in the position of no longer offering objective news - which is not a good business model. 'They don't want to present themselves as opinion, unlike MSNBC, so they're now in a tough spot.' Media journalist Oliver Darcy left CNN last year for what he felt to be greener pastures, starting nightly newsletter Status six months ago. Outspoken Trump critic Jim Acosta also left CNN earlier this year, taking shots at the president on-air in the process. 'I do feel like something significant has changed, 2024 was the calm before the storm,' the source said of what's occurring. '2025 is the storm - now we're here.' Pictured, Jim Acosta, who rejected the idea of a new contract with CNN ahead of another Trump presidency The president has threatened to go after other networks as well, while taking shots at specific journalists. This included a freshly fired Joy Reid, seen here weeping on the Win With Black Women podcast after losing her job at MSNBC Longtime Meet the Press Moderator Chuck Todd left NBC News as well, taking his podcast with him. 'There is a real business in independent media these days - it's obvious,' Krakauer said. 'There's a proven way to make money in independent media. That lights another fire under legacy media outlets. I do feel like something significant has changed, 2024 was the calm before the storm. 2025 is the storm.' Meanwhile, Brendan Carrs Federal Communications Commission is opening investigations into Verizon and Comcast - the parent company of NBC News and MSNBC - over the legality of their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The president has threatened to go after other networks as well, while taking shots at specific journalists. This included MSNBC's Rachel Maddow and a freshly fired Joy Reid, whom a separate executive at the network said was nixed not for her ratings, but her contentious, opinionated content. All the sources appeared to agree one one thing, though - that linear TV is on its last legs. March 16, 2025: The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or TITR, is a seventy year old north-south transport route involving the landlocked Caspian Sea which has experienced a large increase in traffic as Russia suffered increasing economic sanctions over the last eleven years. At the same time, the Central Asian nations that also depend on this route have proposed using a network of road, canal and river connections to more nations to access this unique route. Russia was eager to cooperate as they were its primary builders and operators. For example, in 2023 Russia brought in dredging equipment for a major dredging of the heavily used Volga-Don Canal that enables ships to get from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea. Because of the war in Ukraine, and Iran supplying weapons and equipment to Russia, canal traffic was up 15 percent in 2022 over the previous year. In 2023 traffic increased by another 4.5 percent and traffic increased again in 2024 and 2025. Since 1952, a 101 kilometers long canal, linking the Don and Volga rivers, gave the Caspian Sea access to the Black Sea and the world's oceans. However, ships that can use the canal cannot displace more than 5,000 tons and be no more than 140 meters long, 17 meters wide, and have a draft of no more than 3.5 meters. Normally the canal moves over 12 million tons of cargo a year. About half of that is oil or oil products. In 2021 Russia agreed to allow Iran to use the Volga-Don Canal so that Iranian ships can reach the Black Sea from the landlocked Caspian Sea. This is the first time Russia has ever given a foreign nation free access to the canal. Russia and Iran are now using each others Caspian Sea ports heavily for trade and getting Iranian weapons to Russia. Both nations have agreed to establish a joint-shipbuilding operation in the Caspian Sea and cooperate in dredging the canal, something that has not been done since 1991. The prolonged lack of dredging has made portions of the canal shallower and forced ships to carry less cargo. The 13 locks on the canal connect the Volga River, the longest in Russia that empties into the Caspian, and the Don River which empties into the Sea of Azov, which is connected to the Black Sea via the Kerch Strait. The Caspian is the world's largest lake, at 371,000 square kilometers. It is about a thousand kilometers long and 430 kilometers wide. It's saline but is only about a third as salty as ocean water. The Caspian has a 7,000-kilometer-long coastline, with the largest chunk, 1,900 kilometers, belonging to Kazakhstan. The Ukraine War imposed some unexpected limitations on the use of the TITR because the Ukrainians unexpectedly used air and naval drones to defeat the Russian Black Sea Fleet and threaten any Russian commercial traffic entering the Black Sea via the TITR. Any Russian commercial shipping entering the Black Sea is subject to seizure or destruction by the observant Ukrainians. MSNBC has aired a bizarre conspiracy about what Donald Trump's advisors, who a guest called 'doggy boys and Musk rats,' are actually doing in White House. Speaking on the embattled network, Rhode Island Democrat Senator Sheldon Whitehouse claimed that those within the Administration are secretly working to destroy Social Security so private equity firms can take over. The bold theory was made during a segment on 'PoliticsNation' where host Al Sharpton and Senator Whitehouse discussed mounting public anger towards Trump. The conversation began with Sharpton asking if voters were 'getting fed up with the chaos being caused by President Trump so far in his second term.' 'We're seeing more and more Americans turning out for community forums, especially in Republican districts, demanding answers about the mass government layoffs and interruptions to vital government services,' he said. 'Do you get the sense that many voters are getting fed up with the chaos being caused by President Trump so far in his second term?' Whitehouse responded saying he absolutely agrees. 'Yeah, absolutely,' he said. 'And I think polling numbers show it, and I think the fact that Republicans can't go and have a town hall themselves any longer because they've angered their constituents so much also shows that people I think are fed up with this.' The bold theory was made during a segment on 'PoliticsNation' where host Al Sharpton and Rhode Island Democrat Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discussed mounting public anger toward the new administration During the exchange, Whitehouse made the bold claim that billionaire Elon Musk and a group he referred to as 'doggy boys' and 'Musk rats' had been sent into government to deliberately sabotage Social Security During the exchange, Whitehouse made the bold claim that billionaire Elon Musk and a group he referred to as 'doggy boys' and 'Musk rats' had been sent into government to deliberately sabotage Social Security. 'And the danger to Social Security, I think, is very real. You know, watch that carefully,' he said. 'Trump lies,' he continued. 'And one of his lies is that he won't touch Social Security. But he sent in Musk and those doggy boys, the Musk rats, to wreck up stuff in Social Security.' The senator continued to suggest a plan where the administration would intentionally cause benefit interruptions to prepare for privatization. 'The former commissioner, Governor O'Malley, says that the wreckage that they're doing will lead to interruptions in benefits.' 'And at that point, he comes in and says, 'oh, look, I broke Social Security, we have an emergency let's fix it.' 'Let's get the private equity people and the big data people in here to run Social security.' The senator's comments come amid ongoing protests - some violent - targeting Musk and his companies. Anti-Elon Musk demonstrations have erupted across the US with protesters attacking Tesla showrooms with guns and molotov cocktails. The senator continued to suggest a plan where the administration would intentionally cause benefit interruptions to prepare for privatization Dozens of fired-up crowds assembled outside Tesla stores across the country on Saturday afternoon to protest against Musk's efforts to slash government spending and enact reforms. Demonstrations also erupted in London, Portugal, Malaysia and Iceland. Roughly 250 activists were gathered outside a showroom in New York City, holding anti-Musk placards that read 'Block Facism Now and 'Musk Must Go' as they shouted 'Elon Musk is not elected! Democracy must be protected!' Five protesters were arrested for disorderly conduct at the Manhattan demonstration and one was taken into custody for resisting arrest, obstruction and violation of local law, The New York Daily News reported. There have also been more than a dozen acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations since President Donald Trump's inauguration, according to police and local reports. With their flowing blonde locks, fresh-faced smiles and all-American good looks, these two co-eds could easily be mistaken for one another in a crowded room. But in the most tragic of circumstances, those similarities led to an outcome that is too bizarre for even the most imaginative storyteller to conjure up. In April 2006, Whitney Cerak, then 18, barely survived a devastating crash on I-69 in Indiana involving a semi and a van full of Taylor University students and staff. But amid the wreckage, emergency crews mistakenly identified Whitney as her fellow student Laura Van Ryn, 22, who died at the scene. Whitney's real parents, the Ceraks, were told they had lost a daughter. And as she lay comatose in the hospital, slowly regaining consciousness, she was surrounded by the caring Van Ryn family who doctors had urged to look past the tubes, bandages, swelling and apparent physical differences to their battered 'Laura.' The eerie case of mistaken identity was not uncovered until a shocking five weeks later, when Laura's sister Lisa Van Ryn realized something was amiss and started quizzing the delicate Whitney about her recollections. Upon that agonizing realization, the Van Ryns were confronted with their tragic loss, and the Ceraks learned they had held a funeral for and buried another family's daughter. Now, nearly two decades later, Whitney, a married mom-of-three, has bared all about her struggle and how she, the Ceraks and the Van Ryns have rebuilt their lives. Laura Van Ryn (left) was killed in the crash in 2006, but her identity was mixed up with Whitney Wheeler (right) who was critically injured but survived Speaking recently on a podcast, Whitney revealed how she overcame the guilt of surviving a crash in which others perished Speaking recently on the Bayview Podcast, Whitney, a devout Christian, reveals how she came to terms with the 'survivor's guilt' of escaping death when others perished on the night of April 26. Holding back the tears, she says she was 'confused' by why she was spared, even as Laura and other more gifted seniors from her evangelical liberal arts school left the crash scene in body bags. 'That was a struggle for me, for a while, 'till it clicked in my head,' she says. 'That's who the Lord uses throughout the whole Bible: the weakest, least intelligent, not good speakers, the youngest.' She added: 'You can see the Lord's DNA through the whole thing.' That fateful night, Whitney, Laura, and seven others were returning from working at a luncheon banquet to the college in Upland, Indiana, when their van was struck by a tractor-trailer that had drifted across the highway. The crash killed Laura, three other Taylor students, and a university staffer. In the ensuing chaos, emergency workers mixed up the identities of Laura and Whitney, due to their similar appearances and because their ID cards and other belongings were strewn around the crash site. Whitney's family, in Gaylord, Michigan, were informed that their daughter had been killed. Days later, hundreds turned out for Whitney's funeral and burial but it was really Laura's body going in the ground. Meanwhile, Whitney was taken with head injuries to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, where the Van Ryns kept vigil around the bandaged and comatose young women, believing it was Laura. Five Taylor University students were killed when a semitrailer collided with a Taylor University van on Interstate 69 north of Marion, Indiana, in April 2006 Whitney married Matt Wheeler before the Army engineer was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan Whitney was so badly injured after the crash that the Van Ryn family believed it was their daughter Laura for five weeks They were told that, because of the extent of the injuries, everything from the young woman's eye color to the position of her teeth could have changed. Because of this, the Van Ryns say they looked past the fact that the convalescent's teeth appeared to have shifted and, when she opened them, her eyes looked a little bluer than before. The discrepancies did not end there. The young woman in the hospital bed had a pierced naval something the Van Ryns had never seen before on their daughter. In 2008, the family told NBC News that they looked past these differences at the time and were only focused on helping their daughter's recovery. They were 'pieces to a puzzle that we didn't even know existed,' sister Lisa Van Ryn said. As she regained consciousness, Whitney describes being in a confused daze. Five weeks after the crash, a therapist asked her to write her name, and she was able to spell out 'Whitney.' Still, this was put down to her brain injuries. Even when she mumbled out the words 'false parents,' doctors and the Van Ryns remained assured that it was Laura, not Whitney, speaking. But not everyone was convinced. When a group of Lisa's friends visited the hospital and got a first, close-up look at the patient, they glanced at each other awkwardly and went quiet, dad Don Van Ryn said later. Around that time, sister Lisa was also becoming suspicious. She'd seen a photo of Whitney and observed the similarities between the two young women. On May 30, she asked the patient about her parents. When she named Newell and Colleen Cerak - names that Laura would not have known - Lisa was convinced this was not her sister in the hospital. Whitney and Matt Wheeler married at the church where her family once held her funeral Whitney and Matt have three children, now aged between 10 and 13 The Wheelers and their three children nowadays live in Traverse City, Michigan Staff contacted the Ceraks and obtained Whitney's dental records, which confirmed that she was the crash survivor, and Laura had died in the high-speed pile up five weeks previously. The dumbfounded Ceraks were reunited with the daughter they thought they had laid to rest. Whitney's grandfather, Emil Frank, described getting his granddaughter back as 'like a fairy tale.' And the Van Ryns had to come to terms with their loss, and how they had kept vigil around a hospital bed without realizing the convalescing woman was not their daughter. On their blog at the time, the VanRyns wrote: 'Our hearts are aching as we have learned that the young woman we have been taking care of over the past five weeks has not been our dear Laura, but instead a fellow Taylor student of hers, Whitney Cerak.' Despite this, Don and Susie Van Ryn, other family members and friends, did not leave Whitney's bedside upon discovering the mix-up and stayed to help the young woman's recovery. Speaking on the podcast, Whitney, now 37, explains how at the time she was bewildered by a brain injury and the experience was like a 'crazy dream.' 'It took a long time for them to convince me that it wasn't a dream, that it was real,' she says. 'I was so sad about what had happened, and not totally understanding everything either.' Four months after the crash, Whitney returned to Taylor University, where she graduated three years later. She married her longtime boyfriend, Matt Wheeler, also from Gaylord, and the couple has three children. She took her husband's name. Matt has spoken of his own heartache at believing he'd lost Whitney, carrying the casket at her funeral, and nights spent crying on his porch. Like Whitney, he describes the couple's journey in religious terms. 'Every time I closed my eyes, I had the same dream,' he told the Nothing Is Wasted Podcast in 2018. 'I was looking at a casket, Whitney was in the casket, but her chest was rising and falling with breath.' Eerie: The gravestone of Whitney was laid following her funeral despite the fact she was alive and injured in an Indiana hospital Unbreakable bond: (from L-R) Don, Susie, and Lisa VanRyn with Whitney and her parents Colleen and Newell Cerak In 2006, four students and a college employee were killed when their van was struck by a tractor in Indiana Those images 'haunted me for those five weeks,' he says - but they served a higher purpose. 'It was God's way of telling me that she was still alive,' he said. They got married in Gaylord in 2012, in the same church where Whitney's funeral was held. Matt served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and now manages a wood waste business. Whitney says she has the 'best job in the world' as a school counselor and their three kids are aged between 10 and 13. Nearly two decades on from the crash, the Van Ryns and the Ceraks remain close, connected by faith and the shared tragedy. We 'get to see each other a lot, or we're just in like, constant communication,' says Whitney. 'They're super cool. Just an amazing family.' On the tenth anniversary of the incident, Whitney returned to Taylor University to speak about how she had struggled to complete her studies. She also revealed what it's like to have a funeral held for you when you're still alive. She joked that she was surprised to find out she wasn't very good at sports, according to one speaker at the memorial, and that her sister thought she didn't shower often enough. 'A lot of people wonder what will people say about you at your funeral,' she said. 'I know.' The incident later prompted Indiana lawmakers to enact stricter guidelines regarding coroners identifying victims of fatal crashes. It also led to more cable barriers being installed along interstate medians. Truck driver Robert Spencer, who caused the crash after falling asleep at the wheel, was later arrested on five counts of reckless homicide. He pleaded guilty and served two years of a four-year sentence. A furious father has opened up on the decision by a 'bully' London council to reject his son's applications for a blue badge. Max Pearce, 18, was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma multiforme in 2017 and suffers with severe epileptic fits and short-term memory loss. He cannot leave the house alone and requires constant supervision in case he has a seizure, qualifying him for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) of 80 per week, which he can use on taking a taxi to university on occasion. The 18-year-old decided to apply for a blue badge primarily to make trips to the hospital 'easier' as his ability to navigate can be affected by his memory. Max also suffers with muscle spasms for 'several days' after having seizures which makes it 'incredibly difficult' to move and affects the co-ordination on the entire left side of his body. So when father, Adam, 43, opened both the original and subsequent appeal decision letters from Barnet Council after five months of waiting, he described the continued rejections of his son's application for a blue badge as a 'disgrace'. 'I think it is a complete injustice if I'm honest,' he told MailOnline. Max Pearce (pictured) was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2017 and suffers with severe epileptic fits and short-term memory loss Max's father Adam (above left) who works as a delivery driver, accompanies his son on most trips in case he suffers from a seizure Max was just 11 years old when he was diagnosed with the brain tumour 'We all know people that have a blue badge that perhaps shouldn't have one, and having previously worked for national government I would guess there are a number of the badges the council are permitted to produce on a yearly basis. 'They are probably asked to be more stringent with applications at certain times than others.' In the letters addressed to Max which has been obtained by MailOnline, the key reason the application was rejected was due to the fact 'he can walk'. The letter also states that Max does not demonstrate 'very considerable difficulty' or 'psychological distress' whilst walking. These comments were supplemented by an independent body who asked Max a full set of questions prior to the decision twice after 'losing the information' he initially provided in the first call. Pictured: Page one of the letter addressed to Max on January 21 which states Max was referred to an independent healthcare professional - who subsequently requested his application Pictured: Page two of the letter addressed to Max on January 21, stating he did not meet the criteria because he 'can walk' and does not demonstrate 'very considerable difficulty' or 'psychological distress' whilst walking Pictured: Page three of the letter addressed to Max on January 21, stating he can apply again should his condition worsen over the next six months After appealing the decision, Mr Pearce received another rejection letter on February 5 stating Max would only qualify under terminal eligibility criteria should he provide a form confirming his son is near the end of his life. As Max has outlived his prognosis, Mr Pearce is unable to provide such a form, but told the Barnet Council representative to reach out to his Macmillan nurse who looked after him when he was told he had a matter of months to live. Max, who is described by his father as 'never making a fuss about anything', said he has been left feeling confused and let down by Barnet Council. 'I was just feeling very confused because we explained my condition perfectly,' the 18-year-old told MailOnline. 'We told them how I'm constantly tired no matter how much energy medication they put me on and now it's mainly just a feeling of wondering why they have come to that decision.' The first-year graphic design student at Middlesex University was diagnosed in October 2017 with the aggressive brain tumour after having a 'number of episodes where he would pass out'. Within just three weeks of the diagnosis Max had three separate operations on the tumour, and doctors told Mr Pearce and Max's mum, Sybilla, that they may have to prepare for a future without their son. 'They removed what they could from the tumour, but explained that by removing its entirety that it would kill him,' said Mr Pearce. 'We were taken into a room by surgeons and oncologists and they had a very frank conversation with us and they said we had to start making arrangements. 'And we were kind of like, 'right, how long are we talking?' The first-year graphic design student at Middlesex University was diagnosed in October 2017 with stage four Glioblastoma Multiforme (above) Mr Pearce has told of how 'proud' he is of his son after the challenges he has faced Max (pictured) said he was left feeling confused and let down by Barnet Council's decision 'They said there was only a number of people they'd seen with this exact tumour in the world. 'They had referred it to people in Florida but realistically we were told he probably only had a few months, which as a parent is something I wouldn't wish on anybody.' Yet his son has continued to defy the odds and 'three months quickly became six months' until they counted the time no more. After numerous rounds of oral chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a slew of prescribed medications, hair loss, illness and everything in between, Max's tumour remains, but is 'static'. He went on to complete his GCSEs, getting great grades in the process, and is enjoying his first year at university, journeying there and back with his father every week. Mr Pearce added: 'This isn't a boo-hoo for us thing. That's not the point in it. 'The irony in all of this is while Max doesn't desperately need a blue badge, because I'm not going to lie and say he desperately needs one - he should be getting one. 'He should be entitled to one and what it makes for frustrating me is when somebody who is entitled to something isn't given it, that feels like kind of bullying tactic that's being used. Mr Pearce said while Max 'doesn't desperately need a blue badge', that 'he should be getting one' after the reasons he submitted to Barnet Council Max, originally from Gosport, moved to live with his father in London last year after starting Middlesex University The graphic design student spends his Friday nights attending a 'games club' at his university 'I know people might say that's the way of the world but it's not something I'm a big fan of at all. 'Max has never asked for anything. The only reason he actually receives the PIP was because the Macmillan nurse that was assigned to him said 'you should be getting A, B, and C'. 'And to be blunt the money that Max gets from the mobility PIP is the lower rate at about 80 a week. 'For Max to get a taxi to university is 15 to 20 and the only social activity he does is attending a games club at the university on a Friday night. 'Most of the time I will drive him but realistically, that 80 doesn't take you very far.' A Barnet Council spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We always review applications for Blue Badges in accordance with the rules and will address applications with care and sensitivity.' A Sydney family is being forced to pay back tens of thousands of dollars after the NDIS suddenly backflipped on its offer to fund a life-changing solution for their disabled daughter. Aerin Ekblad, 6, was born with a rare genetic disorder called Rubinstein Syndrome which affects organs and is characterised by short stature, and moderate to severe learning difficulties. Aerin also has congenital glaucoma. She is legally blind and has severely reduced mobility. Her parents, Melissa Harris and Hans Ekbald, said their daughter now weighs 22kg and they can no longer safely carry her up the 84 steps to their home which is situated on top of a steep incline. In March 2024, the NDIS offered the couple a 'lifeline' after it ruled the house in Narrabeen, in Sydney's Northern Beaches, was too 'dangerous' for Aerin to live in. The NDIS said it would pay the family's relocation costs if they sold their home and moved to a more suitable property. Ms Harris and Mr Ekbald thought their problems were solved, but in a shocking U-turn in January, the NDIS pulled back its offer, leaving the family with mounting debts and nowhere else to go. 'It's been absolutely diabolical for our family. We have gone through almost nervous breakdowns from this, it's been dreadful,' Ms Harris, 54, told Daily Mail Australia. Six-year-old Aerin Ekblad (far right) was born with Rubinstein Syndrome and congenital glaucoma. She is pictured with her dad, Hans Ekbald, mum Melissa Harris, and her twin sister Aerin has been left trapped in her home after NDIS pulled back its offer to help with relocation costs following its decision that the property was too 'dangerous' for the six-year-old Melissa Harris, 54, and Hans Ekblad, 52, can no longer safely carry Aerin up the 84 steps to their home 'We have two rulings in our favour from (the NDIS) complex home modification team stating that the house is too dangerous for Aerin and she needs to be moved from there. 'That is their findings so the fact that they have now overruled it is outrageous and irresponsible. 'If Aerin falls she has no way of protecting herself, she has no control of her body and will go down like a sack of potatoes on the stone steps.' Mr Ekbald, 52, added: 'Her condition makes her feel like she has an itch at the back of her brain so she can sometimes throw herself around almost trying to scratch it and now she' s getting bigger it's just not safe on the stairs for her or anyone carrying her.' Aerin's problems accessing the home were initially assessed by the NDIS in 2021 with an approval being granted for an engineered inclinator lift so she didn't have to be carried up or down the stairs. But after costs started increasing from $500,000 to almost $1million for the custom-made apparatus, the NDIS asked the family if they would instead consider selling their home and buying a more suitable property. 'She is basically trapped and stuck at home while her twin sister has started school this year without her so we were grateful of a solution,' Mr Ekbald said. 'We didn't want to move but the tricky installation (of the engineered lift) meant we would need to relocate for two years and it was just impractical.' The family agreed to the new NDIS plan and were given written approval in March 2024 for 'relocation and associated costs' including their stamp duty and legal fees. 'If Aerin falls she has no way of protecting herself, she has no control of her body and will go down like a sack of potatoes on the stone steps,' her mother said The family have been preparing for the move and took out a $150,000 loan to renovate 'We got the house valued and the real estate agent advised us to do some work before we listed it for sale,' Mr Ekbald said. 'It's basically a very old fibro shack and we were selling on the hill to move to the flats so we really needed to do everything we could to maximise the sale price.' The couple then took out a loan for $150,000 and started the recommended work which included a full exterior and interior renovation not including bathrooms. But just seven months later in October 2024, the Albanese Government brought in a new legislation aimed at 'improving the experience' of NDIS participants. A key change included the 'new definition of NDIS supports, making it clear what NDIS funding can and cannot cover'. Bill Shorten, the NIDS minister at the time, welcomed the change. 'This is a milestone for Australia and all the people with disability who do and will receive life-changing supports from the NDIS,' he said. Unfortunately for Aerin and her family, the changes meant she was no longer eligible for her already approved funding. 'From October all the way to January this year, I was assured that everything was fine by the NDIS and their agents Northcott,' Harris said. 'Then on the 23rd of January the planner said they can only approve part of the costs and then on February the 6th we were told we were getting nothing.' Mr Ekbald said he and his partner are at their wits' end, with no way of paying back the $150,000 bank loan or funding the relocation themselves. NDIS now want to look at the original 'solution' of an inclinator lift that will cost taxpayers $1million The renovations boosted the property's value to $1.8million. The couple said a suitable house in a flat area would cost about $2million. They said the cost of purchasing a more expensive property, coupled with the loan and relocation costs would leave them about $300,000 out of pocket. 'We are now getting zero help to move. I don't have that money and I am now left carrying this burden with that bank loan at 54-years-old,' Ms Harris said. 'I can't borrow anymore to move and the loan I got was a short-term reverse mortgage at 10 percent. I'm stuck. 'Aerin is trapped in her home and can't get to school or doctors' appointments. 'She is a twin. and she sees her sister go off every day and it's not fair, she should have access to the community, an education and should have a life too.' In a final blow, Ms Harris says the NDIS, who still agree the house is not safe, want to revisit the inclinator lift solution. The installation of the custom-made lift also includes council approval, engineer construction, excavation and it and will take about two years to complete. 'That's going to cost taxpayers almost $1million and it still involves us moving while it's being constructed. It makes no sense,' she said. An NDIS spokesperson said their priority remained with ensuring the family has the disability-related supports they need. 'When considering funded supports, the agency must make all decisions in accordance with the NDIS Act,' the spokesperson said. A burlesque dancer and striptease artist at a ritzy cocktail lounge has won her case for wrongful dismissal after she said she was bullied out of her 'dream job' by bosses. Alicia Rose Quinn performed in raunchy shows dressed as a sexy unicorn, and taught classes in striptease and Burlyflexx, a burlesque-style yoga, at Sydney's Emerald Room in Potts Point. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) heard Ms Quinn started her 'dream job' in January 2024 and 'hoped to have it for many years'. But by November, she said she had been driven out by alleged bullying and unpaid wages. She said the treatment of her and her artistic director - former Australia's Got Talent finalist Brendan de la Hay - had made working there unbearable. She filed a claim with the FWC claiming it had created 'an incredibly stressful work environment' that 'took a toll on (her) mental health'. The FWC found that there was no evidence HCH tried to end her employment and her pay was up to date when she resigned, minus her superannuation. But it found the pair had suffered harassment and continuous late payment of wages and/or super, and said: 'Ms Quinn had no effective or real choice but to resign.' Burlesque dancer and striptease teacher Alicia Rose Quinn was forced out of her 'dream job' at a Sydney cocktail lounge after staff were bullied, not paid on time and out of pocket with their superannuation The Fair Work Commission found that since resigning Alicia Quinn had been 'seeing a physiologist to help process the mental trauma she incurred at this unstable workplace' Alicia Quinn and the Emerald Room's artistic director, TV star Brendan de la Hay (above, together),both quit their jobs after alleged bullying and non payment of staff became an issue The venue is currently shut but was operated by Harbour City Hospitality run by Kings Cross entrepreneur Brandy Martignano, with his mother Diane Hart as a major shareholder. Trouble at the club intensified in the lead up to the lounge's five-week season of Christmas concerts, beginning in mid-November last year. 'The growing tension came to a head when Ms Hart ... sent an email to Mr De La Hay accusing him of not doing his job and falsely stating that he had not prepared a Christmas show,' said the FWC. Ms Quinn, Mr de la Hay and the other full-time performer Jonathon Holmes 'were ready for the show, but it would not have been complete without the freelance performers who were refusing to work due to unpaid invoices,' the FWC reported. 'This made it impossible to rehearse. At this point, Ms Quinn was three weeks behind on her wages and she informed the directors of Harbour City that she would not be coming into work until she had been paid up to date.' Mr de la Hay then resigned and 'without his directions, costumes, and set', Ms Quinn deemed it impossible to do her job. She took a week's mental health leave, then resigned, and has since 'been seeing a physiologist to help process the mental trauma she incurred at this unstable workplace'. Harbour City Hospitality formally objected to Ms Quinn's complaint to the Commission, insisting it did not dismiss her. Alicia Quinn and Brendan de la Hay were both full-time employees at the Emerald Room last year but they resigned after issues which Fair work Australia said included non-payment and late payment Alicia Quinn (left on stage in a unicorn costume) and (right with fellow performers including Jonathon Holmes) thought she had found her long term 'dream job', Fair Work Australia concluded Ms Quinn had alleged that bullying and harassment had been directed 'predominately towards' the venue's artistic director Brendan de la Hay (above) However Fair Work Commission Deputy President Tony Saunders concluded that effectively it had. 'The requisite employer conduct in this case was persistent failures by Harbour City to pay Ms Quinn the wages she was owed in a timely manner,' he said. Mr Saunders also cited 'the persistent disorganisation of Harbour City's business and the stress it caused Ms Quinn.' He added: 'I accept that all of this had a significant impact on Ms Quinn's mental health. 'It is not enough for Harbour City to say that Ms Quinn's wages were paid up to date at the time she resigned.' He said 'the persistent failures to pay Ms Quinn her wages on time in the months leading up to 12 November 2024' forced her to quit. The FWC decision noted directors had said the Emerald Room was likely to switch from 'in house' to 'externally produced' shows in 2025. 'Ms Quinn was aware that her role may change, or be non-existent, in the new year,' it added. Alicia Quinn said after leaving the Emerald Room that the 'last few weeks have been chaos and I've been submerged in its depths' But the FWC decision also said that Mr Martignano had admitted operating company Harbour city was likely to go into administration soon. Mr Saunders listed the matter for a conciliation conference. Alicia Quinn posted on her Facebook page after leaving the Emerald Room that the 'last few weeks have been chaos and I've been submerged in its depths'. She added: 'Currently taking time to refill my cup, it's been a big year and I'm not entirely sure what direction I want to go next. 'For now I'm teaching burlesque, yoga and back to the full-time freelance life. Me and my new personality ... are back on the market.' Most death row inmates are begging for a last minute reprieve. But Arizona killer Aaron Brian Gunches couldn't wait to die. In fact, he'd been asking for the lethal injection for nearly 20 years. Gunches was put to death in Arizona on March 19 for the 2002 murder of his girlfriend's ex-husband, Ted Price. It's been 22 years since he pleaded guilty to kidnapping and first degree murder, and 17 since he was sentenced. He represented himself throughout multiple trials and hearings, never fighting his sentence. In one, the judge even accused him of committing 'suicide by jury'. Gunches was first scheduled for a lethal injection in April 2023, but it was called off when Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs halted all death penalties following three 'botched' procedures the previous year. There have been questions over his mental competence and pleas from court-appointed attorneys for him to fight the sentence. He has always refused. Tonight, he will be injected with a lethal dose of pentobarbital at Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, Arizona. Aaron Brian Gunches, 53, said his execution was 'long overdue' forwent his final chance to plead for a lesser penalty or postpone his capital punishment Ted Price was murdered by Gunches in 2002 after he got into an alleged altercation with his ex-wife, Katherine Lecher It will finally bring a close to a decades-long legal saga that began in 2002, with the killing, and has seen multiple people advocate for Gunches, despite his repeated requests for an expedited execution. In November 2002, Price had been visiting his ex-wife - and Gunches' girlfriend at the time - Katherine Lecher. He had been staying at her Mesa home for about 10 days. The pair got into a heated altercation, with Lecher allegedly striking Price over the head with her telephone before kicking him out. After being struck, Price 'remained conscious but appeared dazed and unresponsive,' according to an appeal from the Maricopa County Superior Court. Gunches came over to her apartment that night and asked one of Lecher's roommates, Jennifer Garcia, to take Price and him to the bus station in his girlfriend's car. When the three of them arrived at the bus stop, Gunches claimed he did not have enough money for a bus ticket and instructed Garcia to drive down a dirt path into a dark and secluded area. Gunches got out of the car and began rummaging through the truck and Price followed. Garcia then heard three gut-wrenching bangs and saw Price fall to the ground. After hearing another gunshot, she saw Gunches standing by Price's body with a gun at his side. She later told police the cold-blooded killing 'happened fast,' according to court documents. Gunches got into the car, and Garcia drove back to to the house - stopping to dispose of Price's belongings in a dumpster. The victim's body was found several days later. Lecher's other roommate, Michelle Beck, told investigators Gunches admitted to her that he killed Price. Lecher declined to comment when reached by the DailyMail.com. Price's sister Karen claimed her brother was killed because he threatened to report Lecher to child welfare authorities for doing drugs in front of her children. 'Ted wasnt going to stand for that,' Karen told the Associated Press. A 50-person manhunt was launched to track down the killer - during which Gunches shot and mildly injured an officer. He was subsequently arrested in La Paz County for shooting the cop. Along with the charges relate to Price's death, Gunches also pleaded guilty to attempted murder for attacking the officer. Even though Gunches admitted his guilt, his murder case still had to go to trial because the prosecution was seeking out the death penalty. Acting as his own lawyer, Gunches did not push back on his sentencing in 2008. But the Arizona Supreme Court demanded that Gunches' trial was redone, and he was resentenced. The prosecutor originally alleged the crime was committed in 'an especially heinous or depraved manner.' The Arizona Supreme Court disagreed and argued Price died right away, so his death did not fall into that category. But the 2013 verdict was exactly the same. 'Do what you're going to do,' he told Maricopa County jurors while they were deciding on giving him the death penalty, the Arizona Mirror reported. 'This seems like youre committing suicide by jury,' the judge responded. Marci Kratter, Gunches' court-appointed attorney, expressed her frustration while watching Gunches do nothing to defend himself. 'He did nothing to help himself. Absolutely nothing. Gunches and I would get into fights every day of his trial. It should never have been a death trial.' Kratter pointed out that Gunches never underwent a mental capacity test and claimed he was 'not right in his head.' But in 2016, the Supreme Court affirmed Gunches' second death sentence. 'Gunches does not claim that the trial court erred in finding him competent to stand trial,' a 2016 court document reads. 'We review a trial courts determination that a defendant has knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived counsel for an abuse of discretion. 'The court, however, expressed its concern that Gunches was not attempting to avoid the death penalty. 'Against the strong advice of the court and counsel, Gunches nonetheless insisted on representing himself.' In December 2022, he begged the state Supreme Court to move up his execution. Calling it 'long overdue', he said he wanted to finally deliver justice to the victim's family. It was rescheduled. There was another hearing in March of this year, which he skipped. 'My position has not changed,' he wrote in a filing submitted to the court. On February 11, an execution warrant was finally filed. On March 19, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) with administer a lethal injection to Gunches at Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence Arizona, which has 112 prisoners on death row, last carried out three executions in 2022. Clarence Dixon was the first of the three, being put to death on May 11, 2022. The ADCRR personnel had difficulty inserting the IV, resulting in a bloody and visibly painful death, according to the DPIC. After being unable to find a vein in his arm for about 25 minutes, staffer performed a 'cutdown procedure' to insert the line in his groin. 'I would classify it as a botch, recognizing that not everyone would agree with that. But things did not go right,' Michael Radelet, a University of Colorado-Boulder sociologist and death penalty researcher, said at the time. Frank Atwood was executed on June 8, 2022 and reportedly helped those carrying out the procedure find his vein. Arizona Republic reporter Jimmy Jenkins attended the execution as a witness and recounted his 'surreal' experience' watching Atwood die. Three Arizona death row inmates were executed via lethal injection in 2022 after an eight year hiatus He recalled it took the staff about 40 minutes to insert an IV and ended up having to cut into Atwood's femoral vein. The final 2022 death sentence was carried out on November 16 on Murray Hooper. The convicted killer's last words were 'can you believe this?' as officials spent more than an hour looking for a vein. They eventually inserted a catheter into his femoral vein to complete the execution being told that it would 'hurt less.' Before those three, the state took an eight-year hiatus from carrying out death penalties due to clumsily administered lethal injections and trouble obtaining the needed drugs for these kinds of procedures. The final straw for Arizona was the execution of Joseph Wood on July 23, 2014, which took about two hours. Doctors and government officials watched the convicted killer let out hundreds of blood-curdling 'snorts and gasps' for 117 minutes as two doses of the deadly drug coursed through his veins. 'Arizona has a history of mismanaged executions that have resulted in serious questions and concerns about ADCRRs execution protocols and lack of transparency,' Hobbs said in a 2023 statement when she appointed Ryan Thornell as Death Penalty Independent Review Commissioner. Arizona stopped carrying out death sentences after the botched execution of Joseph Wood in 2014 Thornell's job includes reviewing the quality of the drugs used and ensuring staff is properly trained to carry out procedures. Another significant change is that larger teams will be there to insert the IV, as this step has caused trouble in the past. Arizona death row prisoners who committed crimes before November 23, 1992 can chose between lethal injection or the heavily disputed gas chamber, which was refurbished in late 2020 and was last used in 1999. Those who refuse to pick a method or committed their crime after the designated date are automatically given the lethal injection. The Arizona Legislature is considering a law changing the states method of execution. If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would ask voters in 2026 to replace lethal injection with a firing squad. The proposed ballot measure would keep lethal gas as one of Arizonas two execution methods for those whose crimes occurred before the November 1992 date. Debora Palizzis voice keeps breaking as she sits in the kitchen of her grandparents first farmhouse on land her family purchased three generations ago in Brighton, Colorado. Her Italian immigrant great-grandfather used money hed earned working on mountain tunnels to buy a plot of orchard in 1929 in Adams County, about 24 miles northeast of the states Capitol building. A farmer back in Italy, he and his three sons, including Deboras grandfather, cleared the Brighton land and drilled a well thats still on the property though an accident during its construction left the patriarch without a limb. He had a peg leg for the rest of his life, Debora tells DailyMail.com. There is just literally blood, sweat and tears in this land, and this land has been good to us. Shes the fourth generation of her family to work it but a proposed subdivision is threatening the very existence of Palizzi Farm, which sells its produce at an adjacent stand and at regional farmers markets. A Colorado court ruled in June that a developer-controlled metropolitan district could run a stormwater pipe directly through her crops for that developers residential project; the judge found that the project would have public benefit by preventing local flooding. The ruling, however, also mandated that there was an expectation from the court that the Palizzis will be able to continue to farm on the land at the conclusion of the Project and that there will be continual efforts to mitigate the disruption to farming during construction. The plans that have been proffered wont satisfy that expectation, Palizzi insists. Theyll disrupt historical irrigation and, unless pipe depths are increased, will impede equipment working the soil to the point that the land will be unfarmable. Then, Debora fears, the farm shes been working since childhood and running since 1989 when she abandoned an out-of-state airline career to take over upon her uncles sudden death will vanish along with the livelihoods of Palizzi, 63, and her long-term partner, 64-year-old Jose Gutierrez. A Colorado court ruled in June that a developer-controlled metropolitan district could run a stormwater pipe directly through crops at Palizzi Farm Debora Palizzi, right, stands with her partner Jose Gutierrez, left, in a greenhouse on their Palizzi Farm; an only child, her voice repeatedly breaks as she discusses the possibility of being the last member of her family to farm the land - if a development plan goes forward to run a pipeline straight through her crops Jose had worked for three years alongside her uncle on the family land before Carl Palizzis untimely death at the age of 47. (A gunshot wound to the head killed him; authorities labelled it a suicide, but the Palizzis have maintained since that it was murder.) It is unbelievable what this [farm] means; this is all I have left of my family, says Debora, an only child. As she speaks, Save Palizzi Farm signs stand defiantly in the front yards of nearby houses, and a banner with the same slogan hangs near the market across the fields where she sells their fresh produce. As news of the farms plight spread last year, community members rallied and united around the business in a way that Debora hadnt anticipated. She doesnt have social media repeatedly confusing Facebook and Facetime in conversation but a friends daughter started publicizing the battle on the former, and a Save Palizzi Farm website was established. Loyal customers and locals began commenting in support in droves; Debora was overwhelmed by the number of well-wishers visiting the market in person to inquire about the case. About 90 supporters turned up in person for a June city council meeting. The community is super you never realize how much they are behind you, Debora says. If I didnt have the community support, how would I know that anybody wanted me? Theres been no real update since the summer and no construction, nor has there been any sign of the $57,000 payment the court mandated that the developer must make to Palizzi Farm before starting work. Debora Palizzi (right) stands with Jose Gutierrez (left) on land where they still grow vegetables to sell in regional farmers markets and at a stand across the fields -- which are bordered by new housing developments, which can be seen in the distance Three generations of Palizzis have farmed the land on which Debora still lives, and her farmhouse is full of old family photographs. Her Italian immigrant great-grandfather used money hed earned working on mountain tunnels to buy a plot of orchard in 1929 in Adams County, about 24 miles northeast of the states Capitol building Its been a period of agonizing uncertainty for Debora and Jose, who decided to forego their annual vacation during the down season because I didnt want them on my land if Im not here. For now, Debora says, we are in limbo, but we are prepared. She and Jose are geared up for a regular season, when they open in late April selling bedding plants and then we just go slowly into vegetables. Theyre simultaneously readying for eminent domain court in May. Courts not my goal, she says. I want them to just take off, leave me alone. Even now, her 57-acre property is only a portion of her great-grandfathers original 120 acres. Some was sold off over the years by extended family members; Debora, too, made a joint decision with her mother to sell a parcel to a developer in the wake of her beloved grandmothers death. She died January of 98 and, no lie, we got home from the hospital at six oclock in the morning, and developers were calling us by eight oclock wanting the property, she says. Her grandmother, Margaret along with Debora had been resistant to selling any of the land. But Lloyd King, founder of Colorado supermarket chain King Soopers, for many years would stop by the stand, and the stands really rustic, and the chairs are dirty, and its just not a place for a man in a suit to come. But he would come in his three-piece suit, sit there and talk to her, Debora says, trying to persuade Margaret to sell a parcel on the Palizzis northwest corner. She just could never do it. One month before her death, though, Margaret heard rumors which would turn out to be incorrect that another nearby site had taken Kings fancy. She was devastated, because she knew [the Palizzi land] would be the best corner in Brighton, Debora says. Debora and her mother remembered that disappointment after her death and agreed to sell 17 acres for $2.6million for a retail development that now includes a King Soopers. A younger Debora, left, is pictured with her Uncle Carl, right, who farmed the land until his 1989 death, prompting her to return to Colorado and take over the family business A portrait of Debora's grandmother hangs in the King Soopers supermarket built on land the Palizzis sold off following the matriarch's 1998 death; the retail complex is named Palizzi Marketplace, and the family physically moved two of their houses down the field to accommodate the development The shopping center is named Palizzi Marketplace, and a memorial portrait of Margaret still hangs in the supermarket. The land thats now Palizzi Marketplace, however, was also the site of both Debora and her mothers homes which held generations of family memories. So they uprooted the houses entirely and, during an arduous four months, moved them down the field to their current locations. We moved every single day, she says. We moved everything because we were so attached, and we were still grieving for my grandmother. My mom did not let anything go except the silo, and that was almost impossible, or she probably would have brought that, too. After a few years living in the same houses albeit a half-mile down the field a knock at Deboras back door would launch the familys first eminent domain battle. In 2005, the City of Brighton sought to widen Bromley Lane, which borders the farm, demanding 70 feet of Palizzi property. One Friday night, the city attorney brought me a check to my back door for $34,000, Debora says. She called an eminent domain attorney who determined that $83,000 would have been a fair price. After a five-year case that went all the way to the Colorado Supreme Court, the Palizzis lost the 70 feet but ended up with $204,000 plus all attorney fees. This time, its not the City behind the eminent domain action, also known as condemnation. Instead, in a practice common in Colorado, Brighton in 2023 granted the formation of a metropolitan district, a special quasi-governmental taxing authority. Metro districts are the financing tool that allows public infrastructure and amenities like roads, sewers, trails, and parks to be built in new communities, the Metro District Education Coalition site explains. They are formed by submitting a detailed service plan to the local city or town council, and those authorities have oversight and controls over limits on taxation, fees and services. The districts are operated by a Board of Directors, often led by developers, their partners and relatives; over time, residents can run for a board seat, allowing them to participate in important decisions. In Colorado, which experienced a drastic housing boom beginning in 2008, metro districts have been increasing and are often replacing HOAs. Mortgage loan officer Lonnie Glessner, who teaches a class for realtors about metro districts, first became fascinated by the phenomenon about six years ago while reading an expose about the districts role in burgeoning state developments in the Denver Post which found a governmental system that operates without the usual oversight of voters, without the usual restrictions on conflicts of interest, and without the usual checks and balances to ensure communities wont spiral into insolvency. My jaw would hit the floor because in accounting, especially in auditing classes, it was beaten into our heads that anything done in the dark without accountability or oversight from outside people was a recipe for fraud, and thats how these have been done for decades in Colorado, he says. Governments not our friend, Deborah says. I pray to God Trump can change it. I wish I could call him somehow The farm has been a local favorite for years, and a community campaign cropped up last year to save it as news spread of development plans To me, Colorados a banana republic when it comes to Metro districts. He says: The problem is, the towns, the cities, the counties that approve them, they dont have anyone on staff that understands them and understands the service plans I can guarantee you, unless that person is seated an accountant or financial person and an attorney, theyre not going to understand what the heck theyre reading. Metro district boards, he says, are 'supposed to represent the homeowners, but they have huge financial interests themselves ... where the developer and maybe the other people on the board are getting repaid for all the money they put into the project initially.' In this case, Brighton allowed the formation of Parkland Metropolitan Districts 1-3; longtime developer Jack Hoagland is the president. It was Hoagland who first approached Debora three years ago with an offer of $75,000 for a 70-foot easement. I stood up and said, Do you think Im f****** stupid? I did, Debora says. I dont mince words. I said, Im not young, and Im not dumb that wouldnt even buy me a good shopping spree."' She was insulted, but the situation spiraled from there. Not only did Hoaglands offers go down, she says, but she was entirely kept out of the loop. In September of 2023, a customer comes in and she said, Deb, I am so sorry, Debora says. And I said, About what? The Palizzi logo is a familiar site around Brighton, and 90 supporters turned up in person last June to a city council meeting regarding the farm's fate; here, Debora, right, and Jose, left, stand before a Palizzi Farm truck Standing in the farmhouse her grandparents first moved into on the Brighton land, Debora points to a portrait of the Palizzi Farm stand as it looked years ago; she still sells produce at the same market, about a half-mile across the fields from the residence She said, They condemned your property last night at city council. Debora had been given no notice of the meeting, during which the city approved the formation of PMD and the service plan affecting her farm. Councilor Matt Johnston later said members felt misled about the plans impact on Palizzi. I said I wanted a clear answer: Once this is done, can they farm that land? Yes or no? Johnston said in June. Can they continue to farm like that pipe doesnt exist? The answer was yes, they can farm over that pipe. He said that the only reason I was a yes vote that night is because I thought Deb Palizzi was okay with it unaware she had neither been invited nor kept up to date with construction plans. Hoagland and PMD, meanwhile, have argued that the plans will solve a long-term drainage problem in Brighton and that we explored all options to avoid Ms Palizzis property. Neither the city of Brighton nor the attorney for PMD responded to requests for comment from DailyMail.com. Hoagland sent a letter to Brighton City Council in June rebutting assertions theyd been misled; outlining plans the metro district insists will not impact farming; claiming Debora had turned down an offer of $300,000; and asserting that it was always price that stopped negotiations. Deboras lawyer argues thats far from the case. Usually, condemnation cases are about money, but in this case, money doesnt begin to address the real issue which is the loss of a family business that has been around for over 90 years, Donald Ostrander tells DailyMail.com. There are some things that money cant replace, like having a nearby source of farm-grown fresh vegetables. Deboras at a loss; shes been contacted by others whove dealt with eminent domain battles and realized the powers that can be exercised by municipalities and metro districts on small businesses and private landowners. Governments not our friend, she says. I pray to God Trump can change it. I wish I could call him somehow. Im not saying Im for him or against him, but I think hes a rational man, she says. Hes a businessman if I could just talk to him! Shes dreading the upcoming eminent domain trial in May, because that effectively focuses just on valuation not on saving her farm. I dont want the money, she says, choking back tears. The money is not going to make me happy. I am going to be miserable. I just hope to God it dont kill me. Elon Musk's social media site X has lost out on millions of pounds a year in revenue after the Government pulled advertising. A MailOnline analysis of social media spending across Whitehall has revealed how departments dramatically halted their advertising on the Musk-owned site last year. Among departments who provided a detailed breakdown of their spending on social media for 2024, none reported using taxpayers' cash for advertising on X. This compared to five departments spending 467,672 on adverts on X - formerly known as Twitter - in 2023; and 2,058,499 in 2022. The halt to advertising spending on X last year came amid Mr Musk's public attacks on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following Labour's general election victory in July. The analysis showed how X had been singled out among the major social media sites, on which Government departments continued to spend millions of pounds in 2024. The Home Office, Cabinet Office, Department for Transport, Department for Work and Pensions, and Department for Business and Trade spent a combined 6,069,620 on other social media sites last year. These included LinkedIn, Meta platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, Nextdoor, Reddit, Snapchat, Pinterest, and TikTok. Your browser does not support iframes. The halt to advertising spending on X last year came amid Elon Musk's public attacks on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following Labour's general election victory in July Since Mr Musk took ownership of Twitter - which he subsequently rebranded as X - in 2022, there have been concerns about a huge spike in hate speech on the site The Cabinet Office confirmed the Government no longer advertises on X, with decisions on Whitehall digital spending underpinned by a 'SAFE' framework. This involves four core principles of 'safety and suitability', 'ads context', 'freedom of speech', and 'ethics and enforcement'. It was previously revealed how the Government halted advertising on X for 'commercial reasons' related to the effectiveness of spending on the site. The latest figures on Whitehall spending on social media were supplied in response to a series of written Parliamentary questions by Labour MP Josh Fenton-Glynn. A total of 19 departments replied to Mr Fenton-Glynn's questions, although some reported no social media spending whatsoever, others did not provide a detailed breakdown of spending, and some offered totals for different reporting periods. Since Mr Musk took ownership of Twitter - which he subsequently rebranded as X - in 2022, there have been concerns about a huge spike in hate speech on the site. There have also been fears over the moderation of content after Mr Musk sacked around 80 per cent of the firm's staff following his $44billion takeover. The world's richest man has recently become a close ally of Donald Trump. He now runs the 'Department of Government Efficiency' in America, which forms part of the US President's efforts to slash the size of the federal government. During widespread rioting in Britain last summer, shortly after Labour's election win, Mr Musk engaged in a spat with Sir Keir by claiming 'civil war is inevitable'. He also used the hashtag #TwoTierKeir on his social media site, in reference to allegations of 'two tier policing' in Britain. But the X owner was left red-faced as he pushed false claims about the PM setting up detainment camps in the Falkland Islands for rioters. Although the Department for Business and Trade cut its advertising spend on X to zero last year, it spent 99 on a premium subscription to the site in 2024. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) was also among those departments to have ceased spending on X, despite spending millions of pounds on other social media sites. It spent no money on X in 2023-24 or 2022-23, despite having spent 69,765 on X in 2021-22. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it pays for a premium subscription on X for 'social listening purposes', but spent no money on advertising on the site in 2023-24, 2022-23 or 2021-22. The Department for Education also spent no money on advertising on X in 2023-24 despite spending 391,616 in 2022-23 and 276,397 in 2021-22. The Foreign Office spent 293.77 on a premium subscription to X this year, but reported no spending on advertising on the site between 2022 and 2025. This was despite it spending a combined 2,394,794 on other platforms over the same period. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spent 150,037 on advertising on Twitter/X in 2022/23, but reported no spending on the site for 2023-24 or 2024-25. Mr Musk has regularly launched attacks on Sir Keir and Labour from his account on his own social media site The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) was formed in February 2023 and, since then, has spent 210.60 on social media subscriptions. These were two payments of 100.80 in 2023 and 2024. It also spent 386,615.04 on social media advertisements on LinkedIn, and 64,286 on social media advertisements on Meta platforms in 2024-25. In addition, DSIT holds a shared two-year contract - together with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) - until June this year with LinkedIn Hiring Solutions for 425,123.31. DESNZ was also established in February 2023 and spends 84 per year on social media subscriptions. It allocated 366,928 for spending on social media advertisements in 2023 and 545,576 in 2024. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) spends 168 per year for a premium subscription on X and 60 per year on a Reddit subscription. DCMS spent 75,000 on social media advertisements on Meta platforms and Snapchat in 2023-24, but gave no detailed breakdown for previous years. HM Treasury spent no money on advertisements on social media platforms over the past three years, but paid for a recruiter licence/subscription with LinkeIn which cost 14,800 in 2023-23, 15,480 in 2023-24, and 16,500 in 2024-25. The Scotland Office has spent 4,019 on advertisements on Facebook and Instagram so far in 2024-25, having spent 17,725 on advertisements on the same platforms in 2023-24, and 49,893 in 2022-23. The Northern Ireland Office did not set out a detailed account of its social media spending but said it spent 9,866.43 on display advertisements across social media platforms in 2023. This was as part of a broader marketing campaign to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The Wales Office and Attorney General's Office spent no money on social media subscriptions or advertisements over the past three years. The Ministry of Defence said it did not hold figures centrally for its spending on social media platforms. Cabinet Office minister Georgia Gould said: 'The Government communicates across a range of media channels in order to reach its target audience effectively. 'Channels are selected based on whether they will reach the intended audience on a specific issue to have the most impact.' A grandfather is pleading for help after his life-long dream of retiring to Spain is being allegedly 'cruelly' taken from him by a family of squatters. Kenneth Jobe, 84, from Birmingham is 'exhausted' after spending the last five years trying to remove an English couple from his 400,000 (340k) property in western Spain. Keith Barry, an expat of 33 years, and his partner have allegedly failed to pay more than 50k in rent for the three-bed house in Mijas, since 2020. Mr Jobe claims the couple have been helped by a 'squatter's bible' that is used across the country. The document supposedly informs would-be squatters on how to use Spain's pro-tenant laws and slow justice system to their favour. The Barry's have also allegedly moved in their two sons, both aged in their 40s, a fact that Mr Jobe claims they have neglected to tell the courts. He told MailOnline: 'I can't believe the courts have sided with him, I haven't got much time left. 'I'm just getting desperate. It's dragged me down and it has cost a fortune on legal fees.' 84-year-old Kenneth Jobe from Birmingham has spent the last five years trying to remove an English couple from his 400,000 property on the Costa del Sol Keith Barry, an expat of 33 years, and his partner have allegedly failed to pay more than 50,000 worth of rent for the three-bed house in Mijas (pictured), since 2020 Initially, a Malaga court said the family must be evicted and the locks changed. However, it was overturned on appeal last month after the squatters were deemed vulnerable and at risk of homelessness Mr Jobe, who is still reeling from the death of his son from cancer last year, thought his nightmare was over when a Malaga court said the family must be evicted and the locks changed. But incredibly, the ruling was overturned on appeal last month after the squatters were deemed vulnerable and at risk of homelessness. Mr Jobe, who has been wanting to move back into the home for years, said: 'I just want to get into my home. The tenant is pleading poverty but has two older sons living there. 'On top of that he's not been paying community fees so they also want him out. 'And when I try and negotiate he outright refuseshe's a really nasty person.' Mr Jobe said he has been battling the family since 2020, when he first filed an eviction notice after they stopped paying rent for various months on the home in Buenavista. The area is filled with affluent Brits who are 'sick' of the squatters' mess, with one video showing mattresses dumped on the porch, next to multiple cars covered in dust. The Barry's have also allegedly moved in their two sons, both aged in their 40s, a fact that Mr Jobe claims they have neglected to tell the courts (Pictured: Mr Barry who declined to comment) The Mijas area of Buenavista is reportedly filled with affluent Brits who are 'sick' of the squatters' mess Liverpudlian estate agent Paul Stuart, from local firm Palm Estates, told MailOnline: 'The eviction was cancelled because they claimed vulnerability. 'They know the law, they've got something called "the squatter's bible", which tells them all the laws and how to get around everything. 'They are British and are receiving their pensions and taking advantage of the legal system. It's a terrible situation.' A close family friend branded the squatters 'disgusting', claiming that when he begged them to move out, they demanded a fee to do so. He said: 'It's absolutely disgusting. Poor Ken has spent decades visiting Mijas and it had been his dream to spend his latter years there. 'They know all the tricks in the book, Ken lost one of his two sons in April and it took such a toll on him, and now he is still dealing with this on top, it's vile. 'I pleaded with them to leave and they said 'we will work something out', and they had the nerve to demand a fee to move out. 'They are holding the family to ransom, it's sickening.' MailOnline Mr Barry but he refused his right to comment via a lawyer. Joanne Lees has been pictured in public for the first time in years after Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed her boyfriend Peter Falconio's killer was in the terminal stages of throat cancer. As she left her home in West Yorkshire on Wednesday, our reporter informed her the lowlife who murdered her partner in the Australian outback nearly 24 years ago years ago, Bradley John Murdoch, will now most likely take the secret of where he buried or left the young Briton's body to his grave. Wearing a warm coat over a T-shirt and jeans, Lees appeared to be taking off somewhere. To our surprise, a man was seen arriving at her terrace house and she then carried a suitcase out and put it in the boot of his car. It's unclear if the man is a friend, relative or partner. Fifty-one-year-old Lees never married or had children. The man arrived at her property early on Wednesday morning before the pair drove off to nearby Halifax, where they sat and talked for several minutes before Joanne took her suitcase from the boot and carried it into Halifax train station. The presence of a man outside the $350,000 home she bought more than a decade ago - following the publication of her autobiography, No Turning Back, for which she reportedly received 250,000 - wasn't Lees' only surprise for us. Despite having penned a book and done numerous interviews about being a key witness in Murdoch's trial and her life since Falconio's murder, when we asked her for comment on Murdoch's impending death, she had nothing to say. Her silence was unexpected given that Lees, then aged 43, had returned to the scene of the shooting in the Northern Territory back in 2017, apparently in a bid to 'bring Peter home', for an episode of Channel Nine's 60 Minutes program. Joanne Lees has been pictured in public for the first time in years after Daily Mail Australia revealed her boyfriend Peter Falconio's killer was in the terminal stages of throat cancer As she left her home in West Yorkshire on Wednesday, our reporter informed her the lowlife who murdered her partner in the outback nearly 24 years ago years ago, Bradley Murdoch, will now most likely take the secret of where he buried or left the young Briton's body to his grave Joanne Lees has had a rollercoaster life since her boyfriend Peter Falconio (together above) was murdered in the outback On the evening of July 14, 2001, she and Falconio were ambushed near Barrow Creek by Murdoch, a mechanic and outback drug runner. Falconio was murdered and Lees was abducted but managed to escape. Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed last week that Murdoch was dying from cancer in Alice Springs Correctional Centre where the outback killer is incarcerated. He is being treated for stage four cancer at the jail. His cell in the 500-inmate facility is just off the same Stuart Highway a few hundred kilometres south of where he shot Falconio dead. Murdoch, 67, is still refusing to admit his guilt in the murder and the abduction of Lees and, despite numerous searches, the body of 28-year-old Peter has never been found. Now aged in her early 50s, Joanne Lees' life has been a rollercoaster of drama since it was forever altered when Murdoch tricked Falconio into pulling over the couple's orange Kombi van near Barrow Creek and shot him in the head. Murdoch then forced Lees at gunpoint into the back of his covered ute, bound her hands behind her back with a home-made cable-tie restraint and placed a sack over her head. She managed to flee the vehicle and hide for five hours in freezing mid-winter temperature in the salt bush beside the road while he searched for her with a torch and his dog. Lees was brave enough to come back out to the road about 1am and flag down a road train whose driver took her to the Barrow Creek roadhouse where police were called. Wearing a warm coat over a T-shirt and jeans, Lees (left) appeared to be taking off somewhere An unidentified man (right) arrived at Less' home early on Wednesday morning before the pair drove off to nearby Halifax, where they sat and talked for several minutes Despite having penned a book and done numerous interviews about Falconio's murder, when we asked her for comment on his killer's impending death behind bars, Lees (seen here in a promotional image taken in October 2006) had nothing to say WAS PETER FALCONIO REALLY DEAD? Despite her ordeal, her slightly emotionless demeanour following her boyfriend's murder, as well as changing her account of what happened that night, drew criticism and unfounded suspicion. Under police guard for a month following the attack, Lees refused to speak with journalists and the media turned on her. Peter Falconio's blood was found at the scene of the ambush and blood on Joanne Lees' T-shirt was of 'unknown' origin. But without a body, multiple baseless conspiracy theories about 'what really happened' filled the void. Police released CCTV footage of a man and a vehicle at a Shell Truck Stop in Alice Springs which fit Lees' description of the attacker, but no arrest was made for almost two years. She carried a suitcase from her terrace house and put it in the boot of the man's car Lees left her home with a suitcase and drove with the man 15km (9.3 miles) to Halifax, where she entered the train station Police were, however, on the trail of Murdoch based on a tip-off, and in October 2002, while Joanne was holidaying in Sicily, she saw a BBC article with a photo of Murdoch, whom she immediately recognised. In 2003, police charged Bradley Murdoch, who was extradited from South Australia to Darwin where a sample of his DNA was obtained, which matched the sample on the back of Lee's shirt. In May 2004, more than a year before Murdoch would stand trial, it would emerge during a committal hearing that just prior to driving to Alice Springs, Lees had had an affair with another British backpacker called Nick Reilly. The pair had secretly met up behind Falconio's back and slept together in the months leading up to Peter's murder. JOANNE LEES' SECRET AFFAIR Reilly was an IT worker from London who was holidaying in Sydney. Lees met him through another British backpacker with whom she worked at the Dymocks bookstore in the CBD. Each week, between May and June 2001, Lees would tell Peter, her long-time boyfriend, she was going out for the night to stay with a girlfriend. Instead, she went to inner-city Newtown, drinking at the Coopers Arms, and staying the night with Reilly, with whom she kept in contact via a secret email account under the name 'Steph'. The mates who met on Thursdays at the pub all thought Lees and Reilly were just another couple, and none of them knew Peter Falconio. Bradley John Murdoch (above) is dying of throat cancer at Alice Springs Correctional Centre Joanne Lees (above with Peter Falconio in their orange Kombi van) has endured unfounded suspicion and condemnation since he vanished and has described it as 'a stab in the heart' Lees and Falconio's distinctive orange Kombi was found the morning after the murder, dumped 80m into the scrub near the site north of Barrow Creek where Peter had been shot and Joanne had escaped The friend who had introduced Lees to Reilly later said Lees 'was hoping Pete would propose to her in Hawaii, which was going to be their last stop before they flew home to England'. However, there were other rumours Lees planned to end her relationship with Falconio after they left Australia. The affair ended when Reilly headed to the United States on his way back to England, and Lees took off with Falconio to Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Alice Springs. When police began investigating Falconio's disappearance, they found the email trail between Lees and 'Steph'. In one police interview, Lees described the emails as 'irrelevant', despite the secret code name. THE CLANDESTINE EMAILS At a pre-trial hearing, Murdoch's defence lawyer, Grant Algie, had grilled Lees about her relationship with Reilly, to which she coolly responded, 'I would not class it as an affair or a relationship.' Lees had a month-long affair with another backpacker, Nick Reilly (pictured in Sydney in 2001), whom she hoped to meet up with in Germany after Peter Falconio was murdered Falconio and Lees had planned to drive their Kombi around Australia before selling it in Brisbane, then fly to New Zealand. But Falconio later made plans to travel on his own to Papua New Guinea. Lees admitted that after the fatal incident at Barrow Creek, she had sent emails to Nick Reilly suggesting she should meet him in Germany. Mr Algie told the court: 'The picture painted by this prosecution, and indeed this witness, is one of a harmonious, loving relationship. That's not necessarily the case.' Mr Algie also sought to discredit Ms Lees' evidence on her attacker's dog, asking whether she had altered her description to match the appearance of Mr Murdoch's cross-breed Dalmatian. Bradley Murdoch argued that CCTV footage of a man entering a Barrow Creek store on the night of the murder might have looked like him but it wasn't him In a TV interview, Joanne Lees said, 'I did love Pete with all my heart,' and that although the affair 'did overstep the boundaries of friendship... it made me, like, love Pete even more' Immediately after the committal, amid some hostile questioning by the media, Ms Lees flew out of Australia back to England. She returned when the trial opened in October 2005. The prosecutors' job was to prove that Falconio was dead, and that Murdoch had killed him. Murdoch's DNA had not only been found on Lees' shirt, but also on the gear stick of the orange Kombi which had been dumped in the bush. FALSE RUMOURS SWIRL On December 13, 2005, a jury found Murdoch guilty in a unanimous verdict and he was sentenced to life with a non-parole period of 28 years, and was convicted of assaulting and attempting to kidnap Lees. Despite the verdict, completely false rumours continued to swirl that it was really Joanne Lees who had killed Peter Falconio. Meanwhile, Lees was writing a book from which she would make a reported 250,000 after serialisation rights, and had been paid another 50,000 for a television interview. The interview with Martin Bashir, who famously had interviewed Princess Diana after her divorce from the then Prince Charles, was broadcast in the UK in 2002, but was delayed from airing in Australia until after the murder trial. She claimed she did the interview to keep the case in the public consciousness. Bradley John Murdoch has always denied he murdered Peter Falconio and is expected to keep on maintaining his innocence as he nears death from throat cancer Murdoch is incarcerated in Alice Springs prison just a few hundred kilometres south of where he murdered Falconio near Barrow Creek and dumped his body in a secret spot In 2017, Lees flew to Australia for an interview with Channel Nine's 60 Minutes, saying 'Pete lost his life on that night but I lost mine too' and that the media had unfairly turned on her Lees admitted to Bashir she'd made a mistake having the affair with Reilly, but did not reveal if she would have admitted to the affair had police not found her secret emails. 'I did love Pete with all my heart,' she said. 'And when that happened I did overstep the boundaries of friendship, but it made me, like, love Pete even more and value what we did have.' Lees denied being emotionless, saying she 'wears her heart of her sleeve... well, I do in the company of my mates.' Lees' book about Falconio's murder, No Turning Back, also outlined her childhood being brought up in financial hardship up by her mother, who has since died. THE INTERVIEWS Lees also gave an interview in 2006 to ABC presenter Andrew Denton, who said that while he believed she was strapped for cash, he could also vouch that the rumours she murdered Peter were utter nonsense. 'Her life has been totally interrupted by this. She couldn't earn a living, she is struggling financially,' Denton said at the time. 'She wrote the book specifically because she wanted to set the record straight, because there is so much innuendo and speculation, even though no one has spoken to Joanne. 'She's copped, and continues to cop, extremely unfair treatment, because it's beyond doubt she didn't murder her boyfriend. 'What has happened to her since is almost as shocking as what happened on that night, and the lack of thought and lack of compassion is beyond belief. 'She was hung out to dry in the court of public opinion.' Outback drug runner-turned-killer Bradley John Murdoch was sentenced to life with 28 years without parole for the murder and abduction in 2001 The remote stretch of the Stuart Highway where Lees and Falconio in their distinctive orange Kombi van were tricked into stopping by Murdoch A recreation of Joanne Lees' capture in the rear of Murdoch's white 4WD from which she managed to flee and hide for five hours in roadside scrub Murdoch's vehicle in which a terrified Joanne Lees was placed in the rear, her hands cable-tied behind her back, and from which she escaped In 2017, Lees flew to Australia for an interview with 60 Minutes, Nine's premier current affairs show, and returned to the Outback for the first time with journalist Liz Hayes. She discussed the horror that unfolded on the night of the attack, but also the trauma of not being believed and the media condemnation that followed. 'I LOVED PETE SO MUCH' Dubbed 'the Lindy Chamberlain effect' after one of the Outback's most famous mysteries - the 1980 abduction of baby Azaria Chamberlain at Uluru - Lees was accused of not behaving in the way a victim 'should'. Lees described her treatment as 'a stab in the heart'. 'Pete lost his life on that night but I lost mine too,' she told Hayes. She returned to the site of the murder to get into her 'attacker's mind', and 'because I love Pete so much'. She also revealed she had discovered 'an incredible surprise': she had an Australian half-sister called Jess. Lees, above with Falconio, according to one account hoped he would propose to her as they left Australia, but after his murder she tried to reach out to Nick Reilly to meet up in Germany Lees' estranged father had Jess with another woman after he left her mother when Lees was a baby, and their resemblance to one another was 'almost like a mirror'. 'We saw each other and it was just instant. It was amazing,' she said. It made her feel 'less alone in the world'. Lees said the pair became close and Lees was attempting to get Australian citizenship to be closer to her. It did not happen. Lees bought a house in West Yorkshire in about 2009, and lives in the same house today. In the years after the attack, she has worked as a travel agent and a social worker. After the Mail's exclusive about Bradley Murdoch's terminal cancer prognosis, a reporter also approached Peter Falconio's mother Joan, who said she was unaware of his impending death. Just over two years ago, a terrified man told a colleague that he feared his son was 'going to do me in'. Within a week, 68-year-old Stephen Peter O'Brien, from Melbourne, was dead. His son Scott had never moved out of the family home and his erratic behaviour had led to a 'significant history' of violence towards his parents which went unreported, the Victorian Coroners Court heard. On January 6, 2023, Mr O'Brien spoke to his sister for the final time and told her he did not want to go home because he was concerned about his son's mental health. Scott thought his father was a federal police officer and whenever he went home his son accused him of spying, Mr O'Brien told his sister. He called a farm owner and said he intended to go to work on January 9, but he never made it there. The next day Mr O'Brien's daughter requested a welfare check and police found him dead, covered in blood, on the floor of his Wyndham Vale home in Melbourne's south-west. An autopsy revealed he had died from blunt force injury to his head, due to multiple blows with a tool. The police found Peter O'Brien dead, covered in blood, on the floor of his Wyndham Vale home (pictured) in Melbourne's south-west Scott was arrested on January 11 and charged with his father's murder, but was found not guilty by reason of mental impairment in April, 2024. State Coroner John Cain, in findings released on Thursday, said Mr O'Brien spent years trying to manage Scott's behaviour and violence to keep himself and his late wife Elizabeth safe. Scott had assaulted Mr O'Brien several times, leading to bruising, black eyes and at least one hospitalisation for a facial fracture, the coroner said. The father had told others he was stressed and frightened by his son's behaviour and often booked accommodation to have a break. Scott would shout at his father while he was on the phone and threaten anyone who came to visit their home. He reportedly had a diagnosis of schizophrenia but did not take medication or get treatment as he presented as 'functioning OK', the coroner said. Friends had offered Mr O'Brien free rent and work in Bendigo after his wife died, but he turned the offers down 'because of Scott'. Judge Cain said Mr O'Brien's case was 'sadly' one of several before the court where an adult child with undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues had assaulted or killed an older parent. Just over two years ago, a terrified man told a colleague that he feared his son was 'going to do me in'. Stock image He said many barriers had prevented Mr O'Brien from getting help for his son, including fear of negative consequences for Scott, lack of knowledge about resources available to him and that he may not have recognised it as elder abuse. He urged the Victorian government to raise awareness about elder abuse through targeted campaigns and community education, to empower them to understand what it is and to report it. Mr O'Brien's situation was not unique, Judge Cain said as he pointed to Mind Australia data that half of the nation's mental health carers' support needs were not being met, and 35 per cent did not know that support was available. 'Stephen was a "hidden" carer in that he did not identify as a mental health carer and was not receiving benefits to care for his son,' he said. The coroner said it was 'critical' the state government work to identify hidden carers and support them through mechanisms such as a carer assessment tool via GPs, health centres and schools. The Senior's Rights Victoria charity says that elder abuse is often hidden and that an older person may not identify what's happening to them as abuse. 'They may cover up the signs due to fear of what may happen if anyone finds out or they might be unaware that the perpetrator's actions are a form of abuse.' It added that abuse may happen without any indicators or signs, but said that 'even if you are not sure, it is best to follow up on any suspicion of elder abuse'. The types of abuse range from emotional or psychological abuse to neglect, to financial, physical, social or sexual abuse. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Furious locals are battling to stop their seaside town from being turned into the Las Vegas of the East Coast' amid controversial plans to turn its last remaining high street bank into a 24-hour casino. Picturesque Whitby - where Bram Stoker found inspiration for his horror novel Dracula - is famed for its cobbled streets, quaint shops and coastal charm. But those living in the North Yorkshire fishing town face the prospect of its remaining bank being transformed into a round-the-clock gambling venue. The Halifax branch in the towns historic centre is set to close in mid-May, and company Luxury Leisure revealed plans to replace it with an adult gaming centre. Town hall officials had recommended the scheme be approved because a 'soon to be vacant unit would remain in use in a prominent location'. The controversial plan sparked a wave of outrage, with more than 500 objections lodged and the towns Labour MP presenting a petition to parliament, urging North Yorkshire Council to throw out the scheme. Councillors did reject the scheme as a planning meeting on Thursday, after one local politician warned: 'If it's approved, Whitby will become the Las Vegas of the East Coast.' However, jeopardy still remains with applicant Luxury Leisure likely to appeal the decision, having vowed to plough 500,000 into the project. Picturesque Whitby - where Bram Stoker found inspiration for his horror novel Dracula - is famed for its cobbled streets, quaint shops and coastal charm The Halifax branch in the town's historic centre is set to close in mid-May, with company Luxury Leisure seeking to replace it with an 'adult gaming centre' Sam Dryden, 49, who runs an ice cream and souvenir shop K&S Dryden, with father Ken, 74, said: 'The town is dying a death and there are a lot of empty buildings - but a casino is not what we need' Speaking to MailOnline, furious locals and business owners feared a successful appeal would ruin Whitbys character and attract the wrong crowd. Edith Harrison, 84, who has lived in the town for 20 years, said: 'People are very annoyed. 'It's just not what we want or need. I'm dead against it. This is Whitby - it's not Las Vegas. 'It's bad enough closing the last bank. But to replace it with a 24-hour casino is awful. 'There's a lot of older people in Whitby who really don't want it. 'What we need are more shops, for the people who actually live here all year around. 'People seem to forget that it's not all holiday homes - there are lots of people who call Whitby home and they seem to get forgotten about.' Many fear if the venue, if successful its appeal to the planning inspectorate, will attract rowdy crowds and further strip the town of its traditional charm. Edith Harrison, 84, who has lived in the town for 20 years, said: 'People are very annoyed' Alan Landers, 59, who runs butchers Landers of Whitby directly opposed the proposed venue, said: 'It's no good for this street - it's honestly the last thing we need. 'There'll be train-loads coming down from Middlesbrough, drinking all night and ending up in the casino until the morning. 'I don't want my customers turning up and having to be confronted with that. 'If you want a casino, you can go to any big city - not a little, quaint fishing village.' Mr Landers feared: 'Whitby's losing it's identity. This street used to be thriving with independent shops. Now it's just us, the baker's and the veg shop left. Now it's all charity shops.' Outside the Halifax, which closes its doors on May 15, James and Julie Richardson also expressed their concerns. Julie, 72, said: 'Whitby is a place for families, for heritage, for history. The last thing we need is a 24-hour gambling den encouraging people to throw away their money. 'Its completely out of character for our town. Alan Landers, 59, who runs butchers Landers of Whitby directly opposed the proposed venue, said: 'It's no good for this street - it's honestly the last thing we need' Many fear the venue will attract rowdy crowds and further strip the town of its traditional charm 'It's already bad enough with drinking. I won't come into the town centre at the weekend because it can just be carnage. I'm too old and it scares me. 'We used to be a fishing village, now it's all about tourism, second homes and holiday lets. It's not the same anymore. It's not peaceful.' Les Wetherill, 72, added: 'We don't need a casino - we need something decent. 'It's all charity shops and chip shops in Whitby, there's nothing for the locals. It's just not what we need.' Sam Dryden, 49, who runs an ice cream and souvenir shop K&S Dryden, with father Ken, 74, said: 'The town is dying a death and there are a lot of empty buildings - but a casino is not what we need. 'This town is not the place for it. All it will serve to do is bring in stag parties and that's not what we want here. We want families coming here for a day out at the seaside. 'We need retail shops, not gambling. 'No-one comes out of a casino with the money that they went in with. That's money that would have otherwise been spent elsewhere in the town.' Labour MP Alison Hume raised the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, stating that locals were 'particularly disappointed that the site of the proposed gaming centre is that of the Halifax bank branch, which is due to close shortly, leaving the town without any bank branches' Les Wetherill, 72, pictured, added: 'We don't need a casino - we need something decent' Officials argued that keeping the building in use will benefit the town centres economy and footfall, even if the loss of a bank is regrettable. Darren Marshall, 62, warned that allowing gambling venue risked damaging the towns reputation as a family-friendly destination. He said: 'It's for the 18+ market and it's not a particularly welcome thing, in my view. It would be a shame for this town. 'This is the main shopping street for people who live in Whitby. Shops are closing down and being replaced with things that people who live and work here don't want. 'It will attract the kind of visitor to the town that it neither wants nor needs. 'The visitors are important but we do need to have an infrastructure in place for the residents as well. Labour MP Alison Hume raised the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, stating that locals were particularly disappointed that the site of the proposed gaming centre is that of the Halifax bank branch, which is due to close shortly, leaving the town without any bank branches. A spokesperson for Luxury Leisure defended the proposal, insisting there would be no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under-18s and has an impact on amenity. Darren Marshall, 62, pictured, warned that allowing gambling venue risked damaging the town's reputation as a family-friendly destination They said the company would invest 500,000 into the premises, create a dozen jobs and 'ensure footfall to the town centre'. At the planning meeting, there were 523 objections and just six in support. Calling for the application to be refused, Cllr Derek Bastiman said: 'It will detract wholly from Whitby which enjoys visitor numbers 52 weeks a year and I can see no benefit to the town or the wider area. 'If it's approved, Whitby will become the Las Vegas of the East Coast.' Cllr Janet Jefferson added: 'Once you open the floodgates, that will be that. 'I just think it's not the right place. Whitby is unique and we should maintain that. There's no way the place can be controlled 24/7 and I will not support this.' Luxury Leisure has 12 weeks to decide whether to bring an appeal. Bram Stoker drew inspiration from Whitby after a stay in 1890. The 199 steps up to the abbey also feature. A British man who was forced to beg for financial help to get home to the UK after being left fighting for his life in the Philippines jungle has denied he is a scammer after being targeted by online trolls. Conan White, 60, has been stranded in the Mindanao wilderness for over a year as he recovers from first being stabbed in his foot by his girlfriend and then injuring the foot in a serious fall. Believing he was on the brink of certain death, Conan last week desperately reached out to MailOnline to tell his tragic tale and bring public awareness to his harrowing situation. But as well as a flurry of support, his story was met with cruel comments and skepticism as Conan revealed how he has been repeatedly labelled a 'scammer' following his desperate cries for donations. He has even been pushed to delete his social media posts and hide his location due to fears of his safety. 'I've taken down all my Facebook posts from the last two years because so many people were commenting horrible, awful things,' a devastated Conan told MailOnline. Several people have also contacted the Brit via social media raising concerns for his well-being. 'They think I'm in serious danger of being beaten up or worse, they've even warned me to not to disclose my location,' he said. 'All I want to do is get better, this is just madness'. Conan White, 60, was forced to beg for financial aid after he was left stranded in the Philippines with a severely infected foot Conan contracted Mpox from a rat bite while living in the slums, after fleeing his ex girlfriend who stabbed him twice in the foot The Brit is living in a shed-like home in the middle of the jungle and had no way of getting home before he began receiving donations through his fundraising page The Berkshire man explained that due to the constant trolling, he hasn't managed to sleep in three days - despite his successful fundraiser providing him with the funds to stay in a safer and cleaner home while he recovers for his journey back to the UK. Conan's fundraising campaign has almost hit its 3,000 goal after hitting 2,854, meaning he has been able to consume hot meals, hire a local woman to help dress his foot wound and purchase antibiotics. But this rally of support has been overshadowed by the hate. 'They ridicule me, they call me a scammer, an awful person, I've done nothing but tell my story and now I'm just trying to heal. 'But now even though I'm getting better physically, this is very upsetting mentally and I know I shouldn't let it get to me but it is,' Conan said. Following the public telling of his story and subsequent fundraising efforts, the former HR officer said his Filipino ex-girlfriend who stabbed him twice in May 2022 had sent him a slew of abuse on social media. 'She just completely lost it, messaging me so much abuse, I don't know if she is after the money or is just trying to taunt me for escaping'. Publicly speaking out on his new-found challenges, Conan updated his campaign story on his GoGetFunding page, claiming his YouTube and Facebook account had been hacked by trolls who deleted all of his amateur videos and left 'highly offensive' content in its place. 'They also left a seemingly very anti-Conan podcast on my FB feed with some misleading content, I have contacted the Podcast presenters, and they have agreed to a live interview that will be broadcasted 9am Saturday the 15th of March. I will post the link to the show as soon as I get it,' he wrote. Now, even while battling his dire circumstances in the Philippines, he is also having to deal with the pressures of online aggressors. Conan had a gaping hole in his foot after visiting a local doctor who left it 'mangled' and 'butchered' The sickly man also contracted Covid19 after running away from his violent ex and says his immune system was at its lowest Conan has been left stranded in the Philippines after moving there from the UK in 2018 Conan was kept in a crowded hospital with little to no hygiene measures along with several other sick locals But he is determined to stand his ground. On Friday, Conan posted an update to his crowdsourcing page, writing: 'I have now enabled comments on this site, as I feel it is important that people who come to this campaign have a voice. 'And though I can take criticism, please let it be the constructive type.' The threats and online hate piled in for Conan after he told his harrowing story which saw him moving to the Philippines in 2018 for love before enduring a series of horrendous hardships. Speaking to MailOnline from the Philippines jungle last week, the Brit explained how he was abandoned in the slums after being viciously stabbed by his girlfriend. Conans life spiralled into misery after he contracted Mpox and a fall down a highway left him with an injured foot. A botched medical procedure by a 'charlatan' doctor left his foot shattered, and his new girlfriend's mother offered to take him in - but at a hefty price. Scared of being alone in the wilderness, Conan gave the mother the money he had so she could fund caring for him. But instead, she took the sick man off his vital diabetic medicines and antibiotics and opted for herbal treatments in an attempt to cure his mangled foot. Holding candlelit vigils and inviting local priests to bless his limb, a failed exorcism by a witch doctor - which saw him massaged and spat on - only worsened his condition. Now, forced to live in a crumbling jungle hut deep in Mindanao, Conan claims he is confined like a prisoner by locals who control the only key to the gate, with no visa and no means of escape. Living on a meagre one meal a day and battling relentless infections, he fears death is only days away, leaving him with no choice but to appeal to the British Embassy and launch a crowdsourcing campaign, hoping to scrape together enough funds to survive and eventually return home to Newbury, Berkshire. A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed consular assistance is being provided, but for now, the suffering Brit remains isolated in a perilous, snake-infested wilderness - awaiting a miracle before its too late. MailOnline's interactive map shows which shops have closed in your town so far in 2025. Struggling in Covid's wake and battered by the cost-of-living crisis, industry experts predict 17,350 will shut permanently this year. Retail giant WHSmith and banks including Lloyds, TSB and Natwest have announced dozens of closures, as well as fashion chains New Look and Select. Your browser does not support iframes. The Post Office The Post Office confirmed in November it would be axing 115 branches and hundreds of jobs in yet another major blow to Britain's struggling high street. The embattled postal giant said a significant number of jobs from its 1,000-strong head office staff were at risk. And 115 major city centre Crown Post Offices would be scrapped, in a move that critics fear could leave pensioners and the vulnerable isolated. The shake-up could see the branches transferred to retail partners or postmasters or shut for good. Pictured is Cambridge city centre post office which is one of those now at risk The radical overhaul was part of the Post Office's drive to transition to a fully franchised model - similar to how fast-food giant McDonald's operates. The model sees a company giving permission to individuals or groups to run the business, using its brand and products in exchange for a fee. Almost all of the nation's Post Office branches are now run as a franchise, with just one per cent directly overseen by the company. WHSmith WHSmith is set to shut 17 of its branches over the coming months, following a string of closures last year amid reports it could sell its 500-strong high street store business altogether. The historic UK retailer confirmed in January that it has held talks over potentially selling the chain, resulting in thousands of WHSmith workers facing uncertainty as private equity suitors eye a deal to take control of the stores. The company said it is assessing options for the division as it seeks to focus on its larger travel operation. It is understood private equity groups Hilco and Alteri are among parties to raise interest over a possible takeover move for the business, after WHSmith launched the process late last year. Both Hilco and Alteri have experience in UK retail as turnaround specialists. WHSmith is set to close 17 of its stores over the coming months, following a string of closures last year (stock) However, this may raise concerns among some workers over what a private equity takeover deal would mean for the future of the WHSmith high street estate and roughly 5,000 workers. It comes after WHSmith previously announced plans to open 110 new branches in airports, train stations and hospitals where profits were higher than high street shops, as well as more than 50 stores in North America. Over the last two years, WHSmith has closed 10 stories, including locations in Manchester, Crewe, Ramsgate, Bicester, Somerset and Sale. Late last year it was also announced WHSmith would begin selling vinyl records again following a three-decade hiatus, in response to a growing trend among shoppers. But WHSmith, which first opened in 1792, was voted Britain's worst or second worst high street retailer for nine straight years from 2011 to 2019, in a poll conducted by consumer watchdog Which? Homebase Homebase has closed, or is in the process of closing, 53 of its stores. It had previously put 74 stores up for sale after the DIY chain fell into administration in November. Homebase appointed administrators at consultancy Teneo after it was hit hard by an 'incredibly challenging' three years for the DIY sector. Homebase has closed, or is in the process of closing, 53 of its stores. Pictured: Store on the Wirral Administrators struck a deal to sell the business to retail group CDS, which owns The Range and Wilko, securing the future of up to 1,600 jobs and 70 stores. Homebase's collapse came amid reports that banking giant Wells Fargo declined to extend the group's lending facility due to concerns about its finances. Management blamed weaker consumer confidence and spending after the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis for profit losses. Select Fashion Select Fashion announced in February that it would close 35 of its shops, with all of them being located outside of London. Stores across towns and cities in the UK closed by the affordable clothing retailer included Southampton, Bristol, Wolverhampton and Hartlepool. Experts said at the time the cull was a significant one for Select Fashion, which downsized its trading portfolio by just under a half with those closures. Select Fashion announced in February that it would close 35 of its shops , with all of them being located outside of London It comes after the fashion brand fell into administration in 2019, with the retailer blaming tough economic conditions on the high street. Select Fashion, owned by Turkish entrepreneur Cafer Mahiroglu, was later bought out of administration by Genus UK Limited. The chain entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) last summer, according to recent filings on Companies House. A CVA is a way of restructuring that allows a company to negotiate with its creditors to pay off its debts, such as reducing rent costs with landlords. Quiz Quiz Clothing is closing 23 of its branches just weeks after shares in the company were removed from the London Stock Exchange. The struggling retailer is expected to use a pre-pack administration deal to allow the founders to regain control of a slimmed down version of the business, The Sun reported in February. Quiz Clothing is closing 23 of its branches (store in Exeter pictured) The company has appointed the insolvency practitioner Teneo as administrator. Around 1,500 people currently work for the company across 60 stores in the UK. But 200 of those employees could face job losses, Sky News reported. Cineworld Cineworld has shut eleven cinemas across Britain so far this year. The chain revealed the fresh closure plans in December after formally completing a plan it launched in the summer to shore up its finances. The company said its restructuring has meant it could 'address unsustainable operating costs, achieving its key objectives with cost saving initiatives including the reduction of rents to market level at several UK sites, resulting in significant savings'. The Cineworld in Northampton (above) is among the sites the chain has confirmed will shut Cineworld now has 90 cinemas across the UK left. The business, which is part of the world's second-largest cinema chain, has been struggling since the pandemic as audiences have failed to return to previous levels. Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland Lloyds Banking Group announced in January it will close 136 high street branches in a huge blow for customers. It will shut 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland sites between May this year and March 2026. The move comes weeks after the finance giant shook up its business to allow customers of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to use stores across any of its brands. Lloyds Banking Group has taken the decision to close 136 of its high street branches Lloyds blamed the decision to shut the branches on customers shifting away from banking in person to using mobile services. It said all workers at the affected branches will be offered jobs elsewhere in the company. NatWest NatWest is closing 53 bank branches this year as growing numbers of customers opt to use online banking. The major lender announced a full list of locations that will close their doors for good in January. It comes after the taxpayer-backed lender edged another step nearer to full privatisation after buying back 1billion of its shares from the Government in November. The firm had already reduced much of its portfolio of physical branches, closing 48 sites last year and around 20 in 2023. Since 2015, NatWest Group, which encompasses NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,409 branches. Sainsbury's cafe Sainsbury's announced in January it would axe 61 cafes and more than 3,000 jobs as part of a major overhaul. Simon Roberts, chief executive of the supermarket group, said the company was making the cuts as it attempts to slash spending by a 1billion a year in the face of a 'particularly challenging cost environment'. Sainsbury's announced in January it would axe 61 cafes and more than 3,000 jobs as part of a major overhaul This is despite the supermarket chain recently announcing its 'biggest ever' Christmas trading period and predicting profits would likely be between 1.01 billion and 1.06 billion for the whole of 2025. The losses mean the current 148,000-strong workforce by will be reduced by 2 per cent and all of the 61 remaining cafes will be closed. Mr Roberts said Sainsburys shoppers did not use their cafes regularly, whereas in-store food halls and concessions have grown in popularity. As part of the shake up, the retailer also closed its remaining patisserie, hot food and pizza counters in-store and shift the most popular items from there into regular shopping aisles. On Sunday, March 9, InfoWars reporter Jamie White spent his day as usual, covering the weekend news shift for Alex Jones's controversial website. Working out of the outlet's headquarters in Austin, Texas, he wrote four articles about issues he and fellow conservatives perceive as threats to American liberties, before returning to his apartment in South Austin. Later that night, at home alone, White either heard or spotted someone trying to break into his car in the parking lot below. Shirtless, he ran downstairs to stop the would-be thief, marking the second time a carjacker attempts to steal his modest Kia Soul since December. That decision would prove to be fatal. Within seconds, White was unconscious, his head in a pool of blood from a bullet wound. A neighbor alarmed by the single gunshot fired shortly after hearing someone sprinting down the staircase of their apartment building went outside, saw the journalist lifeless on the pavement, noticed a car screeching away into the darkness, and called 911. 'It was intense, an intense scene for sure,' that caller, who feared being named for security reasons, said in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com. InfoWars reporter Jamie White was shot dead outside his Austin residence around on Sunday March 9 White's employer, InfoWars founder Alex Jones, claimed the killing could have been a political hitjob White lived a few miles from InfoWars' studios in the Chandelier Apartments in south Austin, where one-bedroom units like his rent for $900 to $1,100 a month White, 36, was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital shortly after midnight Monday. The neighbor described finding White shirtless in the parking lot with a puddle of fresh blood around his head. He said paramedics later arrived at the scene and removed White's pants, leaving them behind as they rushed off with his body. White's employer, InfoWars founder Jones, announced the news of his killing on-air hours later and spent much of the week spinning the cold case into the latest of his many conspiracy stories, claiming it was a targeted attack. But locals have since blasted those theories, suggesting White was simply another casualty of the violent crime plaguing the area, which has recently become a common site for carjackings and break-ins. Even White's sister Kelly Kneale said she believed it was a random attack. 'omeonne was attempting to break into his car,' she said. And despite the safety concerns and warnings from friends, White had refused to relocate to a safer neighborhood despite warnings and safety concerns, a pal told DailyMail.com. The far-right journalist lived a few miles from InfoWars' studios, in the Chandelier Apartments, where one-bedroom units like his rent for $900 to $1,100 a month. Despite its swank name, some residents told DailyMail.com the apartment complex is a hub for methamphetamine deals. Police data show 57 crimes were reported there last year, including aggravated assaults, but no homicides. Despite its swank name, some residents say the complex is a hub for methamphetamine deals and has been the site of recent carjackings Speaking to DailyMail.com, the neighbor who called 911 admitted that the area is ;not the best neighborhood, but it's affordable'. Pictured above is a piece of crime scene tape left behind at the site of the fatal shooting Dana Geddie, 54, a local sex worker based near the apartment complex, told DailyMail.com her line of work is more common in the area than homicide and violent crimes 'I'm more considered the problem around here, not murderers,' Dana Geddie, 54, a prostitute who works the alley behind a strip center just north of the apartments, told DailyMail.com on Wednesday. 'It's not the best neighborhood, but it's affordable,' added the 911 caller who has lived in the same eight-unit building overlooking a pool and barbecue area for about two to three years without ever speaking with White. Neighbor Wilmer Amador Zamora said he has occupied a unit diagonal from the writer's apartment for nine months, also without meeting him. 'People are like that around here,' he said in Spanish. The neighbor who called the police the night of the shooting admitted he didn't know of White's politics, let alone his name, but said he is frustrated that his own boss is spreading lies about his killing. 'People are going to say what they're going to say, even if it's not the truth,' he said. Their building is close to the entrance of the complex where a parked car this week has a fresh hole in its back window, believed to be from a recent break-in attempt. Two of White's neighbors said their own cars have been broken into recently, and one noticed White vacuuming glass from his Kia earlier this winter after a thief smashed one of its windows. Friends described him as a passionate and unique person who immersed himself in far-right politics; pictured at his birthday party in July 2021 White took a trip to Thailand in 2023. Outside of work, he enjoyed reading history, watching movies, working out, and playing music, friends say White's sister Kelly Kneale said that although the investigation is in its early stages, it is not believed to be a 'targeted attack' White's friend and coworker, fellow InfoWars writer Adan Salazar, told DailyMail.com that he and his wife Racheal urged him to move out of a complex they considered too dangerous. He said White refused because he was saving money in preparation for 'the incoming financial collapse that'll probably happen.' Instead of paying higher rent in a safer neighborhood or upgrading from his shabby, moss-colored Kia to a more edgy Dodge Challenger, which he fancied, Salazar said White was investing in silver and gold as a way of 'getting ready' for looming economic end times. Salazar figures that White's frustration about having to pay $1,500 to repair his Kia from the December break-in may have led him to run into the parking lot, unarmed, Sunday night to confront yet another car thief. 'He was probably like, "I'll be damned if that happens again,"' he said. 'I think it was like a fight or flight response, like a split second decision, whereas if he had called me I'd have said, "Grab your gun or call the cops".' Austin Police Detective Jason Jones (no relation to Alex) who is leading the homicide investigation declined to comment on conspiracy theories at a news conference Wednesday. Rather, he said that police identified the vehicle used to flee the scene after it was abandoned nearby. Jones, a prominent conspiracy theorist, 51, called on the Justice Department to investigate the death of his reporter, claiming the murder 'could have been a hit', during his appearance on political commentator Benny Johnson's podcast He confirmed the car was stolen and, like White's, was also made by Kia, whose models from 2011 to 2022 lacked engine immobilizers, making them easy targets for thieves. The detective said his team also found drops of blood among the shattered glass in White's car from the window broken by the would-be thief. The city is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for anyone who comes forward with information leading to the conviction of White's killer. Whether there's one perpetrator or two, the detective warned that whoever was involved is 'known to be armed and have no regard for human life'. Days after the fatal shooting, Jones citing articles by White that allegedly landed him on a Ukrainian enemies list planted suspicion among conservative followers that one of his star reporters was the target of a political assassination ordered by that country's government or its liberal allies here in the U.S. 'There's a chance, good chance, it could be [a hit job],' Jones told far-right pundit Benny Johnson in a YouTube video posted Tuesday. 'The more I'm talking about it, the more I'm thinking about it. A lot of smart people are calling me saying, "Alex, This iseight people have been killed in the last two months here since the first of the year." 'Okay? What are the chances in a town of over two million people that an Infowars lead reporter gets butchered?' Jones also pointed the finger at progressive philanthropist George Soros for funding the campaign of Jose Garza, the Democratic prosecutor in Travis County who conservatives have criticized as being too soft on local crime. 'I lay all of this squarely at the feet of Soros and of the sort of crime syndicate of the Democratic Party,' Jones said in an emotional video Monday afternoon. 'They are the ones that administratively cut the police, prosecuted the police, and even cases that are 100% clear to be lawful, legal activities.' District Attorney Garza has since slammed the media personality for spreading rumors about the unsolved homicide of his coworker. Garza's office, in a statement, called InfoWars' baseless theories 'shameful,' adding that it's 'not surprising that Alex Jones is trying to exploit the victims' death for political gain'. White is survived by his father, Douglas White and younger sister, Kelly Kneale, both of whom he spent Christmas with in Ohio, friends say. His mother, Jeanne White, died nine years ago at age 56. The apartment complex was cordoned off with crime scene tape following Sunday night's killing Conservatives in Austin have criticized Democratic Travis County prosecutor Jose Garza as being too soft on crime Austin Police Detective Jason Jones declined to comment on conspiracy theories at a news conference Wednesday, but confirmed police have identified the vehicle used to flee the scene after it was abandoned nearby White earned a psychology degree from Ohio University and moved to North Carolina before taking a job with Jones in Austin. Friends say the self-proclaimed patriot and freedom fighter loved his work in far-right politics beyond all else. He read history, went to movies, worked out, and played everything from Liszt to dark metal on a keyboard in his rare spare time, and recently had been online dating in hopes of finding a woman with whom he could start a family. 'Jamie was a unique character mostly reserved and kept to himself, but became goofy and silly when he trusted and opened up with you,' said Yecca Aaron, a silver and gold dealer in Bastrop who befriended the writer after years of admiring his daily InfoWars articles. White had filed his last InfoWars story eleven hours before his death. It was about Romania banning far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running in the second round of that country's presidential election. With the handle @WhiteIsTheFury, White was active on several mainstream and right-wing social media platforms, often reposting messages by white nationalists and neo-Nazis. His employer's recent remarks wouldn't be the first time Alex Jones had shared controversial comments and theories in the wake of a tragedy. Jamie White, 36, was found fatally wounded outside his Austin residence around midnight on Sunday Jones is notorious for claiming that the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School which killed 20 children and six adults was, along with the September 11 terror attacks, and the Oklahoma City bombing, a hoax. In 2022, he was ordered to pay $1.4billion after juries found him guilty of defaming victims' families, whom he referred to as 'paid crisis actors.' Late last year, the satirical news source the Onion, along with the Sandy Hook families who Jones defamed, successfully bid on InfoWars to cover the damages. A federal judge rejected the sale and ownership reverted back to Jones, who has declared personal bankruptcy. White's body is being held by Travis County medical examiner's office while the police investigation is pending. Although the Salazars are well aware of the history of car break-ins and violence at White's apartment complex, they embrace other suspicions about his killing. 'Jamie would expect this kind of scrutiny,' Adan said. 'We're not dismissing any theory completely,' Racheal added. 'He would want us all fighting for the truth, fighting to find out what really happened to him.' A judge apologised to a defendant in court this week after being forced to schedule a three-day trial for three-and-a-half years time, in an astonishing sign of the scale of the court backlog crisis. Shah Jaman, 31, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on Wednesday at a pre-trial hearing charged with affray and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place. Jaman, who denies the charges against him, is accused of threatening members of the public with a machete on Masjid Lane in Tower Hamlets, east London on February 10. Court documents show Jaman, of Tower Hamlets, attended the hearing virtually from HMP Thameside - but was bailed to Derby by Judge Charles Falk to await trial. 'I am so sorry,' Judge Falk told Jaman after being told the earliest date available for the trial, expected to last three days. The accused is due to stand trial from October 16, 2028 - more than three-and-a-half years away. Court blogger Daniel Cloake, also known as the 'Mouse In The Court' online, told how the judge was audibly shocked at the delay. 'Wow,' he is reported to have said, before adding: 'I'm so sorry we can't try you in what is a serious matter for three-and-a-half years... I recognise you're going to have your life on hold. I'm sorry about that.' Shah Jaman, 31, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court (pictured) in London on Wednesday at a pre-trial hearing charged with affray and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place Baroness Newlove, the UK-wide Victims' Commissioner, said record court backlogs are 'actively harming' victims He also told the court: 'That is the furthest away I have ever set a trial date but that is the position the crown court is in. 'We will have to have a pre-trial review to ensure everyone is still alive.' He is then said to have asked Jaman's defence council whether he would be free for the trial. 'I won't have retired by then,' the lawyer replied. Seven of Snarebrook's 20 courts were closed and therefore not sitting on Wednesday. The charges against Jaman are Affray, contrary to section 3(1) and (7) of the Public Order Act 1986, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place, Contrary to section 1A(1) and (4) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. London's Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman OBE took to social media and said she would raise the delay with Sir Brian Leveson, a retired barrister who is currently carrying out an Independent Review of the Criminal Courts. She told MailOnline: 'The court system is in crisis, and the fact we are listing serious cases more than 3.5 years away is an indictment on our justice system. 'We place an unfair expectation that victims will put their lives on hold to stay engaged in a process this long, often without good communication or support, and we risk securing justice outcomes and keeping the public safe'. London's Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman OBE (pictured) took to social media and said she would raise the delay with Sir Brian Leveson It comes after it was revealed last week that record numbers of crime victims are seeing their scheduled trials delayed on the day they are due to start. New figures showed how the number of trials that have been rescheduled more than three times on the day they were due to take place has quadrupled since 2020. Some were found to have been postponed up to six times at the last minute before taking place. Many victims arrive at court prepared to give evidence only to be turned away at the last minute, with almost 48 per cent of victims with a scheduled trial date having it changed at least once. Reacting to the report Baroness Newlove, the UK-wide Victims' Commissioner, said record court backlogs are 'actively harming' victims. 'My report sadly confirms what I have long feared. These delays are not just administrative failings, they are actively harming victims and causing them real and undue stress,' Baroness Newlove said. 'There are many victims who get themselves psyched up in preparation for the court date to go ahead, only to suffer adjournment upon adjournment spanning several years. 'This means some victims remain stuck in limbo, forced to relive their trauma over and over, unable to heal or move on. Others turn to alcohol or drugs to cope, some self-harmed. Tragically, I heard from victims who even contemplated ending their lives.' It comes after the Government last year announced an independent review of the criminal courts, led by Sir Brian Leveson, after official figures showed backlogs hit record levels, with 73,105 outstanding cases at the end of September. A federal indictment against two former leaders of an 'orgasmic meditation cult' could be thrown out after the prosecution was forced to admit key evidence could have been fabricated for Netflix, DailyMail.com can reveal. The bombshell U-turn comes after OneTaste execs Rachel Cherwitz and Nicole Daedone were accused of forcing volunteers, contractors and employees into sex acts using cult-like tactics. Both women have been battling federal prosecutors in a bitter court dispute in New York to throw out the indictment for over a year. Now that could happen, with the government filing a letter admitting the journals penned by former worker Ayries Blanck were fake. Blanck, who appeared in a Netflix documentary about the case, was expected to testify against both women after the film sparked an investigation into the alleged cult. Netflix first aired Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste in 2022, five months before Daedone and Cherwitz were indicted for allegedly forcing women into sex acts. Both women denied the accusations. Daedone and Cherwitz's lawyers are now petitioning the court to unseal the government's admission, according to a letter seen by DailyMail.com. Celia Cohen and Michael Robotti wrote: 'As a result of its admission, the government affirmatively corrected its repeated misrepresentations to the defense and the Court that the journals were authentic, and it has stated that it does not intend to call Blanck as a witness in the upcoming trial. A federal indictment against OneTaste execs Rachel Cherwitz (left) and Nicole Daedone could be thrown out after the prosecution was forced to admit key evidence could have been fabricated for Netflix The government filed a letter admitting journals penned by former worker Ayries Blanck were fake The government's admission was originally filed under seal, but lawyers for Daedone and Cherwitz have now successsfully had it unsealed 'In short, the government has admitted that Blanck committed federal crimes, by falsifying evidence and lying to federal agents, and that the government relied on those lies and false evidence in prosecuting the defendants.' Sources close to the two women claim that the journals the prosecution was based on were edited by Blanck more than eight years after she initially wrote them. The writings were not submitted as evidence until 2023, almost five years after Blanck was first interviewed by the FBI. A grand jury indicted Daedone and Cherwitz a month after the journals were submitted, with Blanck claiming she had handed them over to her sister, Autymn, in 2015. Netflix first aired Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste in 2022, five months before Daedone and Cherwitz were indicted for allegedly forcing women into sex acts Blanck claimed in a Netflix documentary that OneTaste 'forced and manipulated her into having sex and taking part in orgasmic meditation with OneTaste staff, supervisors and customers'. OneTaste denies this, and the company launched a countersuit against Netflix for claiming it aired 'completely false' accusations and against Blanck for allegedly breaching a $325,000 settlement by speaking with the streaming service. The letter continues: 'The government does not indicate whether it will investigate and prosecute Blanck, nor whether it will drop the charges against the defendants. But it should immediately do both. 'Blanck's crimes not only have wasted extensive judicial and defense resources but also led the government to bring a baseless indictment against the defendants.' Many of the pages of the letter are heaavily reacted A grand jury indicted Daedone and Cherwitz a month after the journals were submitted, with Blanck claiming she had handed them over to her sister, Autymn, in 2015, who also was interviewed for the Netflix doc Cohen and Robboti also accused the government of failing to do its 'due diligence' on the false claims, accusing them of 'repeatedly taking Blanck's word' that the journals were authentic. 'But for the defense's efforts, the government would have presented perjured testimony from its star witness at trial, potentially leading to a wrongful conviction of the defendants,' they added. As part of the civil lawsuit, Blanck claimed she didn't type up her handwritten journals and she was unaware of who did, denying making any modifications. One source confirmed that following an interview with the FBI in early March this year, Blanck changed her story again, telling them that her sister made modifications before she then rewrote them herself. Autymn, who was paid $25,000 for the documentary, told authorities that she was unaware that her sister had accessed the journals and edited them after she initially typed them up and shared them with Netflix producers. The letter stipulated that Blanck had access to the journals and edited them prior to them behind handed over to the FBI. Federal investigators have now admitted that Blanck's version of events has 'inconsistencies', and are no longer planning to call her as a witness over 'credibility concerns'. They have also confirmed that they will no longer use the writings as evidence, as the portions disputed by OneTaste were 'recreated' by Blanck years after she initially penned them. Daedone and Cherwitz also sued the BBC over the accusations and traveled to London for the case in 2022 Federal investigators have now admitted that Blanck's version of events has 'inconsistencies', and are no longer planning to call her as a witness over 'credibility concerns' The government had been arguing to keep the letter and information sealed because of fear of 'witness harassment' and 'sensitive material from a civil case.' But itt hjass now been unsealed although many pages are heavily redacted. Documents also reveal that Blanck contacted a Netflix producer multiple times in May 2022, using the Signal app while in Ireland. She admitted to the FBI during her latest interview that she deliberately withheld information from Autymn to prevent her from testifying inaccurately during depositions. Blanck disclosed the edits to Autymn a few weeks before the interview and coordinated with Netflix regarding when the Google document would be ready, but she did not reveal she had edited it. She admitted to having more communication with the producer than previously disclosed, using the encrypted Signal app, though the messages had been deleted. Blanck did not receive payment for the Netflix documentary, and her sister did not share her payment. Happy Valley star James Norton has hit out at internet scammers after The Mail on Sunday intervened to stop them stealing up to 10,500 from a widow. MoS reader Rosemarie Cohen believed she was exchanging messages with Mr Norton, 39, for almost a year after he apparently liked one of her Facebook posts. They were often in touch on social media several times a day, and one message purportedly from him reads: 'Rise and shine! Sending you love and sunshine to start your day!' The retired grandmother-of-two, 59, thought she had built up a genuine friendship with Mr Norton and then the demands for money began. Con artists who claimed they worked for him told her that she could arrange a meet-and-greet experience with him for 3,000 and a subsequent 'private meet up' for 7,000. The scammers called themselves Steve Anderson and Richard Williams and said they worked for the Artists Partnership agency, the London-based talent company that represents the actor. As well as the meetings, they also offered Ms Cohen a role working for Mr Norton as long as she paid 500 for a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to be drawn up to protect his confidentiality before she could join his personal team. But Ms Cohen smelled a rat, and contacted this newspaper. We were able to intervene, and Mr Norton's actual representatives were left aghast when we revealed what had happened. James Norton has hit out at internet scammers after The Mail on Sunday intervened to stop them stealing up to 10,500 from a widow Rosemarie Cohen believed she was exchanging messages with Mr Norton, 39, for almost a year after he apparently liked one of her Facebook posts They told The Mail on Sunday on Mr Norton's behalf: 'It is terrible that scammers are exploiting fans through fake celebrity social media accounts. We do urge people to be vigilant and never communicate with anyone purporting to be a celebrity on unverified accounts. 'I can confirm that neither James nor any of his representatives has communicated with Ms Cohen or indeed anyone else in this capacity. For reference, there is no one at the Artists Partnership called Steve Anderson or Richard Williams.' Ms Cohen told the MoS: 'I am really very crushed. I really believed it was James Norton. I cannot believe I fell for him. At least there's one good thing I won't have to buy new clothes to meet him. I feel a bit like a fool. 'I would like to thank The Mail on Sunday for exposing this scam. I hope that it encourages others to be more cautious when interacting with people online.' Some facts are so astounding that the human mind takes a pace back, and a deep breath, before realising how much they change the world. Only then does it absorb what it has heard and seen. The Covid outbreak caused millions of deaths and social and economic damage of almost 12.5 trillion worldwide. As we mark five years since the country was transformed by its effects, the revelation that the whole thing almost certainly began with dubious experiments in a Chinese lab must surely influence all future discussions of it and our attempts to guard against a repetition. Yet even now a large part of the scientific establishment including those in positions of political power are reluctant to acknowledge it. It is time such people recognised that the interests of the country demand that they address this issue, openly and honestly. The Mail on Sunday last week published the extraordinary conclusions of eminent virologist Robert Redfield on the strong likelihood that the virus actually originated in a Chinese lab. Today we go further. We can disclose that, as the Covid crisis gathered pace five years ago, former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove informed the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, that 'it is now beyond reasonable doubt that Covid-19 was engineered in the Wuhan Institute of Virology'. This astonishing claim, from a highly distinguished source, was based on work by a reputable scientific team. When Sir Richard took his warning to Downing Street, he knew he would face opposition and he duly did. He warned that the Chinese People's Republic, which despite its shiny, modern image is still a secretive and despotic nation, was conducting propaganda operations. The Covid outbreak caused millions of deaths and social and economic damage of almost 12.5 trillion worldwide The Mail on Sunday last week published the extraordinary conclusions of eminent virologist Robert Redfield on the strong likelihood that the virus actually originated in a Chinese lab Virologist Shi Zhengli (L) works in a lab of Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan Lord Vallance (right) is now Science Minister in the Starmer government, and was then at the very heart of the Government's scientific team It sought to spread the idea that the virus had natural and merely escaped via infected animals in a market. It was also trying to conceal the other explanation. Plainly, this behaviour suited the Chinese leadership, anxious to appear effective and tough. But we must ask why some British scientists were from the start so unwilling to consider this possibility. They seem to have been startlingly reluctant to believe what our former intelligence chief was saying. Mr Johnson himself is thought to be puzzled by this a source close to him has told this newspaper that Lord Vallance was reluctant to accept the lab leak theory. This is important because Lord Vallance is now Science Minister in the Starmer government, and was then at the very heart of the Government's scientific team. Mr Johnson, by contrast, actually asked the intelligence agencies to do more work on the origins of Covid. He is believed to have thought the appearance of the mutant Covid virus in Wuhan was just too much of a coincidence. After all, Wuhan was the site of one of the only laboratories in the entire world which was known to engineer such viruses. He was struck by the refusal of government experts to even contemplate this possibility. He kept asking, despite the scientific community's resistance to what seemed to him to be an obvious line of enquiry. He asked again after receiving Sir Richard Dearlove's briefing. But once more he received the same reply, dismissing Sir Richard and his concerns. Were the public and the then premier actively misled by the scientific and intelligence community in order to protect research funding from Beijing and to avoid angering the Chinese government? It ought not to be possible for such things to happen, but what else would explain it? Perhaps the time has come for Lord Vallance himself, who remains a highly respected national figure, to address these issues on behalf of the current government. Women's rights campaigners have hit back at a proposal that the NHS stops using the word 'midwife' because it is not 'inclusive' for transgender patients. A new research paper claims the word midwife 'upholds the patriarchy' and its use 'subordinates all who give birth'. The co-authors argue the term 'lead perinatal practitioner' should be used instead to be more inclusive of transgender mothers - and even the Royal College of Midwives should consider changing its name to Royal College of Lead Perinatal Practitioners. But the paper - which is considered by its creators as a 'blueprint' for the role to become more gender-neutral - has come under fire by campaigners who claim it amounts to the 'further erasure of the word "woman"'. Others, including a former midwife, have labelled the suggestion as 'gobbledygook' and 'ideological nonsense'. The research, titled From Midwife To Lead Perinatal Practitioner: A Utopian Vision, refers to a 'birthing person' or 'pregnant body' instead of a woman and argues a name change is needed as 'trans and non-binary people increasingly require access to midwifery services'. It adds: 'The presence of gender-diverse people accessing "maternity" services disrupts such norms, because it forces us to confront how words like "midwife," "midwifery," and "maternity" are excluding, for example, of trans and non-binary people. 'A move away from the title of "Midwife" to "Lead Perinatal Practitioner" would be trailblazing in reducing inequalities through the deconstruction of harmful patriarchal constructs and decolonisation.' Women's rights campaigners have hit back at a proposal that the NHS stops using the word 'midwife' because it is not 'inclusive' for transgender patients (file pic) Dr John Peddleton, a senior lecturer in midwifery from the University of Northampton, and Dr Sally Pezaro, an academic midwife from Coventry University, have set out their 'new Utopian vision' in a new research paper One critic, referring to the popular BBC drama Call The Midwife, said: 'Call the lead perinatal practitioner' did not have 'quite the same resonance' Written by Dr John Peddleton, a senior lecturer in midwifery from the University of Northampton, and Dr Sally Pezaro, an academic midwife from Coventry University, the paper adds that it has set out a proposal for a 'new Utopian vision'. It explains: 'We can envision this by imagining for example the Royal College of Midwives becoming the Royal College of Lead Perinatal Practitioners, or the ICM becoming the International Confederation of Lead Perinatal Practitioners.' But campaigners say the banning of the word 'midwife' had vast implications for women. Kellie-Jay Keen, who runs the group Let Women Speak, told MailOnline: 'This is just further erasure of the word 'woman'. 'When you erase a word, you can do it in a couple of ways. One way is to make it cease to mean the significant thing that it means - so in this case, it would cease to mean an actual woman. 'Midwife is a very old word, and it's a very lovely word. Most women who become mothers will know that we really do place our lives and the lives of our babies in these women's hands. 'You can also erase it by making lots of things mean the word 'woman', which is a really effective way of making the word meaningless. 'So it means everything and yet you can't use it for the thing that it really means, which is an adult human female.' Campaigners say the banning of the word 'midwife' by the NHS could be seen as a further step in the 'erasure' of women Campaigners also pointed out other examples of 'erasing women-type language', where medical professionals now use terms such as 'birthing person' or 'chest feeding' (file pic) Ms Keen cited other examples of 'erasing women-type language', where medical professionals now use terms such as 'birthing person' or 'chest feeding'. 'Cervix-haver is another one,' adds Ms Keen. 'And yet when we talk about prostate cancer or testicular cancer, it is addressed to men. 'So we know that it's specific about the word 'woman'. The activists want to erase that word.' Anna Melamed, midwifery lecturer at the University of the West of England, said the term 'midwife' was clearly recognised as a profession that 'proudly' supports women. She said: 'It is women as a sex category who are pregnant and give birth, regardless of how they identify... Midwives are one of the few professions who proudly and clearly stand by and on the side of the woman.' Meanwhile Helen Joyce, of human rights charity Sex Matters, added: 'Maternity services are under enough pressure without ideological nonsense being foisted on them.' Social media users also voiced their views on banning the word. One referring to the popular BBC drama Call The Midwife said: '"Call the lead perinatal practitioner!" Doesn't have quite the same resonance...' Social media users have been voicing their views on banning the word 'midwife' Another wrote: 'I used to be a Midwife. I looked after mothers and babies. I was certainly not a lead perinatal practitioner. 'What a load of gobbledegook. Perhaps they'll think of a new name for a baby - "genesis of natal being"?' A third questioned the argument made by the research authors: 'How are mothers 'subordinated' by being recognised as mothers? 'Why would a job title whose derivation is simply 'with woman' (and can apply to qualified professionals of either sex) subordinate the woman concerned?' Dr Pezaro declined to comment and Dr Pendleton did not respond to a request for comment. MailOnline has also reached out to the Royal College of Midwives for comment. Rachel Reeves is spending hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal fees defending her controversial VAT on school fees policy, as an 'unprecedented legal challenge' looms. Parents opposed to the 20 per cent education tax are crowdfunding to enable them to launch next month's landmark case at the High Court, on behalf of their children who have Special Educational Needs (SEN). A legal source described them as 'fighting to avert really dire scenarios on behalf of many claimants who are very, very vulnerable'. Meanwhile the Chancellor, who is the defendant, has employed four KCs the most experienced and expensive barristers in the land to lead the Government's case. Losing in court could force the Government to abandon the tax, which affects all 550,000 pupils in the independent sector. Around 100,000 of these have special educational needs. Legal experts said 'the serried rank of barristers' was a clear sign the Government saw the case as a direct threat to 'a manifesto promise' and an 'unprecedented challenge'. One said: 'It is very, very rare that a flagship piece of legislation like this is challenged in the courts. 'The practical implications are absolutely immense because you have thousands of schools around the country that are currently registered for VAT or in the process of registering, and hundreds of thousands of parents working out how they are going to pay it. The complexity and scale of what would then have to be undone if this legislation was kicked out is enormous.' Parents bringing the April 1 judicial review say the tax breaches their children's rights to have the education they need because it makes it unaffordable. Rachel Reeves is spending hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal fees defending her controversial VAT on school fees policy Losing in court could force the Government to abandon the tax, which affects all 550,000 pupils in the independent sector (stock image) In papers filed ahead of the case the Government denies this, saying the children would receive the education they need in the state sector. One source said: 'The Government is likely to be paying tens of thousands of pounds a day for each KC to work on the case. Their total bill will run into hundreds of thousands.' The Mail on Sunday was told the case will be 'one of the most high-profile cases ever to be heard in the administrative division of the High Court'. James Gardner of SinclairsLaw, representing the claimant group, said: 'Tens of thousands of parents are behind this unprecedented challenge to a totemic and harsh government policy. The stakes for pupils with severe SEN are unimaginably high. 'Even the Government admits that the state SEN system is completely broken, and it's getting worse every year. But the Government isn't backing down it has committed vast resources to this battle, and is fighting hard.' A government spokesman said: 'We do not comment on ongoing litigation matters. 'Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise 1.8 billion a year by 2029-30 to help deliver 6,500 new teachers and raise school standards, supporting the 94 per cent of children in state schools to achieve and thrive.' News of the case comes as two more independent schools Falcons School in Putney and Ursuline Prep in Ilford, told parents they are likely to close due to financial pressures. A dozen school closures have been announced since VAT was imposed on fees in January. Pupils are set to learn more about climate change and AI but an emphasis on 'tough' subjects may be dropped, in Labour plans to 'dumb down' the curriculum. Professor Becky Francis, who is chairing the Government's curriculum review panel, said children need to be better equipped for the 'challenges of the future'. Addressing the ASCL union conference yesterday, she said the 'rise of artificial intelligence' (AI) means pupils need 'heightened media literacy and critical thinking'. In addition, 'social, environmental and technical change' means the curriculum should have a 'renewed focus' on 'sustainability and climate science', she said. She added: 'We will map existing coverage and ensure that gaps are addressed and content brought up to date.' Professor Francis addressed headteachers in Liverpool to 'give a flavour' of the 'issues we are considering' and the 'direction of the review'. She also suggested the review may take aim at the EBacc, a flagship Tory performance measure to encourage pupils to take five 'tough' GCSE subjects. The EBacc consists of English, maths, science, a humanity and a language. Professor Becky Francis, who is chairing the Government's curriculum review panel, said children need to be better equipped for the 'challenges of the future' Pupils are set to learn more about climate change and AI but an emphasis on 'tough' subjects may be dropped, in Labour plans to 'dumb down' the curriculum The Tories had wanted 90 per cent of pupils to be doing this by 2025, with EBacc performance judged in league tables. However, Professor Francis said the EBacc's role is being 'assessed' because it 'constrains choices' and limits time for 'vocational and arts subjects'. She said there has been a 'squeeze' on teaching time for subjects such as arts, design and technology, ICT and computing. However, Professor Francis said formulative assessments such as primary school multiplication tests, Year 6 Sats, GCSEs and A-levels were 'working well', suggesting they were likely to stay. Labour commissioned the independent review after winning the election, with an interim report due early next week and a full report in the autumn. Last night, Shadow Education Minister Neil O'Brien said: 'Here comes more dumbing down from Labour. 'They want to push schools away from a focus on hard academic subjects towards softer subjects. 'They want to get more time for arts subjects by chopping back rigorous content in the core academic subjects. 'Phillipson seems to only listen to the trade unions and is vandalising 30 years of cross-party reform of our schools.' Two prestigious Ivy League institutions are among over 50 universities targeted by the US Department of Education for alleged discrimination against white students. On Friday, the DoED announced the sprawling investigations, accusing reputable institutions like Cornell and Yale universities, of using 'racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.' The federal department's Office of Civil Rights said that 45 schools, particularly with their graduate programs, acted in violation to the 1964 Civil Rights Act by partnering with The PhD Project. The PhD Project is a nonprofit program which helps students from underrepresented groups earn doctoral degrees in business, with the goal of diversifying the industry. The program focuses on supporting Black, Latino and Native American students. The Education Department alleges that the project limits eligibility based on the race of participants, and therefore, universities involved with the organization are engaging in 'race-exclusionary practices.' 'Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment,' Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. In response to the allegations, The PhD Project told NPR: 'Our vision is to create a broader talent pipeline of current and future business leaders...' The organization added, 'This year, we have opened our membership application to anyone who shares that vision.' Two prestigious Ivy League institutions are among over 50 universities targeted by the US Department of Education for alleged discrimination against white students. Pictured: The headquarters of the US Department of Education, March 12, 2025, in Washington On Friday, the DoED announced the sprawling investigations, accusing reputable institutions like Cornell and Yale universities, of using 'racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.' Pictured: Linda McMahon, US Secretary of Education The schools under investigation include dozens of state schools and the two Ivy Leagues. A number of private schools are also facing scrutiny, including Duke, Emory, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Rice, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University. Six additional institutions are being probed for awarding alleged 'impermissible race-based scholarships.' Another one has been accused of 'administering a program that segregates students on the basis of race.' The affected seven schools are: Grand Valley State University; Ithaca College; New England College of Optometry; University of Alabama; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; University of South Florida; and University of Oklahoma, Tulsa School of Medicine. The department did not say which of the seven was being investigated for allegations of segregation. Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut, is one of 51 universities across 41 states accused of discrimination against white students. Pictured: Yale University in New Haven Cornell University, an Ivy League school in Ithaca, New York, has been accused of limiting student's eligibility during admissions based on the race of participants. Pictured: Cornell University buildings viewed from McGraw Tower Last month, on February 14, President Donald Trump's administration issued a demanding memo expanding the 2023 Supreme Court decision which barred colleges from using race as a factor in the admissions process. In the memo, Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said schools' and colleges' diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have been 'smuggling racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming and discipline.' The memo, however, is being challenged in federal lawsuits from the nation's two largest teacher's unions - the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The scathing suits claim the memo is 'too vague' and violates the free speech rights of educators. Tense footage captured the moment Aldi staff confronted a shopper after he was accused of 'blatant racism' and erupting at a mother, her son and a cashier. Pariya and her 11-year-old boy were shopping at the supermarket at Ingle Farm, in Adelaide's north-east, on March 9. The pair took their groceries to the checkout and waited patiently as the cashier scanned their items. Pariya claimed the man had been in the queue behind them when he suddenly became frustrated and began to punch the groceries on the conveyor belt. 'I asked him what he was doing... it kind of escalated from there,' she told Yahoo. 'He said we were what's wrong with this "effing" country. The checker was obviously not white... my son has a dark complexion with dark hair... it was disgusting.' Pariya filmed the ensuing outburst on her phone with footage showing an Aldi staff member ordering the man to leave. 'You're always nice to me, and you're rude to her,' she said pointing towards the checkout worker. Pariya and her 11-year-old boy were shopping at the supermarket at Ingle Farm, in Adelaide's north-east, on March 9 'You're rude to everyone else here who doesn't look like me. Stop it. Grow up.' The man eventually listened to staff and left the store after paying for his items, but Pariya said the incident really shook up her son. Pariya said neither her, her son nor the employee behind the counter were white and that their skin colour quickly became a target for the man's attacks. 'I was just shocked... we left, and I hugged my son,' she said. 'He was upset all weekend because of him, it was his first real time facing racism... it was devastating.' She added the incident was not the first time something like this had happened to her in public. Pariya uploaded the video to TikTok where many social media users similarly condemned his behaviour. 'If more people stood up to racism, then the racist wouldn't feel so comfortable spewing their hate,' one woman wrote. A second added: 'The casual racism in this country is WILD.' 'This is outrageous! I hope ALDI bans him,' another said. A spokesperson for the supermarket told Daily Mail Australia that it is currently investigating the incident. 'We will not accept mistreatment of any team members or customers in our stores,' they said. 'Such incidents are taken very seriously, and we are currently investigating this situation and will ensure that support is provided to those affected.' While most Canadians recoil at the thought of becoming the US' 51st state, an increasingly vocal minority are convinced it is essential for the future of their country. Secessionists in Alberta say they are sick of their oil-rich province subsidizing the rest of the nation. A dissatisfaction with the status quo, along with avid support for Donald Trump, has led to around 10 percent of Canadians expressing separatist views, the Telegraph reports. The idea of Canada joining the US was first floated by the president last year and was largely taken in jest at the time after he jokingly referred to former leader Justin Trudeau as the 'Governor' of Canada. However he has since triggered a trade war by slapping tariffs on some goods coming across the northern border. Amid the growing tariff war, the bubbling secession movement is gaining speed. At a recent makeshift ceremony, Alberta local Dan Casselman swore an oath renouncing his allegiance to Canada in favor of the US, citing his fears his home nation is 'doomed'. At the heart of many of so-called 51st Staters gripes is anger over the way they feel Alberta's oil industry has been both demonized and exploited by liberals. Secessionists in Alberta say they are sick of their oil-rich province subsidizing the rest of Canada The group of 51st Staters are part of the 10 percent of Canadians who would support joining the US The province provides 56 percent of all US oil imports and is the richest in Canada with a GDP per capita. But measures brought in under former Primer Minister Justin Trudeau's father Pierre Trudeau mean that the $2 billion of profits are redistributed to French speaking Quebec and left-leaning Ontario. The younger Trudeau also pursued green energy targets at the expense of the oil industry which many Albertans feel is a mistake. 'All we're doing is saying we want this, yeah, we accept President Trump's offer,' Alberta native Peter Downing told the Telegraph. 'We want lower taxes. And we want to never pay another dime to Ottawa through "equalization."' Canadians tend to pay more than Americans in tax due to the country's extensive social services. Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party which is currently tied with current prime minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party, estimates that Canada has lost out on $121 billion due to 15 oil and gas pipelines which were cancelled between 2015 and 2020. Downing pointed out that by contrast, Trump's 'Drill Baby Drill' approach to oil would boost jobs in Canada. At the heart of many of so-called 51st Staters gripes is anger over the way they feel Alberta's oil industry has been both demonized and exploited by liberals 51st Stater Dab Casselman swore an oath renouncing his loyalty to Canada, which he describes as 'doomed' Downing, a self-described 'Christian nationalist,' expressed hopes that joining the US would mean Canada adopts stricter immigration laws in line with Trump's views on the issue. Oil worker Chris Hunter, 40, said that he is considering relocating to the US to avoid the judgement of liberals who look down on the product of his labor, while still using it. While he doesn't support secession, he is attracted by Trump's policies. 'He's a businessman and so am I,' Hunter explained, adding that if Trump took over he would reconsider moving. Other 51st Staters expressed frustration with the structure of the Canadian parliament, which lacks the same checks and balances as the US Senate. Former police officer James Goransrud said Canada's politician-appointed upper house meant that Trudeau had been allowed to become 'a dictator' and impose much-loathed carbon taxes. 'It's taxation without representation, and historically that's a problem, right?' he said. He also fumed about the country's crumbling health service, which although free to use, has extremely long wait times. Ryan Hemsley from Vancouver, is one of many Canadians who would like their country to join the US. He described his home country as a place where ambition goes to die. Donald Trump floated the idea of Canada becoming a 51st state last year and trolled the country's previous leader Justin Trudeau by calling him 'Governor of Canada' Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has so far shot down any idea of Canada becoming part of the US And it is not just Canadians in Alberta. Ryan Hemsley, from Vancouver, previously described his homeland as where 'ambition goes to die'. 'You wake up and survive,' he told the Free Press. 'There's no opportunity for growth. You occasionally go out for dinner with friends, have a good night, but then you go home, sleep, and do it all over again. 'As much as I love Canada, Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States would rejuvenate me.' However, Prime Minister Carney has so far conclusively shut down the idea of secession. 'America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form,' he said. A senior NHS doctor sparked outrage last night after spouting vile racist abuse at David Lammy, calling the Foreign Secretary a 'monkey bought by Zionists'. In sickening online comments, Aqeel Jamil, a consultant gastroenterologist at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, also accused Israel of helping Hamas commit the October 7 massacre of 1,200 Jews. Writing on X, Dr Jamil, who lives in a 1 million home in Southampton, declared 'there is no such thing as Israel' and that 'Israelis are all fascists'. On Facebook he posted a doctored image of the star of David, its six points labelled with the words: Lie, Kill, Cheat, Rape, Steal and Cry. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said last night: 'I am utterly appalled by these vile racist posts.' He previously said staff could be struck off if they use 'the conflict in the Middle East as a pretext to attack communities'. Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust launched an investigation this weekend after The Mail on Sunday gave health chiefs a shocking dossier of Dr Jamil's comments. The Daily Mail last month revealed a sharp rise in anti-Jewish feelings among NHS staff after Hamas's raid. From October 7 to November 19 in 2023, 402 complaints of anti-Semitism were made to the General Medical Council. The social media accounts of Dr Jamil, 54, show him enjoying snowboarding in the French Alps and posing in hospital scrubs. NHS consultant gastroenterologist Aqeel Jamil (pictured in the Alps) accused Israel of helping Hamas commit the October 7 massacre of 1,200 Jews. Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust launched an investigation this weekend into Dr Jamil, 54, after The Mail on Sunday handed it a dossier of his shocking comments Last April he joined a prominent online commentator criticising then shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy's response to the war in Gaza. He wrote: 'Monkey bought by Zionists.' The next month he wrote: '1,000 Israeli cameras on Gaza and they didn't see 7/10 coming? Israel helped it happen to justify genocide.' He added: 'There is no such thing as Israel, pathetic country that needs America to protect it.' After Israelis were evacuated because of Hezbollah rocket attacks, he wrote: 'Settlers run like frightened dogs from the north.' He also equated Isis jihadists with Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, which he said was behind the September 11 attacks on America. 'Isis is Mossad and CIA,' he wrote. 'They are bought out to disrupt countries. 9/11 was Mossad.' He also claimed that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was being paid by 'friends of Israel'. Dr Jamil also tweeted: 'Israelis are all fascists. Born into a horrific Zionist ideology and nurtured from childhood to be racist and hate.' Alex Hearn, co-director of Labour Against Anti-Semitism, who along with journalist David Collier helped unearth Dr Jamil's comments, said: 'Shockingly, our investigations show that extremism and hate against Jews expressed by GMC-registered medical professionals is widespread.' Lord Austin, the UK's trade envoy to Israel, said: 'Decent people will want to hear that this doctor has been sacked.' Confronted by an MoS reporter at his home, where he has a Porsche and Volvo XC90 with personalised number plates, Dr Jamil insisted: 'I've got nothing against Judaism. I have Jewish friends.' On Facebook he shared a doctored image of the star of David, its six points labelled with the words: Lie, Kill, Cheat, Rape, Steal and Cry Dr Jamil also labelled Foreign Secretary David Lammy (pictured) a 'Monkey bought by Zionists' Asked if he regretted his comment about Mr Lammy, he added: 'Yup. Completely.' Asked why he claimed Israel let October 7 happen, he said: 'I've just been reiterating stuff said on social media.' He later appeared to take down his X and Facebook accounts. Dr John Knighton, Chief Medical Officer for Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: 'We will be fully investigating the concerns that have been raised and will take all the necessary and appropriate actions.' The General Medical Council last night said it was looking into Dr Jamil's comments 'as a matter of urgency'. Sir Keir Starmer will this week try to face down a revolt from the Labour Left over his 'Trumpian' plan to take an axe to the bloated British state. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband are leading opposition to departmental spending cuts as part of a wider package which could include up to 6 billion being sliced from the welfare budget. The Prime Minister has been told that he could face frontbench resignations, with friends of Mr Miliband warning that even he 'would walk' if the 8 billion budget for his beloved GB Energy renewable energy investment body is targeted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. MPs on the Right of the party hit back yesterday by saying they would welcome such a move because the former leader is 'associated with failure' and 'plays badly in the Red Wall seats'. However, last night there were claims that Mr Miliband had 'seen off' dramatic cuts to his budget amid fears that his resignation now would be too damaging to the Government. The threat of massive reductions in the welfare bill and deep cuts in other government spending has plunged the Labour movement into turmoil barely seven months into Sir Keir's administration. In a stormy Cabinet meeting last week, Ms Rayner and Mr Miliband were joined by other ministers including Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Commons Leader Lucy Powell in forcibly objecting to planned cuts of up to 11 per cent in so-called 'unprotected' departments such as environment, local government and justice. However, the prospect of Ms Reeves taking an axe to budgets or raising taxes in her spring statement later this month only appeared to increase yesterday with the news that the economy had unexpectedly contracted by 0.1 per cent in January. And one Cabinet ally of Sir Keir said that the PM had been 'emboldened' by Donald Trump's swift public sector reforms, including savage cuts to the US federal workforce under the oversight of Tesla and X boss Elon Musk. Sir Keir Starmer will this week try to face down a revolt from the Labour Left over his 'Trumpian' plan to take an axe to the bloated British state Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (pictured) and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband are leading opposition to departmental spending cuts as part of a wider package which could include up to 6 billion being sliced from the welfare budget In a stormy Cabinet meeting last week, Ms Rayner (right) and Mr Miliband (left) were joined by other ministers including Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Commons Leader Lucy Powell in forcibly objecting to planned cuts Last week, Sir Keir appeared to prove that with his out-of-the-blue announcement that he was abolishing the giant quango NHS England, to the shock of its 14,000 staff. The minister said: 'You won't see Keir appearing onstage with a chainsaw, like Musk did. But there is no doubt that we feel emboldened by the pace and extent of change in Washington.' Details of potentially huge cuts to the welfare system whose spending Sir Keir has described as 'unsustainable' and 'indefensible' are due to be unveiled by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall later this week. Ministers are planning to make it harder for people to qualify for personal independence payments. The cost of the beneft, designed to help with the living costs of those with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities, has doubled in half a decade. In a sign of fury on Labour's Left, veteran MP Diane Abbott angrily complained last week that she and other colleagues were unable to challenge Sir Keir at a meeting on the issue last week because they were told the event was full. In an apparent swipe at Sir Keir, she added: 'Keen on dissent in other countries not so much here.' Yesterday she posted on social media that it would be 'good' if frontbenchers quit over plans to freeze some disability benefits, saying: 'If anyone in Labour came into politics to cut welfare, they joined the wrong party.' A fellow Labour veteran MP said: 'They can shut Diane out of a Parliamentary Labour Party meeting but they can't shut the Labour rank and file out of this. In a sign of fury on Labour's Left, veteran MP Diane Abbott (pictured) angrily complained last week that she and other colleagues were unable to challenge Sir Keir at a meeting on the issue last week because they were told the event was full However, writing in The Mail on Sunday, former Labour Cabinet minister David Blunkett (pictured) made clear that cutting the benefits bill and getting people back into work 'could not come a moment too soon' 'If the cuts are on the scale they're talking about, there's no way Starmer will silence the Party. There will be a huge revolt on the Left.' However, writing in The Mail on Sunday, former Labour Cabinet minister David Blunkett made clear that cutting the benefits bill and getting people back into work 'could not come a moment too soon'. In his article, he writes that 'the doubters in my party must see that we cannot help those who need support the most and continue to find billions of pounds in additional welfare payments at the same time. The two things are incompatible.' He added: 'That so many of our youth are deemed to be completely inactive is a generational timebomb that stores all sorts of social ills for decades to come.' Separately, one Labour MP predicted last night that despite the increasing marginalisation of Mr Miliband's Net Zero green agenda, the former party leader would stay in post because 'he enjoys his Red Box and official car too much'. The MP said: 'It's about time Ed did something and made a stand but he won't go.' However, the MP warned that whatever Sir Keir thought, the team around the PM 'hate Ed Miliband', especially Peter Mandelson, now Britain's ambassador to the US. They added: 'Ed represents to Keir's team all the woke issues that they don't like. And they think he is synonymous with defeat. 'Plenty of people in No 10 would be happy for Ed to go because they don't think all this green stuff is working in the Red Wall seats.' A people smuggler who allegedly sneaked back to Britain illegally was arrested by immigration officers last week after a Mail on Sunday investigation. Albanian national Alket Dauti, 36, was extradited to Belgium in 2019 where he was sentenced to ten years in jail for smuggling hundreds of migrants including children into Britain in the backs of refrigerated lorries from Europe. His gang charged migrants 13,000 for a seat in the front of a lorry and 8,000 in the back. Dauti was released after serving half of his jail term and deported back to Albania. But earlier this month the MoS revealed how Dauti allegedly returned to Britain and brazenly posted a video himself on TikTok, driving through what appeared to be a London street. His relatives posted photos of Dauti on Facebook, showing him apparently walking his two children to school in Penge, south-east London. Albanian national Alket Dauti, 36, was extradited to Belgium in 2019 where he was sentenced to ten years in jail for smuggling hundreds of migrants into Britain in the backs of refrigerated lorries from Europe. Dauti was released after serving half of his jail term and deported back to Albania Our analysis of Dauti's social media accounts showed that he may have been living in the UK since at least November. But sources in Albania said that he left last year for Europe. The Home Office initially told us they had no record of him entering the UK, and were even sceptical when we showed officials the TikTok videos and photos of Dauti in London. When we spoke to Dauti himself on his British mobile after contacting him through Facebook Messenger, he said: 'I am with papers... what do you mean I am not allowed to come back? I haven't done any crime in the UK.' Dauti was arrested last week by Immigration Enforcement and charged with 'entering the UK without leave'. He appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Friday, and was remanded in custody to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on April 11 for a pre-trial public hearing. He did not enter a plea. Britons could be forced to share baths and drink only bottled water if urgent action is not taken to boost the country's water supply, Environment Secretary Steve Reed has warned in an interview with The Mail on Sunday. Announcing urgent steps to make it harder to block new reservoirs, Mr Reed said a lack of investment could lead to rationing by the 2030s. 'You would have to plan when you turned the tap on, or when you had a shower. It happens in some Mediterranean countries already. At certain times of the day their water turns off. 'We just take it for granted that you can turn on the taps and out will come clean drinking water. We were facing a situation, thanks to the previous government, where that was no longer guaranteed.' 'We haven't had a new reservoir in this country for 37 years, even though by the middle of the 2030s the demand for clean drinking water starts to outstrip supply, and we'd be looking at rationing.' Mr Reed revealed new plans to take on green activists by legislating to limit the number of legal challenges they can bring to stop new reservoirs. He said building them is vital to achieving growth, but planning rules 'get in the way' and decisions are then subject to lengthy and repeated court proceedings. It can take up to 30 years to get consent for a new reservoir, but Mr Reed wants to have nine built by 2050 with the first complete by 2029. Environment Secretary Steve Reed (pictured) has warned that Britons will have to drink only bottled water and share baths unless urgent action is taken to boost the nation's water supply Mr Reed unveiled new plans to take on green activists by legislating to limit the number of legal challenges that can be brought against new reservoirs (file photo) At present, people can make three attempts to obtain permission from the courts to challenge the construction of reservoirs. Mr Reed wants to change the law to limit this to one attempt for cases that are totally without merit and a maximum of two for the others. The minister said Labour's planning reforms will slash red tape and speed up approvals. He also wants to clean up the country's water. Mr Reed, the MP for Streatham and Croydon North, fondly recalled going to the seaside as a child: 'We would go to the West Country, we'd stay in a hotel or B&B, but you'd want to get down to the beach and play in the rock pools and splash around in the water. 'We all remember those memories, and the frightening thing today is, if you speak to parents, their kids won't make those same memories if they're not allowed to go in the water. In August 1976, Labour Minister for Drought Denis Howell was tasked with persuading the nation to use less water A swimmer in Harlaw Reservoir in the Pentland Hills, Balerno, Edinburgh 'If there is a big red flag flying, that means it's been contaminated with raw sewage. What a terrible thing to have to say to a child. 'I would love my legacy to be that we started to clean up the water that had become polluted with record levels of raw sewage. I think that's a difference we can make. That's important in politics, that people can see visible change.' This is not the first time a Labour minister has talked of sharing baths. Back in August 1976, during Britain's driest summer for 200 years, Denis Howell was made Minister for Drought, charged with persuading the nation to use less water. He invited reporters to his home in Birmingham, and revealed he was helping rationing by sharing baths with his wife Brenda. Australia will join 29 other nations in a 'coalition of the willing' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated Australia is open to contributing to a future peacekeeping effort in Ukraine as Britain flagged planning is moving to an 'operational phase,' during a video hook-up with Western allies. On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rallied together a so-called 'coalition of the willing' - some 29 Western nations, including European countries, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, but excluding the US. Planning for a peacekeeping force for Ukraine will move to an 'operational phase', Mr Starmer said, as he sought concrete commitments to support Kyiv and urged allies to ramp up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'We will build up Ukraine's own defences and armed forces, and be ready to deploy as a 'coalition of the willing' in the event of a peace deal, to help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea and in the sky,' Mr Starmer said. The UK PM has said Britain could send peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire deal but has called on Washington to offer a security 'backstop'. Mr Albanese said it was in the Australian national interest to support Ukraine. 'Australia is open to considering any requests to contribute to a future peacekeeping effort in support of the just and lasting peace we all want for Ukraine,' Mr Albanese said. 'Australia is always open to considering any new proposals to support Ukraine - which we do so based on our capacity and comparative strengths.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated Australia is open to contributing to a future peacekeeping effort in Ukraine Mr Albanese's comment comes after Moscow warned any push by pro-Ukraine countries to join 'the coalition of the willing would entail grave consequences'. 'Once again, Western boots on the ground are unacceptable for Russia, and we will not remain passive observers,' a statement from the Russian Embassy said. 'To those inclined to construe the above as a threat: it is not. It is a warning.' Trade Minister Don Farrell said the outcome of the Russo-Ukraine war directly affected Australian interests. 'It's Australia's fight. It is Australia's fight. It's in our interest to defend democracy in Ukraine,' he told Sky News. Mr Farrell went as far as to say that putting Australian troops on the ground in Ukraine as peacekeepers would be 'the right thing to do'. 'If we can make a contribution to that peacekeeping effort, then I think we should Australia supports the Ukrainian fight,' he said. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton however has dismissed the idea of sending Australian peacekeepers to Ukraine as a 'thought bubble'. Mr Albanese made the pledge following a video call with Western allies including British Prime Minister Kier Starmer (pictured with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy) The call on Saturday builds on a flurry of diplomacy between European and other Western countries to find ways to help Ukraine after US President Donald Trump up-ended Washington's previous support and launched peace talks with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also joined Saturday's virtual meeting in which leaders pledged to accelerate military support and tighten sanctions against Russia. Mr Starmer said the Kremlin's 'dithering and delay' over Trump's ceasefire proposal, and Russia's 'continued barbaric attacks' on Ukraine, 'run entirely counter' to Putin's stated desire for peace. Mr Albanese said it was not just a struggle for Ukraine's national sovereignty. 'This is a struggle for the international rule of law,' he said. 'What happens in the Euro-Atlantic has serious implications for our region - the Indo-Pacific - and vice versa.' Mr Albanese noted that Putin's regime had 'imperialist designs, for Ukraine and beyond'. 'We must ensure Russia's illegal and immoral actions are not rewarded through any peace process,' he said. Australia has committed $1.5 billion to help Ukraine defend itself, including $1.3 billion in military support and equipment such as Bushmaster vehicles. It has also helped train Ukrainian soldiers. A California jury has ordered Starbucks to shell out $50 million to a delivery driver whose lap and genitals were scalded from hot drinks that spilled. Michael Garcia, a driver for Postmates, went to a Starbucks drive-through in Los Angeles on February 8, 2020, to pick up three venti-sized 'medicine ball' hot teas, according to a lawsuit filed in California Superior Court. One of the drinks a barista handed to him through the pickup window wasn't securely in the tray, nor was the lid on all the way, according to the suit. The tea spilled onto Garcia's lap, which caused him 'severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to his genitals,' the lawsuit said. Security footage of the incident at the Exposition Park location showed that Garcia visibly reacted to the 180-degree drink spilling onto his lap by screaming in pain and immediately driving off. Experts who testified at trial said there was nothing he could have done to avoid the injuries, which included third-degree burns to his penis and inner thighs, NBC 4 Los Angeles reported. Nicholas Rowley, one of Garcia's trial attorneys, slammed Starbucks for what he said was the company's attempts to shift the blame to the customer. 'Starbucks says if our hands are off the drink, then no matter what happens, we're not responsible,' Rowley told CBS Los Angeles in an interview. Security camera footage shows the barista handing Michael Garcia (pictured in the car) the tray of three drinks PIctured: After at least one drink spills onto his lap, Garcia is seen screaming in agony 'So, if I'm Starbucks and I hand you a drink that doesn't have a lid that's secured, and it's a scalding hot, 180-degree drink, or if I hand you a drink that's in a container and it's loose and it's not secured, and it falls right on you the moment that I take my hands off of it, then you're responsible and I, the corporation, am not,' he said. Garcia's lawyers said he has had multiple surgeries for the permanent nerve damage and scars to his genitals. They also say Garcia suffers from chronic pain every day and severe PTSD stemming from the life-changing incident. 'Michael Garcia's life has been forever changed,' Rowley said in a statement after the verdict. 'No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered, but this jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility.' Among the damages Garcia sought were physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety and emotional distress. Jurors deliberated for about 40 minutes on Friday before siding with Garcia and handing him the eight-figure sum. Starbucks said it disagrees with the jury's verdict and plans to pursue an appeal. Nicholas Rowley, one of Garcia's trial attorneys, said Starbucks was negligent and that the $50 million verdict would be a 'critical step' in holding the company accountable The incident on February 8, 2020, happened at this Starbucks in Exposition Park, a neighborhood southwest of downtown Los Angeles 'We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury's decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,' a company spokesperson said in a statement. ' We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks.' Generally, there is no cap on the amount of money juries can award plaintiffs in personal injury cases in California. Proponents of having no caps say that it allows victims to be fairly compensated, while opponents say it can often lead to excessive rewards. Garcia's case is similar to a famous 1994 lawsuit against McDonald's filed by a 79-year-old woman who spilled hot coffee into her lap and also suffered third-degree burns. The plaintiff in that case, Stella Liebeck, was originally awarded $3 million by a jury, though the judge reduced that amount considerably. Liebeck and McDonald's appealed the decision and both parties settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. Liebeck triggered a decades-long debate about whether her case necessitated tort reform in the United States. She died in August 2004 at age 91. An elderly British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan have been separated and moved to a maximum security prison in a 'shocking escalation' of their plight, their concerned daughter has revealed. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, who have worked in the country for the last 18 years, were detained as they travelled to their home in the country's Bamyan province on February 1. The couple were arrested alongside an American friend, Faye Hall, who had rented a plane to travel with them, and a translator from the couple's Rebuild agency, which provides skills-based courses for schools, non-governmental organisations and businesses. On Saturday, their daughter Sarah Entwistle, from Daventry, Northamptonshire, told the Sunday Times that her father's health had 'significantly' deteriorated, while her mother had been told she cannot see him any more. Adding that the family were being kept updated by a 'reliable source', she said: 'We hear now he has a chest infection, a double eye infection and serious digestive issues due to poor nutrition. 'Without immediate access to necessary medication, his life is in serious danger.' She had also been informed that her father had been beaten and shackled. Describing their detention as 'cruel' and 'unjust', Entwhistle pleaded with the Taliban to release her parents without further delay. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, who have been detained by the Taliban, have been separated and moved to a maximum security prison in a 'shocking escalation' of their plight Describing their detention as 'cruel' and 'unjust', the couple's daughter has pleaded with the Taliban to release her parents without further delay. Pictured: A Taliban fighter Your browser does not support iframes. 'We believe this request should be viewed not merely as a plea, but as a unique opportunity to demonstrate an unforgettable act of kindness that will resonate around the world.' The couple had been looking forward to flying to America in April, where 33 members of the family are due to gather for the first time in 20 years to mark Peter's 80th birthday. Last month, a Taliban spokesman said the couple, who hold Afghan passports, would be released 'soon'. The spokesperson added they have been receiving medication for their health issues despite a colleague saying Mr Reynold's is at risk of dying without access to his heart medication. Their arrests are said to have been ordered by a commander linked to the Haqqani network, a faction led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister. While an official reason has not been provided, the couple were reportedly quizzed about whether they were engaging in 'religious proselytising'. Some also suspect their arrests could have been linked to the courses they ran for women, including 'teaching good parenting skills to mothers'. Tensions are growing between Haqqani and leading officials in Kandahar, who are fighting a pushback over the regime's clampdown on women's rights. But sources within the Taliban say the arrests are a bid to increase international pressure on the government and its supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada. Following the arrests, there have been 'heated phone calls exchanged' as disagreements intensify between the Taliban factions based in Kabul and Kandahar. Last month, a Taliban spokesman said the couple, who hold Afghan passports, would be released 'soon' Their arrest was by ordered by a commander linked to the Haqqani network, a faction led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister (pictured) Sources within the Taliban say the arrests are a bid to increase international pressure on the government and its supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada (pictured) The Taliban official said: 'Since their arrest, there has been significant back-and-forth. 'As the interior minister and the authority overseeing their detention and potential release, Haqqani seeks to present himself as a more reliable figure than those in Kandahar.' Mr and Ms Reynolds have run school training programmes for 18 years and remained in the country after the Taliban takeover in 2021. The couple, who originally met at the University of Bath, married in Kabul in 1970. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, from Daventry, Northamptonshire, previously told the Sunday Times: 'My mother is 75 and my father almost 80 and needs his heart medication after a mini-stroke. 'They were just trying to help the country they loved.' After taking power, the Taliban introduced a ban on women working and education for girls older than 12. Since then, thugs from its ministry for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice have targeted education providers and activists. The couple were detained as they travelled to their home in the country's Bamyan province One of them, Matiullah Wesa, was arrested in March and her whereabouts remain unknown. While the Taliban has not released a list of punishments for anyone involved in supporting women's education, forced disappearances are said to have become 'common'. The Reynolds have dual citizenship and run five schools in Kabul, which includes a mother and children training programme reportedly approved by authorities. Mrs Entwistle and her three brothers have written an open letter to the Taliban calling for their mother and father to be released. They wrote: 'We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest. 'They have communicated their trust in you, and that as Afghan citizens they will be treated well.' It is understood the couple's family did not want the UK Government to get involved with the case. In their letter to the Taliban, Ms Entwistle and her siblings wrote: 'Our parents have consistently expressed their commitment to Afghanistan, stating that they would rather sacrifice their lives than become part of ransom negotiations or be traded.' An employee of the couple's business said: 'The Taliban found no wrongdoing by Peter or the Rebuild organisation, yet they imprisoned them without any crime or guilt. 'It seems that if Peter and Barbie are not released soon, Peter may lose his life because he needs medication and the Taliban are not allowing him it.' Describing the British couple, the employee said: 'They are the most honourable people I have ever met in my life. 'Peter and Barbie are very dear to us, but unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. We can't even visit them in prison. 'Since US financial aid to the Taliban has been cut off, the Taliban are trying to take foreign hostages to gain concessions from western governments.' The employee said all Rebuild workers were 'in danger' and 'most of them are displaced and living in hiding'. The couple met while they were studying at Bath University where Barbie obtained a BSc degree in sociology and psychology. Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, women have been progressively erased from public spaces, prompting the United Nations to denounce the 'gender apartheid' the administration has established. Taliban authorities have banned post-primary education for girls and women, restricted employment and blocked access to parks and other public places. In October, the Taliban banned women from hearing other women's voices in a cruel rule which sparked fears that women will now no longer be able to talk to each other. Afghanistan's minister for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, Khalid Hanafi, said at the time: 'Even when an adult female prays and another female passes by, she must not pray loudly enough for them to hear. 'How could they be allowed to sing if they aren't even permitted to hear [each other's] voices while praying, let alone for anything else.' The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office previously that it is supporting the couple's family. MailOnline has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment. More than five million homes across the UK are at risk of flooding but it seems insurance bills arent the only thing homeowners should be worried about. Scientists say the stress of seeing your home flooded can be so great it may actually increase your risk of getting dementia. People whose properties have flooded have a 65 per cent higher risk of developing the disease in the next 12 months, a study in the journal Nature Communications Medicine has found. The team of researchers, which included scientists from Edinburgh University, looked at the health records of nearly 500,000 men and women aged 37 to 73 in the UK over a 20-year period. They then looked at weather and flooding data and matched these with the participants addresses. Flooding in Loughborough, Leicestershire on January 7. The stress of having your home flooded can be so severe that it can make you more likely to get dementia, a new study has found Research found that those who experienced flooding were 44 per cent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease (file photo) They found that those who had experienced flooding were 44 per cent more likely to develop Alzheimers disease and 65 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with vascular dementia. The researchers said flooding could cause mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, which could contribute to mental decline. They added: Our findings highlight the need for better public health strategies to protect people in flood-prone areas. Tourist Joshua Riibe was held for four hours and grilled by the Dominican Republic's top law enforcement official in the student's biggest legal hurdle since the disappearance of missing spring breaker Sudiksha Konanki. The Attorney General of the Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, arrived at the Riu Republica hotel in Punta Cana Saturday afternoon to interview Riibe, the last person to see Sudiksha before she vanished on March 6. The former high school wrestling champ, 22, has not been named as a suspect but has surrendered his passport and is living under round-the-clock police surveillance at the sprawling party resort. He was summoned from his room around 3pm for yet another grueling round of questions. The session wrapped around 7pm. Later in the night, Riibe was questioned yet again by authorities in a session that went past midnight. The somber-faced Rock Rapids, Iowa native declined to answer questions earlier this week when DailyMail.com encountered him walking through the lobby with his father Mike, 46, and a police chaperone. But in a subsequent statement, his parents Mike and Tina complained that their son was effectively being detained and was subjected to irregular treatment. Riibe, 22, was seen on camera with University of Pittsburgh student Konanki. in the early hours of March 6 at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana. Tourist Joshua Riibe was grilled by the Dominican Republic's top law enforcement official over the disappearance of missing spring breaker Sudiksha Konanki University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki disappeared from the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 6 The Attorney General of the Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, grilled Riibe during a four hour session Her disappearance has baffled officials and prompted cries from her parents to widen the frantic search for the pre-med student. Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, claimed he had only just met the young woman when they decided to head to the beach, according to the transcript of his interview obtained by Noticias SIN. Riibe told cops they had kissed in the ocean before they almost got swept away by a wave. He said he saved her from drowning while almost losing consciousness. He refused to answer some questions however, with officers probing him over how they could be sure what he was saying was truthful. Riibe was also asked about what he told his close friend about Konanki and what he thought about her disappearance. Riibe was also asked if he knew if Konanki was able to swim, if she made any gestures or cries in the sea, if he called the cops or told the hotel, if he had told his friends about what happened and was also asked how he felt about the situation. To all of those questions, he said: 'My lawyers advise me not to answer that question and I follow their advice', before going silent. Surveillance footage showed Konanki vomiting at a bar inside the resort shortly before she disappeared. CDN television obtained surveillance video that showed Sudiksha Konanki vomiting outside a bar at the Riu Republica Hotel the early morning of March 6 before she went to the beach next to the resort and disappeared Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, claimed he had only just met the young woman when they decided to head to the beach The disturbing clip also shows Riibe throwing up near an entrance to bar. Separate security camera from the all-inclusive resort showed Riibe holding a cup and placing his arm around Konanki back as they trailed the group at 4:15 am. At about 4:55 am, the hotel security camera system showed two of her friends returning to the hotel. The same camera picked up another female friend accompanied by Johnson walking into the building at 5:05 am. The surveillance camera would show Riibe, barefoot and shirtless, as he slowly walked back to his room at 8:54am with Konanki nowhere in sight. The footage emerged as it was revealed that Riibe, 22, changed his story several times during a series of interrogations by authorities, People reported In a lengthy statement shared with DailyMail.com on Friday, Riibe's parents Tina and Albert 'Mike' Riibe expressed their 'deep sorrow and solidarity' with Konanki's family and said their son is 'deeply dismayed' by her disappearance. Joshua Riibe (pictured) was seen leaving the prosecutor's office for the province of La Altagracia after he was peppered with over 50 questions about the disappearance of Pitt student Sudiksha Konanki Her disappearance has baffled investigators in the Dominican Republic 'Despite his full willingness to cooperate, Josh has been detained under irregular conditions and subjected to extensive questioning without the presence of official translators or legal counsel until Wednesday, March 12,' the statement read. 'He has remained in his hotel room under police surveillance and has been repeatedly taken to the police station since March 6, where he has been interrogated for long hours. 'This situation has raised serious concern within his family, which has led us to retain legal counsel to initiate legal actions ensuring his safety and the protection of his rights throughout this process.' A British 'mum on the run' who fled the UK for a dream life in Thailand where she has been detained for overstaying her visa has spoken for the first time crying that she is 'rotting in a hell hole prison' teeming with rats and insects. Ellis Matthews, 32, is being held in the Mothers and Children Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok with her four-year-old son Cairo. The facility has a notorious reputation for its overcrowded, squalid conditions. Ms Matthews once appeared on reality show Judge Rinder after apparently squandering a 6million fortune and since coming to Thailand has amassed 16,400 followers on TikTok, thanks to her controversial bikini-clad posts on how her lifestyle in the tourism hotspot is funded by British taxpayers' hard-earned money. But she now finds herself locked up in a decrepit cell in the stifling heat for more than 20 hours per day with 16 other female inmates and their children, surviving on lumpy rice and rat meat while sleeping on a dirty concrete floor. They only have two soiled toilets and one shower to share between them and a fan that intermittently works. It was here that MailOnline visited Ms Matthews where she spoke exclusively about her incarceration and controversial posts about cheating the British benefits system. She cried: 'This is hell on earth, it's the worst prison that you can imagine. Ellis Matthews, 32, is being held in the Mothers and Children Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok with her four-year-old son Cairo But she now finds herself locked up in a decrepit cell in the stifling heat for more than 20 hours per day with 16 other female inmates and their children, surviving on lumpy rice and rat meat while sleeping on a dirty concrete floor In one of the photos on TikTok, an image shows a fellow inmate behind bars in the filthy lock-up I'm locked up in a cell for most of the day with 16 other people and none of them speak English. It's so hot and overcrowded that you can barely breathe. 'My skin is covered in rashes, both me and my son have got lice, terrible insect bites and there's rats running around. We haven't even got any access to medication. Nobody is helping me, and I've just been left here to rot.' She claimed that they are fed the same food three times per day of lumpy rice and 'rat or pigeon' meat. Fighting back the tears she added: 'The guards tell us it's chicken, but I can promise you it's not. It's so disgusting that we can't eat it, so Cairo and I have been surviving on just the rice, which makes you want to vomit. 'We can't sleep at night because there's so much screaming and shouting. There are 35 women and children in the cell next to ours. It's unbearable in here, I can't stop crying and just want to get out as quickly as possible.' Thai authorities have informed Ms Matthews who is originally from Bamber Bridge, Lancashire that she will be deported once she is able to buy herself an airline ticket back to the UK but until that time will remain in detention. Ms Matthews once appeared on reality show Judge Rinder after apparently squandering a 6million fortune and since coming to Thailand has amassed 16,400 followers on TikTok She cried: 'This is hell on earth, it's the worst prison that you can imagine' She was arrested on 3 March by Thai immigration officials at her home in Pattaya after overstaying her visa which was cancelled on 21 February. Thai officials told MailOnline that they took action against her after a local anti-child abuse organisation raised concerns about Cairo's welfare. She said: 'I've got the money for an airline ticket but can't get to it because they won't allow me to access my bank account so what am I supposed to do?' 'My visa was cancelled because some people in the UK have been trolling me and accused me of horrible things like human trafficking and child abuse. They got the Thai authorities involved and it's led to me ending up here. I should have left when my visa was cancelled but I couldn't because I didn't have the money at the time.' Ms Matthews insisted that she is determined not to return to the UK because if she does, she fears that social services will take her son from her. She said: 'I'm not going to lose Cairo and there's no way I'm going back to the UK. I want to go to another country like Cambodia or Turkey. I'm a single mother who's just trying to survive and raise her son. Ellis Matthews, 32, who once appeared on reality show Judge Rinder after claiming to have squandered a 6million fortune, posts bikini-clad videos on TikTok claiming her life in South Asia is funded by 2,300 monthly British benefits Ms Matthews insisted that she is determined not to return to the UK because if she does, she fears that social services will take her son from her The facility has a notorious reputation for its overcrowded, squalid conditions 'I want to go to a country where I can be with him but it's not going to be the UK, I can promise you that.' But in a major setback, Thai officials have insisted that according to the country's immigration laws, she can only return to the UK as she is a British national, leaving her between a rock and a hard place. Becoming visibly emotional as she held Cario, Ms Matthews said: 'If I have to, I will renounce my British citizenship because I'm not going to let my son go into the British care system. 'But if no other country will take me then I will have to remain in this detention centre and the thought of that sickens me. 'I'm fighting for my life and future, all I want is to live peacefully with my baby.' Ms Matthews has become a controversial figure on social media with the account 'mum on the run' because of her posts helping others to negotiate the UK benefits system while living in the sunshine. In one video, she is seen holding a fistful of notes and wearing a string bikini, tells her audience: 'I picked up my Disability Living Allowance today and I've been doing so for the past four years of not living in the UK.' In another, she bragged about receiving 2,300 a month in benefits due to her 'six mental disorders.' Ms Matthews has become a controversial figure on social media with the account 'mum on the run' because of her posts helping others to negotiate the UK benefits system while living in the sunshine She insisted to MailOnline: 'These videos were just a joke. The truth is that I never got any UK benefits while in Thailand, not a single penny' But she insisted to MailOnline: 'These videos were just a joke. The truth is that I never got any UK benefits while in Thailand, not a single penny. 'I can understand why people in the UK are angry and upset about them which is why there's not a lot of sympathy for me. But I was just lying in my videos to get more followers and make some money from my TikTok account. It was all a big hoax, that's all.' She also insisted that she never enjoyed a 6 million fortune, as she once claimed but did receive 1.6 million after successfully suing Lancashire local authorities for letting her down in her childhood. There is no record of the award ever having been made. But she maintained: 'All that money has now gone and I'm not sure myself how I spent it. I wish I had that money now because I would not be in this messy situation.' She was initially arrested at her home in Pattaya and taken to a local immigration detention centre, from where she posted a number of TikTok videos about the conditions she was being held in after smuggling in a mobile phone. But she was then moved to the high security Mothers and Children Immigration Detention Centre and her phone was seized leaving her unable to communicate with the outside world. She said: 'I wish I had my phone so that I could show people these conditions because it's a breach of my human rights. Nobody should be treated like this.' She revealed that she left the UK four years ago because of what she claimed was an orchestrated campaign by some women in her hometown who questioned her ability as a mother and were trying to get social services to take her unborn child from her. She also insisted that she never enjoyed a 6 million fortune, as she once claimed but did receive 1.6 million after successfully suing Lancashire local authorities for letting her down in her childhood She was pregnant at the time with Cairo, who was born in Turkey soon after she arrived in the country She was pregnant at the time with Cairo, who was born in Turkey soon after she arrived in the country. Ms Matthews, who has previously gone by the name of Ellise May Matthews, also has two other sons who are still in the UK, and she said that she is only partially involved in their lives and does not have custody of them. One is with his grandmother, another with his father. She said: 'A group of women in the UK co-ordinated a campaign against me and that's why I left. I did not abandon my children, but I had no other choice. These women have continued to troll me and are making me out to be a bad person who does terrible things.' Ms Matthews travelled to Thailand just under three years ago and settled in the Pattaya area where she lived in a housing complex made up of holiday villas popular with expats. She said that while in the country she did not work and survived by trying to generate money on social media and from renting out a property she owned in the UK. Officials from the UK Embassy in Bangkok visited Ms Matthews last week and have promised to support her as her and Cairo's future hangs in the balance. She sobbed: 'The uncertainty is killing me, and I don't know how long I'll be able to survive in here. I just want to be a good mum to my son and be left alone with him.' Would you Adam and Eve it Bible sales are rocketing thanks to Generation Z's growing sense of spirituality. Revenue from sales in Britain grew by 87 per cent between 2019 and 2024, from 2.6million to more than 5million and experts claim much of this is down to those born between 1997 and 2012. Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, the former Anglican bishop of Rochester who converted to Catholicism, said: 'Gen Z has got over that hump of the baby boomers in the Sixties who were rejecting Christianity. 'They are open to spirituality, and quite open to the figure of Jesus. A lot are coming for confirmation, and young adults are being baptised.' The sales boost was revealed by the Christian publisher SPCK. Would you Adam and Eve it Bible sales are rocketing thanks to Generation Z's growing sense of spirituality. Pictured: File photo Dr Michael Nazir-Ali (pictured), the former Anglican bishop of Rochester who converted to Catholicism, said: 'Gen Z has got over that hump of the baby boomers in the Sixties who were rejecting Christianity' Chief executive Sam Richardson said: 'Gen Z are far less likely to identify as atheists than their parents.' The trend coincides with other evidence of growing spirituality in young people. While 25 per cent of Gen X born between 1965 and 1980 identify as atheist, only 20 per cent of millennials do (those born between 1981 and 1996), and 13 per cent of Gen Z. Three police officers central to the hunt for serial killer Ivan Milat believe there could be up to 80 more victims murdered and dumped in the Australian bushland. The Backpacker Murderer spent the end of his life behind bars, convicted of the abduction, assault and robbery of two men and five women in NSW between 1989 and 1992. Milat maintained his innocence until his death in 2019. Former NSW detectives Neville Scullion and Paul Gordon and a former undercover officer known as 'Roy' have aired their beliefs that Milat's killing extended past the murders for which he was tried. The detectives suggested they suspect Milat's spree could date back to the 1970s. Detective Scullion, who led the Milat investigation early in the 1990s, said there are about 900 people who have been missing long-term just in NSW. Some of those missing people were also last seen in locations Milat was known to frequent. Detective Scullion told The Missing Australia: Ivan Milat Untold podcast host Meni Caroutas there were about 700 unsolved murders, several of which 'you could look at and think, yeah, Milat's been involved here'. Former detectives and an undercover cop believe Ivan Milat could have killed 80 people Detective Paul Gordon (right) told the Missing podcast host Meni Caroutas (left) he believes Milat was active for 20 years, in the final interview before his own passing 'There's anything up to 80 people that he killed,' he said. 'The first body is found in 1992, he's arrested in 1994, but he didn't just start killing in '92 ... he was rampant over a 20-year period.' Detective Gordon brought key survivor Paul Onions into the Milat investigation, allowing detectives to identify their man. Mr Onions tussled with Milat in 1990 before making a formal police statement in Bowral. The statement sat filed away for years before it was looked into. In his final interview, Detective Gordon separately asserted Milat had killed dozens more people than he was ever held accountable for. 'Do the math, two or three a year for 20 years,' Det Gordon said. He believes it would amount to an additional 60 victims. Undercover cop, Roy, was responsible for bugging Milat's caravan before his arrest. He found an extensive arms cache including guns, crossbows and knives inside the van. That van helped lead Roy to believe Milat was a likely suspect for several other unexplained disappearances at least from the 1970s until his arrest in 1994. Milat served time convicted of the abduction, assault, robbery of two men and five women in New South Wales between 1989 and 1992 Milat maintained his innocence until he died of cancer in Long Bay Prison, Sydney 'He had a camping truck and he used to go camping in different parts of Australia. I'd definitely put him up high,' Roy told the podcast. Milat once let slip to a criminologist he had been writing to that one of his victims was raped before she was murdered, despite it not forming a part of the Crown's case against him. He let the information slip to author Amanda Howard shortly before his death, before she told the podcast. Whether Milat acted alone has also been the subject of much speculation. In Milat's sentencing, Justice David Hunt said two people had clearly been involved in two of the murders. Milat was an active shooter and hunter as a young man, and spent stints in prison for burglaries and break and enters in the 1960s. In the 1970s he was tried and acquitted of the rape of an 18-year-old girl hitchhiking to Melbourne with a friend. Friends said Milat often bragged about his taste for violence. The crimes for which Milat served his jail sentence included the murder of Victorian 19-year-olds Deborah Everist and James Gibson, whose bodies were found in the Belanglo State Forest in 1993. They had gone missing while hitchhiking to a music festival in 1989. The body of German woman Simone Schmidl, 21, was also found at a fire trail in the Belanglo State Forest in 1993 after she left Sydney for Melbourne in 1991. Germans Anja Habschied, 20, and Gabor Neugebauer, 21, were found dead 50m from each other in the State Forest in 1993 after they left Sydney for Adelaide in 1991. British backpackers Joanne Walters, 22, and Caroline Clarke, 21, had also left Sydney to hitchhike south in April 1992. Their bodies were found in September of that same year in the State Forest. The disappearance of a 39-year-old mother who vanished from Redding, California in May is now being treated as a homicide. For the last ten months, the family of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, have been searching for answers but only now have Shasta County authorities confirmed they are investigating her case as murder. Nikki was last heard from on May 17, 2024, when she reached out to her sisters, Chloe Saelee and Kaye Ford. She told them she was heading to her mother-in-law's property on Redding Rancheria, a Native American reservation tucked within the rolling hills of Shasta County. It was the last time anyone in her family ever heard her voice. After days of silence and failed attempts to reach her, Nikki was officially reported missing on May 21, setting off a search that has only deepened the mystery. On May 25, police found her Chevrolet Avalanched abandoned in a remote location in Tehama County. McCain disappeared from the same town that Sherri Papini famously staged her kidnapping in 2016, disappearing for three weeks before reappearing on Thanksgiving with a crazy tale. Police in California say they are treating the disappearance of 39-year-old of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain as a homicide. She vanished in May of last year Almost one year since Nikki first vanished husband Tyler has now spoken publicly for the first time as he stood awkwardly before reporters in a press conference Family members of Nikki together with her other sisters, far left, spoke at a press conference Nikki's case was initially handled by Redding Police but the case has now been handed over to the Major Crimes Unit with the Shasta County Sheriff's Office. On July 19, 2024, Redding Rancheria erected a massive billboard along Interstate I-5 as a reminder that Nikki was still missing. At the time of her disappearance her husband, Tyler McCain, was facing four felony charges tied to an alleged domestic violence incident against Nikki from December 2023. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. But following his wife's vanishing, in a move that stunned her family, all the charges were dropped on July 5. Addressing the outcry, Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett admitted the decision to dismiss the charges was particularly difficult. 'I hear the community's pleas for answers and justice for Nikki Cheng McCain,' Bridgett said in an interview. 'I share in those sentiments and frustrations. 'In the United States, everyone has a constitutional right to confront the witnesses against them. That means the accuser - the victim - must be present in trial to testify against them. And we haven't been able to locate her,' Bridgett added, explaining the dropping. 'The dismissal preserves our ability to re-file the case once Nikki is located or sufficient evidence is obtained to utilize her statements in her absence.' Nikki's husband faced domestic violence charges after he allegedly severally injured his wife in a three-hour attack in December 2023 On May 25, police found her Chevrolet Avalanche abandoned in a remote location in Tehama County Normally, when McCain (right, with her one of her sisters) would leave for a few days after a fight, Tyler would contact her sisters and tell them to: 'Tell her I love her. Tell her I'm sorry,' but this time he didn't. Instead, he texted: 'I think she's missing. I don't know I think she's missing.' Almost one year since Nikki first vanished husband Tyler has now spoken publicly for the first time as he stood awkwardly before reporters in a press conference. 'I'm just here in support, so anything that I can do, I want to do that,' McCain said quietly as he looked down at the lectern he was standing behind. He offered a direct message to his missing wife: 'We miss you.' Tyler addressed the public scrutiny surrounding his absence from media appeals until now. 'I haven't been in the public eye, and I haven't done very well with it. I apologize to everyone, especially my children,' he said. Nikki's sisters stood alongside Tyler at the same press conference. 'We just want to start off by saying thank you for being here today to hear about our missing sister, Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, who has been missing for 296 days,' Kaye began. 'We have spent each of those days in agony, longing for her safe return to her family and her children. 'Our mission is clear. We must bring Nikki home,' the sisters stressed. Nikki (pictured with her husband) was last spotted visiting one of her husband Tyler McCain's family members at a hospital. The family had initially believed Tyler may have had something to do with disappearance, but police have never named him as a suspect Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, 39, of Redding, California, was reported missing by her sister on May 21, 2024 after she hadn't been able to contact her for four days At the time of her disappearance her husband, Tyler McCain, was facing four felony charges tied to an alleged domestic violence incident against Nikki from December 2023. He pleaded not guilty to all charges but they were later dropped following his wife's disappearance 'We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped in the search for our sister - to the volunteers, law enforcement, media, private investigators, and individuals who have dedicated their time and resources to searching for her,' Chloe said. 'To every single person who has shared her story, kept an eye out, and offered support - thank you. Your kindness and determination mean the world to our family during this incredibly difficult time.' The sisters addressed a message to Nikki directly: 'Nikki, you are missed every single day. Your absence leaves a void that can't be filled. We want to bring you home. You are loved beyond measure, and we will keep searching for you until you're back in our arms. 'Your kids need you. We need you. And we want you to know - this is not your fault. No matter how tired we are, we will keep fighting. We will not rest until she is found.' Captain Chris Edwards, head of the Shasta County Sheriff's Investigations Division, appealed directly to the public: 'I want to let the public know that everything that's being done to locate Nikki, is being done by our detectives. And if there's anybody out in the public that has any information, I encourage them to do the right thing and give us a call.' Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain was a petite woman standing 4'11' and weighing 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Nikki was last heard from on May 17, 2024, when she reached out to her sisters, Chloe Saelee, pictured, and Kaye Ford Nikki was a mother to a young daughter She is described by her family as a loving sister, a devoted mother, and a woman with dreams and plans that were suddenly, violently interrupted. There is now a combined reward of up to $30,000 for any information leading to her being found. At one point Nikki's sisters believed Tyler might have something to do with her vanishing after there was a sudden change in his text messages. Normally, when Nikki would leave for a few days after a fight, Tyler would contact her sisters and tell them to: 'Tell her I love her. Tell her I'm sorry,' but this time he didn't, they explained. Instead, he texted: 'I think she's missing. I don't know I think she's missing.' 'So his response was different than normal, and that was definitely a factor for us in starting to worry,' Kaye Ford, McCain's sister said last year. 'I feel like Nikki may not be here anymore,' sister Chloe Saelee said. 'She wouldn't just walk off and leave. She was so excited for a fresh start and she was taking all these steps and planning for her and her kids' futures. 'Nikki didn't deserve this. And while it may be too late to turn back time, it's not too late to do the right thing,' she continued. 'We are all hurting right now, but her children deserve to know the truth and her children deserve to see whoever did this to her is behind bars and won't be able to hurt them or anyone else.' Tyler allegedly bound his wife with tape, tried to wrap something around her throat, pulled her hair, and told her he 'intended to kill her,' police documents stated. When asked who did this to her, she told them Tyler had. He told police he thought she had been in a fight with another woman and that she was having an affair with a woman. Normally, when Nikki would leave for a few days after a fight, Tyler would contact her sisters Nikki is pictured alongside her two sisters with whom she was extremely close to The entirely family are praying for Nikki's safe return A $30,000 reward has been put up for information that leads to finding Nikki Police had been called to their home on various occasions, which eventually resulted in their children becoming wards of the state. Despite her sisters' constant pleas, McCain never left her toxic husband because she 'never wanted to be the bad guy' and didn't want to 'be the reason her family broke apart.' Several times they helped her start working with a facility for women, but she never fully got through the process as she would 'go back' to Tyler. It always worried me because she never wanted to make police reports when these things happened,' Saelee told The US Sun. 'It worried me every time she returned home. I told her, 'I'm starting to see a pattern here, and I think it's a cycle. 'We were all very worried for her, but she kept deciding to go back.' The NHS is putting young women with anorexia into comas in a 'last resort' attempt to force feed them. Patients are being sedated and given oxygen in intensive care units for weeks at a time in some instances, as the number of cases of extreme malnutrition rises among those with the eating disorder. At least six people are understood to have been put under general anaesthesia in the ICU to feed them until they reach a healthier weight, as reported by the Sunday Telegraph. Some hospitals have sought court orders to back their approach. One young woman, 20, has as of yesterday spent 19 days in a coma in intensive care, being tube fed, without an 'exit plan', according to court documents. Two 17-year-old anorexia patients have also been sedated for tube feeding - one as recently as last November. It is understood at least three more patients have received the same treatment recently, including one in Scotland. Doctors at ACUTE, a globally renowned eating disorder clinic in the US, said the NHS was going 'far beyond' accepted practice, with founder Dr Philip Mehler saying: 'We see the most severe cases yet we have never had to resort to this.' It is understood unpublished guidelines have been drafted by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) on the treatment - which one psychiatrist has said this is to 'ensure' it 'could be delivered safely elsewhere', according to court documents. The NHS is putting young women with anorexia into comas in a 'last resort' attempt to force feed them. Pictured: File photo Concerned experts and campaigners have said the treatment does not match what is considered best practice for treating anorexia - medication, therapy, monitoring and restraint. Internal medicine specialist Dr Mehler, who runs the ACUTE clinic in Denver, Colorado, said many of the practice's patients arrive by air ambulance from hospitals 'unable to manage catastrophic complications'. But even ACUTE, which sees these severe cases, has never had to use the coma treatment. The clinic's medical director Dr Patricia Westmoreland said the treatment was 'hugely concerning', calling it 'the ultimate deprivation of any form of autonomy'. It risks complications in the patient's stomach, lungs and even brain, she said - and she 'can't begin to imagine' the psychological effect on a patient who suddenly wakes up to find themselves in a transformed body, having had no therapy to cope with that transition. The BMI of the 20-year-old who has been sedated for 19 days is around 11 - when a healthy range for her age category is between 18.5 and 24.9. Doctors initially said they would keep her under anaesthesia for between four and 11 more weeks. But managing her deep coma has been 'extremely challenging', the Court of Protection heard on Tuesday - she has not gained weight and there was now 'even less certainty' around her progress than before she was sedated. Patients are being sedated and given oxygen in intensive care units for weeks at a time in some instances, as the number of cases of extreme malnutrition rises among those with the eating disorder. Pictured: File photo The hospital said there had been 'some setbacks' but moving her to a specialist eating disorder unit 'remains a potential option subject to confirmation when her treatment is over'. A spokesperson for the hospital trust said: 'Our thoughts are with the patient and her family during this very difficult time.' It is understood concerns have previously been raised about an instance of the coma treatment from last year, which saw a 17-year-old sedated for 12 days. Barrister Nicola Kohn, instructed by the Official Solicitor on the teenager's behalf, did not oppose the treatment but questioned its use before court, raising particularly the psychological effects it could have. A hospital trust spokesperson said decisions about care were made by multi-disciplinary teams, working in the 'best interests' of patients and families, with the court's 'oversight and scrutiny'. It is understood unpublished guidance has been drafted, by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM), on the 'ethical, legal and practical aspects' of the treatment. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is currently being consulted on the move by the professional body representing intensive care specialists. One psychiatrist described the guidance as part of 'a collective drive to prepare clinical guidance to ensure the [coma] treatment could be delivered safely elsewhere'. At least six people are understood to have been put under general anaesthesia in the ICU to feed them until they reach a healthier weight. Pictured: File photo The number of children hospitalised with eating disorders has rocketed by more than 500 per cent in a decade, a major study found. Admissions for eating disorders jumped from 478 to 2,938 between 2012 and 2022 - a rise of almost 515 per cent, according to the findings in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal. Children's eating disorders have doubled in under a decade, damning figures from last year showed. More than 10,600 kids in England were waiting to begin treatment in last school year. This is up more than 5,000 on 2016/2017 when 5,240 children were left in the queue. Some have even endured delays of more than a year. An NHS England spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Our thoughts are with these patients and their families during this time. 'While we cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings clinicians must do everything within their power to provide effective and proven treatments to patients, but it is understood that in incredibly rare and complex circumstances like these, this option might be used as a last resort to avoid imminent death after all known treatments are exhausted.' FICM and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have been contacted for comment. A cancer-stricken six-year-old girl from Arizona, who had just received her final bout of chemotherapy, tragically died after she came down with another, unrelated sickness. Lola Zimmer, 6, died from a fungal infection on March 4, five months after she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Her long battle with illness began on October 31, 2024, when she went trick-or-treating with parents, Alyssa Aguilar and Drew Zimmer, and little sister, Pheobe. Shortly after leaving their her home in Flagstaff for an evening of when when the young girl 'collapsed.' 'We were heading out the door to go trick-or-treating and she collapsed,' her father, Drew Zimmer, told KPHO. The worry-riddled parents then took their daughter to a nearby emergency room before she was 'airlifted' to Phoenix Children's Hospital for further treatment. Within 24 hours of arriving at the children's hospital - 150 miles from their home - Lola started on her first round of chemotherapy, a post shared by Lola's grandmother, Salina Aguilar, on Facebook reads. Several months later, on February 24, the Kindergarten student completed her second, and final, round of chemotherapy - 'the consolidation phase,' as her grandmother called it. 'For all we know, she was cancer free after finishing this second round,' she wrote. Lola Zimmer, 6, died from a fungal infection on March 4, five months after she was dianosed with Leukemia On October 31, 2024, Lola, along with her parents, Alyssa Aguilar (pictured) and Drew Zimmer, and little sister, Pheobe, left her home in Flagstaff for an evening of trick-or-treating when when the young girl 'collapsed' However, when Lola's cancer was finally ready to be re-examined her doctors delivered the devastating news. 'She was about to have her bone marrow cells re-tested for cancer cells but tragically unbeknownst to us and the doctors, she had contracted a deadly fungal infection that spread rapidly,' Salina said. Just a day after the doctor's harrowing discovery, Zimmer said Lola's heart stopped and she was no longer able to breathe on her own. 'Seeing your daughter on life support unresponsive is really hard, and then having the doctors tell you that the fungal infection she has is untreatable, and having to say goodbye, it's traumatic,' the distraught father said. Only a few days later, the heart-broken family was told their little girl 'wasn't going to make it.' 'We were told she wasn't going to make it and to call all of our family to say our final goodbyes to our sweet, precious Lola girl,' her grandmother said. Aguilar suspected the chemo destroyed her daughter's immune system. 'I get frustrated and angry that she could have beat cancer, but she couldn't have beat a fungal infection,' Aguilar said. As they process the loss, Zimmer and Aguilar have found a new meaning in butterflies and cherries. Both became symbols of hope connected to Lola and now embody the 'fragility of life.' 'Cherish every moment and tell people you love them,' Zimmer said. 'Tell your children you love them and kiss them goodnight,' Aguilar added. The worry-riddled parents then took their daughter to a nearby emergency room before she was 'airlifted' to Phoenix Children's Hospital for further treatment. Pictured: Lola and her parents, Alyssa Aguilar and Drew Zimmer, and her little sister, Pheobe Several months later, on February 24, the Kindergarten student completed her second, and final, round of chemothreapy - 'the consolidation phase,' as her grandmother called it However, when Lola's cancer was finally ready to be re-examined her doctors delivered the devastating news - she had contracted a deadly fungal infection. Pictured: Lola and her younger sister Pheobe Aguilar's brother, AJ Torres, has since created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help 'support' and 'ease some of the weight' the grieving family now has to bear. Lola's uncle described his niece as a 'powerhouse, an excellent big sister to Phoebe, and an irreplaceable best friend to my son, Myles.' 'She loves animals, playing outside, music, dancing, and sometimes defying authority. She is a force, a precious gift to everyone that knows and loves her,' he added on the fundraising page. As of Sunday morning they had raised $15,659 of their $25,000 goal. A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's attempt to use a 200-year-old wartime law to deport migrants from the country. The decision by Judge James Boasberg came just hours after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in an ambitious plan to crack down on members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Trump said the US was facing an 'invasion' from a criminal organization that has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organized crime and contract killings. Boasberg, who was appointed by President Obama, issued a temporary restraining order for 14 days. The judge said the Alien Enemies Act 'does not provide a basis for the president's proclamation given that the terms invasion, predatory incursion really relate to hostile acts perpetrated by any nation and commensurate to war.' Boasberg also said that he needed to issue his order immediately because the government already was flying migrants it claimed were newly deportable under Trump's proclamation to be incarcerated in El Salvador and Honduras. El Salvador already agreed this week to take up to 300 migrants that the Trump administration designated as gang members. In invoking the act, Trump declared Tren de Aragua as targets, contending it is a hostile force noting members of the gang were 'conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States' with the goal of destabilizing the nation. Obama-appointed Judge James Boasberg temporarily blocked any deportations that would occur under President Donald Trump's use of a little-used wartime law to expedite the expulsion of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua Hours earlier, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in a bold plan to crack down on the scourge of Venezuela's most notorious cartel Armed men from the gang were seen at a Denver, Colorado apartment complex last year The gang has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organized crime and contract killings. DailyMail.com was the first news organization in the US to report on TdA arriving in America over a year ago, however, the gang became a household name after video of them storming an apartment near Denver surfaced in August. The sweeping wartime authority allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action and will enable him to speed up mass deportations of people and pushes his promised crackdown on immigration into higher gear. While the proclamation was released by the White House on Saturday, the wording suggests Trump signed it on Friday. 'This proclamation is as lawless as anything the Trump administration has done,' Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, who argued for the order in a hearing on Saturday said in an interview. 'We are on very dangerous ground when the administration is going to try to use wartime authority, when we're at peace, for immigration purposes or any other non-military purpose.' Attorney General Pam Bondi said Boasberg 'had supported Tren de Aragua terrorists over the safety of Americans' in his ruling. 'This order disregards well-established authority regarding President Trump's power, and it puts the public and law enforcement at risk,' she said in a statement. Veneauelan gang Tren de Aragua have been found to be operating across numerous cities in the United States High-ranking members of the Tren de Aragua gang are seen in court in New York in January Two of the 19 individuals arrested during the October 19 raid at the Palatia Apartments in San Antonio where authorities say Tren de Aragua had been operating Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was recently shared with federal agents Trump had pledged to use the Alien Enemies Act during his presidential campaign, and immigration groups were braced for it. That led to Saturday's unusual lawsuit, filed before Trump's declaration even became public. The suit by the American Civil Liberties Union and Democracy Forward on behalf of five Venezuelans whose cases suddenly moved towards deportation in recent hours. Judge Boasberg, chief judge of the DC Circuit, agreed to implement a temporary restraining order preventing the deportation for 14 days under the act of the five Venezuelans who are already in immigration custody and believed they were being about to be deported. Boasberg said his order, which was issued at 9:20am, was 'to preserve the status quo.' He also scheduled a Friday hearing in the case. The Trump administration appealed that order, contending that halting a presidential act before it has been announced would cripple the executive branch. If the order were allowed to stand, 'district courts would have license to enjoin virtually any urgent national-security action just upon receipt of a complaint,' the Justice Department wrote in its appeal. Boasberg then scheduled the afternoon hearing on whether to expand his order to all people who could be targeted under Trump's declaration. 'I do not believe I can wait any longer and am required to act,' he said during the Saturday evening hearing in a lawsuit brought by the ACLU and Democracy Forward. 'A brief delay in their removal does not cause the government any harm,' Boasberg added, noting how the five remain in government custody but ordering that any planes in the air be turned around back to the US. Members of the gang were found hiding out at the The Edge at Lowry Apartments at East 12th Avenue and Dallas Street in Aurora, Colorado last year The Prairie View Police Department arrested three suspected Tren de Aragua associates last month who were wanted for their alleged involvement in multi-state sex trafficking ring operated by Tren de Aragua Niefred Jose Serpa-Acosta, 20, a known TdA member, presents himself to police with hands up and dressed as a woman. Officers encountered Serpa-Acosta on Dec. 16 after he took part in a vicious the kidnapping and torture of a Venezuelan couple Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign contended that the president had broad latitude to identify threats to the country and act under the 1798 law. He noted the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Harry Truman to continue to hold a German citizen in 1948, three years after World War II ended, under the measure. 'This would cut very deeply into the prerogatives of the president,' Ensign said of an injunction. The flurry of litigation shows the significance of Trump's declaration, the latest step by the administration to expand presidential power. The White House has until Monday to file a motion if they want to overturn the pause, and failing that the next hearing will be on March 21, the court ruling said. Under Trump's proclamation, all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are determined to be members of the gang, are within the United States and are not naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the country are 'liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.' The act has only ever been used three times before, all during wars. Its most recent application was during World War II, when it was used to incarcerate Germans and Italians as well as for the mass internment of around 120,000 Japanese and Japanese-American civilians. It was also used during World War I and the War of 1812. Civil rights groups and some Democrats have criticized the idea of reviving it to fuel mass deportations. In September, Venezuelan authorities, under the direction of dictator Maduro, raided Tocoron Penitentiary the gang's de facto headquarters Trump made the threat posed by the gang a regular feature of his campaign speeches as evidence of what he called a spike in 'migrant crime'. Pictured here in October The declaration came after the judge in barred the administration from deporting five Venezuelans under the expected order, a hint at the legal battle brewing over Trump's move. The judge was scheduled to consider expanding the prohibition on deportation just minutes after Trump's afternoon announcement. The Trump administration in February designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and six other criminal groups as global terrorist organizations. Saturday's directive said that Tren de Aragua 'has engaged in and continues to engage in mass illegal migration to the United States to further its objectives of harming United States citizens.' Trump argued in his declaration that it is justified because he contends the Tren de Aragua gang has ties to the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump made the threat posed by the gang a regular feature of his campaign speeches as evidence of what he called a spike in 'migrant crime' although numerous studies show immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans. 'Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA,' Trump's statement reads. 'The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States.' Civil rights groups and some Democrats have criticized the idea of reviving it to fuel mass deportations and the move will likely trigger legal challenges. 'Invoking the Alien Enemies Act, an extraordinary wartime power with a shameful history, to arbitrarily detain and deport immigrants is bigoted, dangerous, and profoundly unjust,' said New York Attorney General Letitia James. William Vasquez, a immigration lawyer in North Carolina, posted on social media that this is the first time the act 'has been applied against migrants from a country with which the U.S. is not at war.' The Trump administration in February designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and six other criminal groups as global terrorist organizations. Experts on criminal organizations say the group has not established a strong foothold in the US, where its members likely only number in the hundreds and makeup just a small fraction of the nearly 800,000 Venezuelans who live in the country. Venezuela's most violent gang Tren de Aragua has moved its headquarters to just across the US border in the Mexican town of Ciudad Juarez An FBI raid in Houston resulted in the detention of two suspected Tren de Aragua associates and the seizure of drugs and a gun The FBI arrest a suspected Tren de Aragua member last month in Houston Henry Carmona, 48, right, who fled Venezuela after receiving death threats for refusing to participate in demonstrations in support of the government, stands with friends to denounce changes to the protections that shielded hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans from deportation President Donald Trump on Saturday invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1978, a sweeping wartime authority that allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action to speed up mass deportations of people Saturday's directive said that Tren de Aragua 'has engaged in and continues to engage in mass illegal migration to the United States to further its objectives of harming United States citizens.' While the proclamation was released by the White House on Saturday, the wording suggests Trump signed it on Friday. Under Trump's proclamation, all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are found to be members of the gang, are within the United States, and are not naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the country are 'liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.' The Tren de Aragua gang originated in a prison in the South American country and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nation's economy came undone last decade. Trump and his allies have turned the gang into the face of the alleged threat posed by immigrants living in the US illegally and formally designated it a 'foreign terrorist organization' last month. Authorities in several countries have reported arrests of Tren de Aragua members, even as Venezuela's government claims to have eliminated the criminal organization. Hours later, the Trump administration appealed the initial restraining order, contending that halting a presidential act before it has been announced would cripple the executive branch. If the order were allowed to stand, 'district courts would have license to enjoin virtually any urgent national-security action just upon receipt of a complaint,' the Justice Department wrote in its appeal. It said district courts might then issue temporary restraining orders on actions such as drone strikes, sensitive intelligence operations, or terrorist captures or extraditions. The court 'should halt that path in its tracks,' the department argued. The unusual flurry of litigation highlights the controversial act, which could give Trump vast power to deport people in the country illegally. It could let him bypass some protections of normal criminal and immigration law to swiftly deport those his administration contends are members of the gang. The DOJ released these images in 2020, as it charged top members of the Venezuela's government, including current President Nicolas Maduro, with being drug traffickers In the superseding indictment, US prosecutors allege Venezuela's government trafficked tons of cocaine into the US. The feds claim the 'Cartel de los Soles,' which Madro leads, used an 'air bridge' to move the drugs into the US Almost a dozen migrants with suspected links to the bloodthirsty Tren de Aragua gang were arrested following ICE raids across several states last month. Pictured, a raid in Houston Several properties across the Denver area were raided as part of the Tren de Aragua crackdown also last month Your browser does not support iframes. The White House is preparing to move about 300 people it identifies as members of the gang to detention in El Salvador. Trump returned to the White House on January 20 vowing to deport millions of immigrants living in the US illegally but his initial deportations have lagged behind those of his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, who faced high levels of illegal immigration and rapidly deported many recent border crossers. Trump has taken an array of actions to step up immigration enforcement, sending additional troops to the US-Mexico border and reassigning federal agents to help track down immigration offenders. But his administration has had to contend with backed-up immigration courts and limited detention space. A $4million Sydney home has sparked a bitter legal battle between two sisters after one of them refused to move out. leading to her arrest. When their mother died in 2021 aged 93, the sisters were left the vast majority of her $4.2million estate, which was to be shared equally. The major asset was a house in Cremorne on Sydney's ritzy lower north shore, which was valued at $3.9million. Probate was granted in 2022, meaning the assets could be distributed, but one sister refused to move out of the home, meaning it could not be sold. The case ended up going to the NSW Supreme Court, but the sister in the house refused to attend the court, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Justice Michael Slattery said the sister's refusal 'appears to have been simply delay, obfuscation, diversion, and ultimately no communication at all'. He said the behaviour was an 'unacceptable' delay and that an independent administrator appointed in 2023 'faced the same lack of responsiveness'. Justice Slattery said the continued occupation of the property 'paralysed the administration of the estate' and unfairly denied the sister not living in it 'half of the capital of the estate to which she is entitled'. The major asset was a house in Cremorne on Sydney's ritzy lower north shore, which was valued at $3.9million (pictured stock image of Cremorne Point) A multimillion-dollar home left jointly to two sisters in a will has ripped a Sydney family apart and even led to one sister being arrested (pictured Maccallum Pool at Cremorne Point) Last December, the administrator launched civil proceedings to gain possession of the property to sell it. The sister living in it was ordered to appear in court on February 7, but did not show up. Justice Slattery said it was a 'reasonable inference' that the sister had 'formed the view that it is to her advantage to continue to ignore the court so that she can occupy the Cremorne property'. When the sister again failed to turn up, the judge issued a warrant for her arrest 'to bring her to court to require her to answer the court's process in person and engage with the looming future issue that she may be removed from the Cremorne property'. When she finally fronted the court in late February, the judge thanked 'the sheriff and police involved in the execution of that warrant'. 'Being brought to court forcibly, confronting though it may be, will give her a chance to organise herself and will reduce the even more traumatic effect if she is later suddenly removed from the Cremorne property,' he said. The sister living in the home agreed to leave it by April 4, when the administrator will take possession and sell it. Adrian Corbould of Turnbull Hill Lawyers, who specialises in wills and estates, said he sees three or four cases a year involving a family member refusing to leave a property, but it was unusual to see a case 'going this far'. The behaviour was an 'unacceptable' delay and an independent administrator 'faced the same lack of responsiveness' (pictured Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay walk) 'If people did this regularly it would be absolute mayhem,' he said. 'Ultimately, she has cooperated, but it's taken a lot of work.' University of New South Wales law professor Prue Vines told Daily Mail Australia that death often brings out the worst in people. 'If you're talking about general human behaviour, when there's a big lot of money, people tend to target it,' she said. '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.' Prof Vines added that '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. 'Sometimes that control seems to break for people, especially when there's a big shock ... when there's money involved'. A British drugs mule grandmother on Indonesia's death row is so convinced she will be freed from prison that she has started given her clothes away to other inmates. Lindsay Sandiford, 67, has been incarcerated in a cramped cell inside Bali's hellish Kerobokan prison since 2013 where she is facing execution by firing squad. The grandmother-of-two was sentenced to death for attempting to smuggle 1.6million worth of cocaine into Indonesia's capital by stuffing it into the lining of her suitcase. But her pals say she has now 'slumped into depression' as she thought she would have been released by now due to a change in the country's law. The new legislation means Sandiford could have her death sentence converted to a life prison term as she has served more than a decade behind bars where she has shown good behaviour. A source told The Mirror: 'She's given away all her clothes and things she had because she was expecting to be released already. But it's understood she will be released in a few months, along with other westerners. 'The new Indonesian president has, among his many changes, said he wants ro reduce the numbers in jail. 'Local people are being released, then overseas people are to be looked at. Already the Australian drug group known as the Bali Nine are back in Australia.' Lindsay Sandiford, 67, has been incarcerated in a cramped cell inside Bali's hellish Kerobokan prison since 2013 where she is facing execution by firing squad The grandmother-of-two was sentenced to death for attempting to smuggle 1.6million worth of cocaine into Indonesia's capital by stuffing it into the lining of her suitcase The Brit, from Yorkshire, who has no previous convictions, claimed she was forced by a UK-based drugs syndicate to smuggle cocaine from Thailand to Bali by threats to the life of one of her two sons in Britain. She received a death sentence despite cooperating with police in a sting to arrest people higher up in the syndicate, sparking an outcry from human rights lawyers and former UK Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald who said she had been treated with 'quite extraordinary severity'. The syndicate's alleged ringleader Julian Ponder, 50, from Brighton, was freed from Kerobokan prison in late 2017 following rumours more than 1 million in bribes were paid to drop trafficking charges against Ponder, his former partner Rachel Dougall, and fellow Brit Paul Beales. Dougall served one year and Beales four years for involvement in the conspiracy. Now grey-haired and suffering arthritis, Sandiford spends days at a time knitting in the cramped five metres-by-five-metres cell prison she shares with four other women prisoners, most of them poorly-educated local women convicted of drug offences. Pictured: Sandiford as a young woman. Her pals say she has now 'slumped into depression ' as she thought she would have been released by now due to a change in the country's law The new legislation means Sandiford could have her death sentence converted to a life prison term as she has served more than a decade behind bars where she has shown good behaviour The prison houses 1,300 inmates four times the amount of people the prison was built for in 1979 - and has previously been described by inmates as a 'hellhole' with frequent 'murders, rapes, drug overdoses and bashings'. One Indonesian woman imprisoned for corruption said last March that Sandiford was seen as the jail's 'queen'. Examples of the drug mule's special treatment allegedly include being able to order medium-rare steak once a week. But she added that the grandmother had led knitting classes for her fellow inmates. The first set of Donald Trump's airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels killed at least 31 people, the rebel group said on Sunday, as its backer Iran said it would retaliate. The Houthis, who have attacked Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, said children were among those killed by the intense barrage of strikes, which were carried out with British military support. They added that 101 people were wounded. Trump, in a post on social media, vowed to 'use overwhelming lethal force' and ordered Iran to 'immediately' cut its support. The Houthis warned that the strikes 'will not pass without response', while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the deaths and said Washington had 'no authority' to dictate its foreign policy. A spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei 'strongly condemned the brutal air strikes by the US' in a later statement, denouncing them a 'gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter', and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to retaliate against Trump's strikes. The Houthi Ansarollah website slammed what it called 'US-British aggression' and Washington's 'criminal brutality'. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which posted images of fighters and a bomb demolishing a building compound, said 'precision strikes' were launched to 'defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation'. 'Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,' the rebels' political bureau said in a statement on their Al-Masirah TV station. The first set of Donald Trump's (pictured) airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels killed at least 31 people, the rebel group said A girl injured by a US strike lies on stretcher at a hospital in Saada, Yemen March 16, 2025 A plume of smoke billows during a US strike on Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa early on March 16, 2025 Trump, in a post on social media, vowed to 'use overwhelming lethal force' against the terror group The rebels, who have controlled much of Yemen for more than a decade, are part of the 'axis of resistance' of pro-Iran groups staunchly opposed to Israel and the United States. They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks at ships passing Yemen in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Houthis had 'attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023'. The campaign crippled the vital route, which normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies into a costly detour around southern Africa. The Palestinian group Hamas, which has long supported the Houthis, hit out Saturday at the US strikes, branding them 'a stark violation of international law and an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability'. After halting their attacks when Gaza's ceasefire took effect in January, the Houthis announced on Tuesday that they would resume them until Israel lifts its blockade of aid to the shattered Palestinian territory. Trump's statement did not reference the dispute over Israel, but focused on previous Houthi attacks on merchant shipping. 'To all Huthi [sic] terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!' he said. US aircrafts taking off from aircraft carrier as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces carry out precision airstrikes kicking off a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi targets across Yemen People and rescuers search amid the rubble of a house hit by a US strike in Saada, Yemen March 15, 2025 A man gestures as he searches in the rubble of a house hit by a US strike in Saada, Yemen March 16, 202 This handout image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on March 15, 2025 shows CENTCOM forces launching an operation against Houthi targets across Yemen The Houthis, who have attacked Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, said children were among those killed by the intense barrage of strikes 'Do NOT threaten the American People, their President... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!' Earlier this month, the United States reclassified the Houthi movement as a 'foreign terrorist organisation', banning any US interaction with it. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Moscow is close to Tehran, which supports the Houthis. 'Continued Houthi attacks on US military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated,' Rubio told Lavrov on Saturday, according to the State Department. The Houthis captured Sanaa in 2014 and were poised to overrun most of the rest of the country before a Saudi-led coalition intervened. The war devastated the already impoverished nation. Fighting has largely been on hold since a 2022 ceasefire, but the promised peace process has stalled in the face of Houthi attacks on Israel and Israel-linked shipping. A fire that tore through a nightclub in North Macedonia killed 51 and left more than 100 injured, the country's interior minister confirmed. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town 100 kilometres east of the capital Skopje. Emergency services rushed to the scene, including firefighters from surrounding towns, where more than 1,000 concertgoers had gathered at the venue for a performance by hip-hop duo DNK. The concert began at around midnight and the fire is reported to have started at approximately 3am local time, according to online media outlet SDK. Social media footage shows huge flames engulfing the nightclub, with large plumes of smoke billowing into the air. Clips from inside the venue show the use of two pyrotechnics during the performance, known as stage jets - a type of indoor fireworks used during concerts. Very shortly after their deployment flames are clearly visible above the band, which quickly spread. Speaking outside the local police station, minister of the interior Pance Toskovski said the fire was probably caused by sparks from the pyrotechnics hitting the ceiling, which was made of a highly flammable material. Huge flames engulf the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, in the early hours of Sunday morning A shot of the burning nightclub, which shows the roof fully ablaze and an inferno raging inside the venue Video from inside the venue shows the use of pyrotechnics, with flames licking the ceiling (top left of shot) shortly after their deployment He added: 'At the moment of activating the so-called sprinklers, the sparks caught the ceiling that was made of easily flammable material after which for a very short period of time the fire spread across the whole discotheque, creating a thick smoke.' Footage verified by the BBC also shows people inside the club trying to extinguish the flames on the ceiling, with the crowd milling around unsure how to proceed. According to witnesses, several people were subsequently crushed to death during a 'stampede', Skopje-based radio station Lider reported. 'According to the data we have by now, 51 persons lost their lives and more than 100 persons are injured,' Mr Toskovski said. The wounded were transported to the local hospital in the town and to facilities in the town of Stip, 30 kilometres to the south, while helicopters ferried some of the injured to hospitals in the capital Skopje. The director of the Kocani hospital, Kristina Serafimova, said 30 people were being treated for injuries at the hospital while another 60 were being transferred to another health facility, news site Klix Vijesti reported. Video posted by Lider shows the burnt-out remains of the nightclub on Sunday after sunrise, with a gaping hole in the roof clearly visible. Other videos published by media in the Balkan country show the entrance to the building blackened by flames. A map showing the location of Kocani, the site of the nightclub fire, which is around 100 kilometres east of the North Macedonian capital Skopje As the performance unfolds, a small patch of flames become visible on the venue's ceiling Flames rapidly spread across the ceiling of the nightclub as terrified concertgoers watch on Flames surge under the roof of the Pulse nightclub, where around 1,500 concertgoers had gather to watch a performance by hip-hop duo DNK Emergency services rushed to the scene, including firefighters from surrounding towns, with the local hospital in Kocani reporting overcapacity Members of the emergency services worked around the clock to remove injured people from the venue DNK, a hip-hop duo popular in North Macedonia, were playing to more than 1,000 fans at Club Pulse when the fire broke out North Macedonias Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, called it a 'difficult and very sad day' and asked for unity and support for the families of the victims and the injured Emergency responders operate outside the Pulse nightclub in the town of Kocani, as a police cordon stretches across the road The US ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler posted on X: 'My heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last nights fire at a nightclub in Kochani' North Macedonias Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, called it a 'difficult and very sad day' and asked for unity and support for the families of the victims and the injured while the government determines the cause of the fire. In a post on Facebook, he said: 'With deep sorrow I received the news of the terrible tragedy in Kochani. 'This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable. 'In these moments of deep sorrow, our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, and to the families of the deceased - strength to bear this unimaginable loss. 'The people and the government will do everything in their power to alleviate their pain a little and help them through these most difficult moments.' Lider also reported that the Ministry of the Interior is questioning anyone connected to the concert. The UK ambassador to North Macedonia Matthew Lawson said on X: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kochani that claimed the lives of 51 people, many of whom were young. 'Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this immense loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.' Investigators, one in a face mask and the other in a hard helmet, stand outside Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia after the fire North Macedonias Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, asked for unity and support for the families of the victims and the injured while the government determines the cause of the fire An exterior view of the club after the fire, with a huge hole visible in the centre of the roof where the fire damage was at its most severe People wait in front of a hospital in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje on Sunday where a number of those injured in the fire were airlifted by helicopter UK ambassador to North Macedonia Matthew Lawson posted that he was 'deeply saddened' by the fire Meanwhile the US ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler posted on X: 'My heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last nights fire at a nightclub in Kochani. 'Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their loved ones at this awful time, and wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured. 'The loss of so many young lives in one community is a terrible tragedy. I have offered any assistance and the full resources of the U.S. Embassy to the Prime Minister, as well as our prayers for all those who suffer today.' In September 2021, a major fire killed 14 people at a unit for Covid-19 patients in Tetovo in the northwest of North Macedonia. The son of a World War II hero wants his father's name removed from a war memorial in London after he was refused a visa to visit Britain so he could pay his respects. Ershad Ali was killed while serving in the Merchant Navy for the allied forces, and his named is etched into the Tower Hill Memorial in London. His son Ataur Rahman, 86, and his grandson, Suhel Rana, 30, who live in Sylhet, Bangladesh, say it has been their lifelong dream to be able to visit the monument and pay respect to their fallen relative. But the family claim they have been refused a visa by the UK government with a visa refusal letter sent in December. They now feel they have been 'disrespected' and 'discriminated' against. Mr Rahman says he wants his father's name removed from the monument - and he wishes to return his medals. He said: 'When I was only six months old, my father went off to World War II and never returned home. 'The biggest regret in my life is not seeing my father, which constantly hurts me. His son Ataur Rahman (left), 86, and his grandson, Suhel Rana (right), 30, who live in Sylhet, Bangladesh, say it has been their lifelong dream to be able to visit the monument and pay respect to their fallen relative Ershad Ali was killed while serving in the Merchant Navy for the allied forces, and his named is etched into the Tower Hill Memorial in London (pictured) Mr Ali has since received five medals in recognition of his efforts - the Burma Star, Atlantic Star, 1939-45 Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Dutch Mobilisation War cross 'My son Suhel found all the information about his grandfather 75 years after his death. And after fighting against the UK for three long years, he was able to get his grandfather's recognition in 2019. 'I think the visa officer deliberately rejected our application, which I consider a crime against humanity. I think they insulted not only my father but all the seamen who died in World War II.' Ershad died on 19 June 1944, when the Dutch cargo ship SS Garoet was hit by a torpedo and sank by a German U-boat. He has since received five medals in recognition of his efforts - the Burma Star, Atlantic Star, 1939-45 Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Dutch Mobilisation War cross. Mr Rahman continued: 'The British Home Office has insulted my deceased father and our sailor family. We are humiliated and ashamed. 'I am now in the last moments of my life because I am 86 years old. My last wish was to visit my father's memorial before I die. That is no longer possible because of the British Home Office. 'Since we have no right to respect, there is no basis for keeping my father's name. I urge the UK government to permanently remove my father's name from the memorial and also request that my father's name be removed from all documents, including the Commonwealth records of the war.' His son, Mr Rana, added: 'We feel so disrespected and discriminated against. Mr Rahman says he wants his father's name removed from the monument - and he wishes to return his medals Mr Rahman said: 'The British Home Office has insulted my deceased father and our sailor family. We are humiliated and ashamed' He added: 'Since we have no right to respect, there is no basis for keeping my father's name. I urge the UK government to permanently remove my father's name from the memorial and also request that my father's name be removed from all documents, including the Commonwealth records of the war' 'We wish to send our medals back to the UK government and have all traces of [Ershad] removed from all memorials.' Steve Belgrove, who runs Medals Lost & Found, has been trying to aid the family in getting their visa through several invitations to the pair. However, none of their attempts have been successful. He said: 'I am in touch with the family and have been trying to help them. They just want to pay their respects to their late grandad. 'They feel so ashamed and disrespected. They are talking about sending the medals back to the UK and having his name taken off the memorial. 'I think it is disgusting. Why put someone's name on a memorial if the families can't even go and pay their respects. 'It is disgraceful. These people died for us. I think the UK government is letting down the commonwealth. 'The grandson is a WWII geek and has visited all the memorials across the world. But the one memorial he can't get to is his grandad's.' A spokesperson for the Home Office told MailOnline: 'It is longstanding government policy that we do not comment on individual cases.' A dramatic video shows how Ukraine blew up a bridge used by Russian troops on a key supply route in occupied Kherson region. The crossing - over the Konka River - was hit in an airstrike, according to reports. It had been earlier struck in the war but was still usable for military supplies by Vladimir Putin's occupying armed forces - until now. The devastating blast exploded two sections of the bridge which crashed into the river, in a giant cloud of thick smoke causing waves in the river. The Konka is a tributary of the nearby Dnipro River, the current de facto border between Ukrainian and Russian controlled areas of Kherson region. The strike was close to the occupied town of Oleshky and reportedly came as a 'complete shock' to the occupying Russians. It came as Russia has still failed to signal agreement to Donald Trump's demand for a 30-day ceasefire to allow peace talks to end the war. The fighting went on in the war, as Russia struck Chernihiv, destroying the upper floors of a five storey residential building in a Shahed - Iranian-made - drone strike. A dramatic video shows how Ukraine blew up a bridge used by Russian troops on a key supply route in occupied Kherson region The crossing - over the Konka River - was hit in an airstrike It had been earlier struck in the war but was still usable for military supplies by Vladimir Putin 's occupying armed forces The Konka is a tributary of the nearby Dnipro River, the current de facto border between Ukrainian and Russian controlled areas of Kherson region The building was engulfed in fire and rescuers were hunting for victims after the Russian attack, apparently aimed to terrorise the population. Separately, Ukrainian special operations forces showed in an AI demonstration video how they blasted a 12 million sophisticated Utyos-TM radar complex used by the Russians to track Kyiv warplanes, missiles and drones within a radius of 225 miles. The FPV drone hit was likely some weeks ago but was only revealed now. The strike 'significantly weakened Russian forces' control over the sky and also reduced the effectiveness of air defence systems,' claimed the special forces. On top of this, Volodymyr Zelensky revealed Ukraine has successfully combat tested its new domestically-produced Long Neptune missile with a range of 621 miles. This puts Russian capital Moscow within its range with Zelensky saying that Kyiv has had 'significant results' on its missile programme aimed at providing its own security against the threat of Vladimir Putin. 'Long Neptune has been tested and successfully used in combat,' he said. Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed Ukraine has successfully combat tested its new domestically-produced Long Neptune missile with a range of 621 miles This puts Russian capital Moscow within its range with Zelensky saying that Kyiv has had 'significant results' on its missile programme aimed at providing its own security against the threat of Vladimir Putin 'A new Ukrainian missile, an accurate strike. The range is a thousand kilometres [621 miles]. 'Thank you to our Ukrainian developers, manufacturers and military. We continue to work to guarantee Ukrainian security.' Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+ suggested that Friday's dramatic strike at Tuapse Oil refinery may have been by the new Neptune, which is a development of the earlier version of the weapon which sank Putin's Black Sea Fleet flagship, Moskva in 2022. 'There is an assumption that it was [the new] Neptune,' said the channel. A father who developed Tourette's syndrome after being bitten by a mosquito has shared the details of his terrifying ordeal. Ross Constable, 48, had been enjoying a holiday in Thailand when he fell foul to the blood-thirsty insect. Initially the father-of-one wasn't concerned about the bite and continued to make the most of the ten day family trip to Phuket. But, shortly after returning home to Timperley, Cheshire, things took a turn for the worst when he began feeling unwell. Mr Constable, who was a secondary school art teacher at the time, recalls suffering from flu-like symptoms including extreme fatigue, body aches and a high fever. He called 111 after his condition began to deteriorate and the operator advised Mr Constable to talk to a doctor on the phone. Despite informing the medic that he had recently returned from Thailand, at first Mr Constable's symptoms were thought to have been caused by a bug he had caught on the flight home. In the weeks that followed doctors continued to put his symptoms down to flu but, as Mr Constable began to feel increasingly unwell, it became clear something was badly wrong. A father who developed Tourette's syndrome after being bitten by a mosquito has shared details of his terrifying ordeal. Ross Constable (pictured) was on holiday in Thailand when he fell foul to the blood-thirsty insect Initially the father-of-one wasn't concerned about the bite and continued to enjoy the ten day family trip to Phuket. But, shortly after returning home to Timperley, Cheshire, things took a turn for the worst when he began feeling unwell Mr Constable found himself bedridden for two weeks and was unable to get up without being in agony. 'I was really thirsty, sleeping a lot and in and out of consciousness,' Mr Constable told Manchester Evening News. He added how his his body felt like 'a liquid jelly mass' and that he had severe internal pain particularly behind his eyes. And Mr Constable explained how skin started to shed from all over his body despite the bite being on his foot. He also experienced bleeding gums, painful joints, muscle spasms and kept collapsing from dizziness. During the horrific ordeal Mr Constable started to waste away, losing two stone and becoming so delirious that he sometimes didn't recognise his partner and felt detached from reality. Describing his confusion he said: 'I was taller than buildings around me and arms would stretch across the car park.' Mr Constable continued to visit doctors and, several weeks later and after many tests, a diagnosis was finally confirmed. He was suffering from dengue fever - a viral disease spread by mosquitoes which can be fatal. Another specialist also believed he had Japanese encephalitis, a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites, primarily in Asia and the Western Pacific, that can cause inflammation of the brain. Tourette's syndrome Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by a combination of involuntary noises and movements called tics. It usually starts during childhood and continues into adulthood. Tics can be either be vocal or physical. In many cases Tourette's syndrome runs in families and it's often associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Tourette's syndrome is named after the French doctor, Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the syndrome and its symptoms in the 19th century. There's no cure for Tourette's syndrome, but treatment can help to control the symptoms. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement But, despite thinking they had solved the mystery, medical professionals were still baffled by Mr Constable's neurological complications that followed the diagnosis. Bizarre symptoms left Mr Constable feeling out of control and vulnerable. He said at times he would struggle to speak and would hit himself out of frustration. Amid these symptoms Mr Constable developed Tourette's syndrome and experienced tics so severe that they had a huge impact on his social life. He also battled severe mental health issues including anxiety, depression and the repeated looping thoughts commonly associated with PTSD. Mr Constable was prescribed medication to reduce his Tourette's syndrome but he stopped talking it after it left him feeling numb to his emotions. Instead he relied on the 'hugely beneficial' support of family and friends. While Dengue fever itself does not directly cause Tourette's syndrome, it can trigger neurological complications. Its primary symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint pain and skin rashes, it occasionally causes neurological symptoms. In rare cases, neurological conditions such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or other complications like Japanese encephalitis could develop alongside dengue fever. These conditions can affect the brain and nervous system, potentially leading to movement disorders or tics. Although the physical symptoms of dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis have subsided, Mr Constable still faces ongoing challenges with Tourette's syndrome and has accepted that the condition may be with him for life. He says a combination of support from loved ones, nature and art have played a vital role in his recovery. Mr Constable said he feels 'lucky to be alive' and hopes his upcoming art show at Hepplestone Art Gallery in Wilmslow on May 8 will help others understand the power of support, nature and self-acceptance in the healing process. William Shakespeare's birthplace will be de-colonised over fears that portraying his success as the 'greatest' playwright 'benefits the ideology of white European supremacy'. Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust owns buildings in the playwright's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. It wants to 'create a more inclusive museum experience' and announced it will move away from Western perspectives after concerns were raised that Shakespeare's ideas were used to advance 'white supremacy' ideas. The trust also said that some of its items could contain language or depictions that are racist, sexist, or homophobic. It comes amid an ongoing backlash against the writer. Some productions of his works have been slapped with trigger warnings for misogyny, racism and 'problematic radicalised dynamics' that link whiteness to beauty. In 2022, a research project between the trust and Dr Helen Hopkins at the University of Birmingham postulated that the idea of Shakespeare's 'universal' genius 'benefits the ideology of white European supremacy'. This is because European culture is portrayed as the standard for high art and the playwright as a symbol of British 'superiority', according to The Telegraph. The project said this narrative has caused harm, and advised that the trust stop saying Shakespeare was the 'greatest' but part of a community of 'equal and different' writers globally. Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust owns buildings in the playwright's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon A bust of the English playwright, part of the Shakespeare Memorial in The Holy Trinity Church, in Stratford-upon-Avon William Shakespeare's birthplace will be de-colonised over fears that portraying his success as the 'greatest' playwright 'benefits the ideology of white European supremacy' Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust later received funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, which finances projects that boost diversity and inclusion. Some of its organised events celebrated Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, and a Romeo and Juliet-inspired Bollywood dance workshop. The trust also promised to remove offensive language from its collections. Some of the items at the trust include archived material, literary criticism, books linked to the writer and gifts from around the world offered in honour of him. A statement from the trust said: 'As part of our ongoing work, we've undertaken a project which explores our collections to ensure they are as accessible as possible.' In 2021, The Globe Theatre launched a project to 'decolonise' Shakespeare's famous plays, while experts claimed his work is 'problematic' for linking whiteness to beauty. The London theatre, which is a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where William Shakespeare wrote his work, has begun 'anti-racist' seminars to discuss 'decolonising' Shakespeare's esteemed plays. Experts claimed that the bard's plays are 'problematic' for linking whiteness to beauty, while an academic said all of Shakespeare's plays are 'race plays' as they all contain 'whiteness'. Also in 2021, it was reported that a growing number of 'woke' academics are refusing to teach Shakespeare in U.S. schools, arguing that the Bard promotes racism, white supremacy and intolerance, and instead are pushing for the teaching of 'modern' alternatives. Pictured is a monument to Shakespeare in the Warwickshire town of Stratford-on-Avon Pictured is a 1968 movie production of Romeo and Juliet In 2021, The Globe Theatre launched a project to 'decolonise' Shakespeare's famous plays, while experts claimed his work is 'problematic' for linking whiteness to beauty Writing in School Library Journal, Amanda MacGregor, a Minnesota-based librarian, bookseller and freelance journalist, asked why teachers were continuing to include Shakespeare in their classrooms. 'Shakespeare's works are full of problematic, outdated ideas, with plenty of misogyny, racism, homophobia, classism, anti-Semitism and misogynoir,' she wrote, with the last word referring to a hatred of black women. But others contended the latest woke trend is short-sighted, not taking into account the lessons that Shakespeare still can teach for today - with one New York Times best-selling author accusing schools that jettison the writer as 'flushing great literature down the drain'. In 2023, The Globe gave Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream a 'misogyny and racism' warning. The comedy, telling the tale of four rebellious lovers who get lost in a magical forest, is set to run from April as part of the venue's summer programme. The warning read: 'Content guidance: The play contains language of violence, sexual references, misogyny and racism.' The online guidance ends with a plea to those concerned about its themes to contact the ticketing team for further details on the play's content. The venue is a replica of the original Globe theatre, where Shakespeare's plays were first seen, so is closely associated with the Bard. Pictured is a bust of William Shakespeare in the Shakespeare Library William Shakespeare's First Folio, which was published in 1623 and contains 36 of his plays A spokesman for the Globe said at the time: 'Content guidance is written in advance of the creation of each production and based on what is present in the play. These will be updated as the production comes to life.' The website's warning came after education experts at the theatre who intend to 'decolonise' Shakespeare's work also attacked the play for its misogyny. A major comic plot line is King Oberon giving a love potion to Queen Titania so she falls for the ass-headed character Bottom. But academics have claimed this is troubling because Titania is drugged, so she cannot consent. Hailey Bachrach, the founder of the education project Shakespeare and Consent, said that this kind of plotline can 'make Shakespeare problematic'. Another 'problematic' plot line is Hermia fleeing Athens because she must choose between marrying against her will, or being executed or placed in a convent. Some academics say Shakespeare creates a 'dark/light binary' which casts dark or black as negative and white or fair as positive. The Globe has sought to address the more troubling aspects of Shakespeare's work with its Anti-Racist Shakespeare seminars. In these seminars education experts have said the Bard's language was 'racialising'. For example, the first line of A Midsummer Night's Dream is said to set out the racial divide clearly straight away: 'Now, fair Hippolyta.' Unlike Othello, which features a key non-white character, the play is not typically viewed as a 'race play' but experts believe racial slurs lie in the insults used by the play's characters. A UK-based Muslim TV channel is facing an Ofcom investigation after it was accused of inciting extremism and breaching rules on impartiality. The free-to-air Islam Channel, which operates out of London, is facing claims they have praised violent Islamist movements, encouraged hostility against the West and portrayed terrorism with sympathy. In complaints submitted to the broadcasting regulator, the channel has also been accused of comparing Israel to the Nazi regime, giving airtime to extremists and broadcasting misinformation. It has also been said to have, on multiple occasions, praised the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, which saw around 1,200 people killed. The channel, which was founded in 2004 by Tunisian activist Mohamed Ali Harrath, has roughly two million daily viewers and is said to be watched by 60 per cent of British Muslims. And they could be penalised if Ofcom finds them to have breached their broadcasting code. The report was submitted to the regulator by the Director of the Oxford Institute for British Islam, Dr Taj Hargey. Dr Hargey is seen as a leading thinker in the field of British Islam, and has criticised the channel for broadcasting impartially, using examples between November 2024 and January 2025. The free-to-air Islam Channel, which operates out of London , is facing claims they have glorified violent Islamist movements, encouraged hostility against the West and portrayed terrorist causes with sympathy The complaint was submitted to the Ofcom by the Director of the Oxford Institute for British Islam, Dr Taj Hargey (pictured), who says the channel was broadcasting impartially between November 2024 and January 2025 The channel could be penalised if Ofcom finds them to have breached their broadcasting code In his letter of complaint to Ofcom, he wrote: 'The station's persistent lack of impartiality, spread of harmful rhetoric, and engagement in political advocacy appear to directly contravene the principles set out in the Broadcasting Code.' He also said the channel portrayed Islam as being under attack from an authoritarian West and presents Hamas, Iran and Islamist Jihadi groups as 'resistance' movements to this. In one of the criticisms of failing to disclose key information in its broadcasts, Dr Hargey said Islam Channel's coverage of Southport killer Axel Rudakubana's sentencing did not disclose that he was in possession of an Al-Qaeda training manual. However, the sentencing was reportedly used as an example to attack the UK government's counter-terrorism programme, Prevent. The channel, which claims to be the only broadcaster telling the truth about the war in Gaza and won two British Muslim Awards in 2014 and 2015, was also said to have consistently failed to include pro-Israel commentators in its coverage of the war. Dr Hargey said the channel championing terrorists was an example of a serious breach of the broadcasting code which requires channels not to cause harm or undue offence or incite crime, disorder or violence. In one example, he said Aafia Siddiqui, who has links to Al-Qaeda and attempted to kill US officers, was portrayed as an victim of the 'War on Islam', in a documentary broadcast in January. The channel's is also facing claims it has broadcast anti-Israel hate speeches, including one by Ismail Patel, an organiser of recent pro-Palestine marches, who accused Israel of being 'a violent racist colonialist enterprise'. The channel, which claims to be the only broadcaster telling the truth about the war in Gaza and won two British Muslim Awards in 2014 and 2015, was also said to have consistently failed to include pro-Israel commentators in its coverage of the war The channel was founded in 2004 by Tunisian activist Mohamed Ali Harrath (pictured) and has roughly two million daily viewers; it is also said to be watched by 60 per cent of British Muslims Mr Harrath, who founded the channel, was granted refugee status by the UK in 2000 after fleeing Tunisia where he had led the Tunisian Islamic Front, which allegedly has ties to terrorism. The now-businessman was arrested in South Africa on terrorism charges in 2010 after being added to Interpol's Red Notice list but he was later released without charge. In a broadcast last Christmas, Mr Harrath compared the treatment of Muslims in Britain to how Jews were treated under Adolf Hitler's leadership in Nazi Germany. But his channel has been sanctioned by Ofcom in the past for 'serious and repeated' breaches of the broadcasting code. In 2007, Islam Channel were fined 30,000 for having Yvonne Ridley - who converted to Islam in 2003 - front their news programmes while she was up for local election. In a broadcast last Christmas, Mr Harrath compared the treatment of Muslims in Britain to how Jews were treated under Adolf Hitler's leadership in Nazi Germany In November 2010, the channel was condemned by Ofcom for allowing presenters to support marital rape and domestic abuse. In September 2023, the regulator also found that one of it's documentaries broadcast antisemitic hate speech against Jews. Dr Hargey told The Telegraph: 'Islam Channel epitomises hideous Islamic fundamentalism in the UK. It purports to represent British Muslims, but its sectarian ideology is nothing but an insidious initiative to mainstream Muslim extremism and fanaticism in this country. 'It revels in their 'them and us' narrative, inhibiting any effective social cohesion. Ofcom needs to take decisive action to mitigate the channel's incendiary language and partisan guests who do not subscribe to traditional British values.' An Ofcom spokesperson said: 'We are assessing the complaints against our rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.' MailOnline has approached Islam Channel for comment. Retailers in Health Secretary Wes Streeting's constituency have criticised new vape laws - as a shock poll shows 95 per cent of UK traders believe they will hurt small businesses. Some 80 per cent also believe shopkeepers will continue to sell illegal vapes after the disposables ban is enforced on June 1 and certain flavours are prohibited as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently working its way through parliament. The poll showed 98 per cent did not support a ban on e-liquid flavours, while 57 per cent knew of shops already selling illegal products. Business owners were asked 'with the introduction of a vape tax and proposed flavour restrictions, do you think there will be less people visiting your shop to buy vapes?', with 93 per cent answering 'yes'. The survey, commissioned by campaign group We Vape, targeted over 800 independent traders and franchises via industry and trade fair WhatsApp groups to gather their views on the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill and its implications for small businesses. With 167 company responses, the data is considered the most comprehensive retailer research of its kind into government plans to create a smoke-free generation. It comes as traders in Wes Streeting's constituency of Ilford North where illegal vapes and cigarettes remain easily available - said the bill would hurt trade and force many people to black market vapes and cigarettes. Gurdeep Chahal, owner of Somerville Convenience Store, said the Bill could force his shop to close. Retailers in Health Secretary Wes Streeting 's constituency have criticised new vape laws - as a shock poll shows 95 per cent of UK traders believe they will hurt small businesses Some 80 per cent also believe shopkeepers will continue to sell illegal vapes after the disposables ban is enforced on June 1 and certain flavours are prohibited as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently working its way through parliament (stock image) Illicit vapes - many over the 3 per cent nicotine limit - bought by investigators in Ilford shops He added: 'The bill is only going to make the problem of illicit products worse here and I can't believe my own MP is pushing something that could put me out of business. It's handing the sale of cigarettes to criminals and is going to make it harder for my customers to move to smoke-free products.' Trading nearby, Megavarnan Piratheepan, 46, moved to the UK to set up business from Sri Lanka 21 years ago and now runs three shops, employing nine staff. Speaking outside his partnership Nisa store he said a flurry of new laws, including the bill and an increase in national insurance contributions, would hit small traders the hardest. He said: 'The government never listen to us or ask about laws that are suddenly on you. Where are the Government? Laws are made that effect us and we are the last to know. 'There is no profit margin in tobacco but I make about 2.50 per unit on vapes and if they stop people smoking then that's good. But with new laws and the increase in national insurance contributions, which will cost me hundreds of pounds a year, small businesses have to find a way to survive.' He said it meant traders had no choice but to pass the costs onto customers. Mr Piratheepan added: 'It means a bar of chocolate that was 1 is now 1.60 because this is what retailers will have to do to stay in business. 'I have been in the UK for over 20 years but it is becoming more and more expensive to maintain this.' Some 80 per cent also believe shopkeepers will continue to sell illegal vapes after the disposables ban is enforced on June 1 and certain flavours are prohibited as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently working its way through parliament Investigators in Ilford were offered to purchased packs of twenty cigarettes for just 5 The traders' survey also showed 95% believed a flavour ban would 'decrease in sales', while 50 per cent thought it would cause vapers to return to smoking. Further, 49 per cent believe customers would buy flavours from the black market. In Ilford, investigators bought scores of illicit vapes many more than twice the legal nicotine strength limit of 2 per cent - and were offered packs of twenty cigarettes for 5. The average cost of a standard pack is more than 16. In the survey, when asked 'how do you view what the government are doing in the tobacco and vapes bill?', 80 per cent of traders said 'negatively', neutral was 15 per cent and positive just 4 per cent. Some 97 per cent thought government should focus on 'enforcing current laws' instead of banning products. Measures in the new Bill will also prohibit advertising for all nicotine replacement products, 'despite vapes being handed out by the NHS'. Trading Standards will also be tasked with dishing out 200 on the spot fines for retailers flouting new laws. However, the poll revealed 78 per cent of respondents did not think this was enough to deter rogue traders. We Vape founder Mark Oates said: 'The results of our retailer research and opinions on the ground are shocking but of little surprise considering the impact some areas of the bill will have. 'Kids must not be sold vapes, which are already age-restricted to over 18, and rogue traders need proper deterrents with closure for repeat offenders. But this plan to broadly attack flavours to protect kids is going to stop adult smokers switching to a much safer nicotine option with a much more appealing taste than tobacco. 'Those who already vape will either seek out black market options to meet demand or worse still, return to smoking, while the small retailer loses out sales, footfall and associated profits. They cannot even advertise they sell a harm reduction product, despite vapes being handed to smokers trying to quit by the NHS. That doesn't make sense. 'If the government wants growth and a smoke free generation, attacking independent businesses that generate wealth and reducing the safer nicotine alternatives available for smokers is a serious mistake. Instead, and as the survey shows, they should enforce current laws on access to vapes, which are illegal to under 18s, and allow education of the public about vaping through responsible advertising.' The vape disposables ban will come into force on June 1. However, the poll revealed 97 per cent thought restricting vapes would lead to an increase in cigarette use. A business card given to investigators in Ilford advertising the illegal sale of cheap cigarettes Last month, Paul Cheema, director of Malcolm's Stores Costcutter in Coventry, wrote an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer (pictured), pleading for the future of small retailers and a review of the Bill When asked if 'vapers will try and source illegal vapes as a result of the proposed restrictions?', 96 per cent said yes. Last month, Paul Cheema, director of Malcolm's Stores Costcutter in Coventry, wrote an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer, pleading for the future of small retailers and a review of the Bill. He wrote: 'Local shops are the bedrock of towns and villages across the country, but we face an unprecedented threat. 'Tobacco and nicotine products are important to our business, they make up well over 15 per cent of our sales often far more. Clearly, the sooner smokers switch to safer alternatives, the better. So why make that transition harder? And why let local shops pay the price for poorly thought through legislation? 'The government needs to understand the pressure we are under. They should be focusing on the illicit stores that have boomed in the past year by selling illegal tobacco and vapes to people of all ages. This is a problem that can be solved by retailers and local officials working together, rather than dealing with the distraction of this Bill. 'In pushing it though Parliament, stores will face even more abuse than we do today, the black market will continue to thrive and local stores with close, costing local jobs. Please Prime Minister, help us community retailers to survive, not disappear.' A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'The health advice is clear: vapes can help adult smokers to quit but children and adults who have never smoked should never vape. 'We are rightly acting on our promise to end the advertising of vapes to prevent future generations from becoming hooked on nicotine, and will be producing guidance to support retailers through these changes. 'It's absolutely vital that we support local retailers and get Britain's high street thriving again. This government is committed to doing so starting with 40 per cent business rates relief next year and a new permanent lower business rate from 2026.' The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently at the Committee Stage of parliament, before advancing to the House of Lords. Police fear they have found the body of a six-year-old girl who went missing on the south coast of New South Wales. On Sunday evening, police found a body believed to be Airlie Montgomery, who was last seen at North Nowra, 170km south of Sydney, at about 2.15pm the same day. When she could not be located or contacted, the South Coast Police District was called and officers immediately launched an investigation. Her family was very concerned for Airlie's welfare due to her young age and a number of medical conditions. A police statement said: 'About 6pm, a body was located during the search within a bushland in the North Nowra area. 'While it is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing girl. 'Inquiries into the incident have commenced. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.' Airlie was described as being of Caucasian appearance, of small/slim build, with blonde/brown hair in a pony tail and dark eyes. A former British Airways pilot who was sacked for snorting cocaine off a topless woman in between flights is back in the cockpit. Married father-of-one Mike Beaton had boasted about his drunken antics to a stewardess colleague at British Airways in 2023. Before a return flight from Johannesburg to London, in texts sent to his colleague the pilot described partying with two local men, a female holidaymaker and a young Spanish woman in the South African city. The group-of-five had reportedly met at a nightclub before heading back to one of the men's flats where cocaine was produced. One of the texts seen by The Sun read: 'I've lost my shirt somewhere and one of the local lads produces a plate with a few lines of coke. 'So then there's a debate about whose chest is the best to do a bump off.' 'I was so f****d I couldn't lift my head until 2,' he added. Beaton went into even further detail about his antics that night, nevertheless, revealing that he had enjoyed a drug-fueled orgy. Married father-of-one Mike Beaton (pictured) was sacked by British Airways after bragging of snorting cocaine off a woman's chest hours before a flight Now, however, Beaton is reportedly back in the cockpit with European Cargo in Bournemouth 'Stayed the night with Welsh, sha***d for aggges (I guess the coke played a part),' he wrote. A shocked co-worker raised the alarm to 'furious' managers about Beaton's night of debauchery hours before he was due to co-pilot a flight from South Africa back to Britain. The flight was promptly cancelled by BA and Beaton was flown as a passenger back to Heathrow Airport the next day, where he tested positive for drug use. Beaton was sacked a short time later. But now, the married father has reportedly made a return to the cockpit after convincing the Civil Aviation Authority [CAA] that he is a reformed man. Beaton has so far completed four flights for Bournemouth-based air freight carrier European Cargo. 'I think it's disgusting that he was allowed to fly planes again after what he did,' an aviation source told The Sun. 'The CAA should have banned him from the flight deck for life.' A co-worker raised the alarm about Beaton's night of debauchery in South Africa after being shown texts he sent to another colleague Managers at British Airways were said to be 'furious' after hearing about the actions of Beaton in Johannesburg The CAA told The Sun that a pilot's medical certification would be suspended if they were found using drugs. 'The medical would only be reinstated if we were completely satisfied,' it added. Incidents of pilots being drunk in the cockpit are said to be extremely rare, however. An anonymous BA captain told MailOnline in 2023 that the airline had been left 'hugely let down' by the actions of Beaton. 'Talking to pilot colleagues, we feel hugely let down by this individual.' When asked how common it was for a pilot to be affected by alcohol in the cockpit, he replied: 'It's beyond rare. Unthinkable.' Following the ordeal, BA urged any staff with concerns about their colleagues taking drugs to report them. MailOnline approached European Cargo for comment. A woman is suing the Met Police over a 999 call handler who made inappropriate remarks about Sarah Everard and labelled a rape victim a 'slut'. Issy Vine, 30, is alleging constructive dismissal after the male staff member made a series of comments to her on a shift before following her home. Ms Vine, from Wimbledon, southwest London, submitted a formal complaint against her colleague which resulted in him being sacked for gross misconduct in November 2023. But the call handler appealed and was reinstated to the force after bosses ruled the panel had been too 'emotional' after the recent release of a damning report by Baroness Casey that labelled the Met as institutionally racist and misogynistic. Now Ms Vine is suing the force after alleging she is unable to work with the handler. The man, who has not been named, is said to have called a rape victim a 'slut' while taking a report from a victim who said she had fallen pregnant and contracted an STI as a result of the attack. Ms Vine said that after hearing this, her colleague covered his mouth with his hand and told her: 'She sounds like a slut'. She also told the Telegraph that later that night, while she was on a call, he nudged her and said: 'Can I be unkind? I have just had a call from an immigrant.' Issy Vine, 30, is alleging constructive dismissal after the male staff member made a series of comments to her on a shift before following her home Ms Vine, from Wimbledon, southwest London , submitted a formal complaint against her colleague which resulted in him being sacked for gross misconduct in November 2023 She said he then showed her his phone, on which he had written: 'Why don't you f*** off back to your own country?' In a third incident in the same shift, Ms Vine alleges he described Clapham Common as 'Sarah Everard turf'. Ms Everard was abducted from Clapham Common by serving Met officer Wayne Couzens, before he raped and murdered her. Ms Vine also told the paper that despite informing her he lived in the opposite direction to her, the colleague followed her onto a bus and the Tube as she made her way home at 11pm. Although he was initially sacked following Ms Vine's whistleblowing, the staff member was reinstated in March 2024 following a successful appeal that the ruling was 'too harsh'. Following this Ms Vine lodged a grievance against the Met, but resigned in November after feeling unable to work with him. She is now seeking damages for constructive dismissal, sexual harassment, whistleblowing detriment and a failure to make reasonable adjustments. Ms Vine said: 'I always wanted to join the police to help people, because that is what the police do. I want people to feel safe and secure knowing they can depend on an authority with decent people behind it. Although he was initially sacked following Ms Vine's whistleblowing, the staff member was reinstated in March 2024 following a successful appeal that the ruling was 'too harsh' 'But now I worry whether that is actually the case or whether the very people who are being employed to protect us are part of the problem. 'And even when you try to bring that to light, you are dragged through a flawed and horrendous misconduct process. 'I thought I was part of an organisation that wanted to stamp out this behaviour, not give second chances to it.' She added she had lost out on a 'life-long career' and now suffers with anxiety. Commander Jason Prins of the Met told the Telegraph: 'These discriminatory comments were entirely unacceptable, which is why this matter was brought to a misconduct hearing. 'We take the former staff member's concerns about the outcome of the misconduct process extremely seriously and it has been subject to a thorough review.' No date has yet been set for the hearing. A University of Oxford historian was threatened with deportation after spending 691 days over the past decade in India doing research - on India. As part of Manikarnika Dutta's work at the top university, she studied archives in cities in India and went to international conferences. The 37-year-old, from Kolkata in India, said the Home Office rejected her right to continue living in the UK based on the number of days she spent abroad and on the basis that she does not have a family life in Britain. But she has been married to fellow academic Dr Souvik Naha, a senior lecturer in imperial and post-colonial history at the University of Glasgow, for 10 years. The Home Office sent her a letter reading: 'You must now leave the United Kingdom. If you don't leave voluntarily you may be subject to a re-entry ban of 10 years and prosecuted for overstaying.' Those who apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK based on long residency of a decade or more are only allowed to be abroad for a maximum of 548 days during a 10-year period prior to applying for indefinite leave - and Dutta was away for 691 days. But the trips she took were not optional and were 'essential' to her work - and other academics have experienced the same problem with the Home Office due to their work abroad. The Home Office has been slammed for the 'appalling and ridiculous' for the move - but Dutta isn't the only academic to have this battle. Manikarnika Dutta said the Home Office rejected her right to continue living in the UK based on the number of days she spent abroad and on the basis that she does not have a family life in Britain As part of Dutta's work at Oxford University, she studied archives in cities in India and went to international conferences - but was told she spent too much time abroad She first came to the UK in 2012 on a student visa and later obtained a spouse visa as a dependent of her husband. He was given a visa on a 'global talent' route. Dutta now works an assistant professor on the history of medicine at University College Dublin, and previously did research at the universities of Oxford and Bristol. Speaking to The Guardian, the academic expressed how shocked she was to receive the rejection letter: ' I never thought something like this would happen to me.' 'This decision from the Home Office has been terribly stressful for both of us. It has taken a psychological toll. I sometimes give lectures about these issues and have read articles about people affected, but never thought it would happen to us.' Her lawyer, Naga Kandiah from MTC Solicitors, said the research trips weren't optional but essential to 'fulfilling her academic and institutional obligations'. 'Had she not undertaken these trips, she would not have been able to complete her thesis, meet the academic requirements of her institutions or maintain her visa status.' In October last year both Dutta and her husband applied for indefinite leave to remain, and his application was granted while hers was rejected. She's challenging the Home Office decision and it said it will reconsider its decision in the next three months. But it could confirm its original decision after the three-month period. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'It is longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases.' Dutta isn't the only academic to tackle this fight. They say the hostile immigration environment in the UK is making Britain unattractive to talented researchers. In 2015, Dr Miwa Hirono - who travelled the world as a Government adviser - also said she was set to be deported from Britain under the visa laws because she was out of the country more than 180 days a year Miwa Hirono with her husband Peter Trebilco and son Tada In 2015, Dr Miwa Hirono - who travelled the world as a Government adviser - said she was set to be deported from Britain under the visa laws because she was out of the country more than 180 days a year. She was originally from Japan but has been living in the UK since becoming a lecturer at the University of Nottingham. The world-renowned academic's work - which helps the UK Government to set foreign policy - requires her to spend long spells working in China and Africa. In 2009 and 2010 she spent around 200 days abroad researching China's foreign peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Despite the fact Dr Hirono does research for a Government-funded organisation and her baby son was born in Britain, the Home Office decided to deport her over the same visa laws as Dutta. Her university colleagues slammed the decision as 'vindictive and bone-headed'. Dr Hirono, who lived in Beeston, Nottingham, with her husband Peter Trebilco, 61, and their one-year-old son Tada, said at the time: 'It came as a massive, utter shock. 'It is idiocy. The Government funded my research and now they are penalising me for hard work and contributing to their policies. 'What has happened to me is absolutely wrong and everyone understands my point except the Home Office.' Dr Hirono, an expert in international relations, decided not to appeal the decision because the cost of the process would make it 'impractical'. Instead she accepted a job at a university in Kyoto, Japan. She came to the University of Nottingham in 2008 on a prestigious five-year Research Council UK fellowship, which then became a permanent role. But when applying to extend her visa, she was banned and told she would be deported because of the foreign travel aspect of her job. University bosses even wrote to the Home Office to tell officials that the trips were part of her job. Dr Hirono won an appeal against the Home Office with a judge suggesting it would not be in the national interest to deport someone who had 'made a significant and profound contribution to the academic framework of higher education in this country'. But that ruling was later overturned and immigration bosses confiscated the family's passports. Dr Asiya Islam, who was a sociologist at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, was forced to stop her application for permanent residency in the UK or risk losing her job because of these same visa rules Dr Asiya Islam, who was a sociologist at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, was forced to stop her application for permanent residency in the UK or risk losing her job because of these same visa rules. Originally from Aligarh in India, she had lived in the UK for 10 years and was awarded a three-year junior research fellowship at the university in 2020. She now works as an Assistant Professor in Gender, Development & Globalisation and LSE. The Home Office rejected her permanent residency application due to the amount of time she spent overseas - because she had spent a year in Delhi conducting field research for her PhD. Two thousand academics, including 183 professors, signed a letter in protest. It said: 'Her case is distressing, but it also sends a foreboding signal that UK universities will continue to lose the talented PhD researchers that they have invested years in training.' Other professors said the case sent 'shockwaves' through the academic community and one asked: 'What hope is there for bright young global talent if they are treated like this? And if this is happening at Cambridge, one of our most elite universities, what on earth is happening elsewhere?' In another case, Dr Nazia Hussein spent six months researching class and gender identity in Bangladesh for her PhD at Warwick University in 2009 and this was used by the Home Office to refuse her application for permanent residency in 2019. Dr Hussein, a Bangladeshi expert on gender, race and religion, was a lecturer at the University of Bristol. Her application was rejected on the grounds that she had spent too many days out of the country - despite the fact she had submitted evidence that her PhD research needed the fieldwork. Dr Nazia Hussein spent six months researching class and gender identity in Bangladesh for her PhD at Warwick University in 2009 and this was used by the Home Office to refuse her application for permanent residency in 2019 Her husband had been granted an Indefinite Leave to Remain visa, which had allowed their three-year-old daughter to get a British passport, so she was shocked when her application was refused. And in 2018 the Home Office also refused an ILR to Dr Elsa Zekeng, a Liverpool University researcher from Cameroon. This was because of six weeks she had spent volunteering with Ebola patients in Guinea in 2015. She was awarded a Queen's medal for this work. She also spent time out of the country in South Africa collecting samples for her PhD on infectious diseases. She appealed and a judge overturned the decision. Dr Zekeng said: 'Within less than 30 minutes the judge apologised and said I shouldn't be here. She said I was exactly the sort of person this country should be welcoming.' The Home Office said at the time: 'We welcome international academics and recognise their contribution to the UK's world-leading education sector. 'All immigration applications are considered on their individual merits and on the evidence available, in line with the immigration rules.' And in 2019, American Elizabeth Ford - who had spent eight years researching music history at Glasgow University and even learned Gaelic - applied for a visa extension but was told she had two weeks to pack up her life and leave the country. She was due to begin a new research fellowship at Oxford University when this happened. She said at the time: 'I have never felt so unwelcome or so offended.' in 2019, American Elizabeth Ford - who had spent eight years researching music history at Glasgow University and even learned Gaelic - applied for a visa extension but was told she had two weeks to pack up her life and leave the country One year before that, two Durham University academics - Dr Ernesto Schwartz-Marin and Dr Arely Cruz-Santiago - and 11-year-old Camila were told to leave the country under the same rules. The Home Office said the couple breached rules by spending too much time abroad during their visa period. But it halted proceedings following the intervention of their local MP. They were given a temporary reprieve before the government confirmed they could stay. The couple, who had lived in the UK for 11 years at the time, did humanitarian work in their home country of Mexico for the university. Dr Schwartz-Marin said at the time: 'We need to lobby for a change in the law with regards to academics working abroad as part of their job.' MailOnline has approached the Home Office for comment. Children as young as seven are taking up vaping, the professor in charge of the UK's first vaping clinic for under-16s has warned. The UK's first vaping cessation service aimed at children opened just two months ago at a hospital in Liverpool but has been fully booked for weeks, Rachel Isba revealed today. It was launched as the number of young people using e-cigarettes has skyrocketed across the UK, with almost one million 11 to 17-year-olds having vaped last year, data shows. Vapes and e-cigarettes are electronic devices that release vapour containing highly-addictive nicotine. The new clinic opened to patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in January after funding was approved for research into under 18s who are addicted to vaping. Prof Isba, a consultant in paediatric public health medicine who spearheaded the initiative, is currently helping 11-16-year-olds. But today she said colleagues around the country have reported children vaping at the age of seven or eight. 'There's not a tremendous amount available if you're under the age of 16 and you vape,' she said. Children as young as seven are taking up vaping, Prof Rachel Isba (pictured) has warned The new clinic opened to patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in January after funding was approved for research into under 18s who are addicted to vaping It was launched as the number of young people using e-cigarettes has skyrocketed across the UK, with almost one million 11 to 17-year-olds having vaped last year, data shows 'I was hearing that they could go to adult stop smoking services - that's great, but it's probably not the environment for a vaping 12-year-old. ' According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), around 18% of children aged 11-17 have vaped before and around 7.2% have vaped in the last month. However Prof Isba said: 'ASH collects data from 11 years old and up but I am hearing plenty of anecdotes from colleagues from various bits of the country, they are hearing of seven, eight and nine-year-olds vaping. 'The size of the problem is unknown but also the extent of the age range is also underestimated.' Referrals to the clinic are currently made through the hospital when children are admitted for other reasons. But conversations are underway to enable GPs across Cheshire and Merseyside to refer vape-addicted children to it. She is spending four hours every other Tuesday seeing children face-to-face, with the next 'two or three clinics' fully booked, and plans to recruit another professional to assist in running the much-needed scheme. 'It's a new service and trying to get word to the right people about the referrals is always going to take time,' she said. The UK's first vaping cessation service at Alder Hey hospital (pictured) in Liverpool has been fully booked for weeks According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), around 18% of children aged 11-17 have vaped before and around 7.2% have vaped in the last month Shocking data from last year revealed a record 11.6 per cent of 11 to 17-year-olds in Britain have now tried vaping Campaigners have long blamed predatory manufacturers for the ever-growing vaping crisis, claiming they are intentionally luring kids in with colourful packaging 'I think there is massive amounts of unmet need out there. 'I think there are lots of children and young people who would like support to stop vaping or cut down their vaping but putting the systems in place to get them to me is always going to take time. 'It's sad we have to have a clinic for this but I do feel I am doing something which is a real problem, the size of which we haven't really got a grip on. 'Everybody recognises this is a massive issue for our children and young children but we're really struggling for an approach, which is quite unusual to have something that is so widespread but we don't have an approach to children and young people to stop vaping if they want to.' Its launch comes after alarming NHS England figures revealed that 50 children were admitted to hospital for vaping-related disorders in 2023, 11 of them under the age of five. Your browser does not support iframes. The first study into the effects of long-term vaping revealed how the habit may pose more risks to health than traditional cigarettes, potentially leading to dementia, heart disease and organ failure. Dr Maxime Boidin, leader of the study at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: 'Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going. 'But with vapes, you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. 'It's much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable. 'What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers.' Violent tornadoes, devastating wildfires and severe storms have decimated homes, wiped out communities, and killed at least 32 people throughout the Midwest and South over the weekend. Millions of Americans are still under tornado watches Sunday after a monster storm ripped its way across the country causing vast destruction. At least 247,655 people across Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and Michigan are without power Sunday morning, according to PowerOutage.us. A tornado watch is in effect until 2 p.m. ET Sunday for portions of southeastern Georgia, eastern South Carolina, and southeastern North Carolina, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Severe thunderstorms are forecast to move east on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds along the East Coast, according to the National Weather Service. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced six people died in three counties and three more people were missing late Saturday. At least 29 people were injured from the storms moved further east into Alabama, where damaged homes and impassable roads were reported. State police in Mississippi reported downed trees and power lines, as well as damage to buildings, with some areas severely impacted by 'tornadoes, thunderstorms and large hail.' A woman searches through a debris field after a severe storm in Bridgeton, Missouri, where six people died across the state People work through the debris of the Cave City Auto Parts store in Arkansas where at least three people were killed Homes destroyed by an Oklahoma wildfire after more than 130 fires were reported across the state Officials confirmed three deaths in Arkansas, where Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and said she had spoken with President Donald Trump. 'He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night's tornadoes,' Sanders said on X. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also declared an emergency in anticipation of the storm's shift eastward. Early Sunday morning, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency used its social media accounts to repost a National Weather Service tornado watch for parts of southeast Georgia. In response to the watch, which warns of isolated tornadoes and hail and gusts of 50 to 70 mph, Kemp posted a note saying his family was 'praying for all those impacted by this storm system and those still in its path.' 'We will continue to work closely with state and local officials to respond to damage and assess any needs following this weather event,' Kemp wrote. Dust storms spurred by the system's early high winds claimed almost a dozen lives on Friday. Eight people died in a Kansas highway pileup involving at least 50 vehicles, according to the state highway patrol. Debris lies around damaged houses the morning after a tornado touched down in Florissant, Missouri A tractor-trailer overturned during high winds and a possible tornado on Interstate 44 westbound at Villa Ridge, Missouri, on Friday Destruction from a severe storm is seen Saturday in Wayne County, Missouri Debris covers the road during a severe storm passed the area north of Seymour, Missouri, in Webster County late Friday Authorities said three people also were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle. The extreme weather conditions were forecast to impact an area that is home to more than 100 million people, with winds threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and fanning the wildfire risk in warmer, drier places to the south. Evacuations were ordered in some Oklahoma communities as more than 130 fires were reported across the state and nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a Saturday news conference that some 266 square miles had burned, sharing that he lost a home of his own on a ranch northeast of Oklahoma City. Significant tornadoes continued late Saturday, with the region at highest risk stretching from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi through Alabama, western Georgia and the Florida panhandle, the Storm Prediction Center said. In a closed-off facility around 620 miles east of Moscow, the Kremlin is luring hundreds of young African women to Russia with promises of a better life. But what awaits them is not a Slavic paradise, but a living hell of grinding labour, racism, and in some cases, even prostitution. The Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a compound in western Russia filled with dull corporate buildings that speak to Russia's Soviet past more than its hi-tech wars of the present. But this is a region that produces some of the most devastating weaponry that Moscow uses for its bloody war on Ukraine. Working with a secretive Ukrainian investigative group I will call 'Inception', MailOnline was able to uncover a series of shocking revelations about a scheme that brings African students from across the continent to Alabuga. The 'Alabuga Start' programme was set up in 2023 for foreign students who want to relocate to Russia. Its website declares that it is 'designed for ambitious girls between 18-22 years.' It promises job opportunities, scholarships, fully funded training, Russian language courses, accommodation, paid flights to Russia, and health insurance. In some adverts MailOnline saw candidates are promised a salary of $700 per month a huge sum in their home countries. But the truth is very different. The Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a compound in western Russia filled with dull corporate buildings that speak to Russia's Soviet past In a closed-off facility around 620 miles east of Moscow , the Kremlin is luring hundreds of young African women to Russia with promises of a better life 'They don't learn Russian well and speak English incomprehensibly -- and they smell and look strange,' Anastasia (pictured, third from right) says of those from the West African country of Sierra Leone. The young women exist in a living hell of grinding labour, racism, and in some cases, even prostitution Alabuga is in fact a facility dedicated to manufacturing the Shahed drones that Russia uses to attack Ukrainian cities daily. And those who join the start programme do not learn valuable skills, but end up doing a variety of menial jobs, including cleaning and working in the canteen. A Ugandan currently in Russia revealed that almost everything they were promised was false. 'The working hours are longer, and the payment is not the $700 that we were promised,' she said in a message to Ugandan publication New Vision. We sleep in hostels and are constantly monitored. Besides, the $700 that we were promised is subject to a lot of deductions, including accommodation, bus fare and taxes.' Inception passed MailOnline a dossier containing several files, one of which is an audio recording of one of their investigators discussing possible employment at Alabuga and Anastasia, an HR manager at start. Such is the level of forensic detail that its investigators have been able to acquire Anastasia's full name, address, date of birth, phone number and event tax ID number, which we have decided not to publish to protect her privacy. Her contempt is clear as she speaks about the women who come. 'They don't learn Russian well and speak English incomprehensibly -- and they smell and look strange,' she says of those from the West African country of Sierra Leone. The racism may be casual, but it is no less shocking for that. The investigation revealed screenshots of the prostitution services offered by African women in Alabuga itself Indeed, MailOnline was also able to discover that African women are kept on their own dormitory floor, segregated from all other nationalities which is to say white people. This is all a far cry from the Russian state's claims about Start. Russia's Ambassador to Uganda, Vladlen Semivolos has boasted about the 'number of Russian scholarships allocated to Ugandan high school graduates. This number doubled this year, and the number now stands at 50,' he said. Anastasia, however, would beg to differ. 'They come on a work visa and work in the economic zone itself and at the same time they learn Russian,' she said. 'But this is a work visa, it is not a scholarship or an educational program, it is work.' And, make no mistake, the Russians make sure they get their pound of flesh from those they lure over. When a 21-year-old Zimbabwean woman was accepted by the start programme her family was overjoyed. The money she sent home would help them all to escape the grinding poverty that had plagued them all their lives. It was a dream come true But their joy would prove short-lived. 'We frequently communicated during her first months in Russia, but now she is hardly reachable and we only wait from her to call us as she says she will be busy and they are not allowed to use phones at her workplace, which she said is a security zone,' said her father to Humanitarian Media Focus on Zimbabwe. 'She hardly sends money here as she says she is not earning much and the last time we talked to her she said what she was promised is completely the opposite of what she is facing. So we told her to come back but she said she will have to raise money for air tickets for some months, if she is allowed to leave,' he added Further investigations reveal that employees are under strict curfew and are barred from bringing phones into the factory. They also risk being fined heavily if they disclose what happens at the factory. Trapped in a closed off zone, in a foreign country, with insufficient funds to leave, it seems that some women are forced into prostitution as their nightmare deepens. MailOnline has seen screenshots of a text from a man from the city of Chelny close to Alabuga explains how he ordered a black prostitute to his apartment. She had been forced into prostitute after being fired from Alabuga, she told him. Further investigation reveals showing screenshots of the prostitution services offered by African women in Alabuga itself. MailOnline cannot say for certain that these women are employees at the SEZ. But because of the facility, access to the city is restricted. So it's hard to imagine what other African women would possibly be there. The hostel claims to be fully equipped with furniture and household appliances Indeed, many wonder why the start program is only for girls. Representatives from the Alabuga Start program have an answer: that many of the 'professions available require a certain level of feminine attention to detail.' What makes the Alabuga case even more nauseating is that Russia's denials and pious cant goes all the way to the top. Discussing his country's relations with Africa, President Vladimir Putin recently declared that 'We have never exploited African peoples, nor have we engaged in anything inhumane on the continent.' 'On the contrary,' he added smugly. 'We have always supported Africa in its struggle for independence, sovereignty and creation of basic conditions for economic development.' Law students at a top Sydney university could fail an exam if they don't begin it with a heartfelt Welcome to Country. The requirement is part of Macquarie University's 'law reform campaign' oral exam, which counts for 30 per cent of the final mark in the course 'age and the law'. The exam rules said a student would fail if they didn't present an Acknowledgement or Welcome to Country or 'did so in a way that was inappropriate or did not comply with the instructions', the Australian reported. The rules also contain an explanation saying 'There is significant room for improvement and further thought required for this to be considered culturally respectful'. To get a high distinction mark, a student's Acknowledgement of Country would be 'a brief, thoughtful, exceptionally well-written, culturally respectful acknowledgement of country or welcome to country at the beginning of the presentation'. Coming just days after another accusation of 'wokeness' at the same university, Indigenous Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has slammed the exam as 'indoctrination'. Senator Nampijinpa Price said 'mandating that students participate in what is arguably a reinvention of culture in order to attain a tertiary qualification is an indictment on our education system'. The NT senator added that it showed universities were 'more interested in indoctrination than genuine education'. Law students at Macquarie University in Sydney (pictured) will fail an oral exam if they don't present an Acknowledgement or Welcome to Country, or do so in a way that is 'inappropriate' It comes after the university back-flipped on a mandatory 'Manawari' course that labelled non-Indigenous students 'visitors' and 'settlers' 'The whole concept of welcome to country is a reinvention of culture,' Senator Nampijinpa Price said. 'The fact that it is being imposed upon university students in their education institutions, especially when it's being implanted into courses that actually don't have anything to do with Indigenous culture or history or anything like that; this is pure indoctrination. It's not education.' Indigenous businessman Warren Mundine also said what Macquarie University is doing is 'indoctrination'. Mr Mundine, who was one of the leaders of the No campaign in the failed Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, said he was 'flabbergasted' and that the exam was 'pure indoctrination by a group of fanaticists'. He said it was 'a dangerous step ... what has that got to do with the actual course?' Senator Nampijinpa Price added that 'Australians are fed up with being made to feel like they are guests in their own country' and blamed the federal Labor government. 'The Albanese government has allowed activist behaviour like this to take root in our schools and tertiary institutions. 'That is why a Dutton Coalition government will get our country back on track, and ensure universities are focused on core academic instruction and research, rather than political agendas, and to treating people on the basis of need rather than race. Indigenous senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured centre) slammed the exam as 'indoctrination', as did Warren Mundine (pictured right) 'We can't continue to push these ideologies onto students. It's their right to have an education and not be indoctrinated.' In a statement Macquarie University said 'An Acknowledgment of, or Welcome to Country is a requirement of this assessment because it is relevant both to this specific task and to the overall learning outcomes of the unit, Age and the Law. 'This unit addresses Indigenous young people and their relationship with the legal system in Australia.' The spokesperson added that 'Age and the Law comprises three assessments. This is the only assessment in this unit that requires an Acknowledgment of, or Welcome to country. 'An Acknowledgment of, or Welcome to country is not a requirement of all assessment tasks at the university, nor is this a requirement of all assessment within the Macquarie Law School.' The latest revelation at what has been called Australia's 'wokest' university comes days after it said it will scrap its divisive and mandatory 'Manawari' course that labelled non-Indigenous students 'visitors' and 'settlers'. The controversial module made headlines when a student revealed she was required to take the class which called her a guest in Australia - despite being born and raised here. 'The tutor made us all raise our hands and she asked overseas students to put their hands down, then students who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to put their hands down,' student Ava told 2GB's Ben Fordham. Bruce Dowton (pictured), vice-chancellor of Macquarie University, backed down on a 'woke' student module after he was summoned to the NSW Parliament 'The rest of us with our hands still remaining, she basically called us all guests and that we don't belong here in Australia. 'Considering I was born here 20 years ago and grown up here my entire life, I just was a bit taken back by it and it didn't sit with me very well.' But after the module outraged Aussies, and questions were asked by Liberal MPs in the state parliament, the university has axed it. Macquarie vice-chancellor Bruce Dowton was summoned to the NSW Parliament, where he admitted that errors had been made. Liberal upper house member Susan Carter asked the vice-chancellor if the Manawari module included material 'that non-Indigenous students are taught that they are visitors and settlers in their own land?' Ms Carter suggested the controversial module 'does not really build a culture of inclusion, which is one of Macquarie's core values'. 'Those words were in the introduction to this module when that was raised with me,' Mr Dowton replied. 'I asked that that be reviewed. Those words have now been removed.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Macquarie University for further comment. A fire that tore through a nightclub in North Macedonia killed 59 and left more than 100 injured, the country's interior minister confirmed. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the Pulse club in Kocani, a town 100 kilometres east of the capital Skopje. Interior Minister Pance Toshkovski said that arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the inferno. The director of the Kocani General Hospital, where many fire victims were initially taken, said that most of the injured are aged 14 to 24. Many suffered from burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. Emergency services rushed to the scene, including firefighters from surrounding towns, where more than 1,000 concertgoers had gathered at the venue for a performance by hip-hop duo DNK. The concert began at around midnight and the fire is reported to have started at approximately 3am local time, according to online media outlet SDK. Social media footage shows huge flames engulfing the nightclub, with large plumes of smoke billowing into the air. Clips from inside the venue show the use of two pyrotechnics during the performance, known as stage jets - a type of indoor fireworks used during concerts. Very shortly after their deployment flames are clearly visible above the band, which quickly spread. Speaking outside the local police station, minister of the interior Pance Toskovski said the fire was probably caused by sparks from the pyrotechnics hitting the ceiling, which was made of a highly flammable material. Huge flames engulf the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, in the early hours of Sunday morning A shot of the burning nightclub, which shows the roof fully ablaze and an inferno raging inside the venue The nightclub, following a fire resulting in casualties, in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia Video from inside the venue shows the use of pyrotechnics, with flames licking the ceiling (top left of shot) shortly after their deployment He added: 'At the moment of activating the so-called sprinklers, the sparks caught the ceiling that was made of easily flammable material after which for a very short period of time the fire spread across the whole discotheque, creating a thick smoke.' Footage verified by the BBC also shows people inside the club trying to extinguish the flames on the ceiling, with the crowd milling around unsure how to proceed. According to witnesses, several people were subsequently crushed to death during a 'stampede', Skopje-based radio station Lider reported. The wounded were transported to the local hospital in the town and to facilities in the town of Stip, 30 kilometres to the south, while helicopters ferried some of the injured to hospitals in the capital Skopje. The director of the Kocani hospital, Kristina Serafimova, said 30 people were being treated for injuries at the hospital while another 60 were being transferred to another health facility, news site Klix Vijesti reported. Video posted by Lider shows the burnt-out remains of the nightclub on Sunday after sunrise, with a gaping hole in the roof clearly visible. Other videos published by media in the Balkan country show the entrance to the building blackened by flames. A map showing the location of Kocani, the site of the nightclub fire, which is around 100 kilometres east of the North Macedonian capital Skopje As the performance unfolds, a small patch of flames become visible on the venue's ceiling Flames rapidly spread across the ceiling of the nightclub as terrified concertgoers watch on Flames surge under the roof of the Pulse nightclub, where around 1,500 concertgoers had gather to watch a performance by hip-hop duo DNK Emergency services rushed to the scene, including firefighters from surrounding towns, with the local hospital in Kocani reporting overcapacity Members of the emergency services worked around the clock to remove injured people from the venue DNK, a hip-hop duo popular in North Macedonia, were playing to more than 1,000 fans at Club Pulse when the fire broke out North Macedonia's Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, called it a 'difficult and very sad day' and asked for unity and support for the families of the victims and the injured Emergency responders operate outside the Pulse nightclub in the town of Kocani, as a police cordon stretches across the road The US ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler posted on X: 'My heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last night's fire at a nightclub in Kochani' North Macedonia's Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, called it a 'difficult and very sad day' and asked for unity and support for the families of the victims and the injured while the government determines the cause of the fire. In a post on Facebook, he said: 'With deep sorrow I received the news of the terrible tragedy in Kochani. 'This is a difficult and very sad day for Macedonia. The loss of so many young lives is irreparable, and the pain of families, loved ones and friends is immeasurable. 'In these moments of deep sorrow, our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, and to the families of the deceased - strength to bear this unimaginable loss. 'The people and the government will do everything in their power to alleviate their pain a little and help them through these most difficult moments.' Lider also reported that the Ministry of the Interior is questioning anyone connected to the concert. The UK ambassador to North Macedonia Matthew Lawson said on X: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kochani that claimed the lives of 51 people, many of whom were young. 'Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this immense loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.' Investigators, one in a face mask and the other in a hard helmet, stand outside Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia after the fire North Macedonia's Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, asked for unity and support for the families of the victims and the injured while the government determines the cause of the fire An exterior view of the club after the fire, with a huge hole visible in the centre of the roof where the fire damage was at its most severe People wait in front of a hospital in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje on Sunday where a number of those injured in the fire were airlifted by helicopter UK ambassador to North Macedonia Matthew Lawson posted that he was 'deeply saddened' by the fire Meanwhile the US ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler posted on X: 'My heart breaks this morning for the many victims in last night's fire at a nightclub in Kochani. 'Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their loved ones at this awful time, and wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured. 'The loss of so many young lives in one community is a terrible tragedy. I have offered any assistance and the full resources of the U.S. Embassy to the Prime Minister, as well as our prayers for all those who suffer today.' In September 2021, a major fire killed 14 people at a unit for Covid-19 patients in Tetovo in the northwest of North Macedonia. On March 3, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing attended the handover ceremony of media equipment donated by China Media Group (CMG) to Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah, Chairman of the Trustees of SLBC Ms. Willette James and Director General Ms. Josephine Kamara attended the ceremony. Ambassador Wang said that China and Sierra Leone have traditional friendship, and media cooperation is an important part of the practical cooperation between the two countries. This donation is one of the follow-up results of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio's state visit to China. It is believed that it will help SLBC to further enhance its capacity building, play a more active role in enhancing mutual understanding between the people of the two countries and telling the story of China-Sierra Leone friendship and cooperation, and create a better public opinion environment for the development of bilateral relations. Minister Bah and others thanked China for its long-term support to Sierra Leone, saying that Sierra Leone and China have achieved fruitful results in media cooperation in recent years. Recently, SLBC has officially launched CGTN's Africa special program. There is more room for cooperation between the two sides in the future. Sierra Leone will make good use of relevant materials, produce more high-quality programs, increase follow-up reports on exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, and contribute to deepening the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. After the handover ceremony, Ambassador Wang Qing and Minister Bah jointly visited the program production process of SLBC. Donald Trump blasted a news outlet for being 'sick degenerates' after a bombshell story came out about Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president hit out at Sky News on Truth Social Saturday after the outlet claimed that Putin kept Witkoff waiting for hours before their meeting on Thursday to discuss the ongoing war with Ukraine. Witkoff left Russia on Friday without a deal on the ceasefire Ukraine has agreed to, and according to Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennet with Sky News, their talk 'felt like a classic Putin power play.' 'But after arriving around lunchtime on Thursday, he was left twiddling his thumbs for at least eight hours before being called into the Kremlin,' the article read, adding that the Russian leader 'was apparently too busy meeting someone else' that day - Belarusian leader Aleksander Lukashenko. 'We don't know for sure if the timing of Mr Lukashenko's visit was deliberate, but it certainly didn't feel like a coincidence. 'Instead, it felt like a classic Putin power play,' the outlet added. Trump quickly disputed the report and labeled it 'fake news,' stating that 'there was no wait whatsoever' that day. 'The Fake News, as usual, is at it again! Why cant they be honest, just for once? Last night I read that President Vladimir Putin of Russia kept my Highly Respected Ambassador and Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, waiting for over nine hours when, in fact, there was no wait whatsoever,' the president posted. President Donald Trump (pictured Friday) blasted Sky News after the outlet claimed that Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East, waited for hours to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday to discuss the ongoing war with Ukraine The president called the outlet 'sick degenerates' who report 'fake news' in a post to Truth Social on Saturday Sky News' Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennet (pictured) said Witkoff 'was left twiddling his thumbs for at least eight hours before being called into the Kremlin' 'Other meetings with other Representatives of Russia did take place and, obviously, they took some time, but they were very productive. From there, things went quickly and efficiently, and all signs seem to be, hopefully, very good! 'In conclusion, there was no nine hour wait, or any wait at all! The only reason they made up that story is to try and DEMEAN, because they are sick degenerates, that have to start reporting the News correctly.' He added: 'This is why they have lost their ratings, their audience, and respect. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, GOD BLESS AMERICA!' Despite Trump's claims that Witkoff didn't wait at all, Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett said that the decision to do so was a clear signal from the Kremlin about who 'sets the schedule.' The Kremlin's spokesman Dimitry Peskov said Putin gave Witkoff 'information and additional signals' for the US President during their meeting. Putin told reporters on Thursday he would have a phone call with President Trump to discuss a ceasefire. Trump has also said he would 'love' to meet and talk to the Russian president. 'There are certainly some grounds for cautious optimism,' Peskov added of the ceasefire proposal. 'A lot still needs to be done, but the president has shown solidarity with President Trump's position.' Witkoff told CNN Sunday that Trump and Putin are likely to speak this week. The outlet said that the Russian leader (pictured Friday) allegedly made Witkoff wait as part of 'a classic Putin power play' Witkoff left Russia on Friday without a deal on the ceasefire Ukraine has agreed to. (Pictured: Witkoff leaving Moscow shortly after the meeting) The Russian president added that any truce must lead to 'long term peace' but noted that issues remained including the development of a mechanism to control possible breaches of the ceasefire and the possibility that Ukraine could use the 30-day pause to rearm and continue to mobilize. He said: 'We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis.' Analysts have warned the Russian leader will likely be reluctant to rush into a ceasefire while his troops have momentum on the battlefield and he feels he has an advantage. Ukraine has already endorsed President Trump's proposals under severe pressure. The US leader briefly suspended critical military aid and intelligence sharing in an apparent effort to push Kyiv into entering talks on ending the war. On March 3 he lifted the ban after US and Ukrainian officials reported progress during talks in Saudi Arabia. Despite labeling the situation a 'real mess', Trump said on Friday that many more people would be 'needlessly dead' if Ukraine and Russia failed to agree on a ceasefire deal. He wrote on his Truth Social platform: 'Millions of people are needlessly dead, never to be seen againand there will be many more to follow if we don't get the Cease Fire and Final Agreement with Russia completed and signed.' The Kremlin's spokesman Dimitry Peskov said Putin gave Witkoff (pictured February 18)'information and additional signals' for the US President during their meeting The US President also directly called on Putin to spare Ukrainian troops he said were 'surrounded' in the Kursk region, which Russia has retaken after it was seized by Kyiv last August. 'I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!', he said. An estimated 500,000 people have died since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago. Trump has also threatened to cripple Russia's economy with sanctions if it doesn't agree to a deal to end the fighting. However Putin has demanded a wide range of concessions before committing, including for Russia to control territory it has captured thus far and for Ukraine to abandon any plans to join NATO. His conditions also include the easing of western sanctions on Russia and for elections to be held in Ukraine - a demand Kyiv says is impossible to fulfill while martial law is in force. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Putin's response 'highly predictable' and 'manipulative words' aimed at dragging out the process by setting unworkable conditions. Sir Keir Starmer's plan for a 'coalition of the willing' to supply a peackeeping force in Ukraine will see the deployment of minehunters and 10,000 troops, it has emerged. The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with other world leaders on Saturday following which he announced proposals would move into an 'operational phase'. Military chiefs from Western countries are set to meet in London on Thursday to further develop the blueprint for enforcing a potential peace deal in Ukraine. Saturday's call saw the leaders of 27 countries - including the UK, France, Australia and Canada - discuss the plans together with representatives from the EU and NATO. According to the Sunday Times, the PM won the backing of 'considerably more' than the three countries that initially offered to supply boots on the ground. But the bulk of a peackeeping force in Ukraine is still likely to come from Britain and France, with a military source saying its size would be 'comfortably north of 10,000'. The newspaper also reported that two minehunter ships - which were transferred from the Royal Navy to Ukraine's fleet last year - are also taking part in training exercises and ready to be deployed to the Black Sea in the event of a ceasefire. But Finland's President Alexander Stubb, who joined the call with Sir Keir on Saturday, doubted the chances of a peace deal ever being struck with Russia's Vladimir Putin. British soldiers of a gun battery attend the Allied Spirit 25 training exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, this month The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with other world leaders on Saturday following which he announced proposals would move into an 'operational phase' Two minehunter ships - which were transferred from the Royal Navy to Ukraine's fleet last year - are also taking part in training exercises and ready to be deployed to the Black Sea Asked about the Russian President's willingness to enter peace talks, Mr Stubb told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I think the chances are abysmal. 'I don't think Putin doesn't want a ceasefire. Putin doesn't want peace. 'His original aim was basically to destroy the independent sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Basically to have Ukraine ceasing to exist. 'He hasn't changed his aim and this is what all of us around the table have to understand.' Mr Stubb called for Western allies to 'maximise the pressure' on Russia by ratcheting up sanctions, using frozen Russian assets and 'militarising Ukraine to the teeth'. 'We are willing to do concrete measures overall but from our perspective it is too early to talk about boots on the ground,' he added. 'Because we don't have a ceasefire, we don't have a peace process. You also have to remember that Finland has 1,340 kilometres of border with Russia. 'So we take care of the northern flanks but there are so many different ways we can help out. I'm really glad that we are seeing strong leadership coming from the UK.' Finland's President Alexander Stubb, pictured with Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month, doubted the chances of a peace deal ever being struck with Russia's Vladimir Putin The Russian President has rejected the suggestion of any European or NATO forces being based in Ukraine The Kremlin has appeared to reject the suggestion of any European or NATO forces being based in Ukraine, and continues to resist a US-Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Sir Keir has repeatedly demanded that America provide a 'backstop' to a European-led peacekeeping force by issuing security guarantees. Former UK national security adviser Lord Peter Ricketts said a European force in Ukraine is a 'considerable risk' without US President Donald Trump's support. He told Sky News: 'To be credible, a deterrent force has to be willing to fight, so are we actually saying that this force might one day have to fight the Russians in Ukraine? 'I think it's a genuine question. And the way to avoid it, of course, is to have a cast iron American guarantee that if the force got into trouble, the Americans would come in and support. That's what the backstop means. 'I just don't think Trump is going to give that kind of commitment, so while I admire the work going into this, and maybe there are ways that European forces can help in Ukraine I think a formed fighting force is a considerable risk without an American clear guarantee.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the prospect of a confrontation with Western troops would be sufficient to deter Russia from breaching any ceasefire agreement reached with Ukraine. The Cabinet minister told Sky News: 'I think it would be an extraordinary escalation for Russian troops to find themselves in conflict with British troops.' Mr Streeting added that Thursday's planned meeting of Western generals was 'about having a serious plan, a serious military strategy to secure a peace'. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni was among those to join Saturday's call, despite reports she was considering not attending the meeting due to scepticism about proposals for a peacekeeping force. The US was not represented, but Sir Keir told reporters the Government remained in contact with the Trump administration He revealed current national security adviser Jonathan Powell had returned from talks in Washington on Saturday morning. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday. A State Department statement said they discussed the next steps after the two countries' recent meetings in Saudi Arabia and agreed to work on restoring communication. The number of men becoming secondary school teachers in the UK has fallen to a record low - sparking fears boys are turning to toxic male role models in their absence. Shocking figures show the proportion of male secondary school teachers has dropped from 46 per cent in 1994 to just 35 per cent today. Experts are concerned this could leave impressionable young minds susceptible to the twisted ideologies of figures such as self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate. They are now calling for a targeted recruitment campaign to bring more positive role models for boys into the classroom, reports The Sunday Times. While staff rooms were once closer to an even split of men and women, the number of male teachers has been gradually declining since the early 1990s, according to figures from the Department for Education (DfE). The statistics are even worse in primary schools with one in seven primary and nursery teachers being men, though this figure has been low for many decades and hardly fluctuates. Experts believe the declining numbers are leaving boys with fewer positive male role models in the classroom and claim this is particularly concerning for boys being raised in a single-parent household most often by their mother. Between 2018 and 2024, the number of female teachers at secondary schools increased by 9,600 to 150,000 while the number of male teachers rose by only 3,400 to 82,000, according to the DfE. Richard Reeves (pictured), who wrote: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, says male teachers should be encouraged to go into classrooms and talk about teaching as a career Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Until 1944 women could be banned from teaching if they married but, today it is men who are more likely to leave the profession. Richard Reeves, who wrote: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, says male teachers should be encouraged to go into classrooms and talk about teaching as a career. He also highlighted how benefits have been seen from having successful women come into schools and talk to young girls. Mr Reeves said the rise in popularity of misogynistic influencers, such as Andrew Tate, had prompted a national conversation about a lack of positive male role models in boys' lives. But, he believes the most obvious and straight forward way to set a good example for youngsters is to have those who are a positive influence in the classroom. Experts are concerned this could leave impressionable young minds susceptible to the twisted ideologies of figures such as self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate (pictured) Reeves added that he thinks the UK should consider scholarships for men embarking on a career in teaching and also a public awareness campaign to promote the profession to men (stock image) He said: 'I think the best antidote to an unserious, negative online male figure is a positive, real-life male figure. The best answer to Andrew Tate is not to be found in the far reaches of the internet. It is found at the front of our classrooms.' Reeves added that he thinks the UK should consider scholarships for men embarking on a career in teaching and also a public awareness campaign to promote the profession to men. In a report due to be published on Thursday, the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) will ask the government to consider creating a minister for boys and men whose role would include overseeing a strategy for training more male teachers, as well as the reasons behind boys' underachievement in school exams. The report is called Boys Will Be Boys: The Educational Underachievement of Boys and is written by Mary Curnock Cook, the chair of the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology and former chief executive of Ucas. It will say the research is mixed on whether having more male teachers would make much difference to boys' achievement but that 'many people believe the presence of more male teachers normalises learning as a suitable activity for men'. A couple ordered to pay 1,500 by the Home Office when they reported a migrant clinging to the back of their motorhome after returning from France have won their battle to overturn the fine. Adrian and Joanne Fenton were astonished to find a Sudanese man inside the rain cover of their bike rack when they arrived back at their Essex home following a long drive back from Calais. The public-spirited couple immediately called police, who took the man away for processing. Yet just over two months later, the pair were issued with a 1,500 fine by the Home Office for failing to 'check that no clandestine entrant was concealed' in the camper van. Amid widespread astonishment at their punishment, on Wednesday Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was concerned about this case, and it was important that it was looked into. Now after giving the Daily Mail a full account of their incredulity at the unfairness of the punishment, Mr Fenton today revealed the Home Office had waived the fine although it hasnt cancelled the penalty. Were obviously both really pleased that the fine is being rescinded and very grateful for all the public support weve had, Mr Fenton told MailOnline today. But we still believe the law should be changed so innocent holidaymakers like us dont get caught up in the same trap as we did and fined. Joanne and Adrian Fenton were ordered to pay 1,500 by the Home Office when they reported a migrant clinging to the back of their motorhome after returning from France The couple have now won their battle to overturn the 1,500 fine from the Home Office The pair found a Sudanese man inside their mobile home and reported him to police Its cancellation comes after Mr Fenton appealed to Border Force by making a notice of objection detailing why he believed the penalty was unfair. The letter they received states: The written notice of objection has been carefully considered and the Secretary of State has decided that your liability stands. However, after review of the case by a senior officer the level of penalty per clandestine entrant or person concealed being a clandestine entrant has been revised to UK 0. Mr Fenton said he believed the public pressure over the past week had played a part in their success in quashing the fine in addition to the grounds he cited in his detailed appeal. But he added: The public awareness of our case means other campervanners in our scenario might worry that they shouldnt call the police in case they get fined like we did. If the Home Office and Border Force want to send a message to tourists who find a migrant hiding in their vehicle that calling the police is the right thing to do then the rules need to be changed. The couple bought the campervan after Mr Fenton retired following a 28-year career with the London Fire Brigade which saw him rise to become assistant deputy chief commissioner. The cancellation of their fine comes after Mr Fenton appealed to Border Force by making a notice of objection detailing why he believed the penalty was unfair They said they first noticed the migrant when they spotted 'two white trainers' Having spotted the Sudanese migrant, Mr Fenton immediately shouted at his wife to call the police, saying he was thinking of the guy's welfare, and of our safety On the night of the Grenfell fire which claimed 72 lives 2017, he was the man at the helm in the control room the most senior officer on duty and was later diagnosed with PTSD. The couple made the shocking discovery after returning to their home in Heybridge, Essex, on October 15 last year after a four-day trip to the Champagne region of France their first journey abroad in the vehicle. The Fentons believe the man zipped his way inside the bike carrier after they stopped at a French supermarket before getting onto the shuttle ferry to come back home. Mr Fenton, 55, told the Daily Mail how they were unpacking after the trip when he unzipped the cover and spotted two white trainers with legs attached to them. Realising there was a stowaway contorted around their bikes he immediately shouted at his wife to call the police, saying he was thinking of the guy's welfare, and of our safety. I didn't know whether he was on drugs, whether he had a weapon. This was our home. We were literally up the driveway, with the garage doors open, offering access to our house. 'I established he was OK. Jo brought him a bottle of water then some fruit.' The man, who claimed he was 16, was stowed in a bag covering a bike rack Pictured: The bike rack on the back of the motorhome, which they bought after Mr Fenton retired following a 28-year career with the London Fire Brigade Instead of being thanked by the authorities for their civic mindedness, the Fentons were contacted by the Home Office last month, and told they were going to be fined 1,500 When police arrived to process the stowaway, Mr Fenton followed his training as a first responder to video what followed purely for evidential reasons footage which helped the encounter go viral. Although the officers at the scene treated the couple as the victims of crime right down to establishing a crime incident number should they need to make a claim about damage to property things took a ludicrous turn. Instead of being thanked by the authorities for their civic mindedness, the Fentons were contacted by the Home Office last month, and told they were going to be fined 1,500. Citing asylum and immigration legislation legislation introduced in 2023 that the Fentons knew applied to lorry drivers, but had no idea was relevant to them they were told it had been their responsibility to 'check that no clandestine entrant was concealed' in their vehicle. Describing his astonishment at the penalty, Mr Fenton told Saturdays Daily Mail: 'We were negligent? Seriously?! Most other campervanners and caravanners we've spoken to have no idea about this law. This migrant wasn't inside our vehicle, which was alarmed up to the hilt. He was clinging to the bike rack outside it. 'And the border patrol people the professionals - had walked round the vehicle doing their own checks before we got on the ferry. The couple were left fearing the bizarre and unfair outcome would prevent people from 'doing the right thing' if they found themselves in a similar situation. No-one has said they were negligent. The whole thing is mad.' Warning that fining holidaymakers for innocently being exploited by desperate migrants was counter-productive, Mr Fenton told Mail Online last week: 'I'm an upstanding citizen and I do believe in doing things the right way. It seems to me that calling the police is the right thing to do. 'However, if you're going to be fined, do you know how that looks to every other caravan or motorhome or holidaymaker across the country? Are they going to call the police? Probably not now. 'We've been encouraged that if you call the authorities and do the right thing, you're going to be fine.' The couple who have three children and three grandchildren were left fearing the bizarre and unfair outcome would prevent people from 'doing the right thing' if they found themselves in a similar situation. 'I'm so angry and it's so frustrating because we have done the right thing, Mrs Fenton told BBC Three Counties Radio last week. 'How safe is it for the everyday holidaymaker to get out of their vehicle, whether they are towing a caravan, whether driving a van, whether driving a motor home? How safe is it for us to keep getting out and checking that they are not grabbing underneath? It's impossible.' 'It's the legit people like my husband and I that are coming through and have done the right thing that are getting fined for it. Where is the justification in that?' Last week the Home Office said penalties which can be up to a maximum of 10,000 - were 'designed to target negligence rather than criminality' and stressed that contacting the authorities is a 'huge mitigating factor' in how people are dealt with in these cases. A spokesperson said: 'Responsible persons who have fully complied with the actions laid out in the carriers liability amendment regulations of 2023 will receive a reduced penalty. The scheme is designed to target negligence, rather than criminality. 'We would expect drivers who are actively involved in people smuggling to be investigated and prosecuted in the courts. 'Increased fines, new maximum penalty levels and a new penalty for failing to adequately secure a goods vehicle came into force on February 13, 2023, to prevent dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK.' It was approached for comment on the rescinding of the Fentons fine. Police in New York City are urgently searching for an arsonist after a man was brutally set on fire in Times Square early Sunday morning. The victim, a 45-year-old man, was left with horrific burns all over his face and arms from the heinous attack. The NYPD received a 911 call around 3.55am for a person set on fire at 41 Street and 7th Avenue. Terrifying images and video showed the unnamed burn victim being taken into an ambulance with severe burns all over his body. The shirtless man was wrapped in a blue blanket as dozens of first responders rushed to help him. Police said they believe the man was set on fire, but the name of the perpetrator was not immediately released. It is unclear if it was a targeted or random attack. The suspect is said to have a medium complexion and was last seen wearing blue clothing, according to authorities. A 45-year-old man was left with severe burns on his face and arms after a suspect set him on fire early Sunday morning in Times Square Police said they believe the man was set on fire, but the name of the perpetrator was not immediately released. It is unclear if it was a targeted or random attack. (Pictured: NYPD Crime Scene Unit officers are seen investigating the area Sunday morning) The shirtless man was wrapped in a blue blanket as dozens of first responders rushed to help him The victim was transported to New York Presbyterian Cornell. He is in stable condition, police said. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made. A red fire extinguisher, jacket and other pieces of evidence were left at the crime scene. Fast thinking first responders doused the victim with the fire extinguisher until the fire was out. Remnants of white foam were left on the pavement where the crime occurred. Footage also showed police escorting a woman wearing a dress and heels, who is an apparent companion of the victim. Steven Ortiz, a nearby resident, told Eyewitness News he can't wrap his head around the 'very inhumane' incident. 'Just listening to all these things, especially with what happens on the train, in the subway, I don't know what's going on with people who just want to light people on fire,' Ortiz said. 'I don't understand, just very inhumane. Especially in the middle of Times Square, it's crazy, it doesn't make any sense.' A red fire extinguisher, jacket and other pieces of evidence were left at the crime scene (pictured). Fast thinking first responders doused the victim with the fire extinguisher until the fire was out Footage also showed police escorting a woman wearing a dress and heels, who is an apparent companion of the victim News of this attack comes just months after a woman was burnt to death on a subway train in the Big Apple. Disturbing video showed Debrina Kawam, 57, of New Jersey, engulfed in flames in horror scenes on the train near Coney Island on December 22. She was allegedly set on fire by illegal immigrant Sebastian Zepeta, who cops say used a lighter before fanning the flames with his shirt. He then sat on a platform bench and watched Kawam burn to death, prosecutors alleged. Law enforcement sources told The New York Post after his arrest for the killing that he claimed he was drunk and had no recollection of the incident. Zepeta pleaded not guilty after he was arraigned on murder and arson charges related to her senseless death. Sebastian Zepeta, an illegal migrant, is accused of burning a woman, Debrina Kawam, 57, to death on a New York City subway in December The footage of the moments after Kawam was set on fire went viral as it showed an NYPD officer walking past the fire while a man, allegedly Zepeta, watched on. NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a press conference that officers who responded were not aware the suspect was on the scene at the time. Hours later, the NYPD released images of the suspect, showing him watching his victim burning to death before he casually walks away from the scene. Zapeta eventually boarded the subway later in the day, and he was arrested after he was flagged by high schoolers who recognized him from the images. Britons are guzzling 100 million pints as St Patrick's weekend sees all-time record Guinness sales as revellers paint the town green in a four-day party. Thousands of extra kegs were rushed to landlords as the black stuff boom sees 12 million pints of Guinness alone drunk in bars over this weekend, consumption trends show. Pubs' biggest weekend of the year so far is seeing five times more Guinness sold than average. But there are fears taps will be drunk dry by the record rush - even bigger than at Christmas when many bars ran out as stout sales leapt 20 per cent. Nationwide drinking triggered by Cheltenham last week and rugby's Six Nations has left pubs' stocks even lower. Bars are seeing an invasion of fancy dress partygoers ordering Guinness, UK pubs' bestselling draft beer. Barman Paul Sheils of Shenanigans, Southampton, Hants, said: 'We've had 50 Guinness kegs delivered compared to the usual 20, but fingers crossed its enough as the demand for it is unprecedented.' Wetherspoon's, cutting prices of Guinness in its 800 pubs on Monday to 3.15 in England and 2.99 in Scotland, said: 'We're reducing the price to mark St Patrick's Day.' Friends wore inflatable leprechaun costumes, pose during the St Patrick's Day Parade in Manchester Britons are guzzling 100 million pints as St Patrick's weekend sees all-time record Guinness sales as revellers paint the town green in a four-day party Pubs' biggest weekend of the year so far is seeing five times more Guinness sold than average. Thousands of extra kegs were rushed to landlords as the black stuff boom sees 12 million pints of Guinness alone drunk in bars over this weekend, consumption trends show Bars are seeing an invasion of fancy dress partygoers ordering Guinness, UK pubs' bestselling draft beer But there are fears taps will be drunk dry by the record rush - even bigger than at Christmas when many bars ran out as stout sales leapt 20 per cent Bobby's Bar in Chatham is offering the bargain deal of 4 for a pint of Guinness today A spokesperson for Guinness brewer Diageo said: 'Demand for Guinness continues to grow. We have made progress in replenishing stock levels, so consumers can enjoy pints during spring and summer.' A bumper 45 million pints in pubs plus 55 million pints at home are being drunk from Friday to Monday, British Beer and Pub Association consumption data trends show. Over 50,000 people have gathered in Trafalgar Square to attend the annual St Patrick's Day Parade in London, with the celebration also extending to Hyde Park, Piccadilly and Whitehall. The colourful parade featuring floats, marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry. The double Olympic gold medal winner, Kellie Harrington, and Irish Paralympic gold medal winning cyclist, Katie-George Dunlevy, lead the charge as this year's grand marshals. Irish celebrity chef Anna Haugh returned to the event, this time with a new wine and food bar celebrating Irish cuisine. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said this year's St Patrick's Day festival will be 'the biggest and most impressive yet'. The double Olympic gold medal winner, Kellie Harrington, and Irish Paralympic gold medal winning cyclist, Katie-George Dunlevy, lead the charge as this year's grand marshals The colourful parade featuring floats, marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry London Mayor Sadiq Khan said this year's St Patrick's Day festival will be 'the biggest and most impressive yet' He added the parade presents an opportunity to honour and celebrate Irish culture and the 'immense contributions' of London's Irish community Thousands also flocked to the streets of Manchester city centre for the first time in four years to celebrate the Irish holiday A bumper 45 million pints in pubs plus 55 million pints at home are being drunk from Friday to Monday, British Beer and Pub Association consumption data trends show Over 50,000 people have gathered in Trafalgar Square to attend the annual St Patrick's Day Parade in London, with the celebration also extending to Hyde Park, Piccadilly and Whitehall A performer in costume during London's St. Patrick's Day Festival The Mayor of London's St Patrick's Festival celebrates contributions of the Irish community in London, with this year's theme focusing on sustainability and greening Britain's capital city St. Patrick's Day is marked annually on March 17, the traditional death date of Ireland's patron saint, and has become a celebration of Irish culture and heritage around the world He added the parade presents an opportunity to honour and celebrate Irish culture and the 'immense contributions' of London's Irish community. Thousands also flocked to the streets of Manchester city centre for the first time in four years to celebrate the Irish holiday. The parade will have over 30 floats and walking groups displaying colourful Irish dancers and marching bands. But a recent study has crowned Glasgow as the top UK city for St Patrick's Day celebrations. Guinness prices, the number of Irish pubs, St Patrick's Day parades, and the tradition of 'Splitting the G,' were all factors that contributed to the city's win. A pint of Guinness costs a humble average of just 4.82 and the Scottish capital also boasts the most Irish bars, with 18 bars, making it a prime spot for St. Patrick's day celebrations, the research by Winners Enclosure revealed. The Princess of Wales is set to make a solo engagement at the Irish Guards' St Patrick's Day parade on Monday. Kate attended the parade for the first time in 2023 as Colonel of the Regiment succeeding William, the outgoing Colonel The shamrock, with its three heart-shaped leaves, symbolises Ireland and the Holy Trinity - representing both faith and country The royal couple enjoyed a pint of Guinness as they met with soldiers of the 1st battalion Irish Guards in their canteen following their St Patricks day parade at Cavalry Barracks in 2017 Kate Middleton, 43, who is colonel of the regiment, missed the Guards' celebrations last year after being treated following a cancer diagnosis. As part of her gradual return to public duties, the princess will award long service and good conduct medals to soldiers and present the traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at Wellington Barracks in London on Monday. The shamrock, with its three heart-shaped leaves, symbolises Ireland and the Holy Trinity - representing both faith and country. Each year, around 400 soldiers march across Parade Square, followed by a traditional group photo with William and Kate, who then attend a special reception. A young man who slaughtered six members of his family has been sentenced to 360 years in prison. Jurors found Raymond Childs III guilty in October of murdering his relatives during a bloody rampage in Indianapolis on January 24, 2021, when he was 17 years old. Now 20, Childs has been sentenced for killing his father, stepmother, older brother, younger sister, his pregnant older brother's girlfriend, and future nephew. They were identified respectively as Raymond Childs Jr., 42, Kezzie Childs, 42, Elijah Childs, 18, Rita Childs, 13, Kiara Hawkins, 19, and her unborn child Khaos Hawkins. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said the shooting stemmed from Childs breaking his curfew and his father punishing him in their Meadows, Indianapolis home, per The Sacramento Bee. 'What occurred inside that home is as unfathomable today as it was in 2021,' Mears said after the conviction, according to the outlet. 'It has been an incredibly difficult journey for the family and friends of the six people that we tragically lost.' Childs showed little expression at his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, while wearing a pale blue shirt and checkered tie. His five-day trial ended in October 2024 with convictions on all six murder counts, as well one count of attempted murder. Prosecutors said he barged into the home and opened fire on his family with a Draco 7.62 pistol and a 9MM handgun, killing nearly everyone in his path, including Kiara's unborn child, who was due to be delivered just two days later. Jurors found Raymond Childs III guilty in October of murdering his relatives during a bloody rampage in Indianapolis on January 24, 2021, when he was 17 years old. He showed very little expression at his sentencing hearing on Tuesday in Marion County, as pictured above Childs III fatally shot his mother Kezzie Childs, 42, sister Rita Childs, 13, brother Elijah Childs, 18, and father Raymond Childs, 42 The convicted murderer also killed his brother Elijah's girlfriend Kiara Hawkins, 19, and her unborn son During the massacre, the convicted murderer also shot his younger brother, Xavier Childs, then 15. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and survived. 'To see him behind bars for the rest of his life, that would be justice served for me,' Roniqua Hawkins, Kiara's heartbroken mother, told 13News when the trial began. He was found guilty on six murder charges, one count of carrying a handgun without a license, and one count of attempted murder At the time, Childs III's girlfriend, identified in a probable cause affidavit only as J.D., said the rampage occurred after the teen's father called him to return home from her place that day. The affidavit detailed how Childs III chased down a fleeing Xavier down and shot him twice as he begged for his life on the family's porch. After surviving emergency surgery, Xavier told police officers that he heard his father tell Childs III: 'I'm sorry Raymond, I love you,' before he shot his parents in their bed. Xavier also said that before his eldest brother Elijah died, he pleaded with Childs III not to shoot, saying: 'I can give you 40 dollars. I won't say nothing. Please don't kill me,' court documents revealed. Hawkins, who had been in bed with Elijah, was transported to a local hospital, where she died along with her unborn baby despite life-saving measures, police said. During the massacre, the convicted murderer also shot his younger brother, Xavier Childs (pictured), then 15. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and survived Prosecutors claim that Childs III ran in the home and opened fire on his family with a Draco 7.62 pistol and a 9MM handgun. (pictured: Images of the Draco gun used in the massacre) The killer's then-girlfriend later told police that he left in an Uber and then came back to her house sometime before 3am the following day in a white Chrysler that she said she had never seen him driving before. About 30 minutes after Childs III returned to her house, J.D. said she got an alert on her phone about a shooting on Adams Street. She asked him if he knew anything about it, and he said no. Later in the morning J.D. said she convinced Childs III to go to the crime scene, saying he seemed 'nervous.' When they both got there, he began crying and 'acted a clown,' she said. They then went back to her home, where he grabbed some of his clothes and asked her to drive him to another house. After she dropped him off, J.D. said she saw a gun fly out of the pile of clothes Childs III had left on the floor. Childs III was arrested at a relative's home a day after the murders after his brother identified him as the gunman. The handgun was recovered from the family home and the Draco firearm was found after Childs III was arrested, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. After surviving emergency surgery, Xavier told police officers that he heard his father tell Childs III: 'I'm sorry Raymond, I love you,' before shooting his parents (pictured) in their bed Xavier said before his eldest brother Elijah (pictured) died, he pleaded with Childs III not to shoot, saying: 'I can give you 40 dollars. I won't say nothing. Please don't kill me,' court documents revealed Videos later resurfaced of Childs III, who used the name 'Lil Raymond,' rapping about guns and shooting people Videos later resurfaced of Childs III, who used the name 'Lil Raymond,' rapping about guns and shooting people, Pastor Kenneth Sullivan Jr. previously told WTHR. 'It's really gut-wrenching, it really hurts,' said Sullivan, whose relationship to the Childs family is unclear. Sullivan said it was possible that the 'aspiring artist' was 'acting out' things that he rapped about when he carried out the shooting. Following the slaughter, Kiara's mother, Roniqua, told DailyMail.com: 'She was my first. Everything she taught me made me the woman and mom I am today.' The grieving mother created a GoFundMe campaign at the time to raise money for funeral expenses, featuring a photo of her teen daughter cradling her baby bump. On July 23, 2024, a judge declared a mistrial at Childs III's first trial after a witness verbally confronted the now convicted killer in front of the jury, AP reported. The trial concluded after three hours of deliberation by the jury in a Marion County courthouse. The racist University of Kentucky student who called a black employee the N-word at least 200 times was denied early release and probation by a judge. Sophia Rosing, 23, was caught unleashing a vicious tirade on camera in 2022 toward Kylah Spring, a first-year student at the school who was serving as a front-desk clerk the night Rosing drunkenly stumbled back into her dorm without her student ID. During the 10-minute tirade, Rosing swung punches at Spring, told her to 'do her chores', and repeatedly called her an 'ugly n***** b****' while some students tried to intervene and others recorded the distasteful moment. The one-time business and marketing major was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to four counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of alcohol intoxication. She was sentenced to one year behind bars in October, but in February her attorneys requested she be released and granted probation because they said their client does not pose a threat to public safety and is focused on bettering herself, according to the court filing reviewed by WKYT. On Wednesday, a judge considered the shocking request but ultimately decided to deny her probation because granting her that would not reflect the seriousness of her offenses, court documents said. In addition to her jail time, Rosing was required to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $25 fine under a plea deal for pleading guilty to her crimes. At the time, Rosing stumbled back onto campus in Lexington, Kentucky, after a night out drinking before launching herself at Spring who was manning the front desk. When University of Kentucky police officers arrived to detain her at 4am she told them she gets 'special treatment' because she has 'lots of money', and refused to identify herself to officers as she was slung into jail. Sophie Rosing's attorney's requested in February that their client be released early on probation, but on Wednesday, a judge denied that request. (Pictured: Rosing during the incident) During the outlandish moment, Rosing threw herself at Spring, told her to 'do her chores', and repeatedly called her an 'ugly n***** b****' She had bitten, kicked and informed them of her 'wealth' as they tried to restrain her - despite growing up in a modest three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings. She posted a $10,000 bond and was released the following night after her arrest. She was suspended by the university within hours of the incident, and permanently banned from campus three days later. Rosing was also fired from her influencer job with Dillard's Campus Collective Program after footage of her racially abusing the fellow student went viral. A representative for Dillard's branded her behavior as 'abhorrent' adding that they 'do not condone racism or hate in any form.' Following the incident, Spring made an impassioned speech at an anti-racism march at the University of Kentucky. She told the crowd: 'I was physically, verbally and racially assaulted by Jane Doe, aka Sophia Rosing. 'This is a recurring issue in and across the American school system no matter what age. Sophia Rosing (pictured), 23, was caught unleashing a vicious tirade on camera in 2022 toward a black staffer, Kylah Spring. She was eventually arrested and convicted for her crimes At the time, Rosing stumbled back onto campus in Lexington, Kentucky, after a night out drinking before launching herself at Spring (right) who was manning the front desk 'I am deeply saddened by the events that took place, but I am most grateful for justice that is to come. 'To Miss Rosing, you will not break my spirit and you will be held accountable for your actions. I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively. 'As Michelle Obama once said, "When they go low, we go high". I will continue to address this situation with grace and humility.' Spring has since revealed that she told Rosing at a sentencing hearing 'that she didn't break my spirit. 'That was one of the things I said the first time I ever spoke about what happened and that rings true today.' She told the court at the time: 'I do understand that one moment should not define you for the rest of your life, and I also understand that for every moment, we are accountable for what we do.' But Rosing's attorney Fred Peters has said that his client stopped drinking in the aftermath of the viral tirade. 'She's extremely remorseful,' he said. Rosing's mother, Jill (right), and her father (left) are seen with their daughter (middle) after she was released from jail the day after the incident 'She has had a lot of time to think about what she has done, and she wrote a nice letter of apology.' The attorney went on to admit that Rosing's actions that night were 'awful.' 'She got into a scuffle with the clerk, bit people on the hand,' he told the Lexington Herald-Leader. Still, Peters argued that her one-year prison sentence is 'excessive.' The mother of the disgraced student, Jill Rosing, set up a petition online that claimed her daughter should be forgiven for her unspeakable actions because 'no one is perfect.' Her mother and Rosing's father remained quiet until the petition came out. The petition was set up to help Rosing complete her education because she needs 'support to pick up where she left off in all the madness and bloodthirst.' 'Sophia is very remorseful for what she has done. She cannot take back or erase any mistakes made in the past but she can learn from them and ensure that she doesn't make the same mistakes again in the future. Following the incident, Spring made an impassioned speech at an anti-racism march at the University of Kentucky (pictured) Rosing's attorney Fred Peters has said that his client stopped drinking in the aftermath of the viral tirade. (Pictured: Rosing in court in August 2024) 'There is still hope in resuming the track for everything she has accomplished with her education and brand partnerships,' her mother said. Spring, meanwhile, said she remains unconvinced of Rosing's remorse - noting that she did not address her behavior in court. 'I feel that a person that is remorseful takes actions that are moving towards proving they are remorseful. Not just words,' she said. 'I think her admitting at least a piece of what she's done admitting the things she said and being able to own up to them, I think it's going to follow behind. 'Seeing yourself act in that light is not an easy thing to see, I imagine, so I guess there's still a bit of maturing and unpacking she needs to do with that. So I'll give her the space to do that.' 'I forgive her more so for myself, she added. 'I was raised not to hold grudges, I was raised that we give people forgiveness because God forgave us.' This is the moment alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua were hauled into El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Centre. The United States sent over 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang to be imprisoned, President Nayib Bukele said. 'Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organisation, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country, he said on X. He shared a video of several men in handcuffs and shackles being transferred from a plane to a heavily guarded convoy. The gang has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organised crime and contract killings. Bukele, in a meeting last month with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offered to house prisoners from the United States in his country. The iron-fisted leader has seen soaring popularity in his Latin American country for a successful crackdown on criminal gangs, but has faced criticism from human rights groups. He said in his post that the alleged gang members had been sent to the country's maximum security Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT). This is the moment alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua were hauled into El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Centre The United States sent over 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang to be imprisoned, President Nayib Bukele said The arrival of alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua at the Terrorism Confinement Centre Rubio said in a separate statement that 'hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country.' 'I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador for playing a pivotal role in this transfer.' He added that as part of the transfer, the United States had also sent two 'top leaders' of another gang, MS-13, to El Salvador, 'plus 21 of its most wanted to face justice in their homeland.' The $100 million penitentiary, the largest in Latin America, was constructed over a span of seven months in 2022 as part of Bukele's plan to reign in street gangs after more than 60 people were murdered on March 26, 2022. The following day, Bukele declared a State of Exception, which granted powers to the police and military as alleged gang members, including those belonging to the MS-13 and Barrio 18, were rounded up in raids without court orders and stripped away rights such as freedom of assembly and communication privacy. The Terrorism Confinement Centre is located on 410 acres of land, including 57 that were set aside to build eight pavilions surrounded by a 36-foot-tall and 1.3-mile-long wall. It houses at least 13,000 inmates, with a capacity for 40,000, eclipsing the Marmara Penitentiaries Campus in Istanbul, Turkey. The mega-prison is equipped with a system that blocks inmates from contacting the outside world with cellphones. To enter the jail, staffers, guards and prisoners have to go through a complex registration system before they travel through three sections safeguarded by gates. Jail cells with steel bars are split among the eight cell blocks and can hold up to 100 detainees. Each cell comes equipped with 80 bare iron bunks - mattresses are not included - along with two toilets and two sinks. Bukele, in a meeting last month with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio , offered to house prisoners from the United States in his country The gang has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organised crime and contract killings An alleged member of the Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua being shaved upon his arrival at the Terrorism Confinement Centre Every pavilion also has its own windowless cell where unruly prisoners are sent. Gang members spend 23 and a half hours locked in their overcrowded cells, with just 30 minutes to stretch - chained in the middle of the hallway. Within the cells, the temperature can reach a staggering 95 degree during the day, and there is no other source of ventilation. Stunning images taken from within the complex usually show inmates shirtless in white shorts as they attempt to keep cool. Dubbed a 'black hole of human rights' by critics, the facility has drawn widespread condemnation for allegedly ignoring international prisoner rights. Miguel Sarre, a former member of the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, slammed the facility as a 'concrete and steel pit.' It comes after Donald Trump invoked wartime authorities to expel migrants. Trump signed an order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 on Friday, but it was not publicly announced until Saturday. The wartime authority allows a president to detain or deport citizens of an enemy nation, but has been invoked only three times before during major international conflicts, including World War I and II. Civil rights groups sued to block the order, with a federal judge on Saturday granting a temporary suspension, apparently as planes were already headed to El Salvador. Trump said Tren de Aragua is 'conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime.' The statement gives Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi 60 days to enact the ruling making all Tren de Aragua gang members 'subject to immediate apprehension, detention and removal.' Civil rights groups sued to block the order, with a federal judge on Saturday granting a temporary suspension, apparently as planes were already headed to El Salvador Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was shared with federal agents The Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (Terrorism Confinement Centre) The detention and expulsion order will apply to all Venezuelan Tren de Aragua members who are over 14 and not naturalised US citizens or lawful permanent residents. But the ACLU and an allied group, Democracy Forward, asked the US District Court in Washington to bar the deportations - arguing that the 1798 act was not intended for use in peacetime. Judge James Boasberg on Saturday issued to a 14-day halt to any deportation under the new order. Bondi slammed the ruling, saying in a statement that it 'disregards well-established authority regarding President Trump's power, and it puts the public and law enforcement at risk.' El Salvador already agreed this week to take up to 300 migrants that the Trump administration designated as gang members. In invoking the act, Trump declared Tren de Aragua as targets, contending it is a hostile force noting members of the gang were 'conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States' with the goal of destabilising the nation. DailyMail.com was the first news organisation in the US to report on TdA arriving in America over a year ago, however, the gang became a household name after video of them storming an apartment near Denver surfaced in August. The sweeping wartime authority allows the president broader leeway on policy and executive action and will enable him to speed up mass deportations of people and pushes his promised crackdown on immigration into higher gear. Trump had pledged to use the Alien Enemies Act during his presidential campaign, and immigration groups were braced for it. Under Trump's proclamation, all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are determined to be members of the gang, are within the United States and are not naturalised or lawful permanent residents of the country are 'liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.' The act has only ever been used three times before, all during wars. The Prairie View Police Department arrested three suspected Tren de Aragua associates last month who were wanted for their alleged involvement in multi-state sex trafficking ring operated by Tren de Aragua The FBI arrest a suspected Tren de Aragua member last month in Houston Several properties across the Denver area were raided as part of the Tren de Aragua crackdown also last month Gang members wait to be taken to their cells after 2,000 gang members were transferred to the Terrorism Confinement Center in February 2023 Its most recent application was during World War II, when it was used to incarcerate Germans and Italians as well as for the mass internment of around 120,000 Japanese and Japanese-American civilians. It was also used during World War I and the War of 1812. The Trump administration in February designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and six other criminal groups as global terrorist organisations. Saturday's directive said that Tren de Aragua 'has engaged in and continues to engage in mass illegal migration to the United States to further its objectives of harming United States citizens.' Trump argued in his declaration that it is justified because he contends the Tren de Aragua gang has ties to the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump made the threat posed by the gang a regular feature of his campaign speeches as evidence of what he called a spike in 'migrant crime' although numerous studies show immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans. 'Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organisations, including TdA,' Trump's statement reads. 'The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States.' Nigel Farage has held secret talks with controversial ex-Downing Street aide Dominic Cummings about how Reform UK can take on the Tories, it has been revealed. The two men put aside their past differences to discuss how Mr Farage's party can replace the Conservatives on the right of British politics, sources said. Reform won five seats at July's general election - as the Tories suffered their worst ever defeat - and have since surged in opinion polls to edge ahead of Labour in some surveys. Mr Farage has said there is a 'good chance' he can be the next prime minister and it has now emerged how Mr Cummings met with the Reform leader before Christmas. A friend of Mr Cummings, who served as Boris Johnson's chief adviser in No10 between 2019 and 2020, revealed how their 'friendly chat' covered a range of subjects. 'They had a friendly chat about the general scene,' the ally told the Sunday Times. 'About [Donald] Trump and Doge [Elon Musk's cost-cutting drive in the US], about how No10 and the Cabinet Office really work, about the catastrophe of the Tory party and about what Reform has to do to replace the Tories.' The friend of Mr Cummings insisted there was no discussion about the former Vote Leave campaign director working for Reform as 'he doesn't want a Westminster job'. Nigel Farage has held secret talks with controversial ex-Downing Street aide Dominic Cummings about how Reform UK can take on the Tories, it has been revealed A friend of Mr Cummings, who served as Boris Johnson's chief adviser in No10 between 2019 and 2020, revealed how their 'friendly chat' covered a range of subjects Since being forced out of Downing Street, Mr Cummings has become a frequent critic of the Tories and senior Conservative politicians - including current party leader Kemi Badenoch They added: 'He spends his time mostly helping people outside Westminster and a few inside Westminster he thinks are trying to build interesting things, regardless of their party or whether they're political or official or in the forces.' A Reform source confirmed the talks between Mr Farage and Mr Cummings, but said the pair's discussions centred on how to overhaul Whitehall. 'Nigel and Dom did have a meeting - they discussed how to take on the blob', the source said. Since being forced out of Downing Street, Mr Cummings has become a frequent critic of the Tories and senior Conservative politicians - including current party leader Kemi Badenoch. In a blog post earlier this month, Mr Cummings noted how Reform were 'trying to work out how to replace' the Tories, who he claimed were in a 'doom loop of stagnation'. 'After Kemi is replaced, there's some chance her replacement finally realises the Tory party is dead unless it re-engages with core issues of productivity and state capacity,' he wrote. A new JL Partners poll for the Adam Smith Institute found that Mr Farage is now seen as the best prime minister in more than half of constituencies. The survey of more than 6,000 British adults, conducted between 13 to 21 February, showed Mr Farage was the preferred choice as premier in 335 UK constituencies. By contrast, Sir Keir Starmer was seen as the best PM in 291 constituencies, and Mrs Badenoch was the preferred choice in just six seats. Tom Lubbock, co-founder of JL Partners, said: 'Keir Starmer is in a race for popularity with Nigel Farage and at the moment this data shows that Nigel Farage is the preferred choice for prime minister in more than half of constituencies versus the Prime Minister. 'That extends to one in 10 of those who actually voted Labour last year who now say that Nigel Farage would be a better PM than the man who actually holds that office Keir Starmer.' A new JL Partners poll for the Adam Smith Institute found that Mr Farage is now seen as the best prime minister in more than half of constituencies The poll was carried out before Reform were plunged into civil war as Mr Farage clashed with Rupert Lowe (left), one of his MPs who has now been stripped of the party whip The poll was carried out before Reform were plunged into civil war as Mr Farage clashed with Rupert Lowe, one of his MPs who has now been stripped of the party whip. Mr Lowe has vociferously denied allegations of workplace bullying and violent threats, which saw him reported to police. The Great Yarmouth MP has instead claimed to be victim of a 'witch hunt' after he criticised Mr Farage's leadership. Tory shadow education secretary Laura Trott would not be drawn on whether Mr Lowe would now be welcome to join the Conservative Party. She told Sky News: 'I'm not focused on any individual MP in Parliament. 'What I'm focused on is the number of people who are thinking about voting Reform who we need to convince to come back to the Conservative Party, who I recognise we lost their trust at the last election.' The Conservatives have selected a senior executive from the National Federation of Builders to stand for them in the upcoming Runcorn and Helsby by-election. Sean Houlston was announced as the Tory candidate for the contest, which was triggered by ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury saying he will quit the House of Commons following his conviction for assaulting a constituent. Amesbury won the Runcorn and Helsby seat for Labour last July with a 14,696-vote majority, as Reform came second and the Tories third. Reform will be eyeing a breakthrough at the upcoming by-election, but Mr Houlston -who came third in the neighbouring Widnes and Halewood constituency last year - said: 'Politicians like Reform don't care about our area. 'They're only interested in national politics. Forgetting the local issues and the people as they play politics. 'At this by-election, I'll be standing up to Starmer's Government for the pensioners that have had their heating taken from them. 'For our small businesses facing higher bills. And for our farmers, faced with losing their farms. But more than anything. I'm standing to save our green spaces.' Labour has selected Cheshire West and Chester councillor Karen Shore as its candidate. Reform is yet to announce its candidate for the by-election, the date of which is also still to be revealed. Britons look set to enjoy four days of sunshine this week after a shivering cold March weekend. A heat wave in early March saw Brits bask in temperatures reaching as high as 19C in some parts of the United Kingdom, with the hottest day so far this year recorded in Crosby, near Liverpool. But temperatures have plummeted over the last few days to around 8C as northerly winds brought particularly chilly air all the way from the Arctic. Some areas, including the Southern Uplands, the Shropshire Hills and the Cotswolds, even saw some snowfall. Punters heading to Cheltenham for a day of racing were too affected by a brief spell of snow on the second day of the festival. Forecasters, however, have predicted that an upturn in temperatures this week could see the previous hottest day of the year eclipsed. With heat expected to move southeast across Europe in the coming days, increasingly warm air is likely to hit the United Kingdom come Wednesday and Thursday. Hot temperatures could be set to return this week with Brits in line to enjoy conditions as warm as 19C But temperatures plummeted over the weekend reaching lows of -2C overnight in London (Pictured: Richmond Park) 'After chilly days, temperatures will rise to well above average with fine weather in a southerly flow,' a Met Office forecaster said. 'But low pressure brings an increasing chance of showers and heavy rain for the weekend.' Brits will have to endure one more chilly night, nevertheless, as temperatures could drop as low as -4C or -5C in the early hours of Sunday, leaving some frost in its wake. Most of the country will remain dry though. Moving into tomorrow, Monday will begin 'overcast' in the morning before 'sunny intervals' appear around lunch time. And the sun will likely continue to shine throughout the week with temperatures expected to soar to 18C and 19C on Wednesday and Thursday. A forecast for Monday on the Met Office's website predicts: 'Any early showers soon fading as cloud begins to break. Another chilly evening is expected overnight on Sunday however before conditions improve as the week goes on Brits may be able to bask in the sun once again this March as the summer gets ever closer The hottest day of the year could even be recorded this coming Thursday with temperatures predicted to soar to 19C 'Sunny intervals developing through the morning, with long sunny spells in the afternoon and a moderate easterly breeze. Maximum temperature 10 C.' While the outlook for Tuesday to Thursday reads: 'Mostly dry and bright with plenty of sunny spells, though a chance of early mist and fog. 'A breezy start on Tuesday but winds falling light from Wednesday. Increasingly warm.' If the sunshine does bring highs of 19C later this week, Britons could be set to enjoy some of the hottest weather in Europe. The Spanish capital of Madrid is expected to see highs of just 13C this week, with temperatures of 17C expected in areas of France and Italy. Heading into next weekend, however, cloudy conditions are predicted to return in the United Kingdom bringing temperatures of around 15C in the south and as cold as 11C in the north. President Donald Trump's National Security Adviser said that Mike Waltz said on Sunday that U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen'took out' multiple Houthi leaders. Waltz made the revelation on ABC News' 'This Week' on Sunday where he spoke about the strikes on Saturday as well as Houthis' main backer: Iran. 'This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out,' Waltz said. Waltz had been asked by anchor Martha Raddatz about how the strikes by the Trump administration were different from those conducted during the Biden administration. He said the difference was 'going after the Houthi leadership' and 'holding Iran responsible.' The airstrikes were conducted in response to the group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. At least 31 people were killed after Trump launched the military strikes against Yemen's Houthis, the rebel group revealed. It is now vowing retaliations. Trump National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said the U.S. airstrikes in Yemen 'took out' Houthi leaders and warned direct military action against Iran is on the table as Trump demands the country stop backing the rebel group In a social media post, Trump vowed attacks on American vessels 'will not be tolerated.' He also issued a message to Iran to cut its support for the Houthis 'immediately' and if Iran makes threats, the U.S. will hold them 'fully accountable.' Asked by Raddatz if direct military action on Iran is a possibility, Waltz said 'all options are always on the table with the president.' 'Iran needs to hear him loud and clear,' Waltz said. 'It is completely unacceptable, and it will be stopped, the level of support that they've been providing the Houthis.' He said Trump is coming in with 'overwhelming force' and will hold the not only the Houthis accountable but Iran as well. Waltz said if Iranians have put in other things, like ships, trainers or intelligence, to help the Houthis attack 'those targets will be on the table too.' Smoke rising from a location reportedly struck by U.S. airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen on Saturday March 15, 2025 Smoke rising over the capital of Yemen after the U.S. launched airstrikes on March 15 The U.S. airstrikes that bombarded Yemen on Saturday targeted and "took out" multiple leaders of the Iranian-backed Houthis, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz tells @MarthaRaddatz. https://t.co/tdmV0EfpbV pic.twitter.com/eo5enmHyXo This Week (@ThisWeekABC) March 16, 2025 The Houthis said that children were among those killed in the strikes Saturday, and 101 people were wounded. The Iran-backed rebel group warned the strikes would not 'pass without response.' Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington had 'no authority' to dictate its foreign policy. A spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei 'strongly condemned the brutal air strikes by the US' in a later statement. He denounced them as a 'gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter.' The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which posted images of fighters and a bomb demolishing a building compound, said 'precision strikes' were launched to 'defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation'. President Trump looks on as airstrikes were launched against Yemen's Houthi rebels on March 15 A girl injured by a US strike lies on stretcher at a hospital in Saada, Yemen March 16, 2025 People search the rubble of a house hit by the U.S. strikes in Saada, Yemen on March 15 The rebels, who have controlled much of Yemen for more than a decade, are part of the 'axis of resistance' of pro-Iran groups staunchly opposed to Israel and the United States. They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks at ships passing Yemen in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Houthis had 'attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023'. The campaign crippled the vital route, which normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies into a costly detour around southern Africa. The Palestinian group Hamas, which has long supported the Houthis, hit out Saturday at the US strikes, branding them 'a stark violation of international law and an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability'. After halting their attacks when Gaza's ceasefire took effect in January, the Houthis announced on Tuesday that they would resume them until Israel lifts its blockade of aid to the shattered Palestinian territory. Trump's statement did not reference the dispute over Israel but focused on previous Houthi attacks on merchant shipping. 'To all Huthi [sic] terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!' he said. 'Do NOT threaten the American People, their President... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!' We cannot have a world with the ayatollahs with their finger on the nuclear button. National security adviser Mike Waltz says Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and all options are on the table to ensure it does not have one. https://t.co/AG5GS5QiAn pic.twitter.com/uiaSZWTsBb This Week (@ThisWeekABC) March 16, 2025 Trump's threat to Iran comes after he also make attempts to restart nuclear talks with the country's leaders with a letter just over a week ago. Last week, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the idea of negotiating with the U.S. over its nuclear program after receiving the president's letter. On Sunday, Waltz told ABC News 'all options are on the table' to ensure Iran does not have a nuclear weapon. 'We cannot have a world with the ayatollahs with their finger on the nuclear button,' Waltz said. 'We cannot have a situation that would result in an arms race across the Middle East in terms of nuclear proliferation.' He said Trump is determined 'one way or another' to 'make sure that we don't have a world that can be threatened by a radical regime.' A Democratic Rhode Island senator has been caught stumbling over his words after getting pulled over for allegedly driving under the influence. Progressive state Rep. Enrique Sanchez, 28, was pulled over in the early morning hours of February 3, after allegedly parking his car in an intersection in Cranston, Rhode Island. Police officers noticed he remained stopped at a traffic light even after the light turned green, as reported by the Rhode Island Current. Officer Chavelle Lopez wrote in the arrest report that Sanchez 'seemed confused' when stopped, initially handing over a red debit card instead of his driver's license before insisting he hadn't been drinking. She noted she could smell 'a heavy odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath' while Sanchez was speaking and observed he had 'bloodshot watery eyes.' A second officer, Austin Smith, can be heard on bodycam footage bluntly telling Sanchez: 'You reek of booze.' 'How much you drink?' the officer bluntly asks Sanchez in the footage. 'You reek of booze, just be honest. You smell like alcohol.' The shocking bodycam footage captured the moment the clearly intoxicated lawmaker fumbled over his words - before later taking a mugshot with his eyes closed. The young lawmaker, first elected in 2022, appeared disoriented as both officers repeatedly questioned whether he had been drinking. Progressive state Rep. Enrique Sanchez, 28, was pulled over in the early morning hours of February 3, after allegedly parking his car in an intersection in Cranston, Rhode Island He was arrested and put in jail overnight 'You're acting like you had something,' Smith tells Sanchez in the video. Despite the obvious signs of intoxication, Sanchez shook his head, insisting he had not consumed alcohol. However, he admitted to taking Adderall for his ADHD, which he later claimed at the police station 'impacts his mental health and his driving,' according to the police report. Sanchez told officers he was 'trying to hop on the highway' returning home to Providence from a friend's house in Central Falls - a route that wouldn't have made sense given where he was pulled over in Cranston, Officer Lopez pointed out. Sanchez was also caught repeatedly stuffing his hands in his pockets despite multiple orders from police to keep them visible - which is a standard safety protocol during traffic stops. Sanchez has now been ordered to install a breathalyzer in his vehicle after he was arrested for drunk driving in the embarrassing incident caught on police bodycam. When asked to take a field sobriety test, the confused lawmaker asked if he could simply order an Uber instead. After being informed that wouldn't be an option, Sanchez refused to take the test. 'If I request to do so, can I order Uber?' he asked in response to whether he would take the test. 'You can say 'no' to the test, but you're not going to order an Uber,' the officer responded. He was arrested and put in jail overnight. Despite the evidence, Sanchez pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated in his initial court appearance. He has since pleaded not guilty to lesser civil charges of refusing a chemical test and failure to obey traffic control devices. Court documents obtained by Fox News reveal that on February 19, Cranston Magistrate William Noonan suspended Sanchez's license but granted him a limited 'hardship license.' The 'hardship license' allowed him to drive to his day job and the State House between 8am and 8pm - but only after installing an ignition interlock breathalyzer in his vehicle. The case has since been moved from district court to the state's Superior Court following a brief pre-trial conference on February 24. After a week of silence, the lawmaker finally addressed the incident in a thread on X on February 10 - although he did not apologize or admit to drunk-driving Calls for Sanchez's resignation emerged following his arrest. After a week of silence, the lawmaker finally addressed the incident in a thread on X on February 10 - although he did not apologize or admit to drunk-driving. 'To the people of Rhode Island, I want to begin by thanking you for your patience. More importantly, I want to acknowledge that my first duty is to the remarkable working people of House District 9, Providence and across the state- the people who placed their trust in me to be their voice when they elected me two times these last few years.' 'Representing them in the General Assembly has been the greatest honor of my life, and I have always fought passionately to protect their interests. Whether standing against legislation that threatens their financial well-being or advocating for policies that uplift our community, my focus has always been on them. 'I love my work and the work I do to help better the lives of all the people of this state. I will not let my personal actions become a distraction from the issues that truly matterthe families, businesses, and concerns of my community. 'These last few days, many of my constituents, supporters and the people have reached out to reinforce their support for my leadership. I am thankful and grateful for the people of this state. 'Sometimes, we are too close to something to fully see our place in it. This experience has given me a renewed clarity about my responsibilitiesnot just in this chamber, but in the trust my community has placed in me. 'I take that trust seriously and will continue to work hard every day of my life. I will continue to serve as a voice for the people of this state. I believe in the people of Providence and all of Rhode Island, in their resilience and their vision for a better future. Our state has the power to drive meaningful social change, and I want to live my values both as a legislator and as a citizen of this great community.' A British tourist has been reported missing after a fire ripped through a diving boat off the coast of Thailand's notorious 'Death Island'. Backpacker Alexandra Clarke, 26, from Lambeth, was reportedly using the toilet when a blaze erupted from the engine of the wooden vessel near Koh Tao on Sunday morning. Officials said at least 16 tourists were onboard the boat, named Davy Jones Locker, as well as two crew and four instructors from the scuba diving firm. They are understood to have been rescued by passing boats but Alexandra was still unaccounted for on Sunday afternoon. Compressed air in the tanks filled to 3,000psi as well as fuel onboard are understood to have caused the fire to have spread. The toilet is often located at the back of the boat on the bottom deck next to the toilet. Footage shows how the inferno ravaged the large wooden cabin at the rear of the boat as shocked holidaymakers on passing boats looked on. Captain Natthaphon Sinpoonphon, Deputy Director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center of Surat Thani, said the blaze started at around 9 am local time. An emergency call was received shortly after. He said: 'The boat was carrying a group of tourists for a diving excursion from Koh Tao. It was between five and six nautical miles away from the island. Backpacker Alexandra Clarke (pictured, right) was reportedly using the toilet when a blaze erupted from the engine of the wooden vessel near Koh Tao A British tourist is missing feared dead after a fire ripped through a diving boat off the coast of Thailand's notorious 'Death Island' 'A fire started in the engine room and spread through the boat rapidly. 'Thai-MECC Surat Thani coordinated with private vessels and volunteers to safely evacuate the tourists and crew members onto another boat. 'Meanwhile, another team of volunteers worked to control the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the engine room, captain's cabin, and rear restroom were damaged. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.' Lieutenant Colonel Nattapol Sinpunphol, deputy director of the Surat Thani Marine Department, said rescue teams were initially unable to get close to the boat because of the flames. There were also fears of further explosions from the tanks and fuel onboard. He added: 'The search is continuing for one missing tourist, a female, Alexandra Clarke, from the United Kingdom. 'The conditions at sea are dangerous with the wind and currents. All boats in the area have been notified. Search and rescue teams were immediately mobilised.' An FCDO spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are supporting the family of British woman reported missing in Thailand and are in contact with local authorities.' Koh Tao is one of the world's most popular scuba diving locations but it has been dubbed 'Death Island' due to the alarming number of young tourists who have died in mysterious circumstances. Dozens have been killed - though the actual number could be much higher, with many deaths covered up to protect the lucrative tourism industry. Officials said at least 16 tourists were onboard the boat, named Davy Jones Locker, as well as two crew and four instructors from the scuba diving firm The boat was between five and six nautical miles away from the island, officials said Lieutenant Colonel Nattapol Sinpunphol, deputy director of the Surat Thani Marine Department, said rescue teams were initially unable to get close to the boat because of the flames The most high-profile case was the death of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, who were bludgeoned to death on Sairee Beach in in September 2014. Two Burmese labourers were allegedly framed for the murders to protect the real killer - the son of a prominent local family - and wrap the case up quickly amid unwanted international scrutiny. Prominent Australian lawyer Ian Yarwood, who has campaigned for the two Burmese boys to be released, has made repeated calls for tourists to avoid the island due to 'crime, corruption and poor health and safety'. He added: 'Koh Tao is not a safe place for anyone to visit. The island is controlled by one or two powerful local families and police work hard to cover up anything negative.' President Donald Trump made bold predictions about the ceasefire deal in Ukraine as he's expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. The 78-year-old president sat down for a pre-tapped interview with the weekly news program Full Measure released on Sunday where he was asked about his plans should Putin not agree to a ceasefire. 'Bad news for this world because so many people are dying,' Trump responded. But the president insisted he thinks Putin will agree to the deal. 'I think he's going to agree. I really do. I think I know him pretty well, and I think he's going to agree,' Trump told anchor Sharyl Attkisson. Trump would not say during his interview whether he was speaking with Putin recently, but said 'we are dealing with him.' Trump said he thinks Russia will agree to the ceasefire deal with Ukraine, but he said it would be 'bad news for this world' if Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects it It comes as Trump administration special envoy Steve Witkoff held an hours-long meeting with Putin behind closed doors on Thursday as the U.S. pushes the ceasefire deal. 'It was positive. It was a solution-based discussion,' Witkoff told CNN's State of the Union on Sunday upon returning to the U.S. He said he expects there will be a call between Trump and Putin 'this week.' Trump said in his taped interview that they're looking to to get Russia onboard with the ceasefire deal reached with Ukraine and said it's going 'ok.' He suggested they would know a little bit more on Monday. Attkisson noted in her interview with the president that he claimed he would have the war settled in 24 hours. 'Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that,' Trump responded. 'What I really mean is I would like to get it settled.' Trump predicted that he thinks he will be 'successful.' Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said he expects a call this week between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin after he met with the Russian leader Putin said on Thursday he supports a ceasefire but also outlined details that needed to be negotiated before a deal could be made. Witkoff declined to outline exactly what Russia was demanding on Sunday but said that the two sides are a 'lot closer' than they had been. 'We've narrowed the differences between them,' Witkoff said. He said that he's been in discussions with Trump over the weekend on how to narrow the differences 'even further.' He would not say whether the U.S. would recognize Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia as Russian territory in the future. Witkoff noted on Sunday that the U.S. also continues to have conversations with the Ukrainians. He signaled that he believes where will be a deal in the coming weeks after he met with Putin despite it being unclear exactly what Russia is willing to agree to. 'President Trump wants to see an end to this. I think President Putin wants to see an end to this. I think President Zelensky wants to see an end to this,' Witkoff said. He said the details need to be worked out at the table, but he believes all sides are 'committed to doing that.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked last week how long Putin had to agree to a deal, but he appeared more cautious in his assessment. 'I think the question is: Are we actually moving towards a ceasefire or is this a delay tactic?' he told reporters. 'Im not going to answer that because I cant characterize that for you right now,' Rubio added. He said there they were not there yet, but he insisted that they would get there. An American Pie actress who was detained for nearly two weeks by U.S. immigration officials has finally returned home after 'escaping a deeply disturbing psychological experiment.' Jasmine Mooney, 35, was hurled into jail on March 3 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials after she was deemed an illegal alien and ordered into custody. She was denied entry into the country while trying to make her way from Mexico to San Diego, California after her work visa was revoked back in November while traveling from Vancouver to Los Angeles. The American Pie: The Book of Love star landed back on Canadian soil on Saturday as her mother, Alexis Eagles, and friends met her at Vancouver International Airport around midnight. According to her mother, who's been fighting for her daughter's return home, Mooney was detained at the San Ysidro border crossing before being transferred to San Luis Regional Detention Center in Arizona. While she was there, Mooney said she endured some of the harshest treatment there that left her weak and confused. After getting home, Mooney, who runs a drink firm called Holy! Water, took to her Instagram announcing her return and how she plans to share her experience and advocate for those still detained there. 'Thank you for all your messages of support. I'm sorry if I haven't been able to respond to everyone - just got home after what felt like escaping a deeply disturbing psychological experiment,' the entrepreneur wrote. Jasmine Mooney, 35, landed back in Canada on Saturday after being detained for nearly two weeks by U.S. immigration officials after trying to enter the country from Mexico on March 3 The American Pie: The Book of Love star said she felt like she was 'escaping a deeply disturbing psychological experiment' after being released 'I am beyond grateful for my friends, family, and the media who worked tirelessly to get me out-without them, I'd still be there. I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone. 'While I was in prison, I began writing an essay about my experience, which I will be sharing soon. I refuse to let what happened break me; instead, I'm choosing to use my voice in the hope that it can help others.' Mooney added: 'Through it all, I met so many incredibly strong and resilient women. The community we built-strangers uniting in a time of pure desperation-gave me profound hope for humanity. I look forward to giving them a voice.' Mooney had her US work visa revoked in November 2024 while trying to travel from Vancouver to Los Angeles, where she lives and runs her company. She said the nightmare all started when a customs officer at Vancouver Airport voided that visa over a paperwork issue, but did not elaborate further on why. Her lawyer soon instructed her to fly to Mexico and go to the border there with proof of a new job offer, then ask for paperwork for a new work visa. But that plan quickly backfired when a border worker told Mooney she'd need to obtain paperwork for a new visa at a US consulate, not the border. She was then detained, as ICE officials confirmed Mooney didn't have the legal right to be in the United States. She was denied entry into the country while trying to make her way from Mexico to San Diego, California after her work visa was revoked back in November while traveling from Vancouver to Los Angeles The former actress took to Instagram after getting home and told her followers that she plans on telling her story about her time locked up in the detention center soon After being arrested and taken to the detention center, Mooney was featured in an emotional interview with ABC10, where she sobbed describing the conditions she and other women faced. 'I've never seen anything like this,' she told the outlet. 'I feel like we have been kidnapped, and we are in some sort of insane social, psychological, social experiment.' Welling up, Mooney added: 'I really want to be a voice for the women in here, because what is happening is so unjust and I know that there's a better way to do this.' She also noted how her time in custody made her severely confused. 'Its been 11 days now, and I have no idea what is going on, they don't tell you anything, and I have lost so much weight. I'm truly, physically, weak.' While she was away, her mother shared further details on her daughter's conditions, as well as other women locked up with her. 'We eventually learned that about 30 people, including Jasmine, were forcibly removed from their cells at 3:00 am and transferred to the San Luis Detention Center in Arizona.,' Eagles wrote on Facebook. 'They are housed together in a single concrete cell with no natural light, fluorescent lights that are never turned off, no mats, no blankets, and limited bathroom facilities. 'Communication with her has been extremely sporadic, and it is only thanks to one of her close friends with contacts in the U.S. that we have been able to receive updates.' Even after she touched down at the airport upon her return, Mooney said she has still been left in the dark about why she was locked up. 'No one told me anything. Not once,' Mooney told CTV News. 'I still don't even know how I'm home. My friends and family and the media are the reason, I think, that I'm home,' she continued. When asked if President Donald Trump's new border policies contributed to her experience, Mooney couldn't say for sure. 'I have no idea. I dont want to point fingers at anything. I really I dont know. But, obviously, people can speculate what they want,' she said. Her arrest is part of a clampdown that has seen a slew of tourists detained in similar circumstances, including a German tattooist and a British comic artist. It was green-lighted by President Donald Trump as part of his 'Securing Our Borders' executive order signed hours after his inauguration on January 21. Mooney said she regrets attempting to apply for a new visa at the Mexico-American border, but she had no idea it would mean she would be detained. Mooney said she regrets attempting to apply for a new visa at the Mexico-American border, but she had no idea it would mean she would be detained 'If I knew that that was even a possibility, like even a possibility that that could happen, I would have never, in a million years gone there. Im telling you, from the second I got there to now, I cant even process what just happened,' she explained. As for other Canadians who are applying for visas in the US, Mooney warned them: 'Dont go where you cant come directly back to Canada.' Despite all that she's been through, Mooney said that some of the women she met while in the detention center really put her life into perspective. 'When I got to know everyone else in there, and heard all of their stories and how long they were in there, I was like, "OK, Im not allowed to feel sorry for myself at all, because every single person in here is in a way worse situation than me",' she said. On Thursday, British Columbia Premier David Eby said he urged the Canadian government to ensure her return in any way that they could. Eby highlighted the tumultuous relationship Canada has right now with the U.S. amid the ongoing trade wars. A clampdown at the U.S. border by President Donald Trump (pictured Friday) was initiated after he signed the 'Securing Our Borders' executive order after his inauguration on January 21 'The nature of our relationship is so fraught right now that this case makes us all wonder, what about our relatives who are working in the States?,' Eby said. It is unclear if Mooney will ever be able to return to the US after entering the country illegally. Crossing the border illegally is a crime and a civil offense. First time crossers can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $250. Anyone caught coming in illegally can also be banned for three years, 10 years, 20 years or even permanently depending on the length of stay and whether they committed other crimes while in the country. DailyMail.com contacted ICE, Mooney and Eagles for comment. President Donald Trump's national security adviser Mike Waltz was not happy on Sunday after he was asked if the 78-year-old president was getting 'played' by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The question came as the U.S. is working to broker a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia as war has raged since Russia invaded. Fill-in anchor Jacqui Heinrich posed the question while Waltz was appearing on Fox News Sunday. She noted that a European intelligence service uncovered a document prepared for the Kremlin on how to stall at the same time Russia first came to the negotiating table and pointed out much of the document has played out. Heinrich quoted The Washington Post report which detailed how Russia can boost its negotiating position by proposing access to Russian minerals, reject peacekeepers and propose demilitarize zones. 'How do you know President Trump isn't being played right now by Putin?' Heinrich asked. 'Well look, that's almost laughable,' Waltz said after a pause. Trump's National Security Adviser Mike Waltz fired back that the idea that the president is 'being played' by Putin is almost 'laughable' in a tense exchange on Fox News 'I'll take President Trump in dealing with the likes of Xi, of Kim Jong Un, with Putin and others certainly ahead of his predecessor,' Waltz declared. He noted comments from both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while insisting 'only President Trump could drive this to an end.' 'We know who we're dealing with,' Waltz claimed. 'We know who we're dealing with on all sides.' The national security adviser said the U.S. will continue to negotiate and use 'carrots and sticks to get both sides to the table.' He would not say however whether the U.S. would put sanctions on Russia after Trump made the threat last week on social media. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced the breakthrough after their meeting with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 11 After the U.S. announced Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire last week, Putin remained vague in response signaling that Russia agrees to the proposal but also that the deal was not complete WATCH: National Security Advisor @MikeWaltz47 on the progress of Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks following meetings in Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/2V2TaXOB3Q Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) March 16, 2025 The questions over whether the U.S. really can secure a deal comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Waltz announced that Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire if Russia also backs it after meeting with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. After announcement, Putin said Russia agrees with the proposal but also the deal 'wasn't complete.' On Thursday, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin. He signaled Russia is open to a deal, but it still remains unclear exactly what demands Russia is making. Rubio on Friday after the meeting would not say whether he trusts Putin, calling it an 'irrelevant question' from a reporter. Appearing of Fox News Sunday, Waltz was asked if Russia was using delay tactics or moving toward a ceasefire. Waltz counted by pointing out a few months ago 'we essentially had no prospect of peace.' 'We're not talking about if this war is going to end, we're negotiating how the war is going to end,' he said. Heinrich said it sounded like the U.S. does not know if Russia is delaying or not. But in an interview on CNN on Sunday, Witkoff characterized his meeting with Putin last week as a 'positive' and 'solution-based discussion.' He said he expects a call between Trump and Putin this week. The Iowa college student linked to the disappearance of spring breaker Sudiksha Konanki has broken his silence as more details about his personal life emerge. Joshua Riibe, 22, was the last person seen with the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh junior before she went missing from the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana in the early hours of March 6. Since Konanki vanished, Riibe has been at the center of the chaotic case and had his passport confiscated, forcing him to stay in the Dominican Republic under strict supervision. On Sunday morning, Riibe was spotted with investigators, his lawyer and his father as the person of interest pointed at the sea, NBC reported. 'Im just trying to help them out,' Riibe told the outlet. 'The ocean is a dangerous place.' Riibe has told police conflicting versions of what occurred after they were seen heading to the beach, but he provided more insight in an interview with investigators this week. The former wrestler said he and Konanki were 'in waist-deep water, talking and kissing a little,' according to a transcript of Riibe's discussion with police obtained by NBC. This comes after his uncle Richard revealed to DailyMail.com that Riibe has a girlfriend at Minnesota's St. Cloud State University, where he also goes to school. Joshua Riibe, 22, was the last person seen with the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh junior before she went missing in Punta Cana in the early hours of March 6 Sudiksha Konanki was on a spring break getaway with a few of her friends when she vanished Riibe was captured on surveillance video with Konanki and a group of her friends walking to the beach in Punta Cana around 4 am on March 6 He went on to claim a wave crashed and whisked them both out to sea. 'I kept trying to get her to breathe, but that didn't allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water,' he said, adding he used to be a lifeguard. Riibe, contrary to what he has previously stated, alleged he was able to bring Konanki to safety before she actually went missing. 'When I finally reached the ground on the beach, I held her in front of me. She wasn't out of the water, she was knee-deep and walking at an angle out the water,' he explained. 'The last time I saw her, I asked if she was okay. I didn't hear her reply because I started vomiting all the water I had swallowed. After vomiting, I looked around. I didn't see anyone. I thought she had grabbed her things and left.' He refused to answer some questions, with officers probing him over how they could be sure what he was saying was truthful. Riibe was asked about what he told his close friend about Konanki and what he thought about her disappearance. Investigators also questioned if he knew if Konanki was able to swim, if she made any gestures or cries in the sea, if he called the cops or told the hotel, if he had told his friends about what happened and how he felt about the situation. To all of those questions, he said: 'My lawyers advise me not to answer that question and I follow their advice', before going silent. The former wrestler said he and Konanki were 'in waist-deep water, talking and kissing a little,' according to a transcript of Riibe's discussion with police obtained by NBC The former wrestler has told several, slightly different versions of what transpired the last time Konanki was seen The med student from Virginia was last seen with Riibe, who she was alone with on the beach after her friends left Riibe was captured on surveillance video with Konanki and a group of her friends walking to the beach in Punta Cana around 4 am on March 6. Her friends left two hours later to go back to their room, leaving Riibe and the med student alone on the beach. In one of Riibe's retellings of the incident, Riibe said he and Konanki went into the sea and were swept away by a wave. He has also said he felt sick, so got out of the water and went back to his hotel room. Riibe also said he fell asleep on the beach. The other story Riibe allegedly told the authorities was he saw Konanki walking along the beach with the water up to her knees in the direction of where she left her cover-up on a lounge chair. Riibe's family explained the conflicting accounts as being the result of a different translator being present at each of three police interviews. Riibe was caught on camera returning to his room at 9:55 am barefoot and without his shirt. He told investigators he was aghast to learn that Konaki had gone missing. Her disappearance has baffled investigators in the Dominican Republic, who believe she likely drowned Riibe was seen talking to law enforcement at beach next to the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic last Monday The Loudon County Sheriff's Office in Virginia, where Konaki is from, has listed Riibe as a person of interest, but at this point in the investigation there are no suspects. Despite being 'confined to the hotel since the investigation began,' Riibe's lawyer told NBC, the US is regarding Konanki's mysterious situation as a missing persons case, not a criminal one. Investigators in the Dominican Republic said they believe she drowned, and while they have questioned Riibe, they have not said he is suspected of any crime. US warships shot down around a dozen drones fired by Yemen's Houthi terrorists 'well before' they could pose a threat, a senior defence official revealed just hours after the rebels claimed to have mounted an attack. American F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft have shot down 11 drones fired by the terror group since President Donald Trump approved an order for air strikes over Yemen on Saturday night, Fox News reported. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the drones did not come close to the Harry S Truman aircraft carrier, which has played a key role in the latest military action. Tracking also showed at least one Houthi missile failed in flight and splashed down in the waters off Yemen. The US military took no action because it was not deemed a threat, the official said. News of the drones being disarmed comes in the wake of Houthi terrorists claiming to have attacked the Harry S Truman aircraft carrier - as well as several American warships - in the Red Sea. The Iran-backed terror group said, without offering evidence, that they attacked the Truman and its warships with ballistic missiles and drones in response to US attacks. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said on Sunday: 'The armed forces, with the help of God Almighty, carried out a qualitative military operation targeting the American aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships in the northern Red Sea, using 18 ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in a joint operation carried out by the missile force, Drone Air Force and the naval forces.' US warships shot down around a dozen drones fired by Yemen's Houthi terrorists 'well before' they could pose a threat to US aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman and its warships in the Red Sea, an official has revealed American F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft have shot down 11 drones fired by the terror group since President Donald Trump approved an order for air strikes over Yemen on Saturday night Several unnamed US defense officials dismissed the claims at the time and said they were not aware of any Houthi attack on the Truman. The claims came after the first set of Trump's airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels killed at least 31 people - which were triggered when the Houthis started raiding shipping vessels bound for the West. America previously set up their aircraft carriers in the Red Sea, much to the ire of the terrorists who were attacking Israeli ships during the 15-month conflict in Gaza. The Houthis claimed that America's intense barrage of strikes killed children, which were carried out with British military support. They said 101 people were wounded. President Trump vowed to 'use overwhelming lethal force' and ordered Iran to 'immediately' cut its support from the Yemeni terror group. 'To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!' he said. The Houthis warned that the strikes 'will not pass without response', while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the deaths and said Washington had 'no authority' to dictate its foreign policy. A spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei 'strongly condemned the brutal air strikes by the US' in a later statement, denouncing them a 'gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter', and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to retaliate against Trump's strikes. A spokesperson (pictured) for Yemen's Houthi terrorists claimed to have attacked the US Harry Truman aircraft carrier earlier on Sunday - but US defence officials dismissed this Trump's National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said on Sunday that US airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen 'took out' multiple Houthi leaders. 'This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out,' Waltz said on ABC News. Waltz had been asked by anchor Martha Raddatz about how the strikes by the Trump administration were different from those conducted during the Biden administration. He said the difference was 'going after the Houthi leadership' and 'holding Iran responsible.' The Houthi Ansarollah website slammed what it called 'US-British aggression' and Washington's 'criminal brutality'. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which posted images of fighters and a bomb demolishing a building compound, said 'precision strikes' were launched to 'defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation'. 'Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,' the rebels' political bureau said in a statement on their Al-Masirah TV station. The rebels, who have controlled much of Yemen for more than a decade, are part of the 'axis of resistance' of pro-Iran groups staunchly opposed to Israel and the United States. Images from CENTCOM show US Air Force F/A-18 fighter aircraft taking off from an aircraft carrier at sea reportedly amidst operations launched against the Houthis The Houthis fired the drones as the first set of Donald Trump's airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels killed at least 31 people Trump looks on as military strikes are launched against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks at ships passing Yemen in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Houthis had 'attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023'. The campaign crippled the vital route, which normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies into a costly detour around southern Africa. Palestinian group Hamas, which has long supported the Houthis, hit out on Saturday at the US strikes, branding them 'a stark violation of international law and an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability'. After halting their attacks when Gaza's ceasefire took effect in January, the Houthis announced on Tuesday that they would resume them until Israel lifts its blockade of aid to the shattered Palestinian territory. Trump's statement did not reference the dispute over Israel, but focused on previous Houthi attacks on merchant shipping. 'To all Huthi [sic] terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON'T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!' he said. The Vatican has released the first photograph of Pope Francis since he was rushed to hospital more than a month ago with pneumonia. The leader of the Catholic church had not been seen since he was admitted at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome in February. Just a week later, the Pontiff's condition was described as critical as it was reported he required breathing assistance. The Pope's condition is now stable amid a continuing battle with pneumonia and onset kidney failure. The newly released photo shows the Pope celebrating a mass in his prayer room earlier this morning. Earlier today the Pope issued his prayer from his hospital bed, saying he faces a 'period of trial'. It is the fifth week in a row that the Pontiff has had to issue the prayer as a written text as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. However his age and lack of mobility means that he remains in a physically vulnerable state. Pope Francis concelebrates Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Gemelli hospital Pope Francis, 88, had not been pictured since he was admitted into hospital last month for pneumonia A statement from the Vatican said: 'This morning Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the 10th floor of the Policlinico Gemelli.' In his prayer, The 88-year-old also took time to pay thanks to the medical staff who have been treating him during his latest sickness. He said: 'How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of care! 'How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the humblest services are performed!' Recent reports have suggested an improvement in the state of the Pope's health following his treatment for double pneumonia. The Argentina-born religious figurehead has chronic lung disease and still requires hospital care, but is in a 'stable' condition and showing 'gradual improvements,' Vatican News reported. Francis has been using high flows of supplemental oxygen to help him breathe during the day and a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night. He had not been seen in public since entering hospital and his doctors have not said how long the treatment might last. Doctors not involved in Francis's care have said the Pope is likely to face a long, fraught road to recovery, given his age and other factors. Pope Francis speaks with then Prince Charles on the day of the canonisation of 19th-century British cardinal John Henry Newman at the Vatican on October 13, 2019 A new statement issued by the Holy See Press Office yesterday evening said the pontiff's condition 'remains stable' and showed signs of 'gradual improvements' The pontiff was initially hospitalized on Valentine's Day for a bad case of bronchitis. The infection then progressed into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia that has sidelined the Pope for the longest period of his 12-year papacy. Pope Francis, who is well-known as a controversial advocate for social justice, also sent words of hope to nations around the world beset by military conflict. The pontiff offered prayers to 'countries wounded by war...tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.' Steve Keiselis was spending time with family at Russell River, an hour west of Hobart, when he spotted a tiger snake tried to eat a juvenile platypus. Steve Keiselis was spending time with family at Russell River, an hour west of Hobart, when he spotted a tiger snake tried to eat a juvenile platypus. Source: Steve Keiselis A mans surreal wildlife encounter on the edge of an Aussie river has left locals and experts stunned, with many exclaiming they had never seen such a sight before. Steve Keiselis was spending time with family at Russell River, an hour west of Hobart, last weekend when he stumbled across what ended up becoming a pretty special moment. While enjoying the hot weather, the young son of a friend who works for Tasmania Parks and Wildlife wandered over to tell the group that he found a platypus stuck under a log. Its an area that we know has a lot of snakes and platypus, Keiselis told Yahoo News Australia on Wednesday. So we wandered down to this little creek area, and low and behold there was an adult female platypus there, which certainly at that point appeared to be trapped under a log but still alive, so we moved the log and grabbed the platypus. It was in a really poor state. At that time the assumption was it had been stuck under the log, had been there for very long time, was tired and not very well. It died not long after. ADVERTISEMENT But the discoveries didnt stop there. Half an hour after they attempted to rescue the iconic native animal, the young fellas brother flagged their attention once again, but this time it was a snake that had caught his eye. After moseying back to the same area the platypus was found, Keiselis saw a roughly one-metre-long highly-venomous tiger snake making its way down the bank before heading into a burrow and trying to eat a juvenile male platypus. Video footage shows the snake working for about a minute to drag the animal, which appears to be dead or at least in shock, into the river. We suspect it had killed the mum and then gone into the burrow to get the juvenile puggle, Keiselis told Yahoo. We sort of sat there in awe and watched that. Obviously the adult female platypus was far too big for the snake, as was the puggle. Both the adult female and juvenile male platypus died, although it is unknown exactly from what. Source: Steve Keiselis The juvenile was soon discarded and the Parks and Wildlife employee collected both mum and son to undergo an examination. Suspicions have since emerged that the moment is the first known encounter between a venomous snake and a platypus. ADVERTISEMENT I knew the footage was pretty special, but didnt realise the impact it would have, Keiselis said. Thats the sort of information Im gettingits been suspected but never been confirmed that a tiger snake would try and eat a platypus. Experts debate rarity of venomous snake and platypus encounter Speaking to Yahoo, platypus ecologist Joshua Griffiths explained it has always been assumed that snakes are potential predators of juvenile platypuses in burrows. While I couldnt absolutely confirm this is the first evidence, its certainly the first Ive ever seen. Its possible the female was injured trying to defend her young, he said. ADVERTISEMENT However, not everyone agrees. There have been records of snakes eating platypus but specifically venomous snakes, I would assume so, platypus expert Dr Tamielle Brunt said. Dr Geoff Williams from the Australian Platypus Conservancy confirmed to Yahoo that as far as he knows there are no reports of a platypus being killed by a venomous snake, but if the tiger snake did in fact kill one or two platypus, it suggests that it was a defensive reaction rather than deliberate predation. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's approval ratings have dipped below Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's, according to a new poll. The latest data from The Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy's monthly poll has revealed Mr Dutton's personal ratings have dropped for the second consecutive month alongside support for his party. With the May federal election set to be announced after next week's federal budget, Mr Albanese's Labor party has been intensifying its personal attacks against Mr Dutton - including criticism after he attended a fundraiser in Sydney during ex-Cyclone Alfred. Its efforts appear to be working with Mr Dutton's net approval rating sinking to -12 while Mr Albanese's rose eight points in the last two months to -10. The result marks the first time Mr Albanese has taken the lead as preferred prime minister since October. The poll surveyed 1,051 voters between Thursday and Saturday with last week's hot topic being US President Donald Trump's refusal to exempt Australia from tariffs. When asked who of the two major party leaders was best suited to handle negotiations with the Trump Administration, 42 per cent backed Mr Dutton while 40 per cent preferred Mr Albanese. The Coalition remains ahead in the two-party-preferred vote but lost a point to Labor, dropping last month's lead of 52 per cent to 51 per cent. Anthony Albanese gained a higher approval rating than Peter Dutton for the first time since October Meanwhile, the Greens are facing a major wipeout with two of its three Queensland seats at risk - a blow to Labor which could rely on the smaller party's support if re-elected. A poll by Insightfully of some 600 voters in each of the seats of Brisbane found a drop of support in the inner-city, which could result in Greens leader Adam Bandt becoming the party's sole MP in the lower house. The Greens' falling support could become an issue for Labor with forecast analysis expecting it to win 71 of the 150 seats, allowing it to negotiate a minority government. With the Coalition predicted to win 66 seats, neither party would meet the 75 seat requirement to form a majority government. In contrast to the analysis, just 42 per cent of voters predicted Labor would win the election - either as a minority or majority government - compared to 45 per cent believing the same of the Coalition. While on the surface the result appears to be a blow for Labor, it represents a five-point increase in favour of the party and a five-point loss for the Coalition. The majority of voters on both sides expect a minority government will be formed. The biggest concern of this election remained cost of living at 71 per cent, followed by housing and accommodation at 38 per cent, health and social care at 28 per cent, crime and social order at 27 per cent and economic management at 26 per cent. The drop in support for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (centre) follows a series of personal attacks by Labor, including criticism over his choice to attend a fundraiser in Sydney during ex-Cyclone Alfred Mr Albanese must call for the election to be held by May 17 but the arrival of ex-Cyclone Alfred earlier this month delayed him from doing so. When repeatedly quizzed by Sky News over the hold up, Mr Albanese said: 'I'm focused not on votes, I'm focused on lives, I'm focused on Australians. 'I've been focused on three years for governing. I've said the same thing every time I've been asked. 'These are questions that have been asked this week, this month, last month, the month before, they have been asked for a period of time.' The Columbine community has rallied together after a school shooting survivor tragically died of cancer. Karissa Rund, 40, died on March 3 after a 10-year-long battle with stage 4 colon cancer. She survived the terrifying school shooting in 1999 when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire inside the Colorado high school cafeteria, killing 12 and injuring more than 20 before killing themselves in the upstairs library. Karissa, also known as a 'super-survivor,' not only made it out alive from the horrific mass shooting and dealt with cancer for all those years, but was also a widow to her first husband Greg Rund, who lost his life in combat as a Marine in 2004. Greg, who was Karissa's high school sweetheart, was tragically killed on December 11 that year by an enemy attack in Fallujah, Iraq. She then got engaged to Doug Rund, Greg's brother. It was during that time that she was first diagnosed with cancer. Doug and Karissa were inseparable and always there for each other, according to their friends. Sarah Beth Buck, a friend of the couple, said Karissa was 'the biggest encourager most of us have ever known,' adding: 'Her mission of service to people, proclaiming the hope of God despite pain and suffering, and being a light despite darkness - this legacy has changed her corner of the world.' Karissa Rund, 40, a survivor of the Columbine school shooting, tragically died on March 3 after a 10-year-long battle with stage 4 colon cancer Karissa got engaged to her husband Doug Rund after first husband - Doug's brother - died in combat in 2004. (Pictured: Doug and Karissa) Sarah also noted just how much the couple supported each other through all the ups and downs. 'Doug, day-in and day-out, selflessly and unwaveringly served Karissa in her sickness. If you had the privilege to witness their love, you are changed because of it,' Sarah wrote on a GoFundMe page. 'He tenderly and attentively cared for her every need, noticing the little details, knowing just how she wanted/liked things.' Sarah said it didn't matter what time of day it was, Doug was always by Karissa's side - even through the toughest of times. 'He rolled up his sleeves and served her faithfully with vulnerable medical procedures. He cooked, he cleaned, he shopped, he organized their life. 'He played with her, delighted in her, celebrated her, encouraged her, and stayed by her side through every turn of their story together.' Before she passed, Karissa expressed to Sarah and her other friends that she was worried about Doug after she had gone. 'Doug was Karissa's safe place. In her final days, she would often share that her greatest concern was that of Doug. Would he be taken care of? Would people come alongside of him?,' Sarah wrote. 'Yes, babe. We're here. We're ALL here.' Karissa survived the terrifying school shooting in 1999 when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold open fire inside the Colorado high school cafeteria Greg, who was Karissa's high school sweetheart, was tragically killed on December 11 that year by an enemy attack in Fallujah, Iraq. (Pictured: Karissa and Greg) As of Sunday afternoon, more than $4,200 was raised to help support Doug during this hard time. Buck said the donation page is also a way to help shed light on the amazing person Karissa was. Karissa was no stranger to cancer as her mother tragically passed away when she was just 11-year-old - a few years before the school shooting. She also had an extraordinary career, working as a speechwriter and public affairs specialist for the Department of Energy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security, according to her obituary. After the cancer took over, Karissa medically retired from her job, and decided to go down a different career path by starting a 'non-profit ministry to aid, inspire, and doula all suffering people.' She became an end-of-life doula, helping others in the hospital, Buck explained. 'She was so sick when she started to pursue this, but was so passionate about walking end of life with other people, even while she was walking her own end of life,' Buck told KDVR. Kellie Miller, who met Karissa through their church, also attested to how supportive Doug was of her. Karissa often spoke of and posted about her experience being a victim of the school shooting. In 2019, she posted a picture of her in the gymnasium of the school on the 20th anniversary of the tragedy Harris and Klebold (pictured) killed 12 and injured more than 20 before killing themselves in the upstairs library that day 'Doug is just a magnificent human being. He remained positive, but also like dignified her in making her medical decisions,' Kellie told the outlet. 'Never once like forced her to do anything that she didnt want to do.' A visitation service was held for Karissa on Thursday, followed by her funeral on Friday. Karissa often spoke of and posted about her experience being a victim of the school shooting. In 2019, she posted a picture of her in the gymnasium of the school on the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. '20 years ago today I ran for my life at Columbine High School. I havent taken a day for granted since then. Dont take yours for granted either. Youre here for a reason,' she wrote. News of Karissa's death comes almost a month after another Columbine survivor sadly passed away. Anne Marie Hochhalter died of natural causes on February 16 in her home at the age of 43, former Columbine Principal Frank DeAngelis confirmed. Hochhalter was shot twice in the back and chest in 1999 during the shooting. She was left paralyzed from the waist down and wheelchair-bound. After the cancer took over, Karissa medically retired from her job, and decided to go down a different career path by starting a 'non-profit ministry to aid, inspire, and doula all suffering people' Since her life-alternating injury, Hochhalter spent much of her life advocating for other victims of mass shootings. 'She was a pillar of strength for me and so many others. She was an inspiration and exemplified never giving up,' he told The Denver Gazette. When the shooting broke out, Hochhalter was enjoying lunch with her friends. When she heard the first bullets, she thought students were shooting paintball guns. But that changed when one pierced her back, leaving her unable to use her legs to run away. A friend had to drag her away, but she would be hit again in the lungs. The pair managed to get outside, where Hochhalter would spend 45 minutes struggling to breathe as she lay on the ground. Once they were found by first responders, she was transported to the hospital and went into a four-hour surgery, according to The Gazette. Hochhalter struggled with trauma from the tragedy for years, but did attend the 25th anniversary vigil of the shooting. A woman has been left in critical condition after a male assailant set her on fire in a vicious attack on a German tram. The unnamed man, 46, reportedly doused the woman with a flammable liquid before setting it alight on Sunday morning in Gera, eastern Germany. Police in the state of Thuringia, where Gera is located, say the suspected attacker is believed to be the husband of the victim, also aged 46. Other passengers on board the tram had reportedly pressed the emergency stop button during the horrific attack. The suspect reportedly made his escape as soon as the doors opened. 'The perpetrator took this as an opportunity to flee towards Gera's Langenberg [district],' a police spokeswoman said. The driver of the vehicle then began spraying the flames that were engulfing the woman with a fire extinguisher, she added. The victim received medical treatment on the scene before being flown to a hospital by helicopter with life-threatening injuries. Other passengers and the driver were offered psychological care following the attack which took place at around 10am local time. Police in the state of Thuringia, where Gera is located, say the suspected attacker is believed to be the husband of the victim, also aged 46 Following the attack, the tram remained stationary at the scene for forensic investigation There was no immediate word on a possible motive for the attack, or on what exactly the liquid used was. Police said they were searching for the victim's husband, and have called for anyone who sees him or knows where he is to inform them immediately. They added that they could not currently rule out him posing a danger to the public. Authorities added patrols 'are actively searching for the perpetrator', who was not yet identified but wanted for attempted murder. No one else was injured in the attack, the police spokeswoman added. Following the attack, the tram remained stationary at the scene for forensic investigation, the police spokeswoman added. Images from the incident showed soot and blackened areas inside the tram. An assisted-living facility worker who was found guilty of raping and impregnating a severely disabled woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his despicable crimes. Isaiah Fields, 23, of Batavia, Illinois, was a caregiver for the residents of Marklund's Hyde Center in Geneva in August 2023. The center is home to residents with physical and mental disabilities. The convicted rapist was responsible for bathing, dressing and providing all-around assistance to the 43-year-old victim, who has lived there for more than two decades. The helpless woman has Rett syndrome, a disorder that prevents her from reading, writing, talking, standing or using her hands, the Daily Herald reported. In April 2024, she was rushed to the hospital for liver and gallbladder tests. There, doctors made the gut-wrenching discovery. She was been between 31 and 35 weeks pregnant and was suffering from preeclampsia - which causes high blood pressure and signs of liver or kidney damage in pregnant women. Due to her condition, she had a distended mid-section that concealed her pregnancy, her mother testified in court. After an emergency Caesarean section, the child was taken to a neonatal intensive care unit for 11 weeks. The baby named R.J. did not make it. Isaiah Fields, 23, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his despicable crimes Fields raped and impregnated a 43-year-old disabled resident of Marklund's Hyde Center in Geneva, where he worked as her caregiver 'R.J. didn't live long in this world. But simply by coming into this world, he did justice for his mother,' prosecutor Matthew Rodgers said on Friday. DNA from the child was compared to three male staffers at the residential facility. The results matched with Fields'. Once his results came back positive, the Kane County Sheriff's Office secured a sealed order for his arrest, according to a statement from Kane County's States' Attorney's Office. On January 14, he pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual assault - a Class X felony. A Class X felony is the most serious type of felony in the state of Illinois. These charges carry a minimum prison sentence of six to 30 years. Fields appeared in court on Friday for sentencing. He must serve at least 85 percent of his prison time before being eligible for parole. He is also registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office. During the hearing, he told Kane County Judge John Barsanti he was regretful of his actions and wanted to apologize for his conduct. Fields pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual assault in January and was sentenced on Friday 'There is no reason or set of experiences that could justify hurting anyone in any way,' he said. Prefacing his explanation with 'by no means am I asking for pass,' Fields claimed his actions may have been influenced by prior experiences with drug use and sexual abuse, the Daily Herald reported. Kane County States Attorney Jamie L. Mosser said in a statement on Friday: 'Todays sentencing holds Isaiah Fields accountable for his heinous actions and the profound harm he caused to a vulnerable individual who was unable to protect themselves. 'This sentence reflects the gravity of his crime, and we remain committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our community from exploitation and harm.' Rodgers added: 'Isaiah Fields preyed on this vulnerable victim because of her physical and intellectual disability. 'While no sentence can undo the harm caused, todays outcome ensures that the defendant will be held accountable for his despicable act. It also represents justice for the victim, her family and the Marklund community.' In a statement to the Daily Herald, Marklund's CEO Gil Fonger said the facility is 'satisfied to see justice served.' This was not Fields' first offense of sexual violence. In January, he pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse for grabbing an Alabama woman's breasts while she was asleep on the couch in 2023. He was sentenced to one year in jail for that offense. A Washington man arrested on nearly a dozen drug and weapons charges was previously granted clemency by former Democratic Governor Jay Inslee in 2019, it has emerged. Percy Levy, 54, was arrested Thursday during a traffic stop in Everett following a 16-month investigation by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, as reported by the Lynwood Times. Detectives later searched Levy's home where they made a shocking discovery - a massive drug haul including 556 grams of fentanyl - enough to kill approximately 278,000 people, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Despite his lengthy criminal history, former Governor Inslee granted Levy clemency in 2019, allowing him to walk free, as revealed by Fox News. Detectives also found 2,818 grams of powder cocaine, 14.7 grams of rock cocaine, as well as a handgun when they searched his home. The bust also uncovered packaging material, and a digital scale signifying intent to distribute. Levy faced 11 Class B Felony charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Levy, who is on the Board of the Black Lives Matter chapter, was held on a $1.5 million bond. Percy Levy, 54, was arrested Thursday during a traffic stop in Everett following a 16-month investigation by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, as reported by the Lynwood Times Despite his lengthy criminal history, former Governor Inslee granted Levy clemency in 2019, allowing him to walk free, as revealed by Fox News. He is pictured with Gov Jay Inslee According to the outlet, Levy's criminal past dates back to when he was just 13 years old. In 2002, he was arrested for a drug house robbery and subsequently spent 17 years behind bars. In the six years following his release, Levy appeared to turn his life around, working as a community outreach specialist for the Washington Defender Association and founding Redemption Auto, a car dealership in Everett. He also served as treasurer on the Board of the Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County chapter and reportedly dedicated himself to criminal justice reform. In February, Inslee signed a law allowing Seattle to replace an exodus of police officers with illegal migrants. Washington's largest city had just 913 cops to serve its 750,000 people after losing 725 officers in the last five years. As a result, Its police department tweaked the rules to allow applications from migrants who crossed the border illegally as children and are registered on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or 'Dreamers', program. According to the outlet, Levy's criminal past dates back to when he was just 13 years old. In 2002, he was arrested for a drug house robbery and subsequently spent 17 years behind bars In 2020, the Washington Governor dropped out of the presidential race Inslee made it so they can be chosen above an equally qualified candidate if they speak more than one language. In 2020, the Washington Governor dropped out of the presidential race. The then-68-year-old made fighting climate change the central theme of his short-lived presidential campaign. 'It's become clear I'm not going to carrying the ball. I'm not going to be President so I'm withdrawing from the race,' he said. 'I've been fighting climate change for 25 years and I've never been so confident of the ability of America ... to move the ball. British taxpayers are spending a staggering 99million on encouraging families in Africa and Asia to cook using electricity. More than 55million has already been paid out under the foreign aid programme that aims to improve health and the environment by persuading developing countries to move away from polluting firewood and charcoal. But the Foreign Office recently agreed to almost double the budget of the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) project and keep it running until the end of the decade. Most of the cash is going to Loughborough University to carry out research into clean cooking, with 650 reports expected by 2030. The academics have written 'eCookbooks' to show families how to make traditional dishes using electric appliances, as well as a 'multi-dimensional framework to assess and monitor gender equality, equity and women's empowerment'. The Government is also paying for 20,000 electric pressure cookers to be handed out in Tanzania and Uganda, while a handful of air fryers have been given away in other countries. Joanna Marchong, investigations campaign manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance, told the Mail: 'Taxpayers will be furious at the frittering away of their cash on frivolous foreign aid projects. 'Too many of these costly schemes look like little more than virtue-signalling exercises rather than genuine humanitarian assistance which saves lives.' MECS is part of a massive 1billion of foreign aid money, known as the Ayrton Fund, set aside by the previous Conservative government to speed up the transition to 'clean energy' in the developing world. British taxpayers are paying 99million to encourage families in Asia and Africa to cook using electricity to improve health and the environment More than 55million has already been paid out under the foreign aid programme, for which the Foreign Office has already agreed to double the budget The Government is also paying for 20,000 electric pressure cookers to be handed out in Tanzania and Uganda (file photo) Until recently its budget was 55million but this was increased to 99million in February, with 39million of the new money expected to be spent on research and just 5million on 'clean cooking demonstrators'. It is mainly targeting sub-Saharan Africa but also India. However the future of the programme now hangs in the balance after Sir Keir Starmer announced the aid budget will be cut to pay for increased defence spending. A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'The UK is taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA [Official Development Assistance] delivers value for money for the taxpayer. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review.' Loughborough University said: 'The university remains committed to the MECS project. At this stage, we have no information on whether cuts to UK Official Development Assistance will affect our programme moving forward.' Seven people have been arrested following a wild brawl after two balaclava-clad men were confronted over an allegedly stolen car before one of them was stabbed. Emergency services were called to Taminga Road at Green Valley, in Sydney's west, at about 4.15am on Monday. Officers from Liverpool City police area command arrived at the scene to find a group of people allegedly fighting in the street. After separating the brawlers, police found a 29-year-old man wearing a balaclava who had suffered a stab wound to his back. The injured man was treated by paramedics and taken to Liverpool Hospital under police guard in a serious but stable condition. Four women aged 32, 33, 59 and 19 and two men aged 26 and 21 were arrested and taken to Liverpool police station. Officers established a crime scene in Taminga Road and detectives have launched an investigation into the incident. Police believe the group allegedly confronted two men wearing balaclavas after they tracked a vehicle allegedly stolen from Mt Prichard to Green Valley. Detectives have been told one of the balaclava-clad men fled the scene before police arrived. Emergency services were seen surrounding a Ryanair flight after it made a dramatic return to Manchester Airport just an hour after take off. The Ryanair flight heading to Agadir, Morocco, took off from Manchester Airport at 4pm on Sunday, but landed back in the same city at 5pm. The flight was diverted just minutes into the journey. The pilot reportedly flew nine loops over the Manchester and Wigan regions begore landing back at the airport it left from. Flight maps from FlightRadar24 showed the route the pilot took, turning left and northwards over parts of southern Manchester and circling over the Wigan area. A Ryanair spokesperson said: 'This flight from Manchester to Agadir (Sun, 16 Mar) returned to Manchester shortly after take-off due to a minor technical issue. 'The aircraft landed normally at Manchester Airport and passengers disembarked. 'To minimize disruption to affected passengers, we quickly arranged for a replacement aircraft to operate this flight, which departed to Agadir at 17:05 local that same day. The Ryanair flight heading to Agadir, Morocco, took off from Manchester Airport at 4pm on Sunday, but landed back in the same city at 5pm Flight maps from FlightRadar24 showed the route the pilot took, turning left and northwards over parts of southern Manchester and circling over the Wigan area 'We sincerely apologise to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused.' A livestream of the flight uploaded by Drones and Planes on YouTube captured the moment the pilot touched down in Manchester. Fire crews were spotted surrounding the plane in dramatic scenes. However, this may have reportedly been a standard measure carried out as precaution. It comes after a Lisbon to London plane was diverted to Porto earlier in the week because of reported smoke on board. The alert was sounded on Tuesday afternoon around 4.45pm, local media reported. Data from FlightRadar24 showed that Flight TP1356 left Lisbon at 3.46pm local time for London's Heathrow Airport before the diversion to Porto's Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport. But at around 4:20pm, the plane, run by TAP Air, was seen making a loop over western Spain, heading back towards Porto. It then landed at the Porto airport just after 5pm. And an easyJet pilot was suspended after he flew a plane packed with 190 people so dangerously close to a mountain that he nearly crashed into it. Captain Paul Elsworth was temporarily banned from flying after his plane flew too close over a mountain range as it travelled to Egypt on February 2, triggering a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alarm in the cockpit. The plane, travelling from Manchester to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, was very close to crashing as it descended for landing and could have potentially killed the 190 passengers and crew on-board, reported The Sun. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will summon regulators to Downing Street today to demand they cut the cost of red tape for businesses by a quarter. She will announce a plan outlining 60 measures to reduce bureaucracy and encourage growth. The move came as Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Labour's war on waste was 'just beginning' following the scrapping of NHS England last week. Ministers are desperate to find savings ahead of the Spring Statement following data showing the economy shrank by 0.1 per cent in January. Regulators including the Financial Conduct Authority, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Health and Safety Executive are expected to attend the meeting. Plans will include fast-tracking new medicines by making regulators work together, helping international financial firms navigate UK regulation and making it easier to deliver packages by drone. Other measures include reviewing contactless payment limits, simplifying mortgage lender rules and helping start-ups to secure funding. Ministers will also target planning. They say that, in the future, developers will be able to consult one environmental regulator rather than the scores they are forced to at the moment. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Streeting said there was 'far more change to come' as he vowed to slim down 'bloated' NHS bureaucracy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) will summon regulators to Downing Street today to demand they cut the cost of red tape for businesses by a quarter She will announce a plan outlining 60 measures to reduce bureaucracy and encourage growth He told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (pictured) that the NHS was 'addicted to overspending' and running up deficits 'with the assumption that someone will bail them out' He told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the NHS was 'addicted to overspending' and running up deficits 'with the assumption that someone will bail them out'. Mr Streeting acknowledged there would be a 'significant number of job losses' as a result, saying he was 'genuinely sorry'. NHS England chairman Penny Dash has been instructed to carry out a 'root and branch' review of regulation within the service. Mr Streeting said that she had already identified hundreds of bodies which are 'cluttering' patient safety and regulation. And today Ms Reeves said: 'We are taking further action to free businesses from the shackles of regulation. By cutting red tape and creating a more effective system, we will boost investment, create jobs and put more money into working people's pockets.' She has pledged to significantly cut the number of regulators by the end of the parliament to reduce overlap and duplication. Cabinet ministers will report back to Ms Reeves in the summer with further suggestions. Ministers will also pledge to scrap another body the Regulator for Community Interest Companies which will become part of Companies House. They will also cut the legal duties of financial services regulators, energy watchdog Ofgem, water regulator Ofwat and the Office of Road and Rail. But claims that the plans will save 'billions' will ring hollow, with the Employment Rights Bill set to cost businesses 5 billion alone. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said: 'The biggest barrier to growth remains Ms Reeves and her job-destroying, tax-hiking Budget. For as long as businesses remain under the strain of Labour's taxes and union red tape, they will be unable to focus on the priority of growth. 'She has nine days until her emergency budget, where the Conservatives are calling on her to set out a real plan for growth.' Sporting a red MAGA cap with his signature on the peak and a branded polo shirt, Donald Trump monitored live footage of 'powerful and decisive' air strikes on Houthi terrorists in Yemen. The White House today released pictures of the President from an undisclosed location as the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since he took office was launched on Saturday night. Writing on his Truth Social website, Mr Trump threatened to 'rain hell' on the group unless it ceased attacking ships in the Red Sea. He also ordered Iran to stop funding the Houthis because America would hold it 'fully accountable', adding: 'And we won't be nice about it!' 'Funded by Iran, Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft and targeted our troops and allies,' he wrote. 'These relentless assaults have cost the US and world economy many billions of dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk. 'The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective.' He added that the US air strikes were aimed at the Houthi leaders, bases and military installations. The Houthi-run health ministry said the death toll has risen to at least 53 including five children, and around 100 people were injured. Donald Trump wearing a red MAGA cap as he observes military strikes being launched against Yemen's Houthi rebels A girl injured by a US strike lies on a stretcher in hospital in Saada, Yemen on Sunday Columns of smoke billow following a US strike on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa early on Sunday An aircraft launches from a US Navy carrier before air strikes in Sanaa The group said it will continue targeting Red Sea ships until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza, and accused the US and UK of 'wicked' aggression, targeting residential areas. The UK did not participate in air strikes but did provide routine refuelling support for the US. Houthis have targeted dozens of merchant vessels with missiles, drones and small boat attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. They have sunk two boats, seized a third, and killed four crew members. President Trump wrote: 'The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important waterways of the world, grinding vast swaths of global commerce to a halt. 'To all Houthi terrorists, your time is up, and your attacks must stop, starting today. If they don't, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before!' Iran today distanced itself from the Houthi attacks, saying it 'plays no role in setting the national or operational policies' of its militant allies. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the US had 'no authority or business dictating Iranian foreign policy'. Houthi terrorists today claimed, without evidence, they attacked the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea with missiles and drones. US officials dismissed these claims. While the smell can be unpleasant, there is no evidence to suggest significant health risks could arise. Australians along the east coast are reporting an overwhelming "foul stench" emanating from a large number of decaying marine organisms that were "hammered off the rocks" by the recent wild weather. Although the effects of Cyclone Alfred have largely subsided, coastal residents are still voicing their concerns about the unpleasant odours they're encountering during beach walks. They said the unpleasant aroma lingers along the shoreline, where mountains of marine debris remain. One woman this week posted online from Sawtell Beach in NSW, describing the sight as "a mess" and "pretty foul". Another said her local beach was almost unbearable. "I braved the smell and managed a short walk in the afternoon and felt so sorry for the lifeguard who has had to endure it all day," she wrote. Dozens more weighed in from parts of Queensland's far south. ADVERTISEMENT Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts with Queensland's Centre for Marine Science is a seashore expert. He spoke to Yahoo News Australia and identified the organisms as cunjevoi a type of sea squirt found around the edge of the low-tide mark that often form mats over the rocks. "These were likely hammered off the rocks by huge waves, pummelled, and then hurled up onto the shore, where theyve been left to rothence the smell," he explained. The stinky sea creatures have lined beaches in northern NSW and southern Queensland. Source: Tom Mair/Facebook What are cunjevoi and what role do they place in the environment? While the smell can be unpleasant, there is no evidence to suggest significant health risks directly associated with the presence of decomposing cunjevoi on beaches. Many locals described the sight "sad" due to the import role cunjevoi actually play in marine ecosystems, being filter-feeding invertebrates. ADVERTISEMENT Although they resemble lumps of jelly-like rock, they are actually ascidians, a group of tunicates closely related to vertebrates. The stinky sea creatures have lined beaches in northern NSW and southern Queensland. Source: Tom Mair/Facebook Cunjevoi, while emitting a bad smell, are not dangerous to people. Source: Facebook/Terry Anne Maunsell Cunjevoi filter plankton from seawater through their siphons and play a role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitat and food for various marine species. When exposed at low tide, they can squirt water if stepped on, which is how they got their name "sea squirts." After extreme weather events like cyclones, large numbers can be dislodged from rocks and wash ashore, where they die and decompose, releasing a foul smell. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Soon after the start of the pandemic, as Covid-19 spread its trail of death and devastation around the planet, I came across the draft of a scientific paper online. Couched in cautious language and written by little-known biologists, it challenged the overwhelming consensus on the origins of this sinister new virus. The implications were explosive. The paper asked if the virus could have come from a laboratory rather than an animal, infected by a bat virus, on sale in a wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The authors said it was 'surprising' the virus seemed 'already pre-adapted to human transmission' and suggested all possible routes for transmission of the virus from bats should be examined including the theory that Covid resulted from a laboratory leak. It seemed like common sense. The disease erupted far from the habitats of infected bats and Wuhan was home to a secretive institute with the world's biggest repository of bat coronaviruses where scientists carried out risky research. Yet such theories were, at the time, condemned by many experts and much of the media as 'racist' and part of a 'Right-wing conspiracy' to blame China for the pandemic. Zoonotic spillover transmission of a virus from an animal to a human was promoted as far and away the most likely cause. My story raising the possibility of a lab leak was published in May 2020 by The Mail on Sunday. Eight days later, Chinese officials confirmed the Wuhan wet market was a spreader not the original source of Sars-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes Covid-19. This catapulted one of the paper's authors into the centre of a toxic debate on Covid's origin simply for stating an obvious truth: that scientists should follow all the evidence. My story raising the possibility of a lab leak was published in May 2020 by The Mail on Sunday. Pictured: Disinfection of a residential community during Covid lockdown in 2022 in Shanghai, China Alina Chan (pictured), then 31, a Canadian molecular biologist, was daring to challenge some of the biggest names in science The paper asked if the virus could have come from a laboratory rather than an animal, infected by a bat virus, on sale in a wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan (pictured in 2020) Alina Chan, then 31, a Canadian molecular biologist, was daring to challenge some of the biggest names in science including veteran US presidential adviser Anthony Fauci and the bosses of the biggest US and UK research funding bodies. 'I was a nobody with maybe 200 friends on Twitter. But my take as a scientist was never to lie,' she told me when we met over lunch in Boston last month. Then she laughed. 'That sounds so basic, doesn't it but now we know lots of scientists do lie and spread misinformation. Who could have known there was a real conspiracy among very powerful scientists to bury the lab leak hypothesis?' In an explosive Mail on Sunday interview earlier this month, the expert who led the key US public health body when the pandemic erupted accused Fauci of leading a group of scientists in pushing the debunked theory of zoonotic spillover. Robert Redfield, a world-renowned virologist, says they sought to distract focus from US funding for controversial 'gain of function' research (in which an organism's genes are altered to boost infectivity or other characteristics). Federal funding for this was banned in America between 2014 and 2017. He said he is now 'one hundred per cent' convinced Covid-19 was the result of bat virus researchers becoming infected at Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). He alleged also that security services in the West colluded in a cover-up to protect agents inside China's military-linked laboratories. Now Redfield's charges have been reinforced by Mail on Sunday revelations that former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove told Downing Street early in the pandemic that the virus was engineered in Wuhan only for his claim to be reportedly squashed by Lord Vallance, the chief scientific adviser since appointed as Labour's science minister. As Redfield says, this debate over Covid origins helped corrode public trust in science in the pandemic. Yet Alina Chan has emerged as one of the few heroes by standing her ground in defence of science against the likes of Fauci, who was rattled enough to publicly criticise her as 'a pretty fuzzy person'. Her stance led to death threats, attempts to get her sacked from a prestigious institution and a torrent of online abuse inflamed by the Chinese dictatorship. She refused to yield, although at one point she thought about changing her name to avoid Beijing's revenge. 'It was really scary. I was labelled a race traitor. China's government hates people of Asian descent who speak out against them.' In an explosive Mail on Sunday interview earlier this month, the expert who led the key US public health body when the pandemic erupted accused veteran US presidential adviser Anthony Fauci (pictured) of leading a group of scientists in pushing the debunked theory of zoonotic spillover Robert Redfield (pictured), a world-renowned virologist, says they sought to distract focus from US funding for controversial 'gain of function' research Bizarrely, however, her greatest foes were a cabal of prominent Western scientists pushing the theory of zoonotic spillover at the Wuhan market through patsy media and journals leading to frequent clashes with Dr Chan on social media. It has since emerged several had links to Fauci then head of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the world's biggest biomedical research agency and Sir Jeremy Farrar, the chief scientist at the World Health Organisation who at the time led the Wellcome Trust, Europe's biggest medical research charity. 'The Chinese government could not have asked for better co-operation from the West in their cover-up,' said Dr Chan bluntly. Today she has tens of thousands of social media followers, has published a book with British science writer Matt Ridley on the search for Covid origins, and often appears in the media. Yet when the pandemic exploded, she was setting out on her academic career as a post-doctoral fellow at a gene therapy lab at Broad Institute, a research unit linked to both Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Like many scientists, she was intrigued by this arrival of a new virus. She did not expect the pre-print a common practice in science to publish the draft of an article she co-authored to get much attention. But then she posted a thread explaining their analysis on Twitter, which led to my Mail on Sunday story. 'Suddenly there were so many scientists attacking me, saying I wrote the pre-print for attention. Nothing could have been further from the truth,' she said. The intensity of the furore led to sleepless nights. 'I was terrified. I'd never met any of these people and they were all piling on me for simply laying out the facts and saying both natural and lab origins should be on the table.' Now Redfield's charges have been reinforced by Mail on Sunday revelations that former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove (pictured) told Downing Street early in the pandemic that the virus was engineered in Wuhan His claim was reportedly squashed by Lord Vallance (pictured), the chief scientific adviser since appointed as Labour's science minister She is right: it made no scientific sense to squash the lab leak theory given the lack of evidence for the alternative. Yet she had stepped into a minefield by challenging the powerful consensus pushed by Fauci and his circle. Dr Chan fought back on social media. Her tweets became a catalyst for the 'Drastic' group of internet sleuths who dug out evidence to support the lab leak theory, such as a Chinese medical thesis discovered by an Indian former science teacher called Prasenjit Ray. This detailed how, in 2012, three miners died of a strange respiratory disease, eerily similar to Covid, caught while clearing bat droppings in a cave network in southern China. They were among six miners infected seemingly with a Sars-like virus in an abandoned copper mine where scientists from WIV had sampled the closest known relative of Sars-Cov-2. Dr Chan who had ten years of schooling in Chinese after growing up in Singapore read and translated this thesis, along with other key documents, as her obsession to find the truth took off. 'I thought, 'Holy s***: there's terrible stuff happening here that Wuhan scientists are not letting on'. The closest relative to Sars-Cov-2 was from this mine and they were not telling us about it.' The lab leak theory grew stronger with each new piece of evidence. First, the virus was found to have a feature that made it ultra-infectious to humans, yet was not found on hundreds of most similar coronaviruses seen as a 'smoking gun' pointing to engineering by some experts'. Then came discovery WIV had sought US funding to insert this defining feature into Sars-like viruses in 2018 one year before the virus emerged in their city. The request was rejected as too risky, but WIV's top bat researcher refused to comment when asked if they pushed ahead anyway. Today Dr Chan has tens of thousands of social media followers, has published a book with British science writer Matt Ridley on the search for Covid origins (pictured), and often appears in the media She said: 'I thought, 'Holy s***: there's terrible stuff happening here that Wuhan scientists are not letting on'. The closest relative to Sars-Cov-2 was from this mine and they were not telling us about it'. Pictured: Security personnel outside Wuhan Institute of Virology in February 2021 In March 2020, The Lancet published a notorious letter condemning 'conspiracy theories suggesting that Covid-19 does not have a natural origin'. It was signed by 27 scientists including Sir Jeremy Farrar and two Wellcome Trust colleagues. It was later found to have been organised by Peter Daszak, a British zoologist whose US-based EcoHealth Alliance channelled US taxpayer dollars to WIV and assisted their research. That same month, a commentary signed by five leading scientists was published in Nature Medicine dismissing the plausibility of 'any laboratory-based scenario'. Then it emerged Fauci and Farrer were behind this influential article, following a call they organised that involved Lord Vallance. Yet even as they were putting their names to it, one author privately told others a lab link was 'so friggin' likely'. And Farrar highlighted 'Wild West' biosecurity in Wuhan to a colleague. 'This showed there was a conspiracy,' said Dr Chan. 'The cover-up was not just a China issue and it was morally repugnant.' Her foes tried to get her fired. Then she was warned by her bosses to be extra vigilant about security because of all the threats she was receiving. 'Not only was I saying a lab leak was plausible, but I was daring to say what everyone knew to be true: that Chinese scientists were not being straight with us. We'd seen they were hiding things. They live in an authoritarian regime. 'I feel more pity for the Chinese scientists because they have no choice than the Western scientists who acted like they did.' In March 2020, The Lancet published a notorious letter condemning 'conspiracy theories suggesting that Covid-19 does not have a natural origin'. It was signed by 27 scientists including Sir Jeremy Farrar (pictured) At first Dr Chan simply thought the lab leak hypothesis should not be discounted without sufficient evidence, but now she is almost certain Covid resulted from a research accident. Pictured: Firefighters preparing to conduct disinfection in Wuhan in April 2020 At first Dr Chan simply thought the lab leak hypothesis should not be discounted without sufficient evidence, but now she is almost certain Covid resulted from a research accident. 'It is not quite case closed I would say it is 99 per cent certain.' The CIA, many experts and much of the public now share her suspicion yet Dr Chan saw job opportunities and collaborations vanish in the aftermath of her intervention. 'Lots of doors were closed in my face,' she said. Now she is leaving academia to focus full-time on biosecurity. 'We need to confirm the origins of a pandemic that killed 20million-plus people to gain enough energy on this issue to change policy to prevent future lab outbreaks.' She says it has been shocking to discover 'a lot of people in science are not on the side of truth.' Sadly, Dr Chan is right and that's why her fight over Covid origins is so important in the struggle to salvage public trust in science. Although Dr Fauci, Lord Vallance, and EcoHealth Alliance were approached for comment by the Mail prior to publication, no response was received. The WHO, where Sir Jeremy Farrar is now chief scientist, says its position has not changed on the debate over Covid origins: 'WHO has always and consistently stated that, to advance knowledge on the origin of SARS-CoV-2, we needed and still need studies and WHO continues to call on China to share all information it has on the origins of COVID-19, so that all hypotheses can be investigated.' Dr Fauci has previously insisted he was 'proactive' in making sure the Chinese lab leak hypothesis was probed and that claims he used grant money to influence scientists on the issue were 'preposterous'. He has strongly denied suppressing the lab leak theory, telling a US House of Representatives panel last June that he never influenced research on the origins of the virus. He has been praised by medical leaders for his commitment to evidence-based science. Lord Vallance told a Commons committee in May 2023 he believed Sars-CoV-2 was 'most likely' to have spilled over naturally from bats. He added that he believed gain-of-function research to be 'incredibly important' for science. She'd never even kissed her husband properly before they married. And so on her wedding night, Princess Marie Bonaparte was shocked by what occurred in the bedroom. 'You took me that night in a short, brutal gesture, as if forcing yourself,' she later wrote to her spouse, Prince George of Greece. 'Then you apologised "I hate it as much as you do. But we must do it if we are to have children".' So began the bizarre marriage of Prince Philip's aunt and uncle, in whose life he was entangled for the first ten years of his life. Princess Marie, colossally wealthy, was Philip's benefactor and saviour. It was her money which put a roof over his head when his parents were kicked out of Greece in 1922, and her money which paid for his private schooling. Philip, his sisters and their parents, Prince and Princess Andrew of Greece, took refuge in a house on Marie's estate in Saint-Cloud, a suburb of Paris. And as he grew up, across the shaved lawns came whispered words of the strange sexual antics of his aunt and uncle. Prince George of Greece, the younger brother of Philip's dad, was gay and in love with his uncle. The uncle, Prince Valdemar of Denmark, was 11 years older and, though chiefly homosexual, not averse to having fun with the opposite sex. And that included George's wife Princess Marie. Princess Marie, Prince George, Valdemar (with his arm through George's) and Valdemar's wife Marie Bonaparte, the French author and psychoanalyst with her husband Prince George Prince Valdemar of Denmark; Czarevitch Nicholas II of Russia; Prince George of Greece; Prince Nicholas of Greece; and Prince Carl of Denmark in 1893 On one occasion, husband, uncle and wife had a threesome 'the deep sweet joy of a tete-a-tete a trois,' Marie described it in her diary. 'George, myself and sweet Valdemar.' According to Marie's biographer Celia Bertin, 'The next day she noted down what she described as an evening scene Valdemar and George entering her room where she was lying on a chaise longue, Valdemar kissing her and George refusing to kiss her the way his uncle did.' She goes on to describe their activities as 'these amorous games with Valdemar,' while carefully avoiding the word incest. But, by any standards, such occasions must rank as a first in terms of royal sexual liberation. Marie was the great-grand-niece of Emperor Napoleon I. Her maternal grandfather was the extremely wealthy developer of the Monte Carlo Casino, and from him she inherited a vast fortune. George was the relatively poor son of King Constantine I of Greece and a naval officer when he met Marie a meeting fixed up by their parents with a single purpose in mind, in which neither was consulted. But there was a dark secret, hiding in plain sight. George had been in love with his uncle Valdemar his father's youngest brother since he was 14 and sent to Denmark to train for the navy. He went to stay with Valdemar, then an admiral in the Danish navy, at his home, Bernstorff Castle. 'From the day we met, from that moment on, I loved him and I have never had any other friend than him,' he later confessed to Marie. Prince Philip of Greece (second from left), later Duke of Edinburgh, with his schoolmates at the MacJannet American school in Saint-Cloud, Paris, in 1929 Wedding of Prince George of Greece and Princess Marie Bonaparte in 1907 Prince George of Greece with his wife, Princess Marie Bonaparte It was important for the couple to have an heir and along came Prince Peter in 1909 Prince Philip as a young boy in traditional Greek costume in 1930 So much did he love his uncle, he invited him along on their honeymoon. And each summer for many years after, he'd leave the couple's home in France and travel to Bernstorff so he could link up with Valdemar. Marie, the dutiful wife, tagged along. Valdemar's wife also called Marie was the first to explain to Marie Bonaparte the intimacy which united uncle and nephew, one so deep that at the end of each yearly visit to Bernstorff, George would burst into tears while Valdemar would become physically ill. 'The women learned the patience not to intrude upon their husbands' private moments,' wrote biographer Celia Bertin. 'During the first of these visits, Marie Bonaparte and Valdemar found themselves engaging in the kind of passionate intimacies she had looked forward to with her husband who, however, only seemed to enjoy them vicariously, sitting or lying beside his wife and uncle.' Weirdly, on a later visit, Marie Bonaparte desperate to find sexual satisfaction for herself carried on a passionate flirtation with Prince Aage, Valdemar's eldest son. 'In neither case does it appear that George objected, or felt obliged to give the matter any attention,' adds Celia Bertin. Marie remained outwardly faithful to her husband. And to the outside world the marriage was a huge success, lasting fifty years. But she was the one who held the purse-strings, and in her search for satisfaction she embarked on a series of affairs. The men she bedded were a varied bunch, including Sigmund Freud's friend Rudolph Loewenstein, French prime minister Aristide Briand, a prominent married French physician only ever referred to as 'X' - and her husband's aide-de-camp, Captain Lembessis, of whom she confided to her diary: 'Scenes in my room during the night. Ej. praecox (premature ejaculation)'. 'Her love affairs were always decidedly unsuccessful,' added Celia Bertin drily. Sigmund Freud, the eminent psychologist, became her friend but despite his considered advice and a series of peculiar operations to alter her genitalia, Marie was never able to find true satisfaction though her lifelong quest caused her to write some powerful and thoroughly-researched books. Meanwhile back in Paris, her nephew Prince Philip stayed at the Saint-Cloud house until when, just short of his 10th birthday, he moved to Britain to continue his education. But he always fondly remembered the kindness of Marie and Prince George and when he married Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, in 1947, they were guests of honour at Westminster Abbey. They came again as honoured guests to Elizabeth's Coronation in 1953 though ever-unconventional Marie found more to interest her in whispered chats with her next-door neighbour in the Cathedral than in the world spectacle which unfolded before her. Marie Bonaparte died in France at the age of 80 in 1962 and despite their bedroom difficulties she was reunited with Prince George in his tomb in the Greek royal burial ground at Tatoi Palace, near Athens. Like giant frozen time capsules, Europe's glaciers have locked away countless secrets from the past. Perfectly preserved in the ice, artefacts which would normally rot within centuries can survive for millennia. But as the climate warms and the ice retreats, archaeologists are now scrambling to recover thousands of objects suddenly emerging from the deep freeze. From a mysterious medieval shoe to the aftermath of an unsolved murder, these unique objects offer a rare glimpse into the distant past. But it's not all ancient history - the ice has also revealed some strange and terrifying reminders of very recent events. Dr Lars Holger Pil, co-director of the Secrets of the Ice project in Norway, told MailOnline: 'They often look as if they were lost yesterday, yet many are thousands of years old, having been frozen in time by the ice. 'This extraordinary preservation provides unique insights into past human activities in the mountains, from fine details such as changes in arrow technology to broader patterns of trade and travel across the landscape.' So, can you tell what these strange items really are? Scroll down for the answers! 1. This object was found on the Otzi glacier in Italy in 1991 and is believed to be 5,300 years old. Can you guess what it is? Otzi the Iceman was an 'ice mummy' who was buried inside a glacier in Italy for thousands of years, before he was discovered by hikers in 1991. Thanks to the unique climate conditions of the glacier, his body and everything he had on him at the time of death are almost perfectly preserved. Katharina Hersel, research coordinator at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology where Otzi is kept today, told MailOnline: 'The extraordinarily well-preserved state of Otzi is due to an almost unbelievable series of coincidences. 'He died at a very high and remote mountain pass, underwent freeze-drying immediately after death, was covered by snow or ice that protected him from scavengers, and, crucially, was sheltered in a rocky hollow, preventing him from being transported downhill by a moving glacier.' In addition to this rather striking hat, Otzi wore a goat and sheep leather coat and shoes specially designed for crossing the freezing terrain of the glacier. 'His clothing was practical but also had symbolic or decorative elements, such as different-coloured strips of goat fur on his coat, a bear fur cap worn with the fur outward, and insulated shoes designed for grip on slippery and steep terrain,' says Ms Hershel. Normally, when archaeologists find human remains, they are buried with ceremonial items relevant to their status in society. But, since Otzi was never buried, the objects and clothes he had on him are a unique view of everyday life in the Copper Age. 2. Theses strange objects was also found on the Otzi glacier and all have a common connection. Can you tell what it is? Otzi the Iceman Since his discovery in 1991 by German hikers, Otzi has provided a window into early human history. His mummified remains were uncovered in a melting glacier in the border between Austria and Italy. Analysis of the body has told us that he was alive during the Copper Age and died a grisly death. Advertisement Around his body, archaeologists found the oldest preserved hunting equipment in the world. This included a knife and a sheath, a bow with its string, fletched arrows, a preserved axe, and even a travel medicine kit containing birch bark and mushrooms. However, while the details of Otzi's life are of great archaeological importance, the circumstances surrounding his death are even more fascinating. During a forensic examination, scientists found a 2-centimetre-long flint arrowhead embedded in his back. The researchers concluded that the injury wouldn't have killed him right away but instead would have caused nerve damage and paralysis. This means that Otzi, for reasons we can never know, was shot in the back and left to die a slow, painful death on top of the glacier where he was found. But what was a tragedy for Otzi is a huge boon for modern-day archaeologists. Ms Hershel says: 'Otzi's body was taken straight from life by murder and remains as he died. For archaeology, Otzi provides a unique window into the Copper Age. We can understand how carefully and thoughtfully people of his time dressed in daily life and what their equipment looked like.' 3. This is just one of the 4,500 objects found by archaeologists on eight glaciers in Innlandet County, Norway. Can you figure out what it is, and why it is one of the researchers' favourite discoveries? Why are we finding objects on glaciers? Objects frozen in glaciers are preserved for thousands of years. As the glaciers thaw amid rising temperatures, they release the objects that had been locked inside the ice. Glaciers are retreating at a fast pace, especially in the Alps where they may vanish entirely within decades. This means that artefacts are emerging faster than ever before. The Secrets of the Ice project in Norway has already found over 4,500 different objects since 2016. Advertisement The next item is just one of the 4,500 artefacts that archaeologists have found on eight glaciers in Innlandet County, Norway. However, of all those unique discoveries, Dr Pil says that this is probably his favourite. The object is a shoe discovered in 2019 on the ice in a mountain pass which has been dated to the third century AD. 'What makes it truly fascinating is its design, which shows a clear influence from contemporary Roman footwear,' says Dr Pil. 'Similar shoes have been found at the Roman fort at Vindolanda in England. That really makes you stop and think. 'How did a Roman-style shoe end up on the ice in Norway?' This frozen artefact is also a piece of ancient footwear, but one with a very different use. This 40cm by 30cm ring of juniper and twisted birch roots was discovered in 2019 when it emerged from a glacier. 4. This strange hoop is made of woven juniper and birch roots and was found on the Lendbreen Pass, a lost Viking route through the high Norwegian mountains. What do you think it was used for? Dr Pil and the other archaeologists from Secrets of the Ice believe that it was a snowshoe for horses to help them cross the glacier. The snowshoe strongly resembles similar footwear which was developed in the 18th century, but this is likely to be much older. In a statement at the time, the archaeologists say: 'Based on other finds here, it is probably from the Viking age or the medieval period.' The shoe was found on the Lendbreen Pass, an important route through the high Norwegian mountains from the Roman era until the late Middle Ages. While the Lebredeen Pass was previously lost under the ice, the glacier's retreat has revealed evidence of a busy route including clothing, frozen horse dung, and even a small stone shelter for travellers. Dating to around the third century AD, the unlucky horse that lost this shoe was probably one of the first pack animals to make the dangerous crossing. While some of the items emerging from the ice are mysterious, there won't be any prizes for guessing the next item. This is a Viking sword made of iron which has been kept in unusually good condition by the cold climate of the glacier. 5. This striking artefact was discovered in an unusual location at 1,600 meters (5,250 ft), leaving archaeologists baffled. Do you know what it is? Beyond its fantastic condition, there is nothing particularly special about this sword as it is a fairly standard design for a Viking warrior. However, what makes this item so strange is where it was found. The sword was found by a reindeer hunter at 1,600 meters (5,250 ft) - higher than the peak of Mount Washington in British Columbia. Since there is no sign of a battle or burial nearby, it remains unclear why a Viking would have carried their sword to such a remote location only to abandon it. In a blog post revealing the discovery, Dr Pilw wrote: 'This could suggest that the person who left behind the sword was lost, maybe in a snow blizzard. 'It seems likely that the sword belonged to a Viking who died on the mountain, perhaps from exposure. 'However, if that is indeed the case, was he travelling in the high mountains with only his sword? It is a bit of a mystery.' What makes some of these frozen artefacts so interesting is that they offer a snapshot of a way of living that is vanishing into the past. 6. This strange object baffled archaeologists when they first found it in the ice and its use was only revealed when an elderly visitor saw it in a local museum. Would you be able to figure out what this 1,000-year-old artefact was used for? However, that makes some of the objects which emerge from glaciers rather hard to identify. When the Secrets of the Ice team first put this simple wooden stick on display at a local museum, they actually had no clue what it was. The mystery was only solved when an elderly visitor told the baffled archaeologists that she had used a similar device growing up on a farm in the 1930s. While it looks like a simple dowel, it is actually a bit used for young animals such as sheep and goats to stop them from getting milk from their mothers. String would fasten in the carved furrows at either end of the stick which was then looped around the animal's ears. By controlling when the young animals could feed, that meant humans could harvest the milk for themselves. The only difference to the bits from the 1930s is that this artefact dates back to the 11th century AD, making it more than 1,000 years old. However, not everything emerging from the glaciers is quite as ancient. 7. This image was taken of a startling archaeological discovery on the Presena Glacier,Italy in 2012, do you know what it might show? In fact, archaeologists are now finding some artefacts which tell us a lot more about our recent history. A strange collection of objects and bodies is all that is left of the so-called 'White War' which raged in the high mountains of the Italian Alps during WWI. Between 1915 and 1917 Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops fought a bloody battle at altitudes well above 2,000m in which countless men were shot, starved, or froze to death. However, just like Otzi the Iceman, when those soldiers died their bodies were perfectly preserved in the glacier. Historians have been collecting material from the mountains ever since, with regular finds since the early 1990s. The most recent two soldiers to be uncovered, found side-by-side in 2012 on the Presena Glacier, were as young as 16 and 18 when they went to fight on the bitter Italian front and were buried by fellow fighters in a crevice. Archaeologists who studied their bones to age the bodies said both were shot in the head in 1918. 8. Not every artefact emerging from the ice is ancient. Can you recognise this surprising modern discovery also from the Presena Glacier? One of the young men still had a spoon tucked into his uniform for digging away at rations. Archaeologists have also found equipment that was either abandoned or dropped during the fighting. Finds include everything from guns and ammunition, lamps, boxes or rations, and even a remarkably intact letter from a soldier to his lover. On the peak of Punta Linke, historians uncovered an entire cableway station concealed beneath the ice, with soldiers' letters still pinned to the walls. Although identifying objects preserved by glaciers is usually a job for archaeologists, this final discovery was actually a job for the police. In 2017, workers at the Glacier 3000 ski resort in Switzerland stumbled upon a strange and terrifying scene - two mummified bodies were emerging from the rapidly thawing ice. However, what the worker had found was not the scene of a recent crime, but of an extremely cold case. Police in the canton of Valais confirmed through DNA testing that the two bodies belonged to Marcelin Dumoulin, 40, and his wife, Francine, a 37-year-old teacher. 9. When this suprising discovery was made on the Tsanfleuron glacier in Swizerland it wasn't archaeologists but the police who were called in. Can you tell why? 10. This enigmatic object was found in the same spot on the Tsanfleuron glacier near the Glacier 3000 ski resort. Can you spot what was so strange about it? Marcelin and Francine had gone missing while hiking across the Tsanfleuron glacier to milk their cows back in 1942. The couple were dressed in well-preserved WWII-era clothing and were carrying a book and a pocket watch which helped police identify them. Although they had been missing for over 75 years, the intense cold meant they were immaculately preserved. As they froze, water was squeezed out of their tissues as ice which sublimated directly into a gas as it met the low moisture surrounding air. This freeze-drying process meant that their bodies were both dried and frozen so that they could still be identified over seven decades later. The crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule sent to retrieve two astronauts stranded in space for nine months were greeted by an 'alien' as they docked at the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronaut Nick Hague, who was already aboard the ISS, gave the incoming crew an extraterrestrial welcome by donning an alien mask for their arrival. The SpaceX Dragon crew successfully reached the station after taking off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Their mission was to deliver four new astronauts to the ISS and bring home stranded crew member Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Wilmore swung open the space station's hatch and then rang the ship's bell as the new arrivals floated in one by one and were greeted with hugs and handshakes. "It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive," Williams told Mission Control after their arrival. Williams and Wilmore will spend the next few days helping their incoming colleagues become acclimated with the space station. The two astronauts, along with Hague and cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, can then begin their return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon Capsule as early as Wednesday. The pair have been stranded in orbit since June 5, with SpaceX owner Elon Musk and others claiming they were left on the ISS for political reasons, although this has been refuted by the astronauts. The crew aboard a SpaceX rocket sent to retrieve two astronauts who have been stranded in space for nine months were greeted by an 'alien' as they docked at the International Space Station NASA astronaut Nick Hague, who was already aboard the ISS, gave the incoming crew an extraterrestrial welcome by donning an alien mask for their arrival There were joyful scenes as the incoming Crew-10 arrived to the ISS and was greeted by those already on board Crew-10 includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan 's Takuya Onishi, and Russia 's Kirill Pesko (seen in blue jumpsuits) The Dragon capsule docked at 12:04am ET on Sunday following a 28 hour journey It is hoped that Williams and Wilmore will be able to begin their return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon Capsule as early as Wednesday They have been aboard the ISS with NASA astronauts Hague and Don Pettit and Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and Aleksandr Gorbunov. The incoming Crew-10 is composed of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Pesko. The Dragon capsule docked at the ISS just after 12:04am ET after a more than 28 hour journey. Williams and Wilmore were only expected to be in orbit for eight days. But the Boeing Starliner capsule which delivered them to the ISS encountered so many problems that NASA insisted it come back empty, leaving its test pilots behind to wait for a SpaceX lift. The new crew from the SpaceX capsule will spend the next six months at the space station, which is considered the normal stint. Their arrival comes after several setbacks for the relief mission, the most recent of which saw the flight scrapped at the eleventh hour on Wednesday, due to a hydraulic system issue with the Falcon 9 rocket. NASA had moved up the return mission by two weeks after after President Trump told Musk to 'go get' Williams and Wilmore. Before the president's request, the astronauts were not coming back earlier than March 26. 'It's been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us,' Williams said of her family. The mission became a flashpoint during the election after Trump and Musk claimed the astronauts had been left languishing in space for political reasons. Musk said he offered to bring the astronauts home eight months ago, but the Biden Administration shot it down because it would've made Trump 'look good' in the presidential race against former vice president Kamala Harris. The hatch was opened after carrying out 'extensive' pressurizing and leak check procedures The crew were see n anxiously awaiting the new arrivals near the docking hatch NASA 's beleaguered mission to rescue two stranded astronauts finally successfully launched on Friday Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were original scheduled for an eight-day mission, but were forced to stay after technical issues plagued the Boeing's Starliner that brought them to the ISS NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission will replace Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and two other astronauts aboard the International Space Station with four new crewmembers Commander and NASA astronaut, Barry "Butch" E. Wilmore (R) is a step closer to being reunited with his wife and daughters. Pictured: The family in 2016 Sunita Williams (R) with her family. She will hopefully be returning home to them soon, as well as her husband Michael During a recent press briefing, Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of the NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, admitted that there 'may have been conversations' in the Biden White House about delaying the return for political optics of having Trump's most famous donor save the day, but he was not part of the discussions. The Crew-10 launch occurred as Wilmore and Williams were asleep in their daily schedule on the station, Dina Contellam deputy manager of NASA's ISS program, told reporters after the launch. Having seen their mission turn into a normal NASA rotation to the ISS, Wilmore and Williams have been doing scientific research and conducting routine maintenance with the other five astronauts. Williams told reporters earlier this month that she was looking forward to returning home to see her two dogs and family including her husband Michael and mom Bonnie. Wilmore has two teenage daughters who he shares with wife Deanna. 'We've had so many changes and it's a bit mentally exhausting,' his daughter Daryn told E! News about the ongoing saga. The world's friendliest country for expats has been revealed in a survey - with a Central American destination topping the list. The result comes from a survey by InterNations, an expat guide, which asked foreign residents in 53 countries around the globe to rate their new home. Expats were asked about their social life, whether they felt at home, how easy it was to get used to the culture and the friendliness of the local population. So, where are the friendliest places to move as an expat? The friendliest... Costa Rica Costa Rica reigns supreme as the friendliest country in the world to relocate as an expat. The vast majority of expats (88 per cent) feel 'very welcome' in Costa Rica while 83 per cent say they feel at home there. The world's friendliest country for expats has been revealed in a survey by InterNations, with Costa Rica top of the list. One expat describes the locals as 'generally, gentle, lovely people'. Pictured above is Jaco Beach More than a third (35 per cent) think it's very easy to get used to the local culture, compared to just 21 per cent worldwide. A Canadian expat tells InterNations: 'The locals are generally gentle, lovely people. You learn to adapt to a 'Pura Vida' life in Costa Rica.' Nine in ten expats rate the local residents as friendly which means it's little surprise that 58 per cent say that finding local friends is easy. Mexico Mexico takes second place in the ranking with top marks for its friendly residents. Almost 75 per cent (73 per cent) of expats are happy with their social life in Mexico while 85 per cent feel welcome there. Making local friends is easy according to 67 per cent of expats, while 31 per cent say the majority of their friends are Mexican - much higher than the global average of 17 per cent. A U.S expat tells InterNations: 'Social connections seem important to people here, so they are eager to make new friends, including expats.' In Mexico, 73 per cent of expats feel positively about their social life while 85 per cent feel welcome. Pictured above is Mexico City The Philippines ranks third on the list, as more than two in five expats (41 per cent) say they are mostly friends with local residents. Pictured above is Palawan The Philippines More than two in five expats (41 per cent) in the Philippines, which ranks third on the list, say they are mostly friends with local residents. Just under 70 per cent (69 per cent) of expats say making local friends in the Philippines is easy while 68 per cent are happy with their social life in the southeast Asian country. A British expat reveals to InterNations: 'I love the free and easy lifestyle. Everybody is open for a chat.' Nearly four in five expats feel welcome there (85 per cent) and just under 80 per cent (78 per cent) say they feel at home in the Philippines. The least friendly... Kuwait Kuwait ranks as the least friendly country for expats. Only a quarter of expats feel welcome there (26 per cent) and half (49 per cent) don't feel at home there. Kuwait lands bottom on the list with only 22 per cent of expats saying they are happy with their social life there. Pictured above is Kuwait City Just under half (47 per cent) of those surveyed say it's difficult to get used to the local culture while only 22 per cent are happy with their social life in Kuwait. More than half (53 per cent) of the expats surveyed say they are only friends with other foreign residents in the Middle Eastern country. This could be because 61 per cent of expats say it is difficult to make friends with local residents in Kuwait. Norway Norway ranks second last on the list. Expats find it very difficult to make local friends in the Nordic country with 67 per cent saying they find it a challenge, while 49 per cent are unhappy with their social life. Less than half of those living in Norway (49 per cent) feel at home while 40 per cent find the local population unfriendly. Expats also find it tricky to get used to the local culture in Norway - and language skills don't seem to help. A Kenyan expat tells InterNations: 'No matter how advanced my Norwegian language skills are, I still can't seem to make Norwegian friends.' Less than half of expats living in Norway feel at home there, while 40 per cent find the local population unfriendly. Pictured above is Bergen Germany ranks poorly, coming third from bottom for friendliness. 32 per cent of expats say they don't feel welcome there. Pictured above is Berlin Germany Germany also ranks poorly, coming third from bottom for friendliness with 32 per cent of expats saying they don't feel welcome there. Fewer than 40 per cent (39 per cent) of expats find local residents friendly while 65 per cent say they struggle to make local friends in Germany. A Czech expat reveals to InterNations: 'Its hard to make friends with Germans, as they usually have their circle of friends from kindergarten or school.' TV fans can't stop rewatching 'one of the best shows ever made' and it has been made free to stream. Political drama Boss first hit screens back in 2011 and has since seen two seasons starring Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer, 70. It follows Mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey) as he presides over Chicago while dealing with Lewy body dementia - a diagnosis he has hidden from his political team and his wife. The hit originally aired on Starz and is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. Alongside Kelsey, other cast members include Gladiator star Connie Nielsen, Canadian actress Kathleen Robertson and Hannah Ware. Jeff Hephner, Francis Guinan and Martin Donovan also star. Fans of the show have raved about Boss online over the years, and the drama scores a highly respectable 81% on Rotten Tomatoes. Political drama Boss first hit screens back in 2011 and has since seen two seasons starring Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer (pictured) It follows Mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey) as he presides over Chicago while dealing with Lewy body dementia - a diagnosis he has hidden from his political team and his wife The mid 2000s hit originally aired on NBC and is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video One watcher penned on Google: 'One of the best shows ever seen on tv! The cast awesome and I love getting to know how city government works at its best and worst. I could watch this show over and over for years to come. 'Too bad it just couldn't last past two seasons. Too bad, because the writers are geniuses, and this show could have been another Law and Order SVU and last til eternity. Every actor portrayed was my favorite, and every story line was captivating.' Another compared Boss to American drama series Breaking Bad and wrote: 'This show is AMAZING!!!! A true 5 star! 'I wish the series was still on because I put it up there with Dexter and Breaking Bad.' 'This show is amazing the characters are really convincing, Kelsey Grammer is the best in this. One thing I can say is you cannot mess with the mayor, the way how he gathered them up all together priceless. 'The payback for being backstab, lied to cheating and going behind his back, everyone is getting what they deserve.'; 'Boss is one of those shows you cannot get enough of. The super amazing and talented cast led by Kelsey Grammer - I wish that someone pulls back this show and see a third season. I recommend this show to all the people I know. It's excellent.' Someone else compared the series to legal drama Law and Order and wrote: 'Its up there with Law and Order. Kelsey Grammar was magnificent and the guy who played Ezra is definitely under rated. I am so upset that the show came to such an abrupt end.'; Fans of the show have raved about Boss online, including on Google reviews (pictured), over the years 'This was a great show! Very entertaining, gripping, suspenseful.... Kelsey Grammar was amazing! So disappointed they didn't go further with this series!!' Both seasons of Boss are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video - the first consisting of eight episodes and the second has ten. However, not everyone has been impressed with Boss and one viewer wrote on Google: 'It was good, but if you want an ending & answers to A LOT of the questions.... it never comes because it was cancelled. Would not recommend.'; 'Pretty one dimensional characters in my opinion. I just watched the first episode and have utterly no desire to watch anymore. 'Usually I try to suspend judgment for a couple of episodes but... nah, not this time. I'm from Chic too and it was fun to see 'home' but not that much. Brutal, dislikable, amoral people.' The first season currently scores 4.5 stars on the streaming platform and has hundreds of reviews while the second is rated 4 out of five. Another series that has proved to be popular on Amazon Prime Video is On Call which bagged a whopping 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The first season currently scores 4.5 stars on the streaming platform and has hundreds of reviews while the second is rated 4 out of five Both seasons of Boss are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video - the first consisting of eight episodes and the second has ten However, not everyone has been impressed with Boss some viewers also shared more negative verdicts on Google The drama originally aired on Starz back in 2011 but wrapped just a year later in 2012 On Call is an adrenalised procedural that takes us inside police squad cars and onto the streets with Long Beach Police. Through training officer Traci Harmon and rookie Alex Diaz, the series examines how the demands of the jobs bleed through to officers' personal lives. Tracey is enlightened by a kid from the streets, while Alex learns that policing isn't black and white and instead requires shades of grey. The eight half-hour episodes were created by American film and television producer Dick Wolf and have already found acclaim. Boss is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The secret hidden meaning behind the shattering ending of Netflix drama Adolescence has been revealed. The crime series, written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, hit our screens on the streaming service on Thursday and has already become a huge hit. Stephen has taken on the role of Eddie Miller, the dad of a young boy called Jamie (Owen Cooper), who is suspected of stabbing one of his classmates Katie (Emilia Holliday). The final episode sees Jamie admit that he did kill Katie and tells his dad that he will plead guilty. It closes out with an emotional rendition Through the Eyes of a Child, sang by Aurora, which describes the loss of a 'childlike soul.' The haunting track is is the first and only time that viewers hear Katie's voice in the series. The secret hidden meaning behind the shattering ending of Netflix drama Adolescence has been revealed Stephen Graham pays Eddie Miller, the dad of a young boy called Jamie (Owen Cooper), who is suspected of stabbing one of his classmates Katie (Emilia Holliday) Speaking in an interview with Netflix's Tudum, show director Philip Barantini revealed he heard the song around the time Jack sent him the script and knew it needed to be in the series. 'I couldnt stop thinking about it. Its just absolutely incredible,' he explained. 'The voice in the score is Katies voice. Katie is a part of the whole series. Her presence is always there.' Elsewhere, Stephen has shared the harrowing reason for making chart-topping new Netflix show and it will send shivers down parents spines. Viewers may be shocked to know what heartbreaking real-life incidents that resulted in the programme being made. Speaking with Radio Times, Stephen said: 'Where it came from, for me... 'Is there was an incident in Liverpool, a young girl, and she was stabbed to death by a young boy. 'I just thought, why? Then there was another young girl in south London who was stabbed to death at a bus stop.' Many have also taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the positive reviews. One wrote: 'The new Netflix show #Adolescence is a must watch in 2025.' The final episode sees Jamie admit that he did kill Katie and tells his dad that he will plead guilty It closes out with an emotional rendition of Auroras Through the Eyes of a Child sang by Emilia, which describes the loss of a 'childlike soul' and is the first time viewers hear Katie's voice He continued: 'And there was this thing up North, where that young girl Brianna Ghey was lured into the park by two teenagers, and they stabbed her. I just thought, whats going on? What is this thats happening?' 16-year-old Brianna, who was transgender, was killed on February 11 2023 in Culcheth, Warrington. Those who have watched the series have rushed to share their praise. The show has received 100% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as 95% on the Popcornmeter. Many have rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share how amazing they think the show is Another added: '@ashleywalters82 feel sick to my stomach ,first10minutes in! Never expected it to hit so hard already ! #Adolescence #parenting #Netflix.' A third chimed in: 'Netflix Adolescence. Just got through the series laying in bed sick. Steve Graham has absolutely captured today's teenagers in school. If you've sat through this and thought my kids aren't affected, you need to wake up & check in with your kids.' 'OMG!!!#Adolescence on Netflix is the most INCREDIBLE camera work Ive ever seen! ONE CAMERA.ONE SHOT??? Can you imagine.NO ONE can mess up! For so many hours!! Its amazing!!.' a fourth wrote. A fifth tweeted: 'Oh my ! #Adolescence simply wow ! Made all the better by the whole one shot only thing. Truly an incredible watch. Well done Stephen Graham and all involved.' For many bands it's creative differences, financial issues or burnout that leads to bickering and in-fighting. Yet for boyband Five, the argument they've been caught up in for more than a quarter of a century is far more simple - their name. Speaking to MailOnline, the group - consisting of Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Abz Love and Jason 'J' Brown - couldn't help but bicker as they revealed the correct way to spell their name. Five - who formed in 1997 and went on to sell more than 20 million records worldwide before they split in 2001 - have widely been known as 5ive. Fans of the band have been referring to them as such for decades, and even the group's Wikipedia page states the name is 'stylised as 5ive'. So last week, fans were left in shock when the group filmed a TikTok video captioned: 'when people call us 5ive instead of Five', showing them kicking bottles and hitting the wall in frustration. Five broke out into a row during an exclusive chat with MailOnline as they cleared up a 'silly' myth about the band that's plagued them for 26 years (left, Ritchie Neville, right, Sean Conlon) Such is the passionate defence that their name has been misstyled that when asked by MailOnline why they decided to 'drop the 5' from their name, Richie immediately exclaimed: 'We didn't!' Revealing they had never spelled their name that way, Scott explained that the trend started when they released their Slam Dunk (Da Funk) music video 26 years ago. He shared: 'In the video there is a 5 but it was never on one of our albums! it's wrong on Spotify, because it's got the 5. We are called F, I, V, E.' Admitting it had been a cause of contention between the group, Sean then said: 'I can't understand - now I know I'm gonna get a lot of backlash - you're going to attack me - I don't get what's so upsetting about it.' The group then immediately started bickering as J bellowed: 'I don't like it!' Scott added: 'It looks silly. Like 5Five. we're not called 5Five, we're called Five, please, please!' Slam Dunk (Da Funk) was Five's debut single and went on to hit number 10 on the UK Singles Chart. Charting in over 20 countries, Five are the only UK act to hit the Top 10 with all of their 11 singles, including three No 1s Last month, the group delighted fans when they announced they were reuniting as the full five-piece lineup after 25 years. Speaking to MailOnline, the group - (L-R Jason 'J' Brown, Sean, Abz Love, Scott Robinson and Ritchie Neville) - couldn't help but bicker as they revealed the correct way to spell their name How Five Kept On Moving: In a searingly honest chat the 90s icons reveal how they came back from 'rock bottom' and their VERY choice words for former mentor Simon Cowell as they reunite after 25 years Once known as 'the bad boys of pop', Five were as well known for their rambunctious attitude as their catchy top 10 hits. The band, formed of Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Abz Love and Jason 'J' Brown, proved to be a pop juggernaut of the Nineties, selling more than 20 million records worldwide and making history as the only UK act to hit the Top 10 with all of 11 singles. So naturally, fans were left devastated when the group disbanded in 2001 after a whirlwind four-year burst of fame. In the years that followed, they went on to reform with various lineups, gigging in smaller venues in the UK but never as the five-piece that saw them hit the big time. That is, until now. 25 years on and Five have reformed, J having made the decision to return to the band, with the group heading off on a UK tour later this year. With it being a quarter of a century since they burst into the limelight, I'm not quite sure what to expect when Five come to the Mail offices. Now a group of men in their late 40s, some of whom have settled down with wives and children, I'm intrigued to see where they see themselves in todays boyband landscape. In a searingly honest chat with MailOnline the 90s icons reveal how they came back from 'rock bottom' as they celebrated reuniting as a five-piece after 25 years Once known as 'the bad boys of pop', Five were as well known for their rambunctious attitude as their catchy top 10 hits (L-R Sean, J, Abz, Ritchie and Scott in 1999) Arguably, the scene is dominated by older groups now anyway. Among those drawing in the biggest crowds are the likes of Take That, Blue and McFly. So is that why Five suddenly felt the need to reform after all this time? That's not the case, insists Scott, 45, who reveals that talks of a reunion had been happening for years but never came to fruition. 'Suddenly, we're all aligned now,' he explains. 'We're all in the same place, we all want it at the same time. 'Something clicked and we understood that any negative feelings that we had between each other were whatever. 'We were just vulnerable children, and we weren't all to blame. So we forgive each other for anything that happened.' The chemistry between the group is undeniable. At times I find it hard to get a word in edgewise as they crack jokes, mock one another and even start playfighting. They may be 25 years older than when they last performed together, but it doesn't seem like much has changed between them. With that in mind, I'm keen to know if their past experience as a band has impacted how they tackle the tour this time around. 25 years on and Five have reformed, J having made the decision to return to the band, with the group heading off on a UK tour later this year and posed for an exclusive shoot with MailOnline It's clear they still hold the scars from their first brush with fame, with the group having touched on feeling like a product and struggling with their mental health in the documentary Boybands Forever. Abz, 45, admits he has mixed feelings about their past, confessing: 'As controversial as it may sound, if we could do it all again, I'd do it all differently. 'I don't mean it in a bad way, I mean in the sense of why would I do it all the same? 'There's nothing I regret - I think it's made us who we are and what we are. You have to touch that rock bottom to know that the only way out is.' It's been well documented now that boybands were worked to a point of physical and mental exhaustion in the Nineties. Asked what 'rock bottom' meant for them, Ritchie, 45, looks pained as he explains: 'The band took so much emotionally out of us.' While Scott adds: 'It was a very difficult psychological test.' The band's mental health struggles have been well documented over the years. Sean, 43, was the first member to leave in August 2001 after suffering a mental breakdown from stress and depression. Before that, Scott secretly wanted to leave after having similar mental health issues, but stayed on until the band officially folded in September 2001. Explaining how they've put boundaries in place to protect their mental health this time around, Scott shares: 'We have more respect for each other's feelings. 'You know, I never used to understand when Abz was quiet. One day, he'd be really loud, and we'd be like best friends, and the next day wouldn't speak to me. 'I wouldn't understand that so I'd take that to heart. Whereas now I understand Abz better as a human being, and I know that sometimes he needs that space. Now I give him that space that he deserves.' In the Boybands Forever documentary, Simon Cowell - who signed the band - was dismissive of many of the bands' plights, with the band issuing their response It's not just their attitude that has changed, but the world itself, as Ritchie muses: 'I feel the industry's changed. It seems a kinder place.' 'We're grown men now as well,' J, 48, says. 'We understand ourselves a lot better, and we're working on ourselves and our own minds.' Sean, 43, is in agreeance, as he adds: 'We massively appreciate what we've got. 'It's not that we were arrogant or big headed the first time around, we were just too young. 'We never had time to stop and really embrace what we'd done and what we had, now we've had time to process it. We never thought we'd have this opportunity again.' The dark side of Nineties boybands was explored in last year's Boybands Forever, in which Five offered up their experiences in the industry. In the same documentary, Simon Cowell - who signed the band - was dismissive of many of the bands' plights, noting that if you didn't want to deal with the downside of fame you shouldn't get into the industry in the first place. Hitting back at the media mogul's indifferent attitude, Ritchie muses: 'My only response to that is, how can you when you're 15. 17, or 20 years old, even conceive what those pressures could possibly be? 'All you see is the dream that you're sold, you're going to be a pop star or whatever - you can't possibly know. 'The support in those days, wasn't there - whether that's psychological support or whatever, it does seem to be there now.' It's been well documented now that boybands were worked to a point of physical and mental exhaustion in the Nineties, with Five being no exception Weighing in with an alternative opinion, Abz shares: 'On the flip side I think thank you for the opportunity as well. 'We're on both sides of the of the argument. But yeah, there is also that. So I don't get it from Yeah, it's just weird. It's just a strange feeling.' Taking any criticism in his stride, Sean laughs: 'We took his advice! We couldn't take the pressure so we got out!' It's clear that the band are in a stable place mentally and seem genuinely excited to get back out on tour. Although of course there will be cynics who see their reunion as nothing more of a money making exercise. Yet as J muses: 'If this was about the money, we'd have done it ages ago!' And it's hard to argue with Scott's logic as he laughs: 'You don't wait 25 years for a smash and grab!' Tickets to Five's Keep On Movin' 2025 Tour are available at www.itsfiveoffical.com The rise of the influencer has seen people increasingly sharing the intimate parts of their lives online. But whether it's through vlogging or simply updating huge numbers of followers as to when you might be on holiday, it could be having disastrous consequences. In the last few years, celebrity burglaries have been on the rise - with Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright and Danielle Fogarty all recently falling victim. Carl Fogarty's daughter Danielle revealed on Sunday that she had been burgled for a second time as she shared her smashed windows, while Made In Chelsea's Jamie stopped balaclava-wearing intruders from breaking into his London home just last week. A home security expert has now shed light on why celebrities are being targeted, as she shared the dangers of making your life - and specifically the inside of your home - so public. 'We live in a time when sharing our joys and achievements on social media has become the norm,' Lynsay Lancaster, operations manager at security systems company Verisure, told MailOnline. The rise of the influencer has seen people increasingly sharing the intimate parts of their lives online - but it could be having disastrous consequences (Seen are Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo) In recent years, celebrity burglaries have been on the rise - with Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright (Pictured) and Danielle Fogarty all recently falling victim 'While this can be wonderful, it isn't always the safest choice. It's natural to want to share home renovations you've worked hard on or paid for, but it's important to remember that potential thieves may be watching. 'In the past, thieves might have cast a street or a home for weeks to understand your movements or assess entry points. 'Now, they can use home renovation accounts and understand your routine, value of belongings and whereabouts in seconds.' Danielle, the daughter of I'm A Celeb's Carl and sister of Love Island star Claudia Fogarty, was the latest star to suffer a burglary as she said she is once again 'living in a nightmare' after her home was burgled for a second time in less than a year on Sunday. The influencer, 32 took to her Instagram Stories to share the news alongside a snap of a broken window, where presumably the criminals entered the property. A heartbroken Claudia penned: 'Home to just a living nightmare, thank you to every single one of you for all your messages and to you out there who came and took everything that isn't yours to hope Karma treats you real f*****g nice'. And just last week Made In Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo were woken up at 6am to loud bangs as balaclava-wearing intruders tried to break into their home. Danielle, the daughter of I'm A Celeb 's Carl and sister of Love Island star Claudia Fogarty , was the latest star to suffer a burglary The influencer took to her Instagram Stories to share the news alongside a snap of a broken window, where presumably the criminals entered the property Following the terrifying ordeal, Jamie was subjected to another attempted robbery as someone broke into his car outside his home. Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright also recently suffered a home raid by a masked gang at their 3.5million Essex mansion. It is reported four suspects entered their sprawling property for around a minute but hurried away when Mark started yelling. Experts have claimed the actress, 37, and her TV star husband, 38, could have been preyed on due to their home Instagram page, which details how they created their 'dream home.' The Instagram account, Wrightyhome, documents the renovation the property went under as well as a look inside the lavish house as it looks now and boasts more than 663,000 followers and has been viewed millions of times. Other famous faces who have been affected include Molly Mae Hague, Charlotte Crosby, Danielle Lloyd and Jack Grealish. Speaking about their home invasion on their Newly Weds podcast, Jamie admitted he was 'butt naked' when he heard loud noises and leapt into action Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright also recently suffered a home raid by a masked gang at their 3.5million Essex mansion (Pictured) Molly Mae and Charlotte both spoke out after their ordeals to admit they thought they had possibly shared too much of their home and lives with fans online. Love Island stars Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury were victims of an 800,000 burglary at their Manchester apartment in 2021. At around 10pm on Thursday October 21 that year, while the influencer and boxer were in London at her Beauty Works Christmas launch, an 'experienced gang' targeted their flat in Hale, Manchester and stole the vast quantity of goods Addressing the break in in a YouTube video soon after the ordeal in 2021, Molly-Mae admitted she may have 'lost the balance' of what she shared with her followers. 'But I think seeing a lot of the things on social media and seeing a lot of people's opinions about why we got robbed I started to think 'god was this my fault? Did I share too much? Did I do the wrong thing?' 'That's another thing I want to talk about in this video: how things are going to have to change now. Love Island stars Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury were victims of an 800,000 burglary at their Manchester apartment in 2021 (Molly pictured in her current home) At around 10pm on Thursday October 21 that year, while the influencer and boxer were in London at her Beauty Works Christmas launch, an 'experienced gang' targeted their flat (Pictured) 'At the end of the day, with a job like mine, my job is to literally share my life, that's how I make a living. 'I share every aspect of my life with you, things I buy, where I live, what I do with my boyfriend, where I'm going, it's really hard to find that balance of sharing - so that you guys want to keep up with my life and see what I'm doing - but then also keeping my life private so that I stay safe.' She noted: 'I think I potentially lost that balance. Karma will come for the people that did it. It's evil.' Meanwhile after her terrifying armed burglary last year, Geordie Shore star Charlotte was asked by MailOnline about if she felt nervous about opening her home up for the world to see on the telly. And she admitted that it did make her 'rethink' her decision. Charlotte moved into the house in 2021 with her fiance Jake Ankers and the pair renovated the sprawling property - which was said to be worth in excess of 1million Meanwhile after her terrifying armed burglary last year, Charlotte was asked by MailOnline about if she felt nervous about opening her home up for the world to see on the telly Charlotte moved into the house in 2021 and renovated the sprawling property which was said to be worth in excess of 1million Charlotte - who was heavily pregnant at the time - admitted: 'I've been in that house for a decade, and it's been on TV all the way through them 10 years. 'I think, after it happened, it definitely made us rethink like how much of the house I should really be showing. 'Now I've got children. And so it definitely made us rethink a lot of things, having a lot of conversations and just like, thinking about a lot. 'Yeah, I definitely think, not necessarily nervous... But definitely rethinking like, maybe the future.' Fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of one of daytime televisions most iconic stars in Los Angeles recently, as the famously private actress made a rare public appearance. At 77, the former modelbest known for bringing the beloved Dr. Marlena Evans to life on Days of Our Liveslooked radiant and full of energy, flashing a warm smile while out and about running errands. Dressed casually in a cozy patchwork sweater and jeans, she exuded effortless charm, a far cry from the glamorous yet tormented Marlena, whose shocking demonic possession in the 90s remains one of the most unforgettable soap opera storylines of all time. But before she was a daytime drama queen, this versatile star donned a superhero cape as Electra Woman in Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, a Saturday morning cult favorite from Sid and Marty Krofft. She also graced primetime as Nurse Sally Lewis in the first two seasons of Emergency! Can you guess which legendary actress this is? Fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of one of daytime televisions most iconic stars in Los Angeles recently, as the famously private actress made a rare public appearance At 77, the former modelbest known for bringing the beloved Dr. Marlena Evans to life on Days of Our Lives looked radiant and full of energy, flashing a warm smile while out and about running errands If you guessed Deidre Hall, you're right! Hall has never taken any chances when it comes to Days of Our Lives most infamous storyline. In 2021, she revealed that she blesses herself with holy water before stepping into any scene involving demonic encountersa ritual shes held onto since her character, Dr. Marlena Evans, first became possessed in the '90s and again during the shows 56th season in 2021. 'When we embarked on the storyline, our executive producer and showrunner, Ken Corday, actually sent over holy water and a crucifix,' Hall shared during a visit to The Kelly Clarkson Show. 'And every time we do a scene where I'm possessed, I've taken it on stage and offered anybody who would like to have some holy water and everybody says yes. So, we go around the whole set.' Hall has been an enduring force on Days of Our Lives since 1976, making occasional exits but always returning to the role that cemented her soap opera legacy. The now-iconic demonic storyline first emerged in 1994 when villain Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) hypnotized Marlena in an attempt to make her fall in love with him. Instead of falling under his spell, she became vulnerable to dark forces, leading to one of the most memorable supernatural twists in daytime television history. If you guessed Deidre Hall, you're right!; (pictured with Drake Hogestyn as John Black in 80s) But before she was a daytime drama queen, this versatile star donned a superhero cape as Electra Woman in Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, a Saturday morning cult favorite from Sid and Marty Krofft Dressed casually in a cozy patchwork sweater and jeans, she exuded effortless charm, a far cry from the glamorous yet tormented Marlena, whose shocking demonic possession in the 90s remains one of the most unforgettable soap opera storylines of all time In 2021, she revealed that she blesses herself with holy water before stepping into any scene involving demonic encountersa ritual shes held onto since her character, Dr. Marlena Evans, first became possessed in the '90s and again during the shows 56th season in 2021 Hall has been an enduring force on Days of Our Lives since 1976, making occasional exits but always returning to the role that cemented her soap opera legacy The now-iconic demonic storyline first emerged in 1994 when villain Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) hypnotized Marlena in an attempt to make her fall in love with him The storyline spanned into the summer of 1995, culminating in an emergency exorcism performed by John Black, Marlenas husband, who at the time was believed to be a priest Her possession was marked by eerie, unforgettable momentsMarlena levitating off her bed, eyes glowing a sinister yellow, and unleashing chaos across Salem. At the height of her reign, she bound victims to altars and even disrupted weddings in true soap opera fashion. While she was Satans primary vessel, other characters also faced temptation, with varying degrees of resistance. The storyline spanned into the summer of 1995, culminating in an emergency exorcism performed by John Black, Marlenas husband, who at the time was believed to be a priest. Beyond her on-screen dramatics, Hall has built an impressive career, earning multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. Off-screen, she has been an outspoken advocate for infertility awareness, candidly discussing her personal experience with surrogacy in the 1980s. Now in her seventies, Hall continues to grace Days of Our Lives, proving that her reign as a soap opera icon is far from over. This phenomenon unfolds in March or April, attracting vast schools of whale sharks an awe-inspiring sight that local guide Hannah feels privileged to witness. Each year, thanks in part to the full moon, whale sharks flock to the Ningaloo Reef to feed on plankton blooms. Source: Hannah Lamb/Supplied An underwater tour guide has shared incredible details about a breathtaking natural spectacle that unfolds annually along a world-famous stretch of the Australian coastline. WA woman Hannah Lamb, who is also a marine photographer, is originally from Perth, but relocated to Exmouth three years ago. She said that each year, huge schools of whale sharks pack the Ningaloo Reef, thanks in part to the full moon's allure. Speaking to Yahoo News, Hannah said she's lucky enough to swim with the big fish "every six or so days" in her job, but around this time of year, is treated to particularly incredible sight driven by the moon's influence on plankton. Hannah Lamb, from WA, recalled a spectacular natural occurrence that takes place each year that draws whale sharks in droves. Source: Supplied/Hannah Lamb Awe-inspiring event thanks to moon's allure Hannah explained that whale sharks (which are technically sharks, not whales) flock to the region "to feed", having swum from "all over the world". "There's always massive coral spawning event, usually triggered by the full moon, either in March or April," she told Yahoo. ADVERTISEMENT "The coral releases its spawn into the water, which encourages massive krill and phytoplankton blooms that the whale sharks like to eat. They then go in their own direction, whichever way they want, once the food supply runs out." Swimming with them this week, Hannah shared incredible images with Yahoo showing just how breathing the location is. She expects the next spawning event to occur in the coming days, but questioned how recent bleaching will impact it. "It'll be interesting to see how it goes this year, with the mass bleaching that's just happened here ... if there's an effect on the whale sharks and the actual event," she said. Hannah described her job, in which she swims with sharks every week, as 'pretty epic'. Source: Hannah Lamb/Supplied The Ningaloo Reef is one of Australia's most well-known marine parks, but it recently suffered a serious bleaching event. Source: Hannah Lamb/Supplied Tour guide worries for Ningaloo reef after recent bleaching Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage site off Western Australia's coast, is experiencing significant coral bleaching due to a prolonged marine heatwave. Divers have documented widespread bleaching across iconic sites such as Turquoise Bay, Coral Bay and Bundegi. ADVERTISEMENT Paul Gamblin, director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society WA, described the event as a "red-alert moment," calling for immediate government action to prevent widespread coral mortality. Prior to this this, Hannah said the area had remained relatively unscathed throughout the last two decades. "The Ningaloo has been pretty lucky, and that this is probably the first major bleaching event that its seen in a couple of decades, but it's been devastating," she said. "It'll be interesting see what the flow on effect from this is." While the effect, if any, that bleaching will have on the spawning event remains to be seen, she said she's still "very lucky" to be able to continue swimming with sharks. "It's a pretty epic," she said. "What's really cool is that a part my job is to take an ID shot of each individual that we swim with, so the spot pattern on the whale shark acts like a fingerprint, just like we have. "Each whale shark has a different spot pattern and behind the left pectoral fin, we take a photo, and then we can ... [send it to the] Department of Parks and Wildlife. They use software now that can track all the spot patterns and identify different individuals it's pretty cool. "It's a pinch myself moment that I get to do this every day." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Dozens of Hollywood's smallest stars will stage a mass protest outside Disney Studios this week to rail against the controversial new Snow White movie - which has replaced the seven dwarfs with computer-generated 'cartoons.' Actress Ali Chapman, 50, who stands 3ft 8in tall, told the Mail on Sunday: 'The whole point of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is right up there in the title. 'The seven dwarfs were the stars of the original 1937 film which is a classic loved by millions of people. 'Disney has made a live-action film and instead of giving seven talented little people the chance to shine they've scrapped us completely and used CGI instead. 'It's a total travesty and there are a lot of angry little people actors and actresses out there. 'People are flying in from all over the world to tell Disney this isn't acceptable.' The new $270 million film, which opens on Friday, has been plagued by scandals with star Rachel Zegler describing Prince Charming as 'a guy who literally stalks' Snow White. Ali Chapman, pictured in 2024, who stands 3ft 8in tall, told the Mail on Sunday: 'Disney has made a live-action film and instead of giving seven talented little people the chance to shine they've scrapped us completely and used CGI instead.' Disney has been accused of pandering to 'wokeism' by casting a Latina actress in the lead role of a traditionally white main character Disney has been accused of pandering to 'wokeism' by casting a Latina actress in the lead role of a traditionally white main character while Zegler - who is fiercely pro-Palestine - has reportedly clashed with Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, to the point where the pair don't even want to walk the red carpet together. But those mishaps pale into what promises to be a global PR disaster this week. Ms. Chapman's husband Matt McCarthy, 49, who also has dwarfism and is 4ft 1in tall, said: 'We've been totally shut out but we're not going down quietly. 'It's hard enough in Hollywood. Everyone's trying to make their dreams come true. 'When you're a little person opportunities are few and far between. 'I was born to play Dopey the dwarf. It's my dream role but Disney never gave me a chance. 'There were seven great parts right there but Disney decided to go with freaking cartoons. Shame on them!' Showman Jeff Beacher is a Hollywood pioneer whose Beacher's Madhouse theatres in Vegas and LA were the first to celebrate little people. The clubs attracted a huge fan club including Paris Hilton, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio. Mr Beacher has masterminded this week's protest and says he believes it is 'do or die time' for dwarf actors in Hollywood. He cited the 2023 film 'Wonka' - a prequel to the 1971 Gene Wilder classic 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' - which starred Timothee Chalamet and Hugh Grant. In that case Grant, who stands at 5ft 11in tall, was cast as a vertically-challenged Oompa Loompa and was digitally multiplied more than a hundred times to create a 'sea' of green-haired Oompa Loompa's in the movie. Mr Beacher said: 'It's a disgrace. Snow White isn't the first time little people have been overlooked. 'If Hollywood is about inclusion and diversity then you could have had talented little people actors in all of these roles. 'This is a moment in history. Equality is a movement but when it comes to little people no-one in Hollywood is representing them. 'This was a beautiful opportunity to hire seven diverse highly-talented little people actors and actresses and Hollywood failed. The film has replaced the seven dwarfs with computer-generated 'cartoons' Grant, who stands at 5ft 11in tall, was cast as a vertically-challenged Oompa Loompa and was digitally multiplied more than a hundred times to create a 'sea' of green-haired Oompa Loompa's in the movie Actress, Ms Chapman, who is black, added: 'If you flipped it and said 'Oh, all black or all white actors should be replaced by CGI there would be an outcry. 'But because we're little people no-one cares. 'I'd like to be seen for who I am. It would be nice to be considered for more than leprechaun and elf roles. I want to be more than a Hobbit.' Jordanna James, 36, who is 3ft 11in tall and was a back-up dancer for Miley Cyrus's Bangerz tour said: 'Hollywood is trying to erase us. Everyone goes on about wokeism and inclusion and yet we are constantly overlooked and kept in the shadows. 'It's hard enough to go out in the real world and be seen. We exist. Let us have the same opportunities as other people.' A senior Disney executive told the MoS the imagery of scores of placard-waving little people protesting outside the studio giant's Burbank studio gates could be the final nail in the coffin for the Snow White remake. He sighed: 'It's been a total PR disaster. This is a $270 million movie but we can't wait for this week to be over. The idea of hundreds of dwarfs protesting Snow White in front of Disney Studios is just too depressing to imagine.' When Donatella Versaces older brother Gianni was murdered outside his Miami mansion in 1997, she made him a solemn vow. Despite her horrendous grief, she would continue the flamboyant legacy that had made his fashion label one of the most famous and distinctive in the world. And she more than fulfilled that promise. Over the last 28 years as Versaces creative director tentatively at first, and then with a bold confidence she became one of the best-known women in luxury fashion. But this week it was announced that the 69-year-old is to move into a different role at the company, as its chief brand ambassador. That, however, is not the full story. Indeed, sources say the Italian fashion queen has been deliberately ousted in a plot to smooth the way for the brand to be bought by rival label Prada, after profits slumped during the pandemic. Over the last 28 years as Versaces creative director, Donatella Versace, has become one of the best-known women in luxury fashion They say Versaces chief executive, Emmanuel Gintzburger, and John D. Idol, boss of the labels owners Capri Holdings, colluded to get rid of Donatella and replace her with Dario Vitale, a former design director for Miu Miu, so they can continue with a succession plan that she didnt agree with. Even worse for Donatella, according to those who know her, she was purposefully kept out of the conversations about the future of the brand that bears her name. It means she has not only lost the job she so loved, but has had to give up the promise she made to her late brother. One fashion source told The Mail on Sunday: Shes been dethroned in the most terrible way. She didnt think she would die on this throne. But everyone is fighting over it when they dont know what it means to be on it. The only person who does is Donatella but she has been kicked off. It has been vicious and upsetting. The source continues: The men were looking to sell Versace quickly before things get any worse. The word around the business is that Emmanuel and John didnt crack it and frankly, they wanted Donatella out so they could sell the company. None of this was apparent when Versace, founded in Milan in 1978 by Donatella and her brothers Santo and Gianni, made its highly polished announcement about Donatellas future on Instagram on Thursday. In a casual sleight of hand, Donatella was declared Versaces new chief brand ambassador from April 1 a far lesser role, according to fashion observers. In her new role she will dedicate herself to the support of Versaces philanthropic and charitable endeavours and remain an advocate for the brand globally, it enthused. But behind the scenes, there has been little conviviality among Versaces top brass. Im told party lines had been drawn for some time between her and Idol and Gintzburger (who has earned the nickname Nothingburger US slang for someone who receives a lot of attention but has little significance by some waspish industry insiders). Donatella Versaces older brother Gianni was murdered outside his Miami mansion in 1997. Pictured together They say Versaces chief executive, Emmanuel Gintzburger (pictured), and John D. Idol, boss of the labels owners Capri Holdings, colluded to get rid of Donatella and replace her with Dario Vitale, a former design director for Miu Miu A source said: You were either Team Donatella or Team John and Emmanuel. She has been forced into an exit, which wouldnt have happened if she was involved in the conversations. Its so stupid, how can they do this to her? Another said that, rather than kick up a fuss, she has dealt with her exit elegantly, adding: How she has done that is beyond me. She has been treated appallingly. The seeds of her exit were perhaps sown in 2018 when Capri Holdings, which also owns Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors, paid 1.64 billion for Versace. Donatella is said to have gone into the deal with her eyes open and hoped it would create a succession plan that would protect the legacy of the Versace brand and that of her late brother. Since then, though, Versaces profits slumped, partly as a result of the pandemic. Other labels also suffered but managed to bounce back. In February, Capri had to admit there had been a double-digit drop in Versaces sales over the previous quarter, which it blamed on poor strategic decisions. A source said: Those at the top have run out of excuses for the sales going down, they have waved the white flag. They want to sell before it gets any worse. Donatella wasnt involved in any of this. Its obvious what was going on but its so silly; shes the one with the knowledge and the person who understood the concept and fought to grow Versace. Donatella has been consistent in putting the company and brand first. Indeed, it has been Donatella who has grafted to keep Versace relevant. With an unrivalled contacts book, she lured in young celebrities like rapper Lil Nas X and Korean K-pop stars to keep its reputation current. Chart-toppers from Taylor Swift and Beyonce to Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter have also appeared for the label. She attracts, and she continues to work with, Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway, and music legends like Sir Elton John, Cher, Lady Gaga and Madonna. Another feather in her haute couture cap is her popularity on social media with 12 million followers, she is the most-followed fashion designer in the world. And as well as boasting the brands name, she is also arguably its face. Donatella, in black, on the runway with supermodels (left to right) Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Cristensen There was a way to have done this that showed Donatella a bit of respect, a Versace source said. The gears are now firmly in motion for a sale to Prada. On Friday it was reported Pradas CEO, Andrea Guerra, had flown to New York to hold talks for the deal that would unite two of the biggest names in Italian fashion. So what, then, for Versaces future, and the bright prints synonymous with the brand and Donatella herself? Fashion insiders speculate it wont be long before a rift appears between Idol and Gintzburger. But while that might bring a little giggle to Donatella, ultimately she is deeply saddened by her exit as are her staff. One said: The masses at Versace have organically taken Donatellas side. She has been so supportive to the younger members of staff and many love her family approach to Versace. She had a reputation for being a nice, good person, not at all cut-throat like some others are. It was launched more than seventy years ago to tell the story of everyday country folk. But now Radio 4's The Archers has been branded 'woke' and 'offensive' for broadcasting a storyline about Ramadan in the run up to the Christian festival of Lent. Fans of the show which is set in the fictional English village of Ambridge are furious about the storyline which features local stalwart and practising Christian Lynda Snell fasting out of respect for Dr Azra Malik a local GP and her family who are Muslim. One fan, who has been tuning into the show for more than sixty years, complained: 'I never thought the BBC would impose their new woke policy on Ambridge. 'Last week's episode of the Maliks and Lynda sitting down to a Ramadan meal and prayers was a real low for me.' In an episode broadcast on Monday 24 February local bed and breakfast owner Lynda, played by Carole Boyd, announced her intention to fast over the upcoming weekend. She turned down an opportunity to participate in Shrove Tuesday because of the fast and then left her husband Robert in no doubt that she expected him to fast as well. When he turned down a glass of wine over lunch, she told him: 'I take it from that performance you are now onboard with Ramadan.' In an episode broadcast on Monday 24 February local bed and breakfast owner Lynda, played by Carole Boyd, announced her intention to fast over the upcoming weekend BBC Radio 4's The Archers has been branded ' woke ' and 'offensive' for broadcasting a storyline about Ramadan in the run up to the Christian festival of Lent When Lynda's husband Robert turned down a glass of wine over lunch, she told him: 'I take it from that performance you are now onboard with Ramadan' (stock image) In a subsequent episode broadcast on Sunday 2 March Lynda explained to her GP neighbour why she is participating in the Islamic tradition. She said: 'Well I feel any opportunity to expand the human experience develops character and deepens our understanding of our fellow travellers upon this earth.' Later in the same episode Lynda shared an evening meal with the Maliks to mark the end of that day's fast. Lynda's curiosity is sparked by the saying of prayers at the beginning of the meal. She asked her hosts, 'Are these words another prayer?' before being told: 'They are the words we say in Arabic before breaking fast.' When Lynda remarks how beautiful the prayer is a member of the family translates the prayer into English. Many Archers fans have welcomed the arrival of the Malik family into Ambridge. But they say the idea that Snell, the village busybody, would suddenly fast for Ramadan is ridiculous. Listeners who have complained to BBC Radio 4's Feedback programme say the show should have concentrated on Lent not Ramadan. One fan complained: 'The idea that Lynda Snell would fast is nonsense' Lynda turned down an opportunity to participate in Shrove Tuesday because of the fast and then left her husband Robert in no doubt that she expected him to fast as well One fan complained: 'The idea that Lynda Snell would fast is nonsense, it's one thing to introduce them [the Malik family] to the village. No one could object to that. But the prayers and doctrine have no place in an everyday story of country folk.' Another added: 'While I am not offended by the Muslim characters observing Ramadan, I do find it offensive that two Christian characters are being woke by fasting alongside them. 'This is supposedly a story of everyday country folk who live in a farming community and are not there to promote the BBCs woke identify.' Several listeners said the show which has been on air since 1951 was guilty of sidelining Christianity. One said: 'I am shocked that during the time of Lent - a time that is sacred to followers of Jesus Christ - there is no mention at all of our Christian religion during this important period. It's very upsetting that the programme supports Ramadan but absolutely sidesteps any mention of Lent. BBC bias? I think so.' One orthodox Christian, who fasts over Lent told the BBC's Feedback programme: 'I am all in favour of diversity and explaining about Ramadan in this context but what about mentioning it is also Lent' Meanwhile, Ann Widdecombe, the former Home Office minister, who is a practising Christian, said: 'I haven't got any objections to a Muslim family moving into Ambridge, but this storyline is just the BBC being achingly politically correct. Of course they won't do Christian prayers. Of course they won't embrace Lent in the same way. This is the BBC all over.' And Jeremy Black, the historian and author of A History of the British Isles, said: 'While millions of British Muslims celebrate Ramadan, such activity is scarcely typical of rural life in agricultural areas. To imply otherwise is to misrepresent British society and in particular to downplay the salience of Christianity in these areas. 'If the Archers wished to focus on their seasonal religious life, then Lent should be foremost.' Frank Furedi, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, agreed, adding: 'It is a shame that the Archers have become enveloped by the ideology of multiculturalism. 'Suddenly it is all about Ramadan on the farm and Lent is passed over as culturally insignificant. How long before one of the Archers comes out as a trans activist?' Tim Dieppe, Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern, said: 'It is interesting that the Archers story has chosen to focus on Islamic fasting in Ramadan at precisely the time when the Christian season on Lent is being observed. 'This appears to be an example of the BBC going out of its way to respect and promote Islamic practice in a popular drama. The BBC was set up with a vision of promoting Christian values. Islamic values are quite different as is very evident in the treatment of Christians in Islamic nations. 'Would the BBC ever dare to promote Christianity as objectively better than Islam today?' A spokesperson for BBC Radio 4 defended the storyline and said Lent had been mentioned in recent episodes. They said: 'The Archers has a long history of reflecting faith in its storylines, and regularly features storylines centred on Christian faith, such as the annual carol service, celebrations of Palm Sunday, Lent, and Harrison's baptism.' They added: 'Ambridge is a reflection of real-life rural communities in the UK today, and so it is home to people with a range of faiths and beliefs. 'Recent storylines around Ramadan and Shrove Tuesday have explored how the developing friendships between characters in Ambridge have led them to engage with each other's faith traditions.' She is one of Hollywoods most beloved leading ladies, her on-screen performances earning her multiple awards over 30 years, including an Oscar. But as these exclusive pictures show, British actress Kate Winslet is taking the lead behind the camera for the first time. The Titanic star, 49, was seen filming her directorial debut, Goodbye June, on the streets of London alongside an all-star cast including Andrea Riseborough, Toni Collette and Timothy Spall. The Netflix project is described as a contemporary family drama about fractured siblings who must come together under sudden and trying circumstances. And it is certainly a family affair for the actress as her 21-year-old son, Joe Anders, whose father is Bond director Sam Mendes, wrote the screenplay. But Ms Winslet who won plaudits for her role as Lee Miller, the model who became a Second World War photographer, in the 2023 biopic Lee showed she is not ready to turn her back on acting any time soon, also starring in the production. She was seen in character wearing a cream wool coat, neutral trousers and jumper, on a set which had been designed to look like the outside of a Cheltenham hospital. Later, she scrutinised the footage and wrapped up warmly in a padded jacket to direct her co-stars. The mother-of-three previously told Elizabeth Days podcast, How To Fail, that people in the industry had encouraged her to direct, saying that it could change the culture of male-dominated Hollywood. Kate Winslet pictured in character filming her directorial debut, Goodbye June, on the streets of London alongside an all-star cast Winslet directing her co-star Toni Collette (right) while wrapped up warmly in a padded jacke Winslet hugs Timothy Spall on the set of Goodbye June. The Netflix project is described as a contemporary family drama about fractured siblings who must come together under sudden and trying circumstances So many people will say to me on film sets, Why arent you directing? and Ill go no, no, no, please dont say it. Stop saying it. Why does everyone keep saying it?, Kate said. I know why I havent done it: because its a very long time, and its a huge commitment, and I have always had a family. I had Mia when I was 25 years old and so theres just no way I would have ever been able to do it. 'But the more Im not doing it now, with the need to change the culture, the more I feel like Im actually letting down other women by not doing it. Im really starting to feel that. Her children have followed her into the industry. Anders starred alongside his mother in Lee, having also appeared in the Oscar-nominated war film 1917, which was directed by his father. Pictured: Toni Collette on the set carrying a plastic bag and a bouquet of flowers Winslet behind the director's camera outside a fake hospital in London signposted as the 'Princess Mary Cheltenham Hospital' The mother-of-three previously told Elizabeth Days podcast, How To Fail, that people in the industry had encouraged her to direct Andrea Riseborough is pictured on the set wearing a grey scarf and red woolly hat Riseborough holding a baby's carseat as she walks on set Winslet in character wearing cream trousers and cream sweater The scene was shot at a fake hospital in London signposted as a facility in Cheltenham Winslet seen on set alongside her all star cast. The film, described as a 'touching, humorous drama' is yet to have a release date Meanwhile, her daughter Mia Threapleton, 24 whose father is Kates first husband, actor Jim Threapleton is also making a name for herself as an actress, having won acclaim for her role alongside her mother in the Bafta award-winning domestic drama I Am Ruth. Winslet also has a younger son, 11-year-old Bear, with her third husband Edward Abel Smith, the nephew of Sir Richard Branson. Goodbye June, which is described as a touching, humorous drama, also stars Dame Helen Mirren. It does not yet have a release date. Meanwhile, Kate is set to reprise her role in the third film in James Camerons Avatar franchise, Avatar 3: Fire and Ash, which will be released in December. Jacqueline Jossa has reportedly split from her husband Dan Osbourne after eight years of marriage, it was claimed on Saturday. The EastEnders actress, 32, and the reality TV personality, 33, first sparked romance rumours in 2013 after meeting at an awards ceremony, while Dan's ex Megan Tomlin was still pregnant with their son Teddy. They became engaged in 2015 after he proposed during a romantic getaway to Greece and married two years later at Cheshire Manor House. In 2015, Jacqueline gave birth to their first child Ella Selina and they welcomed their second daughter Mia in 2018. However, later that year Dan was forced to deny an affair with Love Island star Gabby Allen before also being hit by claims he kissed Love Island's Alexandra Cane in a nightclub in 2019. Last week, the couple finally sold her 2million six-bedroom mansion after spending years renovating the property - a move which raised eyebrows. Here MailOnline takes a look at all the signs Jac and Dan were going to split... Jacqueline Jossa has reportedly split from her husband Dan Osbourne after eight years of marriage, it was claimed on Saturday The actress and the TV personality sparked romance rumours in 2013 but have been plagued by infidelity accusations and raised eyebrows last week when they sold their home Infidelity accusations The couple's relationship has been plagued by accusations of infidelity and in 2018 Dan was linked to Gabby Allen, who recently returned to the Love Island villa for All Stars, after they were spotted getting close on a yacht in Marbella. Previously, The Sun claimed that Dan sent 'flirty messages' to his former Celebrity Big Brother co-star Gabby - months after the pair vehemently denied claims that they'd had an illicit tryst. In March 2019 rumours began to circulate that he had kissed Love Island's Alexandra Cane in a nightclub, which they both denied. That December he was rocked by cheating claims after it was alleged he engaged in a threesome with his Celebrity Big Brother co-stars Natalie Nunn and Chloe Ayling last year - which he strongly denied - while Jacqueline was in the I'm A Celebrity jungle. After endless denials, Dan finally admitted he had been unfaithful and then referenced his misgivings in a post. Dan publicly apologised to Jac a week after she was crowned queen of the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! He confessed to making 'mistakes' and said 'I've done things I shouldn't have done' as he finally took responsibility for his actions. Dan even admitted that if Jacqueline had behaved the same way he did, he would have walked out on their relationship, saying, 'If it was the other way around I'd be gone.' In 2018 Dan was linked to Gabby Allen, who recently returned to the Love Island villa for All Stars, after they were spotted getting close on a yacht in Marbella In December 2019 he was rocked by cheating claims after it was alleged he engaged in a threesome with his Celebrity Big Brother co-stars Chloe Ayling (pictured) and Natalie Nunn Dan publicly apologised to Jac a week after she was crowned queen of the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! He put out a statement, which read: 'So after weeks, months and years of constant articles and rumours, some true, some very untrue I want to publicly say I know I have made mistakes. 'We all do as humans, but I've made some that have almost cost me my family. 'I am the luckiest man in the world to have what I have with Jacqueline and my three incredible children and I will spend the rest of my life being the best husband and dad that I can be. 'Jac, myself and our families are excited for the future, one filled with love and happiness together. 'We truly appreciate everyone that has supported us as a couple, we are ending this year stronger than ever.' The post was uploaded just hours after Jacqueline addressed how things were on Lorraine, saying her husband has 'done wrong' but that she wants to 'restart their relationship'. Not holding back, she said: 'The thing is, its really funny because we've been going through it for two years - this isnt new for me. 'I want to hit the restart button, its been two years of me giving him hell, he knows hes done wrong, there's lots of stuff thats not true that I cant talk about for legal reasons, but we're OK.' Jac moves out The coupe hit the headlines again in 2020 after Jac revealed she 'needs time and space.' It came amid claims her marriage to Dan had become 'unworkable' during the coronavirus lockdown. Rumours began swirling over what prompted Jacqueline to move out, with The Sun reporting that Dan had been caught messaging other women. However, a source told MailOnline that this wasn't the case. It had also been claimed that Jacqueline had moved out without telling Dan, but a spokesperson for the actress told MailOnline: 'Any suggestion of a secret move out or similar is completely and utterly untrue.' It was also suggested that Jacqueline and Dan would 'reassess' their relationship once the lockdown period was over and normality resumed. They also believed it was unhealthy for the children to see them arguing while all holed up in their 1 million home together. The coupe hit the headlines again in 2020 after Jac revealed she 'needs time and space' and moved out of their home Dan is absent from photos Last year Jac sparked concern among her fanbase that she has split from her husband Dan after he appeared absent over the Easter holidays. The actress took to Instagram to share a series of snaps with her loved ones, however none of them none of them included Dan. After spotting that Dan was missing from the gallery of pictures, one of her followers asked in the comments: 'Are you still with Dan?' However, she later shut down any rumours that the pair have parted ways as she told him 'I love you' in response to his Instagram round up of the family's holiday to Dubai. He captioned the post: 'Lovely week in Dubai. Mad we experienced that rain out there, floods were crazy, we were lucky, but hope everyone that was affected are ok.' Jacqueline commented on the post as she dismissed any split suspicions, writing: 'I love you. Thank you for the memories.' Last year Jac sparked concern among her fanbase that she has split from her husband Dan after he appeared absent over the Easter holidays However, she later shut down any rumours that the pair have parted ways as she told him 'I love you' in response to his Instagram round up House sale Jacqueline has reportedly finally sold her 2million six-bedroom mansion after she and Dan spent three years renovating the home. The actress has reportedly found a buyer for the home around eight months after it first hit the market, The Sun reported. According to a Rightmove listing, the property has been bought up by an unknown buyer for 1,599,950 - 500,000 less than the originally advertised price. The sudden decision to sell their so-called 'dream home' raised eyebrows after the couple spent three years on the renovation. The stunning mansion was previously dubbed a 'dream come true' when Jacqueline picked up the keys in 2021, joined by their daughters Ella, nine, and Mia, five, as well as Dan's son Teddy, aged 10. 'So, we are in the new house and a lot needs to be done,' the soap star said at the time, adding the fresh space would be a 'fresh start' for her family. But after their house hit the market last summer, the couple were hit by 'hurtful' rumours that they were splitting up after being plagued by infidelity accusations. However, according to The Sun at the time, Jacqueline and her husband of eight years were 'still very much together' and had no plans to separate. Jacqueline has reportedly finally sold her 2million six-bedroom mansion after she and Dan spent three years renovating the home (pictured with their daughters Ella, nine, and Mia, five, as well as Dan's son Teddy, aged 10) The sudden decision to sell their so-called 'dream home' raised eyebrows after the couple spent three years on the renovation A source said: 'Jacqueline and Dan are both shocked, hurt and upset about the rumours of a split. Yes, it's true they are selling their house, but that doesn't mean they're not together. 'They're busy juggling day-to-day family and work life like most parents across the country. This week alone they've been inundated with questions about the state of their marriage. 'People are obviously talking about the property changes going on in their lives, but they're still very much together' The couple spent three years renovating the six-bedroom property before putting it on the market in July 2024. A source told MailOnline at the time that moving house would give the couple a fresh start and mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives. Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz enjoyed a day out to the Moncler Grenoble Fall/Winter 2025 Show in France on Saturday. The smitted couple lead the glamour for the evening along with Anne Hathaway who was also in attendance at the fashion show. For the outing, Brooklyn and Nicola wore matching denim bomber suits which they paired with thick brown belts. Looking prepared for the winter months, Nicola accessorised with thick black ski mittens and a black padded bag. Anne, 42, was the epitome of chic in a luxurious brown fur coat which she layered over a practical black snow suit. She was later seen doing a quick outfit change and posed in front of a glass art display in a white one-piece snow suit. Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz enjoyed an extravagant day out to the Moncler Grenoble Fall/Winter 2025 Show in France on Saturday The son to Victoria and David, 26, and his wife, 30 lead the glamour for the evening as they joined Anne Hathaway (pictured) at the fashion show Also dressing for a ski holiday, Irina Shayk looked ethereal in a bright white snow suit which paired with a matching ski helmet. The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev looked comfortable as she wore a huge brown padded coat which she paired with light brown combat trousers. She finished practical outfit with a pair of white and black platform trainers and swept her raven tresses into a chic updo. Leonie Hanne showcased her wild side in a huge brown fir coat and extravagant matching fur boots. Adrien Brody looked handsome as he arrived at the show wearing a thick waterproof jacket and matching black combats. Olivia Palermo also showcased her unique sense of the style as she paired a brown suede jacket with knee-high fur boots. Adding a spot of colour to the audience Jordan Rand stepped out in a white padded coat which was lined with red features. For the outing, Brooklyn and Nicola wore matching denim bomber suits which they paired with thick brown belts Meanwhile Anne, 42, was the epitome of chic in a luxurious brown fur coat which she layered over a practical black snow sui She was later seen doing a quick outfit change and posed in front of a glass art display in a white one-piece snow suit Also dressing for a ski holiday, Irina Shayk looked ethereal in a bright white snow suit which paired with a matching ski helmet The Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev looked comfortable as she wore a huge brown padded coat which she paired with light brown combat trousers and platform shoes Leonie Hanne showcased her wild side in a huge brown fir coat and extravagant matching fur boots Adrien Brody looked handsome as he arrived at the show wearing a thick waterproof jacket and matching black combats Olivia Palermo also showcased her unique sense of the style as she paired a brown suede jacket with knee-high fur boot Social media influencer Gstaad Guy looked handsome as ever in a navy padded coat which he paired with a white beany hat Adding a spot of colour to the audience Jordan Rand stepped out in a white padded coat which was lined with red features Chloe Kim also opted for a white ensemble as she wore a chic white ski suit which featured a chucky high-neck collar It was just the audience which featured some A-list faces as Emily Ratajkowski was seen walking the catwalk Taylor Marie Hill also sported a white snow suit but added a hint of sophistication with a red collar design Chloe Kim also opted for a white ensemble as she wore a chic white ski suit which featured a chucky high-neck collar. It was just the audience which featured some A-list faces as Emily Ratajkowski was seen walking the catwalk. For her appeared she wore a huge white woolen jumper which she layered under a white fur coat and over woolen tights. Taylor Marie Hill also sported a white snow suit but added a hint of sophistication with a red collar design. He has been hailed as a 'once in a generation talent' for his acting debut as a 13-year-old accused of killing a classmate. And now Owen Cooper, the star of the Netflix hit show Adolescence, is taking his talents to Hollywood. The 15-year-old is to play Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's forthcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, alongside Margot Robbie. Cooper is currently filming the Emily Bronte classic for the Warner Bros studio. Oscar nominee Robbie is playing Catherine Earnshaw in the 62 million production, with Cooper playing a young Heathcliff and Saltburn actor Jacob Elordi taking on the grown-up role. Cooper's performance as Jamie Miller in Adolescence has seen him hailed as a major new talent. Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos said yesterday: 'Newcomer Owen Cooper makes an undeniable acting debut that tells the world he has arrived.' Stephen Graham who plays his father is convinced that Cooper in a 'once in a generation talent' set for lasting stardom. Cooper told The Mail on Sunday how he started his acting at a local group, The Drama MOB, founded by Coronation Street actress Tina O'Brien, and was there for two years before landing his role in Adolescence. Adolescence star Owen Cooper, 15 (pictured) is to play Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's forthcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. His performance as Jamie Miller has seen him hailed as a major talent Oscar nominee Margot Robbie (pictured) is playing Catherine Earnshaw in the 62 million production of Wuthering Heights Cooper at a screening of Netflix's Adolesence in London. He said his toughest scenes were the clashes with clinical psychologist Briony Ariston He said: 'I sent this tape off, not expecting anything back, and then a month later I get a recall in Manchester. It's a whirlwind, to be honest.' Cooper said his toughest scenes were the clashes with clinical psychologist Briony Ariston, played by Erin Doherty. He told the MoS: 'I have to get right in her face and scare her in rehearsals, I couldn't do that. 'It was a bit out of my comfort zone, but we had two weeks of rehearsals and in the end it was perfectly fine doing it.' Aimee Lou Wood has revealed the one thing that she found scarier than sex scenes while filming The White Lotus. The actress, 31, stars as Chelsea in the HBO series, who is taking a vacation to Thailand with her older boyfriend Rick (Walton Goggins). Amiee, who shot to fame in the Netflix show Sex Education, has also nabbed roles in BBC and Netflix series' but still gets nervous on set. Speaking about her time filming for The White Lotus in Thailand, she admitted that sex scenes she 'let go,' but bikini shots made her uncomfortable. Aimee told The Sun: 'I was more nervous about bikinis than sex scenes. 'I was more worried about just being around the pool because I feel like thats when youre thinking more about how you look.' Aimee Lou Wood has revealed the one thing that she found scarier than sex scenes while filming The White Lotus The actress, 31, stars as Chelsea in the HBO series, who is taking a vacation to Thailand with her older boyfriend Rick (Walton Goggins) She added: 'In an intimate scene, its about the intimacy. But then you just, kind of, have to forget that. You just have to let it go. The bikini scenes were way scarier to me, actually.' Amiee previously told of how she battled eating disorders and body dysmorphia in childhood, before staff at drama school RADA intervened. She told Harper's Bazaar: 'I hated my body and didn't want to be in it that's not the case any more, thank God. 'But then, going to drama school, it can get even worse. I have scoliosis [curvature of the spine], so neutral for me is not neutral for everyone else. 'You go to drama school and everyone's being straightened out. It's not easy being told you're moving wrong it's basically a tirade on your body.' Aimee told how she struggled with expressing herself through her body while acting at drama school, which only worsened her eating disorder struggles. 'I was so detached from my body when I was in the eating disorders, it was like I was outside it, scrutinising it,' she tearfully told The Guardian in 2023. 'There are things around the acting that I have found in the past quite hard, and I'm finding them easier the more loving I am to myself.' She expained: 'In an intimate scene, its about the intimacy. But then you just, kind of, have to forget that. You just have to let it go. The bikini scenes were way scarier to me, actually' However, her struggles with bulimia were eventually noticed by staff at RADA, where she trained, leading to a 'harsh but necessary' intervention. In a new interview this week, she hinted at how she was initially nervous to star alongside some huge Hollywood names in the HBO hit. However, she now loves how their lifestyle differences - and her looks - set her apart. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Aimee remarked: 'These people live in Hollywood. I live in my little flat in South East London. 'Im so British in my sensibility that I wasnt sure how to handle being around so many people who are so front-footed and confident. All I ever do is take the p*** out of myself.' Directly addressing the constant attention her distinctive teeth get, she added: 'Even the way (The White Lotus fans) are talking about me and my teeth that I dont have veneers or Botox - it feels a bit rebellious.' The beauty, who shot to fame in the Netflix show Sex Education, previously told how she once thought she was 'too ugly' to land major roles after being tormented by bullies. In a new interview, she hinted at how she was initially nervous to star alongside some huge Hollywood names in the HBO hit. However, she now loves how her looks set her apart Directly addressing the constant attention her distinctive teeth get, she added: 'Even the way fans are talking about me and my teeth that I dont have veneers or Botox - it feels rebellious' Aimee revealed to the Observer back in 2021 how she used to be bullied over her appearance when she was younger, being picked on about her body and teeth. This led to the star, who attended top acting academy RADA before taking on meaty theatre roles at the National Theatre in London among others, believing she wouldn't get a TV job because she was 'too weird-looking'. A year earlier she was asked by Stylist if her teeth were a 'barrier' when it came to her career, with Aimee remarking that this was not the case. She said: 'Its completely in my head. Its a myth Ive told myself. I had it in my brain that Im not conventional-looking enough and thats a mental barrier Ive had to overcome.' Lindsay Lohan is reuniting with one of her The Parent Trap co-stars in Freakier Friday. In the upcoming sequel, Lohan, 38, unexpected joined forces with another one of her former castmates from the family comedy she starred in as a preteen. On Friday, the Freakier Friday trailer was released by Disney, and in a brief part, Elaine Hendrix, made a surprise appearance. During her cameo, she was dressed as a waitress with a white button-down and a black tie in a scene with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Hendrix, now 54, previously played Meredith Blake, the evil, soon-to-be stepmother of twins Hallie Parker and Annie James, both portrayed by Lohan, in The Parent Trap. Hendrix's appearance came as a surprise as it was previously unannounced that she would be appearing in the sequel to Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis' 2003 Disney movie. Lindsay Lohan is reuniting with one of her The Parent Trap co-stars in Freakier Friday On Friday, the Freakier Friday trailer was released by Disney, and in a brief part, Elaine Hendrix, made a surprise appearance. During her cameo, she was dressed as a waitress with a white button-down and a black tie in a scene with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan The teaser trailer for the highly-anticipated and long-awaited sequel also featured many other entertaining moments. The short clip revealed that Freakier Friday will follow a similar plot line to the first movie, in which Lohan and Curtis reprise their roles and their characters switch bodies but with a big twist. In response to the release of the trailer, many fans of the original move took to social media to share their thoughts about the upcoming release. The general consensus appeared to be a lack of excitement for 'the same movie again.' The story is set 20 years later after the first movie. The trailer kicked off with Anna (Lohan) and her mom Tess (Curtis) talking to a fortune teller, who is played by SNL alum Vanessa Bayer. While giving them a reading, she tells the mother-daughter duo that they have 'walked in each other's paths' and 'learned a lesson.' The following morning, Anna and Tess wake up to realize they have switched bodies again. In the upcoming sequel, Lohan, 38, unexpected joined forces with another one of her former castmates from the family comedy she starred in as a preteen Hendrix, now 54, previously played Meredith Blake, the evil, soon-to-be stepmother of twins Hallie Parker and Annie James, both portrayed by Lohan, in The Parent Trap The teaser trailer for the highly-anticipated and long-awaited sequel also featured many other entertaining moments. The short clip revealed that Freakier Friday will follow a similar plotline to the first movie, in which Lohan and Curtis reprise their roles and their characters switch bodies but with a big twist The story is set 20 years later after the first movie. Later, they each swap places with two teenage girls Harper and Lily, Anna's daughter and soon-to-be stepdaughter Later, they each swap places with two teenage girls Harper and Lily, Anna's daughter and soon-to-be stepdaughter. In the Nisha-Ganatra-directed movie, Lohan and Curtis will also be joined by returning cast members Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell and Mark Harmon among others. Newly joined Hendrix and Ramakrishnan will be rounding out the cast alongside Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Vanessa Bayer and Manny Jacinto. Freakier Friday premieres in theaters on August 8, 2025. Reese Witherspoon is the proud mother of three kids. And over the weekend the 48-year-old actress took to social media to gush about the recent joyful moment she experienced as a parent. She and ex-husband Ryan Phillippe share daughter Ava, 25, and son Deacon, 21. Reese is also mom to 12-year-old son Tennessee, whom she shares with ex-husband Jim Toth. In a video posted via Instagram Stories, the Little Fires Everywhere producer relayed a story about a night out with her kids, during which one of her sons said which lesson he 'will always remember' learning from his mom. Witherspoon didn't specify which of her 'boys' said that the teaching most impressed upon him is: when presented with the choice to be normal or to be weird, he should always choose weird, because it's 'okay to stand out and be different.' Reese said emphatically, 'It filled my heart with the deepest joy that he learned that from me.' Reese Witherspoon is the proud mother of three kids, and over the weekend the 48-year-old actress took to social media to gush about the recent joyful moment she experienced as a parent Reese and ex-husband Ryan Phillippe share daughter Ava, 25, and son Deacon, 21. She is also mom to 12-year-old son Tennessee, whom she shares with ex-husband Jim Toth She added, 'It just meant so much to me that my kids know it's okay to be different and that it can actually end up being their superpower.' The Big Little Lies star was inspired to recount the story after coming across a quote from White Lotus actress Aimee Lou Wood. Before uploading her video, she shared an excerpt taken from Wood's recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, which was shared via the Instagram of Reese's Hello Sunshine production company. In the THR interview, the Sex Education sensation said, 'I spent a lot of my life worrying about being weird, and now I'm realizing it could be my superpower.' Above the quote, which was shared alongside a stunning headshot of Aimee, Reese noted, 'I love this!' She also gave kudos to Wood, calling her work in The White Lotus 'amazing,' in her video snippet. Witherspoon then praised the cast as a whole, sharing about Mike White's hit series, 'I'm watching, I'm loving it, I'm quoting it.' The Big Little Lies star was inspired to recount the story after coming across a quote from White Lotus actress Aimee Lou Wood Reese pictured with her brood during Christmas 2024 She was married to Phillippe from 19992008. Her marriage to Toth lasted 12 years, with the couple announcing their split days before their wedding anniversary in 2023. Four months later Reese opened up to Harper's Bazaar, admitting, 'It's a vulnerable time for me.' The blonde beauty noted, 'To be able to talk to people directly about whats going on in my life and just share it in the way that I share great professional experiences or personal experiences, it feels much more authentic to be able to say things in my own voice and not let somebody else control whats happening.' In the magazine profile she added: 'Then, of course, theres speculation, but I cant control that. All I can do is be my most honest, forthright self and be vulnerable.' Termite eradication can cost homeowners up to $5,000 if an infestation is discovered. A scary detail outside a homeowner's garage has prompted an urgent warning about the risk of termites. Source: Getty/EBS Queensland Australian property owners are being warned to remain vigilant about the invasive and destructive threat of termite infestations after a scary detail was spotted above a garage door. The image, taken in Albany Creek in Brisbane, highlights how infestations can hide in plain sight in our homes. "This is subterranean termite workings, known as stalactite, from the garage roof," pest controller Jhy Carroll told Yahoo News of the shocking discovery. "When we inspected this house, we also found active termites through the garage walls and skirting boards." While every job is different, he said the cost to eliminate the colony and install a preventative system to "protect the building in the future" was between $3,000 and $5,000. The warning comes after Yahoo News reported that termites thrive in wetter and more humid conditions, meaning the critters are 'on the move' searching for new places to forage and find food. Evidence of termite activity could be seen before the inspection had even began at one Brisbane property. Source: EBS Queensland According to the Australian Museum, termite colonies are formed during warm, humid weather, typically in spring and autumn. While there are over 200 species of termites in Australia, only a few are of concern to humans. ADVERTISEMENT "The warmer months of the year are always the most active time for termites, however after all the recent floods these properties that get water ingress are at higher risk of termite activity," Carroll said, referring to the tropical low weather system known as Ex-Cyclone Alfred which hit the east coast last week. If found inside a home, termites can cause serious damage by eating away at wooden structures. The University of Technology Sydney previously discovered that termites cause $ 1.5 billion in damage to homes every year. Yahoo News recently spoke with a couple who were left more than $100,00 out of pocket after they purchased a multi-million dollar property on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in June last year only to later find a pest report didn't uncover extensive termite damage at the property. Damage caused by termites in an Aussie home. Source: EBS Queensland There are two ways to eradicate termites from an infested property. Source: EBS Queensland How to prevent termites at home According to Carroll, there are two main ways to prevent termites, one is with a chemical barrier and the other is an in-ground baiting system. ADVERTISEMENT "Chemical barrier treatment consists of digging a trench around the external perimeter of the home and chemically treating the soil area," he said. While in-ground systems are also installed around the external perimeter of the house, they include a bait that the termites feed on to "eliminate the colony". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Wendy Williams defiantly went out to dinner again in New York Saturday - days after her assisted living facility called the police on her restaurant outing with her niece. The 60-year-old presenter has been waging in a public battle against her guardianship, which she claims is so restrictive she feels 'like I am in prison.' In a dramatic new development this Wednesday, Coterie - the center where she lives - filed a report with the NYPD claiming that Williams' niece Alex Finnie evaded staff by taking the TV star out of the building to eat out at an Italian restaurant. 'Clearly, they are lying to me when they say I can go out and do what I want to do,' Williams told TMZ during the excursion. When she returned from dinner to the Coterie on Wednesday, Williams, who suffers from Graves' disease and lymphedema, was seen on a mobility scooter. She used the same mode of transportation when she was spotted this weekend heading to the Italian restaurant Tucci in Manhattan. Wendy Williams defiantly went out to dinner again in New York Saturday (pictured) - days after her assisted living facility called the police on her restaurant outing with her niece Williams appeared in bright spirits on Saturday, wearing full makeup and a glamorous outfit that included a fur-trimmed coat and a Chanel bag and boots. When Coterie called the police on Williams' dinner outing with Finnie on Wednesday, both women seized on the incident as an example of how excessively confining the guardianship had allegedly become. In an interview she gave alongside her aunt that evening, Alex said: 'I'm wondering how exactly that correlates with the statements that the guardian [Sabrina Morrissey] has made [Wednesday] that Wendy is able to come and go as she pleases and that there are no family visits that are blocked.' Wendy has repeatedly claimed she can only leave the fifth floor memory unit with permission aka an attendant unlocking the elevator, which is reportedly what happened Wednesday night. Morrissey, 60, an elder law attorney, was originally appointed by a Manhattan judge in 2022 after Williams' ex-manager Bernie Young reportedly raised concerns that she was of 'unsound mind,' which also led to Wells Fargo freezing her bank accounts. That same judge declared the former talk show host legally incapacitated last August - a year after she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, but she sounded a lot like her old self in recent interviews as well as the Tubi documentary Saving Wendy. 'She is in great shape mentally and physically,' Wendy's younger brother Tommy Williams told Us Weekly on Wednesday. 'Let her out.' The Paradise Boat Tours staffer was relieved after Williams went to Lenox Hill Hospital on Monday to have an independent psychiatrist conduct a cognitive test on her, which she passed with 'flying colors.' She used a mobility scooter when she was spotted this weekend heading to the Italian restaurant Tucci in Manhattan - just as she had during Wednesday's outing Williams suffers from Graves' disease and lymphedema Williams appeared in bright spirits on Saturday, wearing full makeup and a glamorous outfit that included a fur-trimmed coat and a Chanel bag and boots 'Now she has some direction and understanding of her functional abilities and cognizant abilities,' Tommy said. 'It's a win for Wendy, a big one. And she did it herself. It also shows she is fluid with her thoughts and actions.' Williams added: 'It's a wait and see. We want to root Wendy on. We watch and listen and cheer her on. And we are praying.' The New Jersey native and her caregiver - Connect Care Advisory Group founder Ginalia Monterrosa - are scheduled to speak with the ladies of ABC's The View via phone call this Friday. The 60-year-old elder law attorney was originally appointed by a Manhattan judge in 2022 after Williams' ex-manager Bernie Young reportedly raised concerns that she was of 'unsound mind,' which also led to Wells Fargo freezing her bank accounts The former talk show host's younger brother Tommy Williams (R, posted December 20) told Us Weekly on Wednesday: 'She is in great shape mentally and physically. Let her out' The Paradise Boat Tours staffer was relieved after Wendy went to Lenox Hill Hospital on Monday (pictured) to have an independent psychiatrist conduct a cognitive test on her, which she passed with 'flying colors' Tommy said: 'Now she has some direction and understanding of her functional abilities and cognizant abilities. It's a win for Wendy, a big one. And she did it herself. It also shows she is fluid with her thoughts and actions' (pictured in 2022) Williams and her caregiver - Connect Care Advisory Group founder Ginalia Monterrosa - are scheduled to speak with the ladies of ABC's The View via phone call this Friday 'She is letting the public know it is unfair, it is unjust. She doesn't need to be in a guardianship. She is not incapacitated. She will continue to voice her opinion,' Monterrosa told Us. 'We'd love for her to be in an unrestrictive environment even at another facility where she has freedom to come in and out, see her friends, people can call her, she can have an iPad, she can use a two-way phone not just [a] one way [phone]. '[She has] the freedom to go to the store and supermarket, to go to the gym, to have a life and the things we take for granted.' Jennifer Garner made an unexpected career move to support Los Angeles wildfire fire victims recently. For a good cause, the 52-year-old actress took to her Instagram Stories to announce that she would be working on social media for a limited time. She joined her The Last Thing He Told Me co-star, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and her 13 Going on 30 castmate Judy Greer in their efforts to raise money for California wildfire relief. On her post, she wrote that she and 'some friends' would be joining Cameo. The Alias alum who was spotted on a date with her longtime boyfriend John Miller earlier this week is offering to send personalized videos to fans for a minimum of $750. According to her Cameo page, she will only be filming 25 more videos to her fans, offering to record herself wishing someone a happy birthday, giving a pep talk, sharing words of advice or even roasting her fans. Jennifer Garner made an unexpected career move to support Los Angeles wildfire fire victims recently This comes after she was spotted on a romantic date with her boyfriend of seven years, John Miller. The pair were seen 'holding hands' and 'kissing' on their outing, effectively shutting down rumors of a reunion between her and her ex-husband Ben Affleck. Garner and Affleck, her second husband, were previously married from 2005 to 2018. The former couple share and co-parent three children Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 13. Last month, Garner began filming scenes for the upcoming season of The Last Thing He Told Me. She reunited with Coster-Waldau and Angourie Rice for the Apple TV+ thriller series. Last year, Apple TV+ announced that the show would be renewed for a second season. In October of 2024, it was revealed that Greer, Garner's 13 Going on 30 co-star, would also be joining the cast as a recurring character. It is currently cunelear who she will portray. Season one of The Last Thing He Told Me followed Garner's character Hannah Hall and her 16-year-old stepdaughter Bailey (Rice). For a good cause, the 52-year-old actress took to her Instagram Stories to announce that she would be working on social media for a limited time She joined her The Last Thing He Told Me co-star, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and her 13 Going on 30 castmate Judy Greer in their efforts to raise money for California wildfire relief The Alias alum is offering to send personalized videos to fans for a minimum of $750 According to her Cameo page, she will only be filming 25 more videos to her fans, offering to record herself wishing someone a happy birthday, giving a pep talk, sharing words of advice or even roasting her fans; pictured April 2024 in Beverly Hills Garner's former co-star and longtime friend, Greer, was one of the actors who joined in for the good cause The pair have been close friends ever since they starred alongside one another in the 2004 romantic comedy, 13 Going on 30 The pair began investigating what happened to Hannah's husband (Coster-Waldau) after he disappeared without a trace. The series is based on Laura Dave's same-name novel and was originally billed as a one season limited series. The second season will be based on Dave's sequel novel, which is scheduled to be published in 2025 ahead of the premiere of the show. A release date for the upcoming season has not yet been announced but is anticipated for later this year. Disney's much-maligned Snow White remake finally held its US premiere on Saturday, but it was a far cry from the lavish red carpets and huge turnouts that the House of Mouse has become known for. With the film hit by a string of controversies, including claims of a feud between its stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, bosses opted for a low-key afternoon screening where local children were the guests of honour. Having previously been absent from the film's secret Spanish premiere earlier this week, this time Gal was in attendance alongside star Rachel, with the pair posing for stilted snaps together. Shining a light on bosses' attempts to limit the difficult questions Rachel could face about the film, a select number of photographers, far smaller than the number expected for a Disney premiere, were invited. Following a series of scandals and PR nightmares that have beset the Snow White remake, Disney have scaled back the planned lavish premieres to a 'handful' of tightly controlled press events. Noting the number of children that made up the guest list, the screening, held at LA's El Capitan Theatre, took place at 3:30pm after a pre-party celebration that lasted just 90 minutes, according to Variety. Disney's much-maligned Snow White remake finally held its US premiere on Saturday, with stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot in attendance (pictured with producer Marc E. Platt) Instead of a vast array of press, which would be expected for a big-budget Disney film, the only interviewers the cast faced were employed by Disney, such as Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the studio's 1989 animation The Little Mermaid. Cast members Martin Klebba, Jason Kravits, George Salazar, Andy Grotelueschen, Emilia Faucher, Lorena Andrea, Dujonna Gift, and Idris Kargbo, as well as director Marc Webb, screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson, producers Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff, songwriters Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, composer Jeff Morrow and cinematographer Mandy Walker also walked the red carpet. Putting the focus on local children who were invited to the event, the pre-party celebration featured an array of sponsored activities to entertain the young guests while they waited. Many children attending the premiere were from the San Fernando and Malibu chapters of the Boys & Girls Club. Activities included a magic mirror nail polish installation from Essie, Joffrey's Coffee & Tea serving a 'Just One Bite' brew and a MiracleGro booth where guests could make a flower bouquet to bring home after the film. Allegra was also part of the co-branded campaign with dwarves Sneezy and Sleepy prominently featured. Guests sipped on apple-infused drinks - appletinis, sparkling cider and Shirley Temples, which was an ode to the iconic child star who famously presented Walt Disney with an honorary Oscar for the original Snow White in 1938. During the screening, Rachel did briefly address the backlash that has surrounded the film, which has been branded woke over fears it has prioritised its messaging over authentic storytelling. With the film hit by a string of controversies, bosses opted for a low-key afternoon screening where local children were the guests of honour Having previously been absent from the film's secret Spanish screening, this time Gal was in attendance alongside star Rachel, with the pair posing for stilted snaps together Shining a light on attempts to limit the difficult questions Rachel could face, a select number of photographers, far smaller than the number expected for a Disney premiere, were invited Instead of a vast array of press, as would be customary due to the interest in a bid-budget Disney remake, the only interviewers the cast faced were employed by Disney Among the only press in attendance for the premiere were Disney-friendly names such as Jodie Benson, who voiced Ariel in the 1989 film The Little Mermaid Putting the focus on local children who were invited to the event, the pre-party celebration featured an array of sponsored activities to entertain the young guests while they waited Activities included a magic mirror nail polish installation from Essie, Joffrey's Coffee & Tea serving a 'Just One Bite' brew and a MiracleGro booth Guests sipped on apple-infused drinks - appletinis, sparkling cider and Shirley Temples, an ode to the iconic child star who presented Walt Disney with an honorary Oscar in 1938 Speaking about the reaction she's had as the movie's young star, Rachel explained she interprets people's feelings about it as 'their passion for' the character. She said: 'What an honor to be a part of something for which people feel so much passion. We're not always going to have the same sentiments as those around us and all that we can do is give the best of ourselves.' The actress posed for snaps in a pale pink ballgown with a flowing satin skirt, stopping to meet some of the young fans attending, who were dressed up as the iconic Princess. And while she and Gal, who stars as the Evil Queen, painted on smiles to pose for snaps together, fans were quick to spot the tension between them, amid claims of a feud behind the scenes. One person on X observed, 'Those are some bad, fake, forced smiles; none of the smiles are reaching their eyes.' Another agreed, adding, 'Guarantee the smiles dropped as soon as they were done with the picture.' In reference to a photo featuring producer Marc E. Platt between the two actresses, someone commented, 'He's holding them back like two wild beasts trying to kill each other.' Another person shared a photo of enemies feigning camaraderie while wielding weapons behind their backs, comparing the image to Rachel and Gal. This is the first red carpet event for the film Gal, who plays the Evil Queen, has attended, and instead she's been leading the promotional tour on PR-friendly morning and late night shows Rachel (left) and Gal (right) posed for stilted snaps together, amid claims of a behind-the-scenes clash between the stars over their opposing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict The premiere is the latest scaled-back event from bosses to promote the film, days after raising eyebrows by holding a 'secret' screening in Spain where global press were shut out It has been widely speculated that there is a behind-the-scenes clash between the live action film's two leading stars. AT A GLANCE: ALL THE CONTROVERSIES TO HAVE ENGULFED THE SNOW WHITE REMAKE Snow White's skin color Since casting Hispanic actress Zegler as Snow White, Disney fans have highlighted the woke deviations from the classic fairytale. While reflecting on comments made on social media about her casting as Snow White, Zegler insisted she doesn't even try to wrap her head why 'Disney adults' would have a problem with someone Latina portraying the beloved princess. Zegler revealed the line describing her character's 'skin as white as snow' will reference 'another version of Snow White that was told in history'. Depiction of the Seven Dwarves Disney sparked backlash after they announced that 'magical creatures' would replace the seven dwarves to 'avoid reinforcing stereotypes' after Peter Dinklage criticized the 'f****** backwards story'. 'It makes no sense to me,' he told Mark Maron's WTF podcast. 'You're progressive in one way and you're still making that f***ing backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the f*** are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I'm not loud enough.' Zegler pans original over 'sexism' Zegler criticized David Hand's 1937 original animated film as 'extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman's fit for in the world.' 'The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so,' she told Extra TV in 2022. 'There's a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird. So we didn't do that this time.' Hollywood-style premieres ditched for 'tightly controlled' press events Film bosses had originally planned to stage a Hollywood soiree worthy of the staggering $269.4million spent on the movie - with events planned in Los Angeles, London and globally Yet amid the series of scandals and PR nightmares, Disney scaled back the planned lavish premieres to a 'handful' of tightly controlled Press events. Advertisement It's believed to be over their opposing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Gadot is notably from Israel. The premiere is the latest scaled-back event from Disney bosses to promote the film, days after raising eyebrows by holding a 'secret' screening in Spain where global press were shut out. It wasn't even described as a premiere, but was carefully referred to as an 'European event' after its glitzy global premieres were ditched in favor of 'tightly controlled' press events. Rather than the usual list of major news outlets flocking to the scene, local Spanish influencers and families from the small city of Segovia, which boasts a population of just 51,000, were among the chosen 'VIPs' in attendance. The event - which took place thousands of miles away from the gaze of global press - featured a performance from Zegler of Waiting upon a Wish, with 'VIPs' standing in a crowd to watch, as well as a lavish meal with guests. Select guests were given the chance to get a special exclusive screening of the movie itself as influencers gave a glimpse inside the cinema room on social media, though they have to remain mum on their thoughts on the release for now. According to Disney, unnamed 'press', 'content creators' and families involved with local Spanish charities were among those who gathered outside the medieval castle. However, there didn't appear to be many big names from influencer circles in attendance as the Spanish content creators in the crowds boasted mere thousands of followers, rather than millions. When asked by TMZ over the weekend how she feels now that Snow White is finally about to hit theaters, she answered, 'It feels wonderful, thank you.' Earlier this week, it was revealed by Variety that Disney chose to 'scale back' the movie's LA premiere, limiting coverage to photographers and a house crew. Martin Klebba, who voiced the character of Grumpy, slammed Disney for choosing to scale back on the Hollywood premiere. TMZ reported that the actor - who is also known for appearing in the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise - is 'seriously bummed and a bit p****d.' He briefly commented on the controversies surrounding the movie, as well as the political opinions of the leading stars but said it 'shouldn't have overshadowed everyone else's hard work.' And while talking to The Hollywood Reporter, he further commented on the screening which will take place on Saturday and expressed, 'It really isn't going to be a red carpet. 'It's going to be at the El Capitan [Theatre], which is cool. But it's basically going to be a pre-party, watch the movie, and that's it.' Martin added, 'There's not going to be this whole hoopla of, "Disney's first f***ing movie they ever made." Because of all this controversy, they're afraid of the blowback from different people in society.' Peter Dinklage previously hit back at Disney for remaking Snow White which he labeled as a 'f***ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.' Klebba said, 'I don't usually get into the political stuff, but I [felt], "Dwarfs aren't going to go away just because you can't imagine that they're there." 'We're still going to be walking around. So I didn't get the whole stuff about not doing the dwarfs. The story's been around forever, and it's a classic.' It has also been rumored that there is a 'feud' behind-the-scenes with Rachel and Gal over their contrasting views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A source recently told People that the two stars 'have nothing in common' and added, 'On top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension.' A large scale premiere would have also taken place at Leicester Square in London, but an insider informed DailyMail.com earlier this month that a decision was made to not hold one for the upcoming movie. 'Disney are already anticipating an anti-woke backlash against Snow White and have reduced the media schedule to just a handful of tightly controlled press events,' the source stated. 'That is why they have taken the highly unusual step not to host a London premiere for the film and are minimizing the amount of press questions that Rachel Zegler gets.' Zegler had attended an event in Tokyo to promote the film last week as she has led the press for the remake, but Gadot and the rest of the cast were not in attendance. Disney's choice comes following criticism and fears that the remake prioritized 'woke' messaging over authentic storytelling. Notably, the remake has dumped the traditional romance plot because of 'sexism' and reimagined the Seven Dwarfs as a diverse group of 'magical creatures'. Zegler herself has also criticized David Hand's 1937 original animated film as 'extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman's fit for in the world'. 'The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so,' she told Extra TV in 2022. 'There's a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird. So we didn't do that this time. 'We have a different approach to what I'm sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie.' 'All of Andrew's scenes could get cut, who knows? It's Hollywood, baby!' she joked. The film has drastically scaled back its press tour with a handful of controlled screenings, following fears the remake prioritised 'woke' messaging over authentic storytelling About the 1937 film, she added: 'I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I'm being so serious.' Zegler also told Variety that her version of Snow White would be dreaming about becoming a 'fearless leader' rather than 'dreaming about true love'. Sources previously revealed to DailyMail.com that Zegler's reputation as a 'loose cannon' nearly got her axed from playing Snow White. Zegler's strong opinions have prompted some haters to vow to boycott the film. Reflecting on comments made on social media about her casting as Snow White, Zegler insisted she doesn't even try to wrap her head why 'Disney adults' would have a problem with someone Latina portraying the beloved princess. Zegler proceeded to reveal that the line describing her character's 'skin as white as snow' will reference 'another version of Snow White that was told in history,' in which the character 'survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby'. 'The king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience,' she noted. 'One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are.' The star also admitted that it was 'sad' to see so many people rip her apart for teasing that her version of Snow White would not not be saved by a prince. Disney also sparked backlash after they announced that 'magical creatures' would replace the seven dwarves to 'avoid reinforcing stereotypes' after Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage criticized the 'f****** backwards story' last year. 'I was a little taken aback when they [Disney] were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White, but you're still telling the story of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs,' he told Mark Maron's WTF podcast. 'It makes no sense to me. You're progressive in one way and you're still making that f***ing backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the f*** are you doing, man? 'Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I'm not loud enough.' Dinklage's concerns were shared by some charities, including the Restricted Growth Association in the UK. 'I very much stand with Peter Dinklage on the disappointment and irritation towards Disney for the remake of Snow White,' Rhonda Cutmore, a member of the association, told The Telegraph. Meanwhile, Dwarfism writer Steph Robson said she hoped film producers make an effort to avoid stereotypes in its retelling of the classic movie. 'It is my hope that the latest live action remake, and Disney, will, at the very least go some way to redress the decades of the one-dimensional stereotypes that our disability continues to experience, especially within arts and cultural settings,' she told the outlet. The story has also been criticized as being ableist for portraying the dwarfs with lesser intelligence and Snow White seeing them as children. Zegler has also criticized David Hand's 1937 original animated film as 'extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman's fit for in the world' Disney later said it's 'taking a different approach' with Snow White's seven companions. In a statement last year, the company said it had been consulting with members of the dwarfism community throughout the early stages of production. 'To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community,' a spokesperson said. 'We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period.' In December last year, sources close to the production said Snow White's seven 'dwarfs' were not going to be fully computer generated, and wouldn't be dwarfs at all.Instead, she would be befriended by magical, forest-dwelling creatures. Robert De Niro posed with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen at The Alto Knights premiere in NYC on Saturday night. The actor, 81, and Tiffany, 46, were joined by their pet pooches on the red carpet who also star in the crime drama film. The biographical crime drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi stars Robert in a dual role as 1950s mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. For the premiere Robert looked smart in a black suit and grey top which he wore with orange tinted sunglasses. Tiffany meanwhile rocked a chic black velvet suit as she held up their beloved pet dogs who feature in the film. Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli have supporting roles in the film and were also seen at the premiere. Robert De Niro posed with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen at The Alto Knights premiere in NYC on Saturday night The actor, 81, and Tiffany, 46, were joined by their pet pooches on the red carpet who also star in the crime drama film Debra, 56, will star as Costello's wife Bobbie in the upcoming thriller movie. The Alto Knights is scheduled to be released in the US on March 21 by Warner Bros. Pictures. In the film Vito and Frank are Italian-American mob bosses, and Genovese orders a hit on Costello. Costello survives but is wounded in the attempt and ultimately decides to retire from the Mafia. Last week Robert revealed his own pet dogs had to 'audition' for his latest movie. One of the characters was a dog owner, and the actor's girlfriend Tiffany asked if their own pets could take part. After a meeting with director Barry Levinson, the pooches were cast. On The One Show he told host Alex Jones: 'It was in the script so, my girlfriend, we have a lot of dogs, so she said, 'Maybe you could put these dogs in or one of them?'' said the actor. 'And I said, 'OK, let me introduce them to Barry Levinson, the director'.' 'They had to audition! Barry met them and he liked them and he said, 'OK'.' 'So then we somehow got into a thing of how they would dress,' he went on. The biographical crime drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi stars Robert in a dual role as 1950s mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello For the premiere he looked smart in a black suit and grey top which he wore with orange tinted sunglasses (seen with Barry Levinson the director) Debra Messing (seen), Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli have supporting roles in the film and were also seen at the premiere Debra, 56, will star as Costello's wife Bobbie in the upcoming thriller movie The Alto Knights is scheduled to be released in the US on March 21 by Warner Bros. Pictures 'And since it was cold weather, walking them in the park, it seemed to make sense that, with these characters, the dogs would wear something to protect them. 'And if they were going to wear something to protect them, it might as well be mink. So that's what we outfitted them, with mink coats and hats.' At times adapting a documentary film-style approach, The Alto Knights recounts the old friends' shared past, the events leading to their rift and a failed assassination attempt on Costello. Their power struggle plays out in tense scenes, some of which see Costello and Genovese clash face to face. The movie is directed by Rain Man, Good Morning, Vietnam and Wag the Dog filmmaker Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, known for Goodfellas and Casino. It is produced by De Niro's long-time collaborator Irwin Winkler, and the actor said working with the trio convinced him to return to the mobster genre. 'I wasn't planning on going back to it, but when Irwin Winkler sent me the script, I said 'let me consider,' De Niro said at the film's London premiere on Thursday. 'When we were talking about who'd play the other part, they wanted me for Costello, he (Winkler) said 'well, what about if you play the other part?' I said 'that's an even better reason to do this, if I do it,' the 81-year-old actor added. Winkler, 93, said he couldn't think of anyone else better suited for the roles. 'We didn't do it with any visual effects. It was all really makeup and just him,' Winkler said. 'Even after seeing the film so many times, I see two different characters. I don't see one man playing them.' Last week Robert revealed his own pet dogs had to 'audition' for his latest movie One of the characters was a dog owner, and the actor's girlfriend Tiffany asked if their own pets could take part After a meeting with director Barry Levinson, the pooches were cast In the film Vito and Frank are Italian-American mob bosses, and Genovese orders a hit on Costello (director Barry Levinson seen) Costello survives but is wounded in the attempt and ultimately decides to retire from the Mafia She sweetly held up their dogs for the camera Debra also doted on the pooches Antonio Cipriano wore a smart suit De Niro enlisted a co-star to act out scenes featuring both of his characters. 'I settled on one guy I thought would be good. He played the Gambino part and he learned both parts. So, I did it with him and he was a tremendous help.' As well as Debra playing Costello's wife, Shogun actor Cosmo Jarvis portrays gangster Vincent Gigante. Asked if the experience had inspired him to challenge himself further, De Niro, who has several new film projects lined up, said: 'Now I'm just trying to keep up with everything I'm doing.' Channel 10's The Project has thrown shade on US social media star Samantha Jones after the controversial influencer pulled out of a planned interview at the last minute on Sunday. Jones, real name Sam Strable, hit the headlines last week after she shared video of herself taking a baby wombat away from its distressed mother while on a trip Down Under. After leaving Australia amid a storm of protest, including a criticism from PM Anthony Alabanese, Strable has used her platform to plead that was 'truly sorry' for her behaviour - while claiming she had received thousands of death threats. The 24-year-old issued a 900 word statement on her Instagram as well as shared a video in order to explain herself. But in a second, dramatically worded statement, Strable lashed out at Australians and accused them of hypocrisy claiming that wombats 'can be' culled. The Project host Hamish Macdonald reviewed the Strable 'wombat' controversy telling viewers that they had planned to interview the influencer. Channel 10's The Project has thrown shade on US social media star Sam Strable (pictured) after the controversial influencer pulled out of a planned interview at the last minute on Sunday After leaving Australia amid a storm of protest, including a criticism from PM Anthony Alabanese, Strable has used her platform to plead that was 'truly sorry' for her behaviour - while claiming she had received thousands of death threats. Pictured: The Project hosts Hamish Macdonald and Sarah Harris But instead, he said, Strable had provided an 'exclusive' video to the program. Wearing a plain green top and no make up Strable can be seen telling viewers that her actions were: 'An incredible mistake and there hasn't been a moment where I haven't regretted.' The Project also shared a different part of Strable's interview in which she says: 'The same government that has been calling for my head is the one that spends millions of your tax dollars slaughtering Australian animals.' 'I think frankly its pathetic given what happened and obviously no one condones violence or threats of violence or any that have have been thrown her way,' Macdonald said after playing Strable's video. He continued: 'But honestly to say you are genuinely sorry but not be willing to explain yourself and [then] point the finger at The Australian government is pretty lousy.' Co-host Sarah Harris said she thought the influencer's apology was 'infuriating' and said that Strable's claims about the Australian government 'allowing' wombats to be slaughtered were 'untrue'. Harris said that wombats are protected but individuals can apply for permits to 'control' wombats under circumstances such as when they impact structures. The Project host Hamish Macdonald reviewed the Strable 'wombat' controversy telling viewers that they had planned to interview the influencer - who instead offered the program an 'exclusive' video. Pictured: Strable in the segment screened on The Project on Sunday. Macdonald later called the video 'pathetic' Harris (right) said she thought the influencer's apology was 'infuriating' and said that Jones' claims about the Australian government 'allowing' wombats to be slaughtered were 'untrue' Harris also added: 'But you get penalty for up to 40 grand plus and two years in prison [for killing wombats]. [Jones's] statement is riddled with misinformation.' Mcdonald said that Strable was a 'typical' influencer wanting to make their statement and taking 'no responsibility or accountability'. He continued: 'The reality is there's been a strong public response. I think Australians are proud of their wild life. 'And we do have land management practices that do occur but there are huge penalties if you slaughter native wildlife or mistreatment them and this individual has heard loudly and clearly from the Australian population.' It comes after Strable, who describes herself as a 'wildlife biologist and environmental scientist', was filmed grabbing a wild baby wombat and temporarily separating it from its distressed mother. The well-known hunter shared the since-deleted video to her Instagram account on Tuesday. Strable captured the juvenile wombat from the side of an unidentified road. The footage showed her running towards her car with the joey swinging in her arms. Strable describes herself as a 'wildlife biologist and environmental scientist' Its mother was seen desperately chasing Strable while an Australian man laughed as he filmed the scene. 'I caught a baby wombat,' Strable said as the joey shrieked and wiggled trying to free itself from her grasp. 'Okay, mum is right there and she is pissed. 'Let's let him go.' She was later seen releasing it. The Instagram post received a barrage of backlash, with social media users reporting the video under 'animal abuse'. Strable initially defended her actions, claiming she did not harm the joey and only held it for one minute. 'For everyone that's worried and unhappy, the baby was carefully held for ONE minute in total and then released back to mum,' she wrote. 'They wandered back off into the bush together completely unharmed. I didn't think I would be able to catch it in the first place, and took an opportunity to appreciate a really incredible animal up close. Strable's online presence is largely populated with images of her posing with animal carcasses she claims to have hunted 'I don't ever capture wildlife that will be harmed by my doing so.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Strable for comment. Outraged Aussies continued to flood her social media platforms with negative comments, prompting Strable to switch her accounts to private. Despite her attempt to remove the video from social media, other users preserved and shared it on both Reddit and TikTok. Other social media users called for her to be reported to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and deported back to the US and her home state of Montana. 'Hope she gets the maximum punishment for f***ing with wildlife', one user said while another chimed in: 'Arrest. Fine. Deport. Ban.' Strable's online presence is largely populated with images of her posing with animal carcasses she claims to have hunted. Government sources revealed on Friday she has departed Australia, and is now believed to be on her way back to the US. 'There's never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,' Immigration Minister Tony Burke told Daily Mail Australia on Friday. The wombat stunt infuriated Australians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who urged the influencer to try her luck with some other Australian animals. 'Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there,' Mr Albanese said on Thursday. 'Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother.' The federal government began working to deport her after wildlife service WIRES said Strable had violated Australia's biosecurity and animal welfare laws, but she jumped before being pushed. She's this year's breakout star on Married At First Sight. And now 31-year-old dark-haired beauty Carina Mirabile has blown away her fans after sharing a stunning throwback picture to her social media. Taken on her 21st birthday, the Perth-based social media specialist can be seen rocking a clingy black evening dress and sporting blonde hair. Known on MAFS for her striking style choices, the photo appears to been taken during her birthday celebrations. Her friends on Instagram filled the comment thread with plenty of enthusiasm and gushed over the voluptuous stars looks. 'Kim K of Perth best night, hope you had fun babe xxx,' wrote one user, who compared the voluptuous Carina to famed US star Kim Kardashian. Married at First Sight star Carina Mirabile has blown away her fans after a stunning throwback photo of her has re-surfaced. Pictured: The MAFS bride on her 21st birthday Known on MAFS for her striking style choices, the 31-year-old digital marketing expert has been compared to Kim Kardashian 'Absolutely gorgeous,' said another,' while another friend commented: 'The most stunning birthday girl I've ever seen.' Known for her striking looks, Carina has drawn comparisons to the stunning Kardashian, with some MAFS fans fans dubbing her 'Temu Kim.' The reality star was roasted after she wore a halter neck dress that featured a curve-hugging, ruched bodice and a matching head scarf to a MAFS dinner party. Internet sleuths were quick to discover she had borrowed the exact look from Kim's younger sister Kylie, who wore the same dress in a promotional shoot for The Kardashians. In a showreel attached to her website, Carina shared a video in which she said her top five dream red carpet interviewees are: 'Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, The Weeknd and Drake.' Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in January, Carina said she was flattered by the nickname, but laughed it off nonetheless. 'I mean, come on - I'm a little more classy than that! But honestly, I am inspired by Kim's fashion and style,' she said. 'Most of all, I resonate with her family dynamic. I come from a big family too, and that's something I deeply value.' Known for her striking looks, Carina has drawn comparisons to the stunning Kardashian, with some MAFS fans fans dubbing her 'Temu Kim.' Kim Kardashian is pictured Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in January, Carina said she was flattered by the comparison Like Kris Jenner, who has four children - Kylie and Kendall Jenner, and Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, and Rob Kardashian, and 14 grandchildren, mum Carmel also enjoys a large family with 5 children and ten grandchildren. And much like the Kardashians, who have a vast multi-media empire at their feet, Carina, too is part of an impressive family-run business. The Mirabile family, led by Carina's mother and father Carmel and Tony, run Beyond Toolsa purveyor of heavy duty machinery and power tools. Located in Malaga, just outside of Perth, Beyond Tools has been servicing handy men and women since 1986. It's a truly family-run business as well, with Tony and Carmel sharing the CEO role. The matriarch also balances her CEO role with that of accounts manager, while also helping her children raise ten grandkids. Carina's brothers Charles and Anthony also work in the business, running the service department and financials respectively. Her sisters, Rosemarie and Janelle also take a very active role, as heads of marketing, advertising and IT. Not one to be left out, Carina also works in the business and, as a digital marketing manager and social media specialist. Carina tried out careers as a broadcast journalist, TV personality, host, model, and actress, prior to applying for season 12 of MAFS. She got her big TV break in as 'lead actress' in a Channel Nine TV segment filmed with Beyond Tools in 2018. The first reviews of the new Snow White film were released on Sunday - as controversy over the Disney remake rumbles on. Following a series of scandals and PR nightmares that have beset the project, Disney have scaled back the planned lavish premieres for the movie to a 'handful' of tightly controlled press events. The film has previously been branded woke over fears it has prioritised its messaging over authentic storytelling - while it is claimed there is a feud between the two leading actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. A large scale premiere had been expected to take place at Leicester Square in London, but an insider informed DailyMail.com earlier this month that a decision was made to not hold one for the upcoming movie. But despite the drama behind the scenes the early reviews for the film were glowingly positive, with both Rachel and Gal receiving praise. Writing on Twitter, Variety's film reporter Katcy Stephan penned: 'Rachel Zegler is a shining supernova in #SnowWhite, beautifully embodying the graceful, gentle nature of the OG Disney princess. The first reviews of the new Snow White film were released on Sunday - as controversy over the Disney remake rumbles on Following a series of scandals and PR nightmares that have beset the project, Disney have scaled back the planned lavish premieres for the movie to a 'handful' of controlled press events 'It's a visual feast with show-stopping new musical numbers and, of course, dozens of enchanting animated animals. The screenplay wisely gives its heroine newfound depth through her fervent desire to become the leader her father believed she could be, and a love story that's sweet as apple pie.' Crooked Media's Matt DeGroot was similarly positive, writing: 'Despite becoming an internet punching bag Disney's remake of Snow White is actually mostly successful! 'Rachel Zegler is an absolute star, (most of) the new songs are catchy and beautifully performed, and the visual palette is sumptuous and vibrant. Gal Gadot had beautiful gowns.' Screen Rant host Ash Crossan added on their social media: 'Despite the bob being all over the place, #SnowWhite is quite charming! 'The message lands well, the critters are adorable, and Rachel Zegler and her enchanting voice are stunning. It almost got a full tear out of me, and I've never cried in my entire life.' The DisInsider's Skyler Shuler agreed, writing on Twitter: 'Listen, I was worried, but let me tell you Snow White is PURE DISNEY MAGIC! 'This will end up being a lot of people's favorite live-action remake.' On Saturday, stars Rachel and Gal attended the film's US premiere, but it was a significantly smaller affair than would be expected for a Disney fantasy with a budget of $270 million. Shining a light on bosses' attempts to limit the difficult questions star Rachel could face about the film, a select number of photographers, far smaller than the number expected for a Disney premiere, were invited. But despite the drama behind the scenes the early reviews for the film were glowingly positive, with both Rachel and Gal receiving praise On Saturday, stars Rachel and Gal attended the film's US premiere, but it was a significantly smaller affair than would be expected for a Disney fantasy with a budget of $270 million.(pictured with producer Marc E. Platt) The premiere is the latest scaled-back event from bosses to promote the film, days after raising eyebrows by holding a 'secret' screening in Spain where global press were shut out Noting the number of children that made up the guest list, the screening, held at LA's El Capitan Theatre, took place at 3:30pm after a pre-party celebration that lasted just 90 minutes, according to Variety. Earlier this week, bosses also raised eyebrows by holding a 'secret' screening in Spain where global press were shut out. Rather than the usual list of major news outlets flocking to the scene, local Spanish influencers and families from the small city of Segovia, which boasts a population of just 51,000, were among the chosen 'VIPs' in attendance. When asked by TMZ over the weekend how she feels now that Snow White is finally about to hit theaters, she answered, 'It feels wonderful, thank you,' but failed to comment on backlash surrounding the film. It has also been rumored that there is a 'feud' behind-the-scenes with Rachel and Gal over their contrasting views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A source recently told People that the two stars 'have nothing in common' and added, 'On top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension.' Disney's choice comes following criticism and fears that the remake prioritized 'woke' messaging over authentic storytelling. Notably, the remake has dumped the traditional romance plot because of 'sexism' and reimagined the Seven Dwarfs as a diverse group of 'magical creatures'. Zegler herself has also criticized David Hand's 1937 original animated film as 'extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman's fit for in the world'. 'The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so,' she told Extra TV in 2022. 'There's a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird. So we didn't do that this time. 'We have a different approach to what I'm sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie.' 'All of Andrew's scenes could get cut, who knows? It's Hollywood, baby!' she joked. About the 1937 film, she added: 'I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I'm being so serious.' Zegler also told Variety that her version of Snow White would be dreaming about becoming a 'fearless leader' rather than 'dreaming about true love'. Sources previously revealed to DailyMail.com that Zegler's reputation as a 'loose cannon' nearly got her axed from playing Snow White. Zegler's strong opinions have prompted some haters to vow to boycott the film. Reflecting on comments made on social media about her casting as Snow White, Zegler insisted she doesn't even try to wrap her head why 'Disney adults' would have a problem with someone Latina portraying the beloved princess. Zegler proceeded to reveal that the line describing her character's 'skin as white as snow' will reference 'another version of Snow White that was told in history,' in which the character 'survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby'. Zegler has also criticized David Hand's 1937 original animated film as 'extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman's fit for in the world' 'The king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience,' she noted. 'One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are.' The star also admitted that it was 'sad' to see so many people rip her apart for teasing that her version of Snow White would not not be saved by a prince. Disney also sparked backlash after they announced that 'magical creatures' would replace the seven dwarves to 'avoid reinforcing stereotypes' after Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage criticized the 'f****** backwards story' last year. Dinklage's concerns were shared by some charities, including the Restricted Growth Association in the UK. The story has also been criticised as being ableist for portraying the dwarfs with lesser intelligence and Snow White seeing them as children. Disney later said it's 'taking a different approach' with Snow White's seven companions. In December last year, sources close to the production said Snow White's seven 'dwarfs' were not going to be fully computer generated, and wouldn't be dwarfs at all. Instead, she would be befriended by magical, forest-dwelling creatures. Danny Jones' wife Georgia has returned to social media for the first time since he issued a grovelling apology for his drunken kiss with Maura Higgins. The McFly star, 39, was filmed sharing a kiss with the Love Island star, 34, at a BRIT Awards afterparty earlier this month, and said in his apology on Friday he was sorry for putting Georgia 'in this situation.' Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Georgia shared a picturesque post of blooming daffodils, with the caption: 'SPRING.' It comes after sources said Georgia is keen to avoid being seen as a 'pushover' by forgiving Danny too fast. Two days after making a cringeworthy return to social media, Danny released a statement apologising to his wife Georgia for 'putting her in the situation'. The pair were also pictured on a tense outing together on Tuesday, with sources telling The Mail that it was a last-ditch attempt by Danny's team to preserve a united front. Danny Jones' wife Georgia has returned to social media for the first time since he issued a grovelling apology for his drunken kiss with Maura Higgins An insider has now told The Sun that Georgia has been left feeling 'uneasy' by the photos, with a source saying: 'This whole situation has been incredibly embarrassing for Danny and Georgia. 'They are keen to work through things together and move on. But Georgia does not want people to think she's a pushover and that all is forgiven already. 'She was concerned that the photos of her and Danny together gave the impression that everything is fine, when that is very much not the case.' On Instagram, two weeks after the incident took place, Danny took to Instagram to issue an apology to his wife. He said: 'Hello everyone. Sorry its taken me a while to post this but I've taken some time out to be with those closest to me. 'I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love then so much and we'll continue to deal with this privately. 'I love you guys, thank you for you patience, understanding, and support. See you all soon, Danny.' Danny and Georgia were previously pictured during a tense outing on Tuesday, their first appearance since footage of his kiss with Maura was revealed. The McFly star was filmed sharing a kiss with the Love Island star at a BRIT Awards afterparty earlier this month Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Georgia shared a picturesque post of blooming daffodils, with the caption: 'SPRING' Georgia, with a face like thunder and her left hand firmly in her pocket refusing to show her wedding ring finger did not present the image of a united front that Danny might have hoped for. Sources close to Georgia have told The Mail that her hidden hand was a 'little act of defiance' by the vulnerable mother-of-one, who was angry about being asked to parade publicly at her husband's request with no little involvement from his publicity machine, which, says my source, staged the photographs in a 'last-ditch attempt to salvage his reputation'. It's also been revealed that Georgia and Danny who have been married for 14 years have taken a break and are living separately after his 'ultimate betrayal'. A friend of Georgia said: 'She is furious not just with her husband's actions, but with all the chaos this has brought to their lives, particularly for their young son Cooper. 'All she wants to do is protect her boy from this mess. 'It has been overwhelming and she needs time to process what has happened. Only then can she begin to talk about the future. They are now on a break and are living apart from each other.' A source added: 'She is really struggling to get past the betrayal, but she wants to do what's best for Cooper.' Maura is yet to comment on the drama, and has instead jetted to Los Angeles for a shoot with the clothing brand Oh Polly. Jack Lowden has detailed the moment he fell in love with his 'remarkable' wife Saoirse Ronan on the set of Mary Queen of Scots. The Scottish actor, 34, and the Irish actress, 30, met on the set of the 2019 film where Jack says he was blown away with her talent. The couple, who started dating in 2018, tied the knot earlier last year in an intimate ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland. He told The Times: 'There was me at 27 thinking about stopping because I felt self-conscious or like I didn't know how to do it. 'And then watching this 23-year-old carry the weight of a huge film like that with ease and grace and majesty. It was remarkable to watch. 'She makes it look so easy, like breathing. It was totally inspiring.' Jack Lowden has detailed the moment he fell in love with his 'remarkable' wife Saoirse Ronan on the set of Mary Queen of Scots The Scottish actor, 34, and the Irish actress, 30, met on the set of the 2019 film where Jack says he was blown away with her talent He also opened up about how they juggle their busy work schedules and spending time together. He told the publication: 'We just have to check in with each other a lot. Obviously it made it a lot easier when we worked on the same project.' It comes after last year Saoirse revealed the moment she realised husband Jack was the person she was going to marry. Saoirse said that if it wasn't for Jack's appreciation of her big appetite, she joked that he may not have been 'the one'. Speaking on Ruthie's Table 4 podcast, the Little Women star said: 'Jack loves how much I love food. 'I was eating a burger and I was like, 'What are you looking at?'. 'He said, 'I'm watching you eat that because you're getting so much out of it.' That was when I knew.' The couple, who started dating in 2018, tied the knot earlier last year in an intimate ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland Saoirse and Jack met while filming Mary Queen Of Scots and secretly married last July this year after six years together. The actress has remained fiercely private about their relationship and does not have a social media presence, but gave a small insight during a recent interview. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last October, the star joked that her husband keeps disappointing her by refusing to perform a 'cheesy karaoke duet' of her choice. Saoirse said: 'I've been desperate for myself and my husband Jack to do a cheesy karaoke duet. 'It's Shallow from A Star is Born. I want him to be my Bradley, and I'll be his Gaga. And he won't do it. He hasn't committed. 'And I'm sort of like, well, what's marriage for? You know what I mean? What are we doing here?' It comes after last year Saoirse revealed the moment she realised husband Jack was the person she was going to marry She recently told British Vogue: 'I became successful when I was quite young. So it meant that, actually, by the time I found my partner, I'm now at the stage where, if it happened, I would like to have a kid. 'I feel fortunate enough that, if I step out of this for a minute, I'm hopefully not giving it up forever. But, yeah, I've always wanted that.' Saoirse played the titular role while Jack played Lord Darnley, the Queen's second husband, known for his salacious sexual nature. Their on-screen romance foreshadowed what was to come, and they started dating in December 2018. Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury further fuelled rumours they have reunited on Sunday as they shared an array of snaps from a lavish Dubai holiday. The Love Island stars shocked fans when they announced their split in August - but have hinted at a reconciliation after heading on a family holiday with their daughter Bambi. The influencer, 25, shared a glimpse into her lavish getaway as she spent quality time with the boxer, also 25, and their two-year-old little girl, hailing Dubai their 'happy place'. But it's not time the family of three have jetted off the United Arab Emirates for a holiday. Back in April 2023, Molly-Mae and Tommy took then-three-month-old Bambi to Dubai for her very first trip abroad. The couple didn't waste any time showing their baby daughter the high-life as the trio travelled from Manchester to the Middle East for some sun. Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury further fuelled rumours they have reunited on Sunday as they shared an array of snaps from a lavish Dubai holiday The Love Island stars shocked fans when they announced their split in August - but have hinted at a reconciliation after heading on a family holiday with their daughter Bambi Tommy took to Instagram to post a snap of his beaming family as they shared their first flight together as a family of three with his 5.1m followers. Molly-Mae gushed about the holiday at the time, as she said: 'My happiest days since the day I gave birth to you. 'Our little girls first holiday (Bambi spam will end soon).' Sharing snaps and videos from their trip at the time, Molly-Mae said: 'Wish this trip would carry on forever. My happiest days since birth.' And in a bid to relive that trip amid their rumoured reunion, Molly-Mae and Tommy took Bambi back to where she went at just three months old. The pair looked happier than ever on Instagram on Sunday as Molly-Mae shared a glimpse into her lavish getaway with her 8.5million followers. She showed off her sensational figure as she snapped a selfie in a black bikini and a stylish white woven plunging maxi dress. Enjoying the sunshine, the former Love Island star also shared a snap of the trio enjoying two watermelon drinks and a Coke. Back in April 2023, Molly-Mae and Tommy took then-three-month-old Bambi to Dubai for her very first trip abroad (Pictured) Sharing snaps and videos from their trip at the time, Molly-Mae said: 'Wish this trip would carry on forever. My happiest days since birth' Molly-Mae looked in good spirits as she enjoyed an ice cream later in the day while sporting a black swimsuit and low rise trousers. The Maebe founder also shared adorable photos of daughter Bambi wearing a pink outfit and matching sunglasses as she carried her doll around the resort. Tommy later took to his account to share a sweet snap of Bambi sitting on his knee while in a rubber ring floating down a lazy river. The father and daughter looked to be enjoying the sunshine as they both wore sunglasses during the water ride. Tommy also shared a photo of him holding Bambi's hand as they paddled in the shallow sea water. Fuelling rumours they are back together, an eagle-eyed fan spotted them together at Manchester airport on Thursday flying to the United Arab Emirates. Fuelling rumours they are back together, an eagle-eyed fan spotted them together at Manchester airport on Thursday flying to the United Arab Emirates. Since the release of Molly's Amazon Prime documentary in January, rumours have been spiralling that the pair are giving things another go. And the pair were spotted jetting off on holiday with their daughter as they were filmed by an eagle-eyed fan heading through check in. Confirming the sighting one fan took to the comments of the TikTok video as she penned: 'dont because i work in the airport and they came into the shop i work in'. Another then replied: 'Omgg ahahha i was so shocked when i saw them.' The US influencer believes the nation's wildlife has a bigger problem that most Aussies are unaware of. An incredible mistake is how Sam Jones describes the moment she snatched a baby wombat from its mother and uploaded video of the incident to her 92,000 Instagram subscribers. Everyday Aussies, international media, and even the Prime Minister were scathing of her actions, and she left the country as the Department of Home Affairs announced it was investigating her visa. From a secret overseas location on Sunday, the American tourist issued a video statement saying she doesnt expect sympathy. I will learn from this moment, and move forward. I accept accountability for my own actions, yet refuse to be used as a scapegoat for a far greater, far more uncomfortable reality, she added. Related: Australia faces 'big problem' as US tourist who snatched baby wombat flees ADVERTISEMENT Since her video was published last week, Jones, who is also known as Samantha Strable, has received thousands of messages of abuse and multiple threats from people she's never met. And while thats been hard to face, theres been one thing from the furore thats given her hope. If this situation has proven anything, its that Australians care deeply about their wildlife and that is something I intensely admire, she said. Jones slams Australian government's treatment of wildlife Wanting to turn her error of judgement into something positive, Jones is now hoping to refocus the global attention she's receiving on the bigger problems Australias wildlife faces. She doesnt think most Aussies know just how many native animals are culled every year because they compete with industry, or are in the way of development. ADVERTISEMENT For instance, in 2023, licensed private landholders were given permits by state governments to kill at least 1.2 million native animals. This included 3,558 wombats, 580,695 native birds and 419,120 kangaroos and wallabies. The issue Jones has raised is one that many Australian wildlife advocates are concerned about. Five years ago in South Australia, the government issued a permit for landholders to kill 200 rare hairy-nosed wombats and the animals were only spared after the landholder rethought the plan. Over in NSW, the state's most important population of endangered koalas is currently being displaced by new developments. And in Tasmania, even black swans are permitted to be culled. Consider applying the same momentum used to condemn me toward examining the laws that allow for the legal slaughter of the very species and wombats people so deeply wish to protect, Jones said. Outrage should not be selective. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Love Island's Arabella Chi has described her pregnancy as 'extra special' due to her ongoing battle with an incurable condition. The TV star, 33, has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - a lifelong hormonal imbalance characterised by ovarian cysts and irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding. Arabella announced that she was expecting her first child in December with her boyfriend, Billy Henty, who she met after leaving Love Island All Stars last year. She told The Mirror: 'When I found out I was pregnant it was magical. With my PCOS I don't know if I'll be able to have more children so she's special. 'If you'd have said to me a year ago that I would be having a baby I would have laughed in your face.' The NHS reports that those with PCOS have a higher risk of pregnancy complications including miscarriage. Love Island's Arabella Chi has described her pregnancy as 'extra special' due to her ongoing battle with an incurable condition The star finally found love last year with businessman Billy Henty after two failed stints in the Love Island villa that thrust her into the public eye Arabella, who first tried her luck in the Love Island villa in 2019, where she was also unsuccessful, has now praised the timing of her life. She is due to give birth to a baby girl in May. The reality TV star said: 'I've learned to trust the timing of your life because life will happen how it's supposed to happen. 'I can't wait to become a mum to a baby girl. 'I can't believe that a year and three months ago I was in the Love Island villa. I feel so lucky to have found my forever partner.' Billy added: 'I can't wait to be a girl dad. It's life-changing. It's my own little family. Arabella's amazing. She's got a heart of gold.' During Arabella's first Love Island stint, she ruffled feathers, but unfortunately was dumped from the island after just seven days. While she did strike up a romance on her second appearance last year with contestant Adam Maxted, it was also not to last and she was booted from the villa just before the finale. Arabella found her 'forever partner' after appearing on Love Island for the second time just over a year ago - announcing her pregnancy shortly after going public with the relationship Arabella, who spoke of her desire to have a family last year, has documented the progress of her 'extra special' pregnancy on social media Arabella went public with her relationship with Billy, a regenerative medicine businessman, in October of last year after they met through mutual friends. Their relationship came after the Love Island star admitted that she feared time was running out for her to become a mum. She told The Sun: 'I've been fortunate enough to hang out in Hollywood circles, but I have still not found love. 'I've never felt more ready to settle down. 'All I've ever wanted is true love and that fairytale dream. I'm 32, I want to get married and have babies. 'I haven't got lots of time left and I know more about myself now than ever. This is my last shot to find my happily ever after.' Gypsy Rose Blanchard has revealed what happened the night she helped to murder her mother and her final words before her death. Blanchard, now 33, was 23 when she instructed her boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn to stab her mother, Clauddine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard, to death. She had endured years of abuse from Dee Dee, who falsely claimed she suffered from an array of illnesses, including leukemia and muscular dystrophy. Dee Dee shaved her daughter's head, forced her into a wheelchair, had some of her teeth removed and paraded her at charitable events as a sickly child. 'I can honestly say I would have never committed that crime had I not been pushed to the brink, where I really just snapped,' Blanchard said in an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday night. She revealed her last words to her mother were 'I love you'. Gypsy Rose Blanchard (pictured) revealed what happened the night she helped murder her mother and her final words before her death in an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday evening Blanchard, now 33, was 23 when she instructed her boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn to stab her mother, Clauddine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard, to death In July 2015, Godejohn stabbed Dee Dee 14 times in her bedroom in the family home in Springfield, Missouri. Blanchard said she was desperate to 'be free' and had tried 'to exhaust all the options that I thought was available to me'. 'I could [hear her] and in that moment, I wanted to help her. But I was almost paralysed in my skin,' Blanchard recalled. 'I don't think people understand the emotional hold that an abuser has on their victims.' Blanchard and Godejohn were promptly arrested and both were sentenced to various prison terms in the following years. Godejohn remains behind bars serving a life sentence while Blanchard was released on December 28, 2023. She has since found love with Ken Urker - a pen pal from her time in prison - and they recently welcomed their daughter, Aurora. Blanchard admitted she will be open with her daughter when she is older about what happened to her grandmother. She had endured years of abuse from Dee Dee, who falsely claimed she suffered from an array of illnesses, including leukemia and muscular dystrophy Blanchard has found love with Ken Urker - a pen pal from her time in prison - and they recently welcomed their daughter, Aurora 'I will always be honest with her,' she said. 'My will to be a better mother than what my mother was is so strong that I'm not going to continue the cycle.' In a 2019 jail interview, Godejohn - who is autistic and had prior offences for indecent exposure at the time of his 2015 arrest - said he wished he had never carried out the killing. 'If I had to change anything at all, of course, one of the obvious ones is that I would've ran away with Gypsy. I don't want to be staying with a murder on my hands. 'Being labelled as a killer I don't want to stay with that, but I'll live with it. 'I want to let everyone know that I'm not this cold killer that doesn't have any feelings. I'm a human being. 'Human beings make mistakes' he told Oxygen in a documentary. Alexandra Daddario flaunted her luxurious life at the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne. The White Lotus star, 39, was pictured on the grid at the Albert Park Circuit on Sunday as Lando Norris nabbed first spot on the podium. Alexandra was all smiles as she watched from the sidelines, donning a simple black skirt and top combo under a sleek white leather jacket. She paired the chic look with simple gold and black jewellery along with several Melbourne Grand Prix entry passes - VIP of course. The actress, who welcomed her first child in October, showed off her dewy skin with a natural makeup look. Her tousled hair hung around her shoulders as the rain poured down on the Melbourne track. Alexandra Daddario flaunted her luxurious life at the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne. Pictured Alexandra took to social media to give fans a glimpse of her experience behind the scenes While attending the much-anticipated Australian GP, Alexandra took to social media to give fans a glimpse of her experience behind the scenes. She posted a picture on Instagram showing her in a swanky VIP lounge, looking the part while wearing Dior sunglasses, Dior earrings and a Tag Heuer watch. Later on, she shared a video while on the track, panning the camera to Jack Doohan, Max Verstappen and the rest of the F1 racers braving the elements. On Friday, the San Andreas actress attended a glitzy pre-race event with a slew of big-named celebrities. She brought some Hollywood glamour to the night as she posed in a sheer black dress, showing off her long slender legs. The San Andreas actress complemented the bold outfit with subtle jewellery while styling her brunette locks in a simple yet chic ponytail. Also in attendance was former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly, 32, who radiated timeless glamor in a royal blue off-the-shoulder gown that accentuated her toned figure. She accessorised with a metallic clutch and a statement bracelet, adding a touch of shimmer to her look. On Friday, the San Andreas actress attended a glitzy pre-race event with a slew of big-named celebrities She brought some Hollywood glamour to the night as she posed in a sheer black dress, showing off her long slender legs Her brunette locks were styled into a soft updo, which allowed her delicate features to take centre stage. She opted for a glowing, dewy makeup look, with bronzed cheeks, neutral glossy lips, and subtle smokey eyes that enhanced her natural beauty. Elsewhere, Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis, 36, turned heads in a zebra-print ensemble, cinched at the waist with an eye-popping black belt. Neighbours star Montana Cox, 31, proved that less is more in a classic black strapless dress, exuding timeless elegance. Also at the star-studded event was Australian model Jessica Gomes, 39, who ensured all eyes were on her as she rocked her best angles in a striking maroon maxi-dress. Also in attendance was former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly, 32, who radiated timeless glamor in a royal blue off-the-shoulder gown that accentuated her toned figure Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis turned heads in a zebra-print ensemble Neighbours star Montana Cox proved that less is more in a classic black strapless dress Christopher Luxon on Sunday began a five-day visit to India with a focus on deepening the bilateral trade and economic ties. On Monday, Luxon will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will attend the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest. Days ahead of the trip, the New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxor said he will push for a comprehensive economic partnership with India and explore ways to strengthen bilateralsecurity ties. Luxon is visiting India from March 16 to 20 in his first trip to the country as the prime minister. He is accompanied by one of the largest delegations a New Zealand prime minister has ever travelled with. The visiting leader was received at the Delhi airport by Union Minister Satya Pal Singh Baghel. aWhat Iam looking for is just a much more comprehensive economic partnership and how wead move that forward, Luxon said last week, adding, aI am determined that we are going to change the trading relationships with India big time.a The New Zealand Prime Minister also described India as an aimportanta power in the Indo-Pacific. aIndia is an important power in the Indo-Pacific and I will discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi what more we can do together to maintain peace and prosperity in our region,a Christopher Luxor said. Christopher Luxon said travelling with a senior business delegation will help increase trade and business opportunities and promote New Zealand as an investment destination. The delegation accompanying the New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxor comprise ministers, senior business leaders, a community delegation of prominent Kiwi Indians and several parliamentarians. Christopher Luxor will also visit Mumbai from March 19 to 20 before returning to Wellington. Five people, including three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, were killed and 30 others injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Baloch militants in Pakistanas restive Balochistan province on Sunday. Four terrorists, including the suicide bomber, were killed in counter-operations in Noshki district of the province. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, and said 90 military personnel had been killed. Earlier last week, in the same province, the BLA militants ambushed the Jaffar Express, carrying 440 passengers, near the mountainous terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri in Bolan district on March 11. The militants killed 21 passengers and four paramilitary soldiers before the Army eliminated all 33 terrorists on March 12. As regards the latest incident, a suicide attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of Paramilitary Frontier Corp (FC) on the Nushki-Dalbandin National Highway; chief of the local police station Zafarullah Sumalani said adding that the initial investigations suggested that it was a suicide attack. Sumalani also said evidence from the site of the attack suggested that a suicide attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the FC convoy. Soon after the attack, security forces launched an immediate counter-operation, killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber, newspaper Express Tribune said. It also quoted security sources to say that the attack was carried out by militants from the banned BLA. Claiming that a total of 90 Pakistani military personnel were killed in the attack on their convoy on Sunday, a statement by the BLA said, aThe Majeed Brigade, the Fidayee unit of the Baloch Liberation Army, targeted a convoy of the occupying Pakistani military a few hours ago in a VBIED Fidayee attack near Rakhshan Mill on the RCD Highway in Noshki. The convoy consisted of eight buses, one of which was completely destroyed in the explosion.a It added, aImmediately after the attack, the Fateh Squad of the BLA advanced and completely surrounded another bus, systematically eliminating all military personnel on board, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to 90.a Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti all condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. Sharif, in a statement, said, aSuch cowardly acts cannot shake our resolve against terrorism.a He also directed that the injured be provided with the best possible treatment. aThose who play with the peace of Balochistan would be brought to a tragic end,a Bugti said in an official release. Minister Naqvi condemned the blast and extended condolences to the victimsa families and wished a swift recovery for the injured. Denouncing the attack as an act of brutality, Naqvi emphasised that anti-state elements are attempting to destabilise the country and asserted that such cowardly acts would not shake the nationas resolve, according to a statement shared by the Ministry of Interior on social media. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind also condemned the attack atargeting innocents.a Balochistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist attacks over the past year. Bordering Iran and Afghanistan, Balochistan is home to a long-running violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups frequently carry out attacks targeting security personnel, government projects and the $60 Billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in this oil and mineral-rich province. In the past, the railway tracks in this area have been attacked by Baloch militants using rockets or remote-controlled bombs, and the BLA claimed responsibility for most of the attacks. The Delhi Police has arrested a man involved in a racket that smuggles stolen mobile phones to Nepal, an officer said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Nadeem (45), a resident of Banbasa in Uttarakhand, was apprehended from ISBT Anand Vihar while attempting to board a bus to Nepal on Saturday, he said. A total of 32 high-end mobile phones, including Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models, were recovered from his possession. According to police officer, Nadeem was working as a courier for the stolen phones. He transported the devices, acquired from snatchers in Delhi, to Nepal. aA Nepalese bus conductor, Narender Bhat, facilitated Nadeemas operations. Narendar paid him Rs 200 per phone, along with travel expenses. Over the last several months, Nadeem has made multiple trips to Delhi to collect stolen phones from Karol Bagh and nearby areas before smuggling them across the border,a said the officer. A fresh, feeble Western Disturbance is likely to affect the Western Himalayan region from March 19. Keylong recorded the lowest night temperature of minus 2 degrees Celsius while Dhaulakuan in Sirmaur district was hottest during the day recording a high of 28.3 degree Celsius. Trees in local government areas often spark heated debate, with residents divided over issues like species selection, maintenance and environmental impact. A Sydney man has sparked debate after his complaint about a native Illawarra flame tree being planted outside his home. Source: Facebook/David Cooney After an east coast resident lashed out at local authorities for planting a native tree in front of his homearguing that an exotic species would have been a better choice as it wouldnt grow too large or block sunlightcouncil has responded, defending its decision and explaining the reasoning behind the move. The Sydney man, from Leichhardt, accused Inner West Council this week of never being able to "get anything right". He initially welcomed the tree-planting efforts, expecting more dwarf crepe myrtles to replace the damaging Chinese tallows. However, he unleashed after finding Illawarra flame trees instead, citing concerns over their height, potential to block sunlight and potential for skin irritation. "Just another thing to stop your children touching, also rather expensive to buy. Whoever makes these decisions needs some common sense," he said in frustration. But speaking to Yahoo, a spokeswoman for the Inner West Council explained its current planting program uses species that "are proven" successful in urban environments and "practical for the spaces." Illawarra flame trees in their natural environment grow to be quite large, but rarely in urban areas. Source: Getty Council responds after local man's tree complaint The spokeswoman said trees in urban areas typically grow much smaller than in their natural habitat. ADVERTISEMENT "Trees planted in urban environments do not reach the potential heights they do in their natural environments," she said. "A tree that might reach 30m in its natural environment could only reach 10m in an urban environment. The Inner West Council's Tree Management Development Control Plan (DCP) provides the means of managing trees." The spokeswoman said the planting of trees on public land and approvals for private land are undertaken "with regard for all the existing site factors". "There is a place for both native trees and exotic species in the urban landscape to meet the requirements of any location," she said. Online, heated debate erupted over the planting of trees on public land, many praising the council. "Theyre native, they look beautiful, and most of all, the contribute much needed shade, which is the entire point of the Tree DCP. A dwarf plant will not do that," one person wrote. "Illawarra flame trees are a wonderful choice Great colour changing with seasons, provide shade, don't need much maintenance," echoed a second. ADVERTISEMENT But several people did agree with the man. "Love my natives, but not a fan of Illawarra flame trees," one person stated. "The goop after it rains is unbelievable. Looks like jellyfish exploded and it's slippery." "Youve made a very good point," commented a second. Another argued it "serves you right" for not "participating in councils community consultation" process. Why should we prioritise native species over introduced exotic alternatives? Australia faces one of the worst invasive species problems in the world, with non-native plants and animals wreaking havoc on ecosystems, agriculture, and native wildlife. Many exotic species, introduced intentionally or accidentally, have escaped into the wild and become aggressive pests, outcompeting native species, damaging landscapes, and altering entire ecosystems. From cane toads spreading across northern Australia to feral cats and foxes decimating native animal populations, the impact of invasive species is widespread and devastating. ADVERTISEMENT When it comes to planting trees and vegetation, prioritising native species over exotics is crucial in preventing further ecological damage. Native plants are adapted to Australias unique climate and soils, requiring less water and maintenance while providing essential habitat and food sources for native birds, insects, and animals. Exotic species, however, can sometimes escape cultivation and spread uncontrollably, invading bushland and pushing out native flora. For example, introduced plants like lantana, blackberry and privet have become highly invasive, forming dense thickets that suffocate native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems. In addition to ecological concerns, escaped exotic species can also lead to practical issues for communities. Fast-growing, non-native trees may require constant maintenance to prevent damage to power lines, roads, and footpaths. Some exotic species also produce seeds, fruits, or pollen that can trigger allergies or pose risks to local wildlife. By planting native species where possible, Australia can help restore and maintain its natural landscapes while reducing the ongoing battle against invasive pests. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. A veteran wildlife rescuer is raising the alarm over a troubling rise in reckless and harmful interactions between the public and live animals. A juvenile crocodile has gone missing after a man allegedly broke into a Darwin crocodile park and set it free. Source: NCA Newswire Uproar swept across Australia this week after an American tourist was filmed snatching a baby wombat from its mother in the wild and sharing the encounter on social media. Sam Jones, who also goes by Samantha Strable, sparked widespread criticism after posting a video of herself running to a car with the struggling wombat in her hands, later sharing it with her 92,000 Instagram followers. The video ignited international condemnation, with many calling for her to be banned from the country. Just days later Jones voluntarily left Australia. Her departure followed another unrelated incident in which a man allegedly stole a young crocodile from a Darwin wildlife centre. CCTV footage captured a man allegedly breaking into the zoo and taking the crocodile from its enclosure. These two incidents, occurring so close together, highlight a disturbing trend, according to Wild Animals Australia's Cat Coake, who believes theyre just the tip of the iceberg. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking to Yahoo News, Coake explained that both travellers and Australian nationals are increasingly exploiting animals for social media content, often prioritising viral moments over the welfare of the creatures involved. She noted that people are becoming increasingly emboldened to handle live animals, sometimes with little regard for their safety or the potential consequences. "Its absolutely increasing in prevalence," she said, calling for government intervention. "Its happening, and we need tougher penalties, but not only that, we need to enforce the existing penalties that we do have." Samantha Strable sparked widespread outrage after posting a video of herself running to a car with the struggling wombat in her hands. Source: Supplied Wildlife volunteers desperate for government funding Coake stressed the need for authorities to invest more in wildlife protection, expressing frustration with the governments failure to act. "We're tired of listening to politicians say 'we want to protect these animals and we'll do this' and nothing ever gets done," she said. ADVERTISEMENT When animals are taken illegally from the wild, the financial burden falls on the "unfunded" wildlife volunteer system, which often has to spend tens of thousands of dollars relocating the animals. "We're basically left to pick up the pieces," Coake said. "And that's if we can even find these animals." She went on to say that governments need to take more decisive action, urging them to impose harsher penalties for wildlife offences. "Governments need to take action and they need to come down hard, much harder, on people who commit animal, especially wildlife, offences." Coake also highlighted that cruelty toward wildlife is becoming "incredibly common," adding that it should not be the responsibility of rescue crews to push for harsher punishments. ADVERTISEMENT "It shouldn't be on us to push the government, who have actual duty of care and ownership of these animals, to begin to look after them," she said. Wildlife stealing is a growing issue in Australia and around the world, with animals being exploited for social media fame, illegal pet trade and sometimes even for sale to the highest bidder. In addition to the trauma caused to the animals, these actions also jeopardise the delicate balance of ecosystems, is cruel, and can be "so dangerous". When spotted on social media, Coake urged the public to report the content to authorities and refrain from sharing it. By reporting the content and not sharing it, people can play an important part in putting an end to this exploitation, she said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. An MLA said he will not be bullied after threatening graffiti about him appeared in Belfast. People Before Profits Gerry Carroll said the graffiti, including a target symbol and the initials of a fringe fascist group had appeared in Andersonstown. Mr Carroll said: These threats are a sign of desperation. The far right are utterly isolated in west Belfast and only dare emerge in the dead of night. Thousands of people have joined actions against racism in west Belfast in recent months, and we will do so again. I will not be deterred nor bullied by a pathetic minority who skulk around under cover of darkness. He added: I call on all progressive forces in this city to unite against racism and fascism. In particular, the trade union movement must urgently respond and mobilise its resources against the far-right threat. The far-right offer working class people nothing. Their racism has only divided communities and is no different than the sectarianism and discrimination that was meted out to working people here in the north. A PSNI spokesperson said: Police have been made aware of threatening graffiti daubed on a wall in the west Belfast area. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 633 of 16/03/24. Six years on from the government commitment to deliver nine fully funded community neurological rehabilitation teams across the country, the rollout has been beset by delays, with most areas of the country including Louth still without any access to a team. Thats according to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body for 40 neurological organisations, who recently met with TDs and Senators at Leinster House, including Louth TD Erin McGreehan, to call for their renewed commitment in delivering on the targets outlined in the 2019 Neurorehabilitation Strategy. As National Brain Awareness Week marks its 20th year (March 10th 16th), the NAI underscores the urgent need for dedicated community neurorehabilitation teams to address this critical issue. There is now a notable regional disparity for patients in Louth, as the Midlands is one of only two regions in the country that has yet to receive funding for a community neurorehabilitation team. The National Neurorehabilitation Strategy published in 2019 committed to delivering specialist community teams and long-term neurorehabilitation services across the country, as well as addressing the shortfall of 171 specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation beds. Magdalen Rogers, CEO of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland said: Neurorehabilitation is a vital service to enable people in Louth with neurological conditions to live their day to day lives. Were calling on the Government to announce a commitment to funding four community neurorehabilitation teams in this years Budget. "We want to see this commitment during their first 100 days in office, to send a clear signal they intend to deliver on the pledges within the Programme for Government to complete the national rollout of community neurorehabilitation teams and to developing more specialist inpatient rehabilitation beds and implement community based multidisciplinary rehabilitation services in each HSE Regional Health Authority Area. NAI is calling for funding in the upcoming Budget for full community neurorehabilitation teams for the North West, North Dublin, South East and Midlands, promised since 2019. Patient advocate, Liam Lynch who lives in Oldcastle Co. Meath, which is part of the Midlands region, discussed the importance of access to neurorehabilitation teams to Oireachtas members. Liam has been living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) since 2017, after being knocked off his bike by a car, during a charity cycle. Despite experiencing multiple side effects afterwards, including memory loss and struggling with work, he only learned that this was due to having an ABI, as part of a check in with his neurologist two years later. He is now retired, and he and his wife are carers for their daughter who has learning difficulties and physical disabilities, He said: From 2017 to 2019 I really struggled with everyday work-related tasks that previously I wouldnt have thought much about before the accident. In particular online research for the PLC course I was teaching in Dundalk at the time, really caused me problems, and I felt like I was going crazy. It was only during a routine check in with my neurologist where I mentioned this struggle and his response that it was to be expected because I was living with an ABI, that everything suddenly made sense. Id spent two years wondering why this was happening and now I knew why. A change in personnel at his office meant my GP had never received the report which diagnosed the ABI. My neurologist introduced me to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and theyre the only ones providing support to people like me in the area. I spend time in their club house in Navan every week. Theyve given me help with understanding and managing my brain injury. One person went out for a cycle that day in 2017 and a different person came back. I wont recover from the ABI but I have learned to live with this new normal, now I understand why I am the way I am and I have the support from ABI Ireland. For more information visit: www.nai.ie Above: Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Joe McGuinness, Director of Services, Louth County Council, Finbar Gethins, SEO, Louth County Council, Tidy Town representatives Mary Murtagh, Helen Byrne and Bernie Lynch, St Josephs National School representatives Molly Watters, Meriem Ouafi and Bernie Bradley and some of their furry friends at the launch of the new dog fouling campaign in County Hall Louth County Council has launched a new six-month campaign to address dog fouling and promote responsible pet ownership around the county. The initiative, which includes new signage, media outreach and community engagement, aims to keep public spaces clean and safe. Some of the key messages of the campaign include: Bag It & Bin It, Dog Fouling is Litter, and Dog Dirt Belongs in the Bin Not on the Street. The campaign was officially launched at County Hall on 7 March where Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, along with council officials, Tidy Town representatives, children from St Josephs Primary School, Dundalk and dogs gathered to discuss its impact. Dog fouling is not just an unpleasant nuisance, it poses health risks and impacts the overall quality of our public spaces, said Cllr Kevin Callan. This campaign is about educating dog owners on their responsibilities and ensuring that our parks, streets, and walkways remain clean and welcoming for all. Key campaign elements include: Signage : Dog fouling awareness messages on 620 bins countywide, plus youth art competitions for sticker and poster designs. Media Outreach : A radio and social media campaign to engage the public and promote responsible pet ownership. Tidy Towns Partnership : Installation of dog bag dispensers, footpath stencilling, and local awareness campaigns. Community Engagement : Clean-up events, school outreach, and distribution of awareness materials. St Patricks Day Parade : A Dog Fouling Awareness message in collaboration with Dundalk Tidy Towns. The public is encouraged to get involved in making a difference in their areas and are invited to attend any awareness days during the campaign. Louth County Council says that by working together, we can create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone. The very best of the food and hospitality sector in Louth were honoured last night at the Irish Restaurant Awards Leinster Regional Final 2025, marking the first regional event of this years prestigious awards season. The ceremony took place at the Killashee Hotel, Kildare, where county winners from across the province were revealed. Over 1000 attendees gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of restaurants, cafes and food service providers across Leinster. Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received nearly 165,000 public nominations this year, submitted through The Irish Times - the official media partner of the awards. The Louth winners for each category are as follows: Best Restaurant Sponsored by San Miguel - Square Restaurant Best Chef - Sponsored by BWG Food Service - Brendan Mulligan, The Spotted Dog Best Restaurant Manager - Sponsored by Elavon - Aine Stanley, Square Restaurant Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant - Sponsored by Frylite - Scholars Townhouse Hotel Best Use of Social Media - Rocksalt Cafe Employee Excellence Award - Sponsored by Peninsula - Sarah McGarry, The Bay Tree Restaurant Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace - The Valley Inn Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Paynt - The Glyde Inn Best Cafe - Strandfield Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine - Sponsored by FBD Insurance - Number One Jocelyn Bistro Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Square - The Cathedral Restaurant Pub of the Year - Sponsored by istil.38 - Sarsfields Bar Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Bibendum - No. 3 Winebar & Restaurant Best Customer Service - Sponsored by Restaurant-insurance.ie provided by Dolmen - Social Bar and Restaurant Best World Cuisine - Sally Cinnamons Best Sustainable Practices - Sponsored by Familia Torres - The Gateway Hotel Innovator of the Year - Sponsored by Diageo - Mo Chara Local Food Hero - Sponsored by Sugar Snap - Adam Murray, Biddo's Street Food Speaking at the ceremony, Sean Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: "Tonight is about recognising the outstanding efforts of those who bring Irelands culinary reputation to life every day. In a challenging business environment, it is more important than ever to honour the people whose hard work, passion and creativity shape our hospitality sector." "The Leinster Regional Final once again showcased the incredible talent and innovation that define this regions culinary landscape. I want to extend my congratulations to all the winners and nominees. It is their hard work that makes Irelands food scene truly exceptional." Following the completion of all regional finals, the Regional and All-Ireland Winners will be announced at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, May 19th, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. County winners from Leinster can now secure their tickets for this highly anticipated event. Five Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) students were recently awarded third place in the prestigious IHI Business Management Games held in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport. Students Crisalis Ulloa, Aimee Newman, Sylvie Beranova, Radka Valna, and Damon Connor-Flynn were awarded the prize for their participation in the key industry event, which offers students an invaluable platform to showcase their skills, tackle real-world business challenges, and connect with leading hospitality professionals. Over two dynamic days, participants engaged in a series of challenges focused on sustainability, technology, personalisation, culture, revenue management, and risk managementreflecting the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. Guided by their dedicated lecturers, Lorraine Dunne and Maria Roddy-Freyne, the DkIT team demonstrated outstanding innovation, strategic thinking, and teamwork, competing against top talent from across Ireland. This years event was particularly special, as it marked the 40 years since the Irish Hospitality Institute Management Games first began fostering excellence in hospitality, events, and tourism education. A standout moment for the team was reconnecting with esteemed DKIT alumniBarbora Melounova, Leanne Carroll, and Roisin Mullen, who competed in the 2024 games, alongside Alan Rooney MIHI, a proud member of DKITs very first participating team in 2007. The future of the Irish hospitality industry is undoubtedly bright, with these talented young professionals poised to drive innovation and shape the future of the sector. The event also provided an excellent opportunity to foster new industry connections, collaborations, and knowledge-sharing. On Thursday 13 March, the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk was alive with energy and enthusiasm as local secondary school students and their teachers gathered for the Louth Student Enterprise Awards 2025. This years event saw an impressive 130 students, representing 51 innovative enterprises, present their entrepreneurial ideas and showcase their hard work. Chair of the Judges Garrett Duffy commented: The standard of entries was incredibly high. We saw a diverse range of innovative businesses and creative thinking, which made the judging process both challenging and rewarding. Its truly inspiring to witness so many young people in Louth engaging so passionately with entrepreneurship and considering it as a real career path. The Louth Student Enterprise Programme is a collaboration between Local Enterprise Office Louth and local secondary schools, delivered by Francis Verling and Paula Stapleton. More than 1,500 students from 19 schools across the county took part this year. They learned what it takes to develop a business idea, launch it, and bring it to market. The programme culminates in the County Final a much-anticipated opportunity for students to present their businesses to a panel of expert judges and compete for an award. Read next: DkIT students set to rock the stage with We Will Rock You! An intense morning of judging saw the finalists present their business idea and answer tough questions from the judges. The Junior and Intermediate categories were judged by Lavina McGahon of DkIT and Laura Kealey of LK Consultancy. Garrett Duffy of DkIT, Fionnula Rogers of the Drogheda Digital Innovation Hub and Hubert Murphy of Drogheda Chamber judged the Senior category. A huge cheer erupted as Squeak Shield from Scoil Ui Mhuiri, Dunleer was named winner of the Senior category. Riley Finegan, supported by teacher Martina Farrell, developed an eco-friendly rodent deterrent using organza bags filled with natural herbs and spices. Oran Cassidys business, OCE Darts, was named winner of the Intermediate category. Hailing from St. Josephs Secondary School Drogheda, and supported by teacher Nicole Kiernan, Orans business produces custom 3D printed darts camera mounts. Below: Winner of the 2025 Intermediate Enterprise Award for Louth is Oran Cassidy (OEC Darts) from St.Josephs Secondary School, Drogheda. The winner of the Junior category for 2025 was Darragh Grimes of Darragh Grimes Drones, whose business produces superb drone-shot aerial video and photography with a special focus on agricultural content. This was another win for Scoil Ui Mhuiri, Dunleer, and Darragh was supported by teacher Martina Farrell. Below: Winner of the 2025 Junior Student Enterprise Award for Louth is Darragh Grimes Drone of Scoil Ui Mhuiri. Sarah Mallon, Programme Manager at Local Enterprise Office Louth, praised the winning enterprises, saying: We are so proud of the 3 category winners and will be cheering them on when they represent Louth at the National Student Enterprise Finals in May. Lumen Lather from St. Josephs Secondary School Drogheda was announced runner up in the Senior category. Business founder Peter Connor, supported by teacher Nicole Kiernan, has created handmade, high quality self-care products for sensitive skin. While Abby Gray of St. Josephs Secondary School Drogheda, scooped the runner up award in the Junior category. Supported by teacher Nicole Kiernan, Abbys business Bunches of Buttons sells creative button wall art pictures. While the judges deliberated, the finalists were inspired by ground breaking young entrepreneur David Kieran of Dundalk-based branding and digital media agency ZOMA. In addition to all of his other achievements, David was named Regional Winner at the National Enterprise Awards in 2024. Awards were presented to each winner by Niall Gallagher, Senior Enterprise Development Officer with Local Enterprise Office Louth. Winners received a beautiful award, created by master craftsman Joe Lawlor. The handcrafted wooden pieces were entitled Reaching for the Stars. Winners of the Senior, Intermediate and Junior categories, will go forward to represent Louth in the Student Enterprise Awards national final in Mullingar in May. Special congratulations also to teacher Nicole Kiernan, St. Josephs Secondary School, Drogheda who received the Enterprise Educators Award. Winning this award is testament to her work and dedication in promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship in the school environment. There were also nine category award winners, recognising the expertise and skills demonstrated by Louths young entrepreneurs. The Innovation Award winner was First AI-d, a mobile phone First Aid app, created by Dearbhla McArdle, from St. Vincents Secondary school and supported by teacher Eimear McCreesh. The Best Social Media & Marketing Award was won by Gloss Co, a truly customisable lip gloss experience, created by Gabriella Hrynko, Cara Miele, Sophie Kelly Madigan and Kayla OHanlon, from Colaiste Chu Chulainn and supported by their teacher Declan Curran. Sustainable Spins, scooped the Sustainability Award for their versatile stands made from repurposed vinyl records. Set up by Nora Gilligan and Tegan Semple, and supported by their teacher Alma Carney, they represented Drogheda Grammar School. The team from St. Brigids School Dundalk won the Best Display Award for their business Marvellous Makers. Simon Cranny, Sean Griffin, Luke Kenny, Nicky Mackin-Brennan, Tadgh McConville, Jack McManus Todd, and Kevin Trainer, supported by their teacher Olive Byrne, created bespoke home decorations from wood and wool. Molly OCallaghans creation Roll Seamrog won the Best Creative Business Award. Her product is a fun and unique boardgame for children to learn Irish and enhance their language skills. Supported by teacher Shane McDonnell, Molly represented St. Marys College Dundalk. The award for Best Creative Product was taken home by The Business Boys, who created Christmas decorations from upcycled and recycled farm products. The team was made up of Christopher Malone, Ethan McCrory and Otis Madden of Dundalk Grammar School, supported by their teachers Sara Rankin and Elizabeth McCabe. Inclusive Imaginations was the brainchild of Niamh McGrane, Catriona Daly, Allanah Hynes and Edith Murphy from Our Ladys College Greenhills. Their product True Colours is a book that educates children about neurodiversity. They won the Special Award for Education, supported by their teachers Susan Tarrant and Bettina Weurdinger. The Special Award for Wellness went to Safe Haven with team members Erin Gray, Caitlin Clifford and Michelle Gartland Kerr, from St. Louis Secondary School Dundalk, supported by their teacher Roisin Mallon. They created aromatherapy roll-ons using infused essential oils. And finally, Ellen Roddy, Ava Boyle and Aine Gallagher won the Sales Award with their enterprise, Deanta Le Gra. Their wonderful cookbook is filled with family favourite recipes from the people and businesses of the Cooley peninsula. Supported by their teacher Martina OConnor, they are pupils at Bush Post Primary. Sarah Mallon of Local Enterprise Office Louth concluded: We are so proud of all the students that took part in this years awards and all that they have achieved. We wish our three fantastic winners all the best as they fly the flag for Louth at the National Student Enterprise Finals in May. Follow their journey and all the latest updates using #StudentEnterprise on social media or by visiting www.StudentEnterprise.ie. "And remember, whether youre a student starting out or an established business owner, your Local Enterprise Office is here to support you at every stage. To explore the full range of supports and services available, visit www.localenterprise.ie/Louth. Photo gallery of all the winners and runners up to follow. Feile Fearann Ri returns in April for four days of traditional and folk music on the northside of Cork city. This is the festivals third year, and it will run from Wednesday, April 9, until Saturday, April 12. Legendary Corkonian John Spillane is headlining the event, and the festival will feature workshops, rehearsals, concerts, recitals, sessions and storytelling across key venues around the northside. Musicians This years festival will bring together young traditional musicians from local schools, including Scoil Iosagain, North Monastery National School, and Scoil Aiseiri Chriost, alongside adult tradional and folk groups from the community, including Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny and Blarney. The festival will launch at 7pm on Wednesday, April 9, at 7pm in The Kabin Studio, with a night of traditional music, song, and storytelling with The Gab. Thursday, April 10, will see the festivals flagship event take place at the Church of the Resurrection, featuring John Spillane and traditional musicians. Tickets are 5, and are available from Scoil Aiseiri Chriost, Scoil losagain and online at Eventbrite. Sessions Community sessions, recitals and workshops will take place on the Friday and Saturday, with free traditional music workshops and sessions in Hollyhill Library and Maureens Pub, providing a platform for musicians of all ages and abilities. On Saturday, April 12, John Spillane will play an intimate concert in-the-round in Hollyhill Library. The event is free, but booking is required, due to limited capacity. Feile Fearann Ri is born out of the collaborative efforts of Creative Tradition, Music Generation, Musical Neighbourhoods, local schools, Farranree Parish, Cork City Council and community groups like The Kabin Studio. Most events are free, but some require pre-registration due to limited space. For the full festival programme and reservations, visit https://www.creativetradition.ie/feile. Teachers and parents at St Killians Special School on Corks northside have told special education and inclusion minister Michael Moynihan that their building was not fit for purpose and that they needed a new school as a matter of urgency. The minister of state and Fianna Fail TD for Cork North West, was in the school on Friday to see for himself the progress made since therapists were restored, and to hear the concerns of the staff led by principal Sue Lenihan and parents about the building. The school sought the restoration of therapists since 2020 and thought it had secured this following a meeting with former disability minister Anne Rabbitte in 2023. But, in August 2024, when a pilot scheme was announced to restore therapists, it was not named among the schools included in the first phase. The school secured funding from the HSE in October to pay for the therapists and shortly afterwards it was announced as being among those to be included in the second phase of the pilot scheme. Now therapists are in place and they are already making a positive impact, Ms Lenihan pointed out. Pledged Speaking to reporters after meeting with the parents, principal, and other staff members, Mr Moynihan said he was not going to make any wild promises, but pledged to work extremely hard with them to make sure of progress on a new school building. We will work with the school authorities, and my role is to make sure that the department responds in a timely fashion, and we will do that, said Mr Moynihan. During the earlier meeting, Mr Moynihan heard testimony of the difficulties which teachers, special needs assistants, and others had to overcome daily due to the building, which was formerly a boys national school. The three-storey building has no lifts, which means children in wheelchairs or calipers are confined to the ground floor. Campaign Fiona Coughlan, a representative of the Parents Unite group which led last years campaign for the restoration of therapists, and Suzanne OFlynn, chairperson of the parents committee, spoke to The Echo about the school which Ms Coughlan likened to a Russian orphanage from the exterior. Inside, she said, was a different story: We walked in the door, and that feeling of love just hit us, to see how every child was cherished, valued, and championed. According to Suzanne OFlynn, who also works in the school as a bus escort accompanying children when they are on journeys to and from school and other locations, the children deserve a school that is fit for purpose. Every child deserves that, she said. Ms Lenihan told The Echo that St Killians was already on the list for a new school building, but there was an amount of work to be done to realise this and, in the meantime, temporary works would be carried out in order to carry on providing for the children and their needs. Tax payers money should not be spent on giving children availing of hot school meals what was termed ultra processed food, a member of Cork County Council said at the authoritys meeting last week. According to Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury, the expansion of the scheme to include Deis and non-Deis schools was welcome, but she expressed concern about the long term health implications if the meals contained ultra processed food. This scheme addresses food poverty by giving children from varying socio-economic backgrounds a hot meal five days a week, she said. Nobody knows whats happening behind closed doors, and in my view, this scheme isnt a waste of taxpayers' money if it feeds vulnerable children. Because it's universal, it prevents stigma. However, I am concerned about the quality of these meals, and I wonder if many are ultra-processed, which, in the long run, will exacerbate the risk of obesity and other diseases. "It is estimated that one in five children living in Ireland is overweight or obese. Research The councillor said that recent research had indicated that hot school meals werent as healthy as people had been led to believe. Recently, a nutritionist who delved deep into the list of ingredients found up to 57 ingredients in a chicken curry served in a school, she said. I cook chicken curry at home, and I cant imagine how 57 ingredients are necessary unless you add a whole heap of additives. Other examples include dense ingredient lists and significant use of additives and processing aids. I dont want taxpayers' money spent on ultra-processed food in our schools, and I dont want my children or other children consuming it. Shocking According to her party colleague councillor Isobel Towse, it was shocking that there was a lack of knowledge of what was in the hot school meals we were feeding to children five days a week. "An ingredients list is the bare minimum we need to begin delving into this issue. We need to go back to basics and focus on the provision of fresh food, she said. The motion calling on Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary to provide a detailed list of the ingredients in hot school meals in a written response to a letter from the council was passed without division. The Mayor of County Cork, councillor Joe Carroll, got to enjoy the annual Chicago parade and other events during his visit to the city with a delegation from Cork for St Patrick's Day celebrations. Mr Carroll was on hand to see the Chicago river dyed green as part of the festivities. A Cork County Council spokesperson explained that the tradition began in 1962 and quickly became one of Chicagos most famous events." Thank you to the plumbers union for their dedication to this event," said the spokesperson. Mr Carroll also attended the 70th annual Chicago St Patricks Day Parade, one of the largest in the US and the centrepiece of the citys celebrations. He also attended the Irish American Partnership Breakfast, Irish Fellowship Dinner and Plumbers Union reception during the week, meeting with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Finally, Mr Carroll presented the Chicago Queen of the Parade prize, an opportunity to strengthen connections between Cork county and Chicago, saying that he looked forward to welcoming the queen, Cara Walsh, to Ireland. On February 25,2025, Ambassador Wang Qing paid a courtesy call on H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone. Ambassador Wang handed over H.E. President Xi Jinping's appreciation message to President Bio's Spring Festival greetings, and exchanged views on strengthening practical cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. Minister Counselor Zhang Dianbin of the Embassy and others attended the meeting. Ambassador Wang Qing said that no matter how the international situation changes, China is always committed to developing friendly and cooperative relations with African countries including Sierra Leone on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. In the new year, China is willing to work with Sierra Leone to strengthen mutual support, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the continuous development of the China-Sierra Leone comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. President Bio said that the friendship between Sierra Leone and China is precious, and the practical cooperation between the two countries has achieved fruitful results in recent years. China has always been Sierra Leone's most trustworthy friend. The world today is full of uncertainties and challenges. Sierra Leone is willing to work with China to jointly advocate true multilateralism, promote the return of the international order to effective governance, further strengthen the practical cooperation between the two countries, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries. Uisce Eireann has moved to provide clarity on when compensation is due to customers after reports that thousands were missing out on the scheme. Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould called it a best kept secret and called for clarification on the scheme in the bodys charter which is in place for people with issues that have not been responded to with a plan for resolution within five days of contacting Uisce Eireann, and may be entitled to receive a payment of 30. I have written to them asking them for clarity on this scheme and how many people in Cork have received payment from it. This is supposed to be a compensation scheme, instead it seems to be the best kept secret in Uisce Eireann, said Mr Gould. For over two years now my constituents have been complaining to Uisce Eireann about dirty discoloured water. I have not heard of one case where a person has been offered or even made aware of this compensation. However, A spokesperson for Uisce Eireann told The Echo: Uisce Eireanns Customer Charter is available to view on our website and by contacting Uisce Eireanns customer care team directly. This Customer Charter outlines the standard of services you should expect to receive when dealing with us. Committed Uisce Eireann is committed to delivering the best service possible and aims to resolve complaints swiftly, with the most recent data from our regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities , showing that the vast majority (98%) of complaints were resolved within our regulated timelines. Under Uisce Eireanns current regulatory framework as set out by our regulator, there is no provision for financial compensation for supply outages or other operational issues impacting on water services. The Customer Charter includes specific commitments around customer complaints, billing, water meter installation and planned and unplanned supply interruptions. The spokesperson added: If a complaint cannot be resolved immediately our customer service advisors will respond to a complainant within five working days, with either a resolution or an outline of the steps proposed to resolve the problem (under normal conditions). "Updates on complaints are provided to customers on or before the tenth working day if they have not already been resolved. Uisce Eireann aims to issue a final decision within two months. By PA Reporter A wide variety of stories feature on Irish front pages this Sunday morning. The Business Post lead with a story revealing that Micheal Martin was given a warning about how Ireland needed to boost its competitiveness and cut red tape in the face of a deepening EU-US trade war, in a private meeting with industry leaders in Washington DC. The Sunday Independent lead with a story about the IDA chair saying there is a "turbulent year" ahead as the threat of tariffs looms, alongside a story about a controversial US pastor telling the Burke family to"obey court and follow law". The Sunday World lead with a story about Dublin GAA star Lee Gannon appearing in court after admitting to having the drug MDMA at Electric Picnic, and being ordered to make a donation to charity instead of a conviction by the judge. The Irish Mail on Sunday lead with a story saying that Tanaiste Simon Harris has said that US president Donald Trump should pay a state visit to Ireland and become the fifth US president to address the Oireachtas. The Irish Sunday Mirror lead with a story about gardai launching a new appeal over the mysterious death of a young woman in Co Monaghan on St Patrick's Day last year. British newspapers Proposed cuts to health and welfare services lead the front pages of Sundays newspapers in the UK. The Sunday Telegraph carries warnings from British Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who says the abolition of NHS England marks the beginning, not the end of cuts to government quangos. The front page of tomorrow's Sunday Telegraph: 'Streeting: War on NHS waste just beginning'#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/vP079pD1q9 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 15, 2025 The Observer says welfare cuts are being reconsidered by the Government. #TomorrowsPapersToday - The Observer PM considers U-turn on cut to benefits for disabled people Support journalism - #buyapaper More newspapers at: https://t.co/GfQBHXE48R pic.twitter.com/Hois1oTpAA The Sentinel Current (@sentinelcurrent) March 15, 2025 And The Sunday Times UK reports there has been a backlash among Labour MPs over the planned welfare reforms. #TomorrowsPapersToday - The Sunday Times Kendall set to backtrack on benefits freeze Support journalism - #buyapaper More newspapers at: https://t.co/GfQBHXE48R pic.twitter.com/GAyXf1QPLy The Sentinel Current (@sentinelcurrent) March 15, 2025 The British Mail on Sunday says a UK Minister rubbished intelligence pointing to Covids origins in a Chinese laboratory. #TomorrowsPapersToday - The Mail on Sunday SPY CHIEF: I TOLD No 10 COVID DID LEAK FROM CHINA LAB Support journalism - #buyapaper More newspapers at: https://t.co/GfQBHXDwjj pic.twitter.com/Nw1EIOM2aN The Sentinel Current (@sentinelcurrent) March 15, 2025 The Sunday Express focuses on a cross-party bid to ban the physical punishment of children in England, which is already illegal in Wales and Scotland. #TomorrowsPapersToday - Sunday Express SMACKING CHILDREN COULD BE CRIMINAL OFFENCE Support journalism - #buyapaper More newspapers at: https://t.co/GfQBHXE48R pic.twitter.com/oWoFmVez1G The Sentinel Current (@sentinelcurrent) March 15, 2025 The UK Sunday Mirror leads with an exclusive about British grandmother Lindsay Sandiford, who has spent more than a decade on death row in Indonesia after being convicted of drug smuggling. The newspaper hints the 67-year-old could be freed after a change in Indonesian law. #TomorrowsPapersToday - Sunday Mirror NEW HOPE FOR BRIT DEATH ROW GRAN Support journalism - #buyapaper More newspapers at: https://t.co/GfQBHXDwjj pic.twitter.com/aa76vbnLOy The Sentinel Current (@sentinelcurrent) March 15, 2025 The UK Sun on Sunday says EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa and her husband Dan Osborne have split. Tomorrow's front page: TV Jac splits from Dan Crisis as he moves out of family home https://t.co/T1fMd8Tcqw pic.twitter.com/uqZ2IHYE1j The Sun (@TheSun) March 15, 2025 Lastly, the UK Daily Star Sunday suggests a steaming bath could help people lose weight. Growing up in the shadow of Collins Barracks, the sights and sounds of military life from the bugle calls punctuating the army-day to the soldiers on manoeuvres in the fields surrounding the Glen became the familiar backdrop to Bob Sewards youth. The military torch fired my imagination and my ambition to be a soldier was forged into a solid steel of ambition, he admits. Little wonder then that, at the first opportunity, he quit formal schooling and joined the rank and file of the army. He was just 16. When he retired, 27 years later, at the tender age of 44, he had reached the pinnacle of rank (at that time) as Captain. Bob insists that the army was the best training ground which has served him well throughout his long and varied careers. You get a great understanding of people from training army recruits. Managing soldiers is not easy. In our military training, we were taught determined management: Be fair, be firm, be friendly. If you can apply those three concepts, youll manage the country. By international standards, the Irish Army, first established in 1922, is a relative baby. However, it boasts some of the most highly trained and skilled peace-keepers in the entire world. Father and son Bob and Bob Seward at a reception to mark the National day of Remembrance by the Veterans Federation at the Camp Field, Cork. - Picture: David Creedon Since its first operation with the UN in Lebanon in 1958, the Defence Forces has continued to play a significant role in peacekeeping operations in conflict zones around the world. The Congo remains a defining moment in those efforts. Once a Belgian colony, the Congo became an independent state on June 30, 1960. About 52 times the size of Ireland, it boasted a wealth of natural resources like gold, uranium, and diamonds, which made it a target for opportunists. The Mouvement National Conglais Patrice Lumumba had taken office as prime minister a short time before the granting of independence, and within days the newly independent Republic of the Congo was plunged into mutiny and chaos. Civil war was declared between two provinces, South Kassai and Katanga, and the army fell into disarray. The country was spiralling out of control and Lumumba looked to Russia for firepower and support to help contain the rebellions. With world tensions high, and eager to prevent a further escalation of the ongoing Cold War between the superpowers of the US and Russia, the United Nations decided to intervene and assemble peacekeepers from nations around the world to help the Congolese to re-establish order. The Irish Army was one of the first to answer the call. It was the first ever time the Irish Army had sent armed soldiers overseas and they asked for volunteers. 80% of the garrison in Collins Barracks volunteered for the overseas duty. Nationally too, says Bob. There was no talk of overseas allowances or money as an incentive to those volunteering either. Most of the single men had no idea where the Congo was and couldnt care less. The married men had a more challenging task, however: to tell their wives that they were going off for six months to the Congo. In my case, I tried to soften the blow by saying I was going for 24 weeks. The impact on the wives was huge. With no immediate means of communication (no phones, and letters took weeks to arrive) with their husbands, they shouldered the full responsibility of the family, bill-paying, doctors, and school while their husbands were away. The Seward Family and their service. From top left:Robert Seward, 42 years Senior Chief with the Irish Naval Service plus two with the FCA; Charles Seward R.I.P, 16 years service Irish Army; Donnachadh Seward 22 years service plus three with the FCA, still serving with the Irish Army and Kenneth Seward 27yrs service plus two with the FCA. Bottom row. Bob Seward Capt. Retired 27yrs Service Irish Army and a year with the FCA. Together the family has 142 years service. Picture provided by family It took weeks of planning, vaccinations, dental checks, and packing, before Bobs unit (B-Company), made up of a contingent from Limerick, Fermoy, Ballincollig and Collins Barracks, travelled to the Curragh to converge with all the other units from around Ireland, to form the 750-strong 32nd Battalion, under the command of Lt. Col M Buckley. It was a time of immense collective pride. The whole country was behind us, he says. The jubilant sound of the marching bands and the cheers of the thousands who lined the streets of Dublin to watch them march from Dublin Castle is still indelibly etched on Bobs memory. The national euphoria couldnt dull the general apprehension for the safety of these brave soldiers, however, and Bob says, women came forward and pressed religious objects into our hands as we got into the trucks to go to Baldonnel airport. There, a USAF Globe Master plane awaited. Before they boarded, each of the men was issued with a plastic bag containing a bottle of milk, two sandwiches, an apple and an orange. Bob recalls the young American pilot asking how many had flown before, and not a single one of us had. In the meticulous planning for the operation, from the packing of shovels, pick axes, ammunition, and tinned food, it was soon apparent that no-one had considered the appropriateness of the heavy woollen Irish-army uniforms in the thick heat of the Congolese jungle. We were sweltering when we landed in Wheelus airport, a US air base, in Tripoli, Libya. The Americans, commenting to the Irish soldiers on their great combat clothing, jokingly asked if they were headed for the North Pole. When they finally landed in Leopoldville, now known as Kinshasa, in the Congo, there was much excitement as they were joined by troops from all over the world. B Company was first stationed in Kindu, a small town on the banks of the river Congo. They secured the airport and set up accommodation in the aircraft hangar. For a few weeks, they survived on nothing but tinned food. The intensity of the jungle heat was on a whole other level, and they were grateful to the Americans who flew by, some weeks later, with replacement work dungarees which they cut up into shorts. There was total turmoil in the country. The Congolese army was running amok. They were unpaid for weeks. They had weapons and ammunition but no leaders, explains Bob. Most of the Congolese people were lovely and gentle, minding their own business. But they had suffered and were apprehensive, and they had a tendency to equate all white-skinned people they encountered with the Belgians, and therefore the enemy. We tried to distinguish ourselves from the Belgians by wearing blue helmets. Our purpose there was security: to keep the airstrips open and rescue some Dutch missionaries and fly them home safely. But, it was a decidedly precarious and hostile environment, and the soldiers were always on alert or slept with their weapons. Communication was tricky, given that the locals only spoke Swahili and French, and we could barely speak English, laughs Bob. However, hand gestures and intent allowed for clumsy, but effective, communications between the native Congolese and the Irish soldiers. The Irish were highly trained and very adaptable, explains Bob. This set them apart. It was also a source of immense pride to see soldiers from other nations salute the officer in charge of the entire mission, Lt Gen Sean McKeown from Ireland. The 32nd Battalion was joined a few weeks later by the 33rd Irish battalion. Jim Forde from Cork was deployed on that mission and recalled, in an interview with his grandson Cathal Flynn, his overwhelming emotions as he was called off the plane to say goodbye to his mother, stepfather and uncle who had arrived late. My grandad remembers boarding the plane again and crying as he didnt know how long he would be away from home, recorded Cathal. Jims unit was stationed in Albertville, overlooking the beautiful Lake Tanganyika. Soldiers life in the Congo was full of ups and downs, according to Jim. From feasting on the stunning natural beauty of the distant mountains reflected in the moonlit water, or large elephants majestically wandering the plains, to the dangers of encountering a piranha lurking in the lake, having outdated 303 rifles (relics from WW1) as protection, to the dangers of the intense midday sun. Each day brought its own challenges. On November 8, 1960, nine members of an Irish troop, on routine duties, were ambushed and massacred by Baluba tribesmen. Bob remembers hearing the news and being so angry as some of those killed had been with us some time before that. The friendly spirit, so characteristic of the Irish overseas, was badly shaken that night, he insists. My grandfather, Jim, was among the troop that travelled to the ambush site to help recover their slain comrades, says Cathal. He recalled seeing lots of ant hills, as he called them. Inside the ant hills were the remains of the platoon, battered and bloodied. It was a truly sad sight for Irish soldiers to behold as they hauled their comrades back to base. A memorial service was held in their honour before they were flown back to Ireland to a heros welcome. One striking newspaper headline read, The Grief and the Glory. To date, there have been 33 soldiers from the Southern Command who received distinguished service medals. There have also been 87 soldiers killed in active UN service, three of whom received posthumous awards for gallantry. Thats why this is very important to me, and to the army. They had very little publicity and appreciation. Goya's painting of a Catholic priest performing an exorcism The Greek Orthodox Church's Holy Synod has denounced the content of an exhibition at the National Gallery the Alexandros Soutsos Museum, in Athens, following a vandalism attack by an ultraconservative lawmaker. In a statement on March 11, the Holy Synod said it "expressed its regret for the content of certain works" on display and had decided "to take appropriate action towards the Greek government," the Kathimerini site reported. The exhibition, running alongside a display of 80 engravings by Spanish master Francisco Goya, includes works that caricature religious icons and themes. The preceding day, Nikolaos Papadopoulos, a lawmaker from the small right-wing, ultra-religious Niki party, attacked four paintings in the exhibition "The Allure of the Bizarre," featuring Greek artists. He flung the paintings to the floor, shattering the glass frames. Police detained Papadopoulos for several hours before releasing him. A few days before his actions in the gallery, Papadopoulos had sent a letter to the National Gallery and submitted a formal question to the Minister of Culture, demanding the removal of the exhibits, tovima.com reported. The museum temporarily shut down following the attack, turning visitors away. Papadopoulos had previously denounced one of the Greek paintings in Parliament, claiming it was offensive to Orthodox Christianity, particularly its depiction of the Virgin Mary and Christ. "I took down four icons, four blasphemous icons, and in two of those ... the glass pane broke, nothing else," Papadopoulos told reporters after his release according to reports from Kathimerini and AP. He said the works "insult the Virgin Mary, St George ... the archangels that we in our homes were taught to worship and respect." Greece's Culture Ministry said that it acts "with the aim of protecting the country's cultural and artistic heritage in general" and that it "never engages in acts of censorship." In a statement issued after the attack, the gallery's board of directors said it "unreservedly condemn(s) every act of vandalism, violence and censorship which violate the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression." The Niki (Greek for Victory) party was founded in 2019 and first entered the Greek Parliament in 2023, promoting a blend of Orthodox Christian traditionalism and nationalism. Currently it holds 10 seats in the country's 300-member parliament. (Photo: REUTERS / Filippo Monteforte / Pool)Pope Francis (L) and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I sign a joint statement at St George church, the principal Greek Orthodox cathedral, in Istanbul November 30, 2014. Pope Francis began a visit to Turkey on Friday with the delicate mission of strengthening ties with Muslim leaders while condemning violence against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East. In a truly econmenical effort Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians and the head of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Hieronymus, are to visit refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos. The aim of the April 14 and 15 visit to highlight the plight of refugees, the Greek government said, due to refugees and other migrants are being deported back to Turkey under a controversial European Union program to ease Europe's migrant burden. The trip was announced after a meeting on April 5 of the Holy Synod, the governing body of the Church of Greece, over which Hieronymus presided. According to a statement from the Athens-based synod, the Greek Orthodox church accepted the Pope's proposal for a "symbolic and humanitarian" visit to Greece to "draw the attention of the international community to the need for an immediate ceasefire in the conflicts" in the Middle East. "The personality and prestige of the Ecumenical Patriarch," who is based in Istanbul, "and the weight of the presence of the Pope will send a resounding wakeup call to the international community," the Greek church said in its statement. The Church of Greece statement noted,that its Holy Synod had accepted the proposal for the Pope to visit an Aegean island because it would be a one-day, non-protocol and "clear humanitarian and symbolic visit." Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Sunshine this morning then becoming mostly cloudy this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 70F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Arjunn Dutta is indeed a filmmaker to watch, as he continues to carve out his unique cinematic legacy, blending heartfelt storytelling with a passion for exploring the nuances of human connections. Hes a complete outsider who started his journey without a mentor. His passion for cinema has been his guiding force. He always had an eye for the unusual and found himself gravitating to stories which had drama and yet were rooted in life. As a broad perspective, his films are stories where the underdog gets prominence and yet his flaws arent neglected. Dutta doesnt believe in glorified characters but in flawed ones. His debut film Abyakto (2018) speaks of an unease that lies between a mother and a son. Guldasta (2020) was a tale of three women going through different things in life and how they coped with lifes curveballs, while Shrimati (2022) pointed out that being a housewife too is a choice and shouldnt be looked down upon. His upcoming film Deep Fridge (2025) is a sympathetic examination of a broken marriage. Were meeting at a popular cafe in Kolkata. He promptly finishes his first cup of coffee as I question Ive always loved telling stories. I was born in Kolkata, a city known for its rich art and culture. From a young age, I would make up stories. I would narrate fantasies and closely observe my mothers and grandmothers reactions. Ive always felt a deep connection to storytelling, it came naturally to me. Even as a child, I devoured books and was completely hooked on 90s Bollywood movies. It was clear to me that filmmaking was the world I wanted to be a part of. Yes, it was a bumpy road initially but I knew from the start that I wanted to make films. I made my first short film, The 6th Element in 2016. I was a huge Bollywood lover and it had a massive influence on my work and my life. We didnt have much growing up, but cinema offered an escape, a different world to immerse myself in. My first big project was Abyakto (2018), and I ended up winning the Filmfare Award for Best Original Story. Since then, Ive been quietly making my mark in the film industry, telling stories that connect with people. Abyakto is special for many reasons. Its the film that put me on the map as a serious filmmaker. My friend Sudip, who is no longer with us, connected me with the producers. We shot it in just 10 days. It didnt have a big budget but the energy on the set was electric. It was a young team and we were all working with passion. I didnt make it strategically; I made it from my heart. I think thats what made it connect with people. Absolutely. I lost my mother last year. We were close. The relationship in Abyakto reminded me of my bond with my mom and my grandmother. In many ways, the film was a tribute to them. Its a personal story for me. Lets talk about your latest film, Deep Fridge. What inspired you to tell the story of unhappy couples? Deep Fridge is quite different from other films. Ive seen unhappy couples around me, couples who sleep in the same bed but dont face each other, they face the wall. That idea was the starting point. Divorce rates are still low in India. But its something people are talking about more now. Divorce isnt something were comfortable talking about. But its a real phenomenon. The film doesnt aim to stigmatise divorce; if two people are unhappy, why not part ways and live a happier life? That was the idea behind it. The more human a story is, the better it connects with the audience. People are drawn to stories that touch them emotionally. Im a Cancerian, so an emotional person. Im sensitive to things, and I observe people closely. My family, especially the two strong maternal figures I had growing up, have had a significant influence on my work. Its that upbringing and the way Ive been raised that shapes my perspective and how I tell stories. I believe the female characters in my films are strong in their own unique ways. Arpita Chatterjees character in Abyakto, for instance, is a resolute woman. Swastika Mukherjees portrayal of Shrimati in the film of the same name is that of a lovable, dedicated housewife. In Deep Fridge, Tanusrees character is uncompromising and determined. When it comes to choosing actors, I always try to match the actor to the role Ive envisioned. For example, for Arpitas character, I needed someone who could portray a woman in her mid-30s and mid-50s, as the story follows a time jump. Arpita was perfect for the role because she has this strong, beautiful personality that fit the character perfectly. Yes, I believe every character is flawed. Noone is perfect and thats what makes them human. Over time, these characters learn from their mistakes and grow. Thats the beauty of storytelling, watching characters evolve and learn. Life isnt about perfection; its about navigating flaws and learning from them. Swastika and Tanusree are both incredibly talented. Swastika was my first choice for Shrimati because I knew she could bring depth to a role that was so different from the glamorous characters she had played before. Tanusree is an underrated actress, but her performance in Deep Fridge takes the character to a whole new level. After this film, I believe people will see her in a different light. Abir was the last one to confirm for the role. I had to chase him for two to three months before he finally signed on. But once he did, I knew he was perfect for the role. Hes so different in this film. Even if people have mixed opinions about his character, theyll ultimately want a husband like his character, Swarnava. Filmfare is a huge deal is a huge deal for me. Growing up, I watched the Filmfare Awards with so much excitement. To win one, especially for Abyakto, was a surreal experience. My family was more excited about the Filmfare win than anything else. It was a moment Ill never forget. I remember zoning out when they announced my name. It took a while for it to sink in. Deep Fridge, in my opinion, is my most mature work to date. It deals with intimate emotions that arent easy to talk about. I wanted the audience to really think about the ending. Im always working on new projects that push boundaries. Im currently involved in a theatre production and also planning a comedy-thriller. Im excited about my Hindi short film, Biryani, which explores thrilling themes around food. My goal with each project is to break taboos and start conversations. In Abyakto, we explored LGBTQIA issues, in Deep Fridge, mutual divorce, and in Shrimati, the taboo of an older woman in a marriage. I hope my films continue to resonate with people. In Bibi Payra, Im talking about women empowerment. Im grateful to Swastika Mukherjee and Paoli Dam for being part of this journey. They are coming together in film after a decade. Arati Kadav's Mrs, an adaptation of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, has sparked a heated, yet much-needed debate on social media on the institution of marriage and the power dynamics between men and women. Known for her distinctive sci-fi narratives like Cargo and The Astronaut and His Parrot, Kadav stepped into an entirely different space with Mrs. Her film deeply examines gender roles and societal expectations. In a freewheeling chat with Filmfare, she opened up about adapting The Great Indian Kitchen for a North Indian audience, her creative choices and the larger themes she wanted to explore through the film. She also reflects on the evolving space for women filmmakers in Bollywood and why science fiction remains her true passion. Excerpts: Where did the idea of adapting The Great Indian Kitchen come from? This was a project set up by my producer Harman Baweja. The conversation of adapting The Great Indian Kitchen for the North Indian audience was going on for some time, and I was called in to evaluate. The film is popular and it enjoys a cult status, so I was worried that it will always be compared to the original. Sanya Malhotra was also involved in these earlier discussions. Then I started meeting a lot of women and realized how important and urgent this topic is. I felt that it is important that you tell this story in a way that is more accessible and relatable. After talking to all these women and knowing what they are going through, I felt that I have to tell this story with a lot of responsibility. Did you take reference from your personal experiences while working on the film? I have been married for 15 years and I experienced some of it in the early years of my marriage. Not that I can talk about that because there's family involved in it, but there were moments in that film that have happened to me. Richa's (Sanya) character likes eating food while cooking and I also have the same habit. I was told that I am making the food impure by tasting it while cooking. Why was Sanya your choice for this out of so many actresses? She has a lovely connection with everybody, but also she's an amazing person. I've always liked her choice of films and she works from a place of deep empathy. She's a very hardworking girl and gives her 100 percent. She had created a backstory for every scene. Why did you make Diwakar's character a gynaecologist? I know about a few women who are married to gynecologists like Diwakar. Knowing something for the profession and implementing it in your own life are very different. Patriarchy doesn't go away just because you're educated. Another thing I wanted to show is that Diwakar's profession is perceived to be the maximum contributor to the society. So he has an ego about the fact that he is contributing a lot. And his wife Richa is a dancer. Society doesn't respect dancers. Even when I was struggling for 15 years as a filmmaker, people treated my work as my hobby. Which scene was the most difficult to shoot emotionally? The intimate scenes were difficult for both Sanya and me, but more for her because she was in disbelief that women go through all these things. Her character was developed in a way that she doesn't cry at all except for the times when she is fighting back for herself. Because it takes a lot of courage to fight back. That was difficult to do as well. Decode the scene where Richa throws a bucket of sink water at her in-laws... The pipeline breaking was a metaphor for what patriarchy is. The first time the water leaked, she did not realise it was broken. It is when she makes biryani but is not appreciated. I had very carefully calibrated when the first drop would fall. But when she met a friend who is with a more understanding partner, it was when she realised that the pipeline is broken. As her relationship with Dibakar gets worse, you can see the small bucket is replaced with a big bucket. And after a point she finally realises that the pipeline is fully broken. That time she says that the whole pipeline has to be changed. The idea was that it is not a cosmetic problem, the whole structure has to be changed. It was a very big metaphor for patriarchy or what she was going through. Not many Bollywood films challenge the institution of marriage. Was it a challenge for you to do so? We wanted to make sure that we don't show anyone as evil. This is a very slippery slope. We can almost tell that the mother-in-law or father-in-law are evil. I had to control that instinct. I had to show that the setup or system is broken and is not favoring one gender, and that was the idea. I also wanted to show the difference between marriage and a wedding. We are living in a consumerist world, where people are celebrating weddings like it is the event of the century. I have a lot of criticism for that, because it is an unnecessary burden. Marriage is what happens after you are wed and come home. I wanted to tell people to invest in marriage, not in a wedding. Having directed science fiction films, was it challenging to direct something completely different? It empowered me to get into the details of this film. We are getting a lot of appreciation for small details. I am used to choosing every prop and every detail in the frame. I referred to Morandi's paintings for the palette of the film. I chose nice hand-painted tiles, tea cups, food items and all the other props. That training that I got while doing sci-fi helped me make this film in a slightly different way. The original film had the Sabarimala temple verdict as an important point, but here that has been changed. Was it because people get too sensitive about religion? That is slightly a mandate. But we touched upon Karwa Chauth. A lot of us were very worried while mentioning it. But I thought that Bollywood is the unspoken sponsor of Karwa Chauth festival and we should definitely touch upon it. And this film was also a lot about Richa's ambitions. In the original film, the girl was asked to delete a political thing on Facebook. But here I thought that's fine. But our character asks her to delete her personal videos, which is completely erasing her past and in a way, erasing the only identity that she was holding on to. And what was your biggest learning from this entire experience of directing this film? My biggest learning, which I'd never got in my previous films, was working very strongly with characters and their graphs and working with the actors on every emotion. I had nothing else going on in this film. There's no plot. It's just about the character and their interpersonal relationships. I have grown a lot in terms of how I handle my characters and actors. I'm also very grateful that I had a good actor in Sanya, who was there helping me through this and working very hard. Do you think that women filmmakers are finally getting their due and telling their stories? I was so happy when I saw All We Imagine as Light and Girls Will Be Girls' success. I have no words. These are such strong female narratives and so engaging. All We Imagine as Light also left an amazing footprint across the festival circuit outside India. It inspired me and made me feel that I'll also make a film like that. It is nice for women directors to finally have women directors as their role models. Otherwise, we always had to look for role models in male directors. 10 years back, when I was making my short films, there were barely any female directors. The ones that were there were extremely mainstream, and they all always used to feel connected to the industry. It is also nice to see women from outside the industry coming and making such amazing films. Is mainstream Bollywood ready for stories that challenge regular beliefs, traditions and everything mainstream? Right now, we are going through so much churn in terms of the mainstream. For the last two to three years, we have only been actively making male-centric masala films and calling it mainstream. We have made the mainstream very narrow. Someone in fact told me that out of 25 films, 22 films had a poster of a male actor with some weapon in his hand. But that formula is not working. There are big budget films with male actors not working. And then suddenly a film like 12th Fail, which has a male protagonist but not in a masculine way, is working. A sincerely made film with a good story can also be mainstream. That needs to change in the mainstream definition. Do you think that the violence on screen has any real life repercussions? I have been to film schools and seen Tarantino's films so I can understand why that acts as a place of release for a lot of men. But the politics of it have to be right. If the politics is wrong, then it makes a lot of men justify a lot of things that they're doing wrong in their life. It polarizes men and women even more. At least the filmmaker's politics have to be right. The character can be flawed. What's your upcoming state of work? I'm working on a few science fiction films. My goal is to go mainstream with science fiction and I am keen on doing that. That has been my passion for the last 10 to 15 years. Why science fiction of all genres? You can talk about reality more when you're using science fiction as a device. You can talk about the problems of the world today by using those things. Science fiction is a very good way to bring magic back into the cinema. I believe in the magic of storytelling. I've always had a fascination for it since childhood. Also Read: Mrs. Movie Review: A stinging satire on patriarchy The trailer of the upcoming Tamil web series Om Kali Jai Kali, headlined by Vemal, has been released by its makers. Other than Vemal, the cast of Om Kali Jai Kali features actors Ilango Kumaravel, Pavani Reddy, and Kanja Karuppu, among others. Om Kali Jai Kali will be Vemal's second web series after the highly appreciated Vilangu. Om Kali Jai Kali Online is set to stream on JioHotstar from March 28, 2025 . Hotstar Specials Om Kali Jai Kali. The makers have released a full-length trailer for the series, which teases it to be an intense political thriller, also centering around events in a small town, and a temple festival. Vemal is shown playing the role of a koothu artiste and a saamiyaadi (a medium for the deity to possess), who is out on a blood hunt dressed as the Goddess Kali. Om Kali Jai Kali will be Vemal's second web series after the highly appreciated Vilangu. Om Kali Jai Kali Online is set to stream on JioHotstar Tamil actor Vemal is all set for his second stint in a web series with the upcomingSpecials. The makers have released a full-length trailer for the series, which teases it to be an intense political thriller, also centering around events in a small town, and a temple festival. Vemal is shown playing the role of a koothu artiste and a saamiyaadi (a medium for the deity to possess), who is out on a blood hunt dressed as the Goddess Kali. Om Kali Jai Kali will be Vemal's second web series after the highly appreciated Vilangu. Om Kali Jai Kali Online is set to stream on JioHotstar from March 28, 2025 . More About Om Kali Jai Kali Other than Vemal, the cast of Om Kali Jai Kali features actors Ilango Kumaravel, Pavani Reddy, and Kanja Karuppu, among others. The series is reportedly about a koothu artist and saamiyaadi who gets caught up in a web of political chaos after a politicians murder. The series of events lead him to be a suspect, which leads to the confusion whether the crime was committed in his normal state or while possessed by a deity, thus exploring themes of belief within a police procedural. The official synopsis for the web series on the streaming platform's site describes it as "Set in 1995, a tale of revenge, loyalty and redemption unfolds against the backdrop of the Dusserha festival in Tamil Nadu." Apart from Tamil, Om Kali Jai Kali will also be streamed in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. Vemal's OTT Stint Vemal made his OTT debut with the 2022 Tamil crime thriller series Vilangu, which was produced as an Original for Zee5, and directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj of Bruce Lee fame. The series starred Vemal in the lead role along with Ineya, Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth and RNR Manohar. The series comprised seven episodes and was released on Zee5 on 18 February 2022 to much critical acclaim. TONALE PASS, Italy, March 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It was already clear that the competitive aspect was once again the beating heart of this fifth edition of the Coppa delle Alpi by Mille Miglia. The drivers deserve credit for having offered an exciting race, which in today's leg saw Alberto Aliverti and Francesco Polini, in their 1937 508 C, take first place in the standings, ousting rivals Matteo Belotti and Ingrid Plebani, second across the finish line in their 1927 Bugatti T 37 A. Third place went to Francesco and Giuseppe Di Pietra, also in a Fiat 508 C, but from 1938. The snow was a much-appreciated companion of this edition of the Coppa delle Alpi, perhaps contributing to making the re-enactment of the speed race even more challenging and authentic. In 1921 a group of daring drivers travelled 2300 kilometres through the dangers of the alpine territory, pushing the drivers to show the bold spirit that represents the true essence of the Red Arrow. This afternoon, after the restart following the lunch stop at Baselga di Pine, the rain continued to fall heavily until the arrival at the Tonale Pass, where it turned to snow. Snow that also fell heavily at the first leg arrival in St. Moritz and yesterday morning, on the Fuorn Pass. After approximately 880 kilometres crossing the borders of Italy, Switzerland and Austria, the 40 teams in the race finally crossed the finishing line at 5:30 this afternoon at the entrance to the Pista Ghiaccio Val di Sole, where they completed the thirteenth and final Time Control of the event. The last sporting activity of the event was the race around the circuit, in which the cars competed in a series of three Time Trials on fresh snow for the Ponte di Legno Trophy, won by Francesco and Giuseppe Di Pietra. The other special trophy, the Citta di Brescia Trophy, a 1 vs 1 direct knock-out challenge on Wednesday evening in Piazza Vittoria, was also won by Aliverti-Polini. Press Office +39 3316133162 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae928776-4c03-4f88-9f5f-3e3c938332df 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! Witness testimony over three days before a legislative ethics committee has fortified allegations that Sen. Jason Ellsworth failed to disclose an extensive personal and professional relationship when organizing a state-funded contract for a friend, special counsel Adam Duerk argued Saturday. Given direct testimony from all the state employees involved, does what happened here sound like the appearance of impropriety? he told legislators. Or does this sound like a totally acceptable use of Montanans taxpayer money? The legislative ethics probe into the Hamilton Republicans controversial contract dealings wound down witness testimony on Saturday at the Montana State Capitol, followed by closing statements from Ellsworths attorney and the special counsel hired to manage the Senate Ethics Committees investigation. The committees final meeting before it begins crystalizing its forthcoming report for the Senate included a video statement from Bryce Eggleston, the Stevensville contractor whom Ellsworth awarded a $170,100 state-funded contract to analyze the rollout of the GOPs judicial reform agenda after the 2025 Legislature. Eggleston, the lone employee of Agile Analytics, had no experience in the matters of judicial reform, but he was a trusted friend and former employee of Ellsworths, the senators attorney Joan Mell told lawmakers on Saturday. She argued the requirements around state contracts are tricky, and that Ellsworths political enemies were weaponizing the proceedings against him. Duerk, the committees special counsel who led much of the proceedings over the last three hearings, told lawmakers Ellsworths use of state funds fell directly in the crosshairs of the statutory ethics requirements the senator is alleged to have violated. I certainly cant tell you what to do as special counsel, so I ask you to consider this question, Duerk told the committee. Can anyone plausibly argue that there is no appearance of impropriety in the Agile contract after everything youve heard? The first two days of witness hearings included government staffers recalling how Ellsworth brought them two contracts, and two invoices, arranged in a manner that would have kept the deal out of view; this set off red flags for the staff, who notified the legal department and the proper agency that handles state contracts for any agreement over $100,000. Lawmakers have also heard from legislative audit staff, who concluded in January that Ellsworth abused his government position by bifurcating the contract into two separate contracts, which effectively brought the spending down to two payments below the $100,000 threshold. Another question the Senate may at some point need to address: Was this conflict (of interest) concealed? Was full disclosure of a potential conflict concealed by short-circuiting procurement laws and efforts to evade scrutiny? Duerk told the committee. The witnesses that you heard from during the course of these proceedings have answered that question definitively, unanimously and clearly. Ellsworth did not appear to testify on his own behalf either Friday or Saturday. Mell told the committee in her closing arguments she could not allow him to, because she contended the entire investigation was done for political purposes in order to undermine Ellsworth and infringe on Egglestons privacy. You didnt need an investigation to know that Ellsworth knew Eggleston and trusted his work. In fact, that was the presenting complaint by President (Matt) Regier. He went to the legislative auditor and precipitated a fraud, abuse and waste allegation knowing of the relationship, she said. He knew of the relationship. So thats why it feels very politicized. She maintained there was no personal or private interest in Ellsworth signing the agreement with Eggleston, a key question the committee will work to answer as to whether Ellsworth violated legislative ethics law, telling the committee they should consider this a learning lesson. Mell said the evidence showed that Ellsworth was merely acting within his authority at the time as both Senate president and chairman of the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform to utilize extraordinary resources the $500,000 provided to him by the governors budget office last spring to perform the work his constituents and others expected of him as he sought to make changes to the judicial branch. Mell acknowledged, however, the committee had also rejected similar proposals from Ellsworth during meetings in November and December. She characterized Ellsworths decision to sign off on Egglestons contracts and to work with state staff to finalize them in the final days the funds were available as Ellsworth doing what needed to be done to make the select committees work impactful. Senator Ellsworth didnt want to fail. He didnt want to fail you. He didnt want to fail the public. And he was taking on an unprecedented, nearly insurmountable challenge: to try to get the courts back in its own lane, get it to respect the Legislature, get it to offer some deference to it, she said. He needed somebody that he could trust to tell him what he was missing. Eggleston, who was subpoenaed by the committee on Friday when he declined the committees request to appear, invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify, Mell said. But she was allowed to play video of a sworn interview recorded with Eggleston on Wednesday in which he detailed why he believed he was fit for the important job and why he felt both he and Ellsworth were victims of a broad political attack. He contended that his longtime relationship with Ellsworth made the senator trust him to handle oversight of his select committees bills that pass this session and that his prior business acumen, albeit described vaguely, made him a perfect selection for the work, which others have contended is already done by legislative staff during the interim. Eggleston said the ethics investigation was a waste of resources of its own. It seems like theres a concerted effort, politically motivated, to discredit Senator Ellsworth, and I am a casualty of that, he said. Following the hour-long video, Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, a Republican committee member from Billings, called its substance highly one-sided because the committee had no chance to ask follow-up questions. The committee then set Egglestons testimony aside for the time being. The ethics committee will meet again Monday morning to begin assembling its report to the Senate. Partnership will deliver revolutionary, emissions-free travel in the UK, including greater connectivity for Virgin Atlantic customers traveling to and from the airport Virgin Atlantic to support Joby's preparations for operation in the UK Agreement builds on Virgin Atlantic's track record of innovation and award-winning customer service Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a California-based company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced a partnership with Virgin Atlantic, a premium long-haul UK airline, that will see the companies partner on the launch of Joby's revolutionary air taxi service in the UK. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250315715687/en/ Joby's all-electric air taxi in flight above the company's flight test facility in Marina, California. Credit: Joby Aviation The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines which owns a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic to launch service in the US and UK, and brings together brands committed to innovation, customer service and challenging the status quo. The partnership aims to offer seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK, starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic's hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Virgin Atlantic will support Joby's go-to-market efforts in the UK through marketing the service to their customers, engaging regulators alongside Joby and helping to build support for the development of landing infrastructure at key airports. Joby's electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph and the partnership means Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve a seat on Joby's aircraft through Virgin Atlantic's app, website and other channels. Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: "As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK. Our strategic partnership combines Joby's expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic's brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby's service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers." JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, commented: "Virgin Atlantic's commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and we couldn't imagine a better partner to work with in the UK. Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities." Joby's electric air taxi utilizes six tilting propellers that allow it to take off and land vertically with a fraction of the noise produced by today's helicopters. The aircraft is optimized for rapid, back-to-back flights and is expected to be deployed on routes of up to 100 miles. Joby has completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York City, Japan and Korea. Journeys in the UK could include a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds, or an 8-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf, instead of 80 minutes by car. Over time, Joby expects to build out a network of landing locations that offer rapid and convenient travel around cities and communities throughout the UK. Joby expects to offer prices that are comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options at launch. In 2022, Joby and Delta Air Lines announced a multi-city, commercial and operational partnership to pioneer community-to-airport transportation for customers. While the Joby/Delta partnership is mutually exclusive across the US and UK for at least five years following commercial launch, the partnership has been extended to include Virgin Atlantic in the UK. Joby exhibited its aircraft for the first time in the UK at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, and in July 2022 announced that it formally applied to have its aircraft validated for use by the UK Civil Aviation Authority ("CAA"). Media assets, including photos and footage of Joby's aircraft as well as illustrative route networks in the UK, are available here. About Joby Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world. To learn more, visit www.jobyaviation.com. About Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2024, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain's only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the eighth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year. Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance's first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance's transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years. In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its first A330-900's to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world's first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is an industry imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialization ahead of 2030. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, X and Instagram @virginatlantic. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding the development and performance of our aircraft, our regulatory outlook, progress and timing, our business plan, objectives, goals and market opportunity; plans for, and potential benefits of, our strategic partnerships, including plans to form a joint venture with Virgin Atlantic to launch and operate an air taxi service across the United Kingdom, potential routes for such service and expected timing and pricing for such routes; and our current expectations relating to our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, capital needs and growth of our operations. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "project", "plan", "intend", "believe", "may", "will", "should", "can have", "likely" and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. All forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including: our ability to launch our air taxi service and the growth of the urban air mobility market generally; our ability to produce aircraft that meet our performance expectations in the volumes and on the timelines that we project; complexities related to obtaining certification and operating in foreign markets; the competitive environment in which we operate; our future capital needs; our ability to adequately protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; our ability to effectively respond to evolving regulations and standards relating to our aircraft; our reliance on third-party suppliers and service partners; uncertainties related to our estimates of the size of the market for our service and future revenue opportunities; and other important factors discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 27, 2025, and in future filings and other reports we file with or furnish to the SEC. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates and beliefs as of the date of this release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250315715687/en/ Contacts: Joby Aviation Investors: investors@jobyaviation.com Media: press@jobyaviation.com 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! SINOPEC Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd. ("SEG" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries collectively known as the "Group") (stock code: 2386) today announced its annual results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2024 (the "Reporting Period"). Over the past year, in the face of rapidly evolving industrial transformation, the complex and severe external situation and the fiercely competitive market environment, the Board and the management of the Company actively promoted market development, spared no effort in optimizing production and operation and accelerated the forging of new quality productive forces. We presented new vitality because of the high-quality development, delivering a satisfactory report to our shareholders: the Company achieved an annual operating revenue of RMB64.198 billion, a year-on-year increase of 13.9%; a net profit of RMB2.474 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%; and a newly signed contract value of RMB100.613 billion, a year-on-year increase of 25.4%, the Company accomplished various production and operation tasks and QHSE targets. With an overall consideration of the profitability of the Company and the needs for sustainable development in the future, the Board proposed a final dividend of RMB0.208 per share, taking into account of the interim dividend already distributed, the total dividend for the full year was RMB0.358 per share with a dividend payout ratio of 65%, reaching a new high in the total annual dividend amount since the Company's listing. The Group kept enhancing our value creation capability through engineering services, technological innovation, capital operations to seize the positions as a "Leader in the Engineering Industry" and a "Top Performer in the Capital Market". Firstly, we aligned our efforts for high quality development and value creation of the Company. We paid great attention to the capital market's expectations for the Company's development and the concern for value enhancement. Through more transparent information disclosure and more proactive capital market communication, the high-quality development achievements have become more prominent. The Company attaches great importance to shareholder returns. The Company has maintained a dividend yield of 65% for four years in a row, achieved continuous growth in the amount of dividends paid out. The Company has actively safeguarded its value by conducting share repurchases for two consecutive years. The Company is committed to building itself into an enterprise with leading ESG performance. The MSCI ESG rating has been upgraded to BB level, making it the highest and the only company in the Chinese engineering industry to receive this rating.The recognition from the capital market continues increasing, and the goal of returning to "Southbound Trading" was successfully achieved. Secondly, we built its overall market competitiveness through comprehensive service capabilities. The Company made another historical breakthrough in market development. The total number of new orders maintained double-digit growth for three consecutive years and reached RMB100.613 billion, which signified our business successfully entering into the RMB100 billion club. New orders signed overseas made new highs in new markets, new varieties and new fields, and recorded USD5.349 billion, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 79.6%. The portfolio of our orders was further optimized. New orders signed in design consulting category exceeded RMB4.8 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.1%. New orders signed in EPC category accounted for more than 70% of the total, laying a solid foundation for the Company to enhance its source competitiveness. Thirdly, we strengthened lean management to improve operational efficiency in all fronts. We strictly performed contracts and put greater emphasis on multi-objective comprehensive management and control of project quality, safety, progress and efficiency. The revenue scale from EPC and front-end business grew steadily and their weighting on out turnover continued to increase and stabilized overall project profitability amid the fierce market competition. Because of high standards, high quality and high efficiency of the construction and provision of a number of industry benchmark projects, we earned acclamation from the industry, including 9 provincial and ministerial quality awards, 9 provincial and ministerial design awards, and 9 first prizes of National Excellent Welding Projects. Fourthly, we continued promoting technological innovation to create high-quality technological supply. The amount of contracts related to technology development, technology licensing and technology transformation throughout the year reached RMB1.1 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of over 30%. Our ability to create profits in scientific research significantly improved. Relying on the gradual improvement of the technology matrix and synergetic efforts, we achieved major breakthroughs in exporting patented technologies such as polyolefins and aromatics, and entered the innovation and competition arena of core technologies in the global energy and chemical industry chain. The Group takes the internationalization of corporate operations as the core development goal, promotes the internal capability building towards the high-end, and creates an integrated and co-produce industrial ecosystem with our industry chain partners. Firstly, we make every effort in constructing an overseas operation model of "international rules + Chinese efficiency". After more than 70 years of development and accumulation, the Company has nurtured a high-performance team with rich experience, complete professional skills and sufficient personnel, and has engineering service capabilities covering the whole industrial chain and life cycle of the energy and chemical industry. In the nearly three decades of internationalization efforts, the Company has learned from others with an open mind, while constantly adapting to "international rules", it has promoted the alignment of domestic and international standards, promoted the deep integration of "international rules" and "Chinese efficiency", and served global owners with high-quality engineering capabilities. Secondly, we will actively leverage on the two capabilities of "technology + engineering front-end" and "low-cost operation of projects". By relying on the advantages of integrated collaborative innovation in technology research and development, engineering transformation and engineering design, the Company will continue to build high-level front-end engineering capabilities and accelerated its expansion into the global high-end business track. We will optimize the whole process of design, procurement and construction, vigorously promote the application of advanced tooling, deepen the overseas localized operating capability system, promote the construction of low-cost centers at home and abroad and build up our competitive and low-cost execution capabilities. Thirdly, we will establish long-term cooperative partnership with strategic customers for win-win cooperation. By adopting the approaches of "going out" and "bringing in", communication will be enhanced and mutual trust will be deepened with strategic customers such as large national oil companies. While promoting the Group's advantages in industrial chain, technology chain and engineering services comprehensively, we will acquire first-mover advantages with more advanced and more diversified preliminary and front-end services. Fourthly, we will work with partners in the industrial chain to build an integrated and shared business environment. We will continue to expand the "firends cirlce", promote the comprehensive strategic partnership with international engineering companies, core suppliers and strategic sub-contractors, and strengthened in-depth cooperation in the areas of, among others, preliminary development of projects, optimizing the global supply chain and project implementation, so as to establish a global industrial chain system with international competitiveness. The Group is driven by innovation to build the future competitiveness, actively promotes the deployment and application of artificial intelligence, and plays a leading role in the novel industrialization of the engineering and construction industry. Firstly, a new paradigm of deep integration of industry-university-research driven by enterprise needs will be promoted. By fully utilizing the advantages of integration and innovation of projects and engineering transformation, an "innovation chain" will be deployed around the "industry chain" to establish a planning and sourcing base of original technology. Through further coordinating with upstream research institutions and downstream users actively, technological innovation will continue to increase and open-up for cooperation. By jointly establishing the "Biomass Utilization Joint Research Center (High-value Utilization of Lignin)" with Guangdong University of Technology, the technological development of biomass utilization series and the industrial applications of research results are accelerated. The "Low-carbon Joint Research Center" is jointly established with Sun Yat-sen University, and deep cooperation is also carried out with research institutes such as Tsinghua University, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, CAS, SINOPEC Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Industry and SINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Processing in multiple innovation fields. Secondly, we will focus on development needs of the industry and accurately allocated our R&D investments. We will increase investment in high-end carbon materials, conversion of low-cost oil, conversion of high-value oil to specialties, green and low-carbon, and new energy fields, promote the transformation and application of achievements, and promote the high-end and green development of the industry; we will accelerate the R&D layout in the fields of high-end materials such as low-altitude economy, robots and lightweight automobiles. Thirdly, we will actively promote the thematic study on "Leading the Novel Industrialization of the Engineering Construction Industry". Phased achievements have been made in the areas of standardized and refined design, integrated collaboration, factory-like intelligent manufacturing, information-based management, digital delivery, intelligent operation and maintenance, and robot substitution. We will organize practical competition in design optimization and studies on constructability, and establish specifications and systems for integration and collaboration of design and construction, with initial results achieved. The idea of "replacing manpower with machines" will be strongly promoted, R&D and applications of advanced tooling represented by welding robots and intelligent welding equipment will be carried out and strive to reduce costs and increase efficiency in realizing economies of scale. Fourthly, we will respond quickly to "Artificial Intelligence +" action and inject the gene of intelligence into the development of the industry. We will explore the in-depth application of "AI for Science, AI for Design, AI for Engineering, AI for Operation" and strive to promote the transformation of production methods. In the field of engineering research and development, we promote the all-round empowerment of artificial intelligence to technological transformation, optimization and upgrading, to build a new paradigm for scientific research and fully unleash the multiplier effect of digitalization and intelligence. In the field of engineering design, the Group carried out thematic research on intelligent design (AI), to promote the innovative application of artificial intelligence and big data technology in the field of engineering design, build a knowledge graph to improve design efficiency, and explore the transformation from traditional design to generative design. In the field of engineering construction, we tried to apply artificial intelligence to optimize the engineering construction scheme of the whole life cycle, shorten the iteration cycle of the scheme, optimize the construction scheduling arrangement, and improve the overall construction efficiency. Mr. JIANG Dejun Chairman of SEG, said: "Looking forward to the future, both the "time" and "trend" of the external environment are undergoing profound changes. Global changes, industrial restructuring, and the scientific and technological revolution are surging, and are intertwined to create more complex and severe challenges. However, the opportunity of breaking the deadlock is precisely in challenging moments. Wherever the challenges lie, new opportunities are being bred. The transformation of China's energy and chemical industries is accelerating significantly, and the Company's service advantages in the whole industry chain and full life cycle are bound to brighten up. Although the global energy and chemical industry is highly competitive, long-term capital expenditure will provide the Company with incremental resources for its international operation. Artificial intelligence is catalyzing profound changes in all social and economic fields and links. The in-depth fusion of engineering research and development, engineering design, engineering construction and artificial intelligence will bring disruptive value opportunities. Standing at the intersection of the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, we will continue to adhere to the basic idea of high quality development in the aspects of "strengthening strategic leadership and coordination and integration, consolidating the advantages of traditional main businesses, driving technological innovations continuously, leading new-type industrialization of the engineering industry, promoting the internationalization of engineering enterprise's operation, and realizing the diversification of value creation of the listed company, to unswervingly move towards a world-class level. In the next step, we will go all out to coordinate the relationship between development and safety, adhere to the six bottom lines of "quality, safety, environmental protection, compliance, stability and integrity", embed risk management into every aspect of the Company's production and operation, and improve the risk prevention and control capabilities throughout the entire process through lean management. The Company will strive to make international operations as a new growth pole for the Company's high-quality development, further promote the dual-wheel driving efforts of "international rules + Chinese efficiency", further strengthen the two capabilities of "technology + engineering front-end" and "low-cost operation of projects", effectively prevent and control significant risks, and strive to achieve "bid-winner, excellent performance and efficacy" in overseas projects. The Company will accelerate the construction of a novel industrialization benchmark leading the way of industrial innovation. The engineering construction industry will be empowered through "integrated collaboration, technological innovation, digital and intelligent transformation, industrial intelligence, and green and low-carbon". Compared with other construction engineering companies, the Company has a unique talent advantage-reasonable structure and streamlined staff. We will actively embrace the AI revolution, seize historical opportunities, establish new processes for human-machine collaboration, cultivate "AI+" compatible talents, strive to achieve a breakthrough and double the per capita output value and marginal benefits, and promote the Company's production and operation to achieve leapfrog growth in quantity and efficiency. The initial heart is like a rock, and the journey is like a rainbow. We will further leverage on the Company's advantages in the integration of the whole industrial chain, market advantages, brand advantages, technology advantages and talent advantages to promote higher-quality development of the Company, unswervingly move towards a world-class level, and achieve the common improvement in shareholder value, customer value, social value and employee value!" Business Review and Highlights Maintaining a good momentum of QHSE performance During the Reporting Period, the Group had 1,596 on-going domestic and overseas projects with over 100,000 on-site employees on average per day. As at the end of the Reporting Period, the cumulative safety labor hours were 380 million, and no safety, quality or environmental protection incidents were reported throughout the year. During the Reporting Period, the Group continuously improved its project QHSE control standards and the management system operated effectively. The Group comprehensively promoted the construction of the "three basics" work safety standardization team, carried out training and certification on three types of management personnel including group leaders, team leaders and subcontractors, and completed the training covering all the strategic subcontractors. The Group promoted the application of the "Safety Pocket Book", established a comprehensive training and business competition mechanism for design, technology, quality and safety personnel, and the training performance of grassroots safety personnel and professional quality inspectors increased by 22% and 36%, respectively. The Group implemented the informatization management of "major hazardous projects", carried out inspection on design quality and physical quality, strengthened process assessment, and promoted the transformation of accident handling to prevention in advance. Focusing on the four major goals of carbon reduction, pollution reduction, efficiency improvement and green development, the second stage of green enterprise action was carried out, and the key laboratory for soil and groundwater pollution prevention and green remediation was established to comprehensively promote the treatment of VOCs and dust. The Group formulated green and ecological design guidelines, to strengthen the source management of energy and environment for construction projects and promote the intrinsic energy conservation and environmental protection of construction projects. During the Reporting Period, ExxonMobil Huizhou Ethylene Project, a project designed and constructed by the Group, was awarded the "President's Award for Safety of Global Project" by the owner for the second time. Quantitative and qualitative increase in market development During the Reporting Period, the value of new contracts signed by the Group was RMB100.613 billion, breaking the threshold of RMB100 billion for the first time and hitting a new record high, representing a year-on-year increase of 25.4%. Among which, the value of newly signed domestic contracts was approximately RMB62.102 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.6%; the value of newly signed overseas contracts was approximately USD5.349 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 79.6%. In the domestic market, the Group fully leveraged on its advantages in the entire industry chain to further grow in strategic emerging fields such as new technologies, new materials and new energy while consolidating its advantages in traditional businesses. During the Reporting Period, we signed the technology licensing contracts covering million-ton ethylene, million-ton aromatics, polypropylene and third-generation DMTO (DMTO-III); signed a batch of engineering design contracts for high-end new materials projects including CHN Energy Coal Chemicals, CNOOC Shell Huizhou Phase III Ethylene, CNOOC Shell Huizhou Polycarbonate and Yatong Chemical and Zhejiang Petrochemical; and signed a large batch of EPC contracts for areas such as refining and chemical integration, refining renovation and upgrading, new coal chemicals and new materials. During the Reporting Period, the representative newly signed domestic contracts included the EPC contract for certain units of North Huajin United Petrochemical Fine Chemical and Raw Material Engineering Project (the "Aramco Huajin Project") with a total contract value of approximately RMB6.364 billion; the EPC contract for certain units of SINOPEC SABIC Petrochemical Fujian Gulei Ethylene and Downstream Deep Processing Consortium Project (the "SABIC Mangguo Ethylene Project") with a total contract value of approximately RMB6.164 billion; the EPC contracts for certain units of Lianhong Gerun (Shandong) Integrated Project of New Energy Materials and Biodegradable Materials (the "Lianhong New Materials Project") with a total contract value of approximately RMB3.536 billion; the EPC contracts for certain units of China Coal Yulin Coal Deep Processing Base Project (the "China Coal Yulin Coal Chemical Project") with a total contract value of approximately RMB3.117 billion; the EPC contracts for Sinopec Ningbo Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Polyolefin Elastomer (POE) unit (the "Zhenhai Refining and Chemical POE Project") with a contract value of approximately RMB1.160 billion; the EPC contracts for Sinopec INEOS Tianjin Nangang Ethylene and Downstream High-end New Materials Industry Cluster Polyolefin Elastomer (POE) unit (the "Tianjin Nangang POE Project") with a contract value of approximately RMB882 million. During the Reporting Period, the value of new contracts signed by the Group in the strategic emerging business fields increased significantly by 63% on a year-on-year basis. Among them, 37 contracts were awarded in the clean energy/new energy fields, with the value of new contract of approximately RMB100 million; 209 contracts were awarded in the emerging fields such as new materials and new technologies, with the value of new contract of approximately RMB12.4 billion. In the overseas market, the Group strengthened the alliance with international peers and enhanced high-level mutual visits and promotional exchanges with strategic clients, thereby continuously expanding and optimizing our overseas market development. During the Reporting Period, we signed the PMC contract for Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura Island Steam Treatment Facility Project, achieving a historic breakthrough in overseas PMC business; and won the bid of a series of technology transfer contracts, achieving significant progress in exporting polyolefin and aromatic technologies. We were awarded contracts for the basic design of sulfuric acid project for Kazakhstan Copper, and the feasibility studies for phosphogypsum project in Morocco and coal-to-methanol/aviation kerosene project in South Africa, making further breakthroughs in new markets and fields. During the Reporting Period, the representative newly signed overseas contracts included the EPC contracts of the ethane cracking project of the Kazakhstan Silleno petrochemical complex project (the "Kazakhstan Silleno Project") with a contract value of approximately US$1.250 billion; the EPC contracts for gas compression (GCP) of Saudi Aramco's Jafurah gas expansion project phase III (the "Saudi Jafurah Project Phase III") with a contract value of approximately US$900 million; the construction contracts of Saudi Arabia Mining Corporation's northern sulfur and phosphorus chemical project phase III (the "Saudi Northern Sulfur and Phosphorus Chemical Project") with a contract value of approximately US$363 million; the construction contracts of the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation installation works of the ADNOC MERAM ethane recovery project in the United Arab Emirates (the "UAE Ethane Recovery Project") with a contract value of approximately US$215 million. Continuous improvement in project execution capability During the Reporting Period, the Group promoted the construction of on-hand projects while maintaining high quality, organized the review of implementation plans for key projects, strengthened the entire process management of projects, soundly conducted assessment on project milestones, strengthened the management of contract changes and process settlement, and effectively prevented operational risks. The Group continued to carry out special work on design optimization, carried out special work on design optimization with the pilot projects such as Aramco Huajin, Zhenhai, Saudi Amiral, etc. and completed a total of 148 design optimization projects; further promoted the experience in integration of design and construction to improve design and construction efficiency. The Group strengthened the cultivation of strategic subcontractors, resulting in effective improvement of the execution ability of subcontracting resources and project quality. The Group actively prepared for the establishment of low-cost operation centers and resource allocation centers for overseas regional projects, continuously improved its ability to localize human resources management for overseas projects, organized projects for enhancement of overseas purchase management and initiated the establishment of the platform for management of overseas purchase resources to further reduce cost and increase efficiency. During the Reporting Period, the Group's major projects under implementation were as follows: Zhenhai Refining and Chemical, and High-end Synthetic New Materials Project (EPC) was completed and delivered, and officially entered the stage of inputting production materials and conducting trial operation, marking the completion of the largest petrochemical industrial base in China. PetroChina Jihua Transformation and Upgrading Project (EPC) was in the final stage of construction with an overall progress of over 90%, which was close to delivery. Longkou LNG Project (EPC) was in the final stage of construction with an overall progress of over 90%. Aramco Huajin Project (EPC) was in the stage of equipment steel structure installation with an overall progress of over 30%. SABIC Mangguo Ethylene Project (EPC) was in the stage of equipment steel structure installation and pipeline prefabrication with an overall progress of over 40%. ExxonMobil Huizhou Ethylene Project (BEPC) was completed and delivered, and the Group was granted the "President's Award for Safety of Global Project of ExxonMobil" twice. Saudi Aramco's Crude Oil Pumping Station Upgrading and Improvement Project (EPC) was substantially completed and was in the final stage with an overall progress of over 90%. Algerian LNG/MTBE (EPC) Project is currently in the peak stage of construction with an overall progress of over 50%. Kazakhstan Silleno Project (EPC) was in the stage of design and procurement with an overall progress of over 10%. Saudi Riyas NGL Project (EPC) is entering the construction stage with an overall progress of over 20%. Saudi AMIRAL Project (EPC) is currently in the stage of civil construction with an overall progress of over 30%. Saudi Jafurah Project Phase III (EPC) was contracted in June 2024 and is currently undergoing design and procurement work with an overall progress of over 10%. ExxonMobil Singapore CRISP Integrated Project (C) was substantially completed and was in the final stage with an overall progress of over 90%. Note: "EPC" refers to engineering, procurement and construction contracting, "BEPC" refers to basic design + EPC and "C" refers to construction contracting. Steady progress in leading technology During the Reporting Period, the Group signed various new technology development contracts with a total contract value of RMB600 million, representing a year-on-year increase of over 50%; and new technology licensing and technology conversion contracts with a total amount of RMB500 million, representing a year-on-year increase of over 20%. During the Reporting Period, the Group filed 762 new patent applications, of which 76.6% were invention patents; and 384 newly licensed patents, of which 52.3% were invention patents. As at the end of the Reporting Period, the Company had 4,589 valid patents, of which 50.6% were invention patents. The number of patents continued to grow and the quality of patents was consistently optimized. During the Reporting Period, the Group received a total of 70 science and technology progress awards in scientific and technical innovation and engineering construction fields at the provincial and ministerial or above level, including the second prize of the National Scientific and Technological Progress Award for the "design, manufacturing and maintenance technology of long-life large-scale ethylene cracking reactors", the first prize of the SINOPEC Science and Technology Progress Award for the "research and application of key technologies for long-term safety production in high acid gas fields", the second prize of the SINOPEC Technology Invention Award for the "development and application of technology for production of chemicals through catalytic cracking of crude oil (CCPP)" two national excellent design bronze awards; and two national excellent engineering awards. During the Reporting Period, the Group focused its efforts on tackling key core technologies, undertaking a total of 31 national-level projects, 33 key research projects of the group companies and 16 major projects of the group companies. Leading new industrialization The Group focused on developing new quality productive forces and building core competitiveness on innovation and practicality. The Group proactively adapted to and actively led the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation in the engineering construction industry, promoted the coordination of design, building, construction, operation and maintenance, and accelerated the application of advanced technologies with low resource consumption and environmental pollution. During the reporting period, the Group actively promoted the research on 12 specialized projects for "leading the new industrialization of the engineering construction industry", and made phased achievements in areas including standardized lean design, integrated collaboration, industrialized intelligent manufacturing, informatization management, digital delivery, intelligent operation and maintenance, and robot substitution. During the Reporting Period, the Group optimized and integrated its corporate management system and management process to build a unified and complete information application framework 2.0. Under this framework, activities over the full life cycle of engineering projects were systematically integrated to maximize value in the full life cycle of engineering construction. The Group further improved the informatization deployment of "data + platform + application", and coordinated the data crossing and business process standardization work in aspects such as operation management, project management and smart construction site. During the Reporting Period, the Group took the lead in conducting research on the theme of AI design to explore transformation from traditional design to generative design. The Group continued to strengthen the application of research results of "Machine OEM", and continued to promote the research and development and application of construction technologies such as automatic welding robots and intelligent welding demonstration production lines as well as high-efficiency tooling, so as to effectively reduce costs and improve efficiency. Leveraging on the roles of big data and technical experts, the Group led the implementation of digital pipeline network construction in 31 refinery and chemical enterprises, accelerating the development of smart maintenance and operation projects. With the Group's coordination, industrial Internet + equipment, localized 3D factory design software, and smart projects in the field of design and construction were also seen advancing. During the Reporting Period, the adaptation verification of the industrial simulation software designed by the Group passed the national acceptance inspection. Activate talent's initiative Employee has always been the major force in the Group's development. During the Reporting Period, the Group handled talent-related matters with broader vision and more resources under its in-depth development strategy featured as "building a strong enterprise through talent". Specifically, the Group focused on identifying suitable personnel for management positions, which highlighted the Group's commitment to meritocracy. As a result, the competence of the Group's management team enhanced continuously. The Group also initiated trial programs to introduce skilled workforce in the society through optimizing and refining "talent introducing, cultivating and motivating" measures to pool together talents and build a strong team. Meanwhile, the Group continued to supplement expert management systems, improve position management measures and strengthen trainings for technicians and onsite managerial group leaders at all levels. Underpinned by deepened reform, the Group implemented group-wide term-based appointment and covenant-based management systems for managerial roles at all levels, so as to motivate the enterprise's kinetic energy for high-quality development. Business Prospects In 2025, adverse effects brought by changes in external environment may continue, but with the introduction of a series of favorable policies by the Chinese government, social confidence is significantly boosted and factors for positive economic development are accumulating, therefore creating a favorable environment for the production and operations of the Group. In 2025, the Group will adhere to the overall keynote of "seeking progress while maintaining stability and promoting stability through progress" according to the work arrangement of the Board to continuously promote "effective improvement in quality and reasonable growth in quantity" and strive to achieve the annual production and operation goals with high quality. In light of the industry development trends and actual production and operations, the Group has set the targets for 2025 with respect to new contract amount of RMB63 billion in domestic market and USD5 billion in overseas market. In line with the annual targets, the Group will focus on the following tasks: Firstly, the Group will exert greater efforts in market development and effectively improve the quantity and quality of contracts. In domestic market, the Group will consolidate its leading position in traditional fields, strengthen the overall development of and strategic cooperation with strategic customers to expand customer base; and seize the new opportunities brought by energy transformation and upgrading and the development of the strategic emerging industries, as well as the new business opportunities brought by the growth of demand for new and high-end materials to move towards becoming a comprehensive service provider in multiple fields. In oversea market, the Group will increase its customers and partners with a more open attitude, consolidate and deepen its relationships with key customer and partners, continue to expand its footprint in overseas market and increase its revenue from international business; leverage on the opportunity of regional capacity expansion to expand and strengthen its fundamental footprint in the Middle East and Central Asia markets, continue to deeply cultivate the Africa, the Southeast Asia and the Americas markets and strengthen market cultivation and diversified expansion; and persist in leading high-end front-end business and participate more extensively in high-end technology and front-end engineering projects. Secondly, the Group will exert greater efforts in project management to promote the improvement of profitability and quality. The Group will strengthen risk management throughout the entire project process, continuously improve contract performance capabilities, enhance cost control and improve the progress, revenue, cost planning as well as contract changes and process settlement management. The Group will increase its investment in domestic and overseas manpower and resources, focus on the overall planning and management of projects, and promote the establishment of overseas low-cost operation centers, so as to complete the construction of projects with high efficiency and high quality, thereby enhancing the value of shareholders, customers, the society and employees as a whole. The Group will also give full play to the advantage of the integration of the entire industry chain, focus on the optimization of the entire process of design, procurement and construction, and accelerate the promotion and application of research results of, among others, design optimization and constructability, thereby enhancing the profitability of the entire chain. The Group will enhance its risk identification and management at the source, strengthen the establishment of QHSE management system, enhance the whole-process supervision and improve the quality and ability of all employees, thereby consolidating the foundation of green, environmental protection and safety development of the Company. Thirdly, the Group will exert greater efforts in technological innovation and create new driving forces and advantages for development. The Group will be committed to the competitiveness analysis of the entire industry chain, optimize its deployment with reference to the needs for transformation and upgrading of the industry, strengthen opening-up cooperation, deepen the collaboration between the industry and academia and research, and promote the strengthening, replenishment and extension of the industrial chain of the Company. The Group will focus on high-end and green development and accelerate the integrated innovation and engineering transformation for new energy and new material projects, thereby injecting new impetus into the quality improvement and efficiency enhancement of traditional industries and the efficient development of emerging industries. The Group will also deepen the transformation and application of research results of "machine OEM", vigorously implement the strategy of "replacing labor with machines", and continuously promote the efficiency enhancement for construction management. The Group will actively utilize digital technologies and green technologies to transform and upgrade traditional industries while deploying its resources in future industries, accelerate the achievement of technological breakthroughs and scenario application along the entire chain, and optimize and upgrade the Company's business by AI technology empowerment. Summary of Financial Data and Indicators Prepared in Accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") Unit: RMB'000 Items As at 31 December 2024 As at 31 December 2023 Changes from the end of 2023 (%) Total assets 81,513,339 81,089,732 0.5 Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company 31,512,063 30,858,361 2.1 Net assets per share attributable to equity holders of the Company (RMB) 7.17 6.98 2.1 Unit: RMB'000 For the twelve months ended 31 December Items 2024 2023 Changes over the same period of 2023 (%) Revenue 64,198,210 56,353,293 13.9 Gross profit 5,336,500 5,640,699 (5.4 ) Operating profit 1,715,213 1,742,527 (1.6 ) Profit before taxation 2,851,913 2,774,987 2.8 Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 2,465,727 2,336,743 5.5 Basic earnings per share (RMB) 0.56 0.53 5.7 Net cash flow (used in)/generated from operating activities (2,210,914 ) 2,536,857 - Net cash flow (used in)/generated from operating activities per share (RMB) (0.50 ) 0.57 - For the twelve months ended 31 December Items 2024 2023 Gross profit margin (%) 8.3 10.0 Net profit margin (%) 3.9 4.2 Return on assets (%) 3.0 2.9 Return on equity (%) 7.8 7.6 Return on invested capital (%) 7.9 7.7 Items As at 31 December 2024 As at 31 December 2023 Asset-liability ratio (%) 61.3 61.9 ~ End ~ This press release is issued by PRChina Limited on behalf of SINOPEC Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd. About SINOPEC Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd. The Group is a leading energy and chemical engineering company in the PRC with strong international competitiveness and can provide domestic and overseas clients with overall solutions for petrol refining, petrochemicals, aromatics, coal chemicals, inorganic chemicals, pharmaceutical chemicals, clean energy, storage and transportation facilities, environmental protection and energy saving, among other industry sectors. The Group is an integrated service provider for the whole industry chain and the whole life cycle in energy and chemical industry and can provide overall industry chain services including engineering consulting, technology licensing, project management contracting, financing assistance, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contracting, as well as design, procurement, construction and installation, lifting and transportation of large equipment, precommissioning and start-up. After nearly 70 years of continuous development, the Group currently has an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, three academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and more than10,000 professionals. The Group has rich project management and implementation experience, and owns and cooperatively owns patents and know-how in core business areas. The Group has delivered on schedule hundreds of modern factories with enormous investment, complicated process, advanced technology and high quality to clients in more than 20 countries and regions around the world, established long-term and steady cooperative relationships with large energy and chemical enterprises at home and abroad, maintained an extensive and stable client base, and enjoys remarkable industrial influence and social reputation. In the future, adhering to the development orientation of "Integrated Service Provider with Whole Industry Chain and Whole Life Cycle in Energy and Chemical Industry", the Group will base itself on the energy and chemical engineering construction industry, continuously broaden its business scope and extend its value chain. The Group take "Engineering Innovation" and "Value Creation" as the development engines and deepen the implementation of the six development strategies of "Value-Oriented, Innovation-Driven, Green & Clean, Talent-Based, Globalization-Targeted, Fusion & Symbiosis". The Group comprehensively improve the level of safe, efficient, green and lowcarbon service in the business chain, and fuel a new momentum in achieving the corporate vision of "building the world's leading technology-oriented engineering company". Disclaimer This press release includes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that the Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including but not limited to projections, targets, other estimates and business plans) are forward-looking statements. The Group's actual results or developments may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to the price fluctuation, possible changes in actual demand, foreign exchange rate, market shares, competition, environmental risks, possible changes to laws, finance and regulations, conditions of the global economy and financial markets, political risks, possible delay of projects, government approval of projects, cost estimates and other factors beyond the Group's control. In addition, the Group makes the forward-looking statements referred to herein as of today and undertakes no obligation to update these statements. Investor and Media Enquiries: SINOPEC Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd. - Office of the Board Liu Jingjing /Zheng Zhexia Tel: (86) 10 5673 0523 / (86) 10 5673 0525 Email: seg.ir@sinopec.com PRChina Limited David Shiu / Joanne Liu / Rachel Chen Tel: (852) 2522 1838 / (852) 2522 1368 Fax: (852) 2521 9955 Email: seg@prchina.com.hk File: [Press Release] SEG Announces 2024 Annual Results SOURCE: SINOPEC Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd EQS Newswire / 16/03/2025 / 14:15 CET/CEST Accelerating Deeptech SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 3 October 2023 - X-PITCH is delighted to introduce 2023 TOP100 startups. Chosen from a pool of over 3,000 startups around the world, this year's selection showcases a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurial talent. X-PITCH 2023 is driven by a shared commitment to accelerate deeptech innovation across four vital domains: Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainability, and Digital Economy. The statistics speak to the global reach and diversity of the competition. Among the semi-finalists, 88% originate from Asia, while the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa collectively make up the remaining 12%. These startups are at various stages of development, with 53% in Seed/Pre-A, 40% in Pre-Seed, and 7% in Series A/B. The categories they represent reflect the pressing needs of today's world, with 39% focusing on digital economy, 29% on sustainability, 20% on healthcare, and 12% on advanced manufacturing. For a closer look, find the TOP100 shortlist at www.xpitch.io . X-PITCH 2023's overarching theme revolves around "Accelerating Deeptech." The primary objective is to foster innovation that not only advances technology but also contributes to the betterment of society. With a commitment to "Tech for Good," the competition aims to harness the power of deeptech in addressing critical global challenges. X-PITCH is renowned as the X Games for Startups, thanks to its unique and challenging pitch contests. This iconic startup event offers founders the opportunity to win investments, accolades, and invaluable exposure. The competition has a history of hosting pitches in unconventional locations, including skyscraper elevators, self-driving cars, and even MRT. This year's semi-finals take place on the Singapore River, where startups will pitch aboard the city's iconic bumboats. The journey culminates with the selection of the TOP10 startups from the semi-finals, who will advance to the finals at the National Gallery Singapore. The Grand Finale, scheduled for November 9th, will see the presentation of ten awards. The Deeptech Summit, a focal point of the event, will feature thought leaders exploring deeptech's transformative potential in different industries. Since 2021, X-PITCH has expanded its global footprint, reaching over 50 countries, engaging 8,000+ startups, and involving more than 100,000 participants. The competition has been instrumental in securing a total of US$2 million in investment prizes and over $38 million in funding for the winners. Beyond the competition, X-PITCH's global partners will provide a range of value-added activities to benefit the TOP100 startups. These activities include market access seminars, pitch training, workshops, investor matching, and more. Hosted by XCEL NEXT and e27, X-PITCH 2023 is made possible through the support of Enterprise Singapore and A*StartCentral and is co-organized by top organizations from ten Asian economies, including Block71 Singapore, BSSC, Cool Japan Fund, DOST-PCIEERD, HKSTP, HUB.ID, KOVA, MDEC, TA, TINVA, TusStar, and VITTBI. The event is proudly sponsored by AIOX Apex Angel Fund, Foxconn Technology, Media OutReach Newswire, Quanding EMC, and Yulon Motor. "I am excited to extend an invitation to deeptech investors and stakeholders. X-PITCH 2023 aspires to be a platform for deeptech innovation, bringing together outstanding startups from across the globe in the shared pursuit of groundbreaking solutions. We cordially invite you to join us for the Finals & Summit in Singapore on November 9th, where these visionary founders will take center stage, contributing to a future where technology serves the greater good," said K. Yu, Organizing Committee Chair of X-PITCH 2023. To secure your spot, please register at: https://bit.ly/45dqVNx Hashtag: xpitch deeptech startupcompetition The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About X-PITCH X-PITCH is an iconic startup event in Asia, and probably the most challenging pitch contest in the world. Known as the "X Games for Startups", founders go through a series of pitch challenges to win investments, awards, and exposure. Official website: www.xpitch.io News Source: XCEL NEXT 16/03/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com Without naming any particular individual, the 51-year-old actor said everyone learns through experience and that it is crucial to encourage and uplift others read more Actor Sonu Sood on Saturday shared a note urging people to be more supportive of newcomers in the film industry. Without naming any particular individual, the 51-year-old actor said everyone learns through experience and that it is crucial to encourage and uplift others. Be kind to debutants in the film fraternity and elsewhere. Nobody was perfect when they started. We all learn with experience. Only a handful get a second chance, Sood wrote. Advertisement While Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoors Netflix film Nadaaniyan garnered severe criticism for its performances, storyline, and dialogues, Mahima Chaudhry, who played a supporting role in the rom-com, compared it with Ranbir Kapoors starrer Animal. Before getting into what she said, the lead actor who is Saif Ali Khans son, reportedly threatened to thrash a journalist over his review of his debut film. A screenshot is going viral on social media. Ibrahim wrote- Tamur almost like Taimoor you got my brothers name. Guess what you dont got? His face. You ugly piece of trash. Since you cant keep your words to yourself, dont bother, theyre irrelevant just like you. The actor added, Ugly goddamn piece of shit I feel bad for you and your family and if I see you on the streets one day, Ill make sure I leave you uglier than you are you walking piece of scum. Taimoors reply read, Hahahahaha see thats my man. This is the guy I want to see in the movie. Not that fake cornetto mushy cringy human. But hey yes that nose job comment was in bad taste. Rest I totally own up. Massive fan of your dad, dont let him down. Advertisement Theres upheaval in the K-drama world with fans world over expressing disappointment. Reports say that popular actor Kim Soo-hyun dated actress Kim Sae-ron, who died by suicide this year, when she was underage. We look beyond the big headlines in our weekly wrap read more South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is under scrutiny for his relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron, who died by suicide earlier this year. While Kim Soo-hyun's agency has admitted they were dating they denied reports that suggested that this happened when Kim Sae-ron was underage. Image courtesy: soohyun_k216/Instagram Trade wars and terror dominated world headlines this week. As Donald Trump continues to unleash his policies, the world is on the edge. Now even the US is getting nervous the stock market has taken a hit, wiping out as much as $1 trillion a day, and the buzz around recession continues to grow. The flip-flop on tariffs continues. This week, the metal tariffs 25 per cent on steel and aluminium imports into the US took effect. At first, Trump planned to double tariffs on Canadian imports but later reverted it. The European Union has retaliated with tariffs on American goods, from boats to bourbon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid growing uncertainty, Canada has got a new leader Mark Carney. He was picked as the leader of the Liberal Party after Justin Trudeau resigned. The new PM has rejected Trumps push to annex Canada and has vowed to improve relations with India. There has been some progress between the US and Ukraine after a breakdown of ties following the Oval Office spat. Representatives of the two nations met in Jeddah and have proposed a ceasefire deal . US envoy Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin on Thursday evening with Trump saying the talks were good and productive. But uncertainty continues, as the Russian president and Zelenskyy continue to be at loggerheads. Elsewhere, tension has gripped Syria as security forces clash with armed groups loyal to deposed president Bashar al-Assad. Hundreds have reportedly been killed in violence in the countrys coastal region, dominated by Alawites. A train hijack in Pakistan by Baloch rebels sent shockwaves across the world. The Balochistan Liberation Army, which claimed responsibility for the attack, killed 30 security personnel and took 214 passengers, as hostages. In news that signals some normalcy, PM Narendra Modi visited Mauritius for a two-day state visit. He got a Bhojpuri welcome. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We talk about this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from around the world. 1. A global trade war is looming. The US president has vowed to impose more tariffs after he imposed taxes on steel and aluminium entering the country. Americas allies are no longer sitting quietly. The European Union and Canada have retaliated with their own tariffs on US products. While the UK has held back, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said all options are open. Mexico is waiting and watching. India also keeping its cards close. Heres where things stand . Workers stand near steel bars at a metal-mechanical parts factory with application to industry, as Donald Trump imposes tariffs on steel and aluminum, in Apodaca, Mexico. Reuters 2. Trumps flip-flops on tariffs have caused panic in the US. Wall Street took a beating on Monday as stocks plunged; the sell-off wiping out $4 trillion from the S&P 500 peak last month. This came as Potus said that the economy is in a period of transition. Now there is growing concern that a recession is coming to the US. But are the worries valid ? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 3. The picture of Justin Trudeaus last day in the office, carrying a chair with his tongue sticking out has gone viral. The man who has replaced him is not so quirky; in fact, he has been labelled as boring. Mark Carney, a central banker-turned-centrist politician, was picked as the head of the Liberal Party. He took oath as Canadas PM on Friday. Heres what we know about the premier , who once called Trump Voldemort. Canadas new Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a press conference following a swearing-in ceremony in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, March 14. Reuters 4. A wave of violence gripped Syrias Mediterranean coast, as security forces clashed with armed groups loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad. More than 1,300 civilians, mostly Alwaites were killed. This minority sect to which Assad belongs was once powerful in the country. Who are they? Abu Ali al-Khair, a resident of Jableh, inspects his damaged house, as Syrias interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa grapples with the fallout from reported mass killings of Alawite minority members, in Jableh. Reuters 5. A passenger train was attacked by militants from the Balochistan province on Tuesday (March 11). After a rescue operation that ended two days later, 33 militants and 31 others, including soldiers, civilians and railway workers, died. How did the attack unfold? What do we know about The Majeed Brigade of the Balochistan Liberation Army that led the hijacking? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A special train, organised by the Pakistan army for the wounded and survivors rescued by security forces from a passenger train attacked by insurgents, arrives at a railway station in Much, in Pakistans southwestern Balochistan province, on March 12. AP 6. Amid the chaos in the world, India is keeping its head down and carrying on business as usual. PM Narendra Modi visited Mauritius for two days, where he was the chief guest at the island nations national day on March 12. On his arrival, the Indian leader was welcomed with a traditional Bhojpuri musical art form, Geet-Gawai. What is Mauritius link to the language? Memorable welcome in Mauritius. One of the highlights was the deep rooted cultural connect, seen in the Geet-Gawai performance. Its commendable how the great Bhojpuri language thrives in the culture of Mauritius. pic.twitter.com/ou7YJMYoN8 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2025 7. Our last story is from South Korea. K-dramas are all the rage but behind all the mush are dark stories of exploitation and toxic work culture. Now one of the popular K-drama stars Kim Soo-hyun, known for his roles in Queen of Tears and Its Okay To Not Be Okay, finds himself amid a big scandal. Reports claim he was dating actress Kim Sae-ron, who died by suicide this year, when she was underage. While Kim Soo-hyuns agency has admitted that the two were in a relationship they have denied allegations of underage dating. As the story continues to unfold, we look at the controversy . South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyuns agency Gold Medalist released a statement on March 14 in which Soo-hyun admitted that he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron Thats all from this week. If you want to read more such explainers, you can find them here . PM Modi recalled how at the Howdy Modi event, he approached Trump and requested him to walk around the stadium to greet attendees, most of whom were members of the flourishing Indian diaspora in US read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on 13 February in Washington D.C. Image courtesy @MEAIndia / X Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke highly of US President Donald Trump during a podcast with Lex Fridman, an American AI researcher, as he recalled his 2019 Howdy Modi event in Houston. PM Modi lauded Trump for his immense courage, saying he was committed to making America great even after being shot at a political rally in Pennsylvania last year. An unusual request PM Modi recalled how at the Howdy Modi event, he approached Trump and requested him to walk around the stadium to greet attendees, most of whom were members of the flourishing Indian diaspora in US. I went to him to thank him, and casually said that if you dont mind why dont we take a lap around the stadium, PM Modi said. There are so many people here, lets walk, wave, and greet them, he added. Advertisement PM Modi acknowledged that such a request was unusual as presidents in the US enjoy strict security protocols. But Trump agreed to it without hesitation, PM Modi said, shocking his security details. His entire security detail was thrown off guard, he said. But for me, that moment was touching. It showed his courage, he added. PM Modi on Trumps assassination attempt PM Modi compared himself to Donald Trump while discussing last years assassination attempt on the Republican leader. When Trump was shot during a recent campaign before the US elections, I saw the same resilient and determined President Trump, the one who walked hand in hand with me in that stadium, PM said. Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life is for his nation. His reflection showed his America first spirit, just as I believe in India first. I stand for India First, and thats why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate, he added. This marks PM Modis second podcast appearance. Last month, he was featured in a conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. PM Modis first visit to Trump White House PM Modi also recalled how Trump broke away from protocols right away when he visited the White House for the first time. When I visited him in the White House for the first time, there was already a lot written about President Trump in the media. At that time, he was still new to office, and the world had a rather different perception of him. Even I had been briefed in many different ways before meeting him. But to my surprise, the very moment I stepped into the White House, he broke all formal protocols right away, said PM Modi. And then, he personally took me on a tour of the White House. As he showed me around, I noticed something striking, he wasnt holding any notes, or cue cards, nor was anyone accompanying him to assist. He pointed things out himself, said PM Modi. When asked about Indias ties with Pakistan, the Indian PM said a change in attitude was required by the Islamic nation for improvement in relations. He warned not to confuse strong ideological differences with the terrorist mindset and state-sponsored terrorism read more Indian PM Narendra Modi has blamed Pakistans terrorist mindset for differences between New Delhi and Islamabad, saying Pakistan was the epicentre of turmoil for the whole world. He was speaking during a podcast with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman. Its just second time in his political career that PM Modi has appeared on a podcast. When asked about Indias ties with Pakistan, the Indian PM said a change in attitude was required by the Islamic nation for improvement in relations. Advertisement He warned not to confuse strong ideological differences with the terrorist mindset and state-sponsored terrorism. He reflected on the painful partition of the two nations following Indias independence in 1947, stating that Pakistan got what it wanted. He also stressed that India was not the only victim of this extremist ideology. Dont mistake this for ideology. What kind of ideology thrives on bloodshed and the export of terror, and we are not the sole victims of this menace. Wherever terror strikes in the world, the trail somehow leads to Pakistan. Lets take the September 11th attacks, for example. The main mastermind behind it, Osama bin Laden, where did he eventually emerge from? He had taken refuge in Pakistan," PM Modi said. The world has recognised that in a way terrorism and the terrorist mindset are deeply rooted in Pakistan. Today, it stands as an epicentre of turmoil, not just for India but for the world. And we have repeatedly asked them what good can come from this path? We have urged them to abandon the path of state-sponsored terrorism for good, What do you hope to gain by surrendering your nation to lawless forces?" I even personally travelled to Lahore in the pursuit of peace," he said. PM Modis efforts to improve Indo-Pak ties PM Modi recalled his efforts to improve ties with the hostile neighbour, saying that when he became prime minister in 2014, he specially invited Pakistan to his swearing-in ceremony in hopes of starting a new chapter between the two nations. Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace. I believe even the people of Pakistan long for peace because even they must be weary of living in strife and unrest, they must have grown weary of relentless terror where even innocent children are killed and countless lives are destroyed." Advertisement The very people who once questioned my approach to foreign policy were taken aback when they learned I had invited all SAARC heads of state and our then president, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee beautifully captured that historic gesture in his memoir. This was a testament to how clear and confident Indias foreign policy had become. This sent a clear message to the world about Indias commitment to peace and harmony, but we didnt get the desired outcome," he shared. PM Modi drew a parallel between the mission undertaken by the Doge and his own idea to free India from deep-rooted issues and harmful practices. He also highlighted the removal of 40,000 unnecessary compliances and 1,500 outdated laws to streamline governance read more Indian PM Narendra Modi recalled his warm meeting with US billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and lauded his Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) during his podcast with Lex Fridman, a US-based AI researcher. Fridman asked PM Modi to shine a light on key takeaways from his meetings with Musk, Vice President JD Vance, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Speaking of Musk, Modi said he had known him since his time as chief minister of Indias Western state of Gujarat. Advertisement As for Elon Musk, Ive known him since my time as Chief Minister. He was there with his family and children, so naturally, the atmosphere felt warm and friendly, PM Modi said. He was there with his family and children, so naturally, the atmosphere felt warm and friendly, Modi said. PM Modi then went on to praise Musks Doge mission, which is aimed at downsizing the federal government and scale back expenditure. He also drew a parallel between the mission undertaken by the Doge and his own idea to free India from deep-rooted issues and harmful practices. Now, with his Doge mission, he is incredibly excited about how its progressing. And honestly, it makes me happy too, because when I took office in 2014, I wanted to free my country from the deep-rooted issues and harmful practices that have crept in, and Ill continue striving to eliminate as many of them as I possibly can, he said. I noticed that the benefits of certain government schemes, especially welfare programs, were being exploited by so many people who never even existed in real life, PM Modi explained. The PM said that such bold reforms attract global attraction, like how Doge is currently being discussed around the world. And naturally, when bold changes happen, just like Doges mission, they become a topic of discussion worldwide, the PM added. Advertisement PM Modi also highlighted the achievements of his administration regarding improving government efficiency. When I took office in 2014, government benefits were being exploited by fake identities. We identified and removed 100 million fraudulent entries, saving nearly 3 lakh crore through Direct Benefit Transfer, he said. He also highlighted the removal of 40,000 unnecessary compliances and 1,500 outdated laws to streamline governance. For me, its about freeing the system from inefficiency and dominance something I see in President Trumps approach as well, Modi said. PM Modi met with Xi in Russias Kazan last year on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, the first in more than five years. Both leaders backed the India-China agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Reuters Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed the need to have dialogues to prevent differences from turning into disputes, referring to New Delhis longstanding border crisis with Beijing. He also added that discords and differences were natural among neighbours. PM Modi made these remarks in a podcast with American podcaster Lex Fridman, which was released on Sunday (March 16). The Indian PM hoped that ties with China will get back on track owing to the trust, enthusiasm and energy in bilateral ties but acknowledged there was a five-year gap due to border tensions. Advertisement He added that normalcy had returned to the Indo-Tibet border after his talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In 2020, the incidents along the border created significant tensions between our countries. However, after my recent meeting with President Xi, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020, said the PM. When Modi met Xi PM Modi met with Xi in Russias Kazan last year on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, the first in more than five years. Both leaders backed the India-China agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, directing officials to revive various bilateral dialogue mechanisms. The Prime Minister acknowledged that occasional disagreements were inevitable, even within a family. Our relationship should remain just as strong in future and it should continue to grow. Differences are natural when two neighbouring countries exist. Not everything is perfect. Instead of discord, we emphasise dialogue because only through dialogue can we build a stable and cooperative relationship that serves the best interests of both nations," he said. It is true that there have been ongoing border disputes between us. Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return. But of course, it will take some time, since theres been a five-year gap, he added. No real history of conflicts PM Modi further asserted that there was no real history of conflicts between the two great civilisations. Both nations have ancient cultures and civilisations. For centuries, India and China have learnt from each other and understood one another. Together they have always contributed to global good in some way. Old records suggest that at one point, India and China alone accounted for 50 per cent of GDP. Thats how massive Indias contribution was, he said. Advertisement Context Relations between the two Asian giants worsened following a four-year military standoff that began in May 2020 when Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley. On October 21 last year, India announced a breakthrough agreement with China on patrolling along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, marking a significant step toward resolving the standoff. Apparently, President Mohamed Muizzu seeks to pack the Maldivian Supreme Court with a favourable majority, whose purpose would go beyond just the disposal of the anti-defection law read more For many in the Maldivian capital, Male, President Mohamed Muizzus Commonwealth Day declaration reaffirming continued commitment to democracy and human rights was a laughing matter and at the same time, a very serious issue, too. The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC), with a brutal majority in the 93-member Parliament, had passed a hurried law to downsize the Supreme Courts bench strength from seven to five, and the independent (?) Judicial Services Commission (JSC) suspended three of seven, less than an hour before the full court was to resume adjourned hearing on the equally controversial anti-defection law, passed last November. Advertisement There is some hope left for democracy in the country after President Muizzu returned the downsizing bill back to Parliament for reconsideration. In this, he was reportedly influenced by Attorney-General Ahmed Ushams post facto legal advice in the matter and also by the seeming lack of enthusiasm among his own supporters. Its anybodys guess why the President had not consulted the Attorney-General, who is a member of the Cabinet like in the US and elsewhere, before clearing any proposal for a ruling party member to pilot the downsizing bill in Parliament. Some social media activists have since claimed that the president is not getting the right kind of inputs and advice on multiple matters, political, economic and now constitutional. They are not so sure about the inputs on defence and security matters, either, all of which have a longer purpose and shelf life than a presidential term. Also, many PNC parliamentarians had contested the spirit, content and timing of the downsizing bill in their group meeting first, reflecting the public mood. This was followed by ten ruling party MPs boycotting the first reading of the bill in Parliament. At the final vote, which too was passed without adequate debate, as has been the wont, only one of the ten stayed away, swearing by the Constitution and the people. An anti-India legislator, Ahmed Azaan, was promptly replaced by Mohamed Ismail on Parliaments all-important 241 National Security Committee. The latter immediately sought the dismissal of two police officers investigating the rioting at the Indian High Commissions Yoga Day event in 2022, in which he was the main terror-accused. Brutal majority Muizzu had spent his first year in office, focusing on economic recovery even while dabbling in foreign policy, overly identifying with China and avoidably targeting the Indian neighbour. The India relationship had improved by the commencement of the second year in November 2024, though there was no level playing field then and since. The economy had stabilised, though a lot more needed to be done for anything close to a recovery, full or not. Advertisement During this time the president began focusing on domestic politics and also started with the anti-defection law. The MDP Opposition called it anti-democratic and has been launching night protests, which were brutally attacked by the police, recently. The Human Rights Commission has since called upon the authorities to allow peaceful assembly, and the chances are that Muizzu would recast the HRCM as with other independent institutions, including the JSC, where his writ did not freely run. On his directive for Parliament to reconsider the downsizing bill, critics of Muizzu do not credit him with belated altruism. Instead, it is seen as a better strategy aimed at packing the original Seven-Judge Bench with a favourable majority, whose purpose would go beyond the disposal of the anti-defection law. Advertisement Incidentally, the JSC has extended the deadline for applications to fill the vacancy caused by one of the three suspended SC judges, owing to poor response. With only one application received, it seemed as if the Bar Councils criticism of the downsizing bill had a salutary effect. Legacy issue Democracy in the Maldives suffers from historic, structural deficiencies, and hence, it is a legacy issue. An isolated nation and insulated people chose Western democracy after living under a one-man rule for over a thousand years, first by Hindu and Buddhist kings and then by an Islamic sultan since the 12th century; Maldivians pride themselves on being the only South Asian nation not to have come under the colonial yoke. Advertisement A protectorate of the UK, based out of the ocean neighbour Sri Lanka, until independence in 1965, the nation had not tasted modern democracy until political protests for regime change culminated in the 2008 Constitution. It is still debatable if the charismatic pro-democracy leader Mohammed Anni Nasheed used the West or if the reverse was the truth, but ordinary Maldivians were ill-prepared for the systems change that multi-party democracy ushered in. In the century gone by, Maldives had experimented with an Islamic Republic as early as 1932 but reverted to the sultanate not long after and yet had an elected sultan in the early fifties. This was followed by 50 long years of one-man rule of the guided democracy kind, by just two leaders. Prime Minister-turned-President Ibrahim Nasir and his usurper-successor Maumoon Abdul Gayoom were benevolent autocrats, who laid strong foundations for the mainstay tourism economy, communication and connectivity, and healthcare and modern education devoid of madrasa influence. Advertisement In their kind of democracy (!), Parliament, under law, either chose a single candidate for the presidential poll or had to clear all candidates beforehand. In both cases, the incumbents did not acknowledge that their people had grown with the times, thanks to the education and exposure they got, but they alone remained in the past. Preaching and practice This inability of Gayoom, who ruled for 30 long years, beginning 1978, was at the core of the pro-democracy movements success. But Maldives and Maldivians forgot that for any system to change to work, the leaders manning the system too had to change. Once again, that did not happen. Nasheed, who replaced Gayoom in a hotly fought multi-party presidential poll in 2008, too, did not know that his charisma had its own outer boundary and that there was a lot of difference between preaching and practice. Much of the present-day Maldives democracy deficiencies might not have happened had Nasheed, as the torchbearer, done things differently, without seeking to convince the nation and the world that transitional democracy required all of it and more. Thus, Nasheed also set the tone for democracy deficiency when he set the precedent for the president returning a bill passed by the opposition-controlled parliament and used the interregnum to sign the controversial construction-cum-concession agreement with Indian infra major, GMR Group. The bill sought to restrain the executive from signing outlandish agreements of the kind with foreign entities, citing national security, which too was at best a calculated political mischief of the Nasheed kind. The president then added insult to injury when he cleared the bill, as mandated, when Parliament passed it a second time. The damage to the nations toddler democracy had been done, and Nasheeds successors have only been building upon that flawed edifice, as it suited them, too. Glaring, deafening Every fault line in the nations multi-party democracy scheme can be traced back to the Nasheed era, which was short-lived after he tried to outsmart political adversaries by quitting office for a second time in four years, calling this one a coup, in February 2012. A Commonwealth probe refused to attest to his coup theory. The nation that had witnessed coup bids during Gayooms time, including the famous Operation Cactus, involving Indian military rescuers, in 1988 had no patience for Nasheed. Thus, Muizzus attempt to influence/pack the Supreme Court too has had its precedent in Nasheed, who went to the extent of shutting down the seat of the nations highest judiciary for a day to have his way with the composition of the Bench. Beginning Nasheed, every elected president, including estranged party colleague Ibrahim Ibu Solih (2018-23) and common political rival Abdulla Yameen (2013-18), had changed the benchs composition to their liking. Solih did it differently when he increased the bench strength from five to seven. In his time, the highly politicised JSC created history by suspending a trial judge hours before he was to deliver the verdict in a money-laundering case against predecessor Yameen. After a new, three-judge bench had found Yameen guilty and the High Court too had upheld the same, the Supreme Court struck down the same. The Solih administration also manipulated two other money-laundering cases by having the High Court delay appeal hearings when sought by Yameen in one case and not commencing even the trial in another. Independent of the unassailable documentary evidence against Yameen, the political manipulation was as glaring as it was deafening. Yet, the worst is reserved for Yameen, who, as president, promulgated short-term-emergency twice in five years to overcome sticky moments. In the second instance, he used the emergency powers to arrest a SC judge and obtained a revised, favourable verdict. The Supreme Court too did not cover itself with glory in the matter when it set free Nasheed, who used his prison leave in the UK to obtain political asylum, without an open court hearing and through an unanimous order put out only on the courts website. Whats more, with the regime change after the 2018 elections, the Supreme Court reversed the Yameen era verdict and reinstated freedom for Nasheed and 20 other political prisoners no questions asked. Institutional hobby horse From time to time, Nasheed and the MDP until at least he split to float the failed Democrats Party ahead of the 2023 presidential election used to toy with the idea of changing over to a parliamentary democracy, as in India and the UK. This, according to them, ensured greater power distribution between the executive and the legislature, but without any empirical evidence. The fact remains that the then opposition-influenced Constitution of 2008 had in-built provisions for a parliamentary democracy. However, after the nation voted for the continuance of the presidential form in a referendum, the Opposition did not have enough time, energy or will to recast the draft with new elements of checks and balances of the American kind, which, however, owed to a political culture of two-plus centuries and not to any legislative measure, as believed. Given that Muizzu has now begun riding the institutional hobby horse of unfettered presidential powers, feeble voices could then rise about the wisdom of revisiting the Constitution, whether to introduce checks and balances, or to convert to a parliamentary democracy, or an admixture of both, as in France or elsewhere. All of it will remain an incomplete debate with inconclusive findings in the absence of a substantive national discourse. After all, constitutions are ordinarily made and unmade by brutal parliamentary majorities, which all but Nasheed have had in their time. Reasoning goes out when the majority dictates concepts, processes and procedures. Yes, a system change might still require a national referendum, but a president who wins his own election and that of a new Parliament in its time can hope to clear the halfway mark in a referendum, if held without much delay. After one-and-a-half-decade exposure to functional democracy (?), however incomplete it be, ordinary Maldivians too have got used to the idea of the power in their hands and how they can elect and reject their ruler every five years and thus create a new system of checks and balances. Suffice to point out that no president since Nasheed has won the second mandatory upper limit of a second term, though like him, Yameen and Solih also sought re-election. Yet, from a distance, US President Donald Trump in his current second term now might have put new ideas into the minds of counterparts and aspirants in countries as far away as the Maldives. Trumps rule by fiats caught the international medias eyes more than those of his predecessors, and that may be saying a lot! The writer is a Chennai-based Policy Analyst & Political Commentator. Email: sathiyam54@nsathiyamoorthy.com. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Recently, Indias Chausath Yogini temples including Mitaoli were given a place in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a significant milestone in a long journey from obscurity to global fame read more It was in the monsoon of 2005 that this author first set out to try and find the temple at Mitaoli. At that point, only vague mentions of the place had been heard. The nuggets that came through an ancient temple, located on a hilltop, circular in design, in the vicinity of heritage-filled Gwalior were intriguing, to say the least. But hearing about Mitaoli was one thing and finding it, quite another. Advertisement Twenty years ago, Mitaoli was unknown, except perhaps at a hyperlocal level. The kind of place some history buffs had read about, but few had visited. Sans Google Maps or other forms of GPS, finding it was a formidable task - one that this author was able to accomplish only with the help of the Indian Postal Service, an organisation that has a network extending into Indias remotest corners. While a Postmaster in Gwalior was aware of the place being in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, a postman in the same building had delivered letters there. But neither had heard of a temple and were curious enough to join an exploratory trip. Inside the Mitaoli shrine in 2021, when the outer wall is fully restored Back then, the road was potholed, and worse than a dirt track. After enduring this for a few kilometres, a hill loomed to the right - a hill with a circular structure atop it, a place that looked in the middle of nowhere. Folks in the village below looked surprised to see visitors to their tiny hamlet. A short climb up a broken path brought one to the hilltop, where the effect was one of astonishment. In front was an elegant structure built in circular form. Standing on a high platform, it had Hindu deities carved on its exterior. Access was via a small gateway. Entering this was like going inside a giant wheel. A visitor entered a pillared corridor that ran all around the temple courtyard. Apart from the entrance portal, the corridor had several small rooms attached to it, so tiny that they appeared to be magnified niches. Within each was a Shiva linga. View of the pillared corridor inside the Mitaoli temple In the centre of the courtyard was a circular pavilion, surrounded by two more concentric circles of pillars, akin to the hub of a wheel. The circular pavilion functioned as a central shrine. While this pavilion as well as the pillared corridor were covered, the rest of the courtyard was open to the sky, making this a hypaethral structure. The structure touched the edge of the hill and some part of its outer wall had crumbled, due to the hill itself having suffered erosion. Despite this damage, the shrine had an atmosphere, a sense of dormant energy that few ruined shrines retain. Advertisement Close view of the inner shrine at Mitaoli The visual effect of row upon row of circular, pillared corridors was so striking that one could not help but recall another structure of similar design the (then) Indian Parliament building designed by Herbert Baker. Perhaps that similarity was what caused some people to call the Mitaoli shrine Shiv Sansad. Others gave it a more formal name the Ekateshwara Mahadev. According to the extensive research done by scholar Vidya Dehejia, the shrine at Mitaoli was a Chausath (64) Yogini temple. As per an inscription found here, it was built in the 11th century CE under the patronage of a Kachchhapaghata ruler called Devapala and his consort. Interestingly, the inscription mentioning this ruler was itself dated to more than two centuries after the stated date of temple building. One wonders how authentic this dating is or is the shrine even older? The Kachchhapaghatas were initially feudatories of the Chandela rulers of central India and carved out an independent kingdom once the Chandelas weakened by the end of the 12th century. The last inscription found here dates to 1503 CE, indicating the place saw worship even in the early 16th century before falling into neglect. Advertisement The number of niche-like rooms attached to the pillared corridor of the Mitaoli shrine is sixty- five. As per Dehejia, sixty-four of these contained sculpted Yogini icons with the one in the middle being a more significant deity. The Yoginis are part of the Hindu pantheon of divine beings and were worshipped between the 8th and 12th centuries CE. They are often manifested in sixty-four forms and their shrines were mostly circular in design. Remains of such shrines have been found in a belt across central India, extending from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh through till Odisha. The temple at Mitaoli is part of this tradition of faith. There is one more common factor that binds the Yogini shrines their religious practices, being Tantric in nature, are shrouded in secrecy and their shrines are usually outside the area of habitation. This secrecy has continued till the modern period, and it is only in the early 20th century that evidence of this tradition began to emerge. Advertisement At Mitaoli, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has worked painstakingly. They even rebuilt the eroded section of the hill and then restored the broken part of the shrine. The state government and Madhya Pradesh Tourism also joined the effort. Today, not only is road connectivity to Mitaoli vastly better, but innovative publicity has also brought a growing stream of tourists. From government entities to interested private bodies to enthusiastic individuals, everyone has contributed to this rediscovery of an ancient shrine. Acknowledgement of these efforts has begun coming. On February 11, 2025, Indias Chausath Yogini temples including Mitaoli were given a place in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a significant milestone in a long journey from obscurity to global fame. Advertisement However, while basking in Mitaolis glory, there is also a need to state that the shrine misses one crucial element its precious Yoginis are not here. Not a single one! And there is no word as to when the Yogini idols vanished. Were they destroyed in a medieval attack? Or hidden away when armies of an Islamic ruler entered the area never to be found again? Or were they spirited away by antique smugglers in modern times? Perhaps even more than World Heritage status, Mitaoli awaits the day when even one of its lost Yoginis makes her way back. The author is a heritage explorer by inclination with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The responsibility lies squarely with MPs of the Labour Party and PM Keir Starmer to address religious terrorism and extremism in Britain. It is alarming that a first-world nation continues to struggle with ensuring safety and security for citizens of all faiths read more The United Kingdom has been consistently making headlines for not-so-good reasons. Recently, Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was not only heckled by pro-Khalistani protestors, but they also desecrated the Indian flag in front of him. Moreover, this happened near Chatham House in the presence of the London city police force, who could not do much to stop the situation either. This incident pulls more attention as it demonstrates the ruling Labour Partys leniency on anti-India forces. It raises eyebrows because on one hand, PM Keir Starmer wants UK-India relations to prosper and strengthen. On the other hand, London protects anti-India extremists who pose a threat to the Indian-origin diaspora. Advertisement The Labour Party, ideologically placed centre-left, won 411 out of 650 seats last year, making them the highest majority in the House of Commons. Amongst the ongoing revelations and attention towards the UKs frail domestic security, it will be interesting to dissect the ethnoreligious makeup of the Labour Party. Moreover, how it has affected domestic politics and religious sensibilities, and whether they will be able to navigate these murky waters with ease, remains to be seen. Muslim Representation in Labour The Labour Partys voter base consists of a significant Muslim population. The party now commands 411 seats in the House of Commons, doubling its 2019 tally of 202. Parveen Akhtar, a UK-based political scientist who closely follows the UKs domestic politics, has remarked that a key subplot of the election is its evolving relationship with British Muslim voters, who have historically viewed Labour as their natural political home. She further observed, At the local council level, there are, according to the Labour Muslim Network, over 500 Muslim councillors across the UK, and over 75 per cent of them are members of the Labour Party. In the 2019 General Election, over 80 per cent of Muslims voted for the Labour Party. It is also observed that the Muslim voting pattern shifts in certain scenarios. Those scenarios typically being how the Labour Party reacts and responds to situations involving Muslims around the world. For instance, major West Asian geopolitical events in the 21st century: In the past decade or so, due to population growth, immigration as well as refugee influx, the Muslim demographic has risen to significant levels in many of the UKs provinces. Muslim demographic power has translated into legitimate parliamentary representation in the 2024 Parliamentary elections. A direct connection can be made, wherein a Muslim-majority constituency has elected a Muslim MP. Advertisement Demography Data Credits: the UK governments 2021 census results: Religion in your constituency (The aforementioned list corresponds to the current elected MP from the Labour Party and Muslim demographic share in the region.) Except for Zubir, Naushabah Khan, and Sadik al-Hassan, the rest of the aforementioned have been elected to their constituencies since 2015 at least. So, not only the Labour Party but also those who independently fought the elections from a Muslim-majority constituency and having an Islam-first prerogative, have won. Out of these, Apsana Begum, Imran Hussain and Zarah Sultana now stand suspended due to their rebelling against the two-child benefit cap, calling it control freakery. The rest of the four suspended MPs have also made controversial statements within 2 months of gaining power. The aforementioned three MPs have also supported Palestine and spoken against the arms supply to Israel. However, Keir Starmer faced backlash for supporting Israels right to cut off water and electricity to Gaza, outraging left-wing and Muslim voters. His stance on Palestinian rights has confused and could further alienate Labours traditional voter base. Labour Partys Perception of India On the other hand, PM Starmer has shown a commendably nuanced stance on India and the UK-India relationship, even expressing enthusiasm for deepening the strategic partnership. Yet, a significant hurdle could soon emergehis own MPs with certain affiliations. With many of them holding political views that may not exactly align with his push for closer ties to Indias BJP-led government. Starmer might find that navigating these domestic differences could turn his diplomatic aspirations into a far trickier affair. Advertisement It is noteworthy to observe the Labour Partys stance on Kashmir. In 2019, around nine Labour MPs wrote a letter to then-PM Boris Johnson, calling on the British government to condemn Indias abolishment of Article 370 in Kashmir. The MPs expressed concern that PM Narendra Modis actions are driven by Hindu nationalism, which according to them, led to the marginalisation and violence against Muslims in India. The MPs urged PM Johnson to prioritise principle over trade relationships and advocate for the Kashmiri people. This intra-party faction within the Labour Party will make Keir Starmers tenure even more difficult. Alternatively, this faction may also give birth to a new political party, which will primarily represent the views, sentiments and well-being of Muslims at home and abroad. The possibility of such occurrences will not be new to South Asian nations alone. The trend of pro-Palestinian independent candidates getting elected; further pushes the chances higher. Advertisement Furthermore, Starmer, sooner or later will realise this deepening divide might also end up being a bargaining chip. In the future, if the majority of the representatives disagree with Keir on such issues, they may decide to withdraw themselves from the Labour Party. If that happens, then the strength of Commons will reduce. Lack of Effective System One thing that should have everyones attention, is some of the aforementioned constituencies made the headlines in recent years for large-scale targeted violence, acts of Jihadist form of terrorism, vandalism and arson. As per data available, during the years 2005 to 2021, constituencies which are constantly on the radar of extremists and terrorists are London, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford, Reading, Rochdale, Abbotsinch, Lockington, etc. Not to forget, hundreds of young Brits are leaving their homeland to fight for ISIS, and cases like those of Shamima Begum have put newfound pressure on the government to tackle Islamist radicalisation and brainwashing among vulnerable youth. Advertisement Moreover, the recent shocking grooming gangs scandal, where men, mostly of Pakistani origin targeted vulnerable young girls mostly from childrens homes. This scandal saw over 1,400 victims in Rotherham alone between 1997 and 2013. Public inquiries, including the 2015 Jay Report, exposed decades of systemic failures by police and local authorities, as similar abuse unfolded in towns like Rochdale, Oxford, and Bristol. What is even more ridiculous, Keir Starmers Labour Party, with its commanding majority in the Commons, rejected the Conservatives Children Wellbeing and Socials Bill. The bill sought a new national inquiry into these sexual abuses enabling grooming gangs. The vote, 364 to 111, saw support from 101 Conservatives, Reform UK, DUP, and independentsbut no Labour MPs backed the proposal. Every day, news comes in from Bangladesh, where minorities are under attack, and Afghanistan, where women, children and minorities face increasing restrictions on their basic rights to education and freedom of movement. Is Keir Starmers Labour Party paving the way for the dominance of political Islam in the UK? The responsibility now lies squarely with MPs and PM Starmer to address religious terrorism and extremism in the UK. It is alarming that a first-world nation continues to struggle with ensuring safety and security for citizens of all faiths. Last year around Eid, a surfaced where Sadik al-Hassan and Keir Starmer were talking about tackling Islamophobia. The irony is palpable: relentless efforts to decry Islamophobia persist, even as a troubling pattern of attacks, assaults, and other crimes emerges from one particular community. Perhaps whats labelled as Islamophobia is less about prejudice and more about a natural response to recurring realities that demand acknowledgement. The spotlight is solely on Muslim elected representatives, with every word and action now seen as emblematic of political Islam. The next five years will be pivotal; with the rise of conservatism across Europe, UKs Labour MPs will be held accountable for either curbing jihadist violence or allowing it to flourish. Their handling of critical issues like anti-India sentiment, Pakistani grooming gangs, unchecked immigration, the refugee crisis, and the growing welfare dependency is being closely observed. With a demographic shift already underway, its high time they step beyond political posturing and prove they can confront the realities, not just the rhetoric, of the challenges facing their country. Gargi Shanbhag works as a Research Assistant at Chanakya University, Bengaluru. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Hamid-ul-Haqs murder is a critical development which has severe implications for the future of jihadist extremism in South Asia and beyond. Image: Wikimedia Commons The murder of Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, the chancellor of Madrasa Haqqania, in a suicide attack at the historic madrasa has once again exposed the intensity of the cancerous spread of South Asias jihadist ecosystem and its internal splits. Maulana Hamid-ul Haq was a member of the 12th National Assembly of Pakistan (2002-07) and then chief of Jamiat Ulema-ee Islam (Sami) since his father, Maulana Sami-ul Haq, was assassinated in 2018. In South Asia, Hamid-ul-Haqs murder is a critical development which has severe implications for the future of jihadist extremism in the region and beyond. Notably, Madrasa Haqqania finds the most respected place amongst the Ivy League of Jihadism, including seminaries like Madrasah Binoria of Karachi. It has produced some of the most notorious terror masterminds, like Mullah Omar and Mullah Akhtar Mansour (both former Taliban chiefs); Haqqani Networks Mujahiddin commanders, like Sirajuddin Haqqani, Jalaluddin Haqqani, Hizb-e-Islami chief Mohammad Yunus Khalis and Jamiat-Ulema-i-Islam extremists like Maulana Fazlur Rahman Khalil, Azizur Rahman Hazarwi, Hamidul Haqqani, Taliban commanders like Zabiullah Mujahid, Amir Khan Muttaqi and the slain al-Qaeda-Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) chief, Asim Umar. Advertisement Maulana Hamid-ul-Haqs murder reflects deep-rooted internecine tensions between the multitude of jihadist entities operating in the Af-Pak region. Though no organisation has formally owned up to the assassination, arguably, Islamic StateKhorasan Province (ISKP) comes out as the most probable actor perpetrating this attack. Madrasa Haqqania adheres to the Deobandi school of Islam. Deobandi Islamic thought is followed by the Afghan Taliban, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and a group of other terrorist organisations, popularly known as the Harkat Network. Madrasa Haqqania and its religious leadership, including prominent scholars like Sami-ul-Haq and Hamid-ul-Haq, are sacred to the Taliban and the Haqqani Network. On the other hand, ISKP believes in Wahhabi-Salafi ideology. Though both, i.e., Deobandis and Salafis, follow an extremist, orthodox, rigid, and exclusivist interpretation of Islamic scriptures, they are at loggerheads with each other. Hence, the Taliban following the Deobandi school is perceived as an arch-rival by the ISKP. As a result, tensions and conflict dominate in the ideological sphere and the battlegrounds. Additionally, ISKPs aggressive force posturing and violent attacks in the region are also an attempt to establish its robust foothold in the region, which, on account of its terrain, history, culture, jihadist ideology and material infrastructure, and easy availability of weapons, has historically been a haven for all kinds of terrorist entities. Advertisement Post-Talibans establishment of the second Islamic Emirate, ISKP has carried out some of the most brutal attacks in Afghanistan. The Taliban has left no stone unturned in ruthlessly suppressing and crushing ISKP. However, the ISKP continues to hold ground, gain strength and expand its strategic and ideological footprint. The rivalries between the traditional players in the region also facilitate its rise. Afghan Talibans relations with Pakistan have gone sour with both sides staging attacks and engaging in border skirmishes. The Afghan Taliban is allegedly supporting the Baloch insurgents, which have become a significant security concern for Pakistan and its most ambitious geo-economic project of CPEC. At the same time, Islamabads adversary India is reaching out to the Afghan Taliban, a nightmare scenario for Pakistan as it fears that losing Afghanistan will deprive Pakistan of its strategic depth, leaving it vulnerable to a conventionally superior Indian military. Advertisement Also, TTP, operating from the Haqqani strongholds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), has revived. In its comeback avatar, TTP has emerged as an alarming security threat challenging Pakistans sovereignty and integrity. Reportedly, there are sizable clusters where Pakistan has lost control in KPK and Balochistan. Adding further to Pakistans worries is the growing proximity between the Afghan Taliban, TTP and Baloch Liberation Army. In such a scenario, Pakistani agencies are most likely to use ISKP against its enemy, i.e., the Afghan Taliban and its ideological outposts and supporters. Haqqania is one such de facto outpost of the Taliban, more so its ideological and religious anchor. More recently, Khalil-ul-Rahman Haqqani, Sirajuddin Haqqanis uncle and a minister in the Taliban government, was killed by the ISKP. Advertisement In intelligence circles, theories abound that Pakistani intelligence ordered the hit job through ISKP because TTP is operating from Haqqani strongholds. Pakistans intelligence masterminds believe that the Haqqanis are sheltering and facilitating them. Even within the Taliban setup, internal frictions become more pronounced. The Peshawar Taliban, dominated by Haqqanis, advocates more openness to the external world and flexibility on Islamic issues like female education. They have criticised the Kandahar Taliban led by Haibatullah Akhundzada for their regressive and orthodox policies on female education. Reportedly, Pakistan supports Akhundzadas orthodox, extremist, and rigid approach on religious matters because Islamabad does not see the Talibans opening-up as congenial to Pakistans vital national interests. Advertisement In February 2025, Akhundzada ordered his loyalist Taliban commanders to march to the North and take possession of the Kabul airport and some strategically sensitive fortresses. Analysed against the backdrop discussed above, it is quite likely that the ISI is the real actor behind the assassination of Hamid-ul-Haq. Most probably, the ISI used ISKP to neutralise Hamid-ul-Haq. Incidentally, Hamid-ul-Haq recently criticised the Pakistan army. After his death, his son has vowed to make Pakistan an Islamic nation, much to the chagrin of the Pakistan Army. In the past also, Deobandi terrorist outfits have been at loggerheads with the Pakistani state on several occasions. Deobandi terrorists holed up in Lal Masjid of Lahore, resulting in a massive military operation (2007) to neutralise the terrorists. However, the Salafi-Wahhabi terror groups have never betrayed the Pakistan army and the intelligence. The best example is Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has remained steadfastly loyal to the Pakistan Army. On the other hand, Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, a Deobandi cleric, fell out of favour with Musharraf after he revolted against Pakistan for joining the US-led Global War on Terror. Allegedly, he even conspired to assassinate Musharraf. Notably, Salafi groups like the LeT are more loyal to Pakistan because they lack sufficient political, social, and economic clout to take an independent stand and refuse to be a pawn in Pakistani intelligences strategic games. On the other hand, Deobandis have a much more powerful and historic social base, including hundreds of madrasas and Darul-Uloom seminaries which ensure an uninterrupted supply of funds from donations. Hence, it is reasonable to argue that Pakistan is using ISKP to signal its enemies like the Taliban, TTP, and Haqqanis and neutralise them when required. Also, it needs to be noted that Pakistans ties with ISKP are deep-rooted. ISKPs former slain chief Farooqi served as a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist. Having discussed the complexities of Af-Paks jihadist landscape, it can be argued that undoubtedly the region has become a most fertile breeding ground for terrorists. A range of terrorist actors are operating in the region, each competing with the other one in extremism, exclusivism, and hatred. As a result, internal splits have surfaced between them. However, in the longer run, the cancerous spread of religious extremism and radicalisation will benefit from the burgeoning and strengthening Jihadist ecosystem of the region. To conclude, it can be stated that the Pakistan Army is more likely to use ISKP to neutralise its opponents in the future. 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. The BLA claims the attack on the military convoy, en route from Quetta to Taftan, killed at least 90 people. This recent attack comes on the heels of the dramatic hijacking of the Jaffar Express earlier this week read more The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has intensified its campaign against Pakistani security forces. On Sunday (March 16), a military convoy traveling from Quetta to Taftan was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of at least seven soldiers and injuries to 21 others, according to official sources. The BLA, however, claims the attack was more devastating, alleging that 90 military personnel were killed in what they described as a coordinated operation, Moneycontrol reported. Condemning the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, in an official press release said, Those who play with the peace of Balochistan will be brought to a tragic end. Advertisement Cowardly attacks cannot lower our morale. There is no place for terrorists in Balochistan, peace will be established at all costs, Dawn quoted the Chief Minister as saying. The injured were being shifted to the FC Camp and Noshki Teaching Hospital, where an emergency has been imposed. BLAs hijacking of Jaffar Express This recent attack comes on the heels of the dramatic hijacking of the Jaffar Express earlier this week. On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with approximately 450 passengers was hijacked by militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Pakistans Balochistan province. The BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, activists, and individuals they claimed were forcibly disappeared. They threatened to execute the hostages if their demands were not met. Pakistani security forces launched a significant rescue operation, deploying special forces and helicopters. Over a 36-hour period, they engaged the militants, resulting in the rescue of approximately 354 hostages. The Pakistani military reported that 21 passengers and four soldiers were killed during the incident. The BLA, however, claimed to have executed 214 hostages, though they did not provide evidence to support this assertion. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Yunus is set to visit China on March 26 and meet Xi on March 28, the Chief Advisers Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters here, hoping his visit will take Bangladesh-China relations to a new height, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. read more Bangladeshs Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will visit China later this month, where he is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping, the interim government announced on Sunday. Yunus will travel to China on March 26 and hold talks with Xi on March 28, Chief Advisers Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters, expressing hope that the visit will elevate Bangladesh-China relations, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Alam said the meeting will focus on bilateral issues. Dhaka seeks to strengthen ties with Beijing as part of its goal to become a manufacturing hub. Advertisement They (China) think that this would be the most important visit by the Bangladeshi leader, Alam added. On March 27, Yunus will address the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference focusing on the changing role of Asia in the world, he said. BFA is an initiative of 25 Asian countries and Australia to discuss Asian and global issues. Earlier in the day, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen called on Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss his upcoming China tour. With inputs from agencies The discussions around the new satellite system are part of a broader EU push to strengthen its defence capabilities. The proposed system would be designed to detect military threats, track troop movements, and help co-ordinate defence operations read more A satellite model is placed on a picture of Earth in this illustration. File image/ Reuters The European Commission is exploring plans to develop a new satellite network to bolster the blocs military intelligence capabilities, as concerns grow over the US commitment to European security. The move comes after former US President Donald Trump temporarily halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine earlier this month, starkly bringing into focus Europes dependence on American surveillance. Financial Times quoted Andrius Kubilius, the European commissioner for defence and space, as saying that Brussels is considering expanding its satellite network to enhance geospatial intelligence for security purposes. Advertisement Given the changes in the geopolitical situation, the European Commission is considering expanding its satellite capacities to improve geospatial intelligence support for security, Kubilius said. The proposed system would be designed to detect military threats, track troop movements, and help co-ordinate defence operations. Although discussions are still in their early stages, Kubilius stressed the need for an independent European network to complement existing programmes, such as Copernicus, which focuses on climate and disaster monitoring but only updates images every 24 hours. Costly but necessary investment Acknowledging that building a new satellite system would be expensive and time-consuming, Kubilius suggested a potential short-term solution using commercial satellite services. We are looking to create a specific system as an earth observation governmental service. It would have high technology and high data availability, he said. The network would operate in low Earth orbit, requiring dozens of satellites to deliver frequent intelligence updates. Kubilius noted that top commercial systems can provide updates on military movements every 30 minutes far more frequent than existing European capabilities. The initiative comes as the Commission advances other defence-related projects, including IRIS, a low Earth orbit broadband network, and Govsatcom, a system designed to link member states military satellite communications. Boosting European defence spending The discussions around the new satellite system are part of a broader EU push to strengthen its defence capabilities. The Commission is preparing to unveil a defence plan next week, which will make 150bn in loans available to member states. Additionally, the EU will loosen fiscal rules to allow governments to allocate up to 650bn more for military spending. The plan, Financial Times reported, will also enable EU countries to collectively procure weapons, helping them secure better deals. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that the funding should prioritise European-made military equipment. Kubilius said this would include products from Norway and hopefully the UK, while Turkeys participation remains under discussion. He noted that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusks recent meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was a visible symbol of diplomatic engagement. Advertisement The EU is also considering using some of the funds to purchase weapons from Ukraine, which Kubilius pointed out are significantly cheaper than Western alternatives and would help support Kyivs economy. Europes strategic gaps The new defence initiative is expected to identify key areas where the EU remains reliant on US military support. These include strategic airlift capabilities, air-to-air refuelling, and early warning systems. Kubilius also underscored the need for a European missile defence system, which he estimated could cost as much as 500bn. We are naked, he said. Are we going to develop that air defence each country alone or collectively? I feel its better to have a joint system to co-ordinate to cover the whole territory. But that is not for us to decide. At his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Carney noted the country was built on the bedrock of three peoples, French, English and Indigenous, and said Canada is fundamentally different from America and will never, ever, in any way shape or form, be part of the United States. read more Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Paris and London on Monday to strengthen alliances amid tensions with US President Donald Trump over Canadas sovereignty and economy. Carney has deliberately chosen France and the UK for his first foreign trip, acknowledging their historical role in shaping Canadas early foundations. During his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, he emphasised Canadas distinct identity, built on French, English, and Indigenous heritage, asserting that the country will never, ever, in any way shape or form, be part of the United States. Advertisement The Trump factor is the reason for the trip. The Trump factor towers over everything else Carney must deal with, said Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. The 59-year-old former central banker will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday and later travel to London to sit down with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in an effort to diversify trade and perhaps coordinate a response to Trumps tariffs. He will also meet with King Charles III, the head of state in Canada. The trip to England is a bit a homecoming, as Carney is a former governor of the Bank of England, the first noncitizen to be named to the role in the banks 300-plus-year history. Carney then travels to the edge of Canadas Arctic to reaffirm Canadas Arctic security and sovereignty before returning to Ottawa where hes expected to call an election within days. Carney has said hes ready to meet with Trump if he shows respect for Canadian sovereignty. He said he doesnt plan to visit Washington at the moment but hopes to have a phone call with the president soon. Sweeping tariffs of 25% and Trumps talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state have infuriated Canadians, and many are avoiding buying American goods when they can. Advertisement Carneys government is reviewing the purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in light of Trumps trade war. The governing Liberal Party had appeared poised for a historic election defeat this year until Trump declared economic war and repeatedly has said Canada should become the 51st state. Now the party and its new leader could come out on top. Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, said Carney is wise not to visit Trump. Theres no point in going to Washington, Bothwell said. As (former Prime Minister Justin) Trudeaus treatment shows, all that results in is a crude attempt by Trump to humiliate his guests. Nor can you have a rational conversation with someone who simply sits there and repeats disproven lies. Advertisement Bothwell said that Trump demands respect, but its often a one-way street, asking others to set aside their self-respect to bend to his will. Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said it is absolutely essential that Canada diversify trade amidst the ongoing trade war with the United States. More than 75% of Canadas exports go to the U.S. Beland said Arctic sovereignty is also a key issue for Canada. President Trumps aggressive talk about both Canada and Greenland and the apparent rapprochement between Russia, a strong Arctic power, and the United States under Trump have increased anxieties about our control over this remote yet highly strategic region, Beland said. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Carneys team comprises 13 men and 11 women and is much smaller than former PM Justin Trudeaus 39-member Cabinet read more Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera found their places in Canadas new Prime Minister Mark Carneys Cabinet, making them the one of the youngest women ever elected to the Canadian parliament. On Friday, former Canadian central bank governor and the new face of the Liberal Party Mark Carney sworn in as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada along with his brand new Cabinet. Carneys team comprises 13 men and 11 women and is much smaller than former PM Justin Trudeaus 39-member Cabinet. 58-year-old Anand was appointed as the Minister of Information, Science and Innovation. Meanwhile, Khera, 36, became the Minister of Health. The two women are among the few retaining their ministerial posts, albeit with different portfolios, from Justin Trudeaus cabinet. Advertisement According to PTI, Kehras family shifted to Canada when she was still in school. The Delhi-born Canadian politician earned her Bachelor of Science degree from York University, Toronto. Interestingly, Anand was one of the front-runners in the race to be the next PM to replace Trudeau. However, in January, she announced that she was backing out and that she would not be up for re-election. However, she changed her stance again on March 1, saying, Canada is facing a crucial moment in our nations history. Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Anand moved to Ontario in 1985. While Indians found their sport, Carneys Cabinet had no one from Alberta Another interesting fact about Carneys Cabinet is that the new Canadian premier left Alberta out of his newly-appointed government. Many called out Carneys snub. Cabinets do signal a prime ministers intentions, and I dont think Alberta was intentionally snubbed, but I think a lot of people will feel they were snubbed, Colin Aitchison, western Canada director at Enterprise Canada and former staffer with the United Conservative Party told Global News. Theyre focused on the GTA, theyre focused on Toronto, theyre focused on Quebec, and that could be the signal hes sending intentionally or unintentionally," Aitchison added. When asked about the exclusion, Carney said the lack of Alberta representation around the table is a result of a condensed cabinet. Its a factor when you reduce things down, but Im Prime Minister of all of Canada, of course, and Im from the West, Carney said. It is pertinent to note that Alberta has two Liberal MPs in the House of Commons: Edmonton-Centres Randy Boissonnault, who previously served in Trudeau Cabinet, and Calgary-Skyviews George Chahal. Advertisement However, both have been involved in scandals for years, and many claim this to be the reason behind Carneys decision. Randy Boissennault had been in cabinet, was removed from the cabinet because of claiming Indigenous status and getting company grants based on that, said Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount Royal University. George Chahal had video surfaced in the election campaign of him pulling flyers of the Conservatives, that hurt him," he added. Carney defended his Cabinet, pointing to other picks birthplaces, rather than where their riding is. Chrystia Freeland lives in Toronto, Chrystia Freeland is from the west, Chrystia Freeland is from Alberta, the Prime Minister said. During the presser, the prime minister hinted that an election call would come before November, but many experts predict the writ will be dropped in the coming weeks. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Officials from the energy and mines ministry eventually released a statement in which they said an electrical substation in the capital failed at around 8:15 pm (local time), leading to a failure of national power grid read more A view of the sky in the early morning during a national electrical grid collapse, in Havana, Cuba. Reuters On Friday, Cubas national electrical grid collapsed, leading to widespread blackout cross the country. The power outage left millions in the dark. Officials from the energy and mines ministry eventually released a statement in which they said an electrical substation in the capital failed at around 8:15 pm (local time), leading to a failure of national power grid. According to Reuters, the lights went out across all of Havanas waterfront skyline and only few tourist hotels were operating on generators. Internet services across the country were also affected due to the power outage. As per the report, people provinces as far away as Guantanamo, Artemisa, Santiago de Cuba and Santa Clara reported experiencing blackouts with flickers of light visible on the streets. Advertisement In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the energy ministry said that it was working on the recovery process. Earlier that day, Electric Union, the state agency that regulates the sector, said in its daily report that peak-hour demand would be about 3,250 megawatts and the deficit would reach around 1,380MW. This means that 42 per cent of the national energy system would shut down. Not the first time It is important to note that the recent grid failure followed a string of nationwide blackouts that affected the country last year. The outages plunged Cubas frail and antiquated power generation system into near-total disarray, raising concerns about fuel shortages, natural disasters and a looming economic crisis. Hours-long rolling blackouts have been the norm in the country for months. Half of the country often experience power cuts during peak hours which is concerning since in many parts of the island, electricity is crucial for cooking and water pumping. Severe shortages of food, medicine and water due to these power outages have made life increasingly unbearable for many Cubans, who in recent years have left the island in record-breaking numbers. In light of this, authorities on the island have begun a program to install photovoltaic parks and promised that dozens of them will be ready this year. In the past, blackouts have prompted anti-government demonstrations in 2021, 2022, and 2024. With inputs from agencies. Q: Is China concerned about a potential alliance between the US and Russia against them? A: China wants to be a friend of all countries in the world, including the US. But the US chooses to make China its enemy, and some become the US allies against China. Of course, China is concerned about any country becoming a US ally against China. China does not want to change its policy as its policy is always to be a friend of Russia. It is up to Russia if it wants to keep China as a friend. Trump had expressed his intention to ally with Russia against China. Yet when Trump extended a friendly hand to Putin to end the Ukraine conflict, it indicated that Russia won the conflict in Ukraine. China does not join the US and its allies in sanctioning Russia so that Russia can win the conflict in Ukraine. Putin understands that a friendly relationship with China is an indispensable factor to make Russia strong. If Russia joins the US allies, Russia is in danger. Putin learned this from his experience. After the USSR collapsed, Russia dismissed the Warsaw Pact and expressed its intention to join Europe. Yet what Russia got is the NATO eastwards expansion. NATO expansion is the key factor in the Ukraine conflict. Fool me once, the fault is on you. Fool me twice, the fault is on me. Putin will not repeat the mistake of dismissing the Warsaw Pact. Putin will keep a friendship with China. But China never relies on other countries for security. China strengthens its military power to safeguard security. China has the 6th generation fighter jets. China has AI-empowered drones. China has robot fighters and robot dogs. China does not fear the US, regardless of what and how many countries allied with the US. The US has never won a war against Red China, allied or alone. The US had led armies of 16 countries in the Korean War, and China still pushed the US-allied army from the Yalu River to the 38th parallel. China supported the Viet Cong and defeated the US in the Vietnam War. Nixon visited Mao asking Maos help to pull the US out of the quagmire of the Vietnam War. The US supported India in 196,2 and China defeated India. The US supported Chiang during the Chinese Civil War, and the CPC defeated Chiang and drove Chiang to Taiwan. China is concerned about any country allied with the US against China. China is not afraid of the US, allied or alone. The leaders of China have the highest IQ in the world. China is competent to address any issue in geopolitics. China represents peace and the human future. China has a vision of a shared future for mankind. China promotes the principle of mutual respect and win-win cooperation in international relationships. All justice countries support China and make friends with China. The 69-year-old leader now wants to emulate US President Donald Trump by staging a similar political comeback. Like Bolsonaro, Trump too faced several legal challenges in his race for the top office. Bolsonaro has been accused of backing an attempted coup and now he is barred from seeking re-election until 2030 read more Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro (C) speaks during a rally in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2025. Facing a possible trial for attempted coup d'etat, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro called on his supporters to demonstrate this Sunday in Rio de Janeiro to show that he remains leader of the opposition ahead of the 2026 elections. (Source: AFP) Former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro has said that a ban on him running for elections next year amounts to a denial of democracy. Addressing a protest rally in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (March 16), the embattled leader called for amnesty for hundreds convicted over the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasilia, when supporters of Bolsonaro stormed the presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court. Bolsonaro was later accused of backing an attempted coup and now he is barred from seeking re-election until 2030. Advertisement Bolsonaro hoping to pull off a Trump The 69-year-old leader now wants to emulate US President Donald Trump by staging a similar political comeback. Like Bolsonaro, Trump too faced several legal challenges in his race for the top office. I want to tell all those who dont like me in Brasilia (Brazils capital): elections without Bolsonaro is a denial of democracy in Brazil, Bolsonaro said at the rally. His supporters buy this narrative, who accuse the government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of trying to throw him in prison. They are trying to throw him in prison, in a cowardly fashion, so he cant be elected, but they wont succeed, Patricia Santos, a 41-year-old attending the rally, was quoted as saying by the AFP. Jose de Souza Vitorino, another supporter of Bolsonaro and a former military officer, said he joined the rally because he wanted to leave a better Brazil for my children. January 8 riots Major riots broke out in Brasilia in 2023 when it became clear that far-right leader Bolsonaro was defeated by Lula da Silva in the presidential elections. Rioters, who stormed several government buildings, demanded military to oust Lula, who had been sworn in just a few days earlier. Bolsonaro was in the United States during the Brasilia riots, but prosecutors suspect he was involved in a coup plot approved by the former army captain. On March 25, Brazils Supreme Court will decide whether there is enough evidence to put him on trial. If convicted, he could face over 40 years in prison. Advertisement Like Trump, Bolsonaro insists he is a victim of politically motivated legal persecution. Both leaders have also survived assassination attempts during their campaigns. (With inputs from agencies) Under Trumps proclamation, all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are determined to be members of the gang, are within the United States, and are not naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the country are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies' read more A federal court temporarily halted any deportations under President Donald Trumps use of a seldom used wartime legislation to hasten the expulsion of accused members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Earlier in the day, Trump used the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against the gang, claiming that the country was under invasion by a criminal organisation related to abduction, extortion, organised crime, and contract killing. Hours later, Judge James Boasberg granted a 14-day temporary restraining order. Boasberg said that the crime does not provide a basis for the presidents proclamation given that the terms invasion, predatory incursion really relate to hostile acts perpetrated by any nation and commensurate to war. Advertisement In invoking the act, Trump said that members of the gang were conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States with the intention of destabilising the country. The statute, which has never been utilised in times of war, might empower the president to skip the due process rights of migrants designated as dangers and deport them quickly. The White House announced the proclamation on Saturday, but the phrasing implies Trump signed it on Friday. This proclamation is as lawless as anything the Trump administration has done, Lee Gelernt, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union who argued for the order at a hearing on Saturday, told Reuters in an interview. We are on very dangerous ground when the administration is going to try to use wartime authority, when were at peace, for immigration purposes or any other-non military purpose. Under Trumps proclamation, all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are determined to be members of the gang, are within the United States, and are not naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the country are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies. The Alien Enemies Act is best known for its use to justify internment camps for people of Japanese, German and Italian descent during World War Two. Advertisement Civil rights groups and some Democrats have criticized the idea of reviving it to fuel mass deportations and the move will likely trigger legal challenges. The Trump administration in February designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and six other criminal groups as global terrorist organizations. Saturdays directive said that Tren de Aragua has engaged in and continues to engage in mass illegal migration to the United States to further its objectives of harming United States citizens. Lawsuits and criticism Trump made the threat posed by the gang a regular feature of his campaign speeches as evidence of what he called a spike in migrant crime. Numerous studies show immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans. Advertisement Immigration advocacy groups and Democrats ripped Trumps decision. Invoking the Alien Enemies Act, an extraordinary wartime power with a shameful history, to arbitrarily detain and deport immigrants is bigoted, dangerous, and profoundly unjust, said New York Attorney General Letitia James. William Vasquez, a immigration lawyer in North Carolina, posted on social media that this is the first time the act has been applied against migrants from a country with which the U.S. is not at war. Trumps action after Boasberg earlier on Saturday temporarily blocked the U.S. government from deporting five Venezuelans after two non-profit groups sued saying invocation of the act would be illegal as it has only been a power invoked in a time of war, and plainly only applies to warlike actions. Advertisement The court granted a temporary restraining order, stopping the government from deporting them for 14 days. The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups that brought the suit, said the Venezuelans are seeking asylum and have been misidentified as being part of Tren de Aragua. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Court papers show the government has appealed the judges first temporary restraining order. Trump, a Republican, returned to the White House on January 20 vowing to deport millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. But Trumps initial deportations have lagged behind those of his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, who faced high levels of illegal immigration and rapidly deported many recent border crossers. Advertisement Trump has taken an array of actions to step up immigration enforcement, sending additional troops to the U.S.-Mexico border and reassigning federal agents to help track down immigration offenders. But his administration has had to contend with backed-up immigration courts and limited detention space. Earlier efforts by Trumps team had focused on pressuring Kyiv to accept a swift resolution, but Russias hesitation to embrace an immediate ceasefire has shifted diplomatic attention read more G7 countries are threatening to impose wider sanctions against Russia if it fails to implement ceasefire in the Ukraine war. File image/Reuters The G7 nations have signalled that they may expand sanctions on Russia and consider leveraging frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraines defence, as former President Donald Trump pursues a ceasefire agreement with Moscow. During a meeting in Canada, G7 foreign ministers discussed imposing further economic penalties should Russia fail to implement a proposed truce. While Ukraine has agreed to the 30-day ceasefire plan, Russia has not yet committed. What would more sanctions entail? The G7 statement mentioned potential measures, including tighter restrictions on Russian oil exports and repurposing revenues from approximately 300 billion ($325 billion) in frozen Russian central bank assets seized in 2022. Western allies are coordinating strategies to increase economic pressure on Moscow. France and Germany, which had previously resisted seizing Russian assets held in the European Union, are now reconsidering their stance, Financial Times reported. Advertisement Talks are underway with the United Kingdom and other allies on how such assets might be repurposed for Ukraines benefit. Attention moves from Kyiv to Moscow US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking after the meeting, noted that while territorial concessions from Ukraine had been floated, Russia would also need to make compromises. Ive never heard President Trump say that Russia has a right to take all of Ukraine and do whatever they want there, Rubio said. Earlier efforts by Trumps team had focused on pressuring Kyiv to accept a swift resolution, but Russias hesitation to embrace an immediate ceasefire has shifted diplomatic attention. The ball is now in Russias court when it comes to Ukraine, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said. The renewed push to hold Moscow accountable follows a strained meeting last month between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine accepted Trumps ceasefire proposal this week after Washington temporarily suspended military aid and intelligence sharing, which have now resumed. Territorial disputes remain key concern Putin, while expressing general support for a ceasefire, indicated that unresolved issues remain. Meanwhile, Russian forces have advanced in the Kursk region, where Ukraine reclaimed over 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) last year. Zelenskyy acknowledged that territorial disputes would be the most difficult challenge in negotiations. Ceasefire and territories are the most difficult moments of a negotiation, he said. The first is difficult because it requires courage and political will, the second because it requires a difficult dialogue. The ongoing attacks, which one official warned would take days and even weeks, are the largest US military action in the Middle East since Trump took office in January read more This grab from AFPTV footage shows smoke plumes rising following bombardment on Yemen's Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa on March 15, 2025. AFP At least 19 people were killed when US President Donald Trump unleashed massive military strikes against Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday in response to the groups raids on Red Sea ships, threatening that hell will rain down if they do not stop. Trump also reminded Iran, the Houthis primary supporter, that it must immediately cease backing for the organisation. He warned that if Iran endangered the US, America will hold you fully accountable and, we wont be nice about it Advertisement The ongoing attacks, which one official warned would take days and even weeks, are the largest US military action in the Middle East since Trump took office in January. It occurred as the US increased sanctions pressure on Iran while attempting to bring it to the bargaining table over its nuclear program. According to the Houthi-run health ministry, U.S. attacks on Yemens capital Sanaa killed at least 13 people and injured nine. A U.S. strike on the northern province of Saada killed six people, including four children and one women, and injured 11, according to Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV. The Houthis political bureau referred to the attacks as a war crime. Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation, it said in a statement. Residents in Sanaa said the strikes hit a building in a Houthi stronghold. The explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake. They terrified our women and children, one of the residents, who gave his name as Abdullah Yahia, told Reuters. The Houthis, an armed movement that took control of most of Yemen over the past decade, have launched more than 100 attacks targeting shipping since November 2023, disrupting global commerce and setting the U.S. military on a costly campaign to intercept missiles and drones that burned through stocks of U.S. air defenses. Advertisement The Houthis say the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians over Israels war with Hamas in Gaza. Irans other allies, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have been severely weakened by Israel since the start of the Gaza conflict. Syrias Bashar al-Assad, who was closely aligned with Tehran, was overthrown by rebels in December. But throughout, Yemens Houthis have remained resilient and often on the offensive, sinking two vessels, seizing another and killing at least four seafarers in an offensive that disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. The U.S. administration of former President Joe Biden had sought to degrade the Houthis ability to attack vessels off its coast but limited the U.S. actions. Advertisement U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say Trump has authorized a more aggressive approach. Strikes across Yemen The strikes on Saturday were carried out in part by fighter aircraft from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, which is in the Red Sea, officials said. The U.S. militarys Central Command, which oversees troops in the Middle East, described Saturdays strikes as the start of a large-scale operation across Yemen. Houthi attacks on American ships & aircraft (and our troops!) will not be tolerated; and Iran, their benefactor, is on notice, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X. Freedom of Navigation will be restored. Trump held out the prospect of far more devastating military action against Yemen. Advertisement The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective, Trump wrote. Irans mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Tuesday, the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, ending a period of relative calm starting in January with the Gaza ceasefire. The U.S. attacks came just days after a letter to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from Trump was delivered, seeking talks over Irans nuclear program. Advertisement Khamenei on Wednesday rejected holding negotiations with the United States. Still, Tehran is increasingly concerned that mounting public anger over economic hardships could erupt into mass protests, four Iranian officials told Reuters. Last year, Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, including missile factories and air defenses, in retaliation for Iranian missile and drone attacks, reduced Tehrans conventional military capabilities, according to U.S. officials. Iran has denied wanting to develop a nuclear weapon. However, it is dramatically accelerating enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% weapons-grade level, the U.N. nuclear watchdog - the International Atomic Energy Agency - has warned. Western states say there is no need to enrich uranium to such a high level under any civilian program and that no other country has done so without producing nuclear bombs. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful. Iran has denied wanting to develop a nuclear weapon. This reliance on Chinese technology has made Pakistans defence procurement one-dimensional, limiting its ability to diversify its military capabilities read more Pakistans dependence on Chinese weapons is well-known. However, the scale of this reliance, revealed recently in a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, is still rather concerning. Data from the SIPRI reveals that China accounted for 81 per cent of Pakistans weapons imports over the past five years, marking a steady increase from 74 per cent in the previous period. While the growing military partnership between the two countries has strengthened Islamabads defence capabilities, it also exposes Pakistan to significant risks. Advertisement A military built on imports Pakistan has long struggled with indigenous defence production, often turning to external suppliers to meet its military needs. Despite years of collaboration with China, the countrys domestic arms industry remains heavily dependent on Beijings technology and manufacturing. Even flagship projects such as the JF-17 fighter jet, often touted as a symbol of Pakistans defence collaboration with China, are largely assembled using Chinese components. READ MORE: Pakistans military economy: An empire thriving amid national ruin The same pattern extends to naval and missile systems, with Pakistan importing long-range reconnaissance drones, Type 054A guided-missile frigates, and over 600 VT-4 battle tanks. This reliance on Chinese technology has made Pakistans defence procurement one-dimensional, limiting its ability to diversify its military capabilities. The high procurement numbers have also contributed extensively to the Asian arms race. The perils of a single supplier One of the biggest risks of dependence on a single country for military hardware is the lack of strategic flexibility. With 63 per cent of Chinas total arms exports going to Pakistan, Beijing effectively holds a dominant position in Islamabads defence procurement. Should Chinas priorities shift, or if economic or political tensions arise between the two countries, Pakistan could find itself facing serious operational and logistical challenges. The case of the United States, once a key arms supplier to Pakistan, serves as a cautionary tale. Washington gradually scaled back its military sales to Islamabad due to concerns over Pakistans nuclear programme and its handling of extremist groups. The result was a gradual weakening of Pakistans military ties with the US, forcing Islamabad to lean more heavily on China. The same pattern could repeat itself if Chinas strategic priorities change or if Beijing begins dictating terms to Pakistan in exchange for continued military support. Advertisement Pakistans reliance on China also leaves it vulnerable to technology bottlenecks. Many of Chinas weapons systems are still in development, and their long-term reliability in combat scenarios remains unproven. The need for strategic autonomy Pakistans current trajectory suggests that its defence strategy is more about procurement than self-reliance. While China remains a key ally, Islamabads near-total dependence on Beijings military-industrial complex raises long-term concerns. A lack of indigenous defence production limits Pakistans ability to innovate, upgrade, and maintain its own military hardware without external assistance. India and New Zealand on Sunday announced resumption of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement, after it was stalled in 2015. read more Piyush Goyal, India's Minister for Commerce and Industry and Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment. Image/PIB India and New Zealand announced on Sunday the resumption of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement, which had been stalled since 2015. The two countries began discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010 to enhance trade in goods, services, and investments. However, after nine rounds of talks, the negotiations came to a halt in 2015. The renewed efforts mark a significant step toward revitalising economic ties between the two nations. Advertisement The two nations are pleased to announce the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, the commerce ministry said. A significant milestone was achieved during a meeting between Indias Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and New Zealands Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr. Todd McClay. This meeting laid the groundwork for a landmark partnership to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two nations. The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations focus on achieving balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and expand market access. This development underscores a shared commitment to building a robust economic partnership, fostering resilience, and driving mutual prosperity. The announcement assumes significance as the Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon is here on a four-day visit from March 16. The ministry made the announcement after the meeting of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay, New Zealands Minister for Trade and Investment. The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access, it said. Later in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on Christopher Luxon. On Monday, he will lay a wreath at Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, according to the media advisory released by MEA. Advertisement During his visit, Luxon and PM Narendra Modi will meet at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Monday. The leaders will see an exchange of MoUs at the Hyderabad House, and later in the day, PM Luxon will meet President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to MEA. On Tuesday, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon will meet Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda. He will travel to Mumbai on Wednesday. During his visit to Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will call on Christopher Luxon. New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon will meet Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan. He will depart from India on March 20. Advertisement With inputs from agencies As per MHA, between Jan 2024 and Jan 2025, a total of 2601 Bangladeshi citizens were apprehended on the Indo-Bangladesh Border. The Government has strengthened Indo-Bangladesh border security through advanced surveillance, enhanced manpower, and technological integration. read more The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought an umbrella probe into cases involving illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in India. A senior official revealed that during a recent meeting, all states and union territories were directed to probe these cases as umbrella investigations and identify individuals who facilitated the illegal immigrants in obtaining Aadhaar cards and other Indian citizenship-related documents. The official noted that in some instances, these documents were created to travel to European countries or the Middle East, and the individuals did not remain in India for long. Advertisement Investigating officers have been instructed to identify and charge those who assisted illegal immigrants in acquiring such documents. According to the MHA, between January 2024 and January 2025, a total of 2,601 Bangladeshi citizens were apprehended along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The government has bolstered border security through advanced surveillance, increased manpower, and the integration of advanced technologies. During the investigation, it has been instructed to identify the loopholes used to generate documents. All suspicious Aadhaar cards have been sent for re-verification, which includes scrutiny of the documents submitted for Aadhaar generation. In a meeting with Aadhar officials, they have been asked to pass instructions to all Aadhar centers to inform the police in case they find any person trying to modify or generate Aadhar on suspicious documents. In case of confirmation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals, the persons will be kept in the detention centre, and FRRO will be informed to facilitate their safe return as per protocols.In a special operation, Delhi Police arrested more than 20 Bangladeshi nationals who were residing illegally in the national capital. Measures include Surveillance equipment like Hand Held Thermal Imager (HHTI), Night Vision Device (NVD), UAVs, CCTV/PTZ cameras, IR sensors, and the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) pilot in Dhubri (Assam). To keep check on the issue of illegal border crossing, the Border Security Force (BSF) interacts with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at various levels. Further, a Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) signed in 2011 between BSF and BGB exists for meeting of BSF-BGB Nodal Officers. Advertisement With inputs from agencies During the first phase of the truce agreement, Hamas released 33 hostages, including eight deceased, and Israel freed around 1,800 Palestinian detainees. Since then, Hamas has consistently demanded negotiations for the second phase. read more People take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 15, 2025. Image- AP Israel announced on Sunday that its negotiating team is engaged in discussions with Egyptian mediators regarding the hostage issue, as disagreements between Israel and Hamas continue to hinder progress on extending a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. The initial phase of the ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, took effect on January 19, bringing a temporary halt to over 15 months of conflict in Gaza that began with Hamass October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Advertisement Although the first phase ended in early March, both sides have avoided a full-scale resumption of hostilities. However, they have yet to reach an agreement on the next stage of the ceasefire in the Palestinian territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office stated that an Israeli negotiating team is currently meeting in Egypt with senior Egyptian officials to discuss the issue of hostages. The announcement followed Netanyahus directive late on Saturday for Israeli negotiators to continue indirect talks aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire. He directed them to base the negotiations on what his office said was a proposal by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff that calls for the immediate release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased hostages. However, Witkoff told CNN on Sunday he had offered a bridge proposal that would see five living hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander, released in return for freeing a substantial amount of Palestinian prisoners from Israel jails. I thought the proposal was compelling, Witkoff said. Hamas on Friday had said it was ready to free Alexander and the remains of four others, who an official of the movement described as Israeli-Americans. Witkoff said Hamas had provided an unacceptable response to the proposal and the opportunity is closing fast. A Hamas official, however, said its delegation held fruitful discussions with our Egyptian brothers, focusing on ways to advance the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in light of Hamass acceptance of the updated American proposal, he said. Advertisement The official said on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak publicly on the Gaza truce, that Hamas had asked mediators to compel the occupation (Israel) to implement the humanitarian protocol, immediately allow humanitarian aid into Gaza Strip, and begin the second phase of negotiations. Airstrikes kill nine Two Israeli airstrikes in the northern town of Beit Lahiya near the border killed at least nine people, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The Palestinian Journalists Protection Center, a local watchdog, said the dead included three Palestinian journalists who were documenting aid distribution. Local health official Fares Awad identified one as Mahmoud Islim, who was operating a drone. The Israeli military said it struck two people operating a drone that it said posed a threat to soldiers in the area. It said it launched another strike at a group of people who came to collect the drone equipment, identifying all those targeted as militants. Advertisement The army later released the names of six people it said were militants killed in the strikes, including one accused of taking part in the Oct. 7 attack and another who it said had been released as part of the ceasefire. The military said two others, including Islim, were militants posing as journalists. With inputs from agencies The first phase of the truce expired on March 1 without agreement on the next steps, although both Israel and Hamas have refrained from resuming hostilities read more Demonstrators raise placards and and light flares during a protest calling for action to release the remaining hostages held captive in Gaza since the 2023 October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants, outside the Israeli Defence Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv. AFP According to Gazas civil defence service, nine persons, including journalists, were killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday, putting the fragile truce in the Palestinian territory at risk. Following the reported attacks, which were the bloodiest since the ceasefire went into effect on January 19, Hamas accused Israel of a blatant violation of the agreement, which mainly ended more than 15 months of conflict. The first phase of the truce expired on March 1 without agreement on the next steps, although both Israel and Hamas have refrained from resuming hostilities. Advertisement A senior Hamas official announced Tuesday that new discussions had begun in Doha, with Israel also sending representatives. According to a statement from his office, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his negotiating team to prepare for the continuation of indirect discussions with Hamas on the truce. On Saturday, Gaza civil defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal informed AFP that nine martyrs have been transferred (to hospital), including several journalists and a number of workers from the Al-Khair Charitable Organisation. The murders were described as a result of the occupation (Israel) targeting a vehicle with a drone in the town of Beit Lahia, coinciding with artillery shelling on the same area . According to the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, nine martyrs and several injured, including critical cases were sent to the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. Israels military said it hit two terrorists operating a drone that posed a threat to IDF troops in the area of Beit Lahia. Later, a number of additional terrorists collected the drone operating equipment and entered a vehicle. The IDF struck the terrorists. Systematic targeting Israel has carried out near-daily air strikes in Gaza since early March, often targeting what the military said were militants planting explosives. The occupation has committed a horrific massacre in the northern Gaza Strip by targeting a group of journalists and humanitarian workers, in a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement. Advertisement A separate Hamas statement called the attack a dangerous escalation, adding that it reaffirms (Israels) intent to backtrack on the ceasefire agreement and intentionally obstruct any opportunity to complete the agreement and carry out the prisoner swap. During the truces initial six-week phase, militants released 33 hostages, including eight who were dead, in exchange for about 1,800 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. Hamas said Saturday that the ball is in Israels court after offering to release an Israeli-US hostage and return the bodies of four others as part of the truce talks. Very bad bet The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said that among those killed on Saturday were an editor and three photo journalists. One was a drone photography specialist, according to the civil defence agency. Advertisement The syndicates deputy head in Gaza, Tahseen al-Astal, told AFP that the attack targeted an Al-Khair charity vehicle, where the journalists were preparing reports and documentaries on the work of charitable organisations during the month of Ramadan. Two Al-Khair members were also among those identified as killed, including a spokesperson, the civil defence agency said. This heinous crime comes in the context of the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists, a Palestinian Journalists Syndicate statement said. The continuation of these brutal attacks against journalists constitutes a war crime and a blatant violation of international laws, especially the Geneva Convention, which guarantees the protection of journalists during conflicts. Advertisement In November, Reporters without Borders said that more than 140 journalists had been killed in Gaza by the Israeli military since Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which sparked the war. The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, while Israels military retaliation in Gaza killed more than 48,543, according to figures from the two sides. There are still 58 hostages held in Gaza, 34 of whom the Israeli army has declared dead. Israel said Friday Hamas had not budged in the truce talks and was engaged in psychological warfare. Israels ally the United States said Hamas was making a very bad bet that time is on its side. Advertisement In Tel Aviv, a crowd of several hundred gathered for the weekly protest to demand the release of the remaining Gaza hostages. The Friday afternoon strike hit the village of Letpanhla around 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of the countrys second biggest city of Mandalay read more This handout photo provided by the Mandalay People's Defence Force shows one of its members shouting to put out the fire after an airstrike by the ruling military in Let Pan Hla village in Singu township in Mandalay region, Myanmar. AP A Myanmar junta airstrike on a village held by anti-coup fighters killed at least 12 people according to a local administrative official, who said the bombardment targeted civilian areas. Myanmars military seized power in a 2021 coup which has plunged the country into a fractious civil war and analysts say the embattled junta is increasingly using air strikes to target civilians. The Friday afternoon strike hit the village of Letpanhla around 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of the countrys second biggest city of Mandalay. Advertisement The village in Singu township is held by the Peoples Defence Forces (PDF) anti-coup guerillas who took up arms after the military toppled the countrys civilian government four years ago. A lot of people were killed because they dropped bombs on crowded areas, said the local administrative official, who asked to remain anonymous. It happened at the time people were going to the market. Were currently making a list and have registered 12 people killed, he said on Saturday. A junta spokesman could not be reached for comment and AFP could not independently verify the death toll. The local PDF unit reported there had been 27 fatalities. Wails of grief Witness Myint Soe, 62, said he tried to hide as an aircraft came in for a bombing run. I heard huge bomb blast sounds at the same time I was hiding, he said. When I came out and looked at the market area I saw it was on fire. In the aftermath, buildings which appeared to be homes and a restaurant were ablaze, as people in civilian clothing and camouflage uniforms doused the flames with water. The limp body of a child with a bloody head wound was loaded into the back of an ambulance by a man whose uniform was marked with the PDF insignia. Advertisement Wails of grief could be heard as some of the crowd glanced up towards the sky. Myanmar is now controlled by a patchwork of junta forces, ethnic armed groups and anti-coup partisans. The number of military air strikes on civilians has risen year on year during the civil war, according to non-profit organisation Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), with nearly 800 in 2024. That figure was more than triple the previous year and ACLED predicted the junta will continue to rely on air strikes because it is under increasing military pressure on the ground. The military will persevere in its indiscriminate aerial attacks on civilian populated areas in an effort to undermine the oppositions support base and destroy their morale, it said in December. Advertisement An offensive by an alliance of armed ethnic groups in late 2023 inflicted stinging territorial losses on the junta. But analysts say the Myanmar air force, which operates with Russian technical support, has been key to fending off its adversaries based mainly in the borderlands. More than 3.5 million citizens are currently displaced and half the population lives in poverty. Santa Comes Early This Year! Turbine Delivering 'Bumblebee' 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' & 'Sing 2' to 3D Blu-ray on December 19th Qatal was reportedly involved in planning and executing several terror attacks in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also a close aide ofthe 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed read more Abu Qatal was responsible for overseeing LeTs operations in PoK and Sindh. (Representational image) Abu Qatal, one of the most-wanted terrorists associated with Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was found murdered by unidentified assailants Saturday night (March 15) Qatal was reportedly travelling with his security guard in the Jhelum area around 7 pm local time when unidentified gunmen opened fire. The attackers fired 15 to 20 rounds, killing Qatal and one of his guards instantly, while another guard was critically injured. Qatal was reportedly involved in planning and executing several terror attacks in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also a close aide of the 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Advertisement Abu Qatal, whose real name was Zia-ur-Rehman, was also known as Qatal Sindhi and was a top target for Indian security agencies. Qatar was active in PoK According to media reports, Qatal oversaw LeTs operations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the countrys Sindh province. His involvement in terror activities dates back to 2002-03, when he infiltrated India and operated in the Poonch-Rajouri region. Qatal was linked to multiple terror attacks in India, including the June 2024 Jammu bus attack, where terrorists ambushed a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Reasi, killing nine and injuring 41. He was also charged by Indias anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his role in twin attacks in Jammus Rajouri, where terrorists opened fire on civilians on January 1, 2023, killing five people. The next day, an IED explosion killed two children in the same area. Qatal reportedly played key roles in setting up and monitoring LeTs proxy outfits such as Peoples Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF) and The Resistance Force (TRF). As LeT increasingly faced global sanctions, it created these two fronts to continue operations. About Lashkar-e-Taiba Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), founded in 1990 by Hafiz Saeed, has been responsible for multiple terrorist attacks in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The group gained global infamy for its involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Saeed remains one of Indias most wanted terrorists. (With inputs from agencies) Highlighting his good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi said that he can urge Russia that war is not the solution while reminding Ukraine that battlefields do not bring real solutions. read more The Russia-Ukraine conflict will only be resolved when both sides join the negotiation table, asserting that there can never be a resolution on the battlefield, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in a podcast with Lex Fridman released on Sunday. PM Modi clarified that India is not neutral but firmly committed to peace. Citing his strong ties with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi said he can urge Russia that war is not the solution while reminding Ukraine that battlefields do not bring real solutions. Advertisement I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time for war. And I can also tell President Zelenskyy, in a friendly way, that brother, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield, Modi said. He was responding to a question about helping make peace between the two warring nations Russia and Ukraine. The resolution will only come when both Ukraine and Russia come to the negotiating table. Ukraine may hold countless discussions with their allies, but it will bear no fruit. Discussions must include both parties, he said. The prime minister said that initially, it was challenging to find peace, but now, the current situation presents an opportunity for meaningful and productive talks between Ukraine and Russia. There has been a lot of suffering. Even the Global South has suffered. The world has been grappling with a food, fuel and fertiliser crisis. So, the global community should unite in the pursuit of peace. As for me, I have always maintained that I stand with peace. I am not neutral. I have a stance, and that is peace, and peace is what I strive for, Modi said. Advertisement The prime minister affirmed that India, the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, advocates for peace over conflict. Culturally and historically, our background is so strong that whenever we speak of peace, the world listens to us, because India is the land of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, and Indians arent hardwired to espouse strife and conflict, he said. We espouse harmony we seek neither to wage war against nature nor to foster strife among nations. We stand for peace and wherever we can act as peacemakers, we have gladly embraced that responsibility, he said. Modi also said that after COVID-19, it seemed like the world would come together, but instead, it became more fragmented, with multiple conflicts emerging globally. Advertisement He added that international institutions have become irrelevant, and organisations like the UN are failing to fulfil their purpose due to not undergoing necessary reforms. The world must move away from conflict and embrace coordination, he said and reiterated that progress will come through development and not expansionism. India has all along been pressing for the resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. In his summit talks with Putin on July 9 last year in Moscow, Modi told the Russian leader that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed in the midst of bombs and bullets. Advertisement Weeks later he travelled to Ukraine, where he told Zelenskyy that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and India was ready to play an active role to restore peace in the region. With inputs from agencies Apprising about the history of riots in Gujarat before he ever came into public life, the Prime Minister dismissed the perception of the 2002 Gujarat riots being the biggest riots, saying that communal violence occurred over trivial issues in the past, where the state witnessed over 250 riots before 2002. read more In a rare and candid conversation with renowned podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened up about the challenges and transformations Indias Gujarat underwent during his tenure as Chief Minister, particularly addressing the 2002 Godhra incident and its aftermath. Terming it a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude, PM Modi said that the Godhra train burning incident, where 59 people died, occurred when he was seated in the Gujarat assembly for the budget session. On February 27, 2002, we were seated in the Assembly for the budget session. That same day, it had been just three days since Id become a state representative when suddenly, the horrific Godhra incident occurred. It was a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude. People were burned alive. Of course, this was tragic for everyone. Everyone prefers peace, PM Modi said. Advertisement Apprising about the history of riots in Gujarat before he ever came into public life, the Prime Minister dismissed the perception of the 2002 Gujarat riots being the biggest riots, saying that communal violence occurred over trivial issues in the past, where the state witnessed over 250 riots before 2002. He said that riots in 1969 lasted for nearly six months. The perception that these were the biggest riots ever is misinformation. If you review the data from before 2002, you will see that Gujarat faced frequent riots. Curfews were constantly being imposed somewhere. Communal violence could erupt over trivial issues, like kite flying contests or even minor bicycle collisions. Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The riots in 1969 lasted nearly six months. So there was a long history, long before I was in the picture, PM Modi said. Acknowledging that the Godhra train burning incident led some people towards violence, PM Modi said that efforts were made by his opponents in power at the centre to push allegations against his government. However, he added, the judiciary found them innocent after analysing the situation. But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally, they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analysed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts, the Prime Minister asserted. Advertisement He lauded Gujarat for not recording any major riots after 2002. PM Modi said that his homestate remains completely peaceful as the mantra of his government remains to focus on development for all. But the most important thing is, in Gujarat, where riots used to happen some way or another every year, but after 2002, in 22 years, there hasnt been a single major riot in Gujarat. Gujarat remains completely peaceful. Our approach has always been to avoid World Bank politics. Instead, our mantra has been, together with everyone, development for all, trust from all, and efforts by everyone, the PM said. Advertisement Weve shifted away from the politics of appeasement to the politics of aspiration. Because of this, anyone who wishes to contribute joins us willingly. Today, Gujarat is actively contributing toward building a developed India as well, he added. On February 27, 2002, the Sabarmati Express carrying Hindu karsevaks was set on fire by a mob, resulting in the deaths of 59 people, including women and children. This was followed by communal riots across the state of Gujarat, where hundreds were killed. In 2011, a special court convicted 31 people in connection with the Godhra train burning incident, after which the Gujarat High Court in 2014 upheld the conviction of 11 people while acquitting 20 others. Finally, the Supreme Court of India upheld the verdict given bythe Gujarat HC, dismissing the appeals filed by the convicts in connection with the Godhra train burning. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Hundreds of staff members at VOA, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe, and other stations received an email over the weekend informing them that they would be forbidden from their offices and that they must relinquish press permits and office-issued equipment read more President Donald Trumps administration on Saturday placed journalists at Voice of America and other US-funded broadcasters on leave, unexpectedly halting decades-old operations long regarded as crucial in fighting Russian and Chinese information offensives. Hundreds of staff members at VOA, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe, and other stations received an email over the weekend informing them that they would be forbidden from their offices and that they must relinquish press permits and office-issued equipment. Advertisement Trump, who has already slashed the US foreign assistance agency and the Education Department, signed an executive order on Friday designating the US Agency for foreign Media as one of elements of the federal bureaucracy that the president has determined are unnecessary. Kari Lake, a firebrand Trump supporter put in charge of the media agency after she lost a US Senate bid, said in an email to the outlets that federal grant money no longer effectuates agency priorities. The White House said the cuts would ensure taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda, marking a dramatic tone shift towards the networks established to extend US influence overseas. White House press official Harrison Fields wrote goodbye on X in 20 languages, a jab at the outlets multilingual coverage. VOA director Michael Abramowitz said he was among 1,300 staffers placed on leave Saturday. VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard. But todays action will leave Voice of America unable to carry out its vital mission, he said on Facebook, noting that its coverage in 48 languages reaches 360 million people each week. The head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which started broadcasting into the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, called the cancellation of funding a massive gift to Americas enemies. Advertisement The Iranian ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years, its president, Stephen Capus, said in a statement. Uncensored reporting Since the conclusion of the Cold War, US-funded media outlets have shifted their attention away from newly democratic Central and Eastern European countries and towards Russia and China. Chinese state-funded media have significantly increased their reach over the last decade, particularly by providing free services to developing-world outlets that would otherwise pay Western news agencies. Radio Free Asia, founded in 1996, views its aim as delivering unfiltered news in nations lacking free media, such as China, Myanmar, North Korea, and Vietnam. Advertisement The outlets have an editorial firewall, with a proclaimed commitment to independence notwithstanding government sponsorship. The idea has enraged some supporters of Trump, who has often criticised the media and implied that government-funded channels encourage his agenda. The move to end US-funded media is likely to meet challenges, much like Trumps other sweeping cuts. Congress, not the president, has the constitutional power of the purse and Radio Free Asia in particular has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past. Chaos Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders condemned the decision, saying it threatens press freedom worldwide and negates 80 years of American history in supporting the free flow of information. Advertisement Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and senior Democratic congresswoman Lois Frankel said in a joint statement that Trumps move would cause lasting damage to US efforts to counter propaganda around the world. One VOA employee, who requested anonymity, described Saturdays message as another perfect example of the chaos and unprepared nature of the process, with VOA staffers presuming that scheduled programming is off but not told so directly. A Radio Free Asia employee said: Its not just about losing your income. We have staff and contractors who fear for their safety. We have reporters who work under the radar in authoritarian countries in Asia. We have staff in the US who fear deportation if their work visa is no longer valid. Advertisement Wiping us out with the strike of a pen is just terrible. Trump is trying to win Putins support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine accepted last week, as both sides continued trading heavy aerial strikes through the weekend and Russia moved closer to ejecting Ukrainian forces from their months-old foothold in the western Russian region of Kursk. read more An elderly woman reacts at a makeshift memorial for the fallen Ukrainian and foreign fighters, at the Independence Square in Kyiv, on March 16, 2025, amid the Russian invasion on Ukraine. Image- AFP US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold discussions this week, officials confirmed on Sunday. The anticipated talks come as Washington and Kyivs European allies urge Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing three-year war. Earlier this week, the United States proposed a temporary halt to hostilities following discussions in Saudi Arabia, with Kyiv accepting the proposal. However, Putin has yet to provide a clear response, instead outlining a series of conditions and raising serious questions about the ceasefire plan. Advertisement I expect that there will be a call with both presidents this week, and were also continuing to engage and have conversation with the Ukrainians, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday, who met with Putin on Thursday night, adding that he thought the talk between Trump and Putin would be really good and positive. Earlier the Moscow said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and that the pair had discussed concrete aspects of the implementation of understandings at a US-Russia summit in Saudi Arabia last month. Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday accused the Kremlin of not wanting to end the war and warned that Moscow wanted to first improve their situation on the battlefield before agreeing to any ceasefire. The February Riyadh gathering was the first high-level meeting between the United States and Russia since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022. Trump said in a social media post on Friday that there was a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end. He also said he had strongly requested that Putin not kill the thousands of Ukrainian troops that Russia is pushing out of Kursk. Putin said he would honor Trumps request to spare the lives of the Ukrainian troops if they surrendered. The Kremlin also said on Friday that Putin had sent Trump a message about his ceasefire plan via Witkoff, expressing cautious optimism that a deal could be reached to end the conflict. With inputs from agencies Advertisement A scrap dealer had unknowingly handled an unexploded munition in an attempt to extract metal, setting off the devastating blast on Saturday. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing read more The blast from an unexploded bomb in Syria killed at least 16, including five children. AFP A massive explosion, believed to have been triggered by a scrap dealer handling an old bomb, has killed at least 16 people in Syrias coastal city of Latakia, civil defence officials said on Sunday (March 16). The blast, which occurred on Saturday (March 15), destroyed a four-storey building in the crowded southern neighbourhood of Al-Rimal. The explosion tore through the structure, sending slabs of concrete crashing down and burying residents beneath the debris. Advertisement Rescue teams worked through the night, pulling bodies from the rubble, including those of five children. At least 18 others were injured, according to Syrias civil defence unit, which said search and rescue operations were ongoing to recover those still trapped. Images shared by state-run SANA news agency showed a thick plume of smoke rising above the densely packed area, while rescuers sifted through the wreckage where the building once stood. SANA reported that a scrap dealer had unknowingly handled an unexploded munition in an attempt to extract metal, setting off the devastating blast. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described the explosion as an accident. Completely destroyed Ward Jammoul, a 32-year-old Latakia resident, told AFP that she heard a loud blast before discovering the building had been reduced to rubble. Rescue workers and crowds of people gathered to look for those trapped under the debris, she said. The humanitarian organisation Humanity and Inclusion recently warned of the serious threat posed by unexploded ordnance left behind from Syrias long-running conflict. The group estimates that between 100,000 and 300,000 of the roughly one million munitions used during the war remain undetonated, posing an ongoing risk to civilians. Advertisement Saturdays explosion came as Syrians marked the 14th anniversary of the uprising against former president Bashar al-Assad, the first such commemoration since he was toppled by Islamist-led rebels in December last year. The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 with peaceful protests against Assads rule, which were brutally suppressed, igniting a protracted civil war. The country remains fractured, with power now shifting to interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that spearheaded the offensive against Assads government. The blast in Latakia highlights the enduring human toll of Syrias war, even as the political landscape continues to shift. Advertisement With inputs from AFP The probe is coming at a time when US President Donald Trumps administration has intensified its campaign to deport foreigners who took part in the pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year read more People walk through Columbia University campus on the first day of the new semester in New York City, US, September 3, 2024. Reuters/Representational Image The US Department of Justice is investigating whether Columbia University concealed illegal aliens on its campus. One of DoJ officials close to the matter told the Associated Press about the Departments next move on Friday. The probe is coming at a time when US President Donald Trumps administration has intensified its campaign to deport foreigners who took part in the pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year. Earlier this week, agents with the Department of Homeland Security searched two university residences with a search warrant. No arrest was made at that time, and it was unclear for whom the authorities were searching. On Friday afternoon, US officials announced the arrest of two people they believed were involved in the demonstration. Advertisement In the midst of all this, a Columbia doctoral student from India whose visa was revoked by the Trump administration fled to the US on an airliner. Meanwhile, a Palestinian woman who was arrested during the protests at the university last April was arrested once again by federal immigration authorities in Newark, New Jersey. The woman was accused of overstaying on an expired visa. While speaking at the Justice Department, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the arrests were part of the presidents mission to end antisemitism in this country. Blanche does not give details While the DoJ official pushed Trumps rhetoric, he did not say what evidence agents had of the wrongdoings by the university. Just last night, we worked with the Department of Homeland Security to execute search warrants from an investigation into Columbia University for harbouring and concealing illegal aliens on its campus, Blanche told reporters on Friday. That investigation is ongoing, and we are also looking at whether Columbias handling of earlier incidents violated civil rights laws and included terrorism crimes," he added. However, it was unclear whether he was accusing the school itself of terrorism crimes or saying that people involved in the protests had committed such crimes. In a message to the school community following the arrest, Columbia Universitys interim President, Katrina Armstrong, said the Ivy League is committed to upholding the law. She described herself as heartbroken that federal agents had been on campus searching student rooms. I understand the immense stress our community is under, Armstrong wrote in the statement. Despite the unprecedented challenges, Columbia University will remain a place where the pursuit of knowledge is cherished and fiercely protected, where the rule of law and due process is respected and never taken for granted, and where all members of our community are valued and able to thrive," she added. Advertisement Columbia under Trumps radar The university has come under immense pressure from the Trump administration in recent weeks. Last month, the US government cancelled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to the school. Much of the funds cut were for medical research. The move was seen as a punishment for the University not cracking down harder on students and faculty who took part in anti-Israel activities last spring. Trump and other officials have often accused the protesters of being pro-Hamas since the ongoing war in Gaza was triggered by the Palestinian militant groups surprise attack in southern Israel. Not only this, the Trump administration has also threatened to permanently end federal funding to the Ivy League school unless it took a variety of steps, including changing its admissions process and ceding faculty control of its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department to a receiver for five years. The government also demanded that schools ban people from wearing masks on campus and change how they recruit international students. It also called for the adoption of a definition of antisemitism and the abolishment of its student disciplinary process. Advertisement With inputs from the Associated Press. Rep. Riley Moore introduced the bill that could bar Chinese nationals from receiving visas that allow foreigners to travel to the US to study or participate in exchange visitor programs. Five other Republicans co-sponsored the measure read more The exterior of the US Capitol is seen in Washington, DC, US, September 10, 2024. File Image/Reuters A group of House Republicans on Friday put forward legislation seeking to prevent Chinese students from studying in American schools, as some U.S. lawmakers are targeting China over national security concerns. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., introduced the bill that could bar Chinese nationals from receiving visas that allow foreigners to travel to the U.S. to study or participate in exchange visitor programs. Five other Republicans co-sponsored the measure. By granting Chinese nationals such visas, the U.S. has invited the Chinese Communist Party to spy on our military, steal our intellectual property, and threaten national security, Moore said in a statement. Its time we turn off the spigot and immediately ban all student visas going to Chinese nationals. Advertisement The measure is unlikely to pass, and it has drawn criticism from organizations and scholars over concerns that hostile policies and rhetoric toward Chinese students could hurt U.S. interests. No policy should target individuals solely on the basis of their national origin, Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators, said in a statement. Making international students the most vetted and tracked nonimmigrants in the United States a scapegoat for xenophobic and anti-Chinese sentiment is misguided and antithetical to our national interest, Aw said. Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said China expresses strong concern and firmly opposes such practices. He said education exchange and cooperation has long served as a pillar for the stable development of China-U.S. relations. The Asian American Scholars Forum said such legislation would harm the talent pipeline of Asian American scientists, scholars and researchers, undermining U.S. leadership in science and innovation. Despite the bills slim chance of getting approved, Yangyang Cheng, research scholar at Yale Law Schools Paul Tsai China Center, said the bill should be seen as part of a broader effort to restrict academic freedom and hurt higher education in this country, to control what can be taught, which research projects can be pursued, and who have access to the classrooms and laboratories. Advertisement In the 2023-24 school year, more than 277,000 Chinese students were studying in U.S. universities, or a quarter of the total number of international students, according to an annual report on international students from the Institute of International Education. The number of Chinese students in the U.S., however, has been declining for years. Last year, China lost its status to India as the top feeder country of international students. In 2023, Florida passed a law prohibiting state universities from hiring students from China and six other countries for graduate assistant and postdoc positions., and its been challenged in court. Several U.S. universities have ended academic partnerships with Chinese schools amid mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers over national security concerns. Advertisement Reactions on Chinas social media to the new legislation were varied. Some who said they had recently received offers from American schools expressed concerns, some dismissed it as a political show, and some called it another Chinese Exclusion Act. President Donald Trump on Friday invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act to rapidly deport alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organized crime and contract killings. read more President Donald Trump speaks at the Justice Department in Washington, Friday, March 14, 2025. Image- AP The United States has expelled hundreds of suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua under the now-suspended authority of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday. Hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country, Rubio said in a statement. Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said Sunday morning on X, sharing a video of several men in handcuffs and shackles being transferred from a plane to a heavily guarded convoy. Advertisement Bukele, in a meeting last month with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had offered to house prisoners from the United States in his country. The iron-fisted leader has seen soaring popularity in his Latin American country for a successful crackdown on criminal groups, but has faced criticism from human rights groups. He said in his post that the alleged gang members had been sent to the countrys maximum security Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). President Donald Trump on Friday invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act to rapidly deport alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organized crime and contract killings. A federal judge on Saturday blocked the application of the law for 14 days, saying the statute refers to hostile acts perpetrated by another country that are commensurate to war. With inputs from agencies Last month, Gabbard met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Washington DC. Their discussions reportedly covered various global challenges, including the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in West Asia read more US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Sunday (March 16) arrived on a three-day visit to India, where she met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval later in the day. Both officials held bilateral talks and chaired a conclave of top global intelligence czars aimed at boosting cooperation to tackle security challenges. Gabbard is also scheduled to address the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday (March 18). Raisina Dialogue is Indias annual flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. Advertisement News agency PTI reported that both sides discussed ways to strengthen intelligence sharing and working closely in sync with the India-US global strategic partnership. PTI quoted a source as saying it was a good discussion. Canada spy chief also attended event The conclave was also attended by Canadian spy chief Daniel Rogers. The visit of Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) chief Rogers to India comes amid strained relations between the two countries over the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case. Ties worsened in September 2023 when then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the potential involvement of Indian agents in Nijjars killing on Canadian soil. No press release or statement was released by the Indian government over deliberations held behind closed doors. According to the sources quoted by Indian media, the discussions centred on intelligence sharing and cooperation to combat terrorism, terror financing, and threats from emerging technologies. The Indian side also voiced concerns about anti-India elements operating from foreign soil, including pro-Khalistan groups. Apart from US and Canada, intelligence officials from Australia, Germany, New Zealand and other friendly nations also attended the conclave. Second foreign visit by Gabbard It is Tulsi Gabbards second foreign visit since taking office last month. She first flew to Germany for the Munich Security Conference shortly after her confirmation as DNI in February. Last month, Gabbard met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Washington DC. Their discussions reportedly covered various global challenges, including the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in West Asia. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams prolonged stay in orbit had become a political talking point, with President Trump and SpaceX CEO Musk accusing the previous Biden administration of deliberately leaving the astronauts stranded for political reasons read more A SpaceX capsule delivered four astronauts to the ISS in a NASA crew-swap mission that will allow Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to return home after nine months on the orbiting lab. Courtesy: X/@Commercial_Crew A SpaceX capsule has successfully delivered four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), setting the stage for the long-awaited return of two Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. The two have been stuck in orbit for nine months far longer than planned due to technical failures with Boeings Starliner capsule, which was returned to Earth empty last year following safety concerns. The Crew-10 mission, launched from Nasas Kennedy Space Center in Florida, docked with the ISS at 12:04 am ET (0404 GMT) on Sunday (March 16) after a 29-hour journey. Advertisement Crew-10s arrival marks a key first step in finally bringing Wilmore and Williams home. The two astronauts are set to depart the ISS on Wednesday (March 19) at around 4 am ET (0800 GMT) aboard another SpaceX Crew Dragon craft, alongside Nasas Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The crew was greeted by the stations current seven-member team. Political back-and-forth Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams prolonged stay in orbit had become a political talking point, with President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk accusing the previous Biden administrationwithout evidence of deliberately leaving the astronauts stranded for political reasons. The claims were widely dismissed by Nasa officials, who maintained that their extended mission was simply the result of the Starliners technical failures and Nasas cautious approach to ensuring astronaut safety. The new Crew-10 team, who will remain on the ISS for approximately six months, includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Sunita Williams eager to go home Wilmore and Williams, meanwhile, have spent their extended time in orbit conducting scientific experiments and routine maintenance alongside their colleagues. Sunita Williams recently told reporters that she was eager to return home to see her family and two dogs. Its been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us, she said. With inputs from agencies The Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline runs through the Ukrainian territory and has ultimately became the key part of discussion between the three nations read more The United States, Russia and Germany are reportedly holding close-door negotiations in a bid to resume Russian energy supplies to Europe. According to The Bell, the delegations are discussing ways to supply Russian energy through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline. As per the report, the previous discussions between the three nations focused only on the relaunch of Nord Stream 2. It is pertinent to note that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was designed to transport Russian natural gas to Europe via the Baltic Sea. However, everything came to a standstill after Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine which ultimately led to a three-year-long war that is still ongoing. In light of the conflict, US imposed several sanctions on Russia while Germany decided to halt the pipelines certification. Advertisement The Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline runs through the Ukrainian territory and has ultimately became the key part of discussion between the three nations, The Bell reported. Russia used the pipeline to trasport gas to Europe until Ukraine blocked the transit on January 1. As per the report, one of the conditions to resume Russian gas deliveries through the pipeline is establishing a truce with Kyiv. Why does it matter? Until 2022, the Druzhba pipeline supplied Russian oil to several European Union countries. Interestingly, Slovakia and Hungary are still receiving oil from Russia through this route. Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, Germany completely halted oil imports from Russia. At the end of 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the country was negotiating with Kazakhstan to sell Russian state company Rosneft their share in Germanys PCK Schwedt refinery. Schwedt used to be the main buyer of Russian oil in the country before the sanctions were imposed. Meanwhile, Kazakh authorities have denied Putins claim and made it clear that no such negotiations are underway. Now the three nations are a looking to resume Russian energy supply to Europe. One of the participants in the negotiation process told The Bell that the fewer the German agencies involved, the higher the chances of closing the deal. Several American companies have shown interest in acquiring Rosnefts assets in Germany, including the Russian companys stake at Schwedt. Not only this, but Washington is also discussing the potential re-launch of the undamaged section of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, The Bell reported. Sources suggest that these negotiations could be part of a broader US-Russia deal, which includes ending the war in Ukraine. Two parties are clapping their hands Russians and Americans. One sells raw materials, the other delivers them. They both profit, while all of Europe pays, said one of the negotiation participants. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which posted images of fighters taking off from an aircraft carrier and a bomb demolishing a building compound, said precision strikes were launched to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation read more This handout image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) via X (formerly Twitter) on March 15, 2025 shows CENTCOM forces launching an operation against Houthi targets across Yemen. AFP The first US strikes against Yemens Huthis since President Donald Trump took office in January killed at least 21 people, the rebels said Sunday, as Washington warned Iran to stop backing the group. The Huthis, who have attacked Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, said children were among those killed by the intense barrage of strikes. An AFP photographer in the rebel-held capital Sanaa heard three explosions and saw plumes of smoke rising from a residential district, and strikes were also reported in Yemens northern Saada region, a Huthi stronghold. Advertisement Nine civilians were killed and nine others were injured, most of them seriously, the Huthis health and environment ministry said in a statement on their Saba news agency, reporting the strikes on Sanaa. A strike in the Saada region killed at least 10 people and wounded others, according to the Huthi Ansarollah website, condemning what it called US-British aggression and Washingtons criminal brutality. A separate strike on a house in Saadas Alshaaf district killed two people, Ansarollah said. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which posted images of fighters taking off from an aircraft carrier and a bomb demolishing a building compound, said precision strikes were launched to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation. There was no immediate comment from British authorities. Trump, in a post on social media, vowed to use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective, citing the Huthis threats against Red Sea shipping. Escalation with escalation The Huthis vowed that the strikes will not pass without response. Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation, the rebels political bureau said in a statement on the rebel Al-Masirah TV station. Trump also warned Iran that it must immediately cut support to the Huthis. The rebels, who have controlled much of Yemen for more than a decade, are part of the axis of resistance of pro-Iran groups staunchly opposed to Israel and the United States. Advertisement They have launched scores of drone and missile attacks at ships passing Yemen in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. The campaign crippled the vital route, which normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies into a costly detour around southern Africa. The Palestinian group Hamas, grateful for the Huthi support, hit out Saturday at the US strikes, branding them a stark violation of international law and an assault on the countrys sovereignty and stability. Hell will rain down The United States has launched several rounds of strikes on Huthi targets, some with British support. After halting their attacks when Gazas ceasefire took effect in January, the Huthis announced on Tuesday that they would resume them until Israel lifts its blockade of aid to the shattered Palestinian territory. Advertisement Trumps statement did not reference the dispute over Israel, but focused on previous Huthi attacks on merchant shipping. To all Huthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DONT, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE! he said. Do NOT threaten the American People, their President or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we wont be nice about it! Earlier this month, the United States reclassified the Huthi movement as a foreign terrorist organisation, banning any US interaction with it. Continued Huthi attacks on US military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, according to the State Department. Advertisement Moscow is close to Tehran, which supports the Huthis. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Huthis had attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023. The Huthis captured Sanaa in 2014 and were poised to overrun most of the rest of the country before a Saudi-led coalition intervened. The war has largely been on hold since a 2022 ceasefire, but the promised peace process has stalled in the face of Huthi attacks on Israel and Israel-linked shipping. Rubio, who did not give details of what the new deals could look like, said the United States would reset the baseline to ensure it was treated fairly. read more Once the United States has imposed tariffs on its major trading partners, it could engage in bilateral talks with countries on new trade arrangements, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday. US President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to slap a 200% tariff on wine, cognac and other alcohol imports from Europe, opening a new front in a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and raised recession fears.Rubio said the United States would retaliate against nations that had imposed tariffs on it. Advertisement This is global. Its not against Canada, its not against Mexico, its not against the EU, its everybody, he told the CBS show Face the Nation.And then, from that new baseline of fairness and reciprocity, we will engage - potentially - in bilateral negotiations with countries around the world on new trade arrangements that make sense for both sides, he continued. Rubio, who did not give details of what the new deals could look like, said the United States would reset the baseline to ensure it was treated fairly.We dont like the status quo. We are going to set a new status quo, and then we can negotiate something, if they (other nations) want to, he said. What we have now cannot continue. Tensions between Brussels and Beijing have grown since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the EU accusing China of backing the Kremlin read more Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to visit Brussels for an summit to mark the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic ties, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. Beijing told EU officials that Premier Li Qiang would meet the presidents of the European Council and Commission instead of Xi, the FT said, citing two people familiar with the matter whom it did not identify. The Chinese premier usually attends the summit when it is held in Brussels, while the president hosts it in Beijing, but the EU wants Xi to attend to commemorate half a century of relations between Beijing and the bloc, the newspaper said. Advertisement Tensions between Brussels and Beijing have grown since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the EU accusing China of backing the Kremlin, the FT said. Last year, the European Union also imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports. Informal discussions are ongoing, both about setting the date for the EU-China summit this year and the level of representation, an EU official told the newspaper, while the Chinese ministry was quoted as saying it did not have any information to provide on the matter. The European Union did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Since Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy has frequently reshuffled Ukraines government and military leadership. The latest changes come as fighting continues in Russias Kursk region, where Ukraines General Staff reported eight combat clashes on Sunday read more Ukraine Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Telegram on Sunday (March 16) that Andrii Hnatov has been appointed as the new Chief of the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces. The move comes amidst an effort by the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to restructure and strengthen its military in the backdrop of ongoing battles in Russias Kursk region and Ukraines Donetsk. We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness, said the defence minister. Advertisement Hnatov will replace Anatoliy Barhylevych, who was appointed by Zelenskyy for the role in February last year. Umerov said that Barhylevych will continue to remain part of the team and now serve as the General Inspector of Ukraines Defense Ministry. His main job now would be to oversee military standards and strengthen discipline in the army. Changes common in Ukraines military leadership Since Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy has frequently reshuffled Ukraines government and military leadership. The latest changes come as fighting continues in Russias Kursk region, where Ukraines General Staff reported eight combat clashes on Sunday. In addition, the enemy launched nine air strikes, dropping 16 guided aerial bombs, and fired 104 times at Ukrainian troops positions and localities, an afternoon update by the general staff read. The Kursk offensive Kyiv forces took Russia by surprise in August 2024 when they launched cross-border attacks and occupied territories of an estimated 1,300 square kilometres in the Kursk region. However, seven months down the line, Ukrainian forces are abandoning the region, which effectively erodes a valuable bargaining chip as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia. Last week, Russia regained control of key town of Sudzha. Yuri Podolyaka, a pro-Russian military blogger, reported that the Russian forces have pushed back invading Kyiv forces to the border in some areas. Some reports say Russias advance has been hindered because they need to clear large numbers of mines But Kursk is not the only problem. Ukraine is also battling under growing pressure in its eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have been advancing for months. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) Research shows flavored cigarettes such as menthol are especially appealing to young and newer smokers who become more nicotine dependent and less successful at quitting. And menthol use is more common among Black, Hispanic and Asian people who smoke. The striking statistics are some of the reasons Abdulla Tony Ahmed of Lackawanna does not sell cigarettes at his Double Apple supermarket. He opened it on Bailey Avenue on Buffalos East Side last month. He doesnt sell alcohol, either. Were trying to provide other things for them, which are daily needs: fresh food and produce, Ahmed said. Nutrition is the number one thing, especially in the City of Buffalo. Its hard and tough to get access to fresh food, so people have to go out to other areas and get (these things), which I dont think is right. His decision is part of a local initiative called No Menthol Buffalo aimed at ending the sale of menthol-flavored tobacco throughout the city. Stan Martin, owner of Stan Martin Consulting, which provides professional services in tobacco control, health, social justice and community engagement, has been leading the effort since the fall of 2023. Could a ban on menthol cigarettes be ahead in the City of Buffalo? Advocate Stan Martin wants the City of Buffalo to act now to prohibit the sale of menthol tobacco products. With the help of the Public Health Law Center, he drafted a policy specific to Buffalo and plans to submit it to the Common Council for its approval. But the odds have been against him: Gov. Kathy Hochul sought a provision in her 2024 state budget proposal banning flavored tobacco sales, but it failed to make it into the budget. The Biden administration proposed a national ban on menthol cigarettes, but never finalized it. The Trump administration withdrew an FDA proposal earlier this year, and Buffalo Common Council members have been reluctant to prohibit the sale of menthol tobacco products in the city, saying they do not have the power to implement such a local law. Still, Ahmed and Martin are not deterred. They hope other merchants follow Ahmeds example. Were combating those forces that really contribute to poor health, poor nutrition and creating a pathway to a better way of life, Martin said. Ahmed has refused before to sell cigarettes and alcohol in his establishments. When he took over a small store in early 2000, the former owners were selling alcohol and cigarettes, but a couple of years later I got rid of them, he said. In 2010 Ahmed opened another business with a partner that was selling alcohol and tobacco products, but a few years later, he convinced the partner to do away with the products completely and find an alternative variety of products to cover the loss and make profits, he said. So when I got out of that partnership last year, I decided to open this on my own. Now, this is what I wanted to do, just a clean business, no tobacco, no alcohol, he said. While a lot of small business owners are reluctant to take the step because they feel it may negatively impact their business, Ahmed said they should take the chance. A lot of people are afraid of losing profit and maybe not being able to make it, but try to find alternative products to sell that will bring people. Bring a business that people need, whatever it is, instead of selling tobacco and alcohol, Ahmed said. They have to consider the health and safety of the community. Thats, thats very important. Whatever hurts the community is going to hurt you. Other menthol bans Menthol is a flavor compound added to cigarettes that produces a minty taste and cooling sensation when inhaled. Menthols flavor and sensory effects reduce the harshness of cigarette smoking and make it easier for new users, particularly youth and young adults, which can lead to regular use and addiction, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Massachusetts in 2020 became the first state to ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. California enacted a similar ban in 2022. And Canada prohibited menthol cigarettes in 2017, followed by the European Union in May 2020. In 2014, Chicago became the first city in the U.S. to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol. The San Francisco City Council unanimously passed a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes in 2017, and voters later upheld it in a referendum. Hochul had sought a provision in her 2024 state budget proposal banning flavored tobacco sales, including menthol cigarettes and flavored smokeless tobacco. The move was applauded by health advocates, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association. Why the state wants to ban menthol cigarettes and why some think that's a bad idea The move to ban menthol cigarettes was applauded by health advocates, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association. But plenty of people have come out against the proposal. But the proposal faced fierce resistance in the State Legislature, dividing Black lawmakers. There was also heavy pushback from convenience store owners, faith leaders in the Black community and the tobacco industry. Opponents said such a ban could lead to minorities and other disenfranchised community members getting targeted by law enforcement, and it could foster an underground market such as what happened with Prohibition. So Martin launched the No Menthol Buffalo campaign. With the help of the Public Health Law Center, he drafted a policy specific to Buffalo to ban the sale of menthol tobacco. The draft policy included the imposition of fines. The proposed policy was submitted to the Common Council in 2023 for approval, but Council members lack the will to implement the ban, possibly due to misinformation, Martin said. New York State is not a preemptive state, so the local municipalities do have the power and authority at the local level to end the sale of tobacco and flavored tobacco products, essentially, he said. Weve been before the Common Council, and the issue has been we know that this is something that they can do. No Council member has introduced or sponsored legislation to ban menthol cigarettes, said Delaware Common Council Member Joel P. Feroleto, chairman of the Councils Legislation Committee. The No Menthol Buffalo coalition also launched an anti-smoking campaign in August funded by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids that featured youth on billboards in English and Spanish throughout the citys East and West sides, including bus shelter posters. And in July 2024, the coalition started collecting signatures of people who support a menthol ban in the city. About 1,000 signatures have been collected so far and will be submitted to Council members, Martin said. What weve been doing is to really build our awareness, to build momentum, to educate residents, as well as government elected officials, on what the real issues are, what the facts are and the data ... to show how this is impacting, not just the negative effects of menthol tobacco use, overall, but also how it will also save lives, local lives, Martin said. Alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua are seen at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in the city of Tecoluca, El Salvador in a handout picture released on March 16, 2025 by the country's presidential press office CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Chief of Global Operations Who Also Served as ISIS #2 U.S. Central Command Press Release | March 14, 2025 USCENTCOM March 14, 2025 Release Number 20250314-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tampa, Fla. -- On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader, chief of operations and the Delegated Committee Emir - Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, alias "Abu Khadijah", and one other ISIS operative. As the Emir of ISIS' most senior decision-making body, Abu Khadijah maintained responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, and directs a significant portion of finance for the group's global organization. After the strike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces moved to the strike site and found both dead ISIS operatives. Both terrorists were wearing unexploded "suicide vests" and had multiple weapons. CENTCOM and Iraqi forces were able to identify Abu Khadijah through a DNA match from DNA collected on a previous raid where Abu Khadijah narrowly escaped. "Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE Mission to BiH condemns all forms of violence OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 15 March 2025 SARAJEVO, 15 March 2025 -- The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) condemns all forms of violence, including those targeting political actors, journalists and other citizens. Violence, in any of its forms, must never be used or tolerated as a tool of political expression. Such acts undermine the principles of democracy and threaten the security of individuals and of communities as a whole. Attacks that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have witnessed in the last days, such as the one against Nebojsa Vukanovic, the RS opposition leader or targeting of Goran Dakic, journalist of Osloboenje, highlight a dangerous trend. We support authorities' swift and thorough action to investigate these incidents, ensuring justice and accountability for those responsible. The Mission calls on all leaders, including in Republika Srpska, to refrain from dangerous rhetoric that could jeopardise personal safety of citizens and create insecurity in their communities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gov't won't meddle in FPRRD camp's ICC defense Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos March 15, 2025, 3:51 pm MANILA -- The Philippine government will not intervene as the camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte begins preparing for his defense against the charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Malacanang said Saturday. The ICC set the confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23 to allow Duterte and all involved parties to "adequately prepare" for the pre-trial, as well as to acknowledge his "right to be tried within a reasonable time." "Ito po 'yung time na magpe-prepare po talaga siya ng kaniyang mga depensa. Siguro po kung may mga witness po siya, puwede niya pong ipatawag 'yun, pagawan ng anumang statement o affidavit (This is the time when he will really prepare his defense. Maybe if he has witnesses, he can call them, make any statements or affidavits)," Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in an interview with dwAR. She reiterated that the Philippine government had given Duterte the necessary assistance, including medical services and "care package," from the time he was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Tuesday morning until he was sent to The Hague, Netherlands. She said the government would not shoulder the travel expenses of the witnesses of the Duterte camp. Castro pointed out that Duterte's camp is capable of sending their own team to The Hague, since some of his allies, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Senator Robin Padilla, went there using their own money. "I think kaya naman po nila 'yun. Sila na po ang maghahanda diyan. Hindi po makikialam ang gobyerno sa anumang kaniyang gagawin sa kaniyang paghahanda sa depensa po niya (I think they can do that. They will be the ones to prepare for that. The government will not interfere in anything they do in their preparations for his defense)," she said. Castro said Duterte's case was not even discussed during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday. Meanwhile, Castro said the assistance that the Philippine embassy in the Netherlands may extend to Duterte would not be mandatory. Nevertheless, she said the government would continue monitoring the developments to keep the public updated. "Pero syempre tututukan pa rin naman po natin iyan para maging aware pa rin po ang taong bayan kung ano ang nangyayari sa hearing (But of course, we will still monitor so that the people are still aware of what is happening in the hearing)," Castro said. Castro advised the public not to believe fake news peddlers who are spreading false information after Duterte's arrest. Duterte is facing charges before the ICC for the crime against humanity of murder of 19 alleged drug offenders between 2011 and 2016 when he was still the mayor of Davao City. He is also a suspect in the murder of another 245 drug suspects when he was the president, starting in 2016 and until before the country withdrew from the ICC effective March 17, 2018. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address When no one in a household has an account with a bank or credit union, the costs can add up. Income that could go toward saving for a college education or building a rainy day fund instead goes toward check-cashing fees. The average unbanked person will spend 10% of their annual income on those alternative financial costs. The Bank On coalition is aiming to make a dent in those numbers as it expands into Erie County through the Bank On Buffalo-Niagara Coalition. The national movement, an initiative of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, aims to connect consumers with safe affordable bank and credit union accounts. The coalition already has a presence in Niagara County. Through a grant from the Rose Foundation, the coalition is expanding into Erie County, with a focus on Buffalo, especially the East Side. Theres such a need in the City of Buffalo, said Marco Notaro, director of strategic partnerships for Parachute Credit Counseling, which is a coalition member. According the nonprofit Prosperity Now, 9% of households in the City of Buffalo were unbanked. Nationally, the rate was 5%, and statewide the rate was 6%. Financial institutions get certified by Bank On for accounts that meet its standards for serving consumers. Those accounts must be low cost; allow free deposits, withdrawals and fee payments; and do not allow overdraft or nonsufficient fund fees. The Bank On Buffalo-Niagara Coalition is seeking to get more banks, as well as credit unions, to participate with certified accounts, Notaro said. At the same time, the coalition is working with community organizations to connect with unbanked individuals. The goal of this is to integrate the work that were doing with Bank On into the work that community organizations are already doing with populations that are unbanked, to try to meet those populations where were at and connect them with services, Notaro said. For instance, the Bank On coalition is developing a relationship with the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers. Through its Hope Center, the federation makes free tax preparation services available for people earning $64,000 or less in annual income. Since many lower income households are often also unbanked, the coalitions goal is to connect those individuals with on-site representatives of financial institutions with Bank On-certified accounts. The individuals could sign up for an account and have their tax refund set up for direct deposit. Notaro said the coalition will cast a wide net to connect with community organizations working with unbanked populations, including young people, prisoners re-entering society, individuals coping with domestic abuse and resettled refugees. Surveys of unbanked people find one of the main reasons they dont have accounts is the cost associated with them, Notaro said. For a lower-income person, a $30 overdraft fee can be a significant burden. Those individuals say they see value in having an account and would be open to having one if costs werent a factor. Thats why the coalition is working to highlight accounts already available that meet the criteria, Notaro said. We are finding people are definitely receptive if they know about it, he said. Its just a matter of building awareness. There are other factors the coalition has to overcome in connecting with unbanked people, Notaro said. Many of them have a mistrust of banks due to the historical impact of redlining and disinvestment in certain communities. And in some areas, there are few bank branches that residents can visit to conduct transactions. Theres not the same access on the East Side and in communities of color as in the rest of the city, Notaro said. I think that just poses a barrier, as well. As it expands into Erie County, the Bank On Buffalo-Niagara Coalition wants to find ways to make more connections with financial institutions, as it has in Niagara County, Notaro said. Its not enough to just get those institutions on board we do need to help them reach the people where theyre at. Palace: Justice rolling down after FPRRD faces ICC's 'fair' pre-trial Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos March 15, 2025, 10:06 am MANILA -- Justice is "starting to roll down" after the International Criminal Court (ICC) held its "fair" pre-trial on former president Rodrigo R. Duterte's drug war case, Malacanang said on Saturday. "This is what we call fair trial," Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a statement when asked about the ICC's pre-trial for Duterte's alleged commission of crimes against humanity over his brutal war on illegal drugs. "Witnessing the first appearance attended by FP (former president) Duterte before the ICC, everybody could see how justice starts to roll down," she added. Duterte was allowed to make his first appearance before the ICC via a video link on Friday night (Manila time) because of the "long journey involving a considerable time difference" that he made from the Philippines. The ICC scheduled the next hearing to confirm Duterte's charges on Sept. 23. Castro said the ICC did not accept the plea to postpone Duterte's first appearance as "there is no need and it is not yet the time for the suspect to present his defenses and evidence." "The judge even emphasized that the Court's doctor gave the opinion that FP Duterte is fully mentally aware and fit and that he had undergone further checks and tests at the detention facility," she said. Duterte's legal counsel, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, presented a manifestation during the pre-trial and told the chamber that Duterte was denied all access to legal recourse in the Philippines. Medialdea added that Duterte has "debilitating medical issues" and his arrest and transfer to the ICC was a "gross abuse of process." Castro noted that contrary to statements made by Duterte's camp, no less than the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber had confirmed that the former president was indeed afforded his fundamental rights as a suspect of crimes against humanity, specifically murder. "It was also confirmed by the Court based on the report of the registry that FP Duterte was informed of his rights, including (Articles) 66 and 67 of the Rome Statute and he was aware of the warrant of arrest in the English language," she said. Articles 66 and 67 of the Rome Statute provide for the presumption of innocence and the rights of the accused. Duterte was the subject of an arrest warrant by the ICC over the alleged crimes against humanity committed due to his drug war carried out between Nov. 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019 during his time as Davao City mayor and then Philippine president. Duterte arrived in The Hague, The Netherlands on Wednesday night (Manila time) and was turned over to the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PBBM: Collaboration with ex-rebels vital to sustain peace in PH Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos March 15, 2025, 9:17 am MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has stressed the importance of bridging political differences and establishing a common goal with former rebels to maintain peace and order in the country. During the oath-taking of members of Local Amnesty Boards of Eastern Visayas in Tacloban City, Leyte on Friday, Marcos acknowledged that granting amnesty to rebels who want to reintegrate into mainstream society is key to fostering peace and national unity. "There is now a mechanism that is in place for us to bring back into the fold of the law, into society, those who have opposed the State for a while, for a good long while, and to the point of adopting the principles of armed struggle," Marcos said, based on a video uploaded on state-run Radio Television Malacanang's Facebook page on Saturday. "Despite our differences and political ideology, our differences in policy maybe, we must always find a way to work through those differences and to somehow find an area of commonality and a consensus from which we can work and keep the peace and from which we can work to bring progress to our country." He said the creation of Local Amnesty Boards is crucial in ensuring the success of the government's peace initiatives. The attainment of lasting peace now lies in the hands of the Local Amnesty Boards, he added. "I know that you are waiting to work very well and very hard to make sure that this peace process that we have embarked upon will continue. And now we are no longer just talking about it at a very high level, we are now actually putting on, making it work on the ground. So, the success of our peace process really lies in the work that you will be doing," the President said. The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) has established Local Amnesty Boards across the country. The Local Amnesty Boards conduct initial eligibility assessments and forward recommendations to the NAC for amnesty applications of former rebels and insurgents, supporting their reintegration into mainstream society. The step is significant in achieving lasting peace in regions affected by insurgency. Marcos said the oath-taking of the members of Local Amnesty Boards of Eastern Visayas is a "very important" progress to the peace efforts that the administration is trying to build up and make better for the country. "And this is why, this is necessary now for government and those former fighters to come together for the good of the country, for the good of the nation," he said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tens Of Thousands Fill Belgrade Streets In Massive Serbian Student-Led Protest By RFE/RL's Balkan Service March 15, 2025 BELGRADE -- Tens of thousands of people jammed the streets of central Belgrade, the largest in a wave of student-led demonstrations demanding Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's government be held accountable for a deadly canopy collapse at a railway station in November. Protesters skirmished with riot police at several locations in Belgrade late March 15, throwing fireworks and bottles. No arrests were reported immediately. Earlier, flag-waving demonstrators gathered at several locations and converged outside parliament, in what appeared to be one of the country's biggest protests in decades. Speakers later addressed the crowd at a square hundreds of meters away. "Look how many of us there are," one student told protesters. "Let your voice wake up Serbia." Participants had streamed into the capital from across the country on foot, bicycles, and motorcycles ahead of the demonstration. Supporters and fellow protesters, including students from Belgrade, laid out a red carpet and cheered as people entered the city center. The atmosphere among protesters was upbeat, but security was tight and there were scattered incidents of violence ahead of the main rally. The November 1 collapse of the canopy at the railway station in the northern town of Novi Sad has led to what may be the biggest challenge yet to Vucic's political power. Fifteen people were killed. At a news conference a day earlier, Vucic said he had asked police to show restraint but that "those who endanger peace will be arrested." Student protests over the accident have evolved into a broader movement opposing what demonstrators say is the crumbling rule of law and systemic corruption under Vucic, the president since 2017 and prime minister for three years before that. Student protesters have been demonstrating and blocking their university departments for over three months. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to demonstrate in over 200 cities and towns. Ljiljana Kovacevic, a teacher from the northern town of Vrbas, told RFE/RL that she came to Belgrade to support the students, her former pupils. "We hope everything will go smoothly and the students will achieve their goals -- along with us," she said. The parliament speaker announced a day before the protest that the parliament building would remain closed until March 17 for security reasons. Government officials accused the protest organizers of planning violence and announced arrests. Students denied the authorities' claims and called for a peaceful gathering. Large groups of Vucic supporters camped in a park near across from parliament, and tractors were brought in overnight to surround their camp. By morning, however, many of the tractors' tires were deflated and some of the vehicles bore stickers depicting a bloody hand and a call to protests. Police said some of the tractors had suffered other damage such as windows smashed or doors torn off. The Interior Ministry said two people had been arrested on suspicion of violating public order. Police in riot gear blocked entrance to the park, and security guards from the ranks of the students were positioned between police and protesters. Separately, footage posted online showed a car driving amid a crowd in a Belgrade suburb and a woman falling to the ground off the vehicle's hood. Police said three people were injured and the driver was arrested after exerting "active resistance." A group of men injured a student and a university lecturer in an attack in central Belgrade early in the day, police said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-student-protest- wave-vucic/33348831.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 Romanian Far-Right Candidate Cleared For Ballot In May Election Rerun By RFE/RL's Romanian Service March 15, 2025 Election authorities have cleared an ultranationalist party leader to run in Romania's May presidential election, days after the Constitutional Court upheld a decision to bar far-right populist Calin Georgescu from the ballot. The Central Electoral Board (BEC) approved the candidacy of George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) and an ally of Georgescu's. The March 15 ruling came one day after Simion filed his application for registration as a candidate. Simion and Anamaria Gavrila, leader of the far-right Party of Young People (POT) and a former AUR member, announced earlier this week they would both seek to enter the race and that if both are cleared, one will withdraw. Gavrila was expected to file her application on March 15, the deadline to do so. Also on March 15, the BEC rejected the candidacy of another far-right politician, SOS Romania party leader Diana Sosoaca, and approved the candidacy of pro-European centrist Elena Lasconi. Sosoaca had also been rejected when the election was initially held in November. Georgescu, who is critical of NATO and opposes Romanian support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion, was the surprise winner of the most votes in the first round of the election, on November 24. Simion placed fourth. After that vote, Romanian intelligence said foreign actors, most likely Russia, had manipulated social media platforms, especially TikTok, to benefit Georgescu. On December 6, with a runoff in pitting Georgescu against Lasconi already under way, the Constitutional Court threw out the entire presidential election. It was later rescheduled for May, with the first round on May 4 and a runoff, if needed, on May 18. Supporters of Georgescu have held several protests over the decision to bar him from the ballot. On March 15, demonstrators from the other side of the political divide held a rally in Bucharest to voice solidarity with what they said are European values. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/election-ultranationalist- approved-for-ballot/33348934.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 Thousands Of Hungarian Opposition Supporters Rally; PM Orban Vows Crackdown On Media By RFE/RL's Hungarian Service March 15, 2025 Thousands of Hungarians rallied in Budapest to protest Prime Minister Viktor Orban as the leader of the surging opposition Tisza party vowed to end Orban's 15-year rule. Orban, meanwhile, stepped up his campaign rhetoric in a separate speech on March 15, pledging to crack down on politicians and journalists who receive foreign funding and again ruling out European Union membership for Ukraine Hungary is scheduled to hold general elections next year, and opinion polls show the Tisza party, which is headed by former Orban ally Peter Magyar, is surging, in part because of the country's sputtering economy. As more than 50,000 backers of Tisza and others rallied in cold weather in Budapest, Magyar pledged to release a popular survey on 12 key economic and political issues in order to hear the "voice of the nation." "Those who cheat on their own nation should end up in the dustbin of history," Magyar told the crowd. "Our time has come." Earlier in the day, at a rally to mark the country's national day, Orban vowed to eliminate what he called a "shadow army" of non-governmental organizations, journalists, and politicians he said were paid from the United States and Brussels. The comments echoed earlier comments where Orban targeted NGOs and media who received funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development and billionaire George Soros. "After today's celebrations, comes the big Easter cleaning up as the bugs have survived the winter," Orban said. "We will eliminate the whole shadow army." Orban's Fidesz party has proposed constitutional changes that would permit the expulsion of dual citizens deemed to pose a threat to Hungary's sovereignty. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hungary-magyar- orban-protests/33349014.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 US Launches Large-Scale Attack On Huthi Rebels, Warns Iran To End Support By RFE/RL March 15, 2025 The US military has launched a large-scale attack against Iran-linked Huthi fighters in Yemen and warned Tehran that it must immediately cease support for US-designated terrorist group. The March 15 attack -- conducted by warplanes from a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea -- came after President Donald Trump warned the Huthis that "hell will rain down upon you" if they do not stop their extremist actions, including attacks on shipping in the Gulf region and missile launches against Israel. Trump also warned Iran that "America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" as it ratchets up pressure to force Tehran back to the negotiating table over its nuclear program. Trump posted on his social media platform that he had "ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Huthi terrorists in Yemen." "They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, shops, aricraft, and drones." The US president referred to the Huthi as "thugs" who are "funded by Iran." The strikes in Yemen appear to be the largest US military operation in the Middle East since Trump took office on January 20. Media outlets quoted US officials as saying the strike "is not a one-day event -- this is the first of many days if not weeks of strikes." Huthi officials said at least 12 civilians were killed and another nine injured in the US attacks, but the claims could not be independently confirmed. The officials vowed revenge, without being specific. Reuters quoted a resident, who gave his name as Abdullah Yahia, as saying that "the explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake." Huthi rebels have launched dozens of attacks on shipping over the past 18 months, claiming they are in support of Palestinians over Israel's war in Gaza with Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union. The Huthis have also struck shipping vessels, claiming they are only targeting Israeli ships but hitting a number of others registered elsewhere. Many shipping firms have been forced to change their courses to longer and more expensive routes to avoid the violence. The US Central Command said the action was the beginning of large-scale "operation consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Huthi targets across Yemen in order to restore freedom of navigation." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X: "Huthi attacks on American ships & aircraft (and our troops!) will not be tolerated; and Iran, their benefactor, is on notice." "Freedom of Navigation will be restored," he added. Meanwhile, Trump wrote on social media that "we will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective." The Huthis on March 11 warned they would resume attacks on Israeli ships in the region, ending a period of relative calm that followed the January cease-fire agreement reached by Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The action also comes as Washington steps up pressure on Iran to reenter talks over its nuclear program. The White House on March 9 warned Tehran that it can be dealt with either through military means or by negotiating a deal regarding its nuclear program, remarks that came hours after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected a US proposal for negotiations between the two bitter rivals. During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers and reimposed sanctions that had been lifted under its terms. Trump said the terms of that deal were not strong enough to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 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 Tehran's oil exports to "zero." Experts say the United States is unlikely to be able to stop Iran's oil sales entirely but will be able to substantially reduce it. Huthi rebels in 2014 seized much of Yemen's northwest and its capital, Sanaa, leading to a war that has killed tens of thousands of people and created a humanitarian nightmare in the Arab world's poorest country. Many observers described the hostilities as a "proxy war" between Saudi- and Iranian-led groups. Saudi Arabia supports the nationally recognized government that the Huthi rebels seek to overthrow. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-yemen-huthi-iran- israel-attacks-trump/33349043.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 UNRWA 15 Mar 2025 Highlights Key points The Gaza Strip On 2 March, the Israeli authorities announced a halt to humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, including fuel. No supplies - humanitarian or commercial - have entered Gaza since then. The Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Muhannad Hadi, stated: "The entry of lifesaving aid must resume immediately. Any further delays will further reverse any progress we have managed to achieve during the ceasefire." Despite the border closure and existing challenges, UNRWA teams are on the ground delivering aid and providing services to communities overwhelmed by 15 months of constant bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical resources. Since the start of the ceasefire, UNRWA teams have delivered critical food assistance to the entire population of the Gaza Strip. UNRWA runs 116 shelters across the Gaza Strip, with around 148,000 displaced people residing in them. Since the ceasefire, more than half a million people across all five Governorates have received non-food items, including blankets, mattresses, floor mats, clothes, kitchen items, and tarpaulins for rain protection. As of 9 March, over 100,000 families (or more than an estimated 600,000 people) had received bedding items through UNRWA, around 63,000 families (or around 416,000 people) had been reached with tarpaulins, and more than 31,000 winter clothing kits had been distributed to vulnerable adults. Over 14,400 families (or around 72,000 people) have been reached by UNRWA teams with tents since the ceasefire started. UNRWA teams continue to provide PSS services and primary health consultations wherever possible. Since the start of the ceasefire until 9 March 2025, UNRWA health teams have provided over 507,000 health consultations (or around 15,000 per working day), antenatal, post-natal and family planning care for over 34,000 women, dental and oral health services in fixed and mobile clinics reaching over 21,000 patients, and physiotherapy rehabilitation services for over 8,800 patients. Over the past two weeks, UNRWA teams have been able to recover access to more than 130 additional Temporary Learning Spaces in schools and shelters in Gaza City, Gaza middle area and southern Gaza, reaching over 44,000 children with basic education in the past week alone. OCHA reports that, on 9 March, the Israeli Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen announced an order to cut off electricity to Gaza with immediate effect. This decision only impacts the operation of the South Gaza Desalination Plant supported by UNICEF, which has been able to supply up to 18,000 cubic metres of drinking water per day since November 2024. Without electricity, the quantity of drinking water provided by this plant daily will go down to 2,500 cubic metres. UNICEF warned that water shortages in the Gaza Strip have reached critical levels, with only one in 10 people currently able to access safe drinking water. According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people - or about 90 per cent of the population - across the Gaza Strip were displaced during the war. Many have been displaced repeatedly, some 10 times or more. Since the start of the ceasefire, new population movements have been reported, with people trying to return to whatever is left of their homes. Most homes (92 per cent according to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MoPWH) have been either severely damaged or destroyed. Between 7 October 2023 and 11 March 2025, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, as stated by OCHA, at least 48,503 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and 111,927have been injured. OCHA reports that, the MoH in Gaza published the breakdown of 40,717 out of 42,010 fatalities as of 7 October 2024. These reportedly include 13,319 children, 7,216 women, 3,447 elderly, and 16,735 men. Among the child fatalities, 786 children are under one year of age, representing about 6 per cent of killed children whose full identification details have been documented, the MoH further reported. Additionally, as of 7 October 2024, the MoH noted that 35,055 children had lost one or both parents over the past year. The total number of UNRWA team members killed since 7 October 2023 is 275.The West Bank, including East Jerusalem According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 4 March 2025, 896 Palestinians were killed in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Of those, 90 Palestinians, including at least 17 children, were killed only since the year began. The Israeli Forces large-scale operation that started in Jenin Palestine refugee camp on 21 January 2025 continues, with operations in Nur Shams, Tulkarm and Jenin camps. As of 9 March, more than 50 Palestinians had been killed in the operation, among them eight children, and more than 35,000 Palestinians remain displaced. Between 3 and 4 March, three Palestinians were killed in exchanges of fire between Israeli Forces and Palestinians in Jenin. On 6 March, the Israeli Forces started the demolition of more than 16 houses in the Al Manshiyeh neighbourhood of Nur Shams Palestine refugee camp, following demolitions of houses and other structures by the ISF. UNRWA released a statement in relation to the pattern of similar demolitions occurring across a number of Palestine refugee camps in the northern West Bank. To date in 2025, at least 354 structures have been demolished in the West Bank including East Jerusalem. This excludes much of the damage incurred as part of the Israeli Forces large-scale operation in the north, given limited access to affected camps. The demolition on 6 March comes less than a week after 11 houses were demolished in the same camp, 14 houses in the Tulkarm Camp in mid-February, and controlled detonations in Jenin Camp around a month ago that left the parts of the camp uninhabitable. UNRWA and partners continue to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and PSS services to families displaced within the northern West Bank. During a search operation in Nablus early on 7 March, the Israeli Forces entered several mosques in the city, reportedly setting fire to Al Nasr Mosque. They also detained three Palestinians. Heightened tensions in and around Al Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem Old City were reported amid tightened security for Ramadan. During the week at least four Palestinians were detained by the Israeli Forces from within the Al Aqsa compound. Overall situation The Gaza Strip Between 7 October 2023 and 11 March 2025, according to the MoH in Gaza as stated by OCHA, at least 48,503 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the Gaza Strip while 111,927 have been reported injured. Humanitarian access, protection of civilians As of 11 March 2025, 805* incidents impacting UNRWA premises and the people inside them have been reported since the beginning of the war. 311* UNRWA installations have been impacted by armed conflict-related incidents since the beginning of the war, some on multiple occasions. UNRWA estimates that, in total, at least 738* persons sheltering in UNRWA installations have been killed and at least 2,401* injured since the start of the war. UNRWA continues to verify and update the number of casualties caused by these incidents. *Since the start of the war in October 2023, the latest casualty figures are continuously under review as UNRWA gains access to locations that were previously inaccessible and as further verifications occur. The summary figures will be published/updated as information becomes available, noting that these numbers are subject to change once verifications are concluded. The Gaza Strip Health According to the Health Cluster, UNRWA remains one of the largest health actors operating in the Gaza Strip, contributing to over half of the people reached with health services since 7 October 2023. Between 7 October 2023 and 9 March 2025, UNRWA provided over 7.8 million medical consultations across the Gaza Strip. In addition to medical consultations, UNRWA (in partnership with and supported by other UN agencies, including UNICEF and WHO) continued to vaccinate children. Over 259,000 routine vaccines have been given to children from January 2024. In addition, around 560,000 children under the age of 10 across the Gaza Strip have been vaccinated against polio in the first two rounds of the campaign. A third round of the polio vaccination campaign supported by UNRWA, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners took place between 22 and 26 February 2025 in the Gaza Strip, reaching over 600,000 children under the age of 10 with this critical vaccine. With over 1,700 personnel organised in 555 mobile and fixed teams, UNRWA vaccinated over 213,000 children, constituting around one third of the overall polio vaccination response. Since the start of the ceasefire until 9 March 2025, UNRWA health teams have provided over 507,000 health consultations (or around 15,000 per working day), antenatal, post-natal and family planning care for over 34,000 women, dental and oral health services in fixed and mobile clinics reaching over 21,000 patients, and physiotherapy rehabilitation services for over 8,800 patients. As of 9 March, only six out of 22 UNRWA health centres and five additional UNRWA-rented facilities used as temporary health centres were operational in Gaza. Health services are also provided through 119 mobile medical teams working in 46 medical points inside and outside shelters in the middle area, Khan Younis, Al Mawasi and Gaza City. UNRWA health facilities provide primary health care, including outpatient services, non-communicable disease care, giving out medications, vaccination, antenatal and postnatal health care, laboratory and dental services, physiotherapy and dressings for the injured. The number of operational health facilities changes constantly based on demand, access and security. Between 3 and 9 March, an average of 1,045 UNRWA health staff worked in health centres, temporary clinics and medical points across the Gaza Strip, providing 73,658 health consultations during the reporting period. UNRWA continued to provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in the middle and Khan Younis areas, with teams of psychiatrists, psychosocial counsellors and supervisors to assist special cases referred from UNRWA health centres and shelters. Between 3 and 9 March, UNRWA teams responded to 1,643 cases in health centres and at medical points through individual consultations, awareness sessions and to address cases of gender-based violence (GBV). Between 3 and 9 March, UNRWA medical teams provided care for 4,899 post-natal and pregnant women at high risk, dental and oral health services in fixed and mobile clinics reaching 2,967 patients, and physiotherapy rehabilitation services for 1,141 patients in health centres and medical points. Since the ceasefire started until 24 February, UNRWA health teams have received nearly 550 pallets of medical supplies including medicines, laboratory and dental supplies, and enough insulin syringes for over 17,000 people for eight months. Most of these supplies will cover UNRWA Health services for two months, and some up to eight months. Psychosocial Support and Learning UNRWA remains the largest provider of emergency learning and PSS across the Gaza Strip. Around 660,000 children are out of school due to the war. On 1 August 2024, UNRWA began its first phase response of "Back to Learning" with a focus on mental health activities. This is taking place in 397 Temporary Learning Spaces in 48 UNRWA schools-turned-shelters[2], with the support of over 900 teachers and up to 600[3] school counsellors. More than 50,000 children, over half of them girls, have benefited from UNRWA's "Back to Learning" programme so far. Between 3 and 9 March 2025, 44,839 children (19,561 boys, 25,278 girls, including 426 children with disabilities) participated in basic literacy and numeracy activities, PSS sessions and recreational activities including arts, music and sports. Building on the onsite learning initiative in the Temporary Learning Shelters, on 1 January 2025, UNRWA launched a new distance learning programme to further mitigate learning loss among displaced children. This enables UNRWA to use a blended approach that combines online with onsite learning, helping Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip to have access to basic literacy and numeracy despite the crisis. To date, 277,716 children (149,794 boys, 130,922 girls) have enrolled in the programme and received basic learning activities delivered by thousands of teachers covering Arabic, English, mathematics, and science. UNRWA continues to provide lifesaving PSS services in Gaza. With the support of 240 school counsellors and more than 300 assistant counsellors, UNRWA has provided children, youth, and adults in Gaza with psychological first aid, individual and group counselling, fatigue management sessions, recreational activities, Explosive Ordinance Risk Education and protection cash assistance. Since the onset of the war and up to 23 February 2025, around 730,000 displaced people, including over 520,000 children, have benefited from 288,902 PSS sessions and activities. Between 3 and 9 March, a total of 12,674 displaced people accessed these services. Between 7 October 2023 and 9 March 2025, UNRWA's social work team has provided services to 209,445 displaced people, including psychological first aid, PSS services, family and individual activities, as well as case management. During the same reporting period, protection services were provided to 1,898 survivors of GBV and 3,590 children, including 1,720 unaccompanied children, covering reunification, cash assistance, safe sheltering, medication, dignity kits and non-food items through referrals. The team also supported 22,936 persons with disabilities with PSS; 7,753 of these individuals received assistive devices and rehabilitation services. Awareness sessions on GBV, child protection, disability and special needs, as well as managing social and psychological stressors, were conducted for 154,434 displaced people. Food Security Since the start of the war and until the start of the ceasefire (19 January 2025), over 388,000 families (nearly 1.9 million people) have been reached with two rounds of flour; at least 374,000 of those families have received three rounds. UNRWA continues to distribute food parcels wherever possible. These include[4] rice, lentils, beans, oil, salt, sugar, milk powder, hummus, halawa, yeast, and canned fish, and are designed to meet the needs of a family of five for two weeks. Up until the start of the ceasefire, at least 1.7 million people have been reached, of whom at least 215,000 people have received two rounds of food parcels since the war started. In addition to the distribution of UNRWA food parcels, the Agency distributes food parcels on behalf of other UN organisations, having reached over 1.4 million people before the start of the ceasefire. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Since October 2023, UNRWA has carried out emergency WASH activities across the Gaza Strip. The main activities include operating and maintaining water wells and desalination systems and supplying water with water trucks and bottled water. In addition, UNRWA continues to distribute hygiene kits and maintain hygiene in UNRWA shelters and sites through cleaning supplies, community-based solid waste management and pest control. In March so far, UNRWA teams have provided 35,500 cubic metres of water to displaced people in emergency shelters and other UNRWA facilities. In the north alone, UNRWA has provided over 4,000 cubic metres of water for over 25,000 people. UNRWA continues to provide a solid waste collection and transfer service wherever possible. In March so far, over 4,000 tons of solid waste have been collected by UNRWA sanitation teams. In Rafah, UNRWA supported the cleaning of schools, health centres and streets in Al Shaborah and Khirbat Aladas. Since the start of the ceasefire until 4 February, UNRWA has reached nearly 475,000 people with clean water. Over the same period, UNRWA has collected over 13,000 tons of solid waste. Quotefrom Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General: Prime Minister Carney to strengthen ties with France and the United Kingdom and reaffirm Canada's sovereignty Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney March 15, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario The Prime Minister and Canada's new government are focused on what matters most right now: creating more higher-paying jobs, building new trade relationships with reliable partners, and making Canada more secure. To that end, the Prime Minister announced today that he will travel to Paris, France, London, United Kingdom, and Iqaluit, Nunavut, from March 16 to 18, 2025, to strengthen two of our closest and longest-standing economic and security partnerships, and to reaffirm Canada's Arctic security and sovereignty. In Paris, Prime Minister Carney will meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. With the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as the foundation, the leaders will focus on their shared commitment to build stronger economic, commercial, and defence ties. Prime Minister Carney will also emphasize Canada's work to unleash the innovative and economic potential of artificial intelligence (AI) safely and responsibly. In London, Prime Minister Carney will meet with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer. Their discussions will focus on strengthening transatlantic security, growing the AI sector, and the strong commercial relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. The prime ministers will explore ways to deepen bilateral trade through the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Prime Minister Carney will also have an audience with His Majesty King Charles III. The Prime Minister will then travel to Iqaluit, Nunavut, on March 18 to reassert Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic. He will meet with members of the Iqaluit Patrol of 1 Canadian Rangers Patrol Group - a group critical to Arctic stability and security. Prime Minister Carney will also meet with the Premier of Nunavut, P.J. Akeeagok, to learn more about the evolving needs and priorities of Arctic and Northern communities. He will reaffirm the new government's support for growing a stronger economy across the North, reinforcing its sovereignty and security, and emphasizing our continued commitment to advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis throughout the country. Quote "Canada was built upon a union of peoples - Indigenous, French, and British. My visit to France and the United Kingdom will strengthen trade, commercial, and defence ties with two of our strongest and most reliable partners, and my visit to Nunavut will be an opportunity to bolster Canada's Arctic sovereignty and security, and our plan to unlock the North's full economic potential." The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada Quick Facts This is Prime Minister Carney's first trip abroad since becoming Prime Minister of Canada. France and the United Kingdom are key allies for Canada on the international stage. They are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the G7, and the G20, as well as permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. France is a founding member of the European Union (EU) and a leading partner in La Francophonie. The United Kingdom is a key partner to Canada in the Commonwealth. In 2024, France was Canada's third-largest merchandise trading partner in the EU and its 11th-largest trading partner globally, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $14.2 billion. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in 2016 and has been provisionally applied since 2017. Since then, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the EU has grown by more than 60 per cent. Canada and the UK share a sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III, and are among the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world. The United Kingdom was Canada's third-largest single-country trading partner for goods and services in 2024, with trade valued at $61 billion. Around 3,500 Canadian companies, 93 per cent of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, export goods to the United Kingdom. In July 2023, Canada and 10 other members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) signed the United Kingdom Accession Protocol, welcoming the United Kingdom as the 12th member of the Agreement and the first successful accession candidate. The Arctic region is central to Canada's national identity, prosperity, and security. The Canadian Arctic covers 40 per cent of Canada's territory and more than 70 per cent of its coastline. It is home to many Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Widespread power outage in Cuba leaves millions in dark By VOA News March 15, 2025 Cuba's power grid failed Friday night, leaving millions of the island nation's 10 million residents in the dark. The outage, which began around 8 p.m. Eastern time, affected most of western Cuba, including the capital of Havana. Cuba has struggled with blackouts in recent months, including a nationwide one in December. Friday's power failure was the fourth widespread one in five months. Government officials blame U.S. economic sanctions for the ongoing crisis, while others point to aging infrastructure, fuel shortages and the island's susceptibility to hurricanes. Vicente de la O Levy, Cuba's minister of energy and mines, said on X Friday night that the country was making progress in restoring electricity. He gave no reason for the power grid's crash apart from saying it started at the Diezmero substation, which then caused the National Electric System to fail. Power was still out early Saturday morning; officials gave no estimation of when it would be restored. CNN showed footage from Havana showing the city in darkness and pedestrians walking with flashlights. In October, a dayslong power outage forced some in Havana to resort to cooking over improvised stoves in the street. The situation also spurred protests, a rarity in the communist nation. Protesters blocked streets with heaps of trash before security forces dispersed them. At the time, O Levy dismissed the protests as "isolated and minimal incidents." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN: Iran using drones to enforce hijab law By VOA News March 15, 2025 A Friday report by the United Nations says Iran is using advanced technology, including drones, facial recognition and a citizen-reporting app to crack down on violations of its mandatory hijab laws. A key element of the effort is the government-backed Nazer app, which enables the police and "vetted" members of the public to report alleged violations by women in vehicles, including those in ambulances, mass transit and taxis. The report describes the app as allowing users to upload the vehicle license plate, location and time of an alleged violation. It then, according to the report, alerts police. Then, according to the report, the app "triggers a text message (in real-time) to the registered owner of the vehicle, warning them that they had been found in violation of the mandatory hijab laws, and that their vehicles would be impounded for ignoring these warnings." According to the report, authorities are using drones in Tehran and the southern part of the country to monitor hijab compliance in public areas, as well as new facial recognition software said to have been installed last year at the entrance of Tehran's Amirkabir University. The report is to go to the U.N. Human Rights Council on Tuesday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address